Happy May 1st! When you read this, I will likely be on my way to celebrate my little brother’s graduation from college. He’s the 4th and final kid in my family to graduate, and I think we all have big emotions about this. Firstly, we are all SO proud of him. And also, it’s weird and has a finality that we really aren’t kids anymore! It felt like with our age gaps that there was always one of us to cheer on - in sports, at proms, graduations, etc. I love being number 2 in the lineup of 4. I always want to be snug in the middle of my brothers and sister. While this season may be over, lovely new eras of life are surely on the horizon.
April was a bit of a whirlwind for me - including throwing a big auction for my job and then 2 days later getting in a car accident. I’m fine, just have some back pain and the likes still, but truly grateful as I know it could have been a lot worse. I’m a very routine-oriented person, however, and this has really thrown me off. I haven’t been able to exercise, and that has been really hard. Plus, just lots of calls and doctor’s appointments and being forced to rest! All that to say, I am hoping that May feels like a fresh start.
April where I live is lovely, but May is when it really starts to feel like you are living in a movie set in a beach town. There is so much to look forward to - book club walks after work, happy hours on the patio with the ocean breeze, picnics and after-work swims, long and hot beach days, grabbing ice cream on a whim, getting especially sweaty after an evening run, reading marathons, and more. I need to continue to make time for sunrises and sunsets, and finally schedule my surfing lesson! This summer (and next year) is bringing a lot of transition to my life, so I am hoping for plenty of time with the people I love best this summer.
Sam and I scheduled our wedding for next spring, and that is about all I have accomplished on this front. If I’m being honest, I am overwhelmed with all the things you have to do to plan a wedding - the to-do lists feel like a mile long! So, besides having FUN and embracing a childlike summer, my goal for May is to make wedding planning progress. Any and all tips welcome!
Book Club Updates:
Book club continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. Yes, we started out of a love for books, but it has grown to be so much more.
We have been meeting for about 6 years now. Our book club has seen many changes and formats over the years. One thing remains true - the friendships are the real deal. Many of us had never met prior to book club, and now I count these friends as some of my very favorite people in the world.
If you are looking for a sign to start or join a local book club, let this be it!
I’ve recently loved exploring the different talents and hobbies of our book club. In March, someone from book club taught us how to play Mahjong. In April, we not only had a book club BABY SHOWER for one of our friends (bring on all the baby books!!), but someone in book club led us in a watercolor painting lesson. These friendships are so rich, and the fruit is real. In our group message, we often ask for books recs, but also recommendations for local doctors, gyms, where to find independent bookstores, new music, and more.
I’ve seen posts on Substack lately about engaging in your community. I love these, and I want to embody the spirit of a good neighbor. I encourage you to seek community beyond your front door; you never know the friendships waiting to be made! And while you are at it, make a visit to your local library. I guarantee you that the staff there is lovely.
In May, we are reading Carley Fortune’s new book “Our Perfect Storm.” I am itching to read a good summer romcom, and I know this will check that box. In the fashion of supporting local indies and upholding my 2026 goals, I pre-ordered from our independent bookstore at the beach and can’t wait to go pick it up! I also pre-ordered the 2 new upcoming ACOTAR books. A good reminder to support your local indies! This is an easy way to show up and love your community!
“For me, it was almost like winter didn’t count. Summer was what mattered. My whole life was measured in summers.”
― Jenny Han
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