FMG: Two massive life events
Plus TV, smut, and basketball
Happy Friday!!!!
In the time since we last spoke, I experienced two massive life milestones: Listed in order of importance, I’m happy to share that, in the past few weeks, I became an aunt for the third time (!!!!), and I saw Beyoncé live for the second (!!!!). Given that my sister Becca and Beyoncé are unequivocally two of the absolute most important women in my life, it’s safe to say that it’s been a big month. Let’s recap it all!
Aunthood: I’ve shared before that being an aunt is my single greatest joy (and it was a surprising joy, as I’d never felt particularly maternal or child-forward before this experience began six years ago), and it has yet to cease to amaze me how quickly I fall in love with a new niece or nephew. My sister and brother-in-law’s third child was born earlier this month, and the pride I feel for my sister and brother-in-law (and the love I feel for all five of them!!!!) is quite literally off the charts. I spent three nights at their house during my new nephew’s first week on earth, and hear me say that living with children is no walk in the park (who knew!?!?). The nap I took upon returning home to my one-bedroom was one of the deepest sleeps I’ve ever experienced, and I’d like to dedicate all my upcoming toasts to parents everywhere. How do you do it? I’d truly love to know, and you positively amaze me.
Beyoncé: The first time I saw Beyoncé live was in December 2013, during The Mrs. Carter Show Tour. My cousin Lauren and I were seated in the literal last row of the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, but you better believe we had the absolute time of our lives. Seeing the Cowboy Carter Tour 12 years later (and in sliiiightly better seats) was an equally fulfilling experience, but made even better by the fact that the Cowboy Carter album is in my top three albums of all time AND the fact that I could legally drink alcohol this time around. The only thing missing was Lauren, but I’d gladly go again to experience it with her :)
All in all, the Cowboy Carter show was truly one of the most meaningful works of art I’ve ever experienced. The way Beyoncé blends symbolism, activism, and entertainment is second to absolutely no one, and I left feeling empowered and emboldened but also educated and humbled. The album speaks of the history of country music (and most notably, its creation by Black artists), plus Beyoncé’s own experience growing up in Texas and her subsequent rejection by the country music genre and community. It’s a study both in American history and in musical experimentation, and I can confidently say it was one of the best live entertainment experiences I’ve ever had. If you haven’t listened to the album yet (!??!), I truly can’t recommend it enough (and if you only have time for five songs — I mean, give yourself more time — but you can start with “Ameriican Requiem,” “Bodyguard,” “Jolene” (yes, that “Jolene”!), “Daughter,” and “Ya Ya”). Enjoy!!!!
TV: When not snuggling the new baby or rewatching my iPhone video of “Spaghettii,” I’ve spent the past few weeks attempting to catch up on all the incredible TV that’s currently on. I still need to watch this week’s Summer House reunion (team Ciara, loudly and proudly), and I’m only about halfway through season two of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (the truest villains are Taylor’s parents). I’m also excited to watch Overcompensating (Benito Skinner is an excellent Instagram and TikTok follow), and I’ve heard that I need to watch both Long Bright River and Sirens. It’s all too much!!!! There’s so much on my plate!!!!
Books: I remain alarmingly behind on my 2025 reading goal, but I did just finish One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin. Cute! Fun! But why is everyone so afraid of spice these days!? I keep accidentally reading books that are deeper than I thought they’d be — and while that broadens my mind, etc. etc., I’m simply looking for some good old-fashioned smut. Stay tuned.
And finally… Aren’t you surprised I made it this far without bringing up women’s basketball? I watched the Chicago Sky clinch their first victory of the season on Thursday night (unfortunately against my queen Paige Bueckers), and it was SUCH a joy to see so many kids cheering so loudly for women athletes. I love that my niece (and her brothers) will only ever know a world where women’s sports are on TV and on t-shirts around their neighborhood — and while I’ll love watching whatever said niece decides to focus her time and energy on, I wouldn’t be disappointed if it ended up being basketball (really anything but soccer… I cannot and do not understand soccer). Regardless… Everyone watches women’s sports!!!!
Have a great weekend and a beautiful start to June. Let’s make it a great month!
XO,
Gail
And as a reminder:
The news is incredibly heavy these days — and it is my duty to remind you that while newsletters like this are crucial for maintaining sanity and levity, I am not a news source and am in no way a replacement for staying informed. For every newsletter you read that makes you smile, I hope you also read an informed take on politics, world events, and social issues (then fact check it!) — and for every heavy piece of news you take in, I hope you also consume and/or create a piece of art that promotes light, laughter, and joy.