Sunkissed:
I’m coming to you this month much more sun kissed and energized. ALOT has happened in the past month and a week. I’m feeling the nuance of what is joyful and heavy and heartbreaking. I feel so deeply what we are moving through as a collective, and I’m more than ever relying on relationships in community to celebrate, maneuver through challenge, and grieve. Thank goodness for sunny days where we can soak in the sunshine and gain energy from nature.
Reproductive justice:
I don’t have to tell you what’s happening right now. I’m shocked that I’m ever surprised at how fragile everything is…things that should be so basic. Coming from an evangelical christian background, I’m familiar with the rhetoric of how abortion is murder. Now that I’m not out of that world, it seems so wild to me how their hypocrisy of value of life is so obvious…and violent. This applies to everyone who is against safe abortions: Where is that energy in protecting women and trans folks in every way? Where is that energy in providing healthcare and community support for parents? Where is that energy in creating a system where parents’ mental/emotional/physical needs are met so that they don’t have to give up their kids? Now I’m on a tangent, but there’s all this talk about adopting kids…what about providing households resources so that communities can stay together? - especially the Black and brown ones. You can’t be “pro-life” and pick and choose what form of life you care about. We all need to stand together and advocate for abortions, because making it illegal will only make the safe ones unaccessible. There are so many more reasons, but that one is the most basic one that everyone should be able to agree on. I am donating to Chicago Abortion Fund, but I encourage you to donate to the local organizations in your area.
Chinese community:
I made a few new friends recently! We went on an outing to Chinatown where we got dim sum at MingHin and then we went to the Chinese American Museum of Chicago. All five of us are Chinese, and the best part of it was that these friendships are intergenerational. It made my heart so happy hearing all the stories swapped about our parents, ancestry, identities, and relationship with language. The two older women talked about folks that they recognized featured in the museum archives, because they both grew up in Chinatown. So honored to have spent the day with this group of women. I can’t wait to cultivate deeper relationships in this community.
Meditative watercolor workshop:
I had the honor of leading a class with Annie from Volition Tea. It was so enjoyable having the participants wake up their senses through the process of brewing tea and channeling their inspiration into painting. Feeling their energy become relaxed as well as sparked with creativity is my favorite part. If you want to join me, I’m hosting another workshop (without Annie sadly) on May 14 - you can get tickets HERE.
Spay by madison fiedler:
The day before my trip I went to see this play at the Rivendell Theatre, and WOW. It was really powerful. I miss live theatre, and it really reminded me the magic of theatre. The whole play was electric and intentionally tense - even though it was heavy and sad, I loved the impact it had as well as the message.
San Diego:
It’s been close to a year since I’ve traveled, and it was quite an adjustment for me. I had anxiety leaving the comforts of Chicago and my partner on top of COVID anxiety. But once I was on my way, the anxieties subsided thankfully. It was really good seeing my dear friends and catching up on everything. I made it to the beach on my first day, and made my way there almost all 5 days. The Pacific Ocean will always have my heart. Watching the waves and the surfers was so good for me. I had really amazing food the whole time - tacos at the beach was my absolute favorite! It might seem weird to say about a vacation, but I’m proud of myself for venturing out by myself and for taking a break. Life feels like there are so many overwhelming challenges - I want to continue to the practice of pausing and enjoying things that are accessible.
HAt:
This packable sunhat from BAGGU (I have the beige color) was really handy on my trip. It folds into a small bag that was so easy to slip into my bag. When I was on the beach, it was perfect for shading my face especially on the hotter days. Also from BAGGU, I use the large nylon crescent bag every work day - I can’t fit my laptop and lunch in it, and I think it’s so cute! They don’t have the large size on the site, but if you ever see it - snatch it up.
books:
the ones we were meant to find by joan he
I finally finished this book! It was entertaining, but I honestly wouldn’t recommend it. The cover really captured me - however the storyline and writing wasn’t my favorite.
disorientation by elaine hsieh chou
I’m started this book and am 5 chapters in and I’M HOOKED. It’s made me laugh audibly, and I’m captivated. I’m excited to continue reading this book! I already know I’m going to recommend it.
golden market:
I’m so honored to be part of this AAPI market! If you’re in the area, please come by support AAPI businesses and say hi to me! The line-up is really incredible - so much good food and art. Click HERE for the ticket link! If you can’t make it, support me by checking out my More Liberation shop.
Movie:
I don’t have to say much because you all have seen this movie already. I watched it twice in the theatre’s and it hit me right in the heart both times. ICONIC.
new energy:
Things are warming up and I’m looking forward to more sunshine and boba! Now that I’ve been back for a few days from my trip, things are moving fast. I’m excited to share more things in store for me next time!