Cupcaked05: hey
AIM will always have a place in my heart.
Things I’ve been thinking about
The creative path is never straight, never the same, never predictable—and nor should we expect it will be.
For most people, who are not writers or designers, the process from start to finish, and the work that actually goes into it, is a black hole. I know for a fact many people still think interior designers are just there to fluff pillows or wear our highest heels to demo a single wall1. The word that comes to me is misunderstood. It can be so frustrating to try and convey what it is to be a writer, what it is to be an interior designer to people who I might have just met or acquaintances.
This designer is probably cold and will shortly go put on the ugly oversized sweater they keep at their desk, as all good designers are required to have. Contrary to popular belief, both of these paths are extremely UNglamorous. Sitting in the basement talking to my screen about separation lines or ADA clearances is definitely not sexy. Having pieces rejected by literary magazines via bottom-tier form emails2 is far from alluring. The end results though, when good, are damn good. I think it’s all just sausage being made—not the best metaphor. How about an unattended toddler crafting with glitter, glue, and pom poms? The process is terrifying, chaos, unhinged, but why not when the end result could be brilliant.
This has nothing to do with anything. As a geriatric Millennial, I have been pondering how AIM (which stands for AmericaOnline Instant Messenger I think?) played such a formative role in my college life, and how we never talk about it. The rush of the cryptic away message (Dashboard Confessional lyrics anyone?), the late night booty call (“Beer?”), the active or away status…. Oh, the drama!
I remember how these exchanges were made in dingy dorm rooms and apartments between visits to the dining hall, during pregame sessions and house parties. My screen name was Cupcaked05 [cringe]. I thought I was so clever for making a noun into a verb. Other screen names were just as terrible (you know who you are). It’s ok— we’re middle aged now. I know it’s embarrassing but it’s our time to just own it3. Also, can someone please revive 1997.chat??
Have a beautiful day!
With full makeup behind safety goggles of course. Side note, there is nothing wrong with fluffing pillows and TBT it does come in handy for installs.
“Thank you for your submission. We received so many wonderful pieces, but unfortunately we can’t publish everything…”
Hey, at least it’s not ICQ…