Newsletter May 2026
Hi friends,
A gift to me on my birthday: you opening this newsletter! Ha. Thank you. Truly, what a kind little present :)
May is one of my favorite months. Although, to be fair, I say that in July, September, October and December too. So maybe the good news is that I have a lot of favorite months.
But May really does hit different…
Birthdays. Mother’s Day. Summer alpine expeditions peeking around the corner. And now, in this era of my life, the beginning of Golden State Valkyries season. You knew I’d get to it sooner rather than later.
This May also marks one year of “Valkyries, Say Less”, which feels wild and wonderful. A year of talking hoops, building community, and finding so much joy in women’s sports. It’s a real, back to the roots vibe, circa the 90’s at French American International School. Where are my flannels and overalls?
If this past year has taught me anything, it’s this: there is goodness everywhere when you look for it.
Lately, I’ve been finding a lot of that goodness in women’s sports, in collaboration, and in community. If I were a millionaire, I’d probably be investing in women’s sports franchises left and right. Since I’m not (yet), I’ll keep investing in what I can: supporting small women-owned and queer-owned businesses, showing up for games, buying so much merch (too much? NEVER!), and gathering for a good hang. Always a nod to Ms Poehler.
That’s really my message this month: collectivity, community, joy.
And not just sitting around (though eating, chatting, and drinking natural wine remains elite). A friend recently reminded me how fun it is to do interactive things together. Thank you Nicole!
Bowling. Hiking. Pastry-making. Painting outdoors in the Alps this summer. Building a tall rock pile. Taking tennis lessons.
So here’s what’s new:
Raina and I published two new pieces on Broke-Ass Stuart, including one on the historic WNBA CBA win, featuring interviews with five rad women.
We launched our new regular column, Notes from the Nosebleeds, after the first preseason game, which included the incredible experience of having media passes.
Our website is officially live! Huge gratitude to Sarah Deragon for the gorgeous photos that lit the fire under us to make it happen.
And in the spirit of celebration:
🏀 Join us at Rikki's on May 8 for our opening night watch party as the Valkyries kick off the season. Tip-off is at 7 PM so come early, and we’ll have raffle prizes and halftime giveaways.
Or just hit me up.
I’m always down for a Lands End walk, a Balboa shiatsu massage, a glass of natural wine from Boa’s/Rampant/Slake/the new spot on Mission street Fat Cat & the Mantis, or a bowl of soup. Any soup.
Here’s to reveling a little more this month.
To finding the buried SF secret treasure and meeting Chonkers at Pier 39.
To surrounding yourself with goddess energy.
To being together.
Bisou bisou & Allez Les Violettes!
Vanessa
