💖 Culture is always in motion

Happy weekend friends 💖 

Welcome to Create Your Rainbow - a newsletter to help you understand why we build culture, community, and marketing at the edges of the internet. 🌈

I bring you insights, teachings, and inspiration for your adventures. We get a little vulnerable at times. If you’re here, thank you!

Time to read - 5 minutes

Was this forwarded to you?

 💖 Feelings

Well… this week was quite interesting, wasn’t it? More on that in Observations

This is likely not even a secret, but sometimes I get into these off-the-wall rabbit holes, diving into something or other. This week I felt a calling to learn about Thailand. I think I’ve always felt a special calling to Southeast Asia.

I’ve actually not traveled outside the US yet but it’s something I’m terribly looking forward to. I believe it’s been bumped much higher on my priority list. Especially seeing as how I don’t have much here locally I would terribly miss since the majority of my friendships are online and I don’t have immediate family I’m close with.

It really makes you question the cost of living in particular here in Western countries. Even the most basic life for someone who’s single, barely making ends meet, is a horrendous way to live.

The closest I’ve experienced in my own lifetime has been in the small mountain towns of NC, where hospitality is a top priority over the overwhelming noise and desolation of city life.

Last year around this time, I took a little solo retreat to a place in the mountains with no cell service, nothing around but grass, a small creek, and a collection of books to read for some alone time. I absolutely loved it. So necessary once in a while.

Then there are the memories of picking and then cooking okra, yellow squash, green beans, and collards with my great aunts when I was young in Oak Island. Those are very special times, but still, in my opinion, they seem quite dull compared to the rich cultures all over the world.

Maybe this is a spicy take but I don’t think America is any better than other places around the globe. One simply needs to find the culture that fits their personality and style of living. It’s all about exploration, really. I think many, at least around here anyway, are still sort of stuck thinking that this is the only place for them or that because family is here, they absolutely must stay. I say to hell with that thinking. Get out there and see the world if you feel the calling.

Starbucks, McDonalds and Taco Bell aren’t that special… I imagine most people wouldn’t actually miss them too terribly if they went away tomorrow if we’re honest with ourselves.

Something in me has been so deeply fascinated with Eastern cultures. Slower living in the countryside, a more walkable/bike-friendly life, spiritual healing through meditation, lush forests and mountains to explore, and the food…my god, the food. Traditional, floral, vibrant dishes I would never have the pleasure of experiencing in a restaurant where I live.

This is absolutely not the first time I’ve been discovering Eastern countries and ways of living. Staying in Japan has been one of my biggest life goals.

For example, when I started learning about makeup after coming out, I dug hard into makeup brushes. Exploring how Fude brushes are traditionally made in Japanese villages. I am very fortunate to own a few Hakuhodo brushes and several other delicate-haired brushes. It's a great respect for craftsmanship, plus they apply makeup in ways other brushes simply can't match with the right technique.

Not even mentioning the incredible tech hubs all around that area of the world are simply mind-boggling.

Though I recognize that other parts of the US may offer similar tastes. My city is not remotely walkable, nor is it full of life in the way other parts of the world are. The constant violence, disrespect, and “organized” nonsense that occurs daily here is a huge worry as well.

One time in college, a friend invited me over to his house for dinner. He made us this incredibly spicy papaya salad and beef that leaves the most beautiful memory seared onto my taste buds. It was probably the most surprisingly spicy dish I’ve had since, but not painful. So simple yet full of flavor. For the life of me, I can’t remember where his family was from but that is a day I could not forget. The grace and kindness his family showed me is absolutely unmatched.

All this to say, I can’t wait to visit the temples and experience the people of Thailand someday soon. I believe this will be the ultimate adventure. I am an adventurous person, after all, even when traveling alone.

Have you been to or are you from Southeast Asia? I’d love to chat, especially if you’re in web3 because as I read more, there seems to be a growing blockchain culture there as well!

I don’t have a formal essay this week aside from the above, so instead, I have a report on all the happenings of the week.

I had hoped to get back onto Bookmark claims this week. Holding for now due to Disco maintenance as the switch to a full-featured Dashboard system is underway. I got an early look at it this week from the team and it's worth the wait! 🪩

When you’re ready…

Here’s how I can help you 🤗 

If you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, here are three ways to support the work I spend many hours per week researching and writing.

1. Let's partner! Work with me on bringing Scouting to your community.

2. If you have questions or topics you’d like me to talk about, reply to this email, and I’ll cover them next week! 🥰

3. If you or someone you know would like to work with me directly on community strategy, writing, or marketing, check out the services I offer.