October has drifted into Los Angeles, marked mostly by our collective decision to drink pumpkin spice in everything and squint up at the occasionally overcast sky. LA fall is more of a mood than a season—but we’ll take it, along with the sweaters.
Read MoreThere was a time when hopping on a plane was my go-to move for inspiration. But this summer, with no travel plans, a looming deadline, and a 12-year-old to keep entertained, I had to get more creative with my routine. Inspiration wasn’t as far away as I thought.
Read MoreFrom the moment Mom and I decided to go to Paris, our plan was simple: no plans, no shopping. No lines for the world’s best macaron or must-see exhibits. We strolled right past the gorgeous storefronts and did not formally tour the architectural masterpieces. We aimed to appreciate Paris in our own way, letting the city lead us.
Read MoreLike many people who got glasses in childhood, I remember that first day of galloping around the house, shouting “I can see everything now!” I know it’s a common memory among specs-wearing kids—along with squinting, inching closer to the blackboard, using one eye, and pretending to be totally fine with sitting out all ball sports. You don’t know how flawed your micro-hacks are until the day those glasses arrive.
Read MoreMy best Galentine—always and forever—is my mom. I’m so lucky I landed a good one. Growing up, I could count on Mom celebrating Valentine’s Day with cards and chocolates and even a little gift for each of us three kids with our breakfast. But I remember it mostly as the day Mom went all-out shift-shaping food into hearts.
Read MoreLast month, as we were packing for a family trip to Mexico, my younger child cheekily suggested that I leave behind my trusty laptop. “Why should you use vacation time for work?” he asked.
“Because writing is Mom’s kind of fun,” explained my older son.
It can feel overwhelming to process the news cycles, and sometimes I have to consciously remind myself to detach from the digital world. So this month I’m sending along some things I’ve been enjoying lately, despite everything, and I hope the things that are bringing me some joy this fall can bring you some, too.
Read MoreI’ve enjoyed so many wonderful and varied conversations in the months since The Favor came out, both in-person at events, and over Zoom on podcasts with old friends and new friends. Lately, it’s been a bit of a podcast marathon for me, but fortunately podcasting, unlike marathoning, does not require running around outside. (My dear Trudy would agree.)
Read MoreWhen we first moved to Los Angeles, my kids made a game of asking new neighbors to guess the age of our dog, Gertrude, aka Trudy. The guest would check out Trudy’s droopy jowls, her soulful eyes, her “no-bones” vibe, and take a crack. Nine? Ten? Fifteen?
Read MoreBook tour stops can feel like parties thrown by friends you don’t know, and last month, it was time to snap on our party hats. From sunny Bethany Beach Books on the Delaware boardwalk to Jenn Carlson’s cozy Sparta Books in New Jersey to Jeff Kinney’s An Unlikely Story in Massachusetts, I was very happy to head back East.
Read MoreIn ninth grade, for reasons I’m now too old to remember, I learned the first half of the poem “One Art” by Elizabeth Bishop. Saying it aloud felt like an impressive party trick — and by “party” I mean my friends at the lunch table, because I was 15 going on 13 and nobody was inviting me to anything. But knowing even half that poem made me feel smart. Like I’d lived through some stuff.
Read MoreFirst of all, thank you to everyone who wrote me after the launch of my newsletter. When I sent it out last month, a voice in my ear whispered maybe I’d do this once and never again—the old supposedly fun thing. But I hadn’t counted on the bonus of notes from friends filing my inbox, along with hellos from new signups. It was an unexpected, welcome thrill!
Read MoreI’m launching this as a monthly update of all things books and cake and pets and vintage and a little bit about our new life in Los Angeles. And I’m calling it “Inside Sunshine” because it will never offer thoughts on hikes. Really, it’s mostly things to do in socks.
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