A few things that are available to peruse for those who need to take a break in my office. Just a little light reading.
I love December and also am already tired of December. There are so many things that I really enjoy happening. But also…there are so many things. This month is Advent, the end of the semester, the start of Christmas, and the end of the year all in one. There are evaluations, interviews, EOY reports, etc., due. There are parties and reviews and the tying up of all manner of loose ends. Also, don’t forget joy and magic and miracles (oh my).
I’m reading Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent by Enuma Okoro throughout the month, but I’m also combining finishing up my reading goal with my Advent calendar. I use little knitted pockets on my tree to store prompts, and this year, they’re reading prompts. I’ll pick one, read a book that fits the category, and then go to the next one. The categories include things like:
Christmas themed
Next in a series
Features a talking animal
Single word title
They also include practical things like:
Next book due at the library
Girlxoxo challenge
Alphabet challenge
Book club selection
If this goes as planned, I will finish my reading goal by the skin of my teeth. Even if nothing goes as planned, though, I still have an exciting reading (etc.) month ahead, and I hope you have a wonderful December regardless of how you spend it!
Goodreads tells me I’m 20 books behind on my goal. What Goodreads doesn’t realize is that November and December are typically cozy, super-reading months, so I am confident that 180 for the year is still within reach. I’m still finishing up several books from last month, but of course, I’m already excited about what’s next.
Book Clubs
The Measure by Nikki Erlick (which will also satisfy my “author whose name begins with E” prompt for the alphabet challenge)
I started the year with the goal to 1) read books I already own and 2) work on my massive TBR. While I have technically done both of these things all year, I’ve realized that trying to even make a dent in my home collection as well as all the books I want to read enough to put them on the list is somewhat of a fool’s errand. I may have finally come to terms with the fact that this is never going to happen and that’s OK.
Something I can complete and that keeps me out of a rut? Reading challenges. Oh, how I’ve missed Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge and the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge this year. Even though I linked them, I’m not even going to read through that list. It’s too tempting to see how far I can get in two months (i.e., not far. I already know. No need to torture myself.).
What I am going to do is try to finish the simpler challenges I took on this year. I still have quite a few to go for my alphabet challenge, and I have a good shot at finishing both the Girlxoxo and MMD Minimalist ones before the year is out.
You didn’t actually think I’d skip the TBR because it’s a series month, did you? Of course, you didn’t. A good chunk of the list still fits the theme of the series, though. This month’s TBR is definitely food-heavy.
I typically lean toward the “eating and reading don’t mix” side of things. I prioritize the safety of my books (and, more importantly, books I’ve borrowed from friends or the library) over any hunger pangs I may feel while in the midst of a really good story. If I’m holding the book in my hands, I will go for hours without any sustenance beyond coffee, water, or tea.
An unhelpful relative once remarked that reading was a good diet plan for me (PSA: Let’s not say things like this to a child. Actually – let’s not say these things, regardless of the age of the other person. Let’s mind our own business and also stop perpetuating diet culture.).
My fairly recent (i.e., within the last few years) embrace of audiobooks allows me to be a little more flexible in this area. I don’t have to worry about getting crumbs or other food-and-drink residue on the pages if I’m listening. Most of my reading is still pretty old-school (i.e., physical book in hand), though.
So any time I have a long reading session planned, the menu looks a lot like snacks I can pick up and eat with one hand that don’t leave a lot of residue behind. This may be why one of my favorite suppers is just snacks. I associate it with those glorious nights of reading.
Here are some of the things I’ll be reading during such nights this month.
Book Clubs
Three of these can count for this month’s Girlxoxo key word reading challenge (keywords – darkness, take, and of), so I’m pretty set for success there!
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (already read, but I love it so I will probably read it again and yes, I am very excited about the series coming out)
The cooler weather isn’t the only reason I love October. It has the contrasting feel of cozy and spooky as it gets darker earlier outside while warm clothes and blankets start making an appearance again. Gonna cuddle up with a cup of tea and these books this month.
Holly Horror by Michelle Jabès Corpora – The first bedspread I remember from my childhood that was uniquely mine was Holly Hobbie. So…a haunted Holly Hobbie story? OMG YES. I’m super hyped about this new series.
The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes – A cozy magical realism story that Jenny Lawson describes as “…like Practical Magic and Encanto had a baby.” Sold!
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna – I actually read this one this past weekend, and it definitely lived up to the hype. I read it in one sitting. Thanks to everyone who recommended it to me!
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods – Recommended by someone with infallible taste (i.e., very similar to mine) in books. It’s got mystery, books, mystical elements…I’m already hooked.
