Embracing the Absurd, Gala Update & My Current Favorite Album

In My Unhinged Era

I will never understand the emotional whiplash I underwent during the first week of November 2024.

The week started with the last few days of my epic NJ trip—a whirlwind trip to NYC, complete with cookies, coffee, pizza and a brief chat with Adam Sandler, and then the wildly successful and fun We Win gala. I was beyond cloud nine, I was among the stars for a few moments there. So much love all around me and all through me. At Newark airport, I even bought a bright red sweatshirt that just says “NEW JERSEY” in all caps as we were leaving. I was that smitten.

Then came Election Day. I plummeted all the way down, and pretty swiftly too. I was in free fall—the disappointment, sadness and helplessness combined to turn into pure, fiery rage. As the results were coming in, they kept reporting on how much less support Harris received in any given county compared to Biden. Feminine rage.

I had spoken to so many of my kind, open-minded male friends who hated Trump but didn’t want to support Harris. None of them could give me a policy reason as to why not. And because she’s an Indian female, it felt personal in some way. Then, I spiraled into thinking about the meager handful of racist comments I received in high school—I NEVER believed them to be mean-spirited. But were they?

Long story short, I felt unhinged. Euphoric one minute, rabid the next. Strange how life can pull you to the extremes at will. Almost like it sees you getting too happy and has to bring you back down to earth. This time it just overshot the mark. But I guess that’s what life is—a series of ups and downs and we have to find a way to endure, and enjoy, the ride. But, most importantly, we know the happiness always comes to an end, and so too does the sadness.

We Win Gala Update

What a magical night! We Win’s Diwali gala in NJ was a huge success! We had an amazing turnout and there was just so much love in the room. You could feel it in every moment of Dr. Rakesh Kaul’s inspiring speech on generosity, past We Win recipient Eva’s powerful words about her resilience, cofounder Simran Rajani’s uplifting message and throughout each sip of espresso martinis. Thank you so very much to everyone who came, donated and helped make this gala light up like a firework amidst all this darkness. ✨ We raised over $30,00)0!!

Always bursting with gratitude for Ram Peddinti and Deepak Sood and their phenomenal photography. Check out these beautiful photos! And listen to the wonderful speeches there too!

Also, our lovely Eva has graciously taken over our Instagram and Facebook and is making us some great content! So make sure to like and comment on our posts to show her some love!

Writing Update

My latest piece on weaponized glamour: a real fashion statement lol. Btw, my editor wrote the headline—I don’t have *that* much self-confidence lol.

Monthly Favorites

Quote - The only thing keeping me more hinged right now is Albert Camus and his philosophy on the inherent absurdity of life.

“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”

― Albert Camus

Song - Collateral by Charlotte Lawrence. ALL DAY. “For a minute, you were my whole world.”

Book - Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan - powerful historical fiction about a father in 1980s Ireland who grapples with his bleeding heart. Super short but packs a punch.

TV - Bad Sisters (Apple+)

Movie - My Old Ass (Prime) - coming of age story of a teenage girl AND her 40-year-old self. Must watch for millennials especially!

Album - Kendrick Lamar’s new album GNX is amazing. I can’t stop listening. The lyricism and nuance he brings to rap is so unique and just incredible. My favorite track is the last song Gloria. You think he’s rapping about his relationship to his long-time girlfriend but at the end you realize he’s actually rapping about his relationship to his songwriting. Oof, so good.

Okay that’s all for now! This weekend marks the end of Taylor’s tour ☹️ but next weekend is my birthday trip 🤩 so the roller coaster continues. I need to get back to listening to some Kendrick. Also, it’s not not a coincidence that he had Taylor Swift’s producer co-produce this album I just happen to love… 😉

See ya next month! ✌🏽

Yours,

Harshada