🌱 becoming a plant mom 🌿
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#WednesdayWisdom
"Remembering who you are is how you take back your power." — Lalah Delia
Morning Musings
First and foremost, many thanks and much love to everyone who sent supportive texts, emails and messages in response to last week's newsletter. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate you.
Shortly after our IVF cycle failed, my awesome team at work sent me a lovely little marigold plant, which I promptly named Marigold (creative, I know. I also named my childhood stuffed lamb Lamb Lamb, so yeah).
Truthfully, I was filled to the brim with sweets thanks to thoughtful care packages from family and friends and I had decided I wanted to come out of quarantine a successful Plant Mom.
So when my friend and teammate Meital asked me what I'd like as a pick-me-up, I confidently replied “a plant.” And thus, Marigold entered our lives joining Patrice, our 2-year-old aloe (thanks for the repotting tips, Stephanie!), and Bradley, our 1-year-old snake plant.
Plus, I thought, it would be nice to care for something during this time when I thought I'd be caring for another life.
Then I may have gone a bit overboard ... I've since added a 'Royal Wolfgang' Gasteria I named Spiky; an African Violet named ... well, Violet; and some kind of Zebra plant whose scientific name I can't remember, but who is also in need of a new name (I'm open to suggestions).
I partly blame Plant Shop Chicago for my newfound addiction (thanks, contactless delivery!). But I'm happy to report that all plant babies are alive and accounted for ... for now. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers under my care.
Also, if you are a budding (or experienced) Plant Parent and want to share tips, hit "reply" and let me know!
Love,
L'Oreal
ICYMI
Earlier this year I pitched a story to Shondaland (after an intro from loyal subscriber Katie T.), it got accepted, I wrote it up and then ... the pandemic happened. But now it's live for all the world to see! In my debut, I'm talking about the art of saying "no" and interviewing experts for tips on how to do just hat.
Also this week, I was featured for a roundup in Verizon's In the Know about my natural hair routine in quarantine. Spoiler: I miss my box braids, but the weekly Wash Days have helped me learn more about my coils (and perfect my twist-out, finally!).
Virtual Happenings
May 20 (TONIGHT): I Can't: Side-Hustle. My girl Jessica Williams is hosting a webinar on all things starting a side-hustle. ($32)
May 27: Freelance Writing 101: How to Successfully Pitch Editors. I'm hosting a digital workshop to help new and aspiring freelance writers pitch editors and get paid for their writing. ($7)
May 30: Grief & Healing Talk for Our Community. My friend Vanessa Flowers, founder of Flower Girls Meet, is partnering with NAMI Chicago to discuss grief during these challenging times. (FREE to register, donations for NAMI Chicago accepted)
Links I Love
1. Neicy Nash Is the Hardest Working Woman in Hollywood. I've been loving Neicy's latest Netflix work as the mom in Unccorked and the therapist in Never Have I Ever (more on that later). I stan a legend. (ZORA)
2. Kehlani Gets Real About Social Media and Celebrity Culture. You know I love a good profile, and this one delivers. (Teen Vogue)
3. Elizabeth Acevedo's New Novel Explores the Fullness of Grief. Elizabeth Acevedo is on my short list of pre-order authors (you know, the list of authors you'll read even before you know what the book is about). I'm excited to start her new book, Clap When You Land, as soon as I finish Such a Fun Age because apparently my other quarantine hobby is joining book clubs ... I may have a problem. (ZORA)
My Latest Obsession
There are three things I love in a TV show and/or movie:
1) strong writing
2) diversity
3) female friendship
Netflix's binge-worthy comedy-drama Never Have I Ever delivers on all three. Sixteen-year-old L'Oreal would like to know where this show was when she was in high school, but 32-year-old L'Oreal enjoys it just the same. And if you don't cry during the last episode, do you even have a heart?
P.s. Mindy Kaling is in her producing bag once again, as the kids would say. Between this and Four Weddings and a Funeral (the show), I'm thinking I may enjoy Mindy the writer/creator/producer more than Mindy the actress. #HereForIt
Now Hiring
Newsletter Producer for The Philadelphia Inquirer
Executive and Development Assistant for The Center for Tech and Civic Life
Ida B. Wells Society Director for UNC-Chapel Hill
Senior Manager/Director - Education and Alumni Programs for Black Girls CODE
Program Manager for City Bureau
Digital Communications Associate for Dream Defenders
Public Engagement and Communications Manager for Asian American Arts Alliance
Staff Editor, News for The Atlantic
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