How toThese aren’t really how to guides. They’re messy human steps we take when we’re dealing with systems. I started writing these to explore sociology, screens & culture. And through writing, I found an interplay between being meticulous and letting go.
How to write like a human.
Have an idea. Capture in a text editor. Old mate, Claude, is practically begging you to share. But you’re not ready for that kind of commitment yet.
How to learn French.
Grow up as a third generation migrant. Whenever the grandparents call or visit, observe the adults speaking French.
How to make a donation.
A birthday is coming up and they don’t want stuff. They want to feel like the world is heading in a better direction than the previous year.
How to clean a bike.
Get your bike really dirty. Do it in a day. Ride on dirt tracks. Ride in the rain. Stack it on gravel. Get up. Dust yourself off. Ride through puddles. Be the kid in gumboots jumping in mud. Small pleasures.
How to get a working with children check.
Find the form. It claims to take 15 minutes. Maybe for one of those wheres-my-passport people, but you’re extremely organised and you know how to design and build forms, let alone fill one out. You can beat the odds.
How to embroider a kookaburra.
Admire the packaging. You didn’t go through a whole zero waste phase for nothing. The Australiana-themed Salvos wrapping paper has a likeness to the gift itself.