Barcelona is a beach volleyball kind of town.
Bogatell is filled with players of all sorts jumping up and diving into the sand. It looks fun - it looks exhausting - and I’m excited to get drenched in sunscreen and try it out one of these days.
I spent hours yesterday on a bench nearby - watching the games, drinking ice water and enjoying the atmosphere like it was a mini olympics.
So much laughter, clapping, theatrical pouts at near misses -
80s sunglasses and neon swimsuits.
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A friend characterized these emails as a miscellaneous relay of what’s on my mind as of late. It’s true - I’ve been in a percolating, information gathering kind of phase - so you’re witnessing what’s forming for me first hand.
This note as such is a collection of those thoughts, for you.
I hope you’re enjoying them nonetheless, but know that I’m also open to suggestions if and when you have any.
What would you like more of, from me?
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The best way I can describe this space that I’m in is < the end of a decade-long phase and the beginning of an entirely new one. > New city intentionally chosen to be home for the long term, new fiancé, new career shifts to build a place that you all can stay at, new book that I’m writing, new primary language, new clients, new workspace, new grocery store, etc., etc.
The shortest way I can describe it is this:
When people ask me where my next trip is to these days, I respond with
“home.”
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I’ve noticed in our conversations that I keep referencing “The Four Agreements.” The image below sums them up nicely - if they resonate with you I strongly recommend the book.
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We’re now onto scheduling the third Jenna’s Board meeting. This initiative is so awesome already.
I’ve absolutely loved reading about what you’d like to seek counsel on, with this amazing group of mentors who I know well in mind. Your questions are so unexpectedly comforting - they make me realize how similar we all are when dealing with what we’d like to figure out or solve.
If you would like to run your challenge, company, idea, or conundrum past a group of wonderful wise people, who I also turn to for guidance on a regular basis, reply and/or seek more info here. We’ve set this up to be a free and confidential public service for all involved and I know that the thing you’re brewing deserves this kind of treatment.
Be our board meeting #04 or #05.
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I found a puzzle piece on the sidewalk the other evening. It’s lime green, with black, white, and orange stripes across it (?). My best guess is that there was some sort of zebra involved.
It’s now taped to my bathroom mirror.
A lucky charm of sorts.
Love,
Jenna
Recent reviews of The Hours Before Dusk by Jenna Matecki:
"The Hours Before Dusk" captures the beauty and energy found in the world's corners. Jenna Matecki's evocative prose transports you alongside her, leaving you yearning for your next adventure. - Van Zan on Amazon
”I was reading bits of your book at Dale Zine and it really struck me. Your writing has a lot of resonance and weight.” - Drew on Instagram, shopping at Dale Zine
”…this book was a nice guide through different cities around the world. They're really short stories of experiences. However, I admit that the way that the author describes the experiences are not the way that I look at the world. It's as if the author is intentionally looking at the world while I am simply there until I get to my true destination.” - David on Amazon
“This book is like discovering the diary of a world traveler. It's captivating and easy to digest in small pieces. The writing is poetic, insightful and captures special moments and experiences of the author. And it captures the mood and flavor of the cities she visits and people she meets but simultaneously doesn't define them or attempt to explain them. It just lets you experience the moment along with her. It's not a story but rather small pieces from a lot of different stories. It leaves you wondering more about the story, but not in a way that frustrates you. Rather, in a way that makes you imagine what was there.” - C.Jameson on Amazon