A Monday
Wishing you some rest and some good laughs when you can get 'em
It’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and thank God for him and those who do good work in his name. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Justice Change carries on his legacy. When in despair, I find it helps to check out what they’re doing. I will also shout out RAICES Texas here, an organization that helps the poorest of the poor - mostly immigrants of color - to reunite with their families and to obtain shelter, food, water and legal advocacy.
In sillier news, there’s an event in Chicago I’m doing this week. I don’t know when I’m going to write my thing for it, but I’ll be going head to head with Lisa Beasley (you may know her as Corporate Erin or one of her other hilarious characters). It’s kind of a fake competition, more like just a wild literary show, but it’s called Write Club and it’s pleasantly bonkers. Some other excellent writers will be there, too.
There’s a suggested $25 donation at the door, but give only what you can, as per your financial ability. If you choose to wear a mask, rest assured we won’t give you shit for it, you sensible flu season human. In fact, we’ve got some kinda fancy air filter that’ll be on hand, too.
We had an incredible time at our debut CLASS! with Sara Benincasa and Chad the Bird at Lincoln Lodge in Chicago last week. That time, our topic was DRINKING. Next up, lots of comedy about SEX on Feb. 15. Get to Class!
It’s cool seeing frozen waves on the water in Lake Michigan. They’ve been melting as the sun has hit them more during the day. The wind chill still makes it feel below zero, though, so I’m going to avoid going outside if I can.
Nashville folks - if you have any suggestions for great coffee shops and bookstores down there, or funky art galleries, please let me know. I’ll be on site producing a thing there soon, and I’ll have some down time to explore the city a little more. I won’t be able or in the mood to do big noisy exciting tourist things, but quieter stuff? Yes.
And now I’ll share a few bits of wisdom of which I had to be reminded lately. They all helped me so I hope you take what you like and leave the rest behind.
If a response feels urgently necessary, it usually is not - unless I’m in an emergency situation.
Sugar is a hell of a drug, so use it wisely.
“No.” is a complete sentence.
“Thank you” goes a long way.
I don’t owe anybody my time or energy. I give it because I want to. If I no longer want to give it, I can stop.
A drink of water almost always helps.
Stretching one’s body almost always helps.
Being related is not a contract for love or friendship.
If I can’t treat somebody with dignity and grace, I better not engage at all.
Candlelight is universally flattering except when used from below, and you might just look like Nosferatu even when feeling stunning.
Be as decent to yourselves and others as you can today. My drug of choice (COFFEEEEEEE) helps a little. ;)
Love and other indoor sports,
Sara
Feb. 15 live show: CLASS! with Sara and Chad the Bird at Lincoln Lodge
Thank you! I needed this today.