5.11.22 Newsletter
Hey,
I would say “it’s been a minute” but it’s been like, many many many minutes. For those who are new here, welcome. The Air Bud imagery has nothing to do with the contents of this newsletter, it's just there to help you relax and remind you that anything is possible. Truly anything.
So this is my newsletter that has been on and off for the past few years - it’s a curation of curated things. As for the readers who have been around for a while, sheesh you're patient and loyal. You’re probably insanely good looking, too. Relax new people, it's safe to assume you are, too.
I like bringing this gal (you don’t gender your newsletters? Oh, weird) back when I feel like there are resources to share or the world needs a little more helpfulness and levity, less dumpster fires and Handmaid's Tale ~vibes~. So even though it’s been many many many minutes since you last heard from me here, hopefully this feels right on time.
Fondly,
Rachel aka @heyfreesamples
P.S. Happy almost birthday Mom <3
For Your Radar:
• Multiple friends have recommended Fred again.. after seeing him pre/during/post Coachella - by the looks of this video, he may be part producer, singer but mostly wizard(?)
• Ty Haney, the founder of Outdoor Voices, is scheming a brand new business venture.
• 103 bits of advice I wish I had known. My personal favorite: You can be whatever you want, so be the person who ends meetings early.
• My toxic trait is that I have to make everything “a thing” (ex: a game night needs a custom invitation graphic to be sent to 4 people). Canva is an easy-to-use design platform that helps me make alllll the invites and social graphics my little sick heart desires. And it’s free! I’ve plugged it so many times they decided to sponsor this newsletter. Kidding, but not. #ad #canvapartner
• I’ve needed this Please Don’t Destroy SNL sketch with Lizzo multiple times this week for a quick hit of serotonin.
• In case you didn’t know, I am from Delaware and am fiercely loyal to Dogfish Head beer. The Dogfish team recently teamed up with Patagonia Provisions to launch Kernza Pils, “a German-style pilsner beer made with Kernza, a remarkable perennial grain that helps draw down carbon from the atmosphere and sequester it in the ground.” *cries happy tears* IT’S SO GOOD.
• We’ve got a lunar eclipse alert for May 15th - the celestial show of total darkness begins at 8:29 p.m. and lasts until 9:53 p.m. The moon will disappear during a celestial event fully visible in Los Angeles and the rest of the U.S, and then we can rise from the darkness and erase this whole women can’t be in charge of their bodies thing. I added that last part.
• Speaking of that, the team over at Big Spaceship put together a very helpful document of how we can show up for abortion access (this is impressively organized).
• Iffirmations > affirmations. I’m trying out this technique where instead of saying “I am on top of my shit” I ask, “What if I am on top of my shit?” By asking it in the form of a question, it forces your brain to search for evidence that this is true. So it feels really real. Give it a shot and let me know how it goes.
• Untools help you think better. This has significantly helped me when I am in a mental rut (every day after 3PM PST).
• If you find yourself having to name a project or brand soon, check this out. The hub of all hubs.
• I am a games person and I think I might need to play “I’m on Edge” very soon.
• This feels wildly up for debate, but here are the best margaritas in every state.
• Quote I’m loving: “Art is whatever you can get away with.”
• And finally, a TikTok I can’t quit.
Cool Stuff, Cool People
Adam The Illustrator
Adam the Illustrator is one of my new favorite follows on Instagram - my mouth is open (and drooling) as he breaks down his illustrations with his step-by-step Reels. Stylish, funky, bold, I am obsessed with his style. It's just...groovy.
We Are Chance
Sometimes we need a decorative basketball hoop on the back of our doors, even when we aren’t in a dorm room. We Are Chance makes recycled, beautifully designed hoops and balls that just - I mean - please just look for yourself. They also give back to incredible organizations. @Carli, if you read this far, thank you for the hot tip.