First name / Friend, I don’t know how to write about the way things are right now. 

 

I've been starting these letters by writing a long and winding anger missive about what’s going on in the world, and then going back, deleting all that and starting again from a more positive and joyful perspective. 

 

But like, HOW is that possible right now? Everything is terrible, and I just feel like burning it all down. Courtney Milan ended one of her recent newsletters with “May the justice you deserve find you…” and like, yes. That is 100% the vibe. 

 

However. I do know that you all enjoy these missives as much as I enjoy writing them - I looooove reading your replies, FYI, it’s the best part of doing this. 

 

I also know I’m not alone in my feelings. My sorrow. My rage. My exhaustion. A deep need to do something, anything. And that counts for a lot. Truly. 

 

So, in the best interests of all of our well-being, I’m going to continue to find and be the light.  Because the only way out is through. I'mma get out of bed each day, help you solve design problems with your house projects, write my little emails, and somehow, miraculously, force myself to keep going with some…

Here are the other Seven Things that are barely holding me together these days. I hope they help you, too, wherever or however you are.

This is a little insider baseball, but Lulu & Georgia has been HITTING for me lately, and this article gets to the why.  I, too, am exhausted by the sea of algorithmic sameness. What's different and new?

One of the benefits of having survived a spouse working in the restaurant industry for 15 years, is that I now have inside knowledge of all the best corporate recipes. So if you love the soup from what we still refer to as the “Oleeve Jardaaann” here is the actual recipe, but for a home kitchen. 

I told my Dad recently that if he ever hears classical music from my laptop, it’s because I’m working on something challenging.  And everyday life has been real challenging lately, so this playlist has been on repeat.  A favorite period of classical music for me, in any case.

It is WILD reading this at this specific moment in our nation’s sordid history. Time is a flat circle! Michael Harriot tells the true history of the US, in all its unflinching detail and with lots of juicy footnotes for further reading. His way of teaching is masterful, and so engaging, even when the subject is truly ugly.

LIke, I’m sorry, but WHERE HAS THIS SHOW BEEN!?!?! Its so lush, so deeply reflective, and so incredibly touching.  And also so fun?  I adore the way they shoot the inner monologue / thought processes of the main character.  It's exactly like reading a beloved book.

Firmly in my “Make Do & Mend” era, I just learned how to repair my favorite socks using this little kit that I’ve had for ages and finally opened up.  Surprisingly easy! 

Sometimes, the simplest of changes can make SUCH a difference.  It was exhilarating to work on this paint color project earlier this month where small tweaks opened up a world of clarity for this client.  This is why I do what I do!

First name / Friend, I'm so glad you're here!

THESE MIGHT BE  AFFILIATE LINKS, AND AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. THIS MEANS THEY MIGHT GIVE ME A FEW PENNIES IF YOU MAKE A PURCHASE WITH MY LINK. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!