8 Things Keeping Me Sane(-ish!) This Month
From biscuits to the game designed to save your marriage.
Right now I’m listening to Susan Burton’s harrowing memoir Empty about her secret life of anorexia and binge eating disorder and the shame that chased her into adulthood. What I love about Susan’s writing is that although I’ve never experienced an eating disorder, I can’t stop turning the page. Even though (I hate to admit) I usually have no desire to read about eating disorders, this one grabbed me.
Why?
Because she made me care. Even though I haven’t struggled with food, I have struggled with my mother and shame and secrecy and many of the other themes that Susan writes about. I haven’t been through the same dark tunnel she has, but through the lens of her book I saw my own life differently. I’ve been through dark tunnels of my own, and reading about her has helped me burrow to the heart of the mess and muck in my own life.
So, the next time you ask yourself: who cares about my puny life? Remember, the reader cares. The right reader cares. And those are the only readers that matter.
You know what else matters? The things that make us happy. And here are a few of the things that are making me happy this month:
Sundays Only Biscuits. What’s better than warm biscuits delivered to your door in NYC? Absolutely nothing. I ordered two of the OG buttermilk and one peach cobbler and Rob, Clem and I devoured them and then wished we’d ordered more.
Marlene Dumas at the MOMA. In the MOMA’s ongoing collection, Body on the Line, you’ll find some of the most ethereal and emotional paintings by the legendary South African artist. When Rob and I took Clem there during her recent winter break, I couldn’t keep walking. The faces staring back at me beckoned me to stop and notice.
Proche’s Gingham Sunday Pant. Dressed up or dressed down, these pants are so adorable. Of course, I was influenced by IG because the algorithm knows me all too well. Now I just have to find a beige top to go with them. I’m seeing a lot of cute crochet ones so maybe that’s my move.
Cute sticky notes. How did I not know about the cute sticky note craze until now? On Saturday, I went to Meet the Moment at the Brooklyn Museum for International Women’s Day and I was stopped in my tracks by the array of food-shaped sticky notes they had on display. Who wouldn’t rather use a tomato to-do list than a plain, old yellow one? Or strawberry. Lemon. Olive. Or how about these amazing sardines I bought to point out my favorite lines in the books I’m reading?
Marriage Saver. There’s nothing I love more than playing games instead of having tough conversations about my marriage. But what if you could do both? Of course, the incredible Esther Perel created a game called Where Should We Begin? To do just that. Now Rob and I just need to find more than 5 minutes alone together where we’re not exhausted so we can sit down and play. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes!
Beaded sardine bag. I guess I’m obsessed with sardines this season! I’m convinced this is the “it” bag this spring for a quick run to grab a coffee or a night out (not that I go out much). It will fit my red lipstick, my credit card and my keys–and that’s all I really need.
Rugs. Have I told you about my love of colorful rugs? Want to brighten up your life? Buy a new rug. And then don’t let your child spill hot chocolate all over it and ruin it after telling your husband that you will never let the rug get ruined.
Black boots. I have lug boots for the snow and chelsea boots for everyday, but I don’t have black boots that are a little dressier and will look good with dresses and skirts. And then these popped into my inbox and I shouted YES at the page.
On May 5, at 6:30pm ET, I’ll be hosting a “Write Your Mother Code Story” masterclass. I’ll kick off the session with a short reading from The Mother Code followed by a mini craft talk; a generative writing exercise and a Q&A session. This will be the night before my book is published so you’ll be getting a sneak peek before it’s out in the world. All you have to do is sign up here and submit proof that you pre-ordered my book.
Getting those tomato stickies!