6 Month Anniversary with Substack

And why I'm breaking up with you... for a month

Ugly Shoes, Paper Planes is a reader-supported publication. If you have the means and value my work as a Muslim woman digital creative, I’d be so grateful if you’d consider becoming a paid subscriber or upgrading your membership.

Hi,

Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter.

1. A Confession

2. Writing Anniversary

3. Writing Life Update

4. A Question for You

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Confession

I’m struggling. 

I have serious doubts about keeping up with classes, writing and family. I already predicted failure for Arabic 202 and asked if I could retake it next term. My support system tends to fly to Orlando for the winter, which means there’s less time for writing and more demands on caregiving. Plus I don’t have a housekeeper. I am a terrible housekeeper. And the kids love slime and kinetic sand. It’s a tragic combination. I bought the 5-year-old a hand vacuum instead of a toy one, and my house definitely looks like a 5-year-old cleaned it.

The tragedy of war has also taken its toll on my cre…