All the beautiful bits of the past week

Communal living, pleasure activism, meatballs and other bits.

All the beautiful bits of the past week.

Short Reads

• Three Iranian women fighting for artistic freedom

• Here’s what we should treasure in the new year

• For 50 years I’ve let friends and strangers share my house – this kind of communal living can make for better lives for all

• When my husband left me, I headed for the kitchen

• Never Having Children Doesn’t Mean You’re Going To Be Lonely

• ‘Depression Cooking Zine’ Is a Reminder That Sometimes Eating Is an Accomplishment

Books

"Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good" by Adrienne Maree Brown is an exploration that moves past conventional notions of activism, offering a completely new perspective on social justice. Brown weaves together personal narratives, cultural critique, and political theory to advocate for the transformative potential of pleasure as a tool for social change. She challenges traditional modes of resistance, urging to prioritize joy, connection, and self-care in the pursuit of justice.

“Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come: One Introvert's Year of Saying Yes” by

Jessica Pan

is a memoir that documents her year-long journey of pushing against her introverted tendencies and embracing a life of saying ‘yes.’ The book provides witty reflections on the challenges and rewards of introversion and it’s funny. I choked on my wine listening to the sauna anecdote.

"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig is an exploration of life's infinite possibilities and the importance of embracing our choices. The novel follows Nora Seed, a woman at her lowest point, who discovers a magical library between life and death. Each book in the library represents a different version of her life based on the decisions she made. Haig's writing is poignant and reflective, and the book itself is a great investment in your mental health.

“Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times” by

Katherine May

is beautifully written. It’s an exploration of the concept of "wintering" as a metaphor for difficult periods in life. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and the cyclical rhythms of seasons, May encourages to embrace the slower, dormant times, recognizing the value of rest, reflection, and self-care during moments of struggle. A perfect read for the winter.

Listen

Life

As the new year dawns, I find myself drawn to the age-old tradition of crafting goals and resolutions. There's a palpable sense of opportunity in the air, and who am I to ever deny opportunity. The initial excitement fuels the determination, but I've learned the hard way that the real magic lies in the compound action so the motto of this year is small (possibly tiny) things often.

Genius Unsolicited Life Advice

When making meatballs, cook a small test ball first. Then adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Also, Happy New Year!