The Third - No. 001

One-year sober, a bounty of good music, and crossbody bags.

Here we are! The first edition of The Third! Recently, I’ve been spending too much time at my desk, so I’m sitting on my bed typing this out. I’m feeling lush propped up by these seven pillows. Six of which I do not need. Since this is el número uno, I’m not going to waste your time with more intro. Today, I dive into the waters of a style staple, my sobriety anniversary, and a musical plight endured. Enjoy. -Edward

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I. Currently nothing gives me more joy than my crossbody bag collection. Unbridled joy. Recently, I have not been using my tried-and-true, good Judy - the Everlane ReNew Transit Bag, which I have in black. This is due to the incidental finding of my latest obsession - the Muji Water Repellent Sacosch. Imagine little old me. Walking down Calle Fuencarral. Casually stopping into Muji. Eyeing overpriced pens. It’s sales season, so I decide to check out the downstairs clothing section. What do my eyes spot? That Water Repellent Sacosch strung across the chest of a male mannequin. I was truly enamoured. So I bought two - one in medium gray and one in black. And then la pièce de résistance - the Muji Water Repellent Mini Sacosch. That’s right. MINI. In light beige, which honestly, gives off a more beige x green crossover, but I digress. I’m wholly obsessed with them. If you don’t have a crossbody bag in your arsenal, what are you waiting for? Are you too good for it? Do you think it’s not your vibe? You couldn’t be more wrong. This perfect mesh of style and practicality is for everyone. Find your crossbody bag today!

II. Monday marked one year sober for me. No alcohol, no cigarettes. 365 days. It’s a major milestone. Even though everyday is a milestone when you’re sober. I decided to look back on an email I sent a friend those 365 days ago. Curiosity got the best of me, and I wanted to know if I had done myself proud. In the fervour of my decision making, the email is written a little erratically and it’s dramatic. I can’t blame myself - it’s a big change. My friends and I love to go out. A large part of my social life is sitting on terraces. Beer here is cheaper than water. It’s a lot to process at first. As an attention seeking Leo Moon, I posted about the anniversary on Instagram. An acquaintance in the city reached out to me in my dm’s. He wrote about his relationship with alcohol and how tough it is to take the jump, being young and all. His message reminded me of how I used to have that same mindset. I’m young, social, and fun. Won’t I be missing out? The fomo was real, but I never actually missed out on anything. Your attitude changes, and you start to live a new life. It no longer occupies your thoughts 24/7. That fomo - it’s something that I had completely forgotten about. But I’m glad I was reminded of it, because from time to time it’s important to remember. And yes, for those wondering, I have done myself proud. 

III. For what has seemed like too goddamn long, the music landscape has been barren and bleak for me. That all changed in August. My girl, Yola, released her new album Stand for Myself earlier in the month. I discovered her around this time last year and she became my summer soundtrack. I embody this emoji 😌 when I hear her music. We finally got the new Kim Petras song, Future Starts Now. Not only is it a banger, but it’s also French themed. Need I say more!! Her signature ‘woo ah!’ became ‘oui ah!’ and I lost my mind. Shifting back out of pop music, the new Kacey Musgraves has not disappointed. My only qualm is that star-crossed isn’t longer. It’s always so unnerving waiting for a fav to release new music. However, I remain hopeful for the new Rosalía and the new ABBA. If you know me at all, you know that ABBA is my blood type. ABBA+, honey. The fact that they’re releasing new music after 39 years has me absolutely gobsmacked. I could solely listen to the current ABBA discography for the rest of my little, gay life in peace and harmony. But, the more the merrier. I’m just happy to be on the other side of a personal music drought.