Hi there,
2025 started out rough. I spent most of January back in Mumbai at my seaside family home with lots of big days at our new office with our growing (and truly delightful) team. I’ve only just returned to CA and woof, a lot happened whilst I was gone. So many of our community members had their homes and livelihoods devastated by the LA fires, our new administration is systematically stripping the rights of our LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities everyday - and as a queer immigrant with a trans partner, it’s hard not to feel isolated and afraid. I’m guessing that many of you are feeling similarly right about now and are craving community and connection more than ever.
So, here are some ways to find comfort this month and continue to care deeply for ourselves and the folks we love in the midst of it all:
- Cook: Few things give me peace like cooking does. This Caramelized Cabbage with Hawaij-Braised Beans recipe by Asha has all the makings of a cozy meal—the beans are luscious and hearty, the cabbage is beautifully burnt and the Hawaij Masala offers a rich depth of flavor that warms you up. OR use that peak season citrus to make Nik Sharma’s lemon achaar (pickle) using his Achari Masala.
- Drink: When it gets this cold, I consistently turn towards two beverages: a luscious hot cocoa and a healing haldi doodh. The former is great for nursing the bad feelings and the latter is great for nursing the bad throats!
- Bake: Jordan Smith’s Chai Glazed Pumpkin Knots are soo delicious and warming—glaze them while they’re still warm so that chai flavor really seeps into every nook and cranny!
- Watch: This Hybrid Bharatham is a stunning reimagination of a classic and had me watching with rapt attention. This collaboration between Indian textile house Chanakya and artist Rithika Merchant for the Dior Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show at the Musée Rodin in Paris features incredibly intricate embroidery rooted in tradition reproduced LITERALLY across wall panels at the space where the show was hosted—such a great example of the endless possibilities of Indian craftsmanship!
- Donate: Here’s a GoFundMe for those affected by the California wildfires, and here’s a way to specifically support children and vulnerable families affected by the fires. In the worst of times, I’ve always found strength in community, so I have so much faith that we’ll keep building and moving 💪Stay safe and cozy, Diaspora fam💕
With Love and In Community,
|
You received this email from Diaspora Co.. If you would like to unsubscribe, click here. |
