Shady Sapling Update, May 18

Hello All,

It seems I took a bit of an unplanned hiatus to really take some time to reflect on my own journey as well as work on my master’s thesis that is perfectly overdue.

My advisor has been really great about giving my support, time, and space. I am writing something that will not only be intellectually significant, but it will represent something more.

Something intangible.

Something that represents me and all the love and energy I have for scholarly pursuits.

I have finally begun processing how the last four years have unfolded. Everything has been so organic, and I have really leaned into questions of queerness and authenticity. Each day I learn something new about the world. And Each day I learn more about myself. Some days are hard. Some days are less hard, but still hard. All days are beautiful and lovely, even when I fight the love and the beauty.

I am literally and figuratively a new person with a new name and a new way of living from when I first came back to Wyoming and got back into school. The way I look at the world is totally different.

I never expected it would have turned out this way.

And I am so glad. I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

And surrounded by a community of folks who really appreciate me for me. Everyone shows up to support my on my worst days and my best days. I try to do the same.

Anyway, I have so much planned for this space. The content will come soon enough. For now, I need to finish up a few things, particularly this final draft of my thesis. But as we move into the new season, I hope to prioritize the Shade and nourish some new saplings.

I really, really appreciate those who have showed up in the last month despite my limited, inconsistent posts. Y’all rock!! Reach out at any time if you have suggestions, questions, or whatever.

Signing off for now, but not for long.

More to come, promise