July Blues and Silvers

Reading Rebecca Solnit's essays are inspiring for revisiting one's own writing skills as a woman who likes non-fiction. Plus, I still get some nudges from friends who live in other countries or states, asking me "Why don't you continue your blog at least?" So here I am after 9 months of break with my first 2023 entry in the midst of July in Berkeley. 

I have had very good excuses for not writing, at least I convinced myself that I have:

1. People don't read much and they are more distracted than ever. I have several friends who wouldn't even remember that I got a new book out in January 2023. Brain fog is the new fancy excuse that not only bohemian arty types are using, It's post-pandemic officially and everyone is using it, including myself. 

2. The biggest earthquake recorded in the history of Turkish Republic hit the 10 provinces on February 6th 2023. It was pretty traumatic to say the least. My parents' city is no longer there. I've been involved in the efforts of reconstruction and will be.

3. My mom had two major surgeries (knee and hip) and a serious and longterm care-taking process began, which I thought marked the end of my precious freedom. I spent several months in the city of my nightmares and at my parents home. I met too many doctors and healthcare providers than I ever wanted to. 

4. The election results weighed me down, feeling me paralyzed for some days. Sometimes the positive-energy generator in me that I've been blessed with (and shared generously with others) is feeling down too even if it's functioning. It is a generator after all!

There is always something valuable in the trials of life and for me it was the solidarity and unconditional support that I received from friends and family on top of perfect strangers' whose generosity always moves me more than the expected forms. 

Finally, my friend Patricia supports my dad's encouragement on a new book that I should be writing about "how to live a decent life with under 500$ per month in the Bay Area" but I will keep it for my retirement or as a lifelong secret. True, a self-help book for the Californian lovers who are digital nomads with no strings attached might actually bring me some money unlike the books that I spent months researching and writing. However, I value privacy more than than money. Everyone's journey is different, and I am hesitant to give "advice" to people and act like I figured out something that they haven't even if I have:)

However, I will continue getting inspired by Rebecca Solnit so it's likely that the frequency of my entries may increase in the coming months. The title? Well, if you know of the Bay Area weather, especially of SF in summer time and my age, then you can figure it out:)