Take Your Goddamn Meds

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Anthony Bourdain was my introduction to foul-mouthed, bad boy chefs. But he was much more than that, and if you are not familiar with his work, I encourage you to skip over the salacious stories that are sure to emerge this weekend and instead read about some of the good he did. He was a perfect example of how to be a traveler, but he was also outspoken about the role of the immigrant workers in the restaurant industry. Most importantly, lately he was totally aware of the role he may have had in sexual harassment in food world, and willing to learn and make amends. I have such a deep admiration for flawed people who change.
I’m not one for fashion, but I’ve always admired Kate Spade as a person and businesswoman. There is a danger in thinking people with ‘perfect lives’ have perfect lives.  Instead, let’s have a conversation about the a gender disparity in mental wellness research that we need to account for. Not to mention the unique pressures on women in leadership roles.
If you are struggling, listen to Glennon Doyle: take your goddamn meds and don’t listen to anyone who tries to shame you out of them. The Suicide Prevention Hotline is available to you 24/7. If you don’t need it for yourself, please look around and ask a friend if they need a hand. Even your strong friend. Even your funny friend. Even your loud friend. Let’s fight for each other because we belong to each other.
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Want some uplifting book news? It’s small, but let’s take what we can get. I asked my author friends if they’d donate books to a reader who is hospitalized. Hoo-boy, did my people ever come through! It’s especially sweet because there has been some drama in the indie author community recently. I’m not going to bore you with the details of the drama because honestly, it’s just Mean Girl Behavior, and you and I do not have time for that nonsense.
But these authors, my friends, are the opposite of the Mean Girls. They donated books to an ill reader they don’t even know.  They overwhelmed her with books. That? Is freakin’ awesome. Show these generous authors some love when you are picking out something to read this weekend.

Running From a Rock Star by Jami Albright (Romantic Comedy)

Demon’s Soul by Christine Ashworth (Paranormal Romance)

Untold Tales of Dolly Williamson by JM Bannon (Steampunk Thriller)

The Doctor and the Mechanic by Caraway Carter (M/M Romance)

Lost in the Light by Mary Castillo (Paranormal Romance)

Part Time Princess by Pamela DuMond (Romantic Comedy)

Reclaimed Haven by Beth Ann Erickson (Romantic Suspense)

Diondray’s Discovery by Marion Hill (Sci Fi/Fantasy)

Modern Sorcery by Gary Jonas (Science Fiction)

The Zimmah Chronicles by Scott King (Middle Grade Adventure)

Ennara and the Fallen Druid by Angela Shelley (Middle Grade Sci-Fi/Fantasy)

Evasion by Mark Leslie (Thriller)

Sworn by Maria Luis (Military/Romantic Suspense)

Let the Games Begin by Merri Mayweather (Sweet Romance)

Her Vigilante SEAL by Caitlyn O’Leary (Military Romance)

Water Lily by Crystal Packard (YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy)

Echoes of the Heart by Stacey A. Purcell (Contemporary Romance)

Soothsayer by Allison Sipe (Urban Fantasy with an Arthurian Twist)

Would It Be OK to Love You by Amy Tasukada (M/M Romance)

Kisses on a Paper Airplane by Sarah Vance Tompkins (YA Romance)

The Real Cinderella by Yesenia Vargas (Sweet YA Romance)

Brunch at Ruby’s by D.L. White (Contemporary Women’s Fiction)

Free Falling by G.G. Wynter (Contemporary Romance)

Stay well, my friends. Hang in there. I love you.
OXO
Julie
PS – Legit
Houseplant
 

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