As I sat down to write this note, I saw an Instagram post and joint statement by the Queens Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and The New York Public Library regarding the $58.3 million funding cut they face. This comes after a $23.6 million funding cut this past November which forced the three systems to reduce their seven day service and overall program offerings.
If the city moves forward with this next round of funding cuts, QPL faces weekend closures, staff shortages, and reduced spending on books and other reading materials.
Growing up, I spent countless hours reading and checking out books at our local Elmhurst library branch. I can't imagine children and older adults not having the opportunity to spend their weekends at their local branch. Seriously, what a disservice to our community.
Please consider filling out this petition for the mayor and city council to reconsider budget cuts to our public library systems. It's a quick form and will take less than a minute to complete! There's a dropdown for your respective borough location.
I own a few Mara Hoffman pieces and I really love how they hold up over time. I have a hard time letting them go because they're so fun and take me back to the place & time I last wore them. But then again, I do have a bit of a hoarding problem when it comes to fashion. Me: “I'm going to save these for my daughter one day.” I currently have my eye on this gorgeous piece that has previously dropped in different colorways and prints. This one is speaking to me! 🧚🏽💓🪞
I actually picked up this gorgeous deck a few weeks ago at a shop called Ritualist in New Paltz and I am having to show restraint for grabbing any more tarot and oracle decks. But this shop carries such a lovely collection and you can browse their decks on their site as well - perfect for your new and full moon rituals. 🌕
That's right! My tried and true Carmex lip balm. I like to keep a tube in every coat pocket and purse but I have seemingly misplaced a few tubes in the last week, leaving me with dry & ashy lips this spring! A restock is a must. 💋
Morning Glory and Sanrio girlies, unite. Now, do I need this Pochacco keyboard? No. Am I getting it anyways? Yes. The delusional me thinks I will be most efficient tapping away on this super cute keyboard.
It's been a minute since I've watched a film in the theater but wow, everything is so damn loud. Am I just getting old? Also, given the previews, it seems all upcoming movies are all doomsday related. Can we get some rom-coms or uplifting, feel-good films this summer? Sheesh.
Anyways, the film was great with ever-relevant political critique on the caste system, the widespread right-wing Hindu nationalism plaguing India today, while the murder and forced displacement of forest dwellers easily parallels the ground realities of Palestine. But fair warning, there's a lot of violence, fighting, and gore for the full 2 hours of the film.
My favorite scene was towards the end when the hijras (India's third gender community) rush the club in a much needed comedic moment which immediately reminded me of a particular scene in True Detective's Season 4 finale. If you know, you know.
If you've seen the movie, let me know your thoughts!
I must say, Spotify is always on point with their recommendations. Olivia's music recently showed up on one of my daylight playlists, specifically the Ladies Room track, and I was shocked I hadn't heard her music before!
Born to English and Jamaican-Guyanese parents, Olivia's debut album delves into love, loss, familial connections, and the mess of it all, all while giving us a mix of neo-soul, jazz, and a little bit of Motown.
Just a stunning album all around. My favorite tracks below:
