Cordially Barbara

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March 2021 Inspiration

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Raise your hand if you’re ready for spring! Me! I’m ready! And well, can you believe it? It’s been a year of #PandemicLife where we’ve all adjusted to mask-wearing, COVID tests, and social distancing.

Will you be throwing a socially distanced Pandemic party? Yeah, me neither.

Last March felt like the very brink of unknown. Plans paused. Trips canceled. And well, it was rough. But here we are, a year later…a year wiser? A year older.

But let’s get to the joy of March 2021!

What I’m Being Inspired By

Current Jam:

If you haven’t heard this song and you love ballads, you need to listen to this version ASAP. Also, if you prefer more pop sounds, then you need to check out the original. It’s got all those dance vibes, but I just adore this piano version.

Current Food:

As a kiddo, I grew up with some of the best homemade goods around. My mother is an absolute baking whiz, but I’m not…or maybe I’m too lazy. Whatever the reason, I love visiting local Pittsburgh places, such as the 350 Bakery. And my gosh, I’ll be going back again.

Current Read:

Finally, I’ve picked up The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Readers all across my feeds have been raving about this novel, and I’ve wanted to read it…but I know it’s going to be a kick in the gut and a shot to the heart. Within the first few chapters, it’s already been exactly that.

(Amazon Affiliate links used)

Current Obsession:

Um, well, I’ve been somewhat obsessed with MeUndies for the better part of a year. I love the brand because they have strong ethics for their workers and their sustainability choices. And if I’m going to pay a monthly subscription fee to something, that’s what I want to hear (I’m still so upset about Fabletics).

Also, apparently, I am THAT PET OWNER now where I match my pup, but for the record, we’re celebrating a year together. That’s got to count for something.

If you want to join MeUndies, use my link! You’ll get 20% off (and I’ll get credit to my own orders too): http://getcomfy.in/peVb-

Current Quote:

As I get older, I seem to unearth new things about myself, about my perceptions of the world, about interacting with others, and so much more. It’s a whollllllle journey of its own, and I’m amazed that there’s still more learning and unlearning to do.

Also, apparently, this beautiful Pinterest find is by a card maker, Emily McDowell.

What’s Inspiring YOU?

5 Books to Read While Stuck Inside

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Since March 2020, we’ve all been some level of stuck inside, and it’s been tough. There are HILARIOUS memes out there that speak to every facet of this whole ordeal. I appreciate the humor — I NEED the humor.

Anyway, here are 5 books to read while stuck inside. (fyi: I’m linking via the Amazon Affiliate program — more treats for Fiona, the Korean Jindo)

1. Home Body by Rupi Kaur

I mean, what’s more appropriate than reading a book called Home Body when that’s basically all everyone’s doing anyway?

Somewhere in high school, I decided that I wasn’t a poetry reader, and yet, as I continue in adulthood, more and more poetry transfers from paper to my heart. Rupi Kaur does this with her collection of raw, glistening pieces of poetry.

If you haven’t read it, you need it now. Also, see more of my review here!

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2. Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell

Well, yikes. This book just blew me away. It’s also not my general choice because it talked a lot about murders/suicides and the human psychology of it all.

Honestly, I think it should be required reading for older high school students because it just lays out some really intriguing information about how we humans interact from the “default of truth” to how we create a “comfortable narrative” to explain weird experiences with others.

The scenarios shared just had my eyes wide. Listen to this one as an audiobook because the author did the work to get real recording and voice actors to bring it all to life.

3. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Hello, gothic romance in semi-modern day Japan. Wow. This short novel had me intrigued — like the level of The Yellow Wallpaper intrigued where you want to look away BUT YOU CAN’T.

I cannot tell you why I chose to read this book, except the cover and the title snagged my attention. The main character of the story is bizarre, and though I could not relate to her in the last, something about her captured me and I found myself rooting for her.

Another sneaky narrative on the human condition and psychology in the midst of a gothic-styled romance, and it’s just intrigue all the way through.

4. Wolfpack by Abby Wambach

Are you a woman? Have you ever been in a leadership position? Do you want to be a leader?

Abby Wambach shares her realizations and observations as she realized that she was, in fact, a leader. She points out the “old way” of leadership, and she demands a new way of leading, especially and specifically for women.

This short book can be read in a few hours, but I think it’s best enjoyed over a week or two with occasional reads so you can allow the wisdom to sink in.

5. Juliet Takes a Breathe by Gabby Rivera

Step into a biographical fictional story where Juliet shares her journey as she claims her identity as a lesbian and writer.

We’re all stuck inside, but that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to expand our horizons. As a white, straight, cisgender woman, I have a lot of learning to do across every layer of identity to love my neighbors and communities well. And Juliet Takes a Breath offered me a whole new perspective where I could live in Juliet’s skin and brain for the length of the book.

This story made me laugh and it made my heart hurt and questions brimmed in me as I explored this story.

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Do you have any book suggestions and recommendations for when you’re stuck inside? I’d love to know! Tell me in the comments.

P.S. If you aren’t listening to Brene Brown’s podcast called “Unlocking Us,” I really insist that you add it to your go-to listens.

5 Circus People to Follow on Instagram for Teachable and Inspiring Content

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Do you love circus, especially aerial silks, aerial straps, aerial rope, and so much more of the circus life? Well, same. I’ve been doing aerial for four years now, and I’m still obsessed with all the learning available to me.

When I started out, I didn’t think it was possible that I would do half of the tricks (or really any) that I can do now. They required strength, and well, I didn’t really have any of that.

But, I did have plenty of grit. I was gonna work hard, even if it wasn’t going to come naturally.

Along the way, I found an amazing circus community in my chosen city, Pittsburgh, at Iron City Circus Arts, and I also discovered a rich aerial and circus community online. It seems like one of the best platforms for following aerialists is Instagram.

I wanted to share with you some of my favorite circus people to follow on Instagram.

circusaroundtheworld

Circus Around the World is a fabulous account because they offer followers a collection of circus tricks from all over the world, highlighting cool people doing cool things. You’ll want to follow to find other awesome accounts and to be inspired.

the_artist_athlete

Shannon McKenna has made it her mission in life to offer aerialists information on how to pursue the artist athlete life. And honestly, she offers so many useful exercises as well as thoughts on training tricks. If you’re hungry for more, she’s probably got the right resource for you or she’ll spotlight someone with what you want!

cirque_physio

Want to know why your body is doing something weird while you’re doing aerial? Want to breakdown the why behind certain mobility? Then, you should be following Dr. Jen Crane. Her account is filled with useful information, and you can choose to hire her as well.

circkoz

Aaron Koz is another aerialist to follow for his willingness to share aerial information on movement. As a content creator and aerialist, he may just have the knowledge you need to make a few tweaks to form and score that final move.

bo_ties

Max March-Steinman is a down-to-earth individual while spending most of his time in the air. His creativity is fun, and he feels approachable. Whether you want information on straps tricks or just another account to make your Instagram feed more circus-filled, he’s one to follow.

The aerial world is filled with amazing individuals, and these five are small sample size. But I’ve really enjoyed following their accounts over the years. By following them, you’ll find other awesome accounts to follow!

Who do you love to follow on Instagram for great aerial content?