A few of my favorite finds in the month of October:
Top favorite: This cycad, won by a friend in a triathlon and graciously given to me! In his honor, I've named it John. Here's some info about this special plant, provided by Protos, an organization working hard to keep it around.
"About two hours drive from Fort Portal, Uganda, lie the Mpanga Falls. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty that happens also to be home to one of the rarest plants on Earth, the critically endangered Encephalartos whitelockii, or more manageably, the Mpanga Falls Cycad.
Cycads are an ancient variety of plant that have survived for over 250 million years, making them older than the dinosaurs! The Mpanga Falls Cycad is one of the largest species of cycads, and the Mpanga Falls are the only place in the world where this species occurs in the wild. Following construction of a hydropower plant in 2011, and encroachment from neighboring cattle farming communities, the Mpanga Falls Cycad's natural habitat has become increasingly threatened."
Favorite video: A special one for creatives (ahem...that's you) about The Gap that exists between our taste and skills and the perseverance it takes to keep creating, based on a quote from Ira Glass.
Favorite article: You know those bus drivers who make your day just because of their cheery spirit? I love those people. It keeps my faith in humanity alive. And so here is a great ode to them: In Praise of Small Kindnesses.
Favorite recipe: Broiled Tilapia with Thai Coconut Curry Sauce. With too many goodbyes this year, I used this recipe to celebrate the news that my best friend will be staying in Uganda!
Favorite new song: I've been playing this one over and over. Josephine by RITUAL.
Favorite quote:
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.””
Favorite comedic relief: The President had a few things to say to a now presidential contender. Politics and jokes - always a great combination.
Favorite new word: Allocution - a formal speech giving advice or warning. Spotted in the book Leo the African.
Photo by Lindsey Platt
Favorite product: My only souvenir from our Barcelona trip - this shirt, designed and made in Barcelona.