In lieu of a summer time bucket record, I’ve made one singular seasonal aim. It’s associated to my aspect quest as a self-proclaimed Pool Dad: I’d prefer to learn to dive. Not belly-flop off a ship or tiptoe into the shallow finish like I’ve finished for the previous 44 years. I’m speaking a couple of correct, informal, arms-first, toes-pointed, clean-arc dive that claims one thing like, “Oh this? I summer time in Maine.”
As a child, I took swim classes in my neighbor’s freezing pool and easily refused to do what the teacher requested. I stood on the edge, arms in place, and easily mentioned no. For an hour. Each time. Cussed? Appears so; which can clarify my present swimming mediocrity.
Right here we’re, a long time later, and I’m again on the fringe of the pool, convincing myself to lean in. Isn’t that what diving actually is? A choice. A metaphor for attempting one thing though I’m afraid. It’s giving: Do it scared.
So every morning this summer time, I’m going to strive. First sitting. Then crouching. Perhaps ultimately standing. It’s sure to be awkward. I do know that’s true as a result of I took a video of my first – third seated dive this morning and instantly harm my very own emotions watching it again. Nevermind the optics. I’m going to present it the previous Pool Dad Strive (adopted by a glass of Pineapple Mint Agua Fresca, photos above).
The providing this week is under. As at all times, take what you want:
• There’s a sense I haven’t fairly been capable of title — watching from the sidelines with shock, dread, and a rising sense of heartbreak because the Jewish neighborhood faces escalating violence and an alarming silence from the remainder of us. This piece by Robert Glazer gave form to that feeling right here: We Are Higher Than This. It’s a obligatory learn, particularly in case you’re not Jewish. Particularly in case you haven’t recognized what to say, and particularly in case you consider we will and may do higher. (Substack)
• I’ve lived in Bellville for over a 12 months now, and it’s excessive time I get critical about constructing my pal group. The reality is, grownup friendships take loads of effort and a little bit of a mindset shift. This essay by April and the Idiot (love this Substack title!) on Tips on how to Grow to be Associates With Actually Anybody made me really feel hopeful. It’s an encouraging information on how you can speak to new folks, not from obligation however from actual curiosity. Partitions down, babes. We’re extra alike than we notice. (Substack)
• Will launched me to Noraly Schoenmaker’s YouTube channel, Itchy Boots, the place she paperwork her solo bike rides throughout the globe. Will would go to sleep midway via an episode, however I’d keep up fully transfixed by her grit, her cheer, and the way she will be able to repair a motorbike in the midst of nowhere with a headlamp and angle. It’s unbelievable. I informed Will I might do the identical factor, I’d simply cry rather a lot A LOT extra. Her new guide, Free Trip, is simply the type of summer time learn I would like: heartfelt, and stuffed with reminders that we’re able to a lot journey.(YouTube, Bookshop.org)
• Blissful Sizzling Canine Summer time to all who have a good time! What’s your favourite sizzling canine model? I’ve been a Hebrew Nationwide girlie for ever however this video Professional Cooks Blind Style Check Each Sizzling Canine maaaaay simply be altering my thoughts. Please hold forth. (YouTube)
• And whereas we’re speaking about sausages, my pal Cara, one of many esteemed the butchers within the above video, makes probably the most scrumptious rooster and veggie sausages that completely ought to be in your grill this summer time. My fave are the Hen Parm Sausages. (Seemore)
• I haven’t stopped enthusiastic about this piece from Time a couple of lady who turned knowledgeable bodybuilder at 50. The dimensions of the bikinis alone are… impressed. Ladies aren’t meant to shrink. We’re constructed to final. And now I’m feeling like I might actually elevate heavier on the gymnasium: Changing into a Bodybuilder Taught Me Ladies Aren’t Meant To Be Skinny (Time)
• Rice pudding is a type of issues that, if in the home, I’ll eat completely till it’s totally devoured. Additionally on that record is Cool Ranch Doritos, any chip and guacamole mixture, and Oreo cookies. I noticed this divinely impressed Vanilla Rice Pudding with stewed plums and it feels prefer it’s excessive time for a vanilla pudding food plan. (Instagram)
• You’ll by no means on this lifetime catch me in a pair of flip flop sandals. I’m allergic to them – it’s a tough no. However quite surprisingly, I dug a forgotten pair of cute teva sandals from the again of my closet and so they’re the one sneakers I wish to put on proper now. (Teva)
• Deb has a brand new summer time recipe for a really contemporary Cucumber Crunch Salad with Tofu (which I bookmarked as Deb’s Cucumber Scenario in my head after I noticed the IG put up). This has instantly discovered a spot on the high of the weeknight dinner menu. (Smitten Kitchen)
• Talking of our pal Deb, she has the most effective Ice Cream Sandwich recipe in her Keepers cookbook and I made them for the weblog final summer time and it’s completely okay in case you forgot however… now’s a good time for a revisit. (Pleasure the Baker, Smitten Kitchen)
• I don’t make almost sufficient corn fritters and I’m going to repair that this summer time. (The Fashionable Correct)
• For those who don’t stay within the south you won’t perceive the significance of a pitcher of candy tea within the fridge. It’s life-giving when you possibly can actually collect the humidity up in your fingers. I realized these 3 Secrets and techniques For The Finest Southern Candy Tea from my pal Suzonne, however in case you don’t have an enormous sister in Louisiana, the article must do. (Southern Residing)
Associates, stay up for the subsequent few Sunday posts from our associates Amy, Abby, and Karlee. We’re again in rotation, child! And within the meantime, you could find me for steadily on Substack the place I’ll supply some much more private writing to paid subscribers.
Have an exquisite day!
My like to you.
xo Pleasure
