Saturday Reading #1

It is my spring break, y’all and it feels SO GOOD.

I spent the first day of it stair running, dashing to the farmers market (it started to rain midway and I didn’t even care because yo, I DON’T HAVE TO WORK FOR TWO WEEKS.), picking produce, cooking, and hanging out in sweat pants. No shame, my dudes. To lounge felt divine.

I would like to get in the habit of posting weekly lists of lovely things I find around the web made by women and queers only, because we are wonderful and deserve more representation. I have it in my mind that Saturday is a day for lounging, so it seems appropriate to keep you entertained while you laze. Here is the first of many entries of things I love around the web.

After the Trail: The Return of Existential Despair by Carrot Quinn

My friend Carrot Quinn hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail (that’s 2660 miles from Mexico to Canada) and blogged about it in exquisite detail the entire way. She is not only incredibly brave, but also an excellent writer. In this post she discusses dealing with existential dread after the end of her trip. Although most of us have not hiked the PCT (although we should, WHO’S WITH ME?!) we have all probably dealt with returning to regular life after completing a ridiculous feat (grad school, a marathon, a big move, etc.) Carrot’s awesome use of the english language makes the despair seem beautiful.

Red Flannel Hash by Ashley Neese

You know what’s been bumming me out lately? The demonization of carbohydrates. In my disordered eating I had many food phobias. As I recovered, I was able to separate the ones that were silly (healthy fats, carbohydrates, fruits, etc.) from the ones I find have some value (processed foods, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils- these things are not for me.) Because I am active in the Crossfit community, I come across a fair amount of carbohydrate demonization and sometimes people that I think are actually really, incredibly healthy choose a low-carb way of eating. It can be confusing! I mean no disrespect but I think, like any of the macronutrients, carbs are necessary, and beyond that- downright wonderful. This red flannel hash is a positively delicious way to get in your healthy carbs and pairs awesomely with greens and tempeh, should you want to balance the whole meal out. Dive in.

You Will Survive by Ragini Nag Rao (Rookie Magazine)

If you don’t know about Rookie Magazine, I suggest you get up on it. It is a magazine started by Tavi Gevinson who is not only a style icon and a genuis, she’s also a teenager. I frequently find articles about sex, love, career, creativity, etc. that I find relavant to my daily life, even though I am about double the age of the target audience. This article in particular is about growing up in an abusive household, and how it was important for the author not to lose hope. It inspired me to write a post of my own about similar circumstances awhile back, and brings tears to my eyes every time I read it. Speaking the truth holds so much power.

A diagram to help you next time you are having a shitty brain day by The Militant BakerJes of the Militant Baker is another personal hero of mine. She is a body positivity activist and has consistently inspired me to be a better, more self loving, positive version of myself. In this article she gives you a concrete numbered list of actions to take if you’re having a “shitty brain day”. Who doesn’t have those from now and again? Take her advice, feel awesome, know her, love her, thank her. This woman is great.

Every project that Kathleen Hanna has been a part of (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, and the Julie Ruin) has been instrumental in the construction of my mental health, my politics, and my sense of feminist community. In this video she pairs with Kathi Wilcox (also from Bikini Kill and the Julie Ruin) to test one another’s knowledge of their 20+ year friendship. I love the window into their personalities and let’s be real, I love the incredible power of the female bond. Revolution, Girl style NOW, always and forever.

Happy Reading!
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