Without you, my soul is eternally doomed.

Weekly Roundup #14

I’ve been feeling more alive come February. Maybe it’s because I’ve adjusted to my teaching schedule, and am more flexible with the small pockets of attention I now have, instead of adhering to a schedule for purity’s sake. Maybe it’s because I will see many friends this weekend, and attend many book events. Maybe it’s because I am trying to live in this moment, rather than worry about the upcoming ones.

Whatever the case, there is momentum where there hadn’t been before. I appreciate it, but it is odd. February is my least favorite month, and usually the one where my mental health is the worst. And yet here I am. Living, breathing, reading.

It could also be that I’ve got a new chiropractor who may be my new favorite person. Whatever’s in the air, I’m going to enjoy this moment for as long as I can. Here’s what’s going on in my little corner of the world, compiled for your perusal.

What I’m reading:

Remember how I started reading a French book last week? Well I lied and am now reading this one instead. La classe de neige/Class Trip by Emmanuel Carrère is about a 10 year old boy’s 2 week field trip to go skiing. (Once again, the French have weird ideas about field trips.) There is a sense of doom and foreboding hanging over this entire novel, and I’ve been waiting for the other shoe to drop since page 1. Unlike other French books I’ve read, this one doesn’t scream particularly French.¹ All languages, including English, have slight, slow books that build a foreboding sense of dread. Knowing the French, my guess is that it will be something truly unhinged. Stay tuned for more.

• Great for: no thoughts, just vibes, those who want a quick read

• Bad for: plot, those who detest skiing

What I’m writing:

I attended one of the

Write or Die 101

workshops last weekend. They hold monthly ‘Write Together’ retreats, which can be done virtually. They reunite writers in a nice little accountability circle, and often feature craft talks from authors. Etaf Rum, author of the recently released Evil Eye, was our retreat’s special guest. Among other things, she talked about writing a contract to yourself for producing your work. So, I have written myself a contract that for the next three weeks, I will work on nothing other than that short story I have been promising myself I’d finish. So I’m working on that. My novel isn’t pleased. But I’d rather get one thing done, and then devote my attention fully to another project.

• Great for: focus, my short story that has been languishing in my head

• Bad for: my novel. And, my novel again since she wants her displeasure to be known

What I’m listening to:

Today’s title comes from this song, ‘Into Your Room,’ which I have officially been listening to non-stop. Calling it now - it will either be the top song I’ve listened to this year on my Spotify Wrapped, or it’ll be in the top 5. Given the amount I’ve had it on repeat, I’d bet at least $10 it’ll make the top spot. It’s both moody and has a beat, winsome and full of romantic longing. Basically, it’s the perfect song.

• Great for: daydreaming, swaying to a beat

• Bad for: people who just went through a breakup, pop dislikers

No New Books™️ Challenge:

I am holding strong at 40 days without buying any books.² But, look what I got in the mail this week!

Phyllis Cole-Dai

sent me her second Staying Power book after our lovely conversation a few weeks ago. I enjoyed her first Staying Power so much, and I’m looking forward to diving into this one, too. And it doesn’t count as breaking my book buying ban because I didn’t buy it! Huzzah!

Thank you thank you Phyllis!

Phyllis and I had a great conversation that I’m still thinking about weeks later. If you haven’t read our chat together, including fun audio, I’ve linked it for you here.

"Just do the next true thing." - Phyllis Cole-Dai

• Great for: writing friends, building community

• Bad for: my ever expanding home library, those who haven’t read the first Staying Power

Mug Moment of the Week:

I call this: Still Life with Mug.

A new mug location today! What fun. The tutoring center where I work has now added both a kettle and microwave to their break room which is fantastic because now I don’t have to interact with anyone when getting lunch. On Tuesday, I brought this tumbler from Vester, my forever favorite cafe in Cambridge. Vester is named after the Vesterbro district in Copenhagen, which I definitely do need to visit if this cafe was any indication. Vester also shares space with Dumpling Daughter, and I believe two sisters run each business. Truly an innovation in building arrangements - you can sit and drink your coffee (or write, in my case) then walk over to get lunch.

Iconic.

Despite my snark, this is actually an ingenious space sharing arrangements and more businesses should do it.

Back to my tea. The light was very interesting in my little tutoring cave corner, and I thankfully got a few minutes to enjoy some of this Bigelow Mint Medley tea in peace.

• Great for: art

• Bad for: students who want my attention

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I explained to someone that while I don’t abide by the Groundhog, I just learned about Lucy the weather lobster and now I DO abide by her. Look how upset she is.

Of course Canada has a weather lobster.

Whatever weather animal you put stock in, I hope that as we slowly but surely turn towards spring, you are staying warm wherever you are.

1. Except for the 2 week ski trip. Nothing to be done about that.

2. There’s a Jesus in the Desert metaphor to be made somewhere in there, especially with Lent approaching.