My answer to all of life’s complicated questions is typically to seek an escape. I fantasize about the places I’ll visit and the people I’ll meet in a world beyond my own. However, with age comes some sensibility and the realization that a retreat can occur without running. In this edition, we’ll loosely examine the concept of other worlds through exposure to new interests and perspectives.

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On Santa Monica’s main strip, you’ll find a raucous beach bar with beautiful young beings mingling throughout; and if you were to ask any of the bartenders for a Fizzy Cranberry Mule, they would likely reply, “did Erin send you?” The drink was concocted at the beginning of my two-year party streak, during which I operated as The Bungalow’s resident barfly. I’d flounce around every weekend, causing such a stir that the bubbly pink drink became synonymous with my shenanigans. Truthfully, I was so engulfed in party culture at the time that I had been ascribed off-menu cocktails at four other bars throughout Los Angeles, not to mention a standing table reservation at The Abbey. It’s safe to say that alcohol was at the core of my character. It wasn’t until the pandemic and 2020’s forced social sabbatical that I recognized I was actually only a social drinker, and the appeal of pounding shots became less enticing in solitude. Although I’ve eased back into certain circles, my taste for cocktails hasn’t, and I’ve now unintentionally joined the sober-curious movement. Coined by author Ruby Warrington, the movement encourages us to reevaluate our relationship with alcohol as a source of pleasure or pain. The sudden spike in followers has many mixologists prioritizing the beverage experience for sober patrons, resulting in splashy alternatives to cocktails; thus, the world of mocktails has been firmly set into orbit. I’m sharing my three favorite mocktail recipes that blow a Shirley Temple into the stratosphere.

Grapefruit ginger turmeric splash Recipe by Eatwell • 2 cups freshly squeezed grapefruits juice • A knob of peeled ginger root • A knob of peeled turmeric root • Crushed ice • Grapefruit slices, for garnish • Sparkling water (optional) • Honey (optional)

Grate ginger and turmeric in a pitcher and pour in grapefruit juice + 1tbs honey. Pour juice through a strainer and discard turmeric and ginger remnants. Rim the glasses with sugar. Add crushed ice and pour the grapefruit turmeric ginger juice over. Fill to the top with sparkling water.

raspberry lime sparkler

Recipe by The Fit Cookie • • • • •

1 cup raspberries 1 lime 1 can lime sparkling water 1 can raspberry sparkling water chilled 3 to 5 drops liquid stevia

In a small pitcher, squeeze 1/4 lime into the pitcher, then add 1/4 cup raspberries and mash together. Add the lime sparkling water and the raspberry sparkling water to the pitcher with the lime and raspberries and stir gently to mix. Add liquid stevia to taste and stir again.

spicy watermelon mocktail

Recipe by The Viet Vegan

• • • • • •

1 cup frozen watermelon cubes 1 cup fresh watermelon cubes 1/2 jalapeno, (not seeded) 1/4 cup simple syrup 1 tbsp lime juice Sparkling water to top off

In a blender, combine frozen and fresh watermelon and half the jalapeno. Strain mixture and discard pulp. Add lime juice and simple syrup and stir to combine. To make the salted rims, combine salt and cayenne powder in a wide flat bowl. Use a wedge of lime and run it around the edge of the glass, then dip the wet edges into the spicy salt. Pour glasses 2/3 full with mixture then top off with sparkling water. Garnish with a jalapeño coin and watermelon wedge and serve!

As a selfproclaimed free-thinker and progressive, I’m slightly embarrassed to admit I’m too much of a square to try hallucinogenics. Still, I envision my first trip would look like an electrifying excursion through Erik Parker’s collection of illusory works. The “Good Luck” series, which recently wrapped a successful exhibition at Over The Influence in Downtown Los Angeles, was a presentation of florid landscapes and chaotically adorned talismans.

The Brooklyn-based artist shows his penchant for play through the elaborate and strategic use of pop culture clip art, flowing shapes, and high-voltage color combinations. Each work is a feast of folly, requiring multiple takes to capture their nuance. Yet, for all of the joviality, there is an underlying sense of reckless excess and pandemonium.

It’s been nearly a week since I viewed the collection, and I’ve dreamt about it every night since, particularly the psychedelic scene, Hippy Hollow. It depicts a peaceful valley in a neon jungle. The trees and foliage are Suess-like if Timothy Leary was treating Dr. Suess. It’s a visual delight with colors functioning in their finest forms, so naturally, I felt as though I were experiencing the hues for the first time. Beyond the brilliance, I imagined what curious creatures were hiding amongst the lush grounds and if there were enough room for me to join.

If you like this collection, you may also enjoy works by: • Laurie Raskin • Liu Wei • Takashi Murakami • George Condo • Damien Hirst • Kara Walker

Based on the frequent placement of Chuck Norris throughout the pieces (I counted at least 10 appearances), I’d say Parker watched his fair share of Walker Texas Ranger. Then again, hundreds of pop culture personas are scattered throughout his pieces. Parker is known for his use of pyramids and totems, which tend to project a religious undertone. While it’s only an inference, the works subtly speak to celebrity worship and idolatry as it exists in modern culture. The collection highlights our admiration for status in jest rather than judgment, making it a welcoming exhibition.

Upcycled Thrift stores offer a budgetfriendly and sustainable solution for home decor. With an eye for quality and a pinch of ingenuity, you can upcycle home goods to fit your personal aesthetic and breathe new life into old products.

