Hello! Hi.
I’ve been quiet here for the past few weeks. With everything happening in the world, I didn’t want to add more noise to the internet. I still don’t. And if I’m honest with myself, I maaaybe went too far for my current comfort level the last time I posted and since then my inclination has been to retreat into a cave.
So I’ve been retreating, learning, processing, mourning, and just existing for the past few weeks.
And truly, it is a privilege to exist.
I don’t know a lot, but I do know that it is important not to look away from and to hold space for the suffering of all people, whoever they are, and whatever they believe. And to do what we can to help.
Here are some excellent organizations supporting Israelis and Palestinians to donate to, if you’re able (shared by Cup of Jo):
Alliance for Middle East Peace
Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund
The American Jewish Joint Distribution
12 grassroots groups working for Israel-Palestine peace
And some other helpful links:
Demand an immediate ceasefire by writing to your members of Congress (Action Network)
The work of Motaz Azaiza, a photojournalist documenting life and death in Gaza right now
This post from Matt Bernstein beautifully captures the nuance of being Jewish yet not supporting Israel’s actions (and also condemning Hamas and violence in all forms)
“When the World is Full of Noise,” a comic by Chanel Miller, reminded me of the importance of continuing to find beauty even when the world is dark
Inspired by Chanel’s comic mentioned above, here are some little things I have found beauty and joy in lately:
Dew droplets
Tarot cards (lots of thoughts about this; will likely share more soon)
Naps with Monet
A renaissance fair in our neighborhood complete with farm animals
Foggy mornings and the cool fall air
Eating at a Singaporean restaurant and enjoying foods we normally only get to have when we visit Singapore (Freddy’s homeland)
Spontaneously going to the D.C. Zoo with old friends and seeing the pandas just in time before they’re sent back to China
This restaurant called Haute Dog that has a full wall gallery of people’s dogs
Honorable mentions without photos:
Finishing Gilmore Girls (!)
The Great British Bake-Off (it’s back and better than it’s been in years)
Finishing a notebook and buying a fresh one
Reading lots of books (at the same time and making very slow progress)
The changing leaves
Author
’s newsletter about working in a charming London bookstore (people are calling for it to be made into a movie or TV series, it’s that wonderful)Playing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
A traditional holiday season rewatching of all the Harry Potter movies
Cobblestone sidewalks
Golden light
And many, many more.
How are you doing right now? What little joys are keeping you going during this dark time in the world?
Until next time,
Maryn (is here)
So good to have your voice in my inbox again! Love your collection of good things 💛
Thank you for continuing to share and be of service as you process your own experience and hold space for all that's transpiring around the world.