Blissful New Season of Severance Weekend to all of you celebrating! And, comfortable Sunday to all of you. How has the beginning of your yr been? January has felt like 4 years shoved into one: my college moved to a model new campus so I received to arrange my fancy, clear, beautiful new classroom! I had my residency week for my MFA program and am making ready to graduate in July! Issues have been busy!
Life additionally lastly feels prefer it’s settling into considerably of a traditional routine. Regardless of an intense begin to the yr, I really feel like I’m lastly settling into a brand new routine. In line with my AstroTwins horoscope (Elle) which is considered one of a number of horoscopes I learn repeatedly — I’m principally a Chani woman (Chani.com) however the AstroTwins are good too!), Uranus has been whipping up chaos in my life for some time, and in 2025-2026, it’ll exit my signal and I’ll really feel steady and routined. I AM READY. The opposite factor I beloved is that it mentioned that these years have re-wired me, and that feels proper. I do really feel like a special model of myself than I’ve been over the previous few years, and I’m desirous to settle in.
I’m not silly sufficient to count on that astrology alone will repair me — I do know I’ve work to do, too. I haven’t picked a closing phrase for the yr but — Pleasure is means forward of the sport (Pleasure the Baker) — however the one which retains coming to thoughts is “LESS” (and likewise “fewer.” Thanks to the grammar babes who will get this joke). Much less bodily stuff, fewer commitments, much less the whole lot. I would like house in my mind, my life, my closet, and my calendar. I’m looking for time for a solo writing retreat within the desert and carve out different instances to create, write, and be. It’s on me to make it occur.
Wishing you a beautiful week and sending you plenty of love and good vibes, nonetheless your yr has begun. Additionally zoom in on every canine within the picture above, and resolve which one is your temper at this time.
• I’m obsessive about these ladies of their 80s who’ve traveled around the globe collectively! I aspire to be 82 and nonetheless exploring. Associated: do you think about “previous girl” a derogatory time period? I don’t, however that might be as a result of I used to be born a 100-year-old girl in spirit, and but, I nonetheless discovered this text thought-provoking. (AFAR, Attract)
• I like lists of guidelines for residing effectively and fashionable manners and such. This record was enjoyable to learn and I agree with almost each one; nonetheless, I cannot be limiting my e book suggestions to slim volumes beneath 200 pages. The story takes the pages it takes, thanks! (Substack)
• I haven’t felt emotionally fortified sufficient to observe the documentary “Will and Harper” (about Will Ferrell and his finest good friend Harper taking a cross-country street journey after Harper got here out as a trans girl) as a result of I do know with certainty that I cannot cease crying, however I beloved this piece about Harper Steele’s matriarchal jewellery. (NYT Present Hyperlink)
• Talking of knickknack and “much less” I’m giving my jewellery wardrobe slightly overhaul. For a very long time, I favored vivid, chunky earrings. As I ease into my 40s, I would like elegant gold jewellery that makes me look subtle (although I’m not, haha). I ordered these nap earrings for on a regular basis put on. I hold considering that perhaps 41 is just too previous for a nostril ring, however I can’t fairly bear to take out the piercing and let it heal, however I did order this dainty little nostril ring as a alternative for the double hoop I’ve worn for years. I additionally received this delicate little necklace a number of months in the past and it’s my favourite factor. I solely take it off to bathe. (Maison Miru, Cupcakes and Cashmere)
• Did you even think about each potential lived expertise earlier than you recklessly posted your chili recipe in your social media? I notice I’m previous, however this TikTok won’t ever not make me chuckle (and likewise relaxation in peace). (McSweeney’s, TikTok)
• This Altadena Ladies fundraising made me smile. Due to being a center college instructor, I get a front-row seat to how nice teenagers are each day, and I like that youngsters are good and resilient and to see how they’re advocating for themselves. I want we hadn’t created a world the place they should be so resilient and advocate so incessantly. (Instagram)
• Celestial occasions to get your eyes and telescopes prepared for. (Lifehacker)
• As a teen who had the oiliest pores and skin on earth, I by no means believed I’d attain a time after I needed to take care of DRY SKIN. Alas, the mixture of winter and growing old has me desirous to climb right into a vat of jojoba oil. Right here’s a information to caring for dry pores and skin from head to toe. My private favorites are the UBeauty Tremendous Hydrator, UBeauty Barrier Bioactive Remedy, and the UBeauty Tremendous Intensive Face Oil for my face (a enjoyable deal with: if you happen to enter “AMYESTES” while you try, you’ll get 20% off your first order). I additionally love this foot lotion for mild exfoliation, adopted by this super-hydrating cream and sleeping in a single day in these socks. Additionally, ingesting an annoying quantity of water. (TIME, UBeauty, Amazon)
• The extraordinarily offline pleasure of board video games. I’ve been making an attempt to think about methods to get pals collectively with out the strain to “entertain” and a comfy evening in with video games, chai spiced scorching cocoa, some bite-sized baked brie, perhaps some peanut butter balls? Feels like a dream night. We’re massive followers of Blockus, Rummikub, Yahtzee! and UNO Assault (which frightens me however is plenty of enjoyable). For those who keep in on a Friday evening, you’ll be able to even give it a Swedish title that isn’t hygge. The standard Swedish menu is tacos, popcorn (additionally this sounds unbelievable?, and bitter sweet. I’m all in. (NYT Present Hyperlink, Pleasure the Baker, Bustle, Amazon).
• File beneath “lovely artful issues I want I might do”: an embroidery journal and an embroidered e book tracker! The artist sells a equipment, and I have to admit I’m tempted. I’m planning to file it as an concept and see how I really feel in 2026. (Kottke.org, Instagram, Etsy)
• For those who, like me, are looking for methods to dissociate over the world we live in (particularly this week), listed here are 30 books to be enthusiastic about and 40 TV exhibits to anticipate. (Vulture, Harper’s Bazaar)
• Substack posts that made me assume this month: “I owe nothing to anybody” is making us lonelier, delinquent items, the friendship drawback, the divine discontent. (Substack)
