I was having a few back-patio drinks with my friend the other night, taking in the crisper temperatures and relishing in what it feels like to be swallowed in large, soft sweatshirts. We were commiserating over the passage of time and our children’s rude involvement in it. It’s a surreal awareness to watch your kids navigate their existences with equal parts clunkiness and curiosity. At one point we both took a deep knowing breath, when I said to her, “But anyway, life is good.” The wind picked up in that exact moment, blowing around a swirl of oranges and purples all over the table. We startled a bit, anchored our glasses with both hands and laughed uncontrollably. It was like the universe was saying back to us, “Yep. it is. It’s all good.” And in that moment, I felt an unexpected flutter of gratitude. Thankful for the clunkiness and the curiosity. For the joys and the sorrows. Afterall, did Little Women not teach us anything? Now, something to listen to, and something to read for your cozy November.
This time of year just feels like Neko Case. Her hauntingly beautiful voice has a husky, warming quality to it that lends itself to the texture of this season. It’s big, it bounds and it’s truly legendary. Her standout album Fox Confessor Brings the Flood from 2006 was a dream come true for the indie rock lovers that dabbled their toes in old folk rock. Stripped-back Americana roots with vintage, wobbly electric guitars and a special reverb on her powerhouse vocals that makes you feel like you’re on a front porch in 1957 under the moonlight. Neko is pure magic on this album.
This is what you’re reading this month: Wreck, by Catherine Newman. Her novels are bite-sized, relatable and ooze wit and wicked smarts. And they are funny. Wreck follows a middle-aged woman named Rocky who is met head-on with her potential mortality. Rocky is nostalgic, unapologetically humorous and wildly in love with her family, all of whom share her hysterical approach to life and its many unexpected curveballs. It’s a delightful book that will leave you inspired and your laugh lines seasoned.
While we’re in a reflective mood this November, especially as Thanksgiving approaches, let’s listen to the whispering wind, get our recipe notes ready for the big spread later this month, and go ahead and locate those stretchy pants.
"And in that moment, I felt an unexpected flutter of gratitude. Thankful for the clunkiness and the curiosity. For the joys and the sorrows."