Welcome to The Simple Things, a newsletter inspired by one of my favorite Oscar Wilde quotes. Here’s where I grapple with my relationship with consumerism, share articles that made me think, and save recipes I’ll never have time to make.
A story:
An old Cherokee man told his grandson, “My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, and truth.
The boy took in his Grandfather’s words and asked, “Grandfather, which wolf wins?”
The old man quietly replied, “The one you feed.”
I don’t know if you know this about me, but I am ALWAYS ANGRY. With the help of my psychiatrist and some CBT techniques, it’s mostly under control. Lately, however, it’s becoming more and more difficult to take the high road. I’m tired of being the better person. Why don’t they do it? I’m calling in sick. The news makes me furious. Haven’t you had it with the people in power? I’m fed up. What is it all for? Everything seems horrible. Why even try?
I honestly don’t know. What I do know is that every time I find myself approaching DEFCON ADULT TANTRUM (I think the professionals call it a “nervous breakdown”), I look over the edge of the cliff and all I can see is a foreboding abyss. It is bottomless, going nowhere. The choice to be kind and patient is the path of most resistance, but it sustains. Feeding the dark wolf, indulging in my angriest tendencies is draining, it hollows me out. Nothing good ever comes easy, but it the good things never abandon you and if you keep yourself open to it, it can curl up next to you and keep you warm on your darkest and coldest days. Do not believe the naysayers. Tenderness is strength.
Some good things this way.
Today’s newsletter title comes from this astute observation of Under 40 lists.
“What is solidarity, if not an act of love?” This description of oddkin is a great reminder of why S and I launched Kiin: “Oddkin stakes the claim that the shape of kinship isn’t a birthright, but a choice. That the people we choose to gather with are connected to us in ways at least equivalent to those we were born alongside.
Speaking of Kiin, we’re a social club and community-oriented third space for busy families. Follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter. We’re in our pre-seed funding round with hopes to build a brick and mortar space in Atlanta soon.
Need a cup of kindness? This Cup of Jo post and comments section are a balm for my tired soul.
“When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.” - Hunter S. Thompson. See also: “I don’t know how many years on the earth I have left, but I’m gonna get real weird with it.” - Frank Reynolds, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Notes from an Urban Bee Keeper: “[Philip] Britts wrote ten points that define a ‘good farmer.’ Here’s the last one, which I find both humbling and deepening. A good farmer, he says, ‘realizes that he knows next to nothing of all that there is to know, that he is dealing with eternal laws which he did not make and cannot alter, and that the most brilliant achievements of human knowledge are simply the closest obedience to these laws.”
Just learned that Alleyoop makes this neat all-in-one razor that has a spray bottle, moisturizing bar, and a razor. Looks like a great thing to have while camping (HA, NEVER) or whenever I notice I missed a spot (ALWAYS).
In case you thought I was joking about not enjoying camping, please note that I am a proud member of the Out of Breath Hiking Society. Our motto is “Don’t worry I’ll be there in a minute.” Really. It’s stitched on the patch. (There’s also a pin!)
What time is it? Time for a perfectly useless afternoon. Mr. Jones makes beautifully graphic time pieces that actually tell you what time it is (In this case, the hour hand is the relaxed figure’s leg, with the plastic duck as the minute hand). I live and die by my Apple Watch, but I’m tempted to get one of these pieces of art.
These bookplates make wonderful gifts for the bookworm in your life.
Beam Paints is an indigenous-owned company that makes their paints by hand from natural ingredients like tree sap, gum arabic, and Manitoulin honey. I love their beautifully packaged travel kit. Watch it action here.
Some stocking stuffer ideas: This opossum-themed to do list, these tiny crocheted flowers, and a custom porcelain sculpture of your dog.
I love these printed pants in black.
Very much in love with Sabrena Khadija’s illustration style.
There’s no such thing as too many dad hats. Adding this, this and this to the collection. The latter also funds literacy programs, so it’s a dad hat with a purpose!
In 1871, a woman in Quebec hired a hearse with the sole intention of riding around town smoking in the coffin-bed while enjoying the view. What a flex.
This jewelry company helps you renovate the pieces you never wear. What a cool concept.
“Only those who do not seek power are qualified to hold it.” - Plato
“Let’s be clear: there is a vast difference between diversity and inclusion, and liberation and justice. One enjoys the feeling of my presence. The other embraces the fullness of my humanity.” - @stewartdantec. Oof I felt this one so deeply, my teeth hurt.
I still struggle with articulating my Asian American experience and identity. Cathy Park Hong’s Minor Feelings and Jay Caspian Kang’s “The Myth of Asian American Identity” have helped.
Mr. Rafieh’s pencil shop in Tehran.
Kurt Vonnegut tells his wife he’s going out to buy an envelope.
Did you know the librarians at the Library of Congress are available for expert research?
This all-in-one watering can/spray bottle is perfect for anyone with a green thumb.
Hang in there! The week is halfway over!