Good Seedlets #18

Watch to nurture…….

• Ziwe and Renee Rapp Interview I loooooooove Renee. So much so that my students believe I am IN LOVE with her- which may or may not be true. This interview is as chaotic as a Housewives episode with a queer flair. Worth your time. 

• Why Rest is a Right, Not A Luxury Another potent reminder that if we don’t listen to our bodies, they will force us to pay attention in uncomfortable ways. 

Follow to grow……. 

• @iamjoportia sensual embodiment coach for women with impeccable style. 

• @starmoonandsun1 an astrologer who has somehow predicted more events in pop culture than I have seen before. 

• @haileecatalano A local NJ native with a flair for easy and interesting recipes. 

 Read to root……. 

• Road Of Bones by Demi Winters: I haven’t gotten this invested in fantasy characters since TOG. It is a slow start, but once the world is built, we get into the heart of the characters; their lives, decisions, and ultimately, the battle between good and evil ( the secret thing that we all love about this genre!) ANDDD there is a little drop of spice, just to round it all out. Thanks to my friend and romantasy aficionado, Anne, for the recommendation! 

• What's Happening to Reading? By Joshua Rothman: I think about this topic a lot- many students I work with don’t, or can’t, read complex or extended texts. This makes me deeply concerned for society at large when it comes to critical thinking skills.I’m curious to see what happens as technology keeps advancing. My eternal question remains: how much of this really helps us vs. takes away our agency? 

• I'm 16. On Nov.5 the Girls Cried, and the Boys Played Minecraft  The gender dynamics ( and divide) amongst young people are fascinating and terrifying and need to be studied. This was originally published in the times- what a beautiful way to acknowledge  student voice.

• Vera Won's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto This book was fun and light and easy to read in one sitting. The found family that this book creates is heart-warming, believable, and special. I loved the diverse character; highlighting both their differences, but ultimately, their similarities. Great for a beach/park/outdoor read in the summer! 

• How Fantasy Fueled 60s Counterculture by Sitara I’m sorry, but did you know that Ren Faires were created as a revolutionary act?!?!? I had no idea!  Given the internet’s ( I include myself here) current obsession with all things fantasy/romantasy, this makes sense. The dream of simpler times and connective storytelling are always needed during cultural revolutions.

Listen to expand……

• Plain English: How to Have Hard Conversations Required listening. The end. Everyone can benefit from the conversational understanding discussed in this podcast- whether it is for your marriage,  friendships, or work colleagues.

• How To Stop Fawning and Reclaim your Boundaries As A Woman Please take this recommendation with a grain of salt; it is super hetero. However, I found some gems about womanhood discussed here that forced me to confront parts of my own fawning identity. 

Support if you can…. 

• Protect Public Libraries Because that is where we are now: public libraries ( perhaps one of the best things we have in this country) are in jeopardy. Protect them. Use them. Support them. Frequent them.