Issue 001 — May 2025

Thanks for joining me as I try something new.

This is a space where I’ll share demos and other things I’m working on—things that don’t always make it into the world but still represent where I’m at in that moment.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about new beginnings. How they don’t just happen. They require something from us: a little trust or a small promise, and sometimes total surrender. This issue explores new beginnings and the endings that precede them.

And I’m glad you’re here.

~ John

A demo

This one’s called “Keep It Easy.”

It’s about knowing when something’s run its course—whether it’s a relationship, a version of yourself, or the way the world’s been weighing on you—and deciding to let it go. It’s about trusting your gut, especially when the future is unclear.

I’ve been experimenting with live looping. Still getting the hang of it but this demo felt like a good opportunity to jump in feet first.

A poem

It was a homework assignment

to write a love poem for someone in class

so I wrote one for you

(only half joking)

and though the performance of it

had our classmates erupting

with applause

I could see it made you squirm

to hear another boy tell you

how beautiful you were.

~ masculinity

Table setting, 5:30 am

A prompt

How this works

I’ll ask you a question and you can use the form to reply with your answer. It can be as short or long as you want.

Your response will stay between you and me.

Here’s your prompt

What’s one promise—big or small—that you’ve made to yourself recently?

That’s all for now

See you in June.