Dear readers,
My family took a trip upstate to get into the path of totality for April 8th eclipse. I knew what to expect in theory, but nothing can really prepare you for the awe of sitting by a mountain lake and watching the whole world go dark. For the 3 minutes and 30 seconds we experienced totality, the sky was soft orange along the horizon everywhere you looked—to the north, to the east, to the south, to the west—like a sunrise in every direction. How’s that for poetry?
I’m doing something a little different this month—I’m including a scan of the entirety of April’s first snail mail newsletter for all subscribers to enjoy. Woah! A little vulnerable! If you’ve been wondering what the snail mail club has to offer, here’s a sneak peek. (Plus, paid subscribers get a little bonus in each envelope!)
> Read the rest of last week's snail mail <
Want more like this in your mailbox twice a month?
PATCHWORK Literary Salon — May 8th, 7:00pm at Sisters
It’s happening! Every month at Sisters in Bed-Stuy, I’ll be hosting 3-4 writers across genres for an evening of lively conversation, literary readings, drink specials, prizes, and space to connect across the indie literary scene. Our first lineup is such a DREAM! Come see me in conversation with K-Ming Chang, Megan Milks, and Maeve Barry. It’s going to be a blast.
Read, Rest and Renew retreat — July 26th-28th, The Center at Mariandale
Save the date! Registration will open soon for this weekend retreat designed as an escape from the rush of daily life and summer in the city. This is a perfect first-time retreat with lots of downtime and some light programming, including opportunities for group reflection, gentle movement, and conversation during meals. Enjoy 61 acres of land overlooking the Hudson River, walking trails, and an in-ground pool!
My heart this week is with the people of Gaza as mass graves are uncovered at the sites of raided hospitals; the students and faculty protesting for divestment from the war machine across America, especially those Jewish students made homeless during Passover after being suspended for their activism; the hundreds of anti-war demonstrators detained last night at Grand Army Plaza during a “not in our name” seder protest. It’s easy to feel helpless and hopeless in the face of so much death with impunity, but the courage and principled action of these activists gives me hope.
Embroidery artist Irem Yazici makes some truly delightful stuff. I watched this video of her stitching a dancing dog and these musical bees several times in a row. Please may my algorithm only serve me up more stuff exactly like this.
Which song is playing in your head nonstop from The Tortured Poets Department and why is it So High School?
BRAND 🗣
NEW 🗣
FULL 🗣
THROTTLE 🗣
TOUCH ME WHILE YOUR BOYS PLAY
GRAND THEFT AUTO!!!!!!! 🗣🗣🗣
Anyway, that’s it for me today. Hope to see you in the real world soon ❣️
🌱 Nadine
