Week 74: reframing negativity, testing recipes, new updates to old faves, and more.
plus, the album i can't stop playing
The arrival of summer means cold and fog in San Francisco. But we’re also soaking up the warmth and greenery of our new backyard.
Before I dive in, I want to acknowledge the kind notes you all sent after my last newsletter. Many of you also upgraded to a paid subscription, which truly made my week. Others recommended the newsletter to others. It all helps!
Amidst feeling like the “big time,” full-time job doesn’t at all offer what it used to anymore, it gave me hope that I can and should continue writing. And made me feel supported. Thank you 💛
There have been a lot of new releases or updates to old favorites of mine lately! I also revisited my TBR (to be read) list and hoarded some hardcover library books (as opposed to my usual Kindle title hoarding.) So much to share this week, so let’s go!
📖 reading
Since I’ve long run out of hold requests for my Kindle books, and I’m spending more time at my local library, I couldn’t resist picking up a fresh stack of hardcovers last week. Some of these are newer titles, but some have been on my list for quite some time. One of those, which I only just finished, is Sorrow and Bliss.
Protagonist Meg recently turned 40 and lives in London with her husband. We learn the backstory of her quirky, creative family and also her mental health condition. The author makes a fascinating choice to never name the illness, even as the character eventually receives a diagnosis. This allows us, the readers, to fill in the blanks and deeply empathize with its effects on the characters.
Although a portrait of her struggles, the book is also full of heart, dry humor, and compassion. This is one of the books that I didn’t want to put down, despite not being a traditional page-turner. Only after I finished reading did I hear someone compare it to Fleabag (a forever fave,) so if you’re also a fan, add this one to your list.
🥣 cooking
Have I shared that I used to be cookbook editor? Well, I was! And one of the longstanding perks is that I still have friends who write them.
After I was laid off, I volunteered to test a few recipes for an upcoming cookbook. This required paying attention to each step of the cooking process in a way I usually don’t — being mindful of each step, tasting as I added each ingredient, being aware of time, and plating for a photograph.
As I largely am concerned only with getting dinner on table as fast as possible, often limited to what my toddlers may or may not eat…it was a true pleasure to slow down and create a meal for myself in this way. This week I made her fresh take on leeks vinaigrette (similar recipe here,) and no joke, it transported me to a summer al fresco table in France when I sat down to eat it.
The experience helped me realize just how much mindfulness we can bring to cooking, or any hobby we enjoy. I also love supporting chefs and authors, remembering how much care and thought goes into cooking, creating a dish, or writing a recipe.
My challenge for you is to bring this sort of attentiveness and awareness to a meal you make or eat this week. I hope to “test” recipes like this again, soon — it was well worth it to cook this way.
🎮 playing
A few of you have shared that my game recommendations have been some of your favorites! I enthusiastically shared Dave the Diver, an old-school game I play on the Switch 2 that’s like a balm for my overactive mind. You scuba dive by day and run a sushi restaurant by night, with plenty of nostalgia and fun thrown in.
The game just got an extension or DLC called Dave in the Jungle. I’m loving it so far! If you enjoyed the first game, don’t hesitate to download this update. You’ll be exploring the freshwater underwater world this time. Best $10 I’ve spent in a long time.
🎧 listening
Another longstanding rec, my favorite composer just released his live album for his latest tour. Since I am full-on obsessed with it, the tour and the songs, it’s no surprise that this is my most listened to music lately. I love it for working as well as relaxing.
💭 thinking about
I wanted to close this week’s newsletter with a simple but powerful meditation that really shifts your perspective.
In the spirit of reflecting on what it is I hope to focus on (and write about) in this season of life, I’m also sharing this beautiful poem on life’s little joys by Mary Oliver.
Don’t Hesitate
If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.
and introducing…
mes petits bonheurs
I started a new weekly series posted to Substack Notes and TikTok called ‘Mes petits bonheurs’ (French for ‘little things that make me happy.’) It’s been a marvelous prompt for reflecting on the tiny-but-beautiful details we might otherwise miss.
To create it, I revisit my camera roll and/or capture things that are inspiring me, from the small businesses and restaurants I’m discovering to the recipes I’m loving or little outfits my kids are wearing. Join me there for a a little more behind-the-scenes of daily life. My hope is that it’s a cue for you to notice the little joys of your life, too.
Until next week!
Recommendations are vetted and written by a real person, not an algorithm (or AI). I appreciate your support!
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