It’s not quite 9am here in Pasadena, CA, and the local temperature is already around 80 degrees, with humidity sitting at about 70 percent. Ugh.
It was just over 100 degrees yesterday, and my weather app says we’re headed for at least 97 today. Apparently, summer isn’t even close to being over.
I moved away from Texas many, many years ago to escape the heat and humidity. I was promised that “sunny” California came with dry heat and ocean breezes. That was supposed to be the bargain. Sure, it might get hot, but at least the air wouldn’t feel like I was breathing through a wet towel. That was the deal, right?
Apparently, the City of Angels is also the City of Fantasies and Lies.
Thankfully, I have a secret weapon: my mini-split air conditioner.
That little thing has become one of my favorite features of my studio apartment. It may not be fancy or glamorous, but on days like this, it is one of my best friends.
I turn it on, set the temperature, and wait for the magic to happen.
Sweet. Glorious. Refrigerated. Air.
Before I moved here, I spent years dreaming about living in California. The sunshine! The palm trees! The mild weather! The Pacific Ocean! Southern California living!
And, to be fair, most of the time, I still love living here.
But every August and September, California likes to remind me that she has a temper.
She’s beautiful. She’s glamorous. She’s expensive. She’s occasionally on fire.
So what’s on tap today? Maybe I’ll do some research and writing. Maybe I’ll fiddle around with a creative project. Maybe I’ll finally organize something that has been sitting in a box since the move. Or maybe I’ll just read, relax, and enjoy the cool breeze from the mini-split while watching the birds in the backyard.
Honestly, that last one is the most likely choice at the moment.
So I’m going to make some brekkie, turn on the mini-split, crack open my Kindle, and see where the day takes me.
Because Studio Saturday is all about:
Showing up.
Making something.
Thinking too much.
Changing my mind.
Following a creative rabbit hole.
Taking a break.
Starting again.
Oh, and thanking whatever deity is responsible for ductless cooling systems.
Eventually, the sun will go down. Eventually, the temperature will drop. Eventually, I’ll stop sweating. And eventually, I’ll forget how miserable this heat and humidity feels and start falling in love with California all over again.
Because apparently, I’m a sucker for a good fantasy. And a few lies.
Happy Studio Saturday, friends.
Stay cool and stay hydrated!
Clint 🌈✌️
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BORN THIS WAY + ON THIS DAY
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MAN CRUSHES OF THE DAY
“Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall.”
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