Every Monday, we send subscribers and gift recipients of immigrant mental health and storytelling newsletter Foreign Bodies stories we recently inhaled and adored. This is also a chance to do some housekeeping and give shout-outs and all that jazz. Roundups are usually written by Fiza and edited by Farah.
First things first
A little housekeeping
Heavy on my mind
Good morning, Foreign Bodies readers. I hope your weekend was cozy and warm and as stress-free as possible. There are a few things on my mind right now, including a friend’s struggling father and another’s fight for disability at work. I’m thinking of my own grandparents and our fleeting time—and the horrific news out of Kentucky and Mexico is weighing on me. The holidays always throw me off a bit. As much as I enjoy the rekindling and the candlelight, bad news feels so much worse when bookended by celebration. I suppose I’m just asking, whether or not you’re the praying type, if you can send your well wishes to anyone hurting this season. And if that’s you, know that I’m thinking of you.
A musical start to your Mondays 🎧
One song to groove to, cry to, drive to and share
This week’s pick honors the late singer, actor and film producer Vicente Fernández, who passed away over the weekend at age 81. Fernández, considered “El Rey” of traditional Mexican ranchera music, recorded more than 50 albums and contributed to more than 30 films during his lifetime. His work earned him three Grammy Awards, plus nine Latin Grammy Awards. From his New York Times obit: “He was known for giving epic, hourslong concerts, communing directly with his fans and taking swigs from bottles of alcohol that were offered to him. Known fondly as ‘Chente,’ he would tell his audiences that ‘as long as you keep applauding, your ‘Chente’ won’t stop singing.’”
Resource(s) of the week
Something helpful and interesting and cool (*storytelling opportunity)
Identity at Play: a podcast from hosts Leslie Ambriz, Manolo López and Esteban Gast about meaningful moments on the journey to embracing Latinx identity
*Catapult editor Matt Ortile is looking for pitches of “argument-driven personal essays that incorporate cultural analysis” on various topics, including postcolonial writing, travel, television, food and drinks, and style. $250 each, ~2,000 words max. Pitch guide available here.
Read this!
Personal stories I’m loving
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Foreign Bodies to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.