My brother and sister-in-law were in town last week from Philadelphia. Having recently moved to the East Coast, they were eager to sink back into California comforts, namely through favorite meals around LA. After dinner in Ktown, my brother requested paletas for dessert so we caravanned over to Mateo’s. I was intrigued by a sign displayed for their Nieve de Tejate ice cream that boasted “a creamy blend of cocoa, toasted corn, and mamey.” It was so good! Complex and toasty, the ice cream was unlike any flavor I’d had before.
I know I’ve previously written about this particular joy, but the feeling trail running provides me exceeds any runner’s high I’ve experienced. On a recent run through the Verdugo mountains, I was grumbling through the inclines, which came sooner and steeper than I’d anticipated. Joy was nowhere to be found on this portion of the run, but I was absolutely beaming on the back half as I gleefully darted down the hill. Added benefit that I was blasting Sia through my headphones. With lyrics like “I’m unstoppable” and “I see another mountain to climb. But I, I got stamina,” my soundtrack had me sprinting.
Yes, another Sia song, but also a real life occurrence! A bird accidentally flew into our apartment building and was flitting around the window in its unsuccessful attempts to escape. With a few wobbly attempts and the emotional support of my neighbor, I was able to swath the little bird in a tote bag and release it outdoors. The world feels upside down these days, but it felt nice to restore some semblance of peace in my little corner of the world.
Completely charmed (and inspired!) by this cookbook I bought at the PCC Flea Market. Upon posting a story of its cover, a few people DM’ed me with photos of their own copy. Cookie Originale enthusiasts, unite!
Van recently revealed (after 10 years of knowing him) that he’s into magic. Naturally, I ran with that information and hired a magician for his surprise birthday party. Our friends gathered in our apartment-turned-parlor for a magical afternoon. I loved seeing Van and our guests’ reactions to each trick, collectively suspending any disbelief for some sweet, silly fun.
My nieces delighted us this year with a handmade Passover-themed word search and scavenger hunt! In true, everyone-is-a-winner fashion, they gifted all participants with motivational posters that I plan to treasure for many years to come.
It’s been so fun to watch the Artemis II mission this week!. I surprised myself when I got emotional during launch as the crew safely made their way into space and then again after they requested to name a crater after the late Carroll Wiseman, wife of NASA Commander Reid Wiseman. It’s beautiful for something to be happening this week that reminds us so pertinently of our humanity and universality.
I’ve been following eagles Shadow and Jackie for years now and their latest chicks just hatched a few days ago! This is always a heartwarming part of the year, especially when the eaglets are doing well.
I had never had a loquat fruit until yesterday! We have a tree down the street from us and on our evening “family walks” (aka the one walk Lee and I both go on with our dog Whisper), Lee picked a handful. We enjoyed them after dinner and I had a gleeful smile of trying something new and liking it! It sort of tasted to me a bit like a kiwi. They are delicious and the season just started in California.
This is kind of embarrassing to admit and it’s not something I’ve really dealt with in my 35 years so far, but I struggle with skin picking. It’s a compulsive behavior that I don’t understand the origin of, but I decided last week that I’m going to tackle it head on. I know I likely need professional help with this one, but I’ve made a small stride forward by developing a ritual for myself in which I use the OPI Nail Envy nail strengthener and CND So jojoba cuticle oil daily to restore a sense of presence and care and… it’s helping!
I’m late to the game on this one, but after my friend Alexa recommended I read this trilogy of autobiographical memoirs, I knew it was time to give it a go. I’m about halfway through Book 1, Childhood, but I’m enjoying Tove Ditlevsen’s writing style and will certainly continue the journey. — Michelle
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