running from the vacuum.
to the tune of "Running from the Devil."
When I worked in advertising, something we said over and over was:
“Great ideas aren’t created in a vacuum.”
(the quote was a variation of this and this, but we said it alllll the time.)
And it was true. It felt right. Someone would have a basic idea, but then we would all get in one room to riff off of the original idea or go out for a walk (or lunch) (or a drink) (or a ski) as a team and something would click. Or even we’d be out in the world by ourself—running or driving or grocery shopping or whateverrrr—thinking about someone else’s idea and a GREAT idea would come to us.
I really miss this part of working in advertising. Not being in a vacuum meant both getting out in the world AND surrounding yourself with teammates. Both aspects were equally important for squelching the vacuum. And listen: I have good ideas on my own, but a) they can’t all be bangers and b) there is something magic about having your good idea become a kickass one with the help of a diverse group of people.
The pandemic was like, “All y’all get in a vacuum and do NOT try to get out of it.” So we did. We still created, but it wasn’t the same. (will it ever be the same again?)
On a recent run in London, I realized something. There are many reasons I’m on this self-mandated sabbatical, but the main reason is I think that:
Great people aren’t created in a vacuum.
If I’m real with myself, yes this sabbatical is for a break, but it’s also for self-betterment. I want to be a great mom, a great partner, a great friend, a great PERSON. And I want that for my daughter, too! She’s just three… there’s so much more creating to do in her life and in her as a person. (Evan’s on his own… he’s got it under control.)
I don’t think great mothers are created in a vacuum. Or great writers. Or great radio producers. Or great leaders. Or great creatives. Maybe great monks are… that may be the exception. Lord knows I don’t want to be a monk, tho. (I’m sure God is also like, “yeah, I’m cool. no thank you.”)
I want us to get out in the world, talk with people, experience life and living in so many different ways. To jump in ponds. To stumble upon kite festivals. to eat the best Indian food I’ve ever had in my life. To talk with dear friends into the night. To find new ways to make each other laugh and love. To do all this, we had to get out of our vacuum—in a big way. So we’re running from the vacuum… like a scared dog or baby. Well, different vacuum, but same escapement fervor.
A Little View:
(photos from the week.)
Quick Hits:
(this is back… London edition.)
Jam of the Week: Little Simz – “Gorilla”
(not a new song, but a new video! damn, I love Little Simz… cannot WAIT to see her in Seattle this fall, but until then, I will be looking for her in the UK at every turn. what if!!)
Honestly the Best Meal I’ve Maybe Ever Had.
(a must-stop if you’re in London… make reservations now!)This Museum Made Me So Happy.
(I said to Lisa, “I want more childlike play in my life” and she brought me to this museum and I fell right in love. there was a dollhouse from the 60s that I’m absolutely obsessed with, complete with two disco balls, a swimming pool, and a bar.)If I Lived in London, I Would Swim Here Everyday.
(I’ve already swam twice. I love it! apparently there’s a Women’s Pond I’ll try next.)Lisa and Chris Have a Couple Mugs From Here.
(and I love them so. drinking coffee out of them feels so cool. )
I Have Worn This Piece of Clothing More Than Anything Else.
(sorry for the fast-fashion! but damn, it’s good for travel. I have it in tan.)
Lisa & Me at the Children’s Music Hour Last Week.
(give us tambourines and play Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and we become show-stealing annoying Americans before you can say “HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!”)
(also, Marcelline got a bang trim from a Romanian hairdresser this week who told us her hair makes her look like an “abandoned child.” we still didn’t let her cut her hair, but with the bang trim, she does look almost exactly like that meme.)
So happy you’re here… even when I’m across the pond. I love an appreciate you so.
xxo,
Rachel.