After an October concentrated with plans, I opted for another year of "no plans November" -- a month where I refrain from initiating social endeavors. With a Book Club retreat and multiple Friendsgiving invitations, the month felt adequately full while keeping our weeknights free for relaxing and resetting.
Highlights:
- Explored Mercer Island and stumbled upon their quaint farmer's market
- Lincoln Park, Alki, and Arboretum walks -- so many crisp sunny days!
- Soccer playfields at dark o'clock
- Caught up with a long-distance friend
- Went to a Christmas Tree farm for the first time
- Celebrated five years with my Seattle Book Club
- Discovered Sensa Play Rental Kits
- Experienced Mrs. Sarah's School drop-off and pick-up routine in full-force. The children love it and are thriving! It's been such an art-filled and engaging environment for them :)
Watching | Brooklyn 99
I'm hooked! Mr. Fleece says he's never seen me laugh so much during a show. Personally, I think it's better than The Office and Parks & Rec! The ensemble cast is great with strong characters and ridiculous scenarios -- just what you want in a sitcom :)
Eating | Maharaja Cuisine of India
We established takeout Mondays this month and ended up getting the same dishes every week. I love their shrimp coconut curry with naan. A fantastic solution for tired parents with decision fatigue :)
Reading | The Warmth of Other Suns
I dedicated the month of November to reading Isabel Wilkerson's 2010 work of narrative nonfiction. Wilkerson presents the history of the Great Migration, an underreported movement that massively shaped our country in the 20th century, through the lives of three individuals who grew up in the Jim Crow South. She chronicles their personal trials and motivations that led to the life-altering choice to leave everything behind and journey north/west toward freedom and safety. It's a challenging read as she weaves in story after story of oppression, beatings, and lynchings, yet her hope and eagerness to inspire compassion, understanding, and empathy comes through in equal force.
Her writing is phenomenal and I loved how she compiled and structured her fifteen years of research (which included 1200 interviews)! If a 500 page book sounds daunting at the moment, I'd recommend listening to this interview.
Listening | "Taste" by Stanley Tucci
I knew very little about Mr. Tucci and started this audiobook on a whim. I had no idea he had a cookbook, a documentary series, a viral Instagram video, or such a wry sense of humor! Although I don't consider myself a foodie, I found his stories and narration an absolute pleasure to listen to -- even when he was simply reading aloud his recipes. Altogether it's a wonderful tribute to his parents, his family, and a complete celebration of good food and how shared meals bring people together.
- SJW
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