P.P.P.D.W.F.F. is an acronym for Please Please Please Don't Work For Free. I said this during a writing workshop, and truly I mean it. You are worth more than $0.
Your Pep Talk 👑
I don't know about you, but I'm hardest on myself. I once said, "If I could only get there," about a writing achievement I wanted and my writing teacher said, "There's no there, Jenn. You are already there."
To that end, when I saw this @lizanmollie infographic, it was like this pie chart looked into my soul.
If you've had a tough year, few months, days—you are worthy of all that's good coming your way, even when you've felt your worst. You matter to someone you love because you exist.
I know we're all stuck somewhere right now, but my hope is that we take a moment to see all we've navigated in 2020 and appreciate our worth.
My Latest News 💖
In the Winter 2021 issue of Bust magazine, I wrote a piece about how you can volunteer remotely to help others. I highlighted some of my fave organizations. It’s always a pleasure to write for my favorite feminist publication. (Illustration credit: Nan Cao.)
Check Out This...
MAGAZINE: Bravery Magazine is a quarterly publication for kids that my friend gifted to my daughters (thanks, Sutton!). It’s pure joy. Each issue is dedicated to one female role model, and right now, we’re learning about Dr. Eugenie Clark through beautiful nonfiction, fun activities, and craft projects.
ARTICLE: “Return to sender: I painted white people’s words to reflect their emotional apathy,” by artist and San Francisco Chronicle columnist George McCalman is a piece I read in September and it still sits with me. His art is equally evocative.
MOVIE: The Octopus Teacher on Netflix. I am a sucker for ocean life (pun intended), and this documentary about an exhausted filmmaker dad forming a friendship with an octopus will hug your heart.
NONPROFIT: Buy Nothing Project. I joined my local Buy Nothing group and have gotten amazing items (a rain barrel!) and given away gently used items. Plus, I’ve “met” neighbors, found a little pantry to donate to, and seen generous neighbors give food to each other. In a season of buying, giving is the best gift.
I'm Grateful For...
Public libraries. During lockdown, I’ve read more than I ever have, thanks to the Los Angeles Public Library’s e-book loans. When I was young voracious reader, public libraries were my free resource to consume and read books. Now, checking out books with curbside pickup or placing a hold on Mariah Carey’s memoir (can. not. wait.), I love supporting an institution that’s given me so much.