An Underdog Story

 Welcome to Wrexham.

I am not much of a sports fan, but I am a human interest fan so while this documentary series is transparently promotional, it still had me cheering and cringing through the season's highs and lows.

Count me in. I am a Wrexham fan.

Soheila Sokhanvari

Women in Iran have taken to the streets in defense of their bodily autonomy in recent weeks. There has been bloodshed and brutality in response. 

In 1939, Iranian women were forced to unveil. Beginning in 1979, Iranian women were forced to wear hijab.

The artist Soheila Sokhanvari uses the traditional Persian medium of miniatures to paint Iranian feminist icons from the pre-revolutionary era.

They pummel with their power and passion. They are alive and well.

A song of present day protest:

It's Never Too Late

I am taking cello lessons. For the first time. Inspired in part by this series in the NYT. 

The Immodesty Of Desire

A lovely essay called Sex-Positive Parenting for Prudes.

A wonderful film about seeking and finding pleasure:

What beautiful offerings. 

They honor Mary Oliver's maxim, "Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it."

And they recognize comfort as vital to imagination and imagination as critical when realizing a better world.

You Are The Joy In My Day

 

Me: Where did you get your dress? It's wonderful.

Her: It was custom made for me in Zaire.

Tall grasses moving in the wind, dotted by yellow flowers.

A kindness between strangers (which reminds me of this case for love affairs).

The beauty of fidelity.

The Art Of Motherhood

This:

And this:

Brutal Brilliance

 

This shit is real. real. good.