Hi from our fourth home in the last six weeks - we are hanging on by a thread and the only phrase helping me carry on is: But did you die?
Not yet. However, I’ve worn the same five outfits for 75 days and if that doesn’t kill me, lack of sleep likely will. Send your thoughts and prayers. I am always surprised by the whirlwind of Fall - settling little kids into schools, new projects, travel schedules - add movers who are (checks notes) four days late, and I am tapping into the edge of insanity. Let’s just hope it spurs on creativity and not madness. The jury is still out.
Before I get into today’s roundup, I’m making plans for conversations and writing here. Two things on my mind: loneliness (from changing friendships, sickness, kids, honesty) and trauma as a superpower for creativity and healthy relationships.
What’s on your mind? Any topics you’d like covered or expertise that you want to learn from me? Is there anyone you’d like to hear from as a guest post or interview?
Alright, lets get into it! ROUND UP!
On the interwebs:
The security guards letting people steal food “People have children to feed. Whether it’s people pushing food into prams and bags or not scanning half their shopping at the self-service, I just don’t have it in me anymore to stop people stealing essential items. Would people really be stealing baby milk if they didn't have to?”
Why a stranger’s hello can do more than just brighten your day
In the eardrums:
The Witch Trials of JK Rowling: Whether you're a JK fan or not, this is great research, good interviews, and an interesting perspective on how crowds who love you will turn on you and what it feels like to be doxxed, roasted, and worse on the internet.
Tetragrammaton: Rick Rubin and Whitney Cummins: My boss knows how much I love Rick Rubin (OMG HIS BOOK THO), so he shared this one with me. Whitney is a talker, let me tell you, but their conversation nourished my soul.
Chain Gang All-Stars audiobook: It’s so good that I cannot get into another book after this one. POWERFUL commentary on incarceration, exploitation, violence, and consumerism through one of the best novels I’ve read!
For the body:
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension - hello to your new glow!
The doc martin sandals - I’ve lived in this summer (the olive color is sooo cute)
Rachel Zoe’s forest green blanket - this link is just to show you - it’s $30 at Home Goods and comfy, cozy.
For the home:
Sheets that are not a fortune - we’ve used them all (parachute! loved! brooklinen! not worth it!) but these have 327,000 reviews for a reason.
Lively Root plants - a friend just sent me a plant from here - fabulous!
For your happiness:
Walks - y’all, I finally understand the lady mall walkers. I am them and they are me. There is this unbelievable trail by my Mom’s house with evergreens that touch the heavens, a beautiful bridge, lush plants. I can feel my cortisol calming when I go for a good walk.
Poppi - have I ever been happier than when I have a cherry limeade pop over chick-fil-a ice? No.
Hot yoga - Not bikram, just a hot studio - holy hell, it was warm, but it was worth it. Felt so lighter and freer after an hour of restorative yoga. Heat experiences are very good for autoimmune disorders, so highly recommend if that’s you!
Desert pepper chile con queso in a JAR - I am not even ashamed. It’s delicious. I’m eating it right now for lunch while I write to you on my break. Yes, my eczema is flaring with the dairy, but I need cheese in transition, so I’ll deal with it!!!
The way you showed up in my community on Thursday is proof trauma can o creativity 🤪🔥