Good morning, angels.
It feels like ages since I wrote to you. The last couple of weeks have been busy - but a good busy (there’s a difference). However, this week has been what I like to call a “low-energy” week. This usually means I only partake in quieter activities and mostly steering clear of social interaction.
Here’s a glimpse into my week:
I took a few “little walks” (with a large iced coffee, obviously).
I went to Kinokuniya - my favourite place in Dubai (perhaps even the world - but that might be an exaggeration). I’m still questioning why a bookshop is located in the most over-stimulating mall in Dubai.
I thought about deleting Twitter. I’m sick of having to keep up with multiple social media platforms but will I have FOMO? (spoiler alert: I haven’t deleted it yet).
I went to see Farah Al Qasimi’s exhibition at The Third Line, and had an iced matcha from Pekoe (the only matcha I will drink in Dubai).
I obsessed over farm stays and rural hideaways (more on that later)
I tried to understand what “Human Design” is (this is still a work in progress). In short: Human Design is a system combining astrology, I Ching, Kabbalah, and quantum physics. Developed in the 1980s, it offers insights into individuals' personality traits, decision-making, and life purpose based on their birth details.
I thought a lot about this (see below). Here’s your reminder that not everything has to lead somewhere.
Thoughts from my Notes App
I recently attended a “Matcha Morning” session with a friend, a weekly gathering where we delve into a specific question whilst enjoying a cup of matcha. The topic during my visit was: “Do you always have to fake it till you make it?”.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and certainly didn’t plan on having to contribute. Looking back, we probably should have been more prepared. Throughout the session, I ended up staying completely silent, only nodding occasionally when I agreed with someone. Group discussions are not my favourite; I struggle to find the right moment to join in, and often feel my thought-process can’t keep up with the pace.
The experience got me contemplating the concept of “authenticity”. Our society seems to have an obsession with authenticity, which can likely be attributed to social media blurring the lines between what is fake and what is real. Some in the group argued that it’s nearly impossible not to fake certain aspects of ourselves given the circumstances we face. Others believed that faking it is necessary to navigate life successfully, while a minority expressed a fear of deceit and emphasised the importance of honesty.
The conversation kept coming back to the idea of “faking it till you make it” in the workplace, which is not surprising given we live in Dubai. One person said that you have to "think you're the best, to be the best." However, this was met with skepticism from many in the group, who argued that such a mindset could be seen as "having a big ego." Another person shared that she struggles with being “fake” in the workplace and wants to find a job where she can be authentic.
Personally, I thought about the question in a broader sense - fake versus authentic - trying to recall the last time I was not being “true to myself”. While I strive to show up authentically in my everyday life, I realise that complete authenticity might not be entirely achievable. "Fakeness" can manifest in various ways - for instance, saying you're fine when you're not, or acting confident when you're feeling insecure. Many in the group mentioned the idea of “believing yourself to better yourself”. For example, if you're naturally shy, acting confidently can help you overcome your timidity.
During the conversation, someone brought up the topic of having different "personalities" with different people, raising the question: "Does this mean you're being fake? When are you most authentic?" It's rare for everyone in our lives - friends, colleagues, family, acquaintances - to view us in the same light. Does that make us fake? I don't think so.
Our obsession with being "authentic" and "true to ourselves" can be incredibly challenging to achieve when we're heavily influenced by our surroundings. Some individuals have no choice but to "fake it" for their safety. Others may suppress parts of their identity to fit in with others, not because they want to, but because they feel they have to for survival. Does this make them fake? I don't believe so. It's a complex interplay between our internal selves and the external world we navigate.
ICYMI
While everyone seems to be engrossed in a 50-part story about a women’s divorce (which I've decided to skip), here's what has been capturing my attention lately:
I don’t go outside a lot. Sometimes I don’t want to, sometimes I can’t. Sometimes I think, well, I don’t need to go anywhere because there are so many things inside my house to soothe and engage me.
Gabrielle de la Puente’s (The White Pube) column for Elephant - Culture from Home - explores the culture we can (or need to) experience from home.
Have you ever cried in a museum? Have you ever looked at a piece of art felt overwhelmed by sadness? or happiness?
describes herself as a “serial crier”. She keeps a crying diary with details of all the places she’s cried. In this visual essay for the New York Times, she talks about a phenomenon called Stendhal Syndrome - the feeling of being overwhelmed by emotions whilst looking at a piece of art.Are reality TV watchers dumb or smart?
