In this place, her mellow music starts to work its magic. Her mosaic of maverick and melody appeals to the marrow in my bones. When the beat kicks, it compels my feet to tap the ground. Tip Tap. Tippity Tappity. Her angelic voice dances daintily on the beat offering enough to hug the listener without smushing them, then withdrawing for long enough for you to miss her.
I spent some time living there a few years back, and I return every chance I get. You brought the city to life with your words! Or rather, did a very lively city justice with them.
Wow, this essay is such a vibe! I could see, smell, hear, feel and taste everything you described, which is high praise for an essayist. I subscribed! Looking forward to experiencing this album in its entirety this summer.
I loved this! Your description of Condesa made me miss CDMX so much. I visited for the first time earlier this year and fell in love with the beauty of the city.
Tobi………. You transmuted my 60 degree midwestern porch, my piece of cinnamon toast, and my lime seltzer with mint into a balmy stroll with a sultry angel guiding me through heaven on earth. Please allow me to quote you because it’s such a drop… “When she returns to drizzle droplets of soul-stirring umami on your plate, the wait is well worth it. It feels like smooth shea butter sliding onto freshly showered skin. Like sinking your teeth in duck legs submerged in their own fat for hours.”
Cleo take me away….. This piece makes me long for memories I don’t yet have but ache to create. And audio snippets of you reading? Yes please!!!
I really enjoyed your imagery here. As you put it, the descriptions feel like a fresh perfume for weathered short-form senses. I hope I can visit that beautiful city you painted with your paragraphs one day in the future.
brb, adding "fresh perfume for weathered short-form senses" to my list of favorite reader compliments, thank you, I hope you get to visit it one day too!
This is so inspiring from a creative aspect. The way that you are cultivating an album in written form. As I read I can hear the words flowing so smoothly riding the beat. For me, this piece is the vibe and aesthetic of a Larry June song. (Please know this is a compliment because I am a huge Larry June fan…I actually buy his album releases not just stream.) You have inspired me in such a unique way! Thank you for sharing this piece with us!
thank you Jacquie 🥹🥹, I love that you said you could hear the words flowing smoothly on the beat. In an earlier version of this project, I was considering releasing audio snippets of me reading certain paragraphs and I wanted to convey the musicality and rhythm so I'm glad that came through! I might still do audio snippets, it's TBD, let's see. Also, thanks for putting me onto Larry June, I'll go listen to him💛
I struggle to put into words why I love mexico city so much… next time it comes up I’ll just be sending this piece to whoever I’m speaking with.
what an honor! have you spent much time there?
I spent some time living there a few years back, and I return every chance I get. You brought the city to life with your words! Or rather, did a very lively city justice with them.
This is incredible work. Evocative and visceral. Musical. I’m looking forward to the next one, Tobi. This is a vibe!
<3 so excited to see these essays out in the wild! can't wait for the next banger to drop
Wow, this essay is such a vibe! I could see, smell, hear, feel and taste everything you described, which is high praise for an essayist. I subscribed! Looking forward to experiencing this album in its entirety this summer.
I loved this! Your description of Condesa made me miss CDMX so much. I visited for the first time earlier this year and fell in love with the beauty of the city.
thank you Chris! I loved it too and I can't wait to go back. What was your favorite part of the city?
Honestly the food & music scenes were so diverse & excellent. Next time you go back highly recommended Jazzatlán Capital super intimate jazz venue.
Sprinkle in some Spanish :)
I've been to Condesa three times and it's magical every time. Thanks for capturing it so well.
I've been twice but I'm scheming a third trip sometime soon! I can't wait
Tobi………. You transmuted my 60 degree midwestern porch, my piece of cinnamon toast, and my lime seltzer with mint into a balmy stroll with a sultry angel guiding me through heaven on earth. Please allow me to quote you because it’s such a drop… “When she returns to drizzle droplets of soul-stirring umami on your plate, the wait is well worth it. It feels like smooth shea butter sliding onto freshly showered skin. Like sinking your teeth in duck legs submerged in their own fat for hours.”
Cleo take me away….. This piece makes me long for memories I don’t yet have but ache to create. And audio snippets of you reading? Yes please!!!
Thanks for this journey. Peace
I really enjoyed your imagery here. As you put it, the descriptions feel like a fresh perfume for weathered short-form senses. I hope I can visit that beautiful city you painted with your paragraphs one day in the future.
brb, adding "fresh perfume for weathered short-form senses" to my list of favorite reader compliments, thank you, I hope you get to visit it one day too!
This is so inspiring from a creative aspect. The way that you are cultivating an album in written form. As I read I can hear the words flowing so smoothly riding the beat. For me, this piece is the vibe and aesthetic of a Larry June song. (Please know this is a compliment because I am a huge Larry June fan…I actually buy his album releases not just stream.) You have inspired me in such a unique way! Thank you for sharing this piece with us!
thank you Jacquie 🥹🥹, I love that you said you could hear the words flowing smoothly on the beat. In an earlier version of this project, I was considering releasing audio snippets of me reading certain paragraphs and I wanted to convey the musicality and rhythm so I'm glad that came through! I might still do audio snippets, it's TBD, let's see. Also, thanks for putting me onto Larry June, I'll go listen to him💛
Yes!!! Share the snippets if you can! So excited to see what’s next to come!
awesome, I will! I’m excited you’re looking forward to the next pieces 😊
I just got back from Condesa a couple weeks ago and went to this same shop. What a treat to relive 🧡
no way!! haha I love that. I wonder if we had similar experiences. What drew you in to the shop?
So good! When do we move to CDMX again?? I’m sold on this vignette. Also, “unapologetic candle-man” for me 😂