the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Monday. Well, another year. Today's my birthday and if nothing else, I'm grateful to friends and family who make life worth living. I got to check out Brimfield this weekend- an amazingly huge flea market up in Mass that is so up my alley. More on that tomorrow.

But for now, I thought I would play around a little with one of my favorite bits of prose of all time- that amazing "Choose Life" sequence from one of my favorite movies, "Trainspotting". You know the one. If not, read it here. It was a great comment on society and a generation gone mad. 

So as I'm deep in that 40s zone now, my vantage point is quite possibly more cynical than ever, but more in a poking fun kind of way than an "I hate the world" kind of way.  There is so much crazy stuff happening it's worth noting a few things that choosing life entails nowadays. So here's my little riff on that epic rant from back in the day:

Choose life. Choose a shared work space. Choose a career with a slash in it. Choose frozen eggs. Choose a fucking smart phone, smart thermostat, smart refrigerator. Choose all appliances that are smarter than you are. Choose $900 a month dance classes, choose gluten free, choose to not eat carbs and wave away the bread basket in disgust. Choose living in a van and Instragramming it. Choose friends that make you feel insecure because they're so accomplished. Choose the Hudson Valley over Montauk. Choose yoga pants from Bandier and wear them all damn day. Choose any of the real housewives, even though New York is the best. Choose luggage with a vintage appeal. Choose Gucci. Choose Vetements. Choose a babouche. Choose a backless loafer. Choose to feel hopeful because of couture. And Celine Dion. Choose a fixer upper with great bones.  Choose to listen to the Talking Heads with a smack of irony. Choose the 80s. Choose the 90s. Choose to obsessively watch memes of Trump shaking hands. Choose well how did I get here? Choose binge watching. Choose vaping. Choose rose, frose, and poo shaped pool floaties. Choose fillers over Botox. Choose to go with your gut, then be afraid of your gut, and choose something else. Choose working from home, and then resent it. Choose WeWork and then resent that. Choose naming your children after vegetables or fallen rock heroes. Choose flowy fabrics and embrace gender fluidity. Choose air bnb, as long as there's good products in the bathroom. Choose googling everyone and everything you've ever met or known. Choose rock and roll spin classes because it somehow makes it ok. Choose midcentury modern all day, every day.  Choose brunch. Choose avocados. Choose chia seeds. Choose eating like Tom and Gisele. Choose mom jeans even though nobody really looks good in them. Choose dry shampoo. Choose cushion compacts. Choose surfing. Choose an overwhelming amount of skincare and skinceuticals. Choose magical dusts of all kinds. Choose perennial self identification as edification. Choose meditation. Choose bikinis that look great on Instagram. Choose Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and doodles of all kinds. Choose to read the print edition of the New York Times, but only on Sundays. Choose Matcha.  Choose leaning in, standing up, and running with blinders on. Choose hip hop that makes no sense. Choose to shit on Coachella . Choose selfies and Facebook Live and Instagram stories. Choose singing and dancing in your car like everyone's watching. Choose to embrace your body type. Choose puppies. And kittens. And baby goats. Choose fake news.  Choose to not worry about OJ getting out of prison. Choose Soho House, Ludlow House, Neue House. Choose first world problems, then laugh about them, then cry about them. Choose to resist in silence. Choose from a million gazillion things but most of all, make good choices. Choose to hate all of the above, choose to hate yourself, and then choose to love yourself all over again. Then choose to be a life coach.  Because this is the life you chose. Choose life. 

SNAP SNAP SNAP.

Of course, the original rant ends in Renton choosing heroin. Because why would he choose life when there's heroin? Don't worry, I'm not choosing heroin. But I am amazed at how much worse this rant has become since that movie first came out in 1996. Trainspotting 2 came out recently and there's a whole new list, but this is my list, from my uniquely situated vantage point halfway there. Somewhere. Anywhere. This is where I'm at with how ridiculous we've all become, present company included. I don't choose everything on this list, but Lord knows I'm guilty of much of it.  This whole little diatribe was spurred by an insane article in the Independent about Tracy Anderson's $900 a month gym on the Upper East Side, which made me feel sick to my stomach. Who and why? Read it here. And then choose life. Although after reading this piece, heroin seems like a pretty good idea. We've clearly lost our edge.   Letting the days go by, let the water hold me down...

