Many moons ago I happened to catch Oprah and topic was blended families. Experts and families were discussing how they had made things work, of course some people were behaving poorly and Oprah cut through all the chatter. She said, “as far as I am concerned more people wanting to love and play a part in a child’s life is never a bad thing.” The simplicity of this viewpoint really stuck with me. It feels like how we should approach ideas of kids and family. More people loving more people is a good thing.
On the one hand I think adoption is a really powerful and beautiful thing. However I think it’s discussed in a really reductive way and I don’t see a lot of conversations being lead by adoptees. I hear lawmakers suggesting revoking access to abortion is solved by the existence of adoption. It doesn’t seem that easy or straightforward. It also doesn’t account for what the actual experience or impact of being adopted is. As an outsider it feels like the conversation around adoption has stayed very monolithic but is starting to make space for a wider conversation, articles such as this one gives me hope we’re looking at adoption in a more nuanced way culturally. The complicated nature of transracial adoption is finally being acknowledged and discussed. People finding themselves by blending their identities in mediums like food.
Lucky for me Casey not only was open to having a conversation with me about her experience as an adoptee she also has been on quite a ride. As a bit of an experiment and because it feels mean to make you wait a week for part two, it will be out on Wednesday. I’m so appreciative of Casey sharing and trusting her story with me and hope you enjoy hearing it.
xx. A
What Casey’s into right now:
I'm regularly on the turf at Cadman Plaza with my kids. We buy our son's soccer training gear at Upper90 on Atlantic Avenue, which provides much of our weekend entertainment.
Recently I've loved watching...
Pods:
How To Be Human, duh ;)
Family Secrets by Dani Shapiro
Stuff They Don't Want You To Know, especially alien-oriented episodes
Music:
Animal Collective's Time Skiffs album on repeat since it dropped in 2022
George McCrae, Chic, Lime - forever a disco lover
Reading:
Esme Wang, The Collected Schizophrenias.
I love the CHANI astrology app from Chani Nicholas.
Food+drink:
I've put Basbaas sauce on nearly everything since my friend Hawa Hassan launched the line several years ago.
I recently cut back on drinking and have been enjoying Olipop probiotic sodas. My favorite is the vintage cola.
I go to Inga's at least two times a month. A perfect meal is their celery victor salad and a burger.
Mimi Cheng's just opened on Atlantic Avenue and this has been a huge game changer in our home.
Bagels and lox from Shelsky's are what I look forward to on weekends!
Additional....
My idea of indulgence is bi-monthly pedicures in a massage chair at Starry Nails on Remsen street.
Nothing removes makeup while moisturizing my skin better than Skinfix Hydrating Oil-Based Foaming Cleanser. Note, we produce their Total Skin Nerds podcast.
I wear Beautycounter concealer with Westman Atelier Skin Drops to look alive.
My Nike-Off White sneakers make me look significantly cooler than I am. Note, we produced Nike's No Off-Season mental health podcast.
I buy my vintage clothing at Front General Store and beautiful vintage-inspired garments at Salter House on Atlantic Avenue.
Share this post