There’s Enough Shawls to Go Around

Surprise me View in browser March 01, 2019 Photo by erika akire on Unsplash    This week In the new issue of O Magazine (thank youuuu, Oprah!) Amina and I have a dialogue about how our friendship has informed our politics and deepened our empathy, and about the books we've used to supplement our knowledge of other people's experiences. It's not online but it is on newsstands—the issue that says "Awokenings" on the front (lol). And speaking of awakenings—in more of a puberty sense—on the podcast we're talking about the show PEN15 and our own pre-teen experiences. I was also on the Talk of Iowa public radio show discussing my career and how the Midwest shaped me. I'm reading Today's subject line is from this Stevie Nicks interview, featuring shawl vaults, gothic trunks, cashmere thoughts, wolfy coats, and so many more incredible details. On women who aren't named Stevie Nicks losing their visibility with age. Selma Blair is an inspiration. Billy Porter on his tuxedo-gown. Why efforts to reject the mainstream can result in a new kind of conformity. What it's like to live in a shopping mall. What do you do when you're young and suddenly flush with cash? There needs to be a national reckoning with the fact that thousands of immigrant children say they were abused in detention in the U.S. A refugee as a story-teller in search of a country that will listen. On LGBTQ-friendly communities in red states. What happened when some students tried to start a feminism club at their all-boys school. Why don’t we ever hear the details of how white people evolve on racial issues? On the trope of the volatile, unethical female journalist. How nonprofits die. A $15 minimum wage saves lives. How two reporters got the story of abuse allegations against director Bryan Singer (and how they still don't know why Esquire wouldn't publish it). The things you find tucked in used books. Yogurt starter as precious heirloom. How texting works. "Bitch Better Have My Money" lyrics, expanded for freelancers. Members only Become a paying member for just $5/year and you'll get a pie chart every week.  This week my accountant told me she'd checked out the pie charts on my website, and she wanted to know where I got the percentages. "I just make them up," I said. She looked at me, confused. "They're... jokes," I tried again. I didn't have it in my heart to say to her, "The numbers don't really matter!" So let this be a disclosure: If you are an excellent CPA, you might not be the ideal consumer of hand-drawn pie charts. I'm looking & listening "In order to create the universal you must pay great attention to the specific": Lorraine Hansberry talks to Studs Terkel about A Raisin in the Sun, 1971. (The Terkel digital archive is full of gems.) The new Solange album! The incredible Selma Blair on her life with MS. Young climate activists call out Dianne Feinstein. Oprah and Gayle answer friendship questions. I saw Robyn live this week and she was transcendent. GIFspiration Me crawling through the Prince gif trove, uploaded a few weeks ago by his estate. I endorse Recognizing when you can afford to stick to your principles, and doing so publicly. I'm inspired by this letter from Emma Thompson, who recently left an animated film because the production hired John Lasseter, who has been accused of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. A sample: I am well aware that centuries of entitlement to women’s bodies whether they like it or not is not going to change overnight. Or in a year. But I am also aware that if people who have spoken out — like me — do not take this sort of a stand then things are very unlikely to change at anything like the pace required to protect my daughter’s generation. A great dame, indeed. You endorse Naikan. "My coworker shared her daily reflection based on Naikan and I can't stop thinking about it: What have I received? What have I given? and What difficulties or confusion have I caused?  I am currently traveling the world with a group of 30 people. It's A LOT of time together because we are each other's coworking buddies, roommates, travel companions, support, etc. I've been looking for a way to reflect on our interactions and I am finding this helpful, especially when spending time with people I find difficult to get along with." -Kayla Harris. I love that. What do you endorse? Tell us all about it. The Classifieds Get monthly tarotscopes, full moon guides, crystal magick and more with this bi-weekly newsletter for witchy babes. Too many of us worry — a lot — about eating and weight. For a friendly, sane alternative, join classes that start soon! Calling all ladies with chutzpah! Get your email digest of all things smart, female, and Jew-y. Sign up for Alma here: www.heyalma.com Do you love looking at the moon? Want to learn more about it? Get weekly moon ceremonies and poems delivered to your inbox! Skeptics welcome. Let’s face it: the process of getting birth control today is a drag. So, Simple Health made it better. Get your prescription online and refills delivered to your door. All the doctor support you need and none of the hassle. Use code ANNFRIEDMAN to try it for free. Here's an enthusiastic, unsolicited testimonial from advertiser Licia Morelli: "If you were thinking about using The Ann Friedman Weekly Classifieds but weren't totally sure they were for you, it's time to hit that buy button! In just 3 hours I grew my newsletter list by 15% with a single ad. Want more eyes on your items? Look no further." Click for rates + info. Testimonials "BRACE YOURSELVES!" - my pocket app once i get to the "i'm reading" section @annfriedman's friday newsletter, probably" -Julianna Haubner. Everyone's browser tabs can relate. "Thanks @annfriedman for your newsletter. Your pie charts always make me smile." -Evren Kiefer. You know what makes me smile? That so many of you support this newsletter with dollars as well as clicks. Thank YOU. This newsletter is not using the word "woke" much anymore, but it's certainly awake. Forward it to someone else who is not asleep. AF WEEKLY Subscribe Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Manage paid membership MORE ANN Email me About me Writing archive Public speaking Rent my brain Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe | Ladyswagger, Inc. PO Box 26932 | Los Angeles, CA 90026 © 2019