I caved and bought The Goldfinch yesterday. Despite the stacks of unread books all over the place in my apartment, I was craving something new and absorbing, and I decided Donna Tartt’s highly praised new book was it. I’m enjoying it so far. Here’s what I’ve been reading this week/weekend: I’m always interested in people’s… Continue reading Weekend Reading
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore
Few things are worse for readers than being in a reading slump, so thank goodness for Robin Sloan for writing Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore. It pulled me out of a multi-week long reading slump during the holidays as easily if it were literature’s equivalent of a lifeguard. (Also thanks to pal @gbiv for recommending it… Continue reading Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore
Conceptual Paths
Last week, I gave notice at my work. My last day will be February 7th. On March 3rd I am getting on a plane headed west, and I will return from the other direction four months later. In other words, I quit my job and I am traveling around the world. Here are some of… Continue reading Conceptual Paths
Weekend Reading
It’s Sunday morning, and I’m drinking coffee and staring at a stack of books, trying to decide which one to read next. Yesterday evening I finished The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry on the 4 train home. While I sit here deciding what to read next, here are some posts/articles I enjoyed reading this week.… Continue reading Weekend Reading
2013 Books and Reading Recap
I’m always amazed at people who have their yearly reading recap posted on January 1st. I’m still in pajamas drinking hot cocoa and watching Christmas movies on January 1st. I look over my list of books read on January 2nd or 3rd and stew over them while deciding which are my favorites. Sometimes I see… Continue reading 2013 Books and Reading Recap
2013 Year In Photos
2013 was pretty good to me. I think 2014 is going to be strange and amazing and crazy and challenging, so before it begins here’s a look back at the highlights from a year that was filled with friends, family, love, laughing, travel, food, and adventures. I went to England. Finally. (Full set of photos… Continue reading 2013 Year In Photos
Chewy Molasses Cookies
I have tried many molasses cookie recipes, and I have always wound up disappointed. They are either too cakey, or they don’t have the best flavor. This recipe changed the game. Finally, I’ve found a recipe that makes molasses cookies that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and delicious. They are… Continue reading Chewy Molasses Cookies
Christmas in New York
Most people who live in New York City, or visit often, agree that the city is at its absolute best during the holiday season. I run around from Thanksgiving (ok, usually before) until my flight home to Michigan each year trying to soak up as much NYC holiday atmosphere as I can. It’s my favorite… Continue reading Christmas in New York
Etsy gifts for the bookish sort
Etsy. My biggest shopping weakness. How I love the holidays when I can shop on Etsy for gifts for others! This post is a tribute to my favorite book nerdish things I’ve found this season. // A search for “second breakfast” brings up a lot of gems. This one might be my favorite: “What About… Continue reading Etsy gifts for the bookish sort
“Hast seen the White Whale?”
I have just finished reading Moby Dick. I think you should read it too, and while you’re at it you may as well listen to the audiobook read by Anthony Heald, because his majestic narration is the only thing that will really do justice to Herman Melville’s masterpiece. It helped me slow down and appreciate… Continue reading “Hast seen the White Whale?”
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” -John Muir
Sometimes rejuvenating travel experiences happen just a few hours from home. I love living in NYC, but I still need a lot of nature, hiking and camping in my life. Central Park and Prospect Park help meet the outdoors need (especially Prospect Park, which is a 10 minute bike ride from my apartment). And much… Continue reading “The mountains are calling and I must go.” -John Muir
Being thankful, being present, and Apple Pie
Thanksgiving week. Is there anything more overwhelming than opening up a new post with the intention of writing about things that you’re grateful for? The list is never-ending. I’m so fortunate and thankful for my friends, my family, my job, good health, and to be living in the city that I love. This year I’ve… Continue reading Being thankful, being present, and Apple Pie