What a day, what a year, what a life.
2016 was a really weird year for me, creatively. I’ve had all of these ideas swimming in my head: things to see, make and talk about. But whenever I tried to sort those ideas out and put them down on paper or in a post, I always felt too whatever — tired, unprepared, overwhelmed — to do it. I don’t think I’m the only one who has felt this sort of creative congestion this year.
But a new year can be a saline: an opportunity to reset ourselves and get back to business. 2017 is gonna be about doing the work and blooming into something beautiful — even in the face of uncertainty. Big things happen one day at a time.
I did read a lot of really great stories this year — some of which you might have already read. Here are my favorite links of 2016:
The barnacle queens of Galicia.
(from 10/29-11/20)
“Seven People Dancing,” by Langston Hughes.
(from 5/30-6/3)
Regardless of whether or not you’re into fashion, you really, really, really need to watch “Bill Cunningham New York.” It’s a documentary about the street style photographer for the New York Times. You can rent it for $3.99 on Amazon. Go watch it.
(from 3/14-3/25)
Inside the gentrification of Los Angeles’ Grand Central Market. I had no idea of the beginnings of GCM and its history, and this is an eye-opening and well-written piece.
(from 9/12-9/16)
“My President Was Black,” by Ta-Nehisi Coates. This is essential reading.
(from 12/12-12/16)
Up close and personal with Donald Trump and his supporters.
(from 7/4-7/8)
The writer Michael Chabon took his son Abe to Paris for Men’s Fashion Week and wrote an outstanding article about it.
(from 9/26-9/30)
The most successful female Everest climber of all time is a housekeeper in Connecticut.
(from 5/9-5/13)
The life of paramedics in Laredo, Texas.
(from 8/1-8/5)
An awesome newsletter named “A Woman to Know.”
(from 4/11-4/15)
This is a masterpiece on the political power of single women.
(from 2/22-2/26)
Thank you for reading.
Zoë Lance. 