62 - Reading, Watching, and Helping
On the table 1.15.25
The past week has felt surreal, to say the least. Los Angeles has literally been on fire, and we remain on high alert as the flames continue. Like many of you, I know people who have lost their homes and are struggling to figure out how to rebuild and heal, even while the trauma is still unfolding. I’m the type who puts up walls and feels the need to stay busy, saving my panic for later—but I can feel the tears waiting to escape. Part of me is mourning what’s been lost, wishing I could do more, and another part is overwhelmed by gratitude as I watch Angelenos step up for one another. It’s truly the most beautiful thing to witness.
This past weekend, I helped out at a donation drive my acting studio hosted. In just 48 hours, the studio community pulled together to donate and sort items, then deliver them to those in need. What moved me most, though, were the complete strangers who showed up to help. I was sorting clothes when four people walked in, and I assumed they were from another class. It turned out two of them had driven from the West Side after hearing we needed volunteers, and the other two just happened to be passing by and wanted to lend a hand. We often hear about the worst parts of humanity, but there’s so much kindness too—maybe more than we realize.
In today’s newsletter, you’ll still find some thoughts on a film and book, but the focus is on community—highlighting places giving back that could use your support, as well as those impacted by the fires who could also use a helping hand.
High of the week: seeing people come together to support and be there for one another.
Low of the week: I think this one can go without saying.
Thoughts & Things:
later this month i’m going to a friend’s house for an arts and crafts 2025 bingo card night. i don’t entirely know what i’m going to put on there, but i’m looking forward to spending time with this group.
brunch catchups in the middle of the week is something that i want to embrace thus year.
just some videos that have made me laugh: he’s not a threat, cat sleeping position, brunch outfit
loved this Actors on Actors with Colman Domingo and Kieran Culkin
People & Places in LA to support: many local businesses and their owners have been impacted by the fires. Here are a few that could really use our help right now.
Shorthand: the owner of Shorthand, one of my favorite stationery shops in LA, lost her Altadena home in the recent fires.
Minik Market: this little grocery store in Altadena was completely lost. You can still order some products from them online or you can donate to their GoFundMe.
Victoria Morris Pottery: Victoria Morris lost both her pottery studio and her home in the Altadena fires. You can help by donating to her GoFundMe.
Rhythms Of The Village: this African cultural goods store in Altadena completely burned down. This Black-owned business wasn’t just a place to purchase goods, but a safe space for families and communities to come together. You can donate to their GoFundMe.
Hey Gang: the owner of this functional and ethical clothing store lost her home in the Altadena fires. You can support by ordering from Hey Gang.
BellJar: this Los Feliz boutique was already set to close in February, and now the owner has lost her home in the fires. You can support by shopping online or donating to her GoFundMe.
FuguFugu Press: This letterpress print show in Altadena completely burned down and the owners also lost their home. You can order cards online or you can donate to their GoFundMe.
O Happy Days: this beloved vegan cafe in Altadena was completely destroyed, along with owner John Hopkins’ home. The cafe, which John (75) opened in 1990, was known for its homemade vegan menu and welcoming vibe. You can read more about John and O Happy Days here. if you’d like to help, you can donate to the GoFundMe set up for him.
The Last Showgirl: This small, yet beautiful film, follows the journey of a former Vegas showgirl (Pamela Anderson) grappling with the passage of time and her identity beyond the glitz and glamour of the stage. As she attempts to reclaim her place in the spotlight, she faces the stark realities of aging, shifting expectations, and the delicate balance between holding onto a passion and allowing it to evolve. The film is a raw, introspective look at how the things we love can both inspire and trap us if we’re unwilling to grow with them.
I really enjoyed the movie. While some scenes felt like they could’ve been better spent developing the characters (I wanted more Jamie Lee Curtis!), I appreciated its exploration of women aging, the weight of expectations, and the struggle to preserve a passion without stifling its beauty. It was a poignant reminder of how easily we can get stuck in time, holding onto the version of what we first loved instead of embracing how it can change and grow.
Places in LA giving back: here’s a list of restaurants offering free meals to firefighters and evacuees. Let’s support these spots so they can keep helping those in need.
Bé Ú: Vietnamese street food with vegan and vegetarian-friendly options.
Huckleberry & Milo + Olive: sister restaurants Huckleberry and Milo + Olive are stepping up by offering free burritos and pizzas to first responders. they’re also supporting the local community—anyone facing food insecurity is encouraged to reach out via dm.
Sunday Gravy: this Italian-American restaurant in Inglewood has been feeding first responders and evacuees from the very start. They’re now delivering meals to multiple hospitals to support emergency workers and remain dedicated to helping those impacted by the fires.
Fountain Grains & Greens: this new spot has been offering free meals to firefighters and anyone affected by the fires.
For a longer and updated list, check out Eater’s article.
Sociopath: This autobiography by Patric Gagne dives deep into the world of sociopathy, breaking down the myths and misconceptions surrounding the diagnosis. Gagne walks us through her life—growing up with a sense that she was different, navigating her unique worldview, and eventually discovering her diagnosis in college.
I found the book so fascinating. Non-fiction can be a tough genre for me, but I chose to listen to this one, narrated by the author, and it really drew me in. As someone endlessly intrigued by the human mind, it gave me a much clearer understanding of sociopathy and corrected some of my long-held misconceptions. I also loved Gagne’s humor, which brought a refreshing lightness to such a complex and often dark topic.
Things I ordered: last Wednesday, when the Runyon fire started, I got nervous, worried it might spread. Since we were right on the edge of the evacuation zone, I decided to play it safe and loaded my car with essentials and sentimental items. In doing that, I realized my emergency kit needed an upgrade—especially for the fur children. So, I ordered some new items for my own bag and put together an emergency kit for Franz and Gloria.
items for my emergency bag:
-replacement first aid kit
-fireproof document bag (should have already had this, I know)
-fire retardant blanket
-rinse free wash
(some of the things I already had in here)
-LifeStraw
-multitool
-hand crank radio
-additional flashlight
-mylar blanketemergency bag for the fur children:
-cat harness and leash
-dual cat carrier
-emergency cat food (good for 5 years)I already have this air purifier, but I’m thinking about getting a second one for the bedroom. The one that was in there got relocated to the living room—because fur babies.
Stay safe and do what you need to do to take care of yourself and those around you.
