By: Gabriela Yareliz Thoughts in the AM: There is a barista whose efficiency and chipper attitude brought sunshine to our days in the summer of 2020 (those were dark days, y’all. People had bubble wrapped their windows and duct taped their doors shut). It’s funny because at first, I thought this barista was a jerk,Continue reading “Essential Strangers”
Category Archives: culture
The Gwen Stefani Series
By: Gabriela Yareliz I am so overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone who followed and loved our Gwen Stefani/No Doubt music series where we looked at lyrics and life together. As requested, I am putting all the post links in one spot for easy finding and reading. Keep the tabs open; keep your hearts open. xxContinue reading “The Gwen Stefani Series”
Serenity
“For several days after that meeting I wanted only to be in places where the lights were bright and no one counted days.” Joan Didion, “Getting Serenity,” 1968 The words above were written by Didion after she attended a Gamblers Anonymous (G.A.) meeting. She said she hated the word “serenity” because she associated it withContinue reading “Serenity”
Figuring It Out and the Talented Triplet
“The joy of writing. A chance to make things stay. A revenge of a mortal hand.” Wistawa Szymborska, “The Joy of Writing” [That quote has nothing to do with this post. I just liked it a lot. Sue me. (Not literally– but if you do, joke is on you).] By: Gabriela Yareliz Here we are,Continue reading “Figuring It Out and the Talented Triplet”
Leaving Burnout Behind: Lessons Learned
By: Gabriela Yareliz I once heard a conversation between Erwin and Aaron McManus on Battle Ready, where they were discussing the concept of burnout. Basically, what was expressed is that burnout doesn’t typically stem from having too much to do but rather by not finding fulfillment in the work you are doing. I found thatContinue reading “Leaving Burnout Behind: Lessons Learned”
How to Have a Charmed Spring
By: Gabriela Yareliz I loved Gigi Chomiak‘s 100 Ways to Romance Life email newsletter (sent February 11). It got my mind wandering and thinking about the things that I feel make (or could make) spring magical. Spring is my favorite season, so I figured it would be fun to make a little list of howContinue reading “How to Have a Charmed Spring”
Types of Breakups
By: Gabriela Yareliz I’ve noticed there are breakups that are for the best. We almost sigh in relief as witnesses, with the involved parties. But then, there are breakups that change the course of life and time as we know it. There are ruptures that leave a rip in the universe. Harmony ceases and theContinue reading “Types of Breakups”
Gonna Get Me A Kilt
By: Gabriela Yareliz Guys, I saw a trailer for a TV show on Starz the other day, and it stayed on my mind. It felt fun and exciting and looked like life. (Something that feels a bit foreign to those of us who have been locked up in our rooms like the girl from TangledContinue reading “Gonna Get Me A Kilt”
Wanna Say It Now, Wanna Make It Clear
By: Gabriela Yareliz We’ve made it to the end of our journey with our music leading up to Valentine’s Day. We are ending with a song that Gwen Stefani is featured on, but it’s not her song. We are ending with Blake Shelton’s “Nobody But You.” This song gives me all the feels. Every.Single.Time. WhatContinue reading “Wanna Say It Now, Wanna Make It Clear”
You Make Me Better
By: Gabriela Yareliz Today’s song is a No Doubt classic, “Underneath It All.” We start out with Gwen Stefani admitting that she sometimes thinks she needs someone more like her, but then she says that despite their differences this special person is lovely and loves her, “underneath it all.” This person sees the colors inContinue reading “You Make Me Better”
GABRIELA YARELIZ 