Skyscrapers, diaries, papyrus, South L.A., and more
Skyscrapers, diaries, papyrus, South L.A., and more
Seven links to worthwhile thin(g/k)s
Hello dear reader,
I hope the beginning of 2023 has been exactly what you needed it to be. For me, it has thus far been a tender, intimate cocooning of sorts. I have been drawn inward toward savoring slowness (softer mornings, simpler evenings); staying at home more and more, but if traveling, staying mindful of the coziness of space; and being more aware of attentiveness (finessing technique in body workouts, experimentation in cooking, effort in organizing, intentionality in writing and reading). Springtime will soon beckon.
Until then, here are this week’s seven links to bits of the world I have been exploring, shared with the hope that you will find them to be an inspiring springboard for deeper thinking.
Why skyscrapers are so short: how econ and legal ramifications limit new tech’s physical capabilities.
I love having discovered this week a newsletter titled Diaries of Note, as this year, 365 people of the past will be transporting me back in time. Swoon. It’s “a daily celebration of the diary—one of the most intimate, therapeutic, and revealing forms of writing imaginable—and a regular opportunity to see how people have attempted to memorialise and make sense of their lives throughout the ages.”
YouTube book review: Stoner by John Williams. Here’s a link to a copy of the book.
The eclectic beauty of 2,400 leaves, a visual — this was fun.
I miss playing boardgames with my grandma as a kid, and I’ve been meaning to revive the activity into a weeknight evening tradition, so this list of boardgames + puzzles here from Dani, who lives in my dreamland of Denmark, has been great inspo this week.
Ryan Gosling’s SNL Papyrus skit is probably going to have me cracking up all of this upcoming week.
A walk through South Los Angeles. The reality of it.
“After ten days of walking south LA, I also learned to mind my own business. Not just from a growing emotional coldness, but from an emotional self preservation. There is only so much sadness you can immerse yourself in, especially when surrounded by so much happiness. Only so much talk of bad decisions you can listen to, when surrounded by so many good decisions.”
quick updates:
reading: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy; To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
watching: Vikings: Valhalla, season two. Haven’t watched the original Vikings, but I’m becoming so immersed in this world that I may just have to.
listening: Com troncs baixant pel riu, Pau Vallvé
eating: dried mango slices! These have been delicious snacking treats and energy boosts throughout the day. I usually make my own granola from rolled oats, but these have been a delicious and clean alternative for when I don’t feel like making my own.
affiliate links: sometimes, I include links to my Amazon storefront (often for books or other recommendations around the home/self I’ve found useful and hope you will, too). This means I make a few pennies whenever someone makes a purchase using the link. It doesn’t detract from my recommendations coming from a place of a genuine desire to share with you. It just helps provide a few tangible tokens for my effort.
support: I love writing these newsletters and creating deeper threads of connection to you in this absurd world of ours, but in any case, it is a time-consuming endeavor. If you are enjoying my journey, and if able, please consider supporting it by way of interaction (follow along on Instagram, YouTube, or leave a comment/like here!) or by buying me a coffee here! It is hugely appreciated, and my gratitude is with you.
Until next week, friends.
Warmly,
Ani