Hi there,
I know it’s been a minute. As I’ve transitioned from one life cycle to the next, it’s been a little hard to find my footing. But after getting the flu last week and coming out the other side, some final pieces seemed to click into place. Always interesting how a physical illness can alchemize things in your brain!
I’m not going to make any promises on when this newsletter will be appearing in your inbox next, but just know that it always will 🙃 (with changes coming soon).
🪞 This Week’s Reflection:
This past weekend I spoke at my grandma’s memorial service. I’m sharing a passage from it with you because it encompasses something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately:
For most of my life I’ve been a seeker. Which means I have a lot of questions, and not enough answers. But I was recently encouraged to reframe seeking as devotion. To be in deep love with the mysteries of life. The things that don’t make sense. The big questions that we always have and always will. This is where the beauty lies. And is often the inspiration well from which poetry and art spring forth.
I was at a yoga retreat a few weeks ago when I announced that I was tired of seeking. The facilitator offered up the practice of devotion instead. By cultivating a deep love for the intricacies of the human experience, the ever-expanding mind, and the existential questions, it slooooows down the scramble for answers. And honestly, it just feels better in my body.
My current favorite way to practice devotion is by reading poetry. Sometimes I don’t even know what the poems MEAN but they strike me in the chest and that feeling is enough. I don’t need to understand it literally.
Here’s the Mary Oliver poem I read at the service, which to me was one of those heart hitters:
My inbox is open for any poems that have resonated with you lately. Just reply to share or drop it in the comments.
🎵 Song of the Week
In honor of Robert Plant & Alison Krauss gracing us with their presence at Marymoor this August, I present you the song that made 15-year-old Hannah fall in deep love with this duo.
📚 Things to Read
Have you heard of this new social media app called BeReal? I recently deleted the Instagram app and have been in search of a new, better way to connect with people. Apparently it’s very popular with the youths and the only person I know on there is, in fact, Gen Z, but maybe it will catch on?? (The Skimm)
If you’re one of those people who feels like everything needs to be just “so” before getting started on a project, read this for a sharp poke and a laugh (The New Yorker)
I stumbled across Dylan Mulvaney on TikTok and instantly fell in love with her videos documenting her transition journey and “days of girlhood.” Watch her videos and/or read this interview to have your heart warmed (The Skimm)
I recently read Hidden Valley Road, a true story about a family with twelve children, six of whom were diagnosed with schizophrenia. It also shares the history of schizophrenia and is a fascinating read if you’re interested in mental health matters, although it is quite heavy at times.
🍴 Things to Cook
I haven’t been cooking as much lately since I’ve been traveling + sick, but I did just find a link to the kitchn’s free baking school that I’d love to give a go this summer.
💪 Things to Try
I just bought this pattern to embroider a bunch of wildflowers on a jean back pocket. Was inspired by this tweet:
Two shows that could not be more different, but I can’t recommend enough:
Severance (Apple TV). The series show of my DREAMS. It was so clever, so twisty, and so smart. The best TV show I’ve watched in a long, long time. Can’t stop, won’t stop talking about it.
Derry Girls (Netflix). Watched all two seasons while I was sick and it was so perfect for that occasion. Short and easy watching (all the episodes are under 30 minutes), the characters, accents, and slang words are all very lovable.
Got an article, recipe or recommendation of your own to share? Drop it in the comments!