Cause that's what's up this slightly (more than slightly) cynical birthday in the 718. Yours, in choosing all the choices and them some, because Lord knows this list could go on forever. Same as it ever was, and once in a lifetime. XO

Good afternoon, Thursday. I've had a fun day and excited about some new opportunities.

So I've been watching the incredible series, "The Defiant Ones", on HBO and I'm incredibly inspired by the stories of Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, two music industry heavyweights who are living legends. The four part series tells the tale of both dudes, in their own words, with plenty of appearances from the music industry's biggest stars like Eminem, Gwen Stefani, Ice Cube, and many others. If you listened to music in the 90s, you were most likely listening to something from Interscope or Aftermath. And even earlier, their contributions to pop music and culture are indelible. I love that both guys were creatives first, and business people later. I think that creativity informed some of their best decisions. It shows you how important the creative mind is when it comes to business. For those of you who think you can't make that switch, consider watching this and realize how useful all of that artistic juice is for the boardroom or C Suite or starting your own thing. I have always thought of myself as rebellious and defiant in my ideaology- I'm so glad HBO put this on the air. It gave me real hope and fired me up.

So I've been watching and learning a lot this week about what it takes to be a huge success from these two guys.  I see this kind of tenacity and drive coming from the tech world, but in the creative world? I just don't know. We need more of these defiant ones to come forward and run the show. I for one am starved for defiance- everything has gotten a wee bit too safe- perhaps it's because we live in such perilous times. All I know is I want to be inspired again by the work we do and the creative world we live in.  Regardless of whether you're the next Dr. Dre or the next Steve Jobs, here's some takeaways from this brilliant series on how to work it like a gdamn boss:

Remember where you came from- This goes without saying. I love that Jimmy Iovine, an Italian kid from Red Hook, Brooklyn and Dr. Dre, an African American man from Compton, had beyond humble beginnings. They were not given a single thing but one thing they both did have- a supportive family. Dre's mom (a single mom) did everything to encourage his success, and Jimmy credits his dad with being his very best friend. Even if you don't have that, respect your origins- humble or not. There is no way they have not contributed to who you are today. 

Never, ever give up- On yourself. Or on those you believe in or who believe in you. I love how Iovine never stopped believing in himself, Dre, and any of the many risky ventures that he was part of. He was absolutely relentless, often sitting in his bathroom for hours on end, on the phone, pursuing the artists and deals he knew would be a big success. You can't give up. Maybe stop chasing what doesn't matter and focus on what does, but don't ever give up.

Give the people what they want, before they know they want it- Both Dre and Iovine had that Spidey sixth sense for how culture affects the music we listen to- in the golden age of 90s music, it was all about anger and aggression- coming out of the Reagan years, the LA riots, and a move to something dark and angry- think grunge and beyond. Both of these guys are the best fortune tellers out there- they know what you want before you want it. Thus the Beats deal. See what's happening in culture and mass media and get far ahead of it. I love when Iovine talked about the death of the record industry and how Napster sank the whole game- instead of getting under the covers, he met with Steve Jobs, learned a lot, and made one of the biggest deals in history. Stellar. This one feels particularly relevant to people in advertising, by the way. it gets harder to do, but the best stuff is forward focused. We spend a lot of time reacting to every blip in culture, but if you can move past that and see how all of these blips contribute to something more seismic in the future, you're going to turn good into great.

Trust that gut and find your tribe- In my own career, when I've paid close attention to my instincts, I've achieved success. When I don't, it's a whole other thing. I love that Iovine always knew who would be big stars- from Springsteen to Trent Reznor to Gwen Stefani and of course, Dr. Dre. It's a whole lot easier to go with your gut when you are collaborating with people you feel super connected to, who have the same work ethic, values, and creative DNA. Find your tribe and you can't lose. Eminem and Dre have one of the best partnerships in history- because they're both in your face,  tenacious maniacs who can't and won't stop.

