Spring has sprung and the seemingly endless winter has finally relented. We’re celebrating the warmer weather and sunshine with another seasonal list of our favorite things – spring-related or otherwise.
We’d also like to thank everyone who submitted their work to our latest open call, Books & Literature. We had a wonderful time reviewing each piece, and we can’t wait to share the chosen submissions with you all!
Our next open call will be this summer, so stay tuned for the dates and theme (and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for early open call access).
Without further ado, our spring favorites!
Ariel’s Favorites
Ikigai
Ikigai is the Japanese concept of finding and pursuing one’s purpose for living, which is believed to bring more happiness and fulfillment into a person’s life.
This is done by exploring the intersection of four primary ideas: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
This book spends some time discussing this concept, but truly spends most of its pages discussing how many people who follow similar concepts and lifestyles live longest and report great satisfaction with their lives.
From Here to Eternity
This book is written by an undertaker who has traveled the world to research and experience the funerary rites and “death culture” of people around the globe.
She analyzes the sterilized view of Death in much of the Western world, and gives a platform to death practices so unlike our own.
While this book discusses difficult topics, the author writes in a light-hearted and earnest style, and it is not as grim a read as many might anticipate.
Lady Killers
In this book the author shares the stories of several woman serial killers throughout history, shining a light on many preconceptions of gender roles, serial murders, and history’s handling of women’s stories in general.
The author does not tokenize or glorify these killers, but rather gives readers an insight into their lives and the times they lived in.
Music
Art
The Blood Collages of John Bingley Garland (ca. 1850–60)
Terri’s Favorites
A Moveable Feast
After five years in Paris I’ll be relocating, so I’ve been making the most of my remaining months here, including reading Hemingway’s classic, A Moveable Feast. It’s the kind of book that will make you fall in love with dreary Parisian winter days.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
My big reading project for 2025 is to read the complete works of Shakespeare, poetry included. Number nine was a re-read of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the perfect springtime story filled with flowers, fairies, and romance.
Dead End Memories
This is a collection of vignettes focused on five women who experience sudden and painful life events, and slowly make their way back to living life to its fullest. It’s a great post-winter read.
Film
Cold weather is perfect for movie marathons. My watch history has been eclectic, but these three were particular favorites and remind me of spring.
L’Étudiante (The Student) – 1988
Before Sunrise – 1995
Perfect Days – 2023
Music
Art
František Muzika – Jellyfish IX (1972)
Utagawa Kuniyoshi – Bat Daimyo with Bat Attendants (1864)