Foodie Books
And, of course, I’d never feel as if I’d explored a topic thoroughly if I didn’t also read extensively on the subject. This month, we are continuing with the Friday Fives, but they will specifically be food-oriented. I’ve been reading cookbooks, food memoirs, and foodie fiction even more than usual in the past few months. I’ll also be including a few articles and other types of media (I’ve just started The Bear on Hulu) in the mix. This is my current list of books I want to read next on this broad subject, but I’m sure I will add cookbooks or substitute others that grab my attention as the month progresses.
Food tells the story of place. As I’ve been reflecting on the concept of home this year, I have been delighted to discover how many memories and experiences that mean home to me come with a menu. I (and a lot of the important people in my life) echo Julia Child’s sentiment – “People who love to eat are always the best people.” The scents, the tastes, the ambiance created around a table full of friends and/or family – I’m not sure I could really explore what it means to be at home without talking about these things.
While the bulk of the actual writing for this series will all happen this month, I’ve been outlining these posts since June. I’ve had a lot of fun revisiting old recipes and seeing if they taste the same as I remember. I’ve also found a lot of joy in reading cookbooks, food memoirs, and foodie fiction to find new things to try (my favorites of which I will showcase during Friday Fives).
Full disclosure – this may read like a food blog this month. I am pretty stoked about that myself, as I looove food blogs. When a person generously shares the food they love with the internet, I don’t just want the recipe. I do want to hear the story behind their favorite soup and the beloved person it reminds them of. Or, at the very least, I want to hear what makes their particular spin on lasagne noteworthy. I want to know the special place this dish holds in their life. If you want that, too, then you’re going to love this series.
I also invite you to share any stories in the comments that come to mind when you read the posts. I want to hear which foods have impacted your life. And if you have some recipe (restaurant, cookbook, etc.) that you think I really must try, I am all ears!
[Aside: if you’re one of those food blog haters who just want the recipes without having to endure the arduous struggle of scrolling to the end to get to them, this may not be your favorite month on my blog. See you in November.]
If you’ve been here a while, you know how my 31-days projects work. I’ll post something new every day and index the links here. Enjoy!
Excuse me, Texas weather. It is September. Did you forget? That means you’re meant to get out of the triple digits. I would settle for the 90s. Just…too many hots. Stop it already.
Other than the constant threat of heatstroke, life is pretty decent lately. September is full of fun things with friends and a lot of good books. As is my habit in the fall, I’ve adjusted my goals to spend the next few months finishing up and transitioning to the next steps (i.e., next year’s goals). So even though the actual wind hasn’t changed yet (cue more side-eye to Texas climate), at least the proverbial wind is starting to blow in a new direction.
Here’s what I’m planning to read/start this month.
Book Clubs
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (already read, but re-skimming this one for discussion next Tuesday)
Unwind by Neal Shusterman (another already-read but I think I may actually re-read this one)
I missed Rise and Shine at the library this month as I was out of town this past weekend, but I didn’t want to miss reading this month’s genre – cozy fantasy! So I’m going to tuck into The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna and Legends and Lattesby Travis Baldree.
I’m close(ish) to finishing the minimalist selections on the Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading Guide, so I’m making another strong push this month to get them finished. I’ve started a couple of these already, so it shouldn’t be too hard.
A couple of due-at-the-library-soons and some audio selections this month. Really trying to use up those Audible credits – the end is so near (relatively speaking)!
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett – audio read by Meryl Streep
The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington – I am not nearly as driven as my choice of this book indicates, but the description sounds a little like what my hyperfocus does anyway. So I’m curious about this idea. I suspect it may help me organize my goals better.
Since I’m writing about food that reminds me of home next month, I am also doing a lot of reading about food lately. These are some of the books I’m perusing this month to prepare.
I love that the last Friday in August is here. I know that there’s no magical off switch for all the busyness and the horrible heat and the general ARGH of my most stressful month of the year when the date changes to September, but it feels like there is. Y’all – I take my relief and my peace any way I can get it, even if it’s just through the story I’m making up in my head.
Here are some of the ways I’ve been reflecting on my theme of home this month.
I love the meandering path of this piece on minimalism. Minimalism is a nice concept but also can be judgy and steeped in privilege and is often a thinly veiled excuse for even more shopping (and thus the inevitable accrual of more things, which one might argue is the exact opposite of the true spirit of minimalism). As someone who appreciates minimalism as an idea (and omg I love Marie Kondo) but leans more toward cozy and whimsical in decorating a home/office/patio that actually feels like a home to me, I have had every single one of the feelings the writer describes.
Speaking of accruing things, Bed, Bath, and Beyond is all online now that they have closed/are closing all their stores, and I am riveted. I look at this website at least once a day. I have yet to buy anything because these days I get stressed about the prospect of actually spending money on anything, even if I need it (a positive swing in my spendy attitude but also I could stand to dial back the trepidation a little – I’m sure in time it will balance). But I’m making plans. So. Many. Plans. I need a new mattress, and I want to upgrade some of my chairs in the apartment over the course of the next couple of years. And this table is so cute and functional. I love it when things are both.
