The Mood Board #040
On being a connector and building a creative community. <3
I spent the past week in NYC, and today I’ve been lounging on my couch all day, resting and soaking in the memories, conversations, connections, sights, sounds, and joys I experienced all week long. I’m so intensely inspired from it all that I almost don’t have the words to make sense of it yet. But one thing that keeps coming to mind is the connections I made.
I reunited with friends, made new ones, introduced people to each other, met professional connections, chatted with internet friends, and forged deeper connections with close friends. I think connection — and community — is everything, especially right now. Taking a moment to be present, be seen, be in conversation with other people during a busy time is so special, and it means so much to me any time someone takes a moment to connect with me.
I also love being a connector: someone who introduces others, says “oh you need to know this person,” says folks’ names when they’re not in the room, singing their praises. I’m so lucky to know incredible, talented, brilliant people, and I want the whole world to know them too. Chances are, if you’re my friend/connection/acquaintance, I’ve given you a shoutout (and probably more than once) to people I’m talking to — and I’m always talking. I hope you know that I’m constantly cheering you on, whether you’re in the room or not. And if I can be vulnerable for a moment, I hope people are doing that for me too.
Our connections are what build community, and I want to build the biggest community of cool creative people so that everywhere I look I feel inspired. If you’re reading this, you’re a part of that community, and I’m so grateful you’re here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
xx Brianna
The Coworking Hour
Feb, 18, Feb, 26 (Wednesdays)
10-11:30 a.m. CT
The Reading Group
Feb. 17
6-7 p.m. CT
We will be reading “Uses of the Erotic: Erotic As Power” by Audre Lorde, an essay on the erotic as a source of power and creativity. (Please read ahead of the group, if possible!)
The Creative Support Group
Feb. 26
6-7 p.m. CT
Become a paid subscriber to join! I send the links in the monthly Creative Prompts post. xx
Is it too on the nose to share the new Noah Kahan song, The Great Divide? It’s just so good. I pretty much can’t stop thinking about this interpretation at this point. Religious trauma, much? Closeted queerness? Oof. I’m emo about it.
A few stories I enjoyed recently:
💌 On inconvenient friendships – Death Witch Diaries
💌 Erotica liberates women more than romance ever could – milk fed
💌 Clean girl is out, party girl is in – On Brand
💌 How To Create A Personal Curriculum You’ll Actually Stick To - The Good Trade
💌 Habits I’ve Noticed in Well-F*cked, Well-Loved Women – Authentic Sex
💌 God As a Woman – MUSE.ings by Kayli Mylius
And a couple by me:
💌 Inspiration Diaries: Voice Notes to Friends, the Winter Sun, and a One-Woman Show
💌 ‘I Am My Own Wife’ Is a Stunning Portrait of Queer Survival (Review) – Milwaukee Magazine
Just Finished: Sex and Rage by Eve Babitz
Quick thoughts: I enjoyed this, but it wasn’t my favorite. The characters – even Jacaranda, the protagonist – felt kind of flat and distant. And while I usually do enjoy a book with less plot and more vibes, this didn’t have much of either. Somehow I still enjoyed it a little bit, just don’t think I’d go out of my way to recommend it.
Reading Now: Just Kids by Patti Smith
Quick thoughts: This book grabbed my attention from the start. I’m obsessed with Smith’s voice and writing style, and I feel like she is speaking directly to me. I’m really excited to keep reading this one, and I have a feeling it’ll be a five stars.
Paid subscribers get daily creative prompts sent to their inbox every month! Here’s today’s prompt:
Lounge. Lie in the sun. Feel the rays on your skin. Do nothing else. (If it’s not sunny today, make note to do this the next sunny day.)
I’m obsessed with this outfit I wore in NYC last week. Let’s break it down:
My hat is from Everlane. It’s this one! I’ve had it for years and it’s held up to Wisconsin winters and lots of wear.
My scarf is also Everlane from several years ago. Sadly, the beautiful yellow is discontinued, but if you want a super soft little neck scarf, they do have this one in black that’s similar.
The beautiful coat I have on is thrifted Target, again from several years ago. I’m so happy to look at these pieces and see that I’ve loved and worn them for so many years. That’s always been my goal: to invest in pieces that I’d wear for years to come.
My dress was gifted from Noble. I adore it so much! It’s so versatile and comfortable – two things that are incredibly important to me. And can we talk about that pattern? Oof. It’s perfect. Thank you Noble!
That sweater? It was originally a Nuuly pick, but I immediately knew we were soulmates. It’s from L.F. Markey, and while it’s tragically sold out, there is a similar style one available here. (And for $30 off your first Nuuly, click here.🫶🏻)
Okay shoes! They’re docs. But what’s fun about them is that I got them from Dr. Marten’s Rewair site, and while they were “used” they were literally brand new (and much cheaper).
Lastly, can we talk about my new Baggu purse? I’ve been wanting a recycled leather Baggu for years and finally I bit the bullet and bought one. Let’s be twins!
📎 I love love love this reminder that we don’t need to niche-down. Multi-hyphenate women have been making history for YEARS. Be it all, all at once. Don’t shrink yourself. <3
🎭 This looks like a cool opportunity for playwrights! Cherry Lane Theatre is doing a nine-month developmental program under the direction of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Annie Baker. Submissions close March 2 at 5 p.m. ET.
🚗 Speaking of plays, my friend Sara wrote one called GIRLFRIENDS (yes, it’s queer, thank god). I just saw it over the weekend and can confirm it is incredible, moving, and hilarious. Follow along here for updates – I heard there might be more performances in NYC this spring. 👀
💻 Tax season is nearly upon us (*shudders in freelancer*). I’ll definitely be referring to this super helpful breakdown of tax deductions for freelancers while I do mine.
💙 A question we should be asking ourselves as creatives: Who benefits from your silence?
🥘 Heated Rivarly recipes! I repeat: Heated Rivalry recipes! A tuna melt, burgers, and more… thank you Caroline Chambers for your service.
📖 How cute is this physical TBR list?
💫 What is the universe trying to tell you today? I love this playful little Instagram post that tells you.
🌈 Question of the Month: Who makes you feel the most yourself when you’re around them?
Thank you for reading The Mood Board! It means so much to me that you are here, and I hope you found bits of inspiration here today. Say hi on Instagram here, shop my faves here, and read my other writing here. And if you want to buy me a coffee, you can do that here. :)
I LOVE the fit
You are THE connector!! ❤️