arjan writes

[arjanwrites]

I really should write that book I’ve been planning.

[arjanwrites]

Remember that the truth is still out there 👽

[arjanwrites]

Artist: Edward Ruscha Title: Desire Year: 1969 Technique: Oil on canvas Style:  Pop Art with a focus on words and typography Seen at: The Broad, Los Angeles

[arjanwrites]

📷 Van Leo self portrait

[arjanwrites]

[arjanwrites]

Erwin Olaf, RIP (1959-2023)

Erwin Olaf - The Farewell (2018)

[arjanwrites]

Amsterdam (2023)

[arjanwrites]

Problematique terrifique!

[arjanwrites]

It’s six a.m. do you know where you are?

Still iconic.

[arjanwrites]

romy's "weightless" is a dream. pure escapist bliss.

[arjanwrites]

"I had a rule that it was better to be bored by yourself than to be bored with someone else."

 Aristotle "Ari" Mendoza in Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

[arjanwrites]

(creator unknown)

[arjanwrites]

The world opens when I read.

[arjanwrites]

The kids can't read

Today's not my usual content, but since it's National Literacy Day, I must address a hidden crisis I feel passionate about: Alarmingly, two-thirds of American kids are not reading at the level they should be. In fact, thousands of American kids will never learn how to read. It's also hitting close to home: Almost 50% of California students aren't reading at their expected grade level. This isn't just a statistic – it translates to over 3 million students struggling daily. Exacerbated by the pandemic, our education system is missing the mark, failing to support the potential within our children. As a result, we're at the precipice of a growing illiteracy issue with implications affecting our kids, economy, and society at large. Children from lower-income communities are disproportionately impacted by the literacy crisis in America. The lack of access to resources and opportunities can make it difficult for these children to catch up to their peers, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and illiteracy. Pause for a moment and picture a life without reading. How would you learn? How could you lead a fulfilling and meaningful life?

We need to address this literacy gap now more than ever. Learn more and explore actionable steps to make a difference. Dive into the "Sold A Story" podcast to explores how we got here. Thank you for listening! ❤️

[arjanwrites]

... Happy Read A Book Day! I've been making an effort to read a few minutes a day at the start of the year. I've noticed that early in the day works really well for me. My brain is able to better absorb the stories on the page. Currently, I'm reading Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, which is cute and a little sad at times.

That's all for now.

[arjanwrites]

"For several years, the only thing I knew for certain about Los Angeles was something I felt shortly after arriving: that anything could happen at any second, which provoked in me a sense of doom or wild hope, depending on the day."

Rosecard Baldwin in Everything Now

[arjanwrites]

"I love this country, and I’m inspired by the towns and the cities that I go to in the flyover states, which is what the coasts often call them. I tuck into places, spend time and chat with people. I'm really inspired by the people that I meet across this country. They lift me up."

Emilio Estevez about his love for roadtripping.