She is feminine and a feminist. 

I recently heard this description of Meghan Markel as the royal wedding will be taking place tomorrow, and it was without a pause that I agreed the two could indeed exist simultaneously to describe one individual. These two descriptors of a single individual do not need to be exclusive from one another. And I do appreciate this reminder. 

After reading Maya Rupert's opinion piece in The New York Times "How a Black Feminist Became a Fan of Princesses", it was her comment  "I need and appreciate images that subvert the tropes that have boxed women like me in", and that is why I am celebrating and viewing the Royal Wedding this Saturday (okay, yes, I do want to learn and view the dress she has chosen as well). It is my profound hope, and it is with great support, that Ms. Markel will be able to continue to share her strength, her voice and her devout determination to bring to the world's recognition that gender equality is possible, and no, it has not happened yet. 

Now, if you are shaking your head in disagreement, first take a look at the quote which she shared in her 2015 speech at the UN Women's Conference as a United Nation's Women's Advocate for Political Participation and Leadership (you can view her entire 10 minute speech here):

— Meghan Markel on March 8, 2015 (International Women's Day at the UN Women's Conference

Education and awareness is where we begin with any journey of truth revelation and the building of a firm foundation from which to soar and reach our full potential, and simply knowing the reality of who our leaders are, who is speaking for us, who is creating the laws that we live by, is a powerful place to start. But it is only a start.

So I hope with the deepest of sincerities that Ms. Markel will use her elevated platform (with the Queen's blessing as she too has broken a few barriers as well) to demonstrate through her voice and her actions that femininity can be a feminist characteristic, just as masculinity can be a feminist's characteristic and so on and so on. Because the potential of each one of us deserves to be tapped and revealed to the world. 

In today's newsletter, there is inspiration about living an all-around healthy life (this week's episode of the podcast), my selections for a summer shoe capsule, two summer clothing items that are a must-have for casual, yet stylish timeless attire (see Outfit of the Week), and 12 recipes from Nigel Slater that I cannot wait to try. And that's just a start as this week's This & That is full of goodies (a film, books, decor items and Midsomer Murders returns!). 

Oh, and shhh . . . there's something I want to share with you as a head's up, but I haven't revealed it on the blog just yet. I have a simple addition that will be coming to the blog soon for readers who have been looking for a way to save their favorite posts (whether newly released or from the many posts in the archives). You know how on Apple News, Flipboard and other news and blog feeder sites you can save your favorite posts and keep them all in one place to enjoy later? Yep, that simple little feature will be coming soon to TSLL. Stay tuned. More information coming soon. 

Okay, on to the weekend! Have a lovely mid-May catch-your-breath-and-relaxing few days, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog.

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