Astrology came to me in the aftermath of the 2016 election. Yes, I know it sounds nutty (and maybe a tad dramatic), but when the world you thought you knew ceases to make sense, you end up looking for any and every resource that can offer guidance. Dipping my toes into the practice helped me … Continue reading A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Guide to Radical Self Acceptance with Astrologer Chani Nicholas
Homelands, Handmaids, and HerStories at the 2017 LA Times Festival of Books
With a captivating lineup, on-point panel topics, and several hundred book lovers willing to brave the rain, last year’s Festival of Books was certainly hard to beat. Though arguably, this year’s iteration may have been even better—and the sunny weather was only the beginning. The two-day event featured a similar format to years past, but … Continue reading Homelands, Handmaids, and HerStories at the 2017 LA Times Festival of Books
Lit Ladies: A Reading List for International Women’s Day
There’s a lot going on in honor of International Women’s Day, but if you’re unable to participate in today’s many, many activities, know that it’s totally 100% okay. As a friend so aptly put it, “[M]any (if not most) women do not have the luxury of not working or not engaging in unpaid/paid work on International … Continue reading Lit Ladies: A Reading List for International Women’s Day
Puddles, Peaches, Parks, and More at the 2016 LA Times Festival of Books
As sensitive as Angelenos are to rain, attendance at the 2016 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books impressed, well, everyone. On Saturday, the first day of the festival and one of the rainiest days of the year, scores of blue umbrellas dotted the USC campus, with each umbrella representing a new subscriber to the Los … Continue reading Puddles, Peaches, Parks, and More at the 2016 LA Times Festival of Books
L.A. Zine Fest 2016: A Recap
Last weekend, the Majestic Downtown was packed to the gills for the annual L.A. Zine Fest, in a heartwarming outpour of support for the zine community. In a day and age where an online mass-market retailer controls a horrifyingly large share of the publishing industry, it’s amazing to see so many people active and involved … Continue reading L.A. Zine Fest 2016: A Recap
On Sweet Valley High, Chris Brown, and Being a Bad Feminist with Roxane Gay
I came to realize that I might be a “bad feminist” around the same time Beyoncé’s surprise album dropped. I loved the album. I mean, I liked Beyoncé a lot before the 13th of December 2013, but the album led me towards a whole new realm of fangirldom. As always, the tuneage was excellent, but what got me … Continue reading On Sweet Valley High, Chris Brown, and Being a Bad Feminist with Roxane Gay
Ladies We Love: Roxane Gay
I owe a lot to Roxane Gay. Her thoughtful pieces on current events and pop culture allow me to think more clearly about my own feelings on these topics in the news. I can't tell you how many times her Salon.com articles have saved me from being an inarticulate rage monster on social media, spewing … Continue reading Ladies We Love: Roxane Gay
Ladies We Love: Emmy the Great
About six years ago, a friend gave me a mix CD (remember those?) with recordings of SXSW performances, including tracks from a set by Emmy the Great (the stage name of London-based songstress Emma-Lee Moss). Ten seconds into the first song, "We Almost Had a Baby," I had chills running down my spine. "Well you didn't … Continue reading Ladies We Love: Emmy the Great
Dinner Party 