*Quarantined*

Ashley-Devon Williamston : Anthropologist, Professor : Cincinnati, OH

March 30- April 1, 2020'

“12:56pm - Just got off the phone with Katie. We talked about parents, teaching, future plans, future hopes, porn and bills. We are simultaneously too bored and too worked. This is the worst limbo.”

I was introduced via email to Ashley-Devon through previous Field Notes contributor, Elese Daniel - poet, community advocate and polo player from Cincinnati whose previous entry can be found here and who will be gracing us with some Quarantine Edition Field Notes shortly.

I asked Elese to introduce Ashley-Devon for us, and might I say, they did a delicious job:

Ashley-Devon Williamston is smoke tongued and prepared, like a nimbus cloud. Soft, suspended, yet pummeling with a richness and intention for growth. They are radiant. A queer, internet ho about to bloom.  

Ashley-Devon straddles much and many. They are an anthropologist, professor, activist, and poet. Born, raised, and (now) quarantined in Cincinnati, Ohio, but no stranger to travel and residence elsewhere, as they are forever on a temporal and boundless journey for home. 

There’s a deepness to them. Part well, part fire -- the ruby of sloe gin. A defining and redefining of the self without ever being lost, Ashley-Devon is sure. As sure as gospel or a hot girl midsummer.

(Ok can we all agree that “the ruby of sloe gin” is our new favorite phrase? Thanks, E).

Follow along to ponder the value of a walk in the woods, the potential relevance of global marriage traditions and an unexpectedly great hodge-podge soup: