What's up, human bean?
Howdy! Found any hidden treasures in your everyday adventures this month? I’ve got one coming your way! ✨
Was this forwarded to you? You can subscribe here!
The Latest
I don’t share this often, but education was not my first choice for a career. I wanted to pursue medicine for the longest time, but here I am years later, a teacher and so much more.
I spent numerous years as an 'outlander' and for a long time I struggled to find where I belonged. But over time, I learned to embrace my many identities. I also discovered pockets of the world where my authentic self is enough. You are enough, too.
This personal journey has led to embark on a new adventure. “What adventure exactly?” you might be wondering. Well, it’s quite simple. I want to make learning new sounds fun, meaningful, and liberatory. Because why not?
I believe you can find joy in learning sounds of new (and old) languages. I believe it’s a worthwhile experience. And I believe you deserve a judgement-free and safe space to do just that. Interested?
As with any worthwhile pursuit, getting to know each other is the first step. That’s why I would love to hear your thoughts and insights on language learning. Please take a moment to complete a short survey by clicking the link below.
Let’s make learning sounds una gran experiencia!
Word of Mouth
Spunk (noun) /spʌŋk/
Spunk now means "spirit, readiness to fight against odds, courage." It is somewhat surprising to learn that it comes from a Latin word for something that seems quite the opposite: "sponge." The Latin word for "sponge," spongia, came into Scottish Gaelic, the Celtic language of the Scottish Highlands, as spong and meant "sponge." But it also came to mean "tinder," the light, dry material used to start a fire. Tinder was often dry, spongy wood that would ignite easily and looked like sponge. A person who fought courageously and without complaining, especially against strong opponents, was thought of as catching fire. This flaring up of the human spirit was compared to the bursting into flame of tinder. Thus, a person who had this quality was said to have spunk. - Merriam-Webster
Ready to practice? Try it and find the answer at the end of this bulletin!
Which of the following people best displays spunk?
○ a new student who is too shy to speak up
○ a woman who finds a dollar bill on the ground
○ a gossip who spreads rumors about others
○ a racer who continues to run after a fall
True to Shelf
If you like stories of science and schemes, frenemies and fantasy, and queers and quests, Nimona is the tale for you. - nerdbove
I've tried to share my love for Nimona in and out of the classroom. I even held a book club a few years back because this story felt like it needed to be shared. After all, sharing is caring they say, and I care, a lot. Anyway, I hope you take a chance on this book because it's surprisingly fantastic.
Dice & Games
Link’s Awakening retains the style and feel of its 1993 self, but looks and controls like a game – albeit a retro-styled one – made in 2019. In doing so, this feels like it was made in some alternate present, where games remained in 2D, puzzle-focused and strange, but tech improved to support it all. You could, I guess, call it time travel. - IGN
Zelda’s first game was released in 1987 (1986 in Japan), but it wasn’t until 1998 that I finally had the opportunity to witness the game being played in my own living room - by none other than my older brother, a big fan of the franchise. Watching him play video games was exciting, although I often felt excluded when invited to join.
Now, let's forward to December 2019 when my partner downloaded the new remake of Link’s Awakening, and I felt like it was finally my turn to play. At first, I wasn’t great at it, but I still enjoyed the experience. It wasn’t until August 2023 that I’d actually complete the game. This game ignited something in me, and since then, I’ve completed many games.
I take great pride in the gamer I’ve become and the valuable lessons I’ve learned from this beloved hobby. It’s crucial to recognize that gatekeeping exists and can discourage folks from exploring new things like video games, but age should never stop your desire to play. Any time is the perfect time to embrace gaming, my fellow humans.
Cool Finds
Two outcasts join forces in this gleaming Netflix animation, which also makes the case for LGBTQ+ acceptance. - The Guardian
What can I say? I'm a big fan of Nimona. I know 'adulting' can get in the way of our reading plans. Worry not, Nimona is now a Netflix movie. Whether you decide to read or watch this gem, I hope you get enjoy it and share it with those you love.
PitTan is a violin recording artist, a video game music arranger and cover artist. She’s been a featured violinist in a video game “Kana Quest” and produced an album with @tprpiano. She is also the founder of @v2rtrio, a Sydney based piano trio that specialises in video game music.
Besides that, PitTan is a bassist wannabe, goes on food adventures, loves Nintendo video games, impatiently waiting for Final Fantasy 7 remake part 2 and loves sending 💩 emojis to her older brother. - Coin Op. Studios
I love video game soundtracks. It's especially wonderful to find covers of the songs we've come to love from gaming. PitTan is no exception. Her love for music and games shines through. I highly recommend subscribing to her YouTube channel for some amazing violin covers!
Drum roll 🥁... and the answer is:
Which of the following people best displays spunk?
○ a new student who is too shy to speak up
○ a woman who finds a dollar bill on the ground
○ a gossip who spreads rumors about others
⦿ a racer who continues to run after a fall
The bean-sized bulletin is curated with 💜 by yours truly, Rose.