This week has been a potpourri of sporadic reading from all over the web as I’m currently onboarding two new gigs, subbing a lot, and trying to squeeze in some writing (imagine that). I’ve also been in what one of my fellow Rainforest Writers Retreat participants calls the “post rainforest slump.” I miss writing with others and the social/community aspect of working with other writers way more than I expected. So I’ve been on Twitter a lot this week also, just trying to keep up.
Excuses, excuses. Here’s what’s caught my eye this week:
Fiction:
Fellow Rainforest attendee Camille Griep has a whimsical piece of wish fulfillment fiction up at Everyday Fiction: One Night in Bankok
I’m also finishing up The Kingdom of Gods (The Inheritance Trilogy) the last book in the Inheritance Trilogy by the brilliant NK Jemisin (If you haven’t picked it up yet, start with The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (The Inheritance Trilogy). It’s a world full of characters I will be very sad to say goodbye to.
The Art of Living – how to live better, be happier and healthier:
If you’e in the Seattle area and looking for a yoga event or workshop, YogaBLaze’s upcoming list always comes in handy.
I love the ‘science’ of happiness. I also love lists. Here’s a list of 22 things happy people do differently.
It can be hard enough making changes in your own life, but living with others be they family or friends can really complicate matters. Leo Babauta at Zen Habits offers tips on getting your family on board with life changes.
And since the family that cooks together, well, eats together – and cooking is one of the many ways we can make our lives healthier (and happier) here’s a yummy Meat and Veggie Skewer recipe from my favorite Primal/Paleo resource Mark’s Daily Apple.
Hooray for Science:
Turns out that old poster child of productivity, the humble bee, also likes to get a caffeine buzz on once in awhile.
Listening to:
If you haven’t heard of Songza, it’s like a hybrid of Spotify and Pandora, with playlists curated by real people based on mood, time of day or genre. My pick this week is the next best thing to being at SXSW: New Artists at SXSW 2013 Playlist
The News:
Much in the news this week about the goings on in Stubenville, Ohio. Every time I open my mouth to talk about it (literally or figuratively) I find myself struck mute with horror, sadness and anger. The ache in my chest drowns out my voice. Thankfully there are more articulate folks out there taking on the most problematic of issues surrounding Stubenville, including media coverage and culture. Here are a few of the ones that best voice the pain that silences me:
An excellent breakdown of what’s wrong with the “this could be your wife, sister, daughter,” appeal to people who defend rapists.
How mainstream media coverage (on top of local law enforcement response) has turned the perpetrators into victims.
Still think there is no abuse culture in these here United States? Check out what happened to one woman (and rape survivor) who challenged the idea that preventing rape is up to women by suggesting some emphasis should be placed on the re-education of men.
Finally, Henry Rollins takes on the massive culture fail that lead to the events, the judgment, the coverage and the arguably destroyed futures of these young people.
And now that I am thoroughly nauseous and heartbroken, yet again:
A little gem from Danielle LaPorte reminds us that during challenging times: “You will be called on to expand. And this is why we practice.”
And a reminder that no matter how bad things get, each day is a new opportunity to:
