Thunder Thighs: The Human You Are Becoming
Earlier this morning, I had to write a note that would appear in my 9-year-old’s elementary school yearbook.
After grappling with the fact that I probably couldn’t start said note with “holy hell”—at least not without running the risk of being banned from all future school-related activities—I wrote the following:
"Emily - We can't believe you're already moving on up to the middle school. It feels like only yesterday that your backpack was bigger than you were. We're so proud of you, and of the amazing human you're becoming."
And then, a single tear rolled down my cheek because, apparently, I am a goopy pile of emotional devastation.
Spring has always been a time of transition and new growth. But this particular spring has felt especially tumultuous. My child’s transition to middle school is a big one.
(How will she find her way between classrooms? Will she manage to open her locker okay?? Will she finally quit the traveling soccer league??? Why the frack does band meet at 7:30 a.m.?!??)
But there have also been shifts in my work. In my creative life. In my family. In my home.
After all, who we are as humans is constantly in flux.
Whether positive or negative, change can be exhausting. Personally, I feel like I’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster and, whenever I experience big emotions, I get so tired. Does anyone else feel this?
So take care of yourself in the midst of those changes. Because even the good ones can flatten you.
Who are you becoming these days?
On the Internets
I became fascinated by sex furniture when watching the Netflix series How to Build a Sex Room, so this article on how it can help older adults caught my eye.
There is so much book banning-related news out there. It’s overwhelming. But this angle was new to me. A book ban in Nevada would require libraries to create a separate section for LGBTQ+ books, essentially forcing kids to out themselves.
Speaking of bans, abortion bans have been just as insidious as book bans and, as they continue to spread, nonprofits that help folks cross state lines to legally get their abortions are running out of money.
Finally, a resource. The Trans Day of Visibility has passed, but these tips on how to be an ally to trans folks will never go out of style.
Everything I Accomplished Despite Life
Life has felt so chaotic lately, and yet I only have a single clip to share with you: this quiz that gives you a book rec when you pick your favorite ‘90s movies.
Though you can also find an interview with me over at Hippocampus, in which I talk about my love for the lit world.
Necessary for My Sanity This Past Month
I read so many fun horror books this past month! The first—Pay the Piper by Daniel Kraus and George Romero—isn’t out until September, but at least you have something to look forward to?
Rachel Harrison’s next book, So Thirsty, also isn’t out until September, but she’s always worth the pre-order.
Bad Dreams in the Night by Adam Ellis is out. It’s a fun graphic short story collection that will give you the creeps and maybe even gross you out.
This last one isn’t horror. The House in the Cerulean Sea, a low fantasy, is perhaps the most well known of TJ Klune’s books, and it legit made me cry. I cannot wait for the sequel (Somewhere Beyond the Sea), which is out in—you guessed it—September. Ugh.
Hot Takes
My Mood at This Very Moment
because I’m waiting to hear back on something and, my god…