All in a midsummer’s evening

STEEPED BY SAMIA #24 | 08.31.23
Shakespeare in the Park, what Anne learns, & getting sh*t done.

One Saturday in August at a local park, I awaited a midsummer night’s dream. Okay, not really, but it was still nice! My brother and I were watching Shakespeare in the Park: a performance of Cymbeline. I hadn’t heard of Cymbeline before, much less that it was a Shakespeare work. I had only read a few of the popular Shakespeares in high school and college classes; Midsummer was probably my favorite.

We sat on a picnic blanket, with Goldfish pizza-flavored crackers and Starbucks frappuccinos. The weather was lovely — 70 degrees and breezy. We had gotten there an hour early, so it was nice to spend time people-watching and passively reading, as people trickled in and set up camp around us.

I thought about how I hadn’t really done many “quintessential summer activities” this season. That isn’t fully true, though. I’ve gone on some good sunset walks, my friend Farial had a lovely ‘Rebirthday’ picnic at Lake Merritt, and now I could check off Shakespeare in the Park. Laying around on the floor with my cats, under the A/C counts, too, right?

It was a fun production, featuring: a diverse + queer cast, celestial-themed costumes, belly-ache laughs, a few nods to modern references, and a happy ending. Sufyan and I are agreed that we have to watch more live theater and musical performances. There’s something so creatively inspiring about them.

As golden hour ascended onto the park, I felt content.

Anne of Green Gables, Episode 11

That night, I was reminded of an enchanting episode of Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series on PBS Kids, where Anne and Gilbert act out scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the town’s book club. Anne takes on too many tasks in one day. She volunteers herself to memorize & act out a scene and help Marilla make blueberry ice cream for the book club meeting. So, with the help of her imaginary woodland friends, she learns what it means to not “bite off more than she can chew” and to ask for help when she needs it (— v relatable, Anne!).

Okay, where was I going with this? Not sure, but I spent that night watching the Anne of Green Gables episode on YouTube and reminiscing (as I often do) about PBS Kids shows + the little lessons in them.

July & August were filled with anticipation.

One of the brands I work with, Kola Goodies, is launching a Masala Chai Latte this week and I’m heading to NYC the week after. Lots to be excited about!! There is a busy-ness to my days, lately, that’s slightly anxiety-inducing, but I admit, it’s a good change in pace. I’m also learning how to drive ,,, but we’ll talk about that some other time. 👀

These past months’ happenings led to some pretty good clarity and momentum in my life. We can know what we need to do, in theory, to work toward our best life for ourselves. But sometimes, the full weight of it sinks in with time and perspective. And even then, it can take a lot to send that job application, book that doctor’s appointment, or make that budget spreadsheet. Adulting is sooo fun.🙃

I’m getting comfortable with asking myself: What is making me nervous? What am I putting off? And Why? — S.A.

 🔗 Steep On This:

💫 Catch Up:  

07.16.23 | Can we extract ourselves from the digital world?

STEEPED BY SAMIA #23: Doom-scrolling, the ‘like’ button, and me promising to write more about digital culture things.

💌 About This Blog:

Steeped by Samia is a space where I can simmer on thoughts & curiosities about life, liminal spaces, digital culture, & more. Far too often, my writing ideas fizzle out in energy; I never get to see them to their full potential. While building my rhythm with writing, I want to share these stories with you. 

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