Cruel compendium #21 đ§ââď¸
Pandemic pets, holiday bops, and the power of fairies
If youâre still looking for Good Giftsâ˘, check out the CSBC gift guide. And go ahead and wrap up anything you bought for yourself recently, as a treat. â¨
Also, Iâm looking to gift myself with a writing workshop in the new year. Please send me your suggestions!
Iâm reading
Writer and editor Sari Botton is about to take a few months off to pen her first book. She writes honestly about what it really takes to build a writing career and become âsuccessfulâ in her newsletter, Adventures in âJournalismâ
Someone recently referred to me as âestablishedâ and âinfluential,â and I donât think they have any idea what a struggle itâs been for me to arrive at anything vaguely resembling those adjectives in my mid-50s. The truth is that itâs been two-and-a-half decades of exhaustedly vying for gigs. At the beginning I was too young and too much of an outsider to be taken seriously. Now I worry those who might hire me think Iâm too oldâthat Iâve had my chance, and itâs time to put me out to pasture. It feels as if there hasnât been much of a middle to this story.
My pandemic cat had a secret by Carla Bruce-Eddings
Is it okay to let my dog sleep in my bed? by Kelly Conaboy
She stalked her daughterâs killers across Mexico, one by one. By Azam Ahmed. The incredible story of Miriam RodrĂguez, a mother who took on the cartel, and inspired her country.
Nicole Zhuâs delightful data breakdown of the 61 books she read in 2019. I also love her newsletter.
Iâm listening to
Relient K Christmas and Tinasheâs holiday album đ
Questionable self-care advice
Drag me.
Support I got that you might need to hear
Forever reminder:
Vision board
You should know about
Dialup, a voice-chat app to talk to strangers. I feel like this could be a powerful tool to build social self-confidence, especially during a pandemic. I heard about it through this Modern Love column.
The Peloton app. No, I do not have The Bike, but I did get the Peloton app a couple of weeks ago and really enjoy it. Thereâs hundreds of classes for yoga, strength training, running, cycling and more. Iâve been getting back into running using the outdoor audio exercises. Itâs only $12/month, and your first 30 days are free.
Iâve been using aluminum-free deodorant for a few years, and they are truly not all created equal. Here are two I really like. (Disclaimer: Iâm generally not a very sweaty or smelly person, so these may not work for someone who is.) Fat and the Moon has an earthy, sage-y smell and goes on smooth and easy. I like it for the consistency and scent, but itâs not as great at repelling sweat. And Funk Butter has a more powdery scent (baking soda) and does a great job covering smell and sweat. But itâs harder to put on with your fingers and can leave a chalky residue all up in your pits.
The economics of Christmas trees. Fascinating!
Writer Ann Friedman is looking for two emerging writers for a fellowship through her very successful newsletter. What a dream. Deadline to apply January 10.
This thread about believing in the power of fairies:
Minerva moment
Anthem
âRockstarâ by Mallrat. Check out the CSBC playlist.
Mood
Cruel Summer Book Club is wishing for a snow day in California. Build a snowman with me by subscribing to this newsletter and sharing it with friends. And go ahead and smash that heart button.
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You are not alone!