Right off the bat: Ted Lasso is right about hot tea.
I’m sorry. I know many of you love to steep that bag in some hot water and sip yourself into happiness multiple times a day. I drink it for my health solamente and enjoy it like I enjoy eating kale.
According to 23 and Me, I’m 76% Irish and English, and my husband is legit 100% English and Scottish, so it is surprising that tea makes me want to die inside. Last month, I volunteered to serve at multicultural night at our kid’s school and signed up for the UK to stay true to my roots.
I struggled to handle my bit of history in the room because what is the UK if not colonization persisting, so I called upon my friends Katherine and Joy to help me prepare my fact sheet and 200 favors for kids. I discovered that the Brits drink 165 million tea cups a day! So, to rep the four countries inside the United Kingdom, the kids and I put together bags of their favorite teas: Darjeeling, Lapsang Souchong, Ceylon, and Assam, sealed by a heart-shaped Union Jack sticker. We added a printout of Katherine’s scone recipe (she grew up in England) and interesting facts about the UK. Yes, we included the lasting effects of colonization on racial injustice worldwide, and nobody called the school board!
My mind is not changed about tea, but the kids enjoyed getting a UK stamp on their multicultural night passports. And it was beautiful to stand next to Brazil, Bolivia, the Philippines, Switzerland and learn about other cultures through food, music, dance, and conversation.
Neighborliness is important for us to impart to our children. We want them to develop a respect for, and interest in, other people’s beliefs, traditions, histories, and passions and an abiding connection to their own. Earth is much more bearable when we feel grounded in a sense of “home.”
Which leads me our monthly links and good things
Viola Davis’s book, Finding Me: A Memoir is a ministry. I sobbed and laughed and marveled. She deserved that Grammy and every good thing God has to give her.
This interview with Jenna Ortega on Armchair Expert is honest, funny, and so sweet. We loved Wednesday and cannot wait to watch the new Scream! Top fave moment was when Jenna calls her mom. Fun fact, my mom worked with her mom in the ER in Palm Springs! Nurse moms are a special kind of wonderful.
My new fave jean discovery! ENJOY!
Dogs were the ultimate street style trendsetters during Fall 2023 fashion month This is wild but I loved it.
The Urgent Life excerpt in Elle of Bozoma Saint John’s new book. I had no idea that she’d lost her husband to cancer. Ordered her audiobook immediately after reading.
Shrinking on Apple TV - We’re big fans!
Also loving Dear Edward on Apple TV but bring tissues!
A song on repeat: Sweet Symphony by Joy Oladokun and Chris Stapleton
Enjoyed this burn from dictionary.com to Twitter Support announcing that “Some parts of Twitter may not be working as expected right now.”
Final good thing saving my life right now? Friends. I’m reminded this week how good it is to love and be loved by others. That sense of home in friendship settles our souls and eases our burdens. We need each other.
I’m so glad you’re here. Promise not to draw my sword on too many of your unpopular opinions which you’re welcome to tell us.
Or if you prefer the high road, take a moment to share what you’re reading, watching, wearing, and loving. What’s saving your life right now?
Until next time,
Ashley
P.S. Next week’s Mentor Monday for paid subscribers is with TV writer, Matt Williams, one of the best writers I’ve ever had the honor and privilege of working with in my life. I think you’ll love it!
"I struggled to handle my bit of history in the room because what is the UK if not colonization persisting," - that's one of the best lines I've ever read in my life lol I'm grateful to call you friend and I feel the same way about tea most of the time - but Snapple Iced tea though? give me all of it! HA