Syllabus #89

Did you feel a huge weight lift off your shoulders on Wednesday?  I feel like the impenetrable ice shield I erected around myself to get through the last four years is slowly melting.  Is it maybe okay to feel things again?  

I know there's SO much more important news to focus on, but let's just take a moment to savor some frivolous joy.  I love all of this so much.  From the monochromatic power ladies to Amanda Gorman's ray of sunshine coat on down to Bernie's mittens and Janet's blanket (and let us not forget Liz's PP scarf).  All. of. it.  God it feels so weird and delightful to be able to enjoy some political-adjacent story without a hint of irony or schadenfreude, and to know that there's totally normal, productive, progressive stuff happening while I'm sitting back gaping at some low key coat porn.  

via Teen Vogue - Which Inaugural Coat Look are you?  In my dreams I'm an Amanda Gorman but I know in my heart I'm a Bernie.

This feels like a big win for LGBTQ equality.  Way to go, Joe!  

 George Saunders and the Russian masters on the craft of the short story.  Putting this on my reading list for the near future. 

That's a lot to unpack, but you know what, pal?  Keep it in your suitcase and hit the road. 

People avoiding Trump's "Farewell Party" like I avoid Facebook invitations for MLM marketing sales "parties" Melania's probably gonna have to eat the cost of all those shitty Lularoe leggings but whatayagonnado?

Biden isn't the smooth orator that say, Obama is, but he speaks from the heart.  He's a little sappy, a little corny, but you have to admire his sincerity.  I like the guy. 

This really hits me in the void where my feelings used to be. 

Analog Reading:

Finished James McBride's Deacon King Kong.  Superb.

Will finish Little Eyes by Samantha Schweblin today.  It's dark and prescient but full of humanity.

Still savoring an essay or two each day from David Sedaris's The Best of Me.  This book is as good as a master class on the art of the short, humorous, observational essay.