Put your blinders on- This was my favorite takeaway from the series. Iovine mentions that if you spend your time watching what everyone else is doing and worrying how it relates to what you're doing, you'll fail.  He says that when you want something, put your blinders on and run as fast as you can. If you don't, those other ponies may trip you up and you may just be out of the race. So stop watching everyone else's back and don't stop until you get what you want. Great advice. That's the true definition of a defiant one- single vision, f the rest. Love.

As I continue to assess my own career, I'm taking all of this to heart. What an epic series depicting one of the greatest successes of music history. I highly recommend watching this four parter- incredibly inspiring for anyone who is looking for ways to make fearless changes and follow their passion. 

What's inspiring you of late?

Cause that's what's up this straight outta Brooklyn kinda Thursday right here in the 718. Yours, in defiant ones, and staying in the race. XO

Hey now Wednesday. Happy Hump Day. It's sticky outside and I'm all Scarlett O'Hara- as many of you know heat and humidity are truly not my jam. Though I love the longer daylight and exposed toes, I'm not going to be mad at Fall when it comes. Fall's more for me, although I'm excited to go to the beach this weekend.

So how many of you take advantage when you get a sample in your online order from Blue Mercury or wherever you buy your beauty goods? I love them, actually. Sometimes the perfume samples are not for me, but I love free makeup samples, even if it's just to experiment a bit and not meant for leaving the house.

On the suggestion of my dear friend and hair stylist extraordinaire, I finally ordered some of Charlotte Tillbury's Magic Cream- a cult favorite for glowy, lovely, youthful skin. As I opened my package, I found quite a few samples (ordered the cream from Bloomingdale's online), and a new Maven pick was born.

Not sure how many of you are familiar with the cushion compact- it's popular in Korea and made its way stateside a minute ago and I was curious about trying it. So I was pleased to say a very generous sample of Amore Pacific's Age Correcting cushion compact- the sample has about 5 different tones so you can best match your skin. And it did not disappoint.

I'm a bit of a cool and warm skin tone so I first tried the medium with pink undertones, then the medium with yellow undertones. Oh my gah. I love this product. Both tones worked well for me.

The cushion compact has a built in sponge for easy application (though you could use your foundation brush if you don't like that idea) and I absolutely love the light coverage this foundation provides. I do love tinted moisturizer in the Summer months but the compact provided a lovely even skin tone, covered up a burst blood vessel on the side of my nose, and gave me an amazingly perfect finish that does not cake and is super smooth. I put some powder over it for sweatproofing, and we'll see how that goes once I step outside in an hour. Plus it has an SPF in it, which is good news for those of us trying to protect our necks. 

I love this new discovery, though, and I highly recommend giving it a try. They sell it in a travel size at Sephora (though a bit of a different formula)  if you're not into committing to a full sized product, but I'm a big fan and will absolutely be using it again and most likely buying it. Oh and another semi pro recommend- get yourself some face oil and apply it before you do your makeup. It really helps with application and keeps everything glowy yet smooth.

Just a hot little tip on this hot little day. Cause that's what's up this well cushioned Wednesday in the 718. Yours, in compact solutions to every day problems. And try those samples for sure, you just never know what may be come your new favorite thing.  XO

Good morning Tuesday. It's gloomy outside and I want nothing more than to just stay in and read my new book. (Chuck Klosterman's X in case you were interested).

Thought I'd share some Summer observations going on around the city- for those of you who live here you've no doubt seen them too, and for those who don't, here's the scoop on what's hot this Summer besides the temperature:

Jay Z's new album is everywhere. If a car window is open in Brooklyn, you're most likely going to hear a track from Jay's 4:44. I love this record and am so happy Jay is back- I missed him. We were so in need of a Summer soundtrack, and this is absolutely it.

Summer denim. I'm seeing girls in denim all over the place and while the thought of jeans in the heat repels me, I'm liking the trend towards non stretchy non skinny denim- think a high waisted 501, faded, and cropped. Same applies for shorts- go high waisted with a vintage wash. This look is tough to wear I'm not gonna lie- but it's everywhere so get used to it.

