I was hoping to send this newsletter this morning, but after a little snafu causing me to have to get rid of about 100 books (yes, I’m devastated) I’m finishing this up now. RIP to my books. If there’s a bright side, I have room on my shelves for more books!
Now, onto what I’ve been reading, watching, listening to, and loving this week. I’d love it if you left a comment with something that you’ve enjoyed this week!
Last week my sister opened Pop Up Grocer, her new permanent store in NYC, so my dad, husband, and I surprised her on Sunday. It was so fun, and she was shocked. If y’all are in New York, definitely give it a visit!
Reading
🎧 Platonic by Marisa G. Franco, PhD – I’m about a third of the way through and absolutely loving both the science-based info and advice. This is a book I definitely picked up at the right time.
📖 Mother in the Dark by Kayla Maiuri – After reading Sara’s
review, I knew I had to give this a read. I was able to join Sara’s chat with the author the other night and Maiuri’s description of her book as being about daughterhood, rather than motherhood, made me even more excited to read it. I’m just over 50 pages in and have a really good feeling.If you haven’t tried audiobooks or don’t have an audiobook subscription, Libro.fm is my favorite way to listen to audiobooks, and my favorite audiobook company to support. Your purchase supports an indie bookstore of your choosing, and you can pause or cancel at anytime. Use my code (KATHARINE) or this link and get TWO audiobook credits for the price of one.
Watching
“Love is Blind: After the Altar” – I’m a sucker for this show and its drama, of which there is plenty. Have y’all watched the most recent season and the subsequent follow up episodes?
Listening
Book Talk Etc. – This book podcast has quickly become one of my favorites. Their monthly “Books on the Radar” episodes always alert me to new books coming out that I was unaware of.
Kelsea Ballerini’s new EP – I cannot stop listening, especially to “Mountain With a View” and “Blindsided”. (The short film is worth the watch.)
Loving
Getting back to my walks – Spending so much of my energy focusing on getting back out in the world these last two months has caused me to forget about some of the things that bring me the most peace, like walks in nature. So this morning I finally got back outside on a solo 30-minute walk and it instantly elevated my mood.
Therapy – Have you ever had a therapy session where you start it thinking you have nothing to talk about and then it ends up being one of the most therapeutic sessions you’ve had in a while? I’m realizing that for me, therapy isn’t always about fixing something, but about having a sounding board and a safe place to process thoughts/feelings.
Acupuncture – I’d been going to acupuncture for about eight years until the pandemic happened and it no longer felt like something I could do. Thankfully, I’ve started going back and am SO GLAD. It helps to stabilize me in many ways – mentally, physically, emotionally – and allows me to completely relax and just be.
Taking breaks when I need them – I decided to take the weekend away from social media because I could feel myself becoming burnt out and too reliant on it. One thing I’ve learned from spending time away from these apps is how much clearer I feel when I take a break. Hoping to make these breaks a more regular thing to try to lessen the hold social media can have on me.
In case you missed it…
February in Review (including three reviews of my favorite February books)
Have a wonderful Sunday!
A reminder for the week: Naps are morally neutral. - @thisthingcalledrecovery
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Naps are absolutely required fuel for me on every single day I don’t have to work!
The way I GASPED at the final revelation at the end of the After the Alter episodes. Did not expect to ugly cry like that. I just wasn’t prepared.