Hey you,
How are things? Take it easy, okay? This is also a note to self because I almost unalived myself. On the night of Easter Sunday, I remember feeling very tired and my eyelids felt super heavy even though I wasn't feeling sleepy. On Easter Monday, I woke up with a headache from hell and my first thought was, check your fucking BP. Lo and behold, it was reading 156/104.
They say there is no emergency solution for high blood pressure, you've just got to calm down. And that really sucks because my mind just goes into overdrive. I couldn't distract myself with a book, audiobook or film because of the headache, so I had to induce sleep with heavy-duty drugs. I'm stable now as I write this but it got me thinking a lot about how to ease the stress off my loved ones if I leave suddenly. Lol, dark, I know.
I got a box and in it, there are some instructions about my investments, passwords to my banking apps and social media pages, credit card PINS, and how to share my books. There are also phone numbers of people who have to be contacted immediately. I'll try to update it every 6 months or yearly. I hope this isn't too morbid for you, I think about death a lot and I've lost people close to me so I'd like to make my passing as seamless as possible. As for now, I'm all about a good time and giving my people their flowers while they're still with me.
-I recently finished reading a novel that is my favourite romance of the year yet, Dating Dr Dil. It has non-white characters, fake dating, spicy scenes, tight-knit friendships, family drama, and bubbly personalities. It was such a wholesome experience and I highly recommend it.
-A fave of mine, Amaka aka bookishigbogirl just took the bold step of starting her newsletter, Books Food & Lifestyle, she's such an interesting character that I know you'd enjoy subscribing to it.
-Troy Onyanyo wrote this, Reading Africa: An A-Z guide to reading literature from Africa, and I think you should read it if you want to broaden your reading scope. I'm very inspired by it.
-I just finished watching the K-Drama, The Inheritors and while it was entertaining, I wouldn't recommend watching it in 2022, it didn't exactly pass the vibe check.
-Currently watching Pachinko and I'm not mad at the adaption, they're doing well.
-I'm always excited when people put their fear aside to try something new so, I'm saluting two of my faves who recently launched their YouTube accounts. Watch the first videos of Chiamaka HERE and Uchenna AKA Favourite Igbo Boy, HERE. And don't forget to subscribe.
-Kenya's latest literary spot, Soma Nami Bookstore has launched a podcast which features two amazing women whom I admire so much. Catch up on episodes HERE with Muthoni and Wendy and they discuss books in relation to culture, politics, community, and everything in between.
-Nostalgia made me listen to the entire soundtrack of this Korean fantasy series, Guardian: Great And Lonely God. Loved it.
-Another podcast I love, Books And Boba, interviewed the author of one of my most recent reads, Four Treasures Of The Sky. It's a historical novel set against the backdrop of the Chinese Exclusion Act, about a Chinese girl fighting to claim her place in the 1880s American West. The author talks about her inspiration for the book and her craft, it's a very interesting listen. Also, a recommended read.
If you love my content, please do consider supporting me by buying me a digital cup of tea.
See you on the other side, Dearest.
XOXO
Please don't scare me Amyn 🤒🥺
I can totally relate to losing too many people and I too think of death every now and then.
I don't think it's morbid at all, I rather think it's taking measures to ensure the ones you love get to pass through the phase with ease.
All my love Mama ❤