Vol. 97

After I got the news that I’d be laid off, my now-former employer asked how I would like to celebrate my contributions of the past 8 years. I can understand the intention; I remember back in the pre-COVID days, the going away happy hours at City Tap House or the pizza and wine we had to celebrate my work wife’s last day in 2019. But - and I’m quoting my fellow RIF-raf* member here, who put it more eloquently than I could have - it wasn’t my choice to leave. I wasn’t in a celebratory mood.

Learning that I was laid off came after 5 weeks of knowing a reduction in force would be coming, but not knowing which members of the small staff it would affect. I’m not going into details - there are obvious reasons for this, like the severance contract, but also because I went through so much in those 5 weeks that I was ready to move on pretty much instantly. So I did. 

When I went into the office to clean out my desk on my last day after signing my severance agreement and sending my goodbye emails to many external partners, I walked past the painting at the front desk. It’s an absolutely stunning piece that has always made me happy, one I commissioned a local artist to paint live at a conference I planned in 2023. I thought I know how they can celebrate me. 

So I asked. I was expecting a no, and was so happy when I got a yes.

Now, the painting is hanging in my living room. It is colorful - bright teal, red, yellow, and a stunning purple, with hands holding tightly, two faces and ivy wove throughout in white. It makes me happy every time I see it; it reminds me of work I’ve done that I’m proud of. Some days it even makes me feel resilient. 

*The RIF raf is the group chat of the three other women who were Reduced In Force together. They have become my lifeline. 💛

Upcoming Local Events & Yoga 

Shelf Care & Savasana

I’m hosting a yoga and books club! In collaboration with two of my favorite local Black owned businesses, Loyalty Books and Peace in Movement, we’ll be meeting four times over the course of January and February.

Each session is 90 minutes and includes 50 minutes of all-levels yoga (beginners welcome!) and 40 minutes of book discussion. You have the option to buy your book from Loyalty or to select our Library Rate for a discount. Whether you’re looking to begin or deepen a yoga practice, connect with new people, or read more thoughtfully, would love to have you there. Sign up HERE.

OM for the Holidays

The artist of my painting above, Brianna Pippens, will be a featured vendor at OM for the Holidays, at Peace in Movement on Friday, December 19, my latest event baby.

OM is a term so rich with meaning, I’m hesitant to easily define - but one element that has always resonated is unity within mind, body, spirit, and universe. OM for the Holidays is a play on that unity - showcasing local small businesses, capturing your spirit with intuitive aura photos, and moving mindfully with our Twerkshop and Yoga Happy Hour. If you’re local, I’d love to see you there.

Books, Books, Books 📚

I’ve been reading, finally! I read Joseph Lee’s Nothing More of this Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity on recommendation from Nicole. As a lover of books that cross personal memoir with reportage and history, I delighted at this exploration of indigenous identity and their relationship to the land told through the storytelling of Lee’s upbringing and life as an Aquinnah Wampanoag, with roots in Martha’s Vineyard. I loved learning about the tribe’s history on the islands, and recommend this book

I’m a TDJ Stan, and Tiffany D. Jackson’s The Scammer may have been her best yet. It was harrowing and infuriating. If you’re a cult fan, don’t miss this, but even if you’re not and just need a simply unputdownable read, check it out. (And then let me know because - no spoilers - I’m not sure I loved the ending).

I read Lidia Hilje’s Slanting Towards the Sea on recommendation from Erin. I’m not sure when I finally got over my stubbornness to recommendations, but I’m grateful. This is a stunning novel set in Croatia that moves back and forth through time following a young couple falling in love, Ivona and Vlaho, and alternatively witnessing their present day where they’ve been divorced for ten years. It was such a vivid and absorbing read.

Housekeeping

I recently changed my social media handles to AllisonPartTime, and the newsletter rebrand is coming soon! Don’t be surprised if next time you receive the newsletter, it’s a different name in your inbox - but it’s still me. Allison Part-Time is a better representation of all my interests and passions, and I can’t wait to share more.