Hold on to the real
Helping Friendly Newsletter, 11.12.21
GM! ☕️ Here are 5 things to think about this weekend:
1. Pointing
RIP to artist Julie Green, who painted the last meals of 1000 death row prisoners. Her project, The Last Supper, is a beautiful invitation to see their humanity. In February, she observed, “Andy Warhol said, in the future the artist will just point. I paint to point.” It makes me wonder: What are we pointing to with our work?
2. Red flags
I agree with Anne Helen Peterson that an org’s return-to-office is a window into its soul. In “That’s a Big, Poorly Camouflaged Red Flag,” AHP explains six bad signs, their root issues, and alternative strategies.
3. Beginnings
Check out these big-league beginnings: the very first two hours of MTV1 and the first ever New York Times bestseller list.
4. Hold on to the real
The metaverse is coming.😱 To get you in the mood, here’s a short animated film on consciousness, connection, and content.2 It’s a reimagining of Kafka’s Metamorphosis that is by turns bizarre and (all too) familiar. “Try to hold on to the people and things that are real.”
5. Rewild your attention
Last month I shared Clive Thompson’s call to rewild your attention. This month he suggested nine ways to do it. Here are three more from me👇🏼
*Subscribe to indie newsletters.
Like this one, hey-oh! You’re doing great.
*Get outside.
Bugs and birds have a lot to say. Fish and frogs are funny. The wind will whisper sweet nothings. And they’re different every time.
*Have some fun.
Remember fun? Turn up the volume on whatever it is that revs your engine. Go play, ya weirdo!
Thank you for reading
This newsletter is a labor of love. 💌 If you would like to show your support, you can forward to a friend, venmo me a coffee, or engage my services. If you’re seeing it for the first time, you can access the archive or subscribe here.
Treasure chest
I bet you find a gem ➔ the photography of climate change | hand-drawn infographics of African-American life, by W.E.B. Du Bois | the ultimate remote work policy (in three little words) | optimism is a tool | the roots of class-based hypocrisy over substance use | the real Betty Crocker | is “cozy season” a cry for help? | what would become of dogs if humans disappeared? | save the date👇🏼
Have a great weekend! I’ll see you again soon.
Jenny
Via Austin Kleon.
Via Mike Slavin, Down the Rabbit Hole.