#bonus thoughts!

[wehavethoughts]

Bonus Thoughts! by TideMod

Kiki’s Delivery Service (dir. Hayao Miyazaki, 1989) may not be the flashiest or the spiciest movie out there, but it was exactly what I needed to get through 2020. This movie is infused with so much love and peace that watching it soothed my fraying psyche every time. Knowing how the movie ends allowed me to immerse myself in Kiki’s world where differences are celebrated, strangers are kind and communities come together to support one another. The cognitive dissonance I experienced the first time I watched it faded with time and I found myself trusting and yearning for this world that Kiki lives in. It isn’t perfect, but it is so, so beautiful and something that I honestly believe we can build.

Maybe one day, future generations will watch this movie and Kiki’s world and our world will have more similarities than differences. Until then, when my doubts circle and I lose my edge I’ll remember Ursula’s wise words: 

“Stop trying. Take long walks. Look at scenery. Doze off at noon. Don’t even think about flying. And then, pretty soon, you’ll be flying again!”

[wehavethoughts]

Bonus Thoughts! by CoreaMod

As I mentioned in my original review about How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by Alexander Chee, I really enjoy Chee’s online presence. I follow him on Instagram and Twitter and love seeing bits of his daily lives, news about his work, and any political matter he voices his opinions about.

Earlier during the pandemic, in an effort to support independent bookstores around the nation, he posted in Instagram stories that he’d personally recommend books if you submit the latest book you enjoyed. And he asked you to please order from the independent bookstore he frequents (Still North Books & Bar in New Hampshire) or any independent bookstore of your choice. I had just finished and learned a lot from On Immunity by Eula Biss, so I submitted that as my answer. He responded to my response, which made me very happy! He recommended me to preorder the new Eula Biss, Having and Being Had and read Nobody’s Looking at You by Janet Malcolm while I wait for the new Biss.

So I immediately ordered a copy of Nobody’s Looking at You from Still North Books & Bar. (The grey book with its back cover showing, photographed next to my iPad in the original review, is Nobody’s Looking at You. I hadn't read the book, and still haven't! but it was a sneaky way for me to express my excitement when I reviewed Chee's essay collection.) I loved my little interaction with Chee, which definitely made him a little more special author in my heart. Having and Being Had by Biss is also out now, and I'm excited to read it as well.

p.s. If you liked How to Write an Autobiographical Novel, I also recommend The Groom Will Keep His Name by Matt Ortile.

[wehavethoughts]

Bonus Thoughts! by MargeMod

No excuses. You are past time to fold inclusive books into your child's life! There are so many good choices out there but Color Dance by Ann Jonas is a good place to start. This particular book reminds us that we are surrounded by colors. They make our world beautiful and joyous. They simply are. Every child should know that they are beautiful alone and that we all have a human obligation to shine our light on the beautiful colors of others.

I am furious that some people continue to divide, differentiate, diminish and degenerate others because somehow somewhere we came to believe that by doing so it improves our own position. IT DOES NOT! These divisive actions damage our soul and this damage can start young when children are not shown the diversity and value of the world around them. Be mindful of what you teach your children and remember that even the simplest exposure to people who don’t look like them will go a long way.

This year let us all be joyful in our Color Dance.

[wehavethoughts]

Bonus Thoughts! By CinnaMod

One of the greatest joys of cooking comes from how creative I can be after finding a basic recipe like the oatmeal pancake recipe by The Kitchn/ Sheela Prakash. I am not a breakfast person, so although I enjoyed the pancakes, I did not expect to make them again for a few months. Surprisingly, these oatmeal pancakes have made it to my meal rotation thanks to their versatility and how well they keep in the refrigerator. It’s as easy as a slice of plain toast, but much more satisfying and having any sort of pancake just seems to enhance the breakfast experience for me.

Although it takes a just little more effort, one of my favorite ways to make these pancakes is to make them savory by replacing the butter with olive oil, omitting the sugar, and adding a little bit of black pepper and cheese. I served my savory oatmeal pancakes with a side of spring greens and a sunny side up egg. Sweet or savory, I highly recommend this recipe!

[wehavethoughts]

We made it !!!

Thank you for helping us celebrate one full calendar year of blogging with WHT! Congratulations to our darling Mods for all their excellent posts. We very much look forward to hearing Everyone’s Thoughts this upcoming trip around the sun. 

A special virtual hug of appreciation to our audience. Every like, comment, and reblog makes us feel validated. Our goal is to not only share our thoughts, but create a space of dialogue to hear your thoughts as well. Thank you for helping us build that community!

Stay safe & be well.

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[image description: We Have Thoughts! logo with Blogiversary in a balloon font below. At the bottom, two smiling emojis and hearts of rainbow and black and brown colors. The entire gif has a floating heart filter.]

[wehavethoughts]

Happy Birthday (to us)!!!

This week marks one full year of blogging with WHT! To celebrate this week we will be posting our fabulous Mods’ Bonus Thoughts! This daily series will highlight media that stood out to our Mods as the best, the worst, or the most thought provoking media they reviewed last year.

As we venture into 2021 and our second year of WHT!, we wish all our Mods and our lovely audience a thoughtful and enriching year. None of this would be possible without all of you <3 Stay safe out there.

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[image description: We Have Thoughts! logo with Blogiversary in a balloon font below. At the bottom, two smiling emojis and hearts of rainbow and black and brown colors. The entire gif has a sparkle filter.]