I had every intention of writing about the glorious, unlikely team of Barbie and Oppenheimer today. The creation of Barbenheimer was a welcome reminder of how the values of capitalism and the arts are often at odds. True art does not compete with other art but compliments and adds to it.
That being said, an uninvited guest abruptly changed my plans on Monday morning. Caffeine has nothing on a frantic knock from the building manager followed by the words, “There’s a snake in your apartment. “
This is not a metaphor of any kind. This is actually how my week started.
Apologies to all the snake lovers out there. I know that they have their redeeming qualities. I respect their value and right to exist, but I prefer to do so from a great distance.
I’m happy to report that the snake was quickly found and returned to its owner. It had made itself at home on the floor of my front closet, the contents of which I will be burning.
Uninvited guests, no matter their species or the length of their stay, have a way of turning our days (and the contents of our closets) upside down. They remind us of the things we value most (like a reptile-free apartment) and to appreciate the little things (like a REPTILE-FREE APARTMENT). They teach us new things about ourselves and allow us to learn and grow (and reinforce the perimeter of our reptile-free apartment).
Be Kind. Be Brave. Stay Awkward. Please, please, please make sure your terrarium lid is secure.
Onward & Awkward 