I am still reading the book, Exclusive, which is becoming more interesting because it is about corrupt president...but, I digress.
I'm not watching anything because I am so busy grading, grading, grading...I'm reading a lot of 11th grade rhetorical analysis.
This month, I'm focusing on gratitude. In the states, we celebrate Thanksgiving in November, and I am making it a habit to focus on gratefulness during this month. I have been posting one thing I am grateful for on FB and in my notes on Substack each day.
My newsletter went out yesterday with a reflection on gratefulness from my childhood that is still with me today. I'd love for y'all to read it and give me feedback.
I wrote a quick note on absurd insistence that I, a Black woman, show kindness to a voting bloc that always votes against their interests, and mine. Ended with a poem from one of my favorite poets since I was a young child, who always seems to have the words, Sterling Brown.
I’m too hyped up with election anxiety to read an actual book, but I have been reading a lot on Substack. I enjoyed my sister’s post https://open.substack.com/pub/heydary/p/10-things-i-loved-this-week?r=p79oq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web because I did deliberately do small things throughout the week to bring me joy (and overall I slept a bit better this week, so I am trying not to dwell on how the election might affect my sleep).
The only thing I watched this week other than watching a couple old episodes of Blue Bloods with my husband (Will Estes as Jamie Reagan is cute to me) was half the Halloween episode of Abbott Elementary (I fell asleep halfway through it). I do find that show hilarious though!
Reading "We Solve Murders" by Richard Osman and it isn't gripping me - the books I read before this were the latest Janice Hallett ("The Examiners") and Kate Atkinson ("Death at the Sign of the Rook"), both of which I loved.
Just finished watching Only Murders, just started The Diplomat.
I'm reading all the great Substacks I've subscribed to (it's a lot to catch up on!), bell hooks' ALL ABOUT LOVE, and for escape, a romance novel called A NIGHT TO SURRENDER by Tessa Dare.
I just finished binge watching "Maid" on Netflix then bought both the book of the same name and the following book "Class." Both are by Stephanie Land. This weekend, my husband and I are finishing off "Only Murders in the Building." Steve Martin is still as funny as he was forty years ago!
I love the idea of tuning out of society a bit this weekend and tuning into what brings us joy, calm, and keeps us going! I'm bouncing between a nonfiction book, The Light Eaters, by Zoe Schlanger, and a feminist surrealist novel, I Who Have Never Known Men, by Belgium author Jacqueline Harpman, recently reprinted by Transit Press.
I am feeling your anxiety from the other side of the Atlantic, I am following the events with curiosity and trepidation, wishing and hoping that the outcome to the elections is one that delivers your nation the best person to lead your citizens with dignity and upholding the treasured values of democracy.
- And finally, with the help of my therapist, I have been doing a lot of introspection (aka as navel gazing), I elaborate on this in this note and my poem "The Performance" https://substack.com/@marbellyswrites/note/c-75171993
I am re-reading Wintering by Katherine May, at the suggestion of fellow substacker Dare to Be Dry, as the winter progresses (the book is structured to move by months, September - March).
For myself, I rebranded my substack from just my name to Recoverettes, as my focus is on recovery from alcoholism and daily life as a strong, smart, sober woman ❤️🩹
I'm reading "The Measure of Our Days" by Jerome Groopman MD.... A collection of case portraits with terminally ill patients, sort of a cross section of medicine and spirituality, asking what is important in this life.
I've just had a birthday, and am dipping my toe in 51, thinking maybe I am on the right track with various foci and enjoying writing memoir vignettes and offering consistent updates on life in a neurodivergent (ASD) romantic partnership. Stay punk, my friends, and keep kicking ass as best you can. Here is my birthday post:
I just started KITTENTITS by Holly Wilson and yes I was absolutely drawn to the title and the cover but it also had great reviews. It's a delight. I am obsessed with the young, sweary narrator.
