11 Things That Brought Me Joy This Week
1. Jennifer Coolidge, 2. Jennifer Coolidge, 3. Jennifer Coolidge, 4. Jennifer Coo—
Hello again,
Let me cut right to the chase. I am depressed!
It is a vague and boring depression, one with a definite catalyst. But what I thought would be more of a depressive episode has lingered unwantedly, like a fart in an elevator. Because the depression has not made itself clear, it has been particularly annoying to work through these past few weeks while also trying to socialize, write, and have a normal summer (esp since depression usually finds me in cold months).
Combined with her good sis anxiety, this depression has me spiraling at the smallest stimuli, constantly doubting myself and thinking everyone hates me. I feel very isolated even when I’m with friends. I am not really getting out of bed at my usual pace and any alone time spent after 8:30pm is a great challenge.
Overcoming this is between me and my therapist for now, so will spare you the Beverly Cleary details, but the gist is, I’m having trouble making things! And therefore having trouble thinking of a clever and thoughtful introductory letter!
Luckily I did take note of my joy this week, as I always do, writing things into a little note on my phone. It’s a small lesson maybe that even in your darker moments you can still take stock of things that bring you a little dopamine. Strongly recommend as a personal practice!
Xx Fran
P.S. If you know me, don’t send me a text that’s like, “hey are you okay!!!” as I have intimacy issues and hate processing emotions in front of people. But please do send me a text with like a stupid meme or chat me about a show you’re watching. Distractions warmly welcome, especially at night. :)
P.P.S. If you unsubscribe after this week’s letter I will notice, and will be very petty about it.
some things that brought me joy this week
1. First up, Indya Moore did a collection with Tommy Hillfiger and it really delivered as a genderless capsule for a brand some might consider antiquated. I loved reading the product descriptions and felt they were a model for what it means to combat gender binaries in fashion. There are a lot of brands out there who have attempted to create a “genderless” collection and completely failed — not just because the clothes were ugly/of the cis imagination, but the marketing and product descriptions were still gendered to some extent and completely missed the point. Bravo to Indya, and I will be copping some satin shorts and the bodysuit too pls and thx!
2. This petition to keep Jeff Bezos in space…. when they say “be the change,” this is what we mean.
3. Maggie Nelson’s newest book is available for preorder, featuring four lengthy essay unpacking the concept of “Freedom.” It is definitely a book that only Maggie Nelson fans might enjoy, as it is dense, scholarly, and posits more questions than answers. But only a quarter in and she has already enlightened me — though I disagree with her sometimes too and I love that.
4. I am so totally floored by the first two episodes of White Lotus, which I was not prepared to like. The premise follows an Agatha Christie-esque mystery involving an ensemble of wealthy hotel guests as their interpersonal conflicts swirl together. The comedy style is so fresh, so unlike anything I’ve ever watched. It is so fresh, in fact, that the first twenty minutes I wasn’t sure if it was for me. But the casting is completely novel and entrancing — the daddy from Looking! The busty teen from Euphoria! Connie Britton! Natasha Rothwell! Every single cast member gives a performance that’s completely unexpected. I had no idea Sydney Sweeney or Murray Bartlett possessed the unhinged comedic timing required for this show! Natasha plays into dry, subtle comedy in a very different role than her usual stint. And I mean Jennifer Fucking Coolidge — an absolute standout and she deserves AWARDS.
5. Loved this Allure piece by my love Denny about the common misconception of trans people’s “before” and “after.” It is paired with a photo essay by the incomparable Lia Clay, and my god!
6. I’ve totally fallen in love with the work of Cielo Félix-Hernández and bought a piece last week. Their work is inspired by Boricua culture, gender nonconformity, and the sad, sensual in-between moments of everyday queer life. I love the way they paint bodies, their sacred softness.
7. Remember when Britney popped the fuck OFF? Wrote about this in last week’s Food 4 Thot newsletter, but I am so happy to see her finally speak her mind and come into her own on social media. I hope this is the beginning of an era where lady pop stars demand their respect and autonomy and that we give it to them!
8. This week’s splurge was a Keith Haring plate I’ve been eyeing for a minute as I look for objets d'art (pronounced ironically) to display on the shelf above my kitchen.
9. Um, I was dragged to Black Widow by a one Rose Dommu and did not think I would be able to follow the plot, let alone enjoy the film. I was so wrong! On the acting level, the movie is superb — with Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, and Stranger Things Guy as the co-leads, I honestly felt ScarJo was the least interesting character to watch (though she was still okay!) As a Marvel movie, I was in awe of the construction of some of the scenes, the characterization was soooo comic book-y in a good way, and the action was absolutely absurd, almost camp. I also appreciated that parts of the movie became something of a family comedy and I found myself laughing the whole way through.
10. Camila Falquez is selling $100 prints from her series of New York’s trans and GNC communities. 100% of the proceeds go to Stonewall Protests and the continued essential work of Queen Jean and Joela Rivera who conduct demonstrations empowering Black trans people.
11. As part of my summer look, I’ve been dousing my chest and shoulders in body oil before leaving the house to get that sexy glow. Though it’s not super shiny, the Neutrogena one is really nice, and Glossier has one too. Or if you want a VERY bougie one, I love my Tata. (Can you tell that retail therapy is my coping mechanism?)
this week’s action
Everyone should conduct at least some cursory research on what is happening in Cuba right now. There are explainers on why Trump’s residual sanctions, which Biden has not yet rolled back, are taking a toll on the Cuban economy resulting in record deaths and financial strife. The corruption of Cuba’s leadership and the U.S.’s failure to intervene has resulted in devastation.