Friday Favorites #17

By Jessica Friedman

Friday Favorites is a weekly round up of my favorite stories and products from around the web. See what I’ve loved in the past here.

Adventure

I hope you like horses, because today’s adventure links are all horse related… #sorrynotsorry

This article from a young rider about healing from the loss of one horse by learning to love another is really sweet and heartfelt.
I’d never be able to act in horse movies, because if I did, I’d want to be like these actors and take home every equine partner I’m paired with.
For all you equestrians out there, horse blogger Behind The Bit recommends the app Equilab for tracking your riding goals and accomplishments. I haven’t tried it myself because I don’t have a horse to ride for the time being (*sad face*), but I can’t wait to try it out as soon as I do. And bonus? It’s free.
Lloyd’s Bank of the UK is known for using iconic black horses in their advertising. Their latest is no different, and it is absolutely stunning. If you’re a horse lover, you just might want to have some tissues handy when you watch this.

Looking for a little more satisfaction in your creative life? Artists Network has some great tips. #8 was especially helpful for me.
In the same vein, if you’re looking for ways to fit more art into your busy schedule, Empty Easel has more great tips.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Photographer Andres Gallardo Albajar expected his trip to the Great Wall of China to be as crowded as it typically is, but instead, he had it mostly to himself. The photos are absolutely stunning.
Another great article from my critique partner, Juliana Brandt. This one is about query writing, and it’s fabulous. If you’re getting ready to query, I also recommend the Query Shark blog. Her advice is brutally honest and incredibly useful.

Whaddyouknow? The hoodie is actually a lot more interesting than I ever thought possible. So is the pencil.
Want to learn about evolution rather quickly? Head to the city.
Tara Houska’s talk on the fight for indigenous rights is really thought-provoking.
This Ted Talk by forester Suzanne Simard about how trees talk to each other makes my little naturalist heart happy.

This article about how racism has no place in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is both timely and thoughtful.
I also really liked this article about how to extend the Easter Season and make it more meaningful.
These photos of Buddhist temples in Myanmar are really beautiful.
Elder Holland is at it again. His emotional testimony that the Lord understands each one of us is just what my heart needed.

Here’s a way that I think biotech can actually be beneficial: a new study is looking at using native genes as a natural vaccine for plants.
I love this list of five nonprofits working toward a better food system.
Looking to clean out your kids’ closets? Hasbro has announced a free recycling program for used toys. And they’re not the only ones: Columbia and Target are both offering takeback programs to help curb textile waste.