Subject to change

All things can change (including the timing of this newsletter and yes, I'm using song lyrics like it's 2005 and this is AIM)

Mid-month, I went to see Josh Radnor in concert. You may be thinking “how do I know that name… wait for it…. the guy from How I Met Your Mother?” That’s the one, and yes, he’s now a songwriter and musician along with, what he said his “eight other professions.” He didn’t learn to play the guitar until he was 42, beginning his music career songwriting as one part of Radnor & Lee with Ben Lee and learning along the way. I love hearing stories like this, the ones that remind us we don’t have to be one thing and it’s never too late to pick up something new — a sentiment Radnor reminded the crowd of throughout his show.

I realized this was a theme for me in November after looking back at photos from the month. I happened upon Gay Fad Studios grabbing lunch after a hiking trip and learned about Fran Taylor, a trailblazing woman entrepreneur of midcentury glassware. After first being interested in fashion and dressmaking, she tried painting — first wastepaper baskets and then glassware. This led to the creation of the company and pioneering methods to decorate glassware. The company —and history is now being revived, in another example of reinvention. (And might I suggest, the new products would make a great holiday gift.)

This month tends to feel hectic, so here’s your permission set aside a few moments to think about something you’ve been interested in and let it gradually take up space in your mind and day.

And this doesn’t need to be a career like these examples, a new, or renewed interest can be a way to combat burnout. The entire essay from Anne Helen Peterson is worth the read, but I’ll give you this:

Maybe it’s something you can be really shitty at and not care, because it’s for you and you alone. Maybe it scratches that itch to keep learning about things, or returns you — the way skiing does for me — to airy, childhood joy…

More inspiration:

• After “Milkshake” fame, musician Kelis graduated from culinary school.

Answers in the pages…

Red-Headed Pilgrim, Kevin Maloney
This started off strong —smart and funny, full of coming-of-age misadventures but it meandered too much so by the end I was cringing and a bit exhausted.

contemporary fiction / read if you’re feeling particularly salty about capitalism this season / pair with bad decisions

The Magnolia Palace, Fiona Davis
I haven’t read much historical fiction this year, so I enjoyed the time travel provided by this month’s book club pick. It has mystery, strong female characters and a hint of romance. Flashing back between 1919 and 1960s New York City, the story centered around the Frick mansion and it’s time as a residence and fast forwarding to it’s life as a museum. Most of the memorable characters are based around facts and learning those aspects in the author’s note made the story all the more enjoyable.

historical fiction / read if you wish you could time travel / pair with a cozy blanket

Very Sincerely Yours, Kerry Winfrey
I’m working my way though the works of fellow central Ohio resident and the queen of cozy romance, Kerry Winfrey. This was my favorite one yet full of fun pop culture references, Columbus gems, You’ve Got Mail vibes and a puppeteer!

romcom / read if you’re missing autumn / pair with a rewatch of The Muppet Christmas Carol

The English Understand Wool, Helen DeWitt
I love the intention of the publishing imprint behind this one, stories you can finish in one sitting. I discovered this one thanks to Anne Patchett and agree with her that it’s “the strangest, most subversive, clever, funny, wild, gorgeous read.” Judging by the backordered status on Bookshop and waitlist at my library, we aren’t the only ones.

contemporary literary fiction novella / read if you like short reads and Wes Anderson / pair with a good wine a 17 year-old would pick out

Answers in the kitchen…

• This easy homemade caesar dressing to make chicken caesar wraps.

• Trying to convince myself that I like salmon. This helped.

• Soups are still my personality. Chili. Carrot ginger zucchini. Zucchini garlic.

• And more: Vegan meatballs. Thanksgiving sliders. Stir fry.

Answers online…

• Merch is an investment in connection. I’m not sure what my WFH/post-pandemic/late thirties style is but it’s trending toward more merch. Maybe it’s the introvert in me, but its also a lovely way to spark up conversation —and I remember these connections. The TSA agent telling be about her plans to see The Cure, the bartender telling me about the last time he saw Jimmy Eat World, the barista asking me about Death Cab for Cutie’s latest album. Here’s my latest.

• Elaine forever. File away for a quick pick-me-up.

• Need suggestions for upcoming family time? Try this joy break generator.

• Neverending book suggestions thanks to NPR. The filters are super helpful.

Wishing you rest, joy and a good book to finish out the year.