Welcome to Joy Ride, a monthly dose of joy, good things, creativity prompts, and gratitude by journalist and author Jennifer Chen. If you like it, please share this newsletter with someone who might like it too.
Your Pep Talk
Recently, I interviewed author Angela Garbes about her new book, Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change (out May 10), and we talked about a quote in her book: "Love is an act of attention..." Reading that quote hit me hard because during the pandemic, particularly during lockdown, I felt like my attention was fractured between writing, childcare, and domestic labor. Did I love my children less because I couldn't focus on them exclusively? But something Garbes said to me helped me understand that our children are surrounded by love. We are part of a community who cares for our children.
Regardless if you’re a parent or not, how can you give yourself attention? Is it walking outside? Turning off your phone? Or simply breathing in silence? For me, petting my cat Gremmy or my pugs, Ziggy and Zoey, resets my day instantly. Give yourself the love you deserve.
My Latest News 📔
The wonderful team at Wednesday Books asked me to make a cover mood board for my book, ARTIFACTS OF AN EX, that’s coming out next year. You’ll see some artifacts from the Museum of Broken Relationships, a new defunct art exhibit with objects from breakups that I based my book on.
Check Out This... 💖
Post on Love: This Instagram post got me right in the heart.
POEM: “Black Lead in a Nancy Meyers film” by poet Rio Cortez is one that lingers with you.
MOVIE: I genuinely laughed out loud while watching The Lost City, and highly recommend it if you want 90 minutes of fun.
FUNDRAISER: Sonia Weiser, who started several mental health funds for journalists, launched a new one for LGBTQIA journalists. If you can support, please consider donating. I was fortunate to benefit from the AAPI journalists mental health fund.
FELLOWSHIP: If you are or know someone who is unpublished and underrepresented writer, apply for the LitUp Writer’s Fellowship (deadline May 31, 2022).
I'm Grateful For... 🚣🏿♀️
This beautiful view of the Venice Canals in California. I’m celebrating my birthday at an Airbnb right on the canals (thanks, Brendan, for the gift!). Years ago, when I was a young editorial assistant, I used to wander the public walkways because it was free and it felt like a piece of Italy. Hope you enjoy it, too!