Hello sweet readers,
This week I published two essays that I wrote in spring of 2022 and revisited recently: about the lesson within an extruded brick, Core Hole, and an apartment building called The Ideal.
Over the past few months, I have been collecting found bricks, specifically the extruded brick. There is something so attractive to me about this object with intentional space built into its solid form. I connect it to the desire to fill ourselves, to find community, to seek meaning — and the importance of this empty space inside us to help us build stronger connections.
The second essay is about an apartment building in my neighborhood called The Ideal. It is a fairly unremarkable building and in that way, quintessential. The essay is brief and the first of many building stories I am working on. On that note, if you live in Chicago and see any buildings with interesting names (usually etched in stone above the main doorway) please send photos to me! I have started a collection, more to come.
I realized that usually Substack newsletters contain the actual essay itself and not a little note explaining them, but I want you to find your way to these pieces, visit them only as they interest you. I’m NEW to this. For those of you who subscribe, let me know how this model works for you and what you might prefer to see in your inbox.
I would also really appreciate your support by becoming a paid subscriber! For my broke friends, I made a discounted subscription option - or you can try a free 7-day trial. I am about to go on a backpacking trip, but the blog continues when I get back! Remember that you can cancel your subscription at any time.
See you on the other side,
Nora
