Hello And Happy Trans Joy Thursday!

Let me preface this newsletter with a deep understanding of the collective grief we are all experiencing right now - from Dolly Parton, to Tim Curry, to the recent news of Peter Cullen today... to our own grief within ourselves, including me with my loss of my Memaw, I see you. Please be gentle with yourselves as you navigate these unexpected feelings. Each person that passed, was part of my generational upbringing - a core memory each one of them attached to - as I'm sure they were the same for many of you. There's no right or wrong way to process or grieve. Honor yourself, and honor those you grieve.

With that being said, I'd like to proceed with today's Trans Joy Thursday, because while sadness may linger, we can hold both joy and sadness simultaneously, and I don't want (you included) to be swallowed by the heaviness of this week.

We'll start with BINDERY. Bindery just dropped a merch shop, and I got an exclusive sneak peak - and Y'ALL - everything is adorable, and I just need one of each. I DID manage to get this crewneck:

Y'all! It's sooooo cozy! However, I know @Carmen posted her water bottle and being jealous of the crewneck, but I'm kinda jealous of her water bottle. lol. Looks like I really WILL have to be buying a few more items. Curious about the shop? Check it out here. If you are a PAID subscriber on the Collaborator tier, be on the look out for an additional exclusive newsletter coming today with how you can score a (limited time) discount. Here's what's in the shop for a quick glance:

I need them all!

Now that we have goodies secured, let's talk about what has brought me joy this week! I just received a PR box for Sonido Reyes' upcoming book To Our Untamed Core, and OMG. I'm obsessed! I cannot wait until this weekend when I have time to crack that beautiful book open and immerse myself in that story. I did share the contents of the box in my discord (available to every subscriber) if you're nosey like I am and want to see what all was sent!

I also received a care package from a very dear friend today for not only me, but my whole family, and it just made me weepy eyed. (I also had grief therapy this morning, so it truly did not take much as is.) The thoughtfulness of the people who I surround myself with is unmatched. I'm truly reminded over and over again that although my circle is small, the love and care is mighty. And THAT brings me immense joy.

A few other miscellaneous things that have brought me joy this week:

• It's my 3 day weekend off work,

• I just bought a 4 pack of fidgets that I love so far,

• I have been steadily working on my personal curriculum for next year,

• My kids start school Monday (let every parent say, "AMEN."

AND, I almost forgot! For those that may have missed it on social media: I shared that I commissioned an artist that creates art like the art in Heartstopper series (my favorite and most reread series to date) to recreate me, but with my top surgery scars - as it is difficult to find art prints, or anything really, that match my particular scars - and I just received the print this week! To say I wept (see a theme this week?) would be an understatement. He was just a joy to work with. His name is Richard Alrick (@itsrichardalrick handle) on Instagram. Please go give him a follow and support his art journey. Here is the piece I had created for me:

It's so beautiful! And so full of trans joy! I want to get it printed to live in my office!

I hope you all find pockets of joy, too. Small ways, big ways, and all the ways in between. I hope you are taking good care of yourselves the best you can.

I will see you all Sunday for September's newsletter (I know, it's August 30th, but still.)

With all my trans joy,

Sawyer Cole

Vote for the September book of the month down below....

Happy Thursday, mis internet amigxs!

If you missed the social media announcement, Bindery merch is here and it is cute AF!

You have a SUPER SECRET 30% off discount code at the bottom of this message.

Just look at my water bottle (although I've seen a few people model the sweatshirt and I kind of want it now!).

30% off code lasts through September first, so pick up your items SOON!

CODE IS: BINDERYINSIDER

Shipping available only for US customers at this time.

If you're picking something up, let me know in the comments!

xo,

Carmen