Matcha. This one not so new but loving iced matchas over iced coffee these days. My fav is at Intelligentsia in the Highline Hotel. It's prettier than coffee brown in the loveliest shade of green and gives you a good boost. Nice alternative to coffee.

Frose. There's a spot in my neighborhood serving frozen rose, spiked with watermelon and complete with a salted rim. Who on Eearth could say no to that? Yum. Grown folks slushies. I don't hate them.I would like to, but I can't.

White sneakers with sundresses. I've seen this everywhere and it's not a trend I can pull off. Sneakers with a dress is so cute but not a great look for me- still seeing tons of Stan Smiths, Gucci, and cute new line the Greats. Trick is to keep the sneaker fairly minimal- very practical look for city girls. 

As a bonus, I was very happy to spot a cute chick the other day sporting a white ribbed tank, low slung black trousers and all white Pumas. It was so very 90s and I adored it- I see no signs of our current love of all things 1990something slowing down. And I love it. Ooh and extra bonus- quickly becoming obsessed with HBO's "The Defiant Ones", a multi-night documentary on Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre. It's so so inspiring and love the way these two work and create. Must see if you're a music or general fan of the creative process and pop culture.

So there you have it- just a few things I've spotted this Summer and wanted to share with you. What's trending in your neck of the woods? Send me a note if you have some thoughts at sherimaven@gmail.com.

Cause that's what's up this trendy Tuesday in the 718. Yours, in Summer fun. XO

Good morning, little Friday. It's raining on the prairie here in Brooklyn and I'm happy to be WFH today. Thank goodness there's a few things happening to keep me busy. I'm grateful.

So I was walking home from barre this morning and thinking about motherhood. Yea, I was. Really.

I live in a neighborhood that is full of young families, I mean- bursting at the seams with them. Should you require a new method of birth control, you should move to Cobble Hill. And I'll leave that there.

I've been asked from time to time why I never wanted children or if I ever wanted them. I don't mind the question at all because the answer is simple- I never wanted them. In fact, it's rarely occurred to me. I just feel very much myself without children and I'm super fine with that. I was never a camp counselor, I never played with baby dolls, and was not much for babysitting.  I rarely thought about motherhood as a child, because I was too busy thinking about prancing around Morocco or New York City or Paris. I swear that's the truth. Not much for white picket fences, really.

But what made me think of motherhood was a flashback on a toy I used to play with all the damn day when I was a young lady. I think I've talked about my Barbie obsession, but Tiffany was my basic bitch back in the day. Who is Tiffany you may ask? You may want to watch her amazing commercial here. Oh the 70s. I love the 70s. I want to swim in a 70s pool all day. I'm aware that pool may be full of some weird stuff with all that fairy dust, but I'm ok with that. But back to Tiffany.

Tiffany is fabulous. And a stone cold fox. As the commercial says, she's who you want her to be. Her hair was either dark or blonde, depending on what mood she was in. She wore a jumpsuit or sparkly dress (dressed in a gown for a party in town) because she was always ready to party. And the best part about Tiffany Taylor?  She lived in a bloody penthouse in the city, complete with a sexy stereo system and the ability to change the view from day to night. Sure it was Tuesday Taylor's penthouse but in my world Tiff was all up in there. Naturally she was a New York lady in my imagination, as I endlessly pored through my mother's magazines to get a glimpse into that seductive world. I loved my penthouse more than life itself- endless hours pimping out Tiffany, switching up her hair, placing her on her balcony catching some imaginary rays, striking soigné moves on her spiral staircase, having dinner parties with her other pals, my Charlie's Angels dolls. 

They were amazingly stylish in neck scarves, wrap topped jumpsuits, and high boots. I would wear that right now, ps. 

