faith

Olivia Rodrigo is listening to her gut

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Olivia Rodrigo lying in a field of flowers in an image from her album you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love.

“Olivia Rodrigo’s third album, released on 12 June, is the unexpected outcome of listening to her gut. Now 23, she already had two critically acclaimed albums, Sour (2021) and Guts(2023), under her belt as she set about writing her new album. She was also in a brand-new relationship, and not just any relationship. She was happily in her first proper ‘adult’ relationship, and it promised to deliver all the inspiration and stimulus for an album dedicated to the heights and depths of being in love. Or so she thought.” Read more at Woman Alive…

When ‘carenting’ feels too much

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“As I write this, a text comes through from my dad: Mum was whisked into hospital during the night with dangerously high blood pressure. She’s being closely monitored. Will I be able to visit her? he asks. A feeling of panic rises in me – I have a deadline first thing in the morning, and a list as long as my arm to get through before going out of town tomorrow; ‘Not today unfortunately’ I tell him. Thankfully she’s soon back home with new medication. But that’s not always the case.” Read more at Woman Alive…

Reclaiming women’s voices

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Minnie Driver as Sarah in The Faithful: Women of the Bible, with Jeffrey Donovan as Abraham.
From The Faithful: Women of the Bible by Fox TV

“On 12 April, the annual Olivier Awards at the Royal Albert Hall, gathered stars of stage (and screen) to celebrate standout contributions to theatre over the past year. Presenting the award for ‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’ was Minnie Driver.

It felt poignant: she currently stars in The Faithful: Women of the Bible, a six-episode Fox mini-series which reimagines well-known biblical stories from a female perspective, and makes women the central characters.” Read more at Woman Alive…

The healing power of the arts

A woman painting a picture as a way to find healing through the arts and creativity.
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“A new book, Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt, explains why engagement in the arts can actually improve health outcomes as well as contribute to our overall wellbeing. Dr Fancourt is Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at University College London, and has built up a body of evidence from scientific studies over several decades to show that creativity and the arts do our bodies and minds serious good.” Read more at Woman Alive magazine…

Music’s euphoric moments

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What if I touched heaven?

A woman dances lost in music in a club, holding her partner's hand - for an article by Alex Noel, writer and digital marketer.

“That absence makes the heart grow fonder is arguably as true for love, as it is for music. Think of that song – the one that defined a particular era of life: hearing it again can stop you in your tracks. The same is true for a favourite artist or band; whose album you listened to on repeat, imbibing every phrase and refrain. When they finally release new music or go on tour again; our heart-fluttering excitement tells us how much we have missed them, how truly we love them.” Read more at Seen & Unseen.

Where Do I Belong?

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Brené Brown has some answers

“Interviewed recently on Steven Bartlett’s podcast The Diary of a CEO, Brené Brown (his most requested guest ever) reflected that, of all her books, Braving the Wilderness was “the only prophetic book that I think I’ve ever written”…” Read more at Woman Alive magazine.

Brené Brown speaking on stage - for an article on Belonging by Alex Noel, writer and digital marketer.

The eternal light of LUX

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Rosalìa’s new album, LUX, is one to inspire devotion

Rosalìa's album cover for LUX, featuring her in a while top and nun's habit - for an article by Alex Noel, writer and digital marketer.

“If there was ever an album to inspire devotion, it would be LUX by Rosalía. Since its release on November 7th, it has been received to rapturous applause. And not for the reasons you might expect. LUX (which means ‘light’ in Latin) doesn’t tick a set of boxes guaranteed to win over audiences or aim to please an algorithm…” Read more at Woman Alive magazine.

Embarrassed to have a boyfriend?

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Boyfriends just aren’t cool anymore, says British Vogue

“In a recent viral article for British Vogue; writer Chanté Joseph asked the question; Is it embarrassing to have a boyfriend now? The article has provoked a huge response, both positive and negative, and is basically a meme now. As it continues to spark discussion and debate, it’s fair to say that we are standing in the midst of a cultural moment…” Read more at Woman Alive Magazine. 

A woman carries a copy of British Vogue on the way to see her boyfriend - for an article by Alex Noel, writer and digital marketer.

A Seat At the ‘Tavola’

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‘Nobody wants to organise a funeral’ – interview with Ali Gillum

A table in a traditional dining room, set with plates and cutlery with flowers in vases - for an article by Alex Noel, writer and digital marketer.

“Tavola is the Italian word for table. It is around this – with all that it represents – that Ali Gillum has built her business, Tavola Events. Through it she ‘sets a table’ for clients who want to celebrate the joyous moments and milestones of life, and now increasingly for those going through the heartache of death.” Read more at Woman Alive Magazine…