Listening to: “Fountains” by Drake ft. Tems. His highly anticipated album Certified Lover Boy just dropped and I’m relishing it more than his last three projects. If you do nothing else today, watch the epic music video for “Way 2 Sexy.”
It’s well-documented that my Drake fandom has grown icy and skeptical since this comically bad article I wrote for Elite Daily when I was like, 23. But CLB offers more than shitty TikTok dances and Instagram captions. Papi dug through the archives and paid homage to what actually worked, certain features clearly echoing their past counterparts (You can hear “Pound Cake” on “Love All” with Jay-Z, and “Lord Knows” on “You Only Live Twice” with Rick Ross.) It has the emotion of Take Care; interesting, contemporary sounds, like the airy beat on “TSU;” a viral lesbian reference; and much more. What are your thoughts?
Excited for: The next edition of my “Let’s Be Friends” series featuring Dr. Earvin Paul! Earv is one of my friends from college and I can’t wait to dive into everything he’s been up to. I look forward to this as a transitional piece to start featuring more men and non-binary folks. It’s humbling to observe the spectrum of gender identities reading this newsletter and what they derive from it.
Just Purchased: These velvet sweatpants with ombre lightning bolts from Aviator Nation. I have legitimately been eyeing them since visiting their Austin store in June, and finally bit the bullet when they were $70 off for Labor Day. I think $100 is a lot for sweatpants. I typically buy $8 men’s Fruit of the Loom at Wal-Mart and wear them til they shred. But sometimes the heart wants a bit of middle class luxury, baby. Here’s to hoping they fit my very non-California-model frame comfortably.
Just Tried: Spice Finch. This restaurant, touted as “innovative modern Mediterranean fare, inspired by herbs and spices of the nations bordering the sea” is an underrated gem among names like Suraya and Zahav on the Philly scene. I’m obviously obsessed with all things Mediterranean and a rich mix of European and Arab culture, so each dish felt really special. We ordered the trio of dips (garlic yogurt, baba ganoush, and green hummus with incredible pita chips and interesting crudités), the baked cheese (a decadent mix of mozzarella and ricotta topped with shredded phyllo, surrounded by roasted tomatoes), the best blistered shishitos I’ve ever had, and a zesty lamb merguez in tomato chutney.
I had moments of clarity during this impromptu meal celebrating my best friend’s first week at her new job. For starters, budgeting for a good meal out sometimes, for someone like me who loves to cook, is well worth the inspiration you take home. It helps you prioritize fresh herbs while grocery shopping for the week, and preserves the excitement toward celebratory nourishment. Additionally, I realized the company you keep out to eat makes such a difference in the meal. Rachel and I both experience pleasure in organic exaggeration. Like, there is zero hyperbole when we shout, “UGHHHHHHHH THIS IS THE BEST THING I’VE EVER EATEN!!!” We really mean it, if just in that moment. And those moments compound to form the sentimental food nostalgia I cherish.
Thinking: About making an appointment at the Philadelphia Midwife Collective, which my friend Gianna recommended. I mentioned last month that I had a pap smear scheduled. I decided to cancel it because I’m tired of thrusting myself into triggering situations to prove my own bravery. I scheduled that appointment at my hometown hospital, which is essentially responsible for my sister’s death by cervical cancer; I wanted to take whatever I could get the soonest knowing I had some pain during sex that needed to be addressed. So now I need to prioritize a new appointment. In addition to my pap smear, I want to discuss cycle syncing. As I get older, the way my period affects my daily life becomes clearer: I notice when I’m focused versus when I can’t center my mind; I notice when I’m energetic versus when I’m sluggish, etc.
Loving: This pink glitter dip powder manicure I got last week. My nails are usually pretty long, but I clipped them short to grow them evenly and this flashy mani is making the length tolerable. Both glitter and the color pink evoke this girly youthfulness I love. This is also my first dip powder experience. The thickness feels like the protective answer to my susceptibility to breakage/brittleness (cue an empty “I’m never smoking again!!” promise).
Grateful for: Everyone who paid for a subscription or made a Venmo donation this past week. In honor of the 3-year anniversary of my sister’s death, and for my friend who overdosed last week, we made $300 in donations ($150 each) to Cervivor and The National Harm Reduction Coalition. This Friday is Karl’s service and I am slowly preparing myself emotionally. I appreciate everyone who’s been gracious these last nine days. I still find myself adjusting to the isolation of grief and Western views of death, but I know my kin are out there… probably praying and baking someone a casserole.
Honoring: Speaking of legends gone too soon, I am devastated by the passing of Michael K. Williams. When I first watched The Wire in 2017, I was immediately taken by Omar Little. But who wasn’t? The sheer complexity of playing an outwardly queer, chain-smoking, shotgun-slinging gangster robber, he’ll go down as the feared poet of the streets. Wishing Mr. Williams deep peace in the afterlife.
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