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!
January presented ample opportunities to celebrate some of the marvelous women in my life. We toasted Mary’s1 next chapter at her bachelorette party and again at her bridal shower. I signed three birthday cards…what can you say? I love Capricorns. I cheered for Erin2 at the Rock' n Roll Half Marathon finish line. There’s no better way to start the year than uplifting others.
Steph’s Stitches
Steph’s Style
Joy Journal
Ringing in the new year with friends.
Singing “Shotgun Rider” with Rina, Audrey,3 and Mary.
Cheers-ing for Mom’s birthday.
Watching a toddler stumble around in the grass.
Hugging Mom goodnight.
Receiving Ian’s finished drawing of the Sending Smiles logo.
Answering “Danny Devito” to trivia questions we didn’t know.
Connecting with people who share the same values as me.
Waving to my neighbors during my sunshine walk.
“Ooooing” and “Ahhing” over the Flagstaff vacation rentals.
What January moments are in your joy journal?
Steph’s Suggestions
Music, television shows, films, and books I adored.
The Storied Life of AJ Fikry
Genre: Drama
Medium: Film
Streaming Service: Netflix
“No one travels without purpose. Those who are lost wish to be lost.”
Grumpy, reclusive AJ Fikry’s life is transformed by the arrival of a mysterious package, and a budding relationship with a young publisher.
I could lose track of time in the fictitious Island Books, with its purple accents and overflowing bookshelves. Young bookworms have a role model in Maya. I appreciate when a film’s final scene mirrors the first scene.
We Were the Lucky Ones
Genre: Fictionalized History
Medium: Television Show
Streaming Service: Hulu
“We have come too far to give up hope.”
We Were the Lucky Ones follows the Kurcs, a Polish Jewish family, during World War II.
This story was incredibly compelling because I was deeply invested in every character, both primary and secondary. Inspired by a true family, it was uplifting to witness people overcoming some of the most challenging experiences imaginable. It served as a powerful reminder that, even in the face of hardship, people can still find joy.
The Women of Troy Trilogy
Genre: Fall of Troy Fiction
Medium: Books
Author: Pat Barker
“Achilles’s heel. Of all the legends that grew up around him, that was by the far the silliest. His mother, in a desperate attempt to make him immortal, is supposed to have dipped him in the waters of Lethe, but she held him by the heel, making that the only part of his body that was not invulnerable to mortal wounds. Invulnerable to wounds? His whole body was a mass of scars. Believe me, I know.”
Pat Barker reimagines the Trojan War aftermath through the experience of female survivors, exploring their struggle for agency in a world dominated by violence and loss.
I enjoyed seeing characters I thought I knew well through a fresh, feminist lens. This perspective provides space for Barker to explore nuanced facets of womanhood. I particularly enjoyed how she touched on the concept of children blaming their mothers for the mistakes of their fathers. Her accurate portrayal of sexual assault trauma is helpful because it illustrates the pain whilst reminding readers that acts of kindness heal. Much of the characterization unfolded through the actions of other characters, with Brises or Ritsa occasionally offering their judgments. The prose was melodic and rich with metaphor.
This book contains descriptions of sexual violence. Please take care of yourself while watching and visit RAINN for more resources.
What media have you enjoyed recently?
Sending Smiles,
Steph
P.S.
A friend.
A friend.
New friends, fellow bridesmaids in Mary’s wedding.
i love the little graphic you made in pink (:
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