Spring has sprung! We officially survived the winter! This will be my last winter in WA and from now on I will do my absolute best to avoid places with a lack of sun. My mentality against winter has changed, I know how four seasons are necessary, how we can learn so much from nature, and the rain and snow are the reasons why this place is a heaven during summer. However seasonal depression is also a thing and I don’t think I am mentally strong enough to fight it.
Anyhow, here is what happened during March!
I’ve done a workshop with 2nd graders and 6th graders about community and identity with Urban Artworks and had the absolute best time! We talked about our role in our community and did a painting session. I will be turning those drawings into a mural, so more on that later!
I went to NYC to attend CSW68 and had the best time! When your colleagues are also your best friends, work trips become so much fun! We held our parallel event titled “Beyond Tax Justice” in collaboration with OXFAM Ghana. We discussed how to move beyond the value-added tax on menstrual products and address period poverty, with examples from Turkey and Ghana.
I attended the MOCCA illustration festival for the first time. It was so inspiring to see so many artists and their beautiful creations.
What did I read?
Bunny by Mona Awad
It is a quirky and mysterious book about Samantha, who feels like an outsider in her writing program. She gets drawn into a group called "the Bunnies," who are a bit strange. As Samantha plunges deeper into the Bunnies' sinister yet saccharine world, beginning to take part in the ritualistic off-campus workshop where they conjure their monstrous creations, the edges of reality begin to blur. The book talks about fitting in, friendship, and the strange things people do to belong. It's funny, a bit creepy, and makes you think about how we all want to fit in sometimes.
Bright Dead Things by Ada Limon
It is a breathtaking collection of poetry that captures the essence of life with vivid imagery and raw emotion. Through her lyrical verses, Limón invites us on a journey through the landscapes of both the external world and the inner self. Themes of love, loss, identity, and connection weave through the pages, as Limón navigates the complexities of human relationships and the natural world with honesty and tenderness. Limón's mastery of language and her ability to illuminate the beauty found in the everyday, invite us to pause and reflect.
What did I watch?
27 by Flora Anna Buda
Ugh. The colors, the compositions, and the animation were so good. I was obsessed with this short animation!
All of Us Strangers by Andrew Haigh
I mean… two of my favorite actors were in it so I was waiting for this movie for a while now. It was everything I was expecting and more! I love the story, the acting, and the cinematography! Chefs kiss!
What did I listen to?
Love sharing what inspires me with people. Also, I’m always on the lookout for something new. Feel free to reach out to me with book, movie, and song recommendations! Thank you for being here!
Best
Burcu