Lately, with all the stress of the world, I’ve been really into comfort food. Maybe this is because Thanksgiving is fast approaching, which features some of my very favorites: mashed potatoes, stuffing, pie. (You’ll notice that none of these are the healthier options from the table. But what is comfortable about green beans, really?) One of my favorites when it’s not a holiday is Stouffer’s frozen macaroni and cheese, which is, in my opinion, the best out there. Many times in my life when I have suffered great disappointments or sadness have involved these, to the point that when I eat them any other time I risk plunging into a deep dive of my lowest points. (Which does not stop me from polishing them off.) These days, though, my food balm of choice has been what I call a Goz: a toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cut diagonally. The name comes from my elementary school BFF, Martha Goz (who I hope is not upset I am name checking here, if she even knows). Just about every Saturday I was over at her house, her dad made these for lunch. There’s just something about that warm bread, the melty peanut butter and the sweetness of jelly that brings me right back to those days of swing sets, stuffed animals and dancing around to the Grease soundtrack. And now I want one. Luckily, it is never too early (or late) for a Goz.
With the holidays approaching (how? It was just summer!) a quick reminder. If you want to get anyone on your list a signed and/or personalized copy of one of my books, you can order it through my local indie, Flyleaf Books. All info is here. I’m so lucky that they make this possible, and I love seeing both where the orders come from and what people request I write. If you want shipping in time for the holidays, do it sooner than later. And while you’re on Flyleaf's website , check out all the other awesome stuff they have on offer. It is one of my favorite places in the world.
This week, I raced through the latest Kate Atkinson book, Death at the Sign of the Rook, which was just SO good. I love her Jackson Brodie character. The only downside is now I have to wait (patiently, not my strong suit) for the next one. Then it was on to Sandwich by Katherine Newman, which brought back ALL of my Cape Cod memories. (I spent most of my summers in a little town between Falmouth and Mashpee, and often went to Sandwich with my mom to visit the dollhouse museum and feed the ducks there.) I have also been super excited to discover the books of Katherine Center and am now working my way through her entire catalog. Currently I’m on The Bodyguard but I can also strongly recommend Things You Save in a Fire and What You Wish For. I love a good romance when the days get shorter and darker. Paired with a Goz, ideally. *chef’s kiss*
The holiday shopping season officially begins a week from today. This year, I am determined to start early with all my gift buying. I am pretty sure I say this every November right about this time, only to find myself in a complete panic around December 21st. If I was really organized (I am not) I would be like those people who buy for the holidays year-round, so they are all done way early and can just, you know, sit on the couch and enjoy the season. So far I have bought ONE thing, so maybe that’s progress? But it’s not about stuff, anyway. Now more than ever I am grateful just to be here with the people I love, holding on as best we can. The older I get, the more I realize that is the best gift of all.
I just started Dave Grohl’s memoir, The Storyteller, on audio, and it’s excellent. Listening to his memories about his life before joining Nirvana, then how much it changed as they took off, is just so interesting. (Currently I am only four hours in out of eleven, but it’s racing past, seriously.) Lately I have been *all* in my feelings about my own career, wondering what my next move should be. I can find myself getting negative entirely too easily. (Maybe this is my mid-life crisis? Should I buy a red convertible? Get plastic surgery?) In lieu of all that, at least for now, I’ll settle for listening to someone describe the shifts that happen between then and now with such awe and positivity. It’s like a master class in having a good attitude. And I am taking notes.
Have a good weekend (and Thanksgiving) everyone!
As always, thank you! The Friday Five always brings me comfort, no matter what five things you write about. 💞
I too am trying to get through Katherine Center's backlist and think her books are the adult versions of yours.