Feel Good Flow: Episode 20
Hi Friends,
There is a phrase in Portuguese, sempre una festa–always a party. This week has felt sempre una festa. We had Cormac’s 5th grade graduation, which for some reason was a week-long celebration, end of school party for the neighborhood and of course, the Whale-themed birthday party for Saoirse, all to culminate in a Memorial Day weekend BBQ. Sempre una festa indeed.
I’ve been reading Mothers of Magic by Perdita Finn and in it, she states that in pre-Christianity days people celebrated 200+ feast days for the gods, goddesses and seasonal happenings a year. It seems as if our ancestors embraced parties as a way of life. Days of revelry leading to preparation for the next party.
Of course their feasts didn’t include nugget trays and goody bags, Amazon deliveries and balloon bunches. Amidst this capitalistic cacophony I have to remind myself that life is worth celebrating, it’s just the consumerism that we’ve injected into it that has sucked the joy out.
When I asked my neighbor if she planned to attend the third pool party of the week, she turned to me, dead in the eyes, I can’t make small talk for one more minute.
I laughed thinking of ancient peoples feeling the same, I want to go because I hear there will be lamb on a spit, but if I have to spend one more minute listening to Antigone talk about her son’s hunting skills I’m going to jump in the fire myself.
I think there might be a New Yorker cartoon in this.
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Quick Hits for the Week:
1) WEARing
Baby Blue Baby Doll
At one of the many, many 5th grade graduation events, a friend was wearing this dress that made my head swivel.
VATEAMI/Amazon
I’ve always loved a babydoll dress (I’m a 90s kid) and the bright blue was so refreshing. I stopped her on her way to the car and was shocked to learn it was from Amazon AND it’s 100% cotton, $30(!), and has POCKETS. Mark my words, I believe this will be the dress version of the Amazon coat that went viral years ago. Now, I have HUGE issues with Amazon, but I love it when an item is so flattering, functional and affordable that literally anyone can wear it and be part of the party. It’s like democracy as a dress. But warning, only the VATEAMI brand is 100% cotton, all the other makers are sad, itchy polyester.
2) GLOWING
Sunshine Woes
My family struggles in the sunscreen department.
Dermstore
Our fair skin needs all the SPF, however our sensitive skin is triggered by minerals and chemicals in so-called “healthier” brands. Last summer I found Bask, it’s the only non-aerosol spray we can currently use that doesn’t make our skin erupt. Also reef safe.
3) WRITING
Getting Weird
For anyone who has a passing interest in writing, this article in the New Yorker is for you.
The author is reviewing a book on writing (which I went ahead and ordered), but also offering little nibbles like a really good charcuterie tray of tips on what you can do to get out of your head and into your voice as a writer. Stay weird, my friends.
4) MAKING
Banana Muffins
For some reason bananas have been browning on my counter faster than we can eat them.
Preppy Kitchen
I’ve been using this exact recipe (using freshly milled flour). I guess you could omit the chocolate chips to healthify it, but don’t. Unless you don’t like joy.
5) LISTENING
Life Soundtrack
A mourning dove has taken up residence in our yard.
Its call brings me back to our old home in New York and how the sound accompanied me through many AMs. Its gentle cooing is the noise I hear right now as I type this. If I shut my eyes, I’m back in my old kitchen making chocolate milk for my two elementary school age boys. Now both are in middle school. I live in Georgia. Everything has changed and also, the mourning dove calls out its greeting as if nothing has. Take a moment right now, close your eyes and listen for what sounds comprise the soundtrack of your life.
The rest of the noise can wait.
This weekend, we memorialize our fallen soldiers and also all of those and what has passed to make this present possible. I am so grateful for all of it in this big, beautiful life.
Shine on,
Maggie