How do we love life wholeheartedly during a raging pandemic, a rising tide of tyranny and the threat of ecological collapse? It seems irresponsible not to be on 24/7 anxious alert, and yet that’s impossible when the amazingness of a woodpecker shows up at my kitchen window or I see a small silver plane appear out of nowhere to do joyous barrel rolls over the harbor. I know there are plenty of grim, sad, infuriating (I'm looking at you, Texas!) days ahead, but I also know that September is my favorite month, that I might lure Baltimore orioles to my yard with the oranges and grape jelly they love, and that hope is the thing with feathers. Eyes wide open to both the monsters and the magic—it’s the only way to be at home in this new world. |
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I’ve always been a fan of Jenny Rosenstrach’s cookbook and blog, Dinner: A Love Story, so when I read about her new book, The Weekday Vegetarians, I was sold in advance. The book was the result of steering her family toward a more plant-based diet and reserving meat for weekends. I rarely eat meat (except bacon, and okay, a cheeseburger now and then), but I hope her recipes will inspire me to incorporate more vegetables in my meals. It might even persuade me to appreciate kale, but that seems unlikely. |
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I love the “Five Minutes That Will Make You Love [fill in the genre]” feature in the Music section of The New York Times. Artists and critics pick music that moves them, and an excerpt is included beneath their explanations. My favorite right now is the one on Baroque music, which is probably cheating since I already loved Baroque, but it’s introduced me to pieces I’d never heard before. Next, I’m going to try super hard to love opera, but it might be in the kale category for me. |
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I’m fascinated with the concept behind the Museum of Pocket Art. It was founded in 2004 with the idea that everyone should carry a small artwork in a pocket to enrich their day and share with others. It made me decide that the random things I carry in my purse or wallet (because women’s clothes never have enough pockets!) should always include a tiny piece of art. The first one I’m carrying around is the Be Not Afraid Prayer Card by Nick Cave. I can use the daily reminder in this crazy world. What's in your pocket? |
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I like to start the day by warding off the evil eye with coffee in my Insight Mug from Anthropologie, so when I leave home, I’m relying on vaccination with a mask and a dash of magic to boost my mojo. We need all the protection we can get right now—science, spirit and strong coffee with cream and sugar. It's Armor All for the soul. |
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