Hello friends. How are we holding up? I’ll keep it real: things feel bleak. I don’t think it’s a mystery where I fall on most political issues: I’m an educator at a Title One school that supports many refugees, and I’m openly queer. I’m scared, both for me (though I acknowledge that I have significant privilege) and so many people I love. Wherever your beliefs land, I hope you can empathize with what it feels like to have fear. It’s a universal human feeling — and I think that connecting to other people’s humanity is one of the best things we can do right now.
I’m taking action in ways that feel important to me; however, I’m also finding ways to stay grounded and find joy. Right now, it’s noticing nature, snuggling my dogs, spending time with the people I love, exchanging voice memos with far-away friends (I loved Joy’s link to the essay about voice memos a few weeks ago — it’s one of my favorite recent reads!), and doing my best to be calm, stable, and routined for my students.
If you’ve been reading my Sunday posts for awhile, then you know that I am a solar-powered human who prefers the sunnier Spring and Summer. I’m holding on to the small things: birds are chirping, it’s lighter out later and later, and while it’s still cold and we allegedly have an atmospheric river of rain arriving soon, I can see the light at the end of a cold winter.
I love the poet Sharon Olds, and the end of her poem “Little Things” says, “I am doing something I learned early to do/I am paying attention to small beauties/whenever I have — as if it were our duty to/find things to love, to bind ourselves to the world.” I hope you’re finding ways to bind yourself to the world and plenty of things to love.
• One thing about me is that I love pistachio-flavored anything. I’m intrigued by this spread. Also, if you have any hot tips about the best pistachio ice cream, I’m all ears — for what it’s worth, I am looking for the sweet, fake, almond-ish variety. I know, I’m a monster. (Eater)
• How not to take things personally. I need this. (Self)
• “But what about the rest of us? I, for instance, make my living writing about restaurants; restaurants are staffed, by and large, with immigrants. Some are legal; some are undocumented…Anyone who is even tangentially involved in the restaurant industry knows this to be true. It’s not a secret. It is how the industry works…Separate and apart from the fact that these undocumented workers aren’t really “undocumented workers” at all but…just people, and therefore deserving of our empathy and care. Separate and apart from all of that, don’t we as foodies owe it to those upon whom our pleasure relies to stand up for them? Sure, the whole goddamn apparatus of restaurants…is built on the exploitation of the periphery and those we deem peripherals…Or does our love of restaurants stop only at the plate?” A vital, thought-provoking essay: A Very Special Family Meal At Angie Mar’s Le B (Substack)
• Why not make some chocolate pudding? You deserve it. (Joy The Baker)
• If you didn’t get the Valentine’s Day gift you wanted and are in the mood to treat yourself, may I suggest this necklace? I wear it daily and I have NEVER gotten more compliments on a piece of jewelry. Ever. It’s dainty but sturdy and looks good with everything, and I frequently wear it to work out, have slept in it, and rarely take it off. I’m also obsessed with this moon and diamond necklace. Plus, Cupcakes and Cashmere gave me a discount code to share: use AE20 for 20% off! It makes these already well-priced pieces even more of a steal. (Cupcakes and Cashmere)
• I am excited about this Somerset Maxi Dress. In my heart, it’s nearly summer, so to get ready, I bought the Somerset Linen Romper. It is so cute that I’m willing to disrobe in bathrooms all summer. You know I’m serious. (Anthropologie)
• This is one of the most compelling things I’ve ever read: How My Trip To Quit Sugar Became A Journey Into Hell. Well-written, funny, smart, and thought-provoking. Caity Weaver is a treat. (NYT Gift Link)
• The Best “Low Energy” Hobby For Every Zodiac Sign. Love that they think Tauruses need to be introduced to making snack plates lol. I hate the stereotype that Taureses are always eating, but we do love a cozy luxury so a snack plate is something I excel at. Catch Editor Abby and I blowing your minds with a snack plate. Allegedly, Geminis should do puzzles (an activity I find less-fun) — Joy, what say you? (Bustle)
• Five Signs You’ve Outgrown A Friendship. This is hard to discover and admit, but it’s good to consider! (Self)
• Is Internet-Induced Brain Rot A Myth? I’m gonna go with no, but time will tell. (Dazed Digital)
• Vulnerable share, ahoy: I sobbed my way through this piece about adopting a new family via Facebook. My grandparents have chosen not to have a relationship with me since I came out as queer many years ago, and I desperately miss having grandparents around. I might need to find my own to adopt. (Wired)
• Oh, How Men Drone On. From this writer’s lips to God’s ears. (The Atlantic Gift Link)
• Are We Losing The Ability To Write By Hand? Do you know that kids don’t learn cursive anymore AND that they’ve done away with timed multiplication tests? I’m all for kids having less anxiety but also, these are hallmarks of youth! (The Guardian)
• Ground Control To MySpace Tom. MySpace was MY JAM. I loved this piece about the first (and only?) good tech bro. (Substack)
• Last winter, I remembered that I could have a baked potato bar whenever I pleased, and let me tell you: a baked potato bar is NEVER a bad idea. (NYT Gift Link)
• I love cinnamon swirl bread with all my heart and I know Joy’s recipe will do me right. (Joy The Baker)
• Man Drinking Iced Coffee In Winter With Hopes Someone Will Notice. Reminder to folks of all genders: there is no prize for willingly freezing yourself with a beverage in the winter! (Reductress)