This was the life I created for my girl Tiffany, so it's no surprise this is how my life sort of ended up, or at least my aspirations remain the same. Truth- I don't live in a penthouse or have the ability to switch hair color in a blink (though I would). But my point is as many girls my age were feeding their dolls bottles, I was hanging with Tiffany in her penthouse, though occasionally she'd drive off in her Barbie Corvette. It's not lost on me that Tiff's imaginary life is altogether more fabulous than mine- but we have one thing in common- we're both city girls who love a good soiree and we definitely don't have children. In my childhood fantasies, Tiffany had a boyfriend (there was a dude in a brown turtleneck I believe that was meant to hang with her), and in reality, I did end up with a pretty lovely husband. I think we should get a Corvette though, since the penthouse is looking less likely. Incidentally, my last pad in Brooklyn had a very groovy spiral staircase. So there's that.

I know it's hardly a throwback kind of day, but had to put that out there. Even as a wee one, I guess I knew what I wanted. Funny how that's often the case. Cause that's what's up in Tiffany's penthouse in the best city on Earth. Yours, in inner children and 70s glam. Party at the penthouse.  XO

Good morning, Thursday. It's gloomy outside and I'm very much in chill mode, but need to be in work mode.

So lately I've been posting about my redefinition, how to get that, my fear of change, my goals, etc. I feel like I've been a bit hoof in the headlights of late, and I'm slowly starting to feel that all clear. But truly, no matter how confused, vexed, or frustrated I get, I have bigger concerns. Because I'm deeply worried about Tinsley Mortimer, and that's the truth. The more wine she drinks, the more nervous I become. Homegirl is positively untethered.

If you are a Real Housewives of New York fan, you've no doubt noted the presence of one Ms. Mortimer this season. Society stalkers will most likely recall Tinsley's original "it girl" status in New York back in the day- she of the curling iron curls and doll parts. She was pretty much the toast of the town, until she ended up on an ex's lawn on Palm Beach accused of trespassing. Seems she's trying to claw her way back into New York life, and damn if she is not just the most fragile bird with a blowout of all time. And she's dancing as fast as she can.

I've oft fantasized as well as obsessed about the life of a fallen heiress. The seclusion, The Garbo glam of it all, the poor little rich girl mystique. But not when it comes to Tinsley.   You can just look at her and tell she's trapped in some former version of herself, still milking that hair, those sorority girl get ups, the whole lot of it. Plus, there's that pesky drinking situation while on antidepressants.  I'm not judging the poor lass but truly- going up against vipers like Bethenny Frankel can't be easy week after week and taping after taping. I'm worried about you, Tins. You need to get it together, girl. Put down the fake lashes and move on. And when Bethenny takes you to the Bronx for some bolognese, don't dress like it's rush week at J. Crew U, even though you still like to make out with men fresh out of Vanderbilt. Truly she is not my brand of socialite- I tend to like the more exotic jetset classics of yore like Marisa Berenson, Nan Kempner, Carolyn Roehm- even the stealth drunkenness of Pat Altschul on "Southern Charm". I live for her. You may not know who these people are, but I've always been fascinated by society chicks. I also think the life of Tinsley could be an excellent musical- has all the makings. I'd queue up for that one.

Listen, I'm not making light of her problems. But as I contemplate this vast amount of change coming my way whether I like it or not, I think of poor Tinsley, and realize I may not be in as bad shape as I think I am. It's a sick form of entertainment watching someone self combust on reality TV, and I'm rooting for Tins to turn it all around, get an edgy new haircut, move to Brooklyn, and fall in love again, perhaps with a more "normal" sort who will love her without the baggage of a pedigree. 

I'm worried about my Summer plans, or lack thereof, and I'm also worried about Tinsley. And chance are, if you've been watching the latest episodes of RHONY, you are too. For if there is anyone in need of a change, it's that gal. If I had the chance to style her, I'd absolutely go more Kate Moss/Marianne Faithfull and get her a good bit more rock and roll glam- she's been through some shit, she needs to wear that with pride and stop dressing like a wedding cake topper. And she definitely needs to unplug that look. Strip it down. Tough it up.  I'm hopeful. Maybe as I figure out my own shit, she'll figure out hers. 

Cause that's what's up this Park Ave Princess of a Thursday not on Park Avenue. Not even close. Cause that's what's up this real housewife of a Thursday in the 718. Yours, in displaced concern and broken dreams. Pick up the phone, Tins. I'm calling you, girl. XO

Hi, Wednesday. I thought I'd share this post that just popped up on my Facebook feed from last year. It still fits. Consistently ok. I like it. 