Keep a “Lookout List” on your phone to use as a guide when shopping. It’s the first step to becoming a savvy shopper and prevents excessive spending.

I prefer to work with ceramics due to their reliability. Whether they are modern or vintage, ceramic goods are easy to recognize, discern any damages, and resell.

Before purchasing goods to upcycle or refurbish, extensively research the tools for the task. For instance, glazed ceramics and porcelain require a specific type of paint for embellishment. Pebeo makes one of the only premium porcelain non-toxic paint lines, essential for items like dishware. If you’re entering the resale market or creating gifts for friends, I recommend running a trial before you commit to a larger project.

The French Pitcher: This vase was an unexpected find I came across while running past a yard sale. This timeless piece was the only thing glistening in the sun more than me, and I immediately knew it was perfect for an ultra-soft upgrade. This style blends well with the cottage core aesthetic as the Celine of a serving set or a polished vase.

three of its moons laminate the metallic mercurial sky. A lofty current belts through the atmosphere carrying a transfixing melody as it lifts off the ground before allowing your feet to meet the spongy earth below once more. The sound morphs as it whips through trees and valleys, and you take a moment to appreciate the ambiance.

Alive - Sia

I’m an Albatraoz - Aaron Chupa

Into the Ocean - Blue October

Float On - Modest Mouse

Electric Lady (ft. Solange) - Janella Monae

Love’s in Need - Blackstreet

I Know A Place - MUNA

Holding Out For a Hero - Bonnie Tyler

Imagine - Ben Platt

What’s Your Pleasure? - Jessie Ware

Dancing in the Moonlight - King Harvest

Fantastic Voyage - Lakeside Drive

Body Music - Jennifer Vanilla

Bunny is a Rider - Caroline Polachek

This week I invite you to create a playlist for your personal planet. More than just your favorite songs, let it be a collection of music that would coax out your imagined wildlife or roll in with the crashing tides at night. I invite you with open arms to Planet E through my super stellar playlist.

A Mad

MAD

World

Have you ever been so angry that you just exploded? We see it daily with flagitious flight passengers and obscene encounters caught on camera just as their inner Hulk rises to the surface. For the most part, we all watch in disbelief, and at times even disgust, as tempers swelter to an unruly degree, assuming that we are above the fray when it comes to emotional outbursts. In reality, our frustrations are much closer to flaring up than we care to admit. That’s why I’m grateful for this submission and the opportunity to talk about taming our tempers.

SUBMISSION: How can I control my emotions to stop yelling and insulting my boyfriend when he upsets me? He provokes me and fuels the fire to my frustration, but I regret reacting that way. How can I be in control of my emotions and not hurt him in this way?

Submit your questions anonymously at therincycle.com or email me at: [email protected]

The Spin |Modern Advice Column

I’ll start by saying that anger is a necessary emotion. It is equally beneficial to our development as happiness, surprise, sadness, and the sentiments in our Rolodex of feelings. Because we’ve been socially programmed to suppress our anger, moments of hyper-aggression, like those mentioned by our friend, can be misunderstood as an emotional volcano when they are actually more of a gas leak. Volcanos have a purpose. They are monstrous but natural releases of pressure that eventually fertilize the earth around them with dense nutrients. An eruption rarely occurs without warning, sometimes showing signs days, weeks, or years in advance, but they are ultimately essential to the planet’s health and the circle of life. Conversely, a gas leak is never purposeful. It’s a case of broken equipment and, tragically, the equipment holding lethal toxins. This situation sounds like a gas leak. Your greatest power in healing from these frenzies is identifying the difference for yourself and taking ownership of your triggers to address them appropriately. In an immediate sense, no one deserves to be verbally or physically accosted, and while I’m not in the business of break-ups, it’s worth considering the potential damage this relationship is causing or if either of you is happy. When people say they are fighting for their relationships, this isn’t usually what comes to mind — especially when there is intentional provocation. With that said, there are a few tools I’ve found particularly helpful in the heat of the moment including: • • • • •

Conscious breathwork Walking away Assigning a rage room Listening to music Crying

A professional counselor can also help walk you through tools best suited for your circumstances — and if you know me, you know I love therapy. No matter what you choose, I hope it starts from a place of peace because you deserve that and more.

I’ll close this newsletter with a brief musing from a world of my own making...

A WORLD OF MY OWN

I emerged from the room swaddled in a thick cloud of Grade A, preteen musk. Three days had passed since I last disconnected from the computer screen, and my mom was finally able to scrape my hand from the mouse under the threat of revoking my cookie access for the rest of Christmas break.

MAKING

I’d never been interested in video games; as a child, I thought they were mind-numbing droll. That is, until Christmas 2000, when a family friend gifted my sister and me with The Sims. It was a buzzy new game where you create virtual people and play the game of life by simulating everyday activities. It didn’t sound compelling initially, but I took to it instantly. The first day I played with chaste, learning to construct homes and create my first Sim, Rita Brookhouse. On day 2, Rita was on her third promotion and juggling a steamy affair with her coworker. By the third day, I’d discovered cheat codes, and with that

my underlying God complex was fully activated with a voracious appetite. Rita was now pregnant with alien twins, the leader of SimVille’s largest, most notorious crime organization, and the reigning champion of the local pie-eating contest. Then there was me, bloodshot eyes, wearing the same “It’s Got to be Green” family reunion t-shirt while building the Brookhouse legacy. As unhinged as it was, it was a world by my design and likely the only one since, in reality, or otherwise.