Sunday Morning Coffee // No. 135

Beyonce gave us Black is King and honestly, that was exactly what I needed to end a stressful week with. There are, obviously, many things we’ve all be struggling with in the wake of the pandemic but one of the tougher parts for me has been a lack of things to look forward to. Weddings are postponed, trips have been cancelled (I had plans for Edinburgh in the fall), even book pub dates are being pushed back. It’s a pretty sad time overall, so I really appreciate the small, less extraordinary things we do get.

Like the best Black show lineup coming to Netflix and the stunning imagery that is Black is King (seriously, I’ve watched 3 times already).

Amping up my journaling habit in July really reminded me how important it is to slow down, be present and celebrate even the smallest moments of every day.

Links I Loved

+ John Lewis’ powerful final words to us all absolutely moved me to always strive to do what is right, to fight and demand justice however I can.

+ President Obama’s ulogy for John Lewis is just as moving.

+ Among many, many other things, COVID is making us social awkward.

+ In the age of never ending zoom meetings, don’t you think it’s time videoconferencing joined us in 2020 and got an upgrade?

+ This five minute breathing exercise can help you calm an anxious mind, relax and prep for meditation. I tried it out and actually really like it!

+ I’ve always admired Kellie and her work and I couldn’t have smiled any bigger when I saw her featured in Vogue. More fat, Black women in high fashion magazine, I beg!!

+ “Who hears a Black woman’s cries of fear and pain if their personhood is stripped away? If Black women are no longer regarded as human, then their bodies are deemed deserving of disproportionate amounts of pain. If Black women are no longer granted femininity, then their bodies are subjected to transphobic attacks in an attempt to validate the violence they endure.” On Meg the Stallion and the misogynoir in hip hop (and beyond).

+ 17 books to add to your feminist reading list.

+ We talk about red flags in people often, but what about green flags?

+ The first episode of the Michelle Obama podcast was perfect. I’ve listened 5 times.

Happy Sunday.