Month: May 2013

Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka

I have low tolerance for people messing with conventional narrative modes, because it’s often done poorly. I like experimentation, but if you’re taking on William Faulkner and Virginia Woolf you’d better have some chops, Author Person. Don’t sneer about how most people don’t get what you’re trying to do. We get it. But almost no one is good at it, and I don’t want to be distracted by an author’s “groundbreaking choices” when I’m trying to suspend my disbelief.

Continue reading “Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka” →

Go Travel: Meredith Sinclair’s Favorite Things to Do in Chicago

10 Things to Do in Chicago | Mighty Girl

Ten Things You Should Do in Chicago

Chicago is one of my favorite cities, there’s something very pragmatic about it that’s missing from San Francisco and New York. Also, cheesy popcorn. My friend Meredith Sinclair calls Chicago home, and this week on our Go Travel inspiration list, Meredith is sharing a few Chicago favorites. Go look.

Are you heading to Chicago soon? If you have any musts, let us know in comments.

Photo Source

If you like this post you might also like: 

Five Things to Taste in Chicago

Ten Things You Should Do in San Francisco

Ten Things to Do in Los Angeles

Kentucky Derby Party Hats from Mom 2.0 Summit

I look for any excuse to wear a hat, they’re so satisfyingly British. Hats are the main reason I want to go to the Kentucky Derby someday, so I was pleased when I heard there would be a Kentucky Derby Party at Mom 2.0 Summit, where I was speaking last week.

Here’s me doing a bang-on impression of my grandmother in my travel hat:

I’m so silent-screen furious.

The hat is technically the remains of one of those giant feather/afro wigs that I got for $10 at the flea market. Here’s what it looked like originally. I flipped it inside out, put a plate down on the middle of it, and cut around to see if I could get out the cute little poof in the center without the whole thing falling apart. It worked.

It’s super lightweight, obviously, and it travels in a tiny cardboard box because the feathers just fluff out when I open the lid. I secure it with little bobby-pin Xs, so I can wear it underneath a chignon, right on top of my head like a fascinator, or over one eye for a more vintage look.

I took photos of my favorite hats from the party, and I wish I’d asked for everyone’s info. If you recognize someone I don’t link to, let me know their name in comments please.

Continue reading “Kentucky Derby Party Hats from Mom 2.0 Summit” →

Aftermath

It’s a light rain. I’m floating alone in the swimming pool, when a red-tailed hawk cuts through the clouds above me. I think of him hours later, after the long drive home. My hair still smells like chlorine.

Photo by David Bell

Life List Inspiration from Go Mighty

Have you checked in on our 31 Inspiring Women interview series on the Go Mighty blog? Do it! This week, we’d like you to meet:

Dottie Guy, an Iraq War Veteran who now works for the VA as an advocate for other Veterans, and a damn good photographer.

Yasha Wallin, Berlin-based arts + culture writer and Creativity Curator at GOOD Magazine, AND Editor at surf magazine The Usual.

Sarah Han, a producer at The Bold Italic, who says “These days, I’m more focused inwards – tweaking the things I already know I am, already have, and care deeply about.”

Kendrick Brinson, a freelance documentary, commercial, and editorial photographer based out of Atlanta, Georgia.

Sonya Yu, a tech marketer turned freelance photographer who says, “To stay focused on achieving goals, I recommend surrounding yourself with those who support and inspire you.”

Meanwhile, in the community:

-Caitlin is making huge progress on one of my favorite goals on Go Mighty, and she has a question for you in her latest update.

-Retta is learning to make something too. Her story made me realize that I don’t consider attempting anything that involves math or a tool box. I need to take a shop class.

-And, Sarah! I want to squeeze you and crush you like a grape. Sarah is our most recent Go Mighty Class Goal Grant winner, who just completed a sweet goal for her foster son.

If you haven’t joined Go Mighty yet, please take a minute to head over and sign up. Once you’ve registered, you should receive your invitation via email within 24 hours. Yessss.

Mighty Thirst: Watermelon Chill

You know how watermelon season comes and you sit out on deck in your swimsuit, scoop out watermelon with your hands, and then rinse the juice off with the hose? Gah! This drink is making me excited for summer.

Watermelon Chill

-4 tsp frozen watermelon, seeds removed
-Juice of 1/2 lime
– 1 shot vodka

Put everything in the blender and turn it on until the drink is… blended. Pour it into a glass, garnish with mint and a melon ball, drink it until it’s gone. Wait a few minutes until you feel like a slightly more pleasant person, then make another one.

Here’s to spitting seeds out on the lawn, warm water from a hose that’s been coiled in the sun, and washing your feet off before bed after a day of padding around barefoot. What are you toasting this week?

I’m making 100 cocktails as part of my Life List. This is number sixteen. Here are the rest:

1. Shots in ‘Cots 2. Avocado Bourbon Shake 3. The Vacation 4. Sassy Lassi 5. Cherry Bing 6. The ABC 7. Toddy Shots 8. Cafe Picante 9. Gin and Juice (Box) 10. The Neighbor 11. Halloween Spiked Cider 12. Bloodthirsty Mulled Wine 13. Killer Bloody Mary 14. Bourbon Pumpkin Shake 15. Tangelo Cooler