dating myself

"dating myself"- spending quality time with me. and myself alone, preferably on a nice, sunny weekend. 

you should try it some time.   i do it occasionally... just to clear my head and reflect on my life, but sunday was the first time ever dining by myself at a crowded restaurant.  reallly went out of my comfort zone. one of the perks of dating yourself at a restaurant is that you get seated faster.   toast was packed, as usual.  but i was seated instantly, right at the counter just as i had imagined.   i knew exactly what i wanted and ordered quickly: coffee and grilled tenderloin benedict.  in no time, i was enjoying my meal.   

before heading home, i decided to stop by quimby's.   quimby's is an independent bookstore in chicago, i believe.  they sell books, zines, comics... usually by local writers and artists.

i usually look at books on illustration and zines for inspirations.  a zine is a self-published, small circulation, non-commercial booklet or magazine, usually produced by one person or few individuals.  they come in all shapes, sizes, topics and formats.  most are photocopied, but they can also be printed offset, like a magazine or newspaper (zine101).  i have created a few for my classes, usually with illustrations, depicting stories about my life, but never distributed it.  zines are super fun to create.  if you have a story, an idea or issue you'd like to share and express,  i say, create a zine! (and distribute them.)

quimby has a photo booth! this was my chance. finally.  i've been waiting to do this for some time now and i finally got the courage to do it!   the act was inspired by the film, amelie:

one day...

but for now...

bring a book to read or a journal to write down your experiences.  observe people around you.  spend quality time alone... for reflection.   find peace.  listen to your voice.


AND... my compass journey project.  completed.  :)