BREAD FOR ALL
AND ROSES TOO
Once again, an early write and a later publish. I think, I write, I walk away, I stretch….repeat. While I revisit this, the moon is in Aries, part 2 of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is on, and I have coffee with homemade whipped cream plopped on top. I am wearing the beautiful wool sweater a client knitted for me and Soggy is on my lap.
Happy Gregorian New Year. Although the true new year in my heart is the spring equinox, I wont fight an excuse to dress up, drink, kiss the loved ones around me, sing Auld Lang Syne1 until I cry, and attempt to improve aspects of my life until it all fits.
2023 was my angry year; it was another challenging year with uneven ground. I came out of the pain with new leaves atop my head. This year is about safety in my body and home, reconnecting to tenderness, changing patterns, choosing things that challenge me, and creating. In 2024, I will do things like continue to put my body of water into bodies of water, grow my best garden yet (more on that soon), read as many books as last year or more, sew as many quilts as last year or more, be in an art show, decorate and renovate, join a yoga studio, repair the gas kiln that is sitting outside my back door, go to shows again, travel again, walk more again, and love deeper. My roses.
I recently learned the phrase that is the title of this letter from my current read, Orwell’s Roses by Rebecca Solnit, and it immediately warmed me from my solar plexus out. For those who aren’t familiar, it is a phrase that has historically been used in union and liberation movements and art, to denote that the movement for liberation is not only to win life’s necessities (“bread”) for all, but for everyone to be able to enjoy life as well and win life’s beauties (“roses”) for all.
I have found that in certain ~spaces~, an argument as old as I can imagine can come up in different ways about…quite frankly….happiness, joy, and fulfillment. There are those who believe, have believed, or are on the verge of believing, if not everyone is comfortable, happy, fulfilled, safe, or has their needs met, then how could anyone else? I believed that once! And although it’s essentially the basis of every major religion (joint suffering / removing all of life’s roses and luxuries brings one closer to God and the people one serves), it is as a slippery slope to accusing one’s joy, adoration, and collection of beauty and wonder as bourgeoise.
In my quite honest and humble opinion, how can be expected to live without roses?
While we experience climate disaster, la montée du fascisme, the many global violent occupations turned seemingly never-ending genocides, it can absolutely feel cruel at times to be a witness to the face of life’s beauties, especially when so often under capitalism roses come with the suffering and exploitation of others. But life’s tiny and big joys are all we have, as they say!! We can dream and scheme of a future where everyone has bread and roses too, while making sure we celebrate our roses alongside the horrors.
In the first week of January, I pulled tarot again after nearly 8 months, the first time since moving into my home. It was one of those pulls where you keep going and going, creating a rich landscape of messages. I did a New Years spread, my classic “What is happening / How am I feeling / What is to come?” trio, a card to represent the theme of last year, then one for the theme of this year, and lastly the addition of cards that flew out while I was shuffling. My little head and heart were hungry.
The messages that came across loud and clear were about financial stability (please), manifestation and skill developing, success and vitality, and mental clarity. Moments before I did this large pull, I sent a follow up email to a job I interviewed for, and within a minute I saw that I had a response. I wanted to wait until after the reading to open it. When I was done, I got on the phone and was offered the job.
It’s my favorite thing, when the universe screams. Here’s to 2024 and entering the Age of Aquarius, an age of change and revolution.
THINGS CONSUMED
This year I am hoping to watch more movies! I have a goal of at least one a week.
Eileen - I entered the theatre incorrectly thinking that I had read this book when I had NOT, and I realized this at the climax when I actually gasped very loud in the theatre. The cinematography was stunning, costumes stunning, Anne Hathaway ……….stunning. Ottessa Moshfegh’s books are often hit or miss with me, but I do plan on reading this book now.
Poor Things - Loved it and also kinda didn’t maybe a little? Sexy, bizarre, violent, swirly, funny. Was it supposed to be feminist? The freaky little music, costumes, and steampunk setting were completely dream.
Bottoms X Saltburn double feature -Yeah…ok!! A weird little double featyre of two violent and erotic fims. Bottoms was over the top and a lot of fun, lots of laugh laugh laugh; Saltburn was a psychosexual thriller that could’ve been WAY more psychosexual and less on the nose toward the end. Jacob Elordi is obviously hot with his slutty little eyebrow piercing and LiveStrong bracelet and Barry Koeghan is a guy who is so good at playing freaky little guys. Weird no kissing between them? Not even one? Please.
All of Us Strangers- Even though there were boys kissing, I unfortunately did not love. Sorry to my Irish kings….
Gilmore Girls- After multiple failed attempts, it finally stuck and I am delighted.
Thoughts after being 4 seasons in: what the hell is wrong with Lorelei? Emily Gilmore and Lane are the only likable characters. I’m obsessed with “la la la la laaaaa”.
Master Chef Junior - Don’t watch this show if you don’t want to cry every episode over how wonderful and important children are!!
BOOKS READ(ING)
Orwell’s Roses by Rebecca Solnit
CHAOS: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties by Dan Piepenbring and Tom O'Neill - did y’all know about the ties between The Beach Boys and Manson??
Getting Lost by Annie Ernaux
The Overstory by Richard Powers - another delight
MORE ROSES (and a thorn)
Here is a small yet impressive list of all of the land returned to indigenous peoples in 2023, and here’s to more in 2024.
For Christmas, my partner found a simple shoe-making kit for me at their favorite used book/antique store so that I can wear a head to toe outfit of things I’ve made; an impossibly sweet act.
Honey Pluton’s solo show so fun.
I did something amazing for myself which was buy this expensive bar of soap while in New York.
Gaza’s miscarriage rate is up 300%; Palestine, occupation, genocide are reproductive justice issues. I will keep screaming.
Y’all know the importance of hip openers for physical, mental, emotional benefits, but don’t forget about shoulder/chest openers for the same reasons.
~~~
Ok, the snow is falling and I have to go watch it.
For auld lang syne,
D.R.O.
Don’t worry, baby. I did the research so you don’t have to. The best versions of Auld Lang Syne (which is the best song of all time, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise) are by Guy Lombardo, Mariah Carey (you better watch the video), and Sufjan Stevens.