Hope you had a wonderful 4th- I kept it close to home and was amazed at how many of you on social own red, white, and blue clothing, giant pool floaties, and an endless supply of bikinis. Oh, and of course, rose. DUH.

Cause that's what's up this still ok kind of Wednesday in the 718. Yours, in keeping in real. XO

Happy Fourth of July to all. I'm not in the most patriotic of moods, but I do love a BBQ so who can complain? I can. Ha.

So recently I was walking through my neighborhood and noticed a new business coming to Court Street, on the site of a cute clothing store that clearly could not make the rent any longer. I hate how small business is being shut out of my neighborhood, but that's not why I'm writing. I'm writing because I always get excited for new retail, because maybe it could be something I'm really craving here in Cobble Hill- somehow always praying for a really good vegan place or something (not vegan but love the option) but alas- never comes.

As I peered in the window I saw the sign- it was announcing a new bakery (so many bakeries here already) and alas- the sign promised the following: "MORE THAN JUST A BAKERY". Huh?

I feel like I'm channeling the baby of Seinfeld and Andy Rooney here, but seriously- what is with businesses and people needing to be "more than" they are lately? I'm happy for a bakery to be just a bakery. That's truly good enough for me unless magically you really are providing more somehow- like curing Cancer or telling the future. I suspect that's not the case for this place that will most likely offer halfway decent croissants. Be happy with that. Be in that. Why offer more if you're really not, well, more?

I wrote a long time ago about how brands nowadays feel the need to somehow be more than. I agree that a civic and social minded brand is a better brand in most cases, but sometimes I just want my toilet paper to be my toilet paper. I don't need toilet paper with a conscience or sense of humanity. I'm tired of this promise of "more" when it's really not more. Just be good at your thing and make that enough. Why must everyone and everything feel the need to give more?

Kidding aside, this notion of being more than is a pandemic in our society. We've reached full tilt when it comes to what's expected of us. We need to be more. We want more. We need more skills. More toys. More beach time.More Instagram followers. More shoes. More likes. It's no longer enough to just be who we are, and I think that's sad. I for one am always looking for ways to do more, but maybe what I need to be doing is focus on doing a bit less, and just perfect those things? Somebody said once less is more, did they not?

I'm not sure when our obsession with more took over- we are far past Gordon Gekko and many have railed against the notion of more by retreating to tiny houses and living out of vans. I'm not necessarily talking about "more" in the materialistic sense though. I'm just talking about the need to always offer more than what you can do or offer. It seems so ludicrous to me.

Plus right now we are living in an unprecedented America where a bloated orange man baby alien feels the need to tweet with the reckless abandon of a nuclear cyclone who never quite grew up. And that's the thing I guess- I do need more. But it has nothing to do with a "croissants and" moment or more from myself. I want more from my country.

More morality.

More kindness.

More tolerance.

More respect.

More opportunities.

More compassion.

More humility.

More caring.

More empathy.

More tools to cope with this current regime.

I want more people to speak up against this scourge. That's what I want more of on this Fourth of July. I want to get back to more of what it means to be a good American, human, friend, neighbor. All of that. I don't want croissants or toilet paper that offers me more than what they are, but what I want more of is this country to heal and get well. Because as Americans, we deserve more. I truly believe that. And we're more than this administration. As Americans, we should simply want more from our leaders and for those in power. Don't be distracted by the "more" that doesn't matter. It matters that we take the power of more and make things right.

Because you and I both know we don't need another pastry plus.

Cause that's what's up this wanting more from America kind of 4th of July in Brooklyn. Yours, in more, more, more. XO

Good morning, Monday. How weird is it when the Fourth of July falls on a Tuesday? Completely throws off the long weekend vibe somehow with the Monday in between that some of us don't know what to do with- is it a work day? Can't really tell but since we are nowhere near the beach this weekend (I hate the crowds and traffic), I thought it a good time to bring up my favorite new discovery when it comes to self tanner.

I'm somehow an expert on all things self tanning- it's been a long time since I've allowed myself to fry in the sun because I'm terrified of ruining my skin. But Lord knows I look better with a little color so I moderate my exposure (I do let myself sit in the sun a bit of course) with some self tanning goodness.

I've tried them all but was thrilled to find my fav new one- loving the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze tan towels right now for lazy people who want a quick and easy way to tan- I get the Medium because I like to be fairly bronzed and the light is too pale for me. I then follow up when I'm less than lazy with the Jergens Natural Glow firming moisturizer (applied daily after showering)  which also has a bit of self tanner in it, though I will admit I don't love the smell of it.  I do like the gentle bit of lift it gives as well as a nice overall glow. And after reading a recent piece on Racked, I'm curious to try James Read's tanning balm, though I've had less success with some of his other products in terms of idiot proof application. I don't like tiger stripes you know. All in all, I'm loving my new sunless combo- my tan looks even and not orange at all- just a nice bronze glow.

Some of you are getting a tan the natural way this weirdly long weekend, for the rest of us, there's some great self tanners out there to help you along. Pleased that my tan is available at my local CVS- it's just slightly cheaper than a weekend in Montauk.

Cause that's what's up this self involved Monday in the 718.  Yours, in faking it until I bake it, and then getting back in bed. XO

Good morning, Friday. It's been a week- lots of ups and downs but I can't thank you all enough if you reached out to me after the last post- your support means the absolute world.

It's hard to think about but these are treacherous times, particularly in the business I grew up in, advertising. I'm not sure there's more security in full time work in that arena than there is in freelance life. It feels unhinged, and since advertising is often a barometer for the times in which we live (at its best), I suppose it makes pitch perfect sense- I watch the news with shock every single day. What happened yesterday with Trump's tweets are so beyond anything I have ever associated with an American President, or moreover, a leader of any kind.

I can't help but wonder what would happen if this was the corporate world- would he not be fired by now for all of his disgusting and distasteful attacks? How is this allowed to go on?

Everything feels unsteady, wheels well on their way to calling off. I'm afraid we're headed for significant blowout. 

As for me, I'm putting myself on a bit of notice. I need to figure out how to sustain my passion for writing but I also need to make a living. I'm worried that Trump is somehow making it acceptable to be a complete asshole. And if there is such a thing as a trickle down situation, I'm more than worried about how all of this plays into business practices. We all have to be better than this. I have to be better than this. And so do you. It's time for a change. Remarkable to me that this country elected Trump because apparently we wanted change. So much has been written about the power of change, but how about when it doesn't feel so hot? Maybe change is not always good?  Or maybe bad changes somehow make us better in the long run? That's a bit of American optimism right there. 

My point of this little rant is that the amount of change happening is unfathomable- leaps and bounds bigger than it's ever been- positively seismic. I need to find my place within it, but right now I'm fidget spinning my way into the Summer and would like very much to find friends and coworkers and inspiration in the good that I know is still out there, somewhere.

I guess what I'm saying is that I feel everything is connected, and I'm trying to navigate some very tricky waters right now, personally and professionally. Some of you may not be feeling any of this, and some of you may be feeling it in spades. Regardless, how will we get through all of this deep uncertainty? For me, I'm going to do everything I can to get ahead of what I see as an inevitability- I'm being forced to question everything of late and I'm still in an inquisitive mood, though I hope the answers come soon. I hate to feel unsettled and uncertain but if you too are going through a big transition, maybe we all need to revel in the unknown and not fear it. I told somebody that very recently, and I suppose I need to take my own advice.

So in such weird times, I'm holding on tight and trying to fasten my seatbelt slightly tired. I have a feeling it's going to be a bit of a bumpy ride, but I'm hopeful I'll get there. I'm very much a "right now" kind of girl, so this feeling of in between is not ideal for me.

Cause that's what's up this having a little faith kind of Friday in the 718. Yours, in keeping it together, or trying to. By the way, I'm open to suggestions. Feel free to reach out if you too are trying to weather the storm or have come out the other end- better, stronger, and whatever else. XO