According to this TikToker, people who watch reality TV might be kinda smart? 👀
I’ve always loved reality TV, and I tend to get very invested into the characters in the show (e.g. I have watched every season of 90 Day Fiancé, and all its spin-off shows). Why? Is it because I’m just incredibly nosy? Do I love the drama? Is it because I’m desperate to understand human behaviour? Do I enjoy the voyeuristic element? Do I just prefer living life through my screen? Whatever it is - reality TV might be “trash” (and often scripted anyways) but I love the power it has in prompting thought-provoking conversations about human existence and behaviour.
The V&A are look for “super fan advisors”
Could you be one of them? 👀 They’re specifically looking for people obsessed with: Taylor Swift, Crocs, tufting, drag and emojis.
Where TF is Kate Middleton?
I rarely find myself on Twitter these days, but this week seemed to be the perfect time to log on. It appears that everyone on Twitter is dedicating their day to concocting wild conspiracy theories about the apparent disappearance of Kate Middleton, who has reportedly not been seen since December. If you’re just as confused as me, you can read a thread that explains the whole story here.
The Mind-Boggling Simplicity of Learning to Say ‘No’
“What was so hard about saying no? Often it was the fear of disappointing someone, not being able or willing to meet some need. But it was also often the fear of permanently losing something — a chance, an opportunity, a connection.”
In this essay, Leslie Jamison addresses a universal challenge: the difficulty of saying no. She shares her personal practice of keeping a "Notebook of Noes," documenting what she has said no to, and how it has made space for something else.
What to watch this week
Mischa Barton; Life Before & After The OC
This one is for The OC fans.
Never Too Small is a video channel dedicated to small footprint design and living; featuring award-winning designers and their tiny apartments, studios and self-contained projects.
I absolutely loved this series, particularly episode 5 which is almost like a film in itself.
"Expats" is a miniseries directed by Lu Wang (who also directed The Farewell - which I loved). The series follows the intertwined lives of three American women residing in Hong Kong after a tragic event. The series delves into themes like grief, guilt, classism, capitalist greed, the insincerity of the wealthy and racism.
It seems like farm life certainly comes with its ups and downs…
For some time now, my partner has been completely hooked on "Clarkson's Farm," and I must admit, I am enjoying it too. The show follows Jeremy Clarkson as he delves into the world of farming, documenting his trials and mishaps while navigating the complexities of modern farming. Since we started watching, my Google searches have taken quite a turn.
Sadly I haven’t watched this yet, but I know I’m going to love it. "Perfect Days” is all about finding (and appreciating) the beauty in everyday life.
Things you should have on your radar
In a world where we all lead busy, filtered, and curated lives, "A View From a Bridge" offers individuals a moment to pause, reflect, and share their thoughts with the world.
I’m obsessed with off-grid hideaways.
Casa Etérea, a 75-square-metre dwelling nestled on the slopes of Palo Huérfano (Mexico), an extinct volcano, was designed as a secluded retreat for two, aiming to serve as a "theatre to nature." Inspired by the concept of "emotional architecture" by Luis Barragán and Mathias Goéritz, the house acts as liveable art, using mirrored panels to blur the lines between wilderness and structure, creating a sense of unity with nature.
Shooting Latina lesbians in the 1980s, capturing life at queer Chicana bars, and composing scenes within the fold of the natural world, Aguilar’s empathy enabled her to take authoritative pictures without dominating her subjects.
I've really been enjoying watching the "Photographers in Focus" series by Nowness. The latest episode I watched featured Laura Aguilar, best-known for her collection of photographs titled "Latina Lesbians." In this series, she captures women from the Chicana Lesbian community in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Check out her work here.
This one is for Dubai folks. I went to see Farah Al Qasimi’s exhibition at The Third Line this weekend, and as always, I loved everything.
If you’re based in London, you can see her work at Tate Modern.
As mentioned earlier, I made a trip to Kinokuniya this week. The journey involved a chaotic 1.5-hour metro ride, which I absolutely loathed every minute of. However, it was worth it because even though I’m a self-professed Kindle girlie (don't @ me), there's still something undeniably special about a real book. Here’s a few books that caught my attention:
Our life is dominated by the corporate clock that so many of us contort ourselves to fit inside. It wasn't devised for people, but for profit. We need to embrace a whole new concept of time: one that gives us and our planet a brighter future.
Spanning Kuwait, Lebanon, Iraq, India and the United States, An Unlasting Home brings to life the triumphs and failures of three generations of Arab women. At once intimate and sweeping, personal and political, it is an unforgettable family portrait and a spellbinding epic tale.
A gripping memoir on friendship, grief, the search for self, and the solace that can be found through art, by the New Yorker staff writer Hua Hsu.
I’m leaving you with this - enjoy xx.
FYI, you can read past letters here.
Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this letter please share it with a friend, neighbour, lover, stranger 💋