It is acorn season here, which means that every few minutes, there is a loud CLONK! either on the porch, the roof, or, sometimes, my head. We have a metal roof, so when they jump from a very tall tree, it is loud enough to be truly startling. Autumn in NC is many things, but you would not expect it to be quite so loud. Upside of living in the woods I guess. At least the squirrels are happy. And my dog Chloe, who eats them non-stop if I don’t keep an eye on her. *Clonk*!
This week I was lucky enough to be included in day of activities for journalists visiting Chapel Hill. Of course I wanted them to know everything wonderful about my hometown. But when asked to name my top choices in, well, anything—-breakfast spot, place for a picnic, cocktail bar—-I kept freezing up. This is typical for me. Ask me for my favorites and I will give you at least five items and make you choose because I can’t. (I can ruin a lightning round of questions just like that *snaps fingers*.) I guess it tracks. The drafts of my books are always way too long as well. Maybe I’m not indecisive but just a fan of abundance? See, there’s always another way to look at it.
In other work news, last week I had a blast being interviewed by Emma from the Professional Book Nerds podcast. We completely geeked out together talking YA and my books. Plus, thanks to Zoom, I now completely covet the bookshelves in her office and want to totally reorganize my own. (See, I am not only indecisive but also very suggestible.) Discussing my novels is always fun for me, but getting to do it with someone who knows and loves them like Emma was the BEST. You can listen here.
We have reached the time of the season where I hate every single item in my closet. This always happens somewhere between the end of summer and when the time changes: a day arrives when I fling open the door, scrutinize my choices, and can do nothing but despair. (I know it’s not REALLY about the clothes, but this is where I am choosing to focus.) Because I did have to go meet these journalists this week, though, I went out to try to find some new stuff to wear with my daughter in tow. Now, there was a time she’d watch me from the stroller, her only feedback chewing on a copy of Hippos Go Berserk. Now, as a teenager, she has strong opinions, which are usually conveyed with a narrowing of the eyes or a flat “Um, no.” Sad truth: she’s dead on, most of the time, so I follow her advice. Except when it comes to jeans. I don’t CARE if I’m supposed to be wearing ones that are high waisted or have huge holes or legs wider than my front door: I will be a skinny fit girl forever and always, the end. Good thing everything comes back around, eventually. At the very least I will be in style at least *some* of the time.
We’ve recently gone back and begun The Bear again from the pilot, and I swear: it’s better every single time I watch it. So many little details I didn’t notice the first, second or third time, symbols that return and build, and the incredible performances. I feel like I am at a point in my life that I want to change my life or at least see myself in a different way (hello, middle age) and this show gives so many examples of the hope and fear involved in that endeavor. Last night we reached our favorite episode, “Forks,” which is all about Richie and always makes me want to start my life anew. (Preferably with a Taylor Swift song in the background, but I can’t picky, I know.) Amazing the lift another person’s story can give you when your own feels stalled. I guess that’s the great thing about art in general. Maybe you can’t see all the possibilities, right at this second. But someone can. And maybe, at times, we’re meant to take turns.
Have a good weekeed, everyone!
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Another fantastic Friday Five!
Skinny fit jeans for life! 💪🏼😂