“What if we understood our lists as menus instead?” But seriously. WHAT IF WE UNDERSTOOD OUR LISTS AS MENUS INSTEAD!?! I resonated with this piece so much that my eyes welled up with tears. My life, my home, my writing, my reading (etc.) are all governed by a series of lists. Reading this essay took a weight off my shoulders that I didn’t know I was carrying. If you have a love-hate relationship with the to-do lists (or the TBR list) in your life, consider the perspective of Oliver Burkeman (The Imperfectionist – also love that blog title and I’m a little mad that I didn’t think of it first). I also love the tagline on the main page “…building a meaningful life in an age of bewilderment.” You know what, let’s just sign up for the newsletter. I feel like I need more bold imperfection in my inbox.
I love these reflections on home compiled by Amy Studarus as featured on Shondaland, especially the ones that talk about helping others make their home dreams a reality. I like the way we are all connected by our own concepts of home and what that means, even when we mean very different things. One of my favorite things about having a theme word for each year is gathering the wisdom of others who have given it more thought than I have and thus have had time to put that thought into action. I like seeing how their reflections are playing out.
Even though my current kitchen is the least favorite kitchen I’ve ever had, it’s still an important part of my home and one I spend a lot of my waking hours in. In my 31 days series coming up in October, I am going to talk about the foods and recipes that remind me of home, whether that means the farm where I grew up or one of the places I’ve lived since then. I strongly connect food to the places and people I love, and I am looking forward to hashing that out a bit in writing. In the meantime, I am reading cookbooks and kitchen memoirs and foodie fiction, gleaning inspiration on how I want to present my thoughts on the meals that hold special meaning for me. Joy the Baker is one of my favorite people who write about food, and her post about this summer’s peach crisp is a good example of why. She starts off with a short personal reflection (i.e., she actually blogs on her food blog, which is inexplicably a source of contention for many people, which I will address in my anchor post on October 1). Then she explains what makes this recipe stand out among others of its kind and goes through the role that each ingredient plays. This is my favorite part of her posts, because as long as I’ve been cooking and baking, I still usually learn something. She’s not just handing us a recipe – she’s teaching us why it works, which ultimately helps us, her readers, become more confident and more adventurous in our own kitchens at home. I love that.
Friends, I hope you are having a good day, and I wish you a relaxing weekend!
Oh, August. It’s offensively hot outside and super busy at work (I looove it, though) (the new job and training the staff, not the heat, to be clear). Sounds like a great time to stay indoors and read in what little downtime I have this month.
[Per the usual disclosure, most of the links are affiliate links.]
Book Clubs
So we had a division retreat at work recently, and the focus was our personal wellness. The first session I attended was “Who wants to be in a book club?” One might ask, “Suzanne, do you really want to join more book clubs?” but I think we all know the answer to that already, so let’s just move on.
Anyway, the book club list is longer now. No regrets.
The combination of August-in-Texas heat and August-in-Housing scheduling has me giving off serious I-do-what-I-want vibes in my personal life (I mean, even more than usual). All the reading this month outside of book clubs (and really, for the most part, in book clubs as well) is pure enjoyment. Here are some books I’ve gleaned from my own shelves or the library and added to the on-deck TBR pile.
Latte Love by Andrea Cumbo – I get to read the ARC for the first of this series that comes out on September 1! I know I’m going to love it, so I highly encourage you to preorder.
What is the best thing (book or otherwise) you’ve read lately?
From The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle – “The older you get, the more home becomes about people rather than place, I think. The older you get, the more roots are about where you want to be rather than where you come from.”
Our cookbook club meets tonight, and the theme is pickles. Up until this week, I was going to make cheddar and dill biscuits but it’s so very hot, so I’ve made pickled carrots and bought a nice cheese to go with them instead. I love sharing food with these folks. It’s one of the things I look forward to the most each month.
This piece – “The Poetics of Family Life” – outlined some interesting insights into the home being its own harmonious entity, not just a reflection of public life and its guidelines. It’s more zoned toward families, but there are some nuggets of wisdom that I’m chewing on for myself, too.
It will depend on how much the paycheck actually changes in the next few months, of course, but I am already breathing easier about finances. The thought of being able to not only make my overall budget and beef up my savings but also have enough left over to go out for dinner/drinks with friends a few times a month without sticking to a diet of pb&j and ramen the week before payday, or replace worn-out clothing and shoes as needed without having to dip into an emergency fund, or just buy cute little upgrades for my home like these pillows on a consistent basis is so incredibly freeing. I might even be able to start a fun fund within the next year for extravagances such as vacations or a car.
