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Everything is Alive

Spring has sprung. And earlier than ever, according to science. Recently, NPR’s Short Wave podcast had an episode entitled “Are seasonal allergies getting worse?” Spoiler alert: yes! I could tell as allergies set my eyes aflame earlier than ever. But it’s all so beautiful. Flowers are beginning to bloom and the grass is turning green. We did jump from Monday’s heatwave, with a high of 84, into chilly, rainy gloom for the rest of the week but I don’t mind. I made some favorite comfort foods like the NY Times creamy mac & cheese (secret ingredient: cottage cheese), zucchini muffins, and paneer butter masala. I also treated myself to Turkish bagels and Turkish coffee from Cafe Ceres. And today we will be getting Zen Box takeout, again.

Five inspiring things:

  • Sarah Bahbah’s ‘3eib’ Celebrates Female Sexuality and Arab Identity:

    In her latest photo series, ‘3eib’, released last September, Palestinian photographer Sarah Bahbah lets audiences into the deepest, innermost parts of her soul as she sorts through her traumas and her life experiences, all while reclaiming her Arab heritage.

    [Indulgence Intensifies]

  • Praise be to Madam Adam on tiktok. Their motivational videos get me through some of my tougher days. “I am capable. I am enough. I’m a bad bitch.
  • Maeve Higgins! I’m a longtime fan and appreciate her Social Distance podcast. But her recent piece in The Guardian makes me want to give Outlander another shot. “Bolstered by a gutsy female lead, this sexy historical drama was the perfect antidote to a life reduced to groceries shopping.” I don’t even do my shopping in person. Just online. Though I’ve had plenty to keep me busy with two jobs. I have 14 more classes to teach this month and next and then glorious freedom! Well, I’ll still have my full-time job but that will feel like a cakewalk after this last year of teaching remotely after work.
  • Speaking of pandemic life, as more of us are getting vaccinated (in the U.S. anyhow), I’m not the only one wondering what life will look like on the other side. My son looks forward to returning to campus and seeing his friends in person. I would prefer to remain working remotely, while slowly easing back into social activities.
  • Long before the pandemic, I bought a ticket to see Bikini Kill in Milwaukee. Then the show was rescheduled. Several times. It is now scheduled for October. In a burst of optimism, I went ahead and booked a hotel room and took some time off from work. I hope it still happens but it will be surreal to be in a packed music venue again.
a yellow daffodil blooming, surrounded by brown dried-out reeds
tree branches reflected in rain puddles on the road alongside bright green grass

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