Moon Unit Zappa- Author, Artist and Tea Merchant

 

If you had to wear one outfit from head to toe every day for a year, what would it be? 

Obviously Domi. If it couldn’t be Domi I am a sucker for cashmere sweaters and cashmere beanies, striped socks and soft af T-shirts  from a million wears, baggy pants (usually with a high waist and a drop crotch), and some sort of shoeboot a half size larger than my actual feet and the four rings I currently wear every day. That said, I spent a lifetime not appreciating my body, viewing myself through the male gaze of a broken culture so I put in a fair share of gratitude nudity so I don’t also miss my remaining years of being embodied in this sexy, fleshy vehicle.. 

Do you think that what we wear affects the way we behave?

Uh..duh. Yes!!!!! As does COLOR!

 

How did you spend your last birthday?

A yoga retreat in Italy. I spoil myself with solo travel to an amazing place every year.  Daily I feed myself with art and beauty. Birthdays I extra splurge.

 

What is your next goal you would like to meet?

I have done a lot of what’s on my list, but I’d still like to direct a feature film - maybe a documentary, visit many more tea gardens, learn a language, and maybe record an album. I probably get the most pleasure out of helping others surpass their personal and artistic dreams. 

 

What is in your purse right now? Will you dump it and take a photo?

Yes. It’s not that interesting. The one thing I took from that Marie Kondo book is keeping a clean purse and a closed pocketbook. It’s mentally very pleasing and makes me think keeping the money I make generates more money. Superstitious? Maybe, but so far so good. I try not to leak time, money, energy, or resources in any area of my life. Same idea - more begets more.

How have you changed since Covid?

I try to keep my commitment to nature and quality time with my kid that the upside of Covid gifted me. I also call people I love and tell them I love them the second they pop in my head.

 

How have you changed since our last election?

Having been radicalized by human decency, I live each day to the fullest and kindest, and by my values with even more conviction. And I do all the things - the responsible things and the artistic things - I have been postponing that I always thought I’d get to when the world was calm? Har.

When was the last time you cried?

 I cry every day. And I am grateful I feel this deeply. Feelings are my paint colors for my artistic contributions.

 

When was the last time you laughed fully and why?

I make sure I laugh every day. I see live comedy at Largo at the Coronet A LOT. 

The last time I laughed out loud I was by myself listening to the novel We Were The Universe by Kimberly King Parsons where she describes masturbating to a fantasy of a woman in a gum disease commercial.

What is a phrase or colloquialism that rubs you the wrong way?

"It’s an inside job." When you are grieving a loss of a breakup. Fuuuuuuuuuuuck you. They would never say it if you lost a pet or someone you were married to…Break ups are extra confusing because the person is still ALIVE but no longer in your life. Talk about a mindfuck... in most cases one person makes a decision without you, usually abruptly, with no accountability or consideration or willingness to continue investing, repair ruptures or stay. Wow that was oddly specific without naming names….Hmmmm….

What is your cringiest fashion faux pas?

The only fashion faux pas you can make is not dressing exactly the way you like that feels good to you.

What is one thing you know for sure?

Love gets to win.

 

What smell brings back a great memory?

Flowers and perfumes are the fastest time machines for me. Carob pods on the school playground when I was in elementary school are very vivid. Right now I am loving the fragrances of Koean Spice viburnum and a plant in my yard called Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. It has blossoms that are white, lavender and purple. Don’t ask me what color corresponds to what word…I love making daily happy memories with all my senses.

Do you collect anything?

All things tea, handmade pottery, flatware and art by Aris Moore. 

Who's opinion do you care most about?

Finally my own.

 

Do you feel like an adult?

Yes. With a kid’s sense of play. Best combo ever.

What makes you awesome?

I’m kinder and kinder to myself every day, I have my own back no matter what and I make some form of art every day. That can be how I make my bed, what outfit I put together, writing, making visual art with Beam Paints and Posca pens, making jogging and dancing playlists, going to the farmer’s market then cooking a meal with five ingredients or less...

What makes you a bad date?

Too honest too soon. In their opinion...

 

Who is the smartest person you ever met?

My father. He was also the dumbest.

 

What is your guilty pleasure?

Danish crime shows, Korean soap operas,  and anything incredibly violent and well made about revenge.

 

What is the most outrageous lie you told as a child?

That all was well at home. 

 

Do you believe people can change?

Tricky. I know I can. But I still have to make a huge effort to drink water and I am a grown ass woman. So if I can’t do that…I guess…You have to really want to with everything you are.

Where do  you think we go when we die?

To clean up the karmic messes *he* made. Fingers crossed.

favorite knock knok joke?

Will you remember me in a day? 

Yes.

Will you remember me in an hour? 

Yes

Will you remember me in a minute? 

Yes

Knock knock

Who’s there

Do you have any tips for getting a great nights sleep?

A cup of my Moon Unit ® Moon Dust Tea while reading a great book and wearing your gorgie pajamas.

 

Moon Unit Zappa is an author, artist, ghostwriter, and tea merchant. She also offers group and one-on-one writing coaching as well as private tea experiences. Find her at Moonunit.com or order her books directly through your favorite bookshops and/or purchase her inclusive teas exclusively through tea.o.graphy.com. Resale, subscription, and wholesale options from her heart to yours.