something of note

an archive of meaningful glows

Oct 28, 2022

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the new home for my creative writing, along with other bits and bobs I feel are worth sharing.

Recently I have felt less enticed by other platforms and have intentionally been taking time away from them. I made excuses to myself for a long time about why I stayed. Though I still find value in their usage, I am reevaluating how to best use certain technologies without losing myself, or creative time, to the scroll.

In this weekly wrap-up, I will share some tidbits related to things I enjoyed, family chat, favorite meals, and such - just as if we are old friends meeting for coffee. I so wish we could.

the meaningful glow

“…the meaningful glow that comes from taking charge of what claims your time and attention is something that persists.”
-Cal Newport, Digital Minimalism

This quote stopped me in my tracks. Immediately I had to write it down, and in multiple places. (Analog, digital, places I usually want to pick up my phone, etc.)

If you were to ask me why, I can’t help but think of the things that have taken charge of claiming my time for the last few years or longer.

Screens.

Likes.

Notifications.

Instant dopamine hits/gratification.

Repeat.

I do not want this anymore.

I want a meaningful glow -

Being present with my children. Noticing their little faces and hands, their laughter, being aware enough of their tears to hold them without sneaking a peek of my phone over my shoulder.

Evenings with my husband where we actually talk in between our hobbies of choice, rather than reaching for our devices at every commercial.

Walks and hikes on our local trails. Watching the seasons change.

Reading. Lots. A bookshelves bursting amount of it.

Baking, cooking, and losing myself in the kitchen.

Quiet. The sort that comes to me only when I release the pull of certain apps.

What would you want your meaningful glows to be?

If you, like me, have a go at trying to lessen the presence of screens in your life, reply directly to me in your inbox or comment below.

Now onto some things of note—>

life with small beings:

Lately we’ve been taking frequent walks to a set of trails near our home. It is the perfect reset for all of us, and we enjoy the chance to watch the seasons change, run fast, and splash about. Their wonder at the smallest of marvels always gets me. Children are a frequent reminder of the brevity of life, and also the fullness it has to offer if you are only present for it, ready to receive its gifts.

listening:

The On Being Podcast with Krista Tippett: Foundations series

I have listened to each episode, which are about 15 minutes or less, several times. Krista is incredible at finding words and ideas for concepts that may otherwise be unreachable. This series is challenging me to think about how I approach my everyday life and not only my time here, but the years after I am gone.

reads:

I started this book several months ago on audio. It was intriguing and I enjoyed it, but I struggled to get momentum - it needed to be in my hands. After weeks of waiting on the holds list, my copy finally arrived. I finished it in 2 days.

The description reads: “A novel of art, time, love, and plague that takes the reader from Vancouver Island in 1912 to a dark colony on the moon three hundred years later, unfurling a story of humanity across centuries and space.”

The characters and plot points are the sort that burrow deep into your subconscious without your realizing it until the book ends. It reminded me of Anthony Doerr’s Cloud Cuckoo Land, a favorite from last year. Let me know if you’ve read either, and feel free to share your thoughts.

And finally -

what’s on the table:

Salt and Lavender’s Instant Pot Hamburger Soup* is easily my favorite cold day recipe right now. It’s so perfect with the quick and easy French Bread** (you can make it one afternoon!) that my kids devour.

My oldest, Roan, recently helped me make the lovely Erin Jeanne McDowell’s Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies from her book, The Fearless Baker. Hint - it makes a large batch, so freeze some to go with your afternoon coffee. See picture above for a highly enticing, mega cozy-factor reference.

*If you are pressed for time, it can help to chop the vegetables in the morning. Bish, bash, bosh, you’re ready to go when it’s time to cook.

**If you bake with sourdough a lot like I do, it helps to know that you won’t get the same rise/chewy crust with this bread. It is flatter, softer, and absolutely delicious.

I encourage you to take some time for yourself over the weekend, even if you are uncertain what that looks like at first. Find your own meaningful glows.

Until our next chat, friends.

Warmly,

Jessica