Emily gets a handle
December 2nd, 2024
HELLO
Hey, welcome, it’s nice to be here with you. This is a newsletter where I explore themes of permission and attention through my experience in the world and the romantic comedy genre.
This month I’m writing from a place of pain and connection. Owch. Seeing people using their power to choose death. Death for people, death for plants, death for animals. It HURTS. owch.
In Roxane Gay’s fabulous newsletter, The Audacity, she writes: “What are the best ways we can nurture community and look out for each other in the here and now, especially after the disastrous election outcome?”
Here are ways I paid attention to nurturing community in 2024.
January
making my mom a Welcome Home poster and being there when she got home from the hospital.
letting myself be held by friends, warmth, laughter and water in Sanibel Island.
starting taking Zoloft.
Resource: Yes! Magazine - a nonprofit, independent publisher of solutions journalism.
February
hosting my annual living room birthday kareoke. Bringing the house down with a choreographed, heartfelt rendition of “I’m Just Ken”.
embodying Barbie and Joey Graziadei at my birthday party at Chez Vous Roller Rink.
enjoying a cutie dinner party and game of Ticket to Ride with M, M and B.
Resource: The People’s CDC - A CDC watchdog and public health advocacy and health justice group.
March
starting a new job at a local bagel café! working with a team to prepare and give people bagels feels good.
acknowledging and being held in my deep depression. thank you to all the people who witnessed me, held me in my sadness, and shared your unique gifts with me (listening, massages, meals, yoga, presence, laughter, prescriptions).
watching Problemista by Julio Torres with my roommates.
Resource: Let Feathers Ruffle essay by Anna Fusco.
Resource: Underbelly Yoga and Pony Sweat Aerobics.
April
BEHOLDING A TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN. VERMONT. BABY. FRIENDSHIP. PRESENCE. FEAR. AWE. CONFUSION. SNOW.
transforming conflict class with the STOKE Collective & practicing generative conflict with loved ones.
hosting an adorable and meaningful birthday party for my Dad while dogsitting the sweetest dog.
Resource: The STOKE Collective - “STOKE is about slowing down and tending to the foundations of our justice work: relationships.”
May
STARTING THIS NEWSLETTER!!!! GO ME!!!
enjoying concerts from Ed Sheeran, Chappell Roan, Megan Thee Stallion, and Hozier at Boston Calling with my sibling and our partners.
making delicious breakfast burritos with my sibs N & J and my mom.
Resource: Taking 3 deep breaths.
June
starting The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (I finished in September! go me!).
celloing, trumpeting, guitaring and singing Amazing Grace for 1 hour with my peeps.
protesting in Boston Common to demand that the U.S. stop arming Israel.
Resource: this video/ritual from Alexis Pauline Gumbs
Resource: Resistance Revival Chorus
July
beholding a double rainbow over the ocean at Rehobeth Beach with my Mom.
enjoying skeeball, dolphins, boogie boarding, sand, naps, books, shade, laughter, presence, and seeing my mom hang out with HER middle school bestie!
Taking action with Climate Changemakers and it feeelt so good! so good! (iykyk)
Resource: Climate Changemakers - a modern climate advocacy network.
August
traveling to Virginia and Vermont for weddings, grandma time, and family time.
celebrating my boyfriend’s birthday. I love him so, so much.
running home from a sheep farm in the pouring rain.
Resource: The Grand Crew - a funny sitcom teeheehee!
September
bla bla bla transitioning bla bla bla.
living co-operatively and democratically. Making decisions together at a monthly house meeting and sharing chores based on interest/skill/capacity. Practicing generative conflict, honesty, and non-violent communication. Having fun together. Asking each other - how was your day?
starting a system where each of the 4 roomies cooks dinner 1x/week. This means we have 4 dinners a week + leftovers.
Resource: Boston Public Library - libraries. are. spectacular.
October
hiking Mt. Monadnak with my Dad.
buying face paint and using it to be a lion for Halloween.
pickleballing at Boston Center for Youth and Families.
Resource: Boston Center for Youth and Families.
November
oof. America is sliding into facism. How do I take action where I am? *I’d love to talk with you about facism and power anytime!*
Completing my Next Economy MBA certificate — let’s transform the economy so that it works for all life!
planting raspberries in the front yard.
Resource: The Next Economy Now Podcast or book.
Resource: Do the Work: A Guide to Understanding Power and Creating Change by Roxane Gay and Megan Pillow.
Resource: Graphic Rage with Aubrey Hirsch
Phew! That was a big newsletter. Get ready for some Wicked thoughts in January :). You are perfect. I love you. Thank you for being here.
Emily’s end of year favorites:
Fav movie! CHALLENGERS
Fav non-fiction book! POVERTY, BY AMERICA
Fav fiction book! CHAIN-GANG ALL STARS
Fav bagel! SESAME
THE LUNCH LINE
Ding Dong! Call my lunch line. It rings and then it is my voice. I share something I ate for lunch in November, 2024. I update it every month. Will it be a bagel????
✨ ☏ ✨ ☏ (508) 250-0281 ✨ ☏ ✨ ☏
BYE
Thanks for reading!
This is an enjoyable format. I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability! Deep work here :)