Captivations is a monthly feature with links, stories, and news that captivated me. It’s also a monthly update/recap of what’s going on in my world.
May Recap
The fast pace of time experienced in April continued through May and here we are at the end of the month! Much of this month involved arranging and re-arranging our house. It’s been an anxious project because I just want to be done, but I’m learning to accept that timing makes this a slow and patient process. I blame all the DIY and home decor Instagram accounts out there that seem to remodel and furnish their homes instantaneously. In reality, it takes time to figure out what is needed in the home and find pieces we love, especially when wanting to buy secondhand and on a budget.
This continuous journey reminds me:
- Be thoughtful about what I spend money on and bring into the home. Do I really love it? Because I will likely not get the same value if I try to re-sell it.
- Take care of the things you own to make them last.
AAPI Heritage Month
I’m cautious about giving myself time to process things before I talk about them in public, which was one of the reasons why I was hesitant to publish this post about my experience. It’s something – this wrestling/accepting/understanding of my belonging as an Asian American – that I’m working through and will continue to do for a long time. At the same time, I know bringing awareness to the violence against Asian Americans is something that is sensitive and important to me. I hoped you learned something new!
100 Things I’d Say to My 18-Year-Old Self About Minimalism
This great list applies to 18-year-olds and any age! Adapt these tips to your interests and find ways to use your time and money effectively.
Storytelling
The points in this article about how to tell a good story are good ones.
This Is Us
Six years of the show This Is Us and the final episode aired this month. I have cried or gotten teary-eyed while watching every episode this season. This show touches on subjects like death, forgiveness, acceptance, self-esteem, and family, and it was sad to say goodbye to this loving and imperfect family. This show was often heavy, but it was a reminder of humanity and the way our lives are always connected to others. Mandy Moore plays a lead role in the show and this Vanity Fair profile was a great piece. I echo its reverence in her ability to play a mother, adopted mother, widow, grandmother, and a woman at multiple ages, including one with Alzheimer’s.
Plastic Bags
Worldwide, we use an estimated one million plastic bags a minute and the use lasts about 12 minutes. That plastic bag takes 50 to 1,200 years to fully decompose. Ideally, stop getting plastic bags. Alternatively, here’s a list of ways to reuse plastic bags.
Thrifting
What would you do if the $35 sculpture you got at Goodwill was actually an ancient artifact? Here’s the real story. That’s the thing I love about thrifting. You’ll find treasures of all kinds – things you can’t live without and things with incredible history.
The Downside of Thrifting
Thrifting is great. Things get new life while keeping them out of the landfill. But the thought of “oh I’ll just donate it and someone else will put it to use” after you tire of something has sadly become a regular occurrence. We’re not necessarily buying less stuff – new or from thrift stores. Buying secondhand is a slight improvement, it slows down the cycle, but ultimately, we are still creating a large amount of waste. This article by Remake provides more reasons why thrifting is not necessarily sustainable. If you want a clear illustration of this, visit any Goodwill store. Their racks and shelves are lined with multiples of the same item and things that are only a few months old. We have a consumption problem.
No New Clothes
Speaking of Remake, the organization is launching its annual summer initiative – No New Clothes from June 1 to September 1. This campaign encourages consumers to reflect on how much they consume. You make the rules – you can buy nothing or only buy secondhand. Did you know the average American buys 16 new pieces of clothing every three months? Learn more and take the pledge!
Magical Mushrooms
Mushrooms fascinate me. I see them in our neighborhood after a rain storm and they seemingly pop up randomly. In the Pacific Northwest, they are abundant. This National Geographic article goes in depth about mycelium and psychedelics.
Mourning
There is a lot to be said and it’s nothing you haven’t already heard after the terrible shooting in Uvalde. It’s not hard to find articles about what happened, how the police failed, how politicians are failing, and the ways we can demand change. There’s a lot to be said and yet there’s nothing to say. It’s incredibly sad and heartbreaking, and we will continue to be a community and country in mourning.
The Future of Sushi
I love sushi and fish, and that can be a problem. In this Bon Appétit article, it explains what overfishing and climate change are doing to the sushi industry and how restaurants are adapting.
5 Things I Love Lately
- Decluttering
- Consistent workouts at Orangetheory
- Gazpacho season! (See this recipe – sub peaches for watermelon if needed)
- Unexpected turtle and skunk sightings at our house
- A surprise sunflower plant in our backyard pot (photo at the top)
What have you been captivated by recently?
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