Oh hey there. Didn’t think you’d hear from me again so quickly? Me either. But I feel like a lot is on my mind - and probably yours too - and I find this substack outlet to be quite cathartic. Obvs too, hope you’re all getting something out of my random musings as well. Let me know in the comments below!
The Writers Strike is on week six, SAG (actors) just voted for their own strike authorization, and we’re still waiting to see what this “historic deal” the DGA (directors) got out of our shared enemy the AMPTP. All that to say, anxiety levels are bubbling due to our economic uncertainty. UPS truck drivers are also preparing to strike and while I joke (in the best way) that I should just go into nursing at this point (influenced entirely by Carol Hathaway and Abby Lockhart respectively), even the nurses are walking out and protesting in droves over better pay and patient ratios. In summary, capitalism sucks and America is, and has been, in crisis.
To that end — I knew in my bones I wasn’t meant to be an activist. That constant yelling and psuedo-picketing (is it working if we still let folks into their offices or shoot their “needed” shots on set?) is not for me. Sign me up for classic sit-in though. I’ll gladly sit on a cool marble floor, arms locked, inside of a well air conditioned corporate building to avoid the summer sun. I’ll happily block an elevator bank while someone with a proper theater background sings into a megaphone beside me. While I know we still can be forcibly removed, at least I won’t have my shirt sticking to me full of sweat or my skin exposed to the harmful UV rays.
But shout out to our hardworking strike captains. A job I’ve been offered but know in my heart of hearts I cannot do. They’re the ones organizing us, showing up first and leaving last at pickets, leading our rapid response pickets, and coming up with new strategies every week to outsmart our enemy until they come back to the negotiating table that we never left. Slow claps.
However, between the protests and constant social media posts on why writers, and every other worker in America, deserves a living wage, life still trudges on.
And I couldn’t help but wonder (insert SATC Carrie voice here), if my entire personality is TV and Film. One of the rules (although an amorphous and ambiguous one in my opinion, clarification please!) the WGA has mandated is the non-posting/sharing of TV and Film on socials. Showrunners are not supposed to promote their shows. We’re not to attend FYC or red carpet events. But I’m so used to sharing my latest binge and discussing online the ups and downs of new shows and films hitting our screens, now that I can’t, I’m like…. well what do I talk about?
I read, yes. Lots to discuss on Bookstagram (not young or cool enough for BookTok), but my bread and butter, content consumption wise, is TV and Film. So for now, I’ve been bullet journaling my monthly “watches” that I aim to share post strike. And y’all, there’s some awesome stuff out there. Especially one about wine that
recently told us about in her latest newsletter (wink). Might I also recommend you follow — his instagram posts are priceless and am very happy to see that ER was included in his meme making a little ways back.New York, I Love You
One of the highlights of this city, for me at least, is Lincoln Center. Between the symphony, jazz space, operas, and ballets, as my pocketbook will allow, I’ll go every chance I can to experience art on these grand stages. This past month alone, I’ve had the privilege of seeing Terence Blanchard’s Champion, Justin Peck’s Partita and Copland Dance Episodes, as well as Solange’s Playtime with choreo by Gianna Reisen, and Love Letter On Shuffle featuring the music of James Blake and choreo by Kyle Abraham. Still lowkey would love to see the NYPhil play Copland’s live score to Spike Lee’s He Got Game.
Too - I ventured over to Bryant Park to have lunch with a friend one sunny afternoon. We picked up takeout from a Thai place in midtown east and meandered over to the tree lined park to settle in the shade as we caught up on life, gossiped, and consumed our food.
And another recent only-in-New-York highlight would be going to The Met after hours. A friend and I took advantage of “Date Night At The Met” where the museum and rooftop stay open til 9PM. Watching the sunset over Central Park was a real treat while also standing in Lauren Halsey’s giant installation. After a few hours of standing in line for said rooftop access and people watching once up there, it was finally our turn in the virtual line to head back down into the museum proper to catch the latest costume exhibit. Thank you Katy Keene (still streaming!) for turning me into a wee fashion nerd.
Lastly, the iconic High Line is never a bad idea. After grabbing second breakfast at Buvette one Friday morning, an out of town friend and I walked the West Village up to Chelsea and hopped onto the High Line taking it all the way to Hudson Yards.
Successes and Challenges
Life is full of challenges, so I will spare you my latest spate of woes (more and more I feel like a Victorian housewife constantly bedridden with ails) but to combine the thought, this newsletter’s success and challenge comes in the form of jeans!
Who doesn’t love a good jean? When you find that magic pair you want to buy multiples and never have to worry about the jean hunt again. Which is what I did… about five or six years ago I found the perfect pair at Uniqlo. I bought three of them, in varying shades of wash, and was hoping that they’d last me a good while. And technically they did. But then last May I had a myomectomy and I ended up with a c-section incision. So while I lost my post surgery weight, getting back down to the number I was before, my mid section had other plans. No matter how many times I’d try on my perfect Uniqlo jeans, they would not fit for the life of me. “Your body’s healing,” people would say but all I could see was that I could no longer fit into my favorite pair of jeans.
Fast forward to a year of getting away with sweats, bike shorts, culottes, and overalls for my pants wearing needs. A few weeks ago I was lamenting to a friend after a long walk how I missed wearing denim pants. Something I didn’t think was possible in our stay at home, comfy athleisure, covid era. But there I was yearning for the days I could slip on jeans, pair with an oversized blazer, and go about my day. I’m not sure why during this particular talk it clicked, but finally my friend said to just go and buy new jeans. Like, no shit Sherlock. But y’all, it isn’t even about the vanity of pant sizes. Give me whatever, I just want to look good. But I hated the fact that I did everything I was supposed to do - exercise, eat right, heal - and yet my favorite trio of jeans were no longer waiting for me at the finish line.
So alas, legit right after our little talk, I set out on an hours long journey to come home with some new jeans. While all the sales associates were very kind in my need for jeans to fit my short waist and curves, after hitting up five well known for their denim storefronts, I ended up with a new pair from Madewell that I absolutely adore and this pair from J.Crew. Neither of which fit me like a glove the way Uniqlo’s did… but it’s a start. And for backup, I always have my non flattering but technically fit Target jeans that I bought in a flurry on my way to cover set in Santa Fe last fall. And sadly yes, Uniqlo no longer makes those jeans, otherwise I would have just rolled up and purchased in my new size asap.
TBR
Oh look a new sub category. This one will be about my ever growing To Be Read pile - a book pile that’s at its tallest it’s ever been. I used to be a library lady, proud library card carrying member of the Brooklyn and Burbank Public Libraries, but ever since the pandemic and new known ways germs and disease travel, I cannot yet bring myself to check out loaned books knowing others have also touched, coughed, sneezed, or spilled onto the pages I’d want to read from the comfort of my clean / sterile adjacent home. Is there some sort of zap-germs-be-gone-machine that exists out there?
I won’t bore you with the entire list but currently trying to decide between —
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow - gifted book via my brother for my birthday. I’ve only heard great things but the page count is so intimidating. I appreciate the faith my brother has in me to read this one.
I Am Debra Lee - an autobiography of the former CEO of BET.
Brown Girl, Brownstones - a friend put me onto this little known novel and cannot wait to dive in and share her passion for this story.
Golden Ax - a book of poems by Rio Cortez. I can usually read an entire book of poetry in a sitting or two but Cortez’s words and images cut like no other and it takes me a while to absorb a single page of its meaning. The poem that drew me to her was “Black Lead in a Nancy Meyers Film.”
put me onto this one and it’s an exploration of race (read: POC protagonists) in youth and YA based fiction whether that be in Books, TV, or Film.Links!
Currently on the hunt for a new hat to wear on the picket line given my ever changing hair styles from silk press, to afro poof, to braids. These are on my short list: this one / this one / this one / this one / and this one (yes these are all Antrho sourced given I have a gift card to use).
I’m also in want of a large crossbody purse given my current shoulder snafu (see, ails!). While this one from Madewell technically fits the bill, I’m still eyeing this beauty from Dooney (tres expensive!), or this one from Coach Outlet. All I want is something cute but large that could hold a book, maybe my Sony camera, and the usual purse items including a pair of sunglasses. Sometimes I wish I knew how to make my own clothes and accessories because nothing is quite what I’m looking for just yet.
Popped into Yours Truly (don’t you just love the name!) in Fort Greene to buy some cards for upcoming birthdays and Fathers Day and walked out with this roller gel ball Kaweco pen. Love. Just wish my own ‘hood had a cute stationary shop like this.
Y’all, don’t judge me (I mean, you can) but finally purchased this bottle of wine I’ve been eyeing ever since I saw Christine Baranksi emptying hers during that legendary Sondheim trio with Audra McDonald and Meryl Streep. Now I’m just waiting for the perfect moment to open and share!
This air purifier is keeping me healthy and sane as the smoke from the Canadian wildfires engulfs New York City. I bought this initially while living in Los Angeles and I hate that I had to dig it out again for my east coast life as well.
Sadly, after a fifteen year run, Melissa Harris Perry’s The Takeway went off the air. I’m still mad at WNYC for this move and throw up my middle finger during the pledge drive now knowing that “member supported radio” did not in fact support my favorite show on the air. Can’t wait to see where she pops up next.
Lastly (but not least!) - Happy Pride! In the words of Claire Willett, “For Pride this month can straight people focus on less of ‘love is love’ and more on ‘queer and trans people are in danger.’” And Tyler James Williams said what he said. If you’re looking for a way to help the LGBTQIA+ community this June (and beyond), perhaps a donation to The Trevor Project would be a great place to start.
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As always thank you for reading and In Solidarity,
M.
❤️🙌🏼🍷