Things I'm Grooving On Right Now
Some uplifting, some horrifying, something for everyone
Hey Friendsters,
I hope your week is peachy. Last weekend, Jason and I processed the 13 meat birds (aka broilers) we raised for poultry. Initially, I thought I would write a bit about that.
Most people are shocked to learn that we kill chickens. The thing is, everyone who eats poultry indirectly kills chickens. There were several times last weekend that I wished I could be a vegetarian — I had been a pescatarian for about 12 years — but, unfortunately, my body feels healthiest and strongest when I’m eating at least some poultry. So, here we are.
The poultry industry is terrible for birds and workers alike, and I don’t feel good about supporting it. In addition to knowing our birds were well cared for, we save a lot of money by raising our own organic pastured poultry. As a bonus, the birds also help mow, aerate, and fertilize our lawn for us.
However, it still comes down to killing and cleaning animals we raised, and that is really, really hard. It’s heavy. It’s intense.
It’s something I believe every meat-eater should understand completely, but I don’t want to be the one to explain it. Not now, anyway.
Now I’ve written so much about a topic I didn’t want to write about, I’m too far down the page to see where I started.
Seems like a good place for a page break.
There, that’s better.
Things I Love This Month
It’s been a hot minute since I shared a list of things I love, and I have a bit of a collection. I hope at least one of these brings delight to your day:
Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar
I’ve been experimenting with plastic-free personal care products, and this baby’s a real winner. I felt great about how little packaging was involved and was genuinely surprised by how nice my hair looked after just one wash.
After using Kitsch for more than a month, my hair is looking and feeling stronger and healthier than it did with obscenely expensive Aveda hair products.
I also bought the coconut conditioner and plan to get the tea tree shampoo next. I’m so pleased with this brand that I bought the scalp brush, hair brush, and brush cleaner, too. Give them a try!
Cher’s Christmas Album (Spotify)
Because why not? Tis the season, right?
I was inspired to give it a listen after reading this interview with Cher in The Guardian, and it’s good. I mean, it’s Cher.
Michael Stipe on Smartless (Spotify)
I can say with absolute certainty that I would not be the person I am today without Michael Stipe and R.E.M. I’m sure we all agree they were the greatest band ever.
Listening to Michael speak with the Smartless dudes brought so many smiles and laughs to my face at the gym this morning. It was nostalgia X inspiration X charm x a million.
Their interview with James Cameron is also great. I need to listen to these guys more often.
The Fall of the House of Usher (Netflix)
Okay, this one’s a little less cheery and a bit more macabre. TBH, I’m not a big horror fan, but I do love Poe, so I gave this series a shot.
My review: Phenomenal writing, powerful acting, spectacular visuals, and impeccable research and integration of Poe references.
I loved the way Flanagan used Poe’s stories, poems, and life as inspiration rather than trying to adapt them directly. It’s gory, and not great to watch right before bed, but the horror isn’t too shocking for those who know what they’re getting into. In short, I loved it.
And now I want to re-read all the Edgar Allan Poe.
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
By Oliver Burkeman
I finished reading this book a while ago and have been meaning to write a review. The scope of this book is too comprehensive to fit into a paragraph, so I’ll just say it’s not what it sounds like. This isn’t another book about how to optimize your schedule or hack your life.
Instead, Burkeman lays out the fact that you’ll never get it all done, anyway, so might as well figure out what’s most important to you and stick with that. The end of the book includes a chapter full of deep questions that will blow your mind. So, beware.
I also really like Burkeman’s newsletter, The Imperfectionist.
That’s all for now, friends. Thanks for reading. Please let me know what you think if you give any of my recommendations a try! Also, there may be affiliate links here.
Much Love,
Lauren
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