mav scb October 27, 2023 Sorry my words are arriving a little late this week! + Next week we will mark one year since the release of our book, A Year Between Friends. The release date coincided with the presidential election, and, while initially the two were partnered in excitement and anticipation, after the election a darkness was cast that has been hard for me to shake. Like many, I was gutted by the election results and I have cycled through fear, outrage, worry, and heartbreak this past year. I have struggled to find meaning in my work which often felt trivial in the scope of world events. I admired so many other artists who were able to integrate activism into their creative work and to challenge themselves and their peers to act for positive change and more inclusive communities, but I continue to work to find my own place and purpose. As fiercely proud of A Year Between Friends (AYBF) as I am, the shared anniversary has always cast a pall for me, one that I’d really love to shake off. AYBF presents a point of view and lifestyle that is particular to MAV and me and is informed by our upbringings, circumstance, and certainly our privilege, but there is a sentiment throughout which is much more universal, one of friendship across miles, yes, but also of the daily and seasonal rituals and gatherings that sustain us and carry us through heartbreak and unexpected events. As our friend Molly wrote in the foreward, “Most of all, it’s the record of a friendship between two women, both devoted to the art of everyday life, even as they and their families grow and change through great loss and great love.” So, today, a much belated, “hurrah!” for AYBF which I hope we can continue to both celebrate and find comfort within. Thumbing through, just now, I am reminded to get shelled nuts for our autumn table, just like every year. —SCB Share TWITTER FACEBOOK TUMBLR PINTEREST EMAIL