Anxious times mean humor is more important than ever. Favorite shows late are Platonic, Mr. Throwback, and The English Teacher. Also I'm pretty sure "these times" are exactly why Bravo TV was invented.
I’ve coincidentally just posted about things I’m watching/reading and also my quest for the perfect planner (given that it’s diary-buying season). Here it is -
I am still reading the book, Exclusive, which is becoming more interesting because it is about corrupt president...but, I digress.
I'm not watching anything because I am so busy grading, grading, grading...I'm reading a lot of 11th grade rhetorical analysis.
This month, I'm focusing on gratitude. In the states, we celebrate Thanksgiving in November, and I am making it a habit to focus on gratefulness during this month. I have been posting one thing I am grateful for on FB and in my notes on Substack each day.
My newsletter went out yesterday with a reflection on gratefulness from my childhood that is still with me today. I'd love for y'all to read it and give me feedback.
https://brendakarl.substack.com/p/roots-of-resilience
Thank you!
I wrote a quick note on absurd insistence that I, a Black woman, show kindness to a voting bloc that always votes against their interests, and mine. Ended with a poem from one of my favorite poets since I was a young child, who always seems to have the words, Sterling Brown.
Sparked from an honest note I wrote prior to that. https://sherisa.substack.com/p/white-noise-black-bodies
It is truly absurd. I don't have the words myself for how ridiculous it is other than to say that I support you.
I’m too hyped up with election anxiety to read an actual book, but I have been reading a lot on Substack. I enjoyed my sister’s post https://open.substack.com/pub/heydary/p/10-things-i-loved-this-week?r=p79oq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web because I did deliberately do small things throughout the week to bring me joy (and overall I slept a bit better this week, so I am trying not to dwell on how the election might affect my sleep).
I also appreciated this post https://open.substack.com/pub/melindawmoyer/p/how-to-manage-election-night-and?r=p79oq&utm_medium=ios because it really helped me as I have been thinking about how to explain how anxious I have been and will be to my 5 year old daughter. I wrote this note in response to that post from Is My Kid the Asshole? https://substack.com/@lauradkimball/note/c-75149390
The only thing I watched this week other than watching a couple old episodes of Blue Bloods with my husband (Will Estes as Jamie Reagan is cute to me) was half the Halloween episode of Abbott Elementary (I fell asleep halfway through it). I do find that show hilarious though!
Reading "We Solve Murders" by Richard Osman and it isn't gripping me - the books I read before this were the latest Janice Hallett ("The Examiners") and Kate Atkinson ("Death at the Sign of the Rook"), both of which I loved.
Just finished watching Only Murders, just started The Diplomat.
Last post was about wearing colour and pattern (I write about clothes) https://luxxxx.substack.com/p/how-i-wear-colour-and-pattern-and?r=dbgr7
I have loved reading everyone's recommendations!
I published a column on Friday called I Heard Everything You Said (low engagement and wondering if it has to due with election etc)
https://open.substack.com/pub/ashleykelsch/p/thats-so-mid-5-i-heard-everything?r=h77qf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I used it as a prompt in my for a journaling practice ✨
As for reading- also my personal go to during times of anxiety- I was reading Pet Semetary but got distracted by Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow.
I recently picked up Lisa Marie Presleys memoir that was co-written and completed by her daughter.
I'm reading all the great Substacks I've subscribed to (it's a lot to catch up on!), bell hooks' ALL ABOUT LOVE, and for escape, a romance novel called A NIGHT TO SURRENDER by Tessa Dare.
Halloween had me thinking about the self as performance, so that's what I wrote about. https://ericalucaststonestreet.substack.com/p/the-clear-mask
My computer science ethics students are discussing AI relationships this week, so that's what I've been writing about for my next post. Stay tuned!
I just finished binge watching "Maid" on Netflix then bought both the book of the same name and the following book "Class." Both are by Stephanie Land. This weekend, my husband and I are finishing off "Only Murders in the Building." Steve Martin is still as funny as he was forty years ago!
