current inspirations

What am I reading?

My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem (2015)

Known most famously for inspiring and leading the Feminist Movement during the 1960s and 1970s, activist and writer Gloria Steinem's newest book is a candid recollection of all she's experienced and learned on the road. This book has not only been informative for my understanding of the Feminist Movement in America, but has also spoken to some of the deepest desires in my heart to travel, experience new cultures, and listen. Gloria Steinem's life and stories are a testament to the importance of keeping an open mind and standing up for what you believe in.

Imagine: A Vision for Christians in the Arts by Steve Turner (2001)

For many, many years I have been discouraged by the lack of people of faith in secular art industries, and the lackluster quality of "Christian" arts. I'm only a few chapters into Steve Turner's book, but he has already put words to so many things I have been feeling: Why do Christians feel that being involved in secular artistic industries is sinful? Why does art made by people of faith have to be "religious?" Why is current "religious" art so terrible? I'm not sure if these questions are answerable in a concrete way, but I'm thrilled that someone has asked them and is willing to enter into a dialogue. 

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What am I listening to?

Waitress (Original Broadway Cast Recording) ​(2016)
Music & Lyrics by Sara Bareilles

A 2016 Tony Nominee for Best Musical, Waitress is one of the hottest new shows of the current Broadway season. Jessie Mueller and other star cast members deliver some incredible performances of Sara Bareilles' music. The music of this show is fascinating, and combines the Broadway show tune with Sara Bareilles' eclectic pop sound. Sara Bareilles published an album about a year ago of songs from Waitress while the musical was still in development (this is also very good). 
​Listen to the OBC recording of Waitress ​here.

Vows by Kimbra (2011)

I recently (re)discovered Kimbra and am absolutely fascinated by her sound, her ingenuity, and her simplicity. Her lyrics are built with poetic intricacy and her music is electric. Also, this album just makes me want to dance. Favorites from Vows include "Settle Down," "Old Flame," and "Home." 
​Listen to Vows here.

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What am I watching?

​Friends: Season 6 (1999-2000)

I've currently been rewatching all of Friends in chronological order. I've really fallen in love with (most of) the writing and characters all over again. The story, though not surprising anymore, is still fun and refreshing to watch. I often even find myself literally laughing out loud, a good change from other TV I've been watching lately. Season 6 of Friends is one of my favorites because it's when we finally get the satisfaction of seeing Monica and Chandler together.
​Favorite episodes from Season 6 include "The One Where Phoebe Runs" and "The One With Unagi."

Miss Representation (2011)

I first watched Miss Representation during my first year of college when I was first beginning to identify as a feminist and learn what that meant for me as a female, college-aged Christian and theatre-maker. This documentary was really shaping in my development and educated me about a lot of influential women I had heard about, but never really knew why they are important. I recently revisited this film and was reminded, once again, that the ideas and beliefs I am fed through the media are not accurate representations or definitions of who I am and who I should be. Miss Representation is definitely a favorite, and always reminds me that I am worth infinitely more than what I have been led to believe.