From our home to yours, we want to welcome you back to our monthly blog about all of the great shows, books, podcasts, and cute Instagram accounts we’re loving this month! And as your Netflix queues run dry and your split ends grow out, finding something new to pass the time can be increasingly difficult. But never fear! Our CASA staff and volunteers are here to keep you entertained with content that ranges from cute and cuddly to fantastical and action-packed.
And to our essential workers who have been out in the community showing up at hospitals, care facilities, grocery stores, and everywhere else that’s been open and running, we admire and are so grateful to you. Thank you!
Here’s what we’re into this May!
For a chuckle that helps charities, check out:
The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
“Jimmy Fallon has been doing The Tonight Show from home and it’s pretty cute – his kids assist him, he Zooms with his guests, and he highlights a different charity each episode.” — Samantha Bielawski, Senior Early Family Engagement Specialist
If you’re in need of some truly quality couch time, we suggest this heartwarming documentary:
Crip Camp directed by James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham—now streaming on Netflix
“I just started watching Crip Camp on Netflix. It’s about a summer camp in the 60’s/70’s for youth with disabilities. It’s really uplifting and wholesome. It also relates to our work with kids who are differently-abled.” — Blair Adams, Volunteer Recruitment Specialist
For some good ‘ole architectural escapism, you might like:
Grand Designs with Kevin McCloud—watch on Youtube, Amazon Prime, or Netflix
“I am not an HGTV person – largely because most of the shows raise my blood pressure and I’m left yelling at the couple who have $36.17 to spend on a home but will not consider any place that doesn’t have six bedrooms, hardwood floors, and a bespoke chicken coop made out of responsibly-sourced timber. Instead of HGTV, I recommend Grand Designs, a British show that’s been running since 1999. If you like cool architecture and beautiful homes, I cannot recommend it enough. Be warned – if you or your partner are the kind of people who watch these kinds of shows to get cool DIY ideas for your own home, you’re fixin’ to run up some bills at Home Depot.” — Amy Gamber, Director of Volunteer Engagement
Or maybe exploring otherworldly realms is more your thing:
The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski —now streaming on Netflix
“Based on the book series of the same name by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, Netflix’s The Witcher is a Medieval fantasy, set in a fictionalized Europe, that follows human hybrid, Geralt of Rivia. Geralt, also known as a “Witcher” because of his magical mutant abilities, roams the land looking to save villages by disposing of their monsters, sorcerers, and other undesirable creatures (for a fee, of course). While the overarching plot can be difficult to follow at times (keep watching until the end!), the sleek, beautiful cinematography does not disappoint. Fans of Game of Thrones will appreciate The Witcher’s complex character development, brutal fight scenes, and attention to detail. Totally bingeworthy!” — Blair Adams, Volunteer Recruitment Specialist
For those times when all you want is to cozy up with a good book, here are the page-turners on our bedside tables:
The Overstory by Richard Powers
“It’s really beautifully written and a nice reminder that there is so much more in this world than the plight of the human race.” — Brooke Hathaway, Advocacy Program Manager
Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown
“This book tells the story of a young girl being raised by her mother and her stepfather (who she knew as her real father.) When her mother dies, her biological father who she had never met shows up to collect her, her brother, and the presumed insurance money they would get. Really, he only wanted the money, so Cupcake ended up in the foster care system in a number of awful placements. The story gives an inside look at life on the streets and in gangs, and shows what can happen to a child from a loving home when the best interest of the child is not considered in the decision making.” — Dori LeBlanc, CASA Volunteer
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
“A story about four siblings that seek out their fortune from a psychic that predicts the day they each will die. It spans the siblings’ lives as they grapple with their prophecies. I enjoy it because it brings into question choice versus destiny.” — Ana Olleros, Early Family Engagement Specialist
Just in case you need something sensational while you Swiffer the kitchen:
Heist Podcast hosted by Matt Unsworth and Simon Bruyn
“I will admit that I'm one of those people put off by the ‘murderiness’ of the true-crime murder podcast genre. But I have zero problem with two Canadian jamokes regaling me with hilarious tales of ingenuity and stupidity. (There is the occasional murder, of course. Crime is dangerous.)” — Amy Gamber, Director of Volunteer Engagement
To give a bit back to those who are currently giving us their all:
Create Your Own Cards
Write a hand-written note or create your own thank-you or birthday cards to send to healthcare workers or a friend with an upcoming birthday.
And last, but certainly not least, for some social media self-care and those times when a big ‘ole smile is needed, we suggest following this fox who never has a shortage of them to give away:
@juniperfoxx on Instagram
May 2020 CASA Recommends
