7 Things Sunday

One. After graduating high school I started sending my bff Andrew postcards and various forms of snail mail. I’ve more or less kept it up for 6 years now. I’ve never once gotten a piece of mail from him in return…UNTIL THIS WEEK. Okay, so it wasn’t a letter or postcard. In fact, there wasn’t anything written anywhere. But he did send me this:

Commonly known as ‘The Man of My Dreams Pillow’ or ‘The Boyfriend Pillow’. I guess it’s my own fault for joking about getting one? If anyone wants to borrow this awkwardness, it’s all yours. And he still needs a name. Suggestions are welcome.

Two. NEEDTOBREATHE  on the Riverfront was definitely the highlight of my week. I enjoy them even more live than I do recorded. It was the perfect summer night. The view. The sunset. The people. The dancing. Aaaaahhhhh.

Three. ArtForceIowa just completed the first week of our DSM Immigrant Heroes Video Production Workshop. My team, which had students from Ecuador, Congo, and Liberia chose Nancy Mwirotsi as our DSM Immigrant Hero. It was wonderful getting to hear her story. She is an intelligent and incredibly servant-hearted woman doing many great things for the refugee community in Des Moines. You can check out all the DSM Immigrant Hero interviews here.

Four. I really miss the time in my life when rollerblading was my main mode of transportation.

Five. This documentary is worth the watch: 

Six. On a less serious note…this video is also worth the watch (if you’re a New Girl fan): http://video.gq.com/watch/the-new-girl-guys-moty-2012

Seven. Today as we celebrate Fathers, my thoughts are with those who have lost them, although they live on in memory and spirit. Since last Father’s Day, I’ve had two friends and a family member say goodbye to their fathers. I also began working closely with a population of youth that are largely fatherless, emotionally or physically. After hearing their stories, I realize some of them are probably better off without their dads being involved in their life. There is biology and then there is character. If you feel a sting of pain on this day for whatever reason, I’m so sorry. May you relish in any good memories you have of your father. Maybe you can still write him a Father’s Day card whether he’s around to receive it or not? That sounds therapeutic. Whatever your situation is, I hope that you can think of someone to celebrate today; I hope there has been some man who you admire that has been invested in your life. I don’t claim to have a clue what I’m talking about or what it’s like. Just know I’m holding you in my heart today.

Love,

Taylor

Don’t Skip Girls Night

One time the three men I so graciously live with asked me what girls talk about when they get together. I didn’t really know what to say. Living with guys, I have noticed their conversations for the most part are reserved to politics, food, sports, and friends. So what do I talk about with my friends? I happened to be on my way out the door for LIT girls (aka book club), so I promised to take notes and report back to them.

My consensus:  What DON’T girls talk about when they get together?

For real. In an hour we are capable of touching on birthing methods, blogs, Roth IRAs, books (obviously), ex-boyfriends, how weird the Old Testament is, the Paleo diet, the Kardashians, poop, exercise, cats, how often we shower, beer, and memories.

Isn’t that amazing? Ha…

Being around men all the time I have my moments of seriously, that fart was not necessary and how do you get that little pool of pee on the back of the toilet EVERY time? and I think I’m going to projectile vomit if I have to hear anything else about your fantasy draft. But I would actually call myself a guy’s girl. I feel perfectly at ease in a group of them. They think I’m pretty cool. I can bro down. I do bro down. A lot. If you’ve never met my other half, he is a boy through and through. However, I have noticed there are times I feel like I have to ‘suppress the Jess’ (New Girl reference, sorry) in order to be cool with the dudes. 

So, there is something really refreshing about being with a handful of ladies. About wine and cupcakes. About nail polish and giggling. About being asked a bunch of questions and sincerely listened to. About crafting lovely things together. About hugs and understanding. About being able to comfortably dance immodestly and being complimented on your shoes.

And I read these in a recent psychology journal:

– Female friends enhance a woman’s physical and emotional health at every stage of life.

– Husbands frequently pre-decease their wives, so girlfriends become a vital system of support.

– Being with girlfriends helps women feel more confident, better understood, and more relaxed- making her a better wife, mother, lover, or partner.

Here’s to embracing lady parts and stuff.

Love,

Taylor