OMG You Have to _______ This

May 2025 edition

May 15, 2025

So I’ve been playing this game I invented that’s a mash-up of a daily project, a common place book, collage, and not wanting the lovely birds from my bird page-a-day calendar to end up as shopping lists or in the recycle bin. And also other things I want to share with you.

LOOK at

Shot from the Hip: 1970’s NYC pics by Mark Cohen

Selfie, by Rachel Syme This is a longer read, but you can take little nibbles. It’s not quite recent, but time doesn’t take away the power of the words, and I swear you will gain a new respect for the art form of the selfie.

Respect Comic Sans: this fine piece of literature turns 15 years old in a few weeks. IF you haven’t read it, now’s the time. If you have, indluge yourself in a re-read.

Bear in mind, this was written way before Ella Cordova worked her magic with fonts.

LISTEN to

School of Romance by Miranda July

Ring My Bell? This is my new go-to conversation bit. In September 2023 the planet earth vibrated like a ringing bell every 90 seconds for over a week. This is so fucking cool.

Get yourself a hobby, already: these two episodes of Ologies podcast with Alie Ward and Julia Hotz on why you need to be doing something that brings you joy

From the Desk of Alicia Kennedy, “On Criticism,” 2.10.25

PLAY

Public art in the best way possible. Residents of a small English village don’t want a ho-hum bus stop, so they make a fun one.

Letter Brew by TED, for word nerds, when wordle, connections, spelling bee, and crosswords aren’t enough

TASTE, TOUCH

Sunshine La Croix: while you’re tooling around on McSweeney’s don’t miss this one. Also, if you find this product, please let me know. I’m a fizzy water fan.

Jewel Beetle: this is absolutely not a paid endorsement, but I am absolutely obsessed with this nail polish. I take such delight in having color on my nails. I can’t do gel, which limits some color fun, but this nailpolish is really long wearing and I CAN’T STOP LOOKING AT MY NAILS!

see you in a few days

Spread this joy like frosting on a cake.

I’m always open to ideas, suggestions, shenanigans, tomfoolery, collaborations, cheese, snacks, and field trips.

You can find my art here and here. I offer custom workshops and design. I am the proud guardian/custodian of a 16 year old cheeseburger named Patty.

If you are a free subscriber, please consider supporting my efforts to make the world a less shitty place.

Less than ABBA on vinyl ($21)

Less than a box of wine ($15)

All photographs and art are by me, Rubi McGrory, unless otherwise noted.

I occassionally use affiliate links. Support the arts however you can.