I've gotten so many great book recommendations from this thread! Thank you, everyone.
I've started watching The Lioness and am riveted! Has anyone else watched it? I'm a little late to the game, but it's excellent!
I haven’t hear of that but will Que it up!! Thank you 😊
"Try to send loving-kindness to someone you find intolerable."
I want to muster up the strength to do this today.
How about you?
https://substack.com/@sarastansberry/note/c-75074920
I shared this to notes recently - it's one thing I'm doing to help feel better during the next few days. :-)
A new post is coming out Monday morning - SOS! Saving our Sanity in This Election (And Beyond)
I love the idea of tuning out of society a bit this weekend and tuning into what brings us joy, calm, and keeps us going! I'm bouncing between a nonfiction book, The Light Eaters, by Zoe Schlanger, and a feminist surrealist novel, I Who Have Never Known Men, by Belgium author Jacqueline Harpman, recently reprinted by Transit Press.
Chilling out from my trip to NYC to see Duran Duran at MSG on Halloween. (Substack post coming soon!)
Writing: My latest novel, The Escort (a Faking It story).
Reading: The Divide, by the fabulous Morgan Richter.
Watching: Caught up on and finished Only Murders in the Building last night.
Thinking about: The election. (How can I not?)
I am feeling your anxiety from the other side of the Atlantic, I am following the events with curiosity and trepidation, wishing and hoping that the outcome to the elections is one that delivers your nation the best person to lead your citizens with dignity and upholding the treasured values of democracy.
This week I have been:
- Listening to "Atomic Habits" by James Clear (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40121378-atomic-habits) and making copious notes.
- Reading "Quote Therapy: Practical Wisdom for Healing and Joy" by @georgiaclaire (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211221253-quote-therapy)
- Making progress reading "A Change of Climate" by Hilary Mantel. For some reason I am finding it not as interesting as any of her other books (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12655625-a-change-of-climate)
- And finally, with the help of my therapist, I have been doing a lot of introspection (aka as navel gazing), I elaborate on this in this note and my poem "The Performance" https://substack.com/@marbellyswrites/note/c-75171993
I am re-reading Wintering by Katherine May, at the suggestion of fellow substacker Dare to Be Dry, as the winter progresses (the book is structured to move by months, September - March).
For myself, I rebranded my substack from just my name to Recoverettes, as my focus is on recovery from alcoholism and daily life as a strong, smart, sober woman ❤️🩹
Love Dare to be Dry! She and I have shared a bit of our work on Notes. Congrats on your rebrand and name change! Very exciting
I'm reading "The Measure of Our Days" by Jerome Groopman MD.... A collection of case portraits with terminally ill patients, sort of a cross section of medicine and spirituality, asking what is important in this life.
I've just had a birthday, and am dipping my toe in 51, thinking maybe I am on the right track with various foci and enjoying writing memoir vignettes and offering consistent updates on life in a neurodivergent (ASD) romantic partnership. Stay punk, my friends, and keep kicking ass as best you can. Here is my birthday post:
https://frissonforfreaks.substack.com/p/happy-freakin-birthday?r=2u2n4q
I just started KITTENTITS by Holly Wilson and yes I was absolutely drawn to the title and the cover but it also had great reviews. It's a delight. I am obsessed with the young, sweary narrator.
Anxious times mean humor is more important than ever. Favorite shows late are Platonic, Mr. Throwback, and The English Teacher. Also I'm pretty sure "these times" are exactly why Bravo TV was invented.
I wrote about the not-at-all-secret-lives of boys this week: https://shellymazzanoble.substack.com/p/all-the-things-i-didnt-know-about-boys?r=f466w
I’ve coincidentally just posted about things I’m watching/reading and also my quest for the perfect planner (given that it’s diary-buying season). Here it is -
https://open.substack.com/pub/inktank/p/november-round-up