it's a big world, girl, and I can't understand it, we're tiny white specks in a bright blue planet
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Happy Friday!
Hello friends. It's time for your weekly mix of music, words, and the other ingredients that go into making my week....uh...my week.
I've tried to be cognizant of sharing some reads and links that tackle subjects other than our seemingly constantly-under-threat democracy...I didn’t envision this space with a constant barrage of soapboxing and lecturing about democracy...but the times are what they are. I have been putting my hands into other things besides constantly ranting about the GOP or writing/calling my Members of Congress over and over (I'm definitely on a list); it's garden time, so I've spent recent weeks prepping grounds and tending to the seedlings that will make up my garden of vegetables and flowers this year, I've been diving into creative projects, and I've been enjoying my family and friends as we all begin to achieve full vaccination status (I got to hug my mom and grandma!).
Additionally, I've been working further on a pandemic-inspired philosophy that I adopted this past year; a focus on what fulfills me, putting aside much of the "extra" that would once drain my spirit and resources. Some of you may recall past years at Red Chuck when I spent much of my time on the hustle; I was gonna make this thing happen and I was gonna get paid. I tried that for a time and, while I had some success and fun, I've found much more satisfaction finding my financial security elsewhere, allowing me to focus on creative projects that truly inspire. So I've got new podcasts in the works! I'm writing a movie! I'm learning new skills! I'm sharing with YOU the things that I find awesome, which is what this whole Red Chuck thing was supposed to be about in the first place.
So I hope you're finding a similar sense of satisfaction and fulfillment wherever and however in your world. Remember, there's no right way to do just about anything. So do it your way.
Take care of yourself. Take care of your people. Take care of our fellow humans. And always listen to great music while you're doing so. To help, I've given you a few extra tracks this week, because, well, this is my space. I can do what I want. So enjoy!
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Reads of the Week:
“Every department I’ve seen where there’s been a pattern of misconduct, you’ve also had a broken accountability system.”
Regardless of administration or party, this remains unacceptable. We have the most resources of any society in all the world. We can and must do better.
Know your needs, limits, and abilities.
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Links and More:
One of my favorites, Baratunde Thurston, on the chaos within the GOP: “It is frightening to see how many people are willing to embrace lies when those lies lead to power”
For those in the local community with a concern about the relationship between police and the community, Berrien County ALPACT is having some incredible discussion on the topic. The group is made up of law officers, local officials, mental health experts, community members, and more. Meetings are currently virtual and available as recordings after the fact, so please consider checking them out.
This is the greeting I receive every day when I come home and a fantastic argument for pets:
And finally, if you're local, I'm doing an event next week! Live humans! Music! Games! Come visit me at the N.O.D.E. next Thursday: Niles Third Thursday in May
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WQPM playlists are a collection of ten songs I've been listening to this week, crossing genre, era, and taste. No themes here, just the tunes I've been sticking in my ears lately. The newest Weekly Quick Pick Mix is available on Spotify and Apple Music.