Political Disruption And Hope

 

Student-led protests across the world are bringing about positive regime change in nations such as Serbia and Brazil.

Next up is the consequential Israeli election tomorrow. 

A Human In Time And Space

 

Ben and I have been enjoying the statistically and archaeologically-driven game, Any Human Ever, in which you draw an imagined person in human history...

We die in childhood a lot. We are commonly born on the Deccan Plateau or in the Yangtze Basin. The loudest sound we hear in our life is often thunder. The farthest we travel from home is usually not far at all. Sometimes, we fall outside of these norms. We cheer loudly when we live to be an elder (anywhere, ever).

It is really the coolest.

Azilal Rugs

and a bathroom

(not Azilali)

Iconic Women

These two are such forces for good in the world- both savvy in the ways they have trusted their instincts, using their humane wisdom and personal authenticity to powerfully connect with others, their way of being as much an art form as their songwriting, each a rare combo of grit and grace.

As a footnote: On their wedding day, Dolly asked TnT for their firstborn child. I think Parton Kelce has a ring to it ("Par" for short).

Do I Only Like Canadian Shows Now?!

 

I am a sucker for a good YA series...

The Charms Of Tuscany

 

My first memories are from a six-week trip to Tuscany with my parents to visit friends when I was two years old. I remember riding a red tricycle on a dirt road. I remember an adult in a tin foil mask. I remember laughing with Sasha while cramming grapes in our mouths. I remember running after birds across cobblestones-- the whoosh of their wheeling flight.

My mom recently shared with me the journal my parents kept from that trip as well as a letter she received from her mom while in Italy. My parents spoke of the stars and the moon, of layovers spent with family, of gathering mushrooms and late night dinners, of a back thrown out and traveling with a child who wouldn't always sleep in her own bed. My grandmother wrote with humor about the gunman who had asked her to empty the till at work, saying how surprised she was by his attractiveness. Her letter refers to everyone as Mr. and Mrs. throughout.

I returned to Tuscany twice after that... the lapping waters of Venice, a veiled widow all in black, bicycles both slow and fast, the arcades at communist community center in Calci, squash blossom stuffed ravioli and spaghetti al mare, "Posso avere la chiave per la camera undici, per favore?" and the welcome tang of an Ethiopian meal.

Villa Coco captures the deep charm of this place in time-- its specificity is a transporting delight.

After A Cold Plunge

Our girl, Taffy Brodesser-Akner, has done it again.