Step Away From the News

(My Very Eleventh Newsletter)

Hi, you guys! Thank you all for sending me such kind comments about my newsletter.  I read them all as a permission to indulge.  And I encourage all of you to do the same.  If there was ever a time to put pen to paper, it’s now.  The world has gotten very scary.  Every time I get a notification from the New York Times, I lose my breath.  I know  the situation is dire because I feel a small measure of relief when it’s “just an obituary.”  I can’t tell if I’m contemptuous of people who have no idea of what is going on or am merely envious. 

But even if you’re a glutton for the information punishment, you need to step away from the news. Get your work done if you can.  Exercise please. Even if you hate it.  And finally be creative.  You don’t have to be Lin Manuel Miranda or Toni Morrison.  You don’t even have to be good.  Pen to paper, paintbrush to canvas, tap shoes to Zebra Wood flooring. Find a microphone, a guitar, yarn, eggs, sugar flour.  Creating something will make you feel better.  I think there are studies on this, and I’ve seen it firsthand. My students, who at one time, self identified as unfunny, finally experience the jubilation of making people laugh.  Obviously, that is a stand up comedy example, and if that seems horrific to you, then think of the pride you might have after baking a fantastic cookie, writing a terrific letter or sewing a button.  

And for the love of whatever you believe in, support the arts.  More specifically, support your pals in their creative pursuits. And don’t wait for their work to be highlighted on Broadway, Netflix, or a Madison Avenue gallery. Go to the experimental dance concert, the book reading, the no-frills comedy show, or the church choir.  This is when your friends need you.  

Distractions

Snacks

I’ve been instructed to eat more calcium, which I find oppressive. I’m not the person who rushes to the cheese plate at a cocktail party; I prefer a pig in a blanket.  But I have recently discovered that Maple Brown Cow yogurt is nothing short of delicious.  

TV

I’m a huge Severance fan, and season two does not disappoint. I found watching both seasons much more enjoyable when I listened to a podcast, or two, or three after each episode.   

Movies

Like many of you I was put off by Adrien Brody’s ickiness at the Oscars. And I’m terrified of a movie that lasts longer than two hours, let alone three. But I liked the description of a visionary architect who fled post World War 2 Europe to establish himself in the United States. I was prepared, however, for boredom.  Guess what?  I loved The Brutalist. The story was gripping, the acting pitch perfect and it was visually interesting.  Yes, It had flaws.  It had many flaws. But that has been my experience with any ambitious project: whether it be a sweeping novel, a marriage and – dare I say it –a democracy.  I’d love to hear what you think, seriously. 

Books 

I just loved Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow: I hesitated on reading it because of the words “video game” in the blurb.  But this is a book about friendship.  And, admittedly, I kind of was interested in video games after reading.  I love Gabrielle Zevin’s; writing.  Bonus: I may have liked The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry as much as Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. And I also loved Young Jane Young. 

Something I Learned

Sea Otters have loose pouches of skin under their armpits which basically serve as pockets, where they can store food and rocks.  I have to carry my rocks in a handbag.