Club Letter No. 7: We're Back with a Brand New Attitude (and our first film!)

TODAY’S ISSUE

A slightly new approach. A rockin’ playlist per usual. Ozuree-original articles. Our first film. Me, getting over my fear of being seen trying (-CR). and other good stuff just for you.

We took a few weeks to think, which is important to do from time to time. We concluded that rather than trying to create a brand that stands on its own, we need to put a bit more personality into it. We started our publication because we felt driven to explore art and culture through a more female-focused lens, and it has been a learning process to find our groove and how we want to go about it. It felt a little flat, so we are adding texture and depth to create an experience that hopefully stands apart from the white noise and fast pace of mainstream media. Essentially, we want The Ozuree to be a zine that mixes photo, video, and written content and takes a refreshing and daring approach to editorial-style work.

We’re a small team taking on big dreams. If you want to be a contributor or collaborate with us, let us know! Seriously, don’t waste any more time by not attacking your creative ideas. We sure aren’t.

OZUREE ORIGINALS

FILM

We went on an excursion deep into the southwestern desert region for a bit of a creative retreat. I have decided that I will save a more in-depth written explanation of my obsession with deserts, the literature class I took in college that changed my perception (Thank you Dr. O, if you happen to be reading), and why I think it’s a hotspot for artistic energy. Trips of all kinds have been taken in the desert, and the open spaces provide a perfect canvas for exploration. Desertland is an ode to our love of desert regions and will be an ongoing content series for The Ozuree, brought to you by yours truly at Studio Ozuree. Enjoy the first installment, “The Allure,” and get lost with us!

WRITING: Blogs & Articles from Ozuree Founders & Contributors

CALENDAR THINGS

CELESTIAL EVENTS: The week of the eclipse is finally upon us. Here’s your last-minute guide if you’re curious when and where the action is happening. My dad said something in passing that stuck with me. He, a photographer, said, “I don’t know if I want to do anything (with a camera) for it, or just be a human while it happens.” Sometimes it’s less important to try to “capture” moments and more important to be present and live them.

ASTROLOGY: Did someone say April horoscopes? No? Oh well. Listen, I can’t recommend making life decisions based on the musings of a Vogue staff writer, but I stand by the fact that they’re fun to read and can be encouraging all the same. However, mine says to watch out for snakes in my circle, so… everyone in my life better behave themselves. - CR

WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS: We’ll be tuning into the women’s NCAA National Championship this weekend. Did you catch the UConn-Iowa Final Four game? Absolutely wild. I can’t say enough about the excitement of women’s college basketball right now. So many powerhouse players are making legendary moves on and off the court, and I can’t wait to watch their careers continue to skyrocket. More on the championship

READING: If you want to dive into something new but are unsure, try this personalized book recommendation generator.

Better yet, head over to the Book Pub and see what our bright and brilliant Madi Smart is up to this week.

DOCUMENTARIES: Claudia’s blog post this week is a list reviewing recent documentaries she has watched. Disclaimer: she likes ones about murder and cults, so 1) be prepared for that subject matter and 2) feel free to question her judgment. Jokin- kind of.- CR

MOVIES/SHOWS: If you’re in the mood to watch someone expend some feminine rage, here’s a solid list of empowered characters who show no mercy in that department:

i. Promising Young Woman (2020)

ii. Midsommar (2019)

iii. Fleabag (2016-2019)

iv. Carrie (1976)

v. Girl Interrupted (1999)

vi. The Hunger Games (2012)

vii. Divergent (2014)

Extra points if you watch the sequels.

WORD

LITERATURE QUOTE

SOMETHING TO PONDER

“The very knowledge and skills necessary to be good at a task are the same qualities that a person needs to recognize that they are not good at that task. So if a person lacks those abilities, they remain not only bad at that task but ignorant of their inability.”

This is The Dunning-Kruger Effect and you’ve probably experienced this in some capacity. Read more about it from experts, here.

BITS OF ADVICE FROM WOMEN TO WOMEN

“I promise you, if you put your mind to it, and you work hard, and you never give up, and you do not listen to the rejection, you can achieve anything that life throws your way.” - Lady Gaga

LYRIC SPOTLIGHT

Rissi Palmer // Seeds

“Mothers and fathers, ancestors of this Earth
Bring your strength and wisdom, teach your children what they're worth
Armed with truth and mercy, they won't fall to anyone (No, they won't)
They're standing on our shoulders, reaching for the sun”

Whether Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album is your listening cup of tea or not, she has brought an important conversation to the forefront. Black artists helped build the genre of country music, but were intentionally left out of the narrative when record labels carefully separated artists by race into either “blues” or “country.” Here are some incredible black women country artists you should know about: Rhiannon Giddens, Allison Russell, Yola, Mickey Guyton, Brittney Spencer, and Rissi Palmer.

“African American style was embedded in country music from the very beginning of its commercial history. You can’t conceive of this music existing without this African American infusion. But then, as the music developed professionally, too often, African Americans were forgotten.” – Bill C. Malone, source

ART

This week I want to direct you all to an Instagram page. Amy McNee is a writer who has dedicated her Instagram to building a space for all creators. Whatever your version of this is, remember that creation isn’t about comparison or popularity. Do it because you love it and because it feeds your soul. Even if the only life you ever affect is your own, it will have still been worth it. - CL

FOR THE MIND

If you’re on LinkedIn, I highly recommend following Alison Fragale, social scientist and the author of Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve. As the book title suggests, she is someone who is dedicated to bringing science-based strategies to women that will help them excel. Her LinkedIn is where she has concentrated most of her content, and it is in the form of thoughtful posts and very digestible articles you can read anytime.

LinkedIn is far from perfect, but there’s plenty of inspiring and free information there if you know where to look. -CR

_{CLUB SOUNDTRACK NO. 7:}

Inspired by the notion of being seen trying.

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xx C&C