On being the person you are on vacation…this is a good reminder to make time not only for the practical work that I need to do to make my home run well but also for rest and rejuvenation. I’m working through The Artist’s Way again, and while I remembered writing morning pages from the time I worked through it before (over a decade ago), I forgot the instruction to schedule a weekly artist date with yourself – something to feed your creativity. While I would argue that once a week is not enough (acknowledging, of course, that the time to be able to work in more than one a week is a privilege some don’t have), this was another gentle reminder to not let weeks slip by without being intentional about protecting my calm and creativity.
I am at the overwhelmed stage of the new job. That’s fine. Everything’s fine. But these tips on how to stay grounded and feel at home with yourself really came in handy this week. I only hyperventilated once. Good job, me!
The title of that last article also reminded me that I need to get some plants for my office because I can BECAUSE I HAVE A WINDOW NOW (those caps are excited-shouty, not angry-shouty). We’re doing two weeks of training for the student staff that I supervise, and then we open all the buildings for fall, but after that chaos has passed, I think my treat to myself after that is going to be some greenery for the office. Because I enjoy having indoor plants but not necessarily planting them, I’ll probably be scouting for new little windowsill friends at True Leaf Studio.
Welcome to July! I have a writing retreat (more on the specifics tomorrow) and a reading retreat this month, and I start my new job..soon-ish? Other than my regularly scheduled festivities, those are the things I’m looking forward to the most. I think *knocks on wood* that my schedule is easier this month outside of work (which is good, because it is absolutely nuts at work), so I should have a lot of reading time.
FTR’s choose your own adventure this month is romance, so I’m going with either The Scandalous Letters of V and J by Felicia Davin or This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone (or both). The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen is described by Modern Mrs. Darcy as “part You’ve Got Mail, part Pushing Daisies, and part The Princess Bride,” so I feel like I need to read it as soon as possible, too.
Similarly, I’m also going to read Here For It: Or, How To Save Your Soul in America by R. Eric Thomas before I read his newest collection of essays, which is on the MMD challenge, when it comes out in August.
The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle – I intend to get lost in the nostalgia of the objects the main character finds right along with her.
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty – I haven’t read a good pirate tale in a while. I’m really looking forward to it.
TBR/Collection
Dewey’s Reverse Readathon is scheduled for July 21-22, so I will probably have some time to finish up a few things I’ve started in the past couple of months but have not finished.
June has been a pretty good month, all things considered. I mean, weather and legislation are gross, because Texas. And my dad had to put our dog Lola down, so I’m pretty sad about that. But despite a few storms, rainbows abound (feel free to interpret that in as many possible ways as you can).
Here is this month’s update on my home theme. Enjoy!
I enjoyed this piece by Sarah E. Westfall on The Exhaustion of Stuff – “A home is more than a place to put our things. A home shapes us. It is where we are formed in relationship and, in an ideal setting, feel safe and supported. But when the Stuff™ that surrounds us is excessive or lacks meaning or breeds chaos, those same qualities begin to manifest themselves within us.” Sometimes, I am nostalgic about belongings and keep them even when they’re cluttery because I have feelings about getting rid of them (not all of these feelings are joy. Just…feelings). However, I am currently in a “pitchy” phase – I’m cleaning out closets and being rather ruthless in what I get rid of. It feels so good. I got a take back bag from For Days, and I am having absolutely no problem filling it. I expect it will be ready to send back in about a week. Happy.
One group of items that I have a hard time getting rid of is all those shoes. I love shoes. I love having a lot of choices, even though I typically wear only the same three or four pair. I’ve bravely put some of them in the giveaway pile, but for the rest, I am looking into better storage options so that they don’t just sit in a heap in the closet floor.
The flip side, of course, is that I hope to someday capitalize a little more on what I enjoy doing the most so it can be the thing I do full-time. The older I get, the more creativity is fundamental to my core and my happiness. I’m looking forward to some intensive creative time this weekend and part of next week. Specifically, I am doing my first DIY writing retreat of the year next Monday night through Wednesday night (ish), so I’m finishing up preparations for it this weekend. I have two main goals for this session – to edit and submit the first chapter of either “Fishbowl” or “November” to the Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize and to finish Andi Cumbo’s Smash the Myths course.
Finally, I am happy to announce that I have been offered the position of Coordinator for Housing Services! I expect it to be a smooth transition, as I’ll be working with the same team I’m currently on, just with different responsibilities that are more in line with my strengths. Also, I will be moving into one of the offices (and thus out of the reception area yay), so I am spending a lot of free time building my dark academia Pinterest board with decorating ideas. Looking to build a cozy, welcoming space but also make it a reflection of my personal style as much as possible.
M. Suzanne Terry 