9 good things in June
My favorite chai mix, a new planner, and a song when you need to cry it out in the car.
Some of you might remember how in newsletters from long ago, I included a list of “Good Things” at the bottom of every email. This is where I shared books, podcasts, articles, and recipes, and have heard over the years that it’s a favorite segment.
It’s taken me some time to find a rhythm for this roundup on Substack. I’ve been sharing book reviews separately, so now I’m planning on a monthly-ish miscellany post for the rest of it.
Since deleting Instagram from my phone in early May, I’ve noticed occasional moments where I have a reflex to share something. Even when I do, it disappears within 24-hours if I post a random story about a quote I read or my favorite mug. Moving forward, this space feels like an even better choice because the recommendations will always be here.
I’m also sending this one out a bit early because starting next week, I’m off(line) for the summer! You’ll receive one more email from me, and then it’s time to wear all the linen, embrace white space, drink iced tea, and write without always sharing updates about it.
Off we go!
1. I’m not typically a morning beverage person (I prefer a cup of tea in the afternoon), but have been really enjoying my new chai mix. I add a bit of honey and some frothed almond or cashew milk.
2. After a lot of research, I recently ordered a new planner and I’m so excited to try it out. I was looking for specific elements (like space to reflect on each week) and Monk Manual’s 90-day planner seemed to have everything I wanted. I’ll report back after some serious use this summer.
3. We went to see The Lion King musical recently, and it was so nostalgic. My husband and I saw the show for the first time in 2001 to celebrate our one-year dating anniversary, and now we sat in the audience with our eight-year-old. What is time?
4. A few weeks ago, I unexpectedly found myself reading The Artist’s Way. Some of it has inspired me, but I’ve also given myself permission to let it go. Oddly, this approach is absolutely working for me, and you can expect more thoughts once I’m finished. Or, maybe I won’t finish. We’ll see!
5. I received a very generous pass from a journal I submitted to. It’s unusual to get constructive feedback or word of encouragement, so while there wasn’t a complete consensus among the editors, I’m taking it as a win that there were moments in each poem they really enjoyed.
6. Speaking of poetry, a favorite line from Joy Sullivan’s new collection, Instructions for Traveling West:
“Bear beauty for as long as you’re able and if you spot
a sunning warbler glowing like a prism, remind yourself—
joy is not a trick.”
7. I’ve sent this song to several people recently because it describes beautifully and accurately what it feels like to experience anxiety. If you need to cry it out in the car, have a listen. The end is particularly moving!
8. For your podcast feed: Salman Rushdie is not who you think he is, breaking up with busyness, embracing slow productivity, and Julia gets wise with Ina Garten.
9. Are you counting down until peach season starts? I am. While I wait, I have my eye on this blueberry cobbler to enjoy with homemade vanilla ice cream.
Until next time,
Nicole
I friggin love a planner. This was a lovely read, thank you! ☺️
Thank you for the recommendations! I have a couple pounds of local blueberries in the fridge and I've been looking for a good recipe to use them in.