Brain Food: Spring Into New Beginnings
Written by Hope Gautney
Oh, Spring… you arrived right on time and yet I didn’t think I was ready for you. Though it was important for me to be prepared for your presence, I am afraid to admit I had braced myself for the long winter months and dare I say lost track of time. And here you are broached on my doorstep ready to begin. To no fault of yours for that is your job, as it is for the flowers to start blooming, and trees to regain their leaves. You, my dear Spring, bring excitement in your breeze.
I am so excited and honored to share this month’s brain food with you. Though, we may find our daily lives do not come with too many guarantees we can count on a few by virtue of life itself. When the moon departs from our sky the sun is there to take its place, after a storm we are awarded a rainbow, and when winter ends spring is ready to begin. I found things that bring color to your world as spring does for us. I hope this month’s Brian Food finds you well.
Have a topic you’d like us to cover for TARRA’s next edition? We’re all ears! Drop your ideas, and let’s keep the conversation flowing.
Music: Colors
COLORS is an incredible source for finding new music. The playlist shares with you the most amazing artists and musicians from all over the world. From traditionally well-known artists like Banks and Billie Eilish to hidden gems like Ezhel and Pa Salieu, you now have access to the world’s very best. COLORS-All Shows Playlist had videos found on YouTube accompanied by amazing visuals with a fashion emphasis. It is also available on Spotify and Apple Music.
Podcast: Know Thyself
One of the most important journeys a human can make is discovering one’s own human nature. I find this podcast to be one of the most inspirational of its time. Know Thyself is the best place to begin such a journey. Andre Duqum interviews authors and experts in their respective fields, shining a light on important human-centric concepts. From healing from past trauma to discovering the things you love most, this podcast provides an array of different topics that are geared towards self-improvement, as well as self-evolution.

Photo by Raphael Lopes
TV Series: Harlem
This show is one of my personal favorites. Taking place in Harlem, you are able to get a beautiful view of one of the most historic places in the United States. The show features four best friends at the height of their careers navigating the common crazinesses and stresses of life. From complicated love and relationships to navigation fallbacks of self-sabotage, this show is comedic, romantic, and cheeky. Grab something to sip on and enjoy with your friends!
Book: Come as You Are
Both educational to healing, Emily Nagoski’s book provides a beautiful perspective on what it truly means to be a sexual being on a human level. Nagoski does an amazing job of providing context and debunking narratives that cause shame in the world of human sexuality. She gives thought-provoking advice for parents and those who may not have had the chance or opportunity to dive into their own sexuality. Also available on Audible, it is a quick listen and easy read.
Art: Art at the Gardens
Fun for family and friends, or a date, this event hosted at the Denver Botanical Gardens takes place throughout the spring season. They feature local and international artists who take inspiration from the world around them. The exhibits are always changing and evolving. Come witness a world of vibrant color and exploration.

Photo by Hanyang Zhang
Experience: Slam Nuba
My heart was transformed when I first heard performances from this company. Slam Nuba is an award-winning performance poetry organization based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2006 as a program of the Pan African Arts Society and certified by Poetry Slam Inc, Slam Nuba has become a collective of many of the nation’s finest poets, including Amy Everhart, the 2010 Individual World Poetry Slam Champion & Dominique Ashaheed, the 2012 Women of the World Poetry Slam Champion.
Restaurant: Lady Nomada
If you are looking for a vibrant fun local eatery for the warmer spring weather, Lady Nomada is the place to be. Located in the heart of Belmar it is Denver’s newer Mexican restaurant. The food is scrumptious and the vibes are bright, airy and joyful. It is the perfect place to bring family, friends and loved ones.