It’s been a while since I’ve written this newsletter, as I’ve needed time and space to process the post-election blues. During this period, I’ve found myself drawn to community-building more than ever. I’m determined to channel this anger into art and meaningful change—even if it’s on a small scale. For now, I’m finding comfort in allowing myself the time to reflect and focusing on doing the best I can day-to-day. It took me writing this to realize how much great art I’ve been consuming, and I feel grateful for the distractions.
Also, since the last Intake Issue, my interview with Christine Barberich was published. If you need a good read about resilience, space, design, money, and believing in your damn self, you should check it out.
Here’s what I’ve been taking in:
Reading
The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates. One of the best writers of our time tells a global story of how America’s racism, colonialism, and white supremacy abroad are intertwined. I’m in awe of his clarity and courage as he recounts his 2023 trip to Gaza.
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney. Sally is one of my faves, but I’m not sure this novel is my favorite of hers. I’ve been slowly working through it for two months now, and while the writing is exquisite, I don’t feel connected or interested in the two main characters.
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf. A classic. This is a re-read for me as I’ve been trying to make more space for my solitude and writing.
Supper Club by Lara Williams. I love novels about women, food, having a body, and the dark underbellies of society. Supper Club seems to check all of those boxes.
The short story “Heavy Snow” by Han Kang in the New Yorker. Kang recently won the Nobel Prize in Literature for her book The Vegetarian—which I still have yet to read—but I thought I’d start with this.
“The End of Denial: How Trump’s rising popularity in New York (and everywhere else) exposed the Democratic Party’s break with reality” by Simon van Zuylen-Wood for New York Magazine. I’m guilty of living in a bubble sometimes, and this article examines that bubble—and the surprising red shift happening not only around the country but also in NYC.
“Cormac McCarthy’s Secret Muse Breaks Her Silence After Half a Century.” :(
Watching
Mama’s Sundry. My friend Josh Cannon was recently visiting to promote his documentary short “Mama’s Sundry” for DOCNYC. The short focuses on a Memphis community garden that teaches sustainability. It made me proud to be from Memphis. I was impressed by him and his co-director Brody Kuhar’s ability to capture the city’s essence—which is not an easy feat!
Anora. Perhaps my favorite film of the year. A wild rush of a movie. I now belong to the church of Mikey Madison.
A Real Pain. Jessie Eisenberg wrote and directed this movie about cousins who travel to Poland to honor their recently deceased grandmother. But really, it’s about grief and relationships that no longer are what they were. The ending is a gut punch.
My Old Ass. Made me want to ride a boat in Canada.
Wicked. I hadn’t seen it since my first trip to NYC as a 13-year-old and went to the Broadway show, and I have never considered myself a big fan. Also, that press tour… But I loved the film adaptation; the performances are out of this world.
I Saw the TV Glow. This doesn’t fall within the “scary movies aren’t good anymore” discourse. Profoundly horrifying.
The Substance. Incredible.
The Sopranos. It’s never too late, right?
English Teacher. Along with many others, I now love this man’s TikTok presence so I had to.
Witnessing
The giant pigeon on the High Line. I dragged my coworkers here for a work field trip (our company mascot is a pigeon.)
big. pigeon. Phoebe Bridgers joining Christian Lee Hutson onstage at his Music Hall of Williamsburg album release show, black cloak and all.
Edges of Ailey at the Whitney.
Risograph printing. Last month, I got to go on a work outing to lucky risograph in Dumbo and learn about the process of Riso printing—and make my own print.
playing with color layers at lucky risograph Memory collecting with tiny trinket tins. RecCreate + Martina Calvi = a dream come true.
Martina Calvi’s RecCreate trinket tin workshop. Coco Mellors’ Blue Sisters event with Spotify Audiobooks.
A Saint Madds Exhibition featuring art by the talented Shaun Terry.
A magical third space known as the Drawing Room.
Saturday morning journaling at the Drawing Room.
Listening
My playlist “light up a 🕯️” on Spotify. Notable new favorite artists: Cece Coakley, Grace Enger, and Phoebe Go.
Christian Lee Hutson’s new album, Paradise Pop 10. Water Ballet and Carousel Horses are on repeat.
Katie Gavin’s debut solo album, What A Relief. I got to interview this angel for The Creative Independent and can’t wait to share more on that.
Hovvy Live at Julie’s acoustic EP. This band never misses.
On My Own by my friend Harrison Lipton. His music video for it was shot on 16mm and is stunning.
Etc.
These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies by my internet friend Maya Kosoff.
Early mornings at Prospect Park’s off-leash hours. Bringing Hamlet to the park to run around and have fun with other dogs is its own antidepressant.
Acupuncture. I knew nothing about this practice going into it, and it has transformed my body, mind, and soul.
Going to bed extra early. I’m typically a night owl, but in the winter months I’m trying to be kinder to myself and get into bed before 10 pm if I want to.
Take care of yourselves. ❣ And if you have any book/movie/music/art recs, please drop ‘em below in the comments.