Before we begin, a quick introduction: I’m Steph, an American writer. I believe experiencing joy cultivates optimism, inspiring us to build a brighter world. I founded Sending Smiles to create a positive community. Thank you for taking the time to read. I’m happy you’re here!
A group of friends and I spent two nights in the Grand Canyon. Watching the greens, reds, oranges, and purples grow more vivid while the sun rose was magical.
I’d love to know about a time when you were awestruck.
Steph’s Stitches
Joy Journal
Walking on flat ground after hiking on an intense incline for three days.
Post-backpacking beer.
Snuggling with my cat, Apollo.
What brought you joy this month?
Steph’s Suggestions
Music, television shows, films, and books I rated 4 + stars.
Atalanta
Genre: Greek Mythology
Medium: Novel
Author: Jennifer Saint
“When Callisto had told me the story, I’d heard in hope, a confirmation of what I’d always known. The forest lived in cycles, it came back new and nourished, always dependable and always the same. I had never wanted everything to change.”
Atalanta, raised by bears and the Goddess Artemis, joins the all-male Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece.
Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement
Genres: Political Science, Social Justice
Medium: Book
Author: Angela Davis
“All around the world people are saying that we want to struggle together as global communities to create a world free of xenophobia and racism. A world from which poverty has been expunged, and the availability of food is not subject to the demands of capitalist profit. I would say a world where a corporation like Monsanto would be deemed criminal. Where homophobia and transphobia can truly be relics along with the punishment of incarceration and institutions of confinement for disabled people, and where everyone learns how to respect the environment and all the creatures, human and nonhuman alike, with whom we cohabit our worlds.”
Davis argues that achieving and maintaining freedom requires ongoing activism and vigilance against systems of oppression.
A Man Called Otto
Genre: Drama
Medium: Film
“I’ve been an idiot. I got so wrapped up in my own troubles, I stopped thinking of anyone else. And I figured they weren’t thinking about me. Friends shouldn’t do that. So…this isn’t easy to say after all this time., but I’m sorry.”
Widowed and grieving Otto finds an unexpected chosen family in his new neighbors.
This film contains descriptions of suicide. Please take care of yourself while watching and visit the International Association for Suicide for more resources.
The Stepford Wives (1975)
Genre: Horror/Sci-Fi
Medium: Film
“I’m also an ex-Gothamite, who’s been living here in Ajax county for just over a month now, and I’m going crazy. You see doctor, my problem is that given complete freedom of choice, I don’t WANT to squeeze the goddamn Charmin!”
Upon moving to idyllic Stepford, Joanna Eberhart notices the unnervingly perfect women contrasted with the dominant Stepford Men’s Association and suspects a darker truth lurking beneath the facade.
We Should All Be Feminists
Genre: Nonfiction
Media: Ted Talk and Essay
Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“Gender matters everywhere in the world. And I would like today to ask that we begin to dream about and plan for a different world. A fairer world. A world of happier men and happier women who are truer to themselves. And this is how we start: We must raise our daughters differently. We must also raise our sons differently.”
In order to work together towards a more equitable society where all individuals are free from the constraints of gender roles, Adichie argues everyone, regardless of gender, should be feminists.
Sending Smiles,
Steph
Love seeing all your photos!! That apron is so cute! 💖
🥰🥰🥰