notes on may
sometimes life gives you lemons but no sugar for lemonade
Maybe you’ve noticed, but I’ve been a little absent on here the past month. Life has been a lot, not in an entirely bad way, but it’s asked more of me as of late than usual. Unfortunately, when life gives you lemons, you don’t always have the sugar to make lemonade right away. That’s just the way life goes sometimes.
I promise the lack of posts is not a forever thing! We’ll be back to our thursdays together soon. In the meantime, I’m excited for us to catch up though, and fill you in on what I’ve been up to offline.
books from april:
Finished:
-Katabasis
This is the only book I finished in May and I DEVOURED it. While I don’t think I would rate this as a top favorite for me — I felt it was just missing something — I did very much enjoy the read.
Currently Reading:
(which seems to be an ever-growing list at this point)
- Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
- Salt by Mark Kurlansky
- The Language of Food by Dan Jurafsky
- Driven by Susie Wolff
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (for Martina’s bookclub!!)
- Everything You Want is on the Other Side of Hard by Ken Rideout
My fable has all my reads and you can find more of my book recs on rhome
watched:
- Grey’s Anatomy
My sister and I have been watching this every time I’m home. She’s still in the early seasons and it’s been fun to rewatch them. My favorite part is knowing the episodes that await here (Season 8 Finale iykyk)
-Euphoria
Finished! It wasn’t my favorite season as it felt a little all over the place, but I did really love the last episode. It felt abrupt for the storyline, but the episode itself was great in my opinion (especially the end)
- Wuthering Heights
This may be a hot take, but I actually really enjoyed it! I think if you take it for what it is — an adaptation inspired by a teen reading it — and treat it as a standalone from the book, it’s more enjoyable. I thought the stylistic choices were interesting in it, and reflects the approach Fennell was going for.
Listening
TTPD
I am still stuck on this one and have no remorse — it is such a fitting listen at a time when quite literally every aspect of my life is changing right now.
June Snail Mail!
This will be the last edition for a bit so be sure to grab it now! It is focused on childhood nostalgia and summer. People seem to like the “surprise” element so I’ve decided not to show all the pieces until right before mail day, but below is what is included.
Included:
Mini-Essay/Letter
written specifically for this bundle & not posted anywhere else
Watercolor Art Print Postcard
Sticker Sheet
featuring childhood nostalgia items
Playlist
Paper Fortune Teller (“Cootie Catcher”)
Summer Reading Challenge
Journaling/ephemera Items
happenings!
- feeling whimsy
this month I’ve been leaning into the idea of making the ordinary days special. I’ve been enjoying adding special touches or doing silly fun things recently. Some notables are sprinkles on my coffee or making a confetti cake just because.
- graduation season!
There are no shortages of graduations to attend in May. It’s so exciting to see the people I care for most achieving something so big. Attending each one fills the heart with so much pride and motivation and inspiration.
- moving
I’ve hinted here and there but it’s official now. This is what took the most out of me this month (notably the last two weeks). Originally the move was supposed to occur mid-June, but that timeline has been bumped WAY up (as in I had two weeks to pack everything and move). It’s a lot to find a place, plan logistics, and pack everything when moving across the country. BUT YOU GUYS this is where it gets wild, everything was set to this little place in a great location. We were in the contracting process to rent, and the owners decided to pull out to sell a week before the move. It all worked out but it has been an absolute scramble.
- farmer’s market season
There’s no summer without farmer’s markets! Where I am, May is when they all start back up again, and I have been loving every second of it. So many goodies from bakery to veg.
looking forward
- settling in
I really can’t wait to begin exploring my new city! It feels like it holds so much promise and excitement as it’s so much different from where I have been living. While I’ve visited before, living here is so much different
- Your Fault: London
I am genuinely SO excited for this (and also a little scared). The first one is my guilty pleasure movie so I cannot wait for the second one to come out in mid-June.
- upcoming posts!
I know I was really slacking in May — I am sorry! It is crazy how hard it can be to write despite wanting to when there is little time and your brain is preoccupied. I cannot wait to share everything I have been holding onto. The promised brief dive is coming (the neuroscience of nostalgia), as well as some more posts on cultural commentary and guides!
may substack favorites
in case you missed it:
As always, I love to hear your thoughts, what you’ve been up to, and what you’ve been loving!
I think if you had told beginning of May me that this is what life would be like for end of May me, I would never believe it. Nearly every aspect of my life has changed in some way. I think it’s a testament to just how quickly life can change, and how precious each day really is.
All the best and wishing you a happy June xx
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She’s back !!