I love doing this meme to chronicle my days. These are the things that allow my lens to focus on the pieces of my life I love, contemplate and enjoy.
What I Am Reading: My nightstand is always filled with books. I also try to read when I can, in the carpool line or at my daughter’s tennis practice. Before I leave the house I always try to slip a book into my purse. Right now, I am reading The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, Dept. of Speculation by Jennifer Offill, Ongoingness: The End of a Diary by Sarah Manguso and Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Gretchen Rubin.
What I Am Listening To: I am obsessed with Sam Smith’s album, In the Lonely Hour. I also love Take Me to Church by Hozier and the collaboration of Kanye West, Paul McCartney and Rihanna in FourFiveSeconds. Music is a definite pulse in my life and often times I will keep playing the same song over and over again.
What I Am Thinking About: I am thinking about how so much time has passed since I’ve talked to my Dad. It will be six years this Sunday. Lately, I can write about him, but if anyone mentions his name, I dissolve into tears. I will always be that little girl who misses her father. This March marks 25 years since I lost my grandmother too. Loss is on my mind for obvious reasons, but also this heaviness prompts me to think about how I want to live my life. I’ve reflected on questions regarding mortality and what it really means to truly live since the passing of two individuals that I never met, Lisa Boncheck Adams and Dr. Paul Kalinithi, but will always remember. For their words, courage and wisdom. If you read nothing else today, please click on the links and spend an afternoon learning about the extraordinary grace of Lisa and Paul.
What I Am Watching: I am not much of a television watcher. Right now, though, I follow March Madness and am keeping up with the tournament. I loved binge watching The House of Cards and am currently catching up on previous episodes of Scandal.
What I Am Loving: My morning coffee. A writing workshop. My Giving Keys necklace that is inscribed with the words, “Let Go.” My everyday life: tennis practice, family dinners and quiet time. Sunsets. Sunrises. The arrival of Spring.
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
I really want to read Ongoingness. Is it wonderful?
Yes. Theme of time, memory, motherhood and life/death capture Manguso’s backdrop for her essay. I underlined several passages and will reread her words again. I do hope you read it.
Always enjoy hearing what you’re reading as it gives me a new selection…thanks.
Had not heard of the Giving Keys. Such a wonderful idea. I love ordering products gives to others. This passing it on to someone who needs (the word) when you’re finished is a great idea. I had someone do that once to me with a stone pendant, but I haven’t passed it on yet as I feel I am still learning and growing with it. Am planning on ordering Giving Keys for myself and a few others.
Glad you enjoy my reading recommendations, Susan. I absolutely love Giving Keys. Every time I wear my necklace, people are always curious and it starts a dialogue about why I chose my particular phrase and how the keys can benefit friends and strangers. Can’t wait to hear about what word or phrase will speak to you.
Love reading these. 🙂
I’ve wanted to get The Girl on the Train but I have three books I’m reading now. (Plus, I just got Station Eleven today–I’m excited about that one!) Blessings for a beautiful spring.
Station Eleven is on my list too. So many books, so little time. Happy Spring, Sarah! xo
I got a “Courage” Giving key as part of my MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) membership kit this year. I love it! We are very in sync with our lives right now — I’m also loving Sam smith, the routines of everyday life, and anxiously awaiting my copy of Better Than Before. Happy Friday, Rudri!
We are on the same wavelength, Sarah. I started Rubin’s book this past week and am hooked. Will definitely want to hear your thoughts on this read. Have a good weekend, Sarah. xo
I love hearing about what you’re enjoying Rudri. Let us know what you think of Dept of Speculation. It’s on my to-read list, but I’ve heard mixed things. Curious to know your opinion.
Today I went to the library and before being dragged to the children’s section 🙂 I managed to snag two books I’ve had my eye on, “Euphoria” by Lily King and “Mermaids in Paradise” by Lydia Millet.
As far as listening, I love “Take Me to Church” by Hozier (though the radio plays it so often I’m almost getting tired of it, sad to say) and “Ghost” by Ella Henderson. I think she’s actually quite young, but her voice is so deep and rich, I just love it.
What I’m thinking about is stillness (thanks in part to you) and presence.
I’m watching the new Tina Fey Netflix series, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, which is hilarious and outrageous, and a total time waster when it comes to my writing time, sigh. Luckily I’m almost done with it 🙂
Dana,
I started and stopped Dept. of Speculation a few times. The narrative is interesting in that she constructs her work through various fragments. Each fragment stands on its own, but also contributes to the whole. Her book focuses on her marriage: the beginning, middle and end. The writing is crisp and revealing, although her narrative jarred me at times, I kept reading. I’d love to discuss this book and get your thoughts if you do decide to read it.
Euphoria is on my list too.
I will definitely check out Tina Fey’s series. I completely understand how a TV series can interrupt writing time, although I convince myself that watching will help me write better dialogue.
So wonderful to hear that my words are helping you think about stillness/presence. xo
All wonderful things Rudri. 🙂 I have to listen to Sam Smith’s full album, I enjoy his vocals and songs but haven’t taken the time to listen to his entire album. I am obsessed with the Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga album Cheek to Cheek. Wonderful, especially when I’m in the office dreading life. Hope you’re coping well with all your losses, I can’t imagine the heaviness in your heart. Hope it eases with time.. Have a great weekend Rudri -Iva
The collaboration between Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett is unique, but works. They voices are incredible and I will definitely check out their album based on your recommendation. I think you will love Sam Smith’s album. Soulful and soothing, most of his songs speak to me in some way.
Thank you for your wishes. Have a good weekend, Iva. xo
I love this post, Rudri! We’d have fun in person 😉 I also love Sam Smith and am following March Madness. I am eager to look up some of your book titles. I read and loved Dept. of Speculation (read it at the right time, and can understand that the structure may not be for everyone) and am very curious about The Girl on the Train. How do you like it so far?
I am sorry that March is a difficult month for understandable reasons. I like that you are using your memories and emotions to consider your own life. Sending hugs, Rudri.
Thanks, C, for your thoughtful comment. I appreciate the well wishes. I am having a hard time getting into The Girl on the Train, but am going to try again.
I haven’t read a good book in awhile because of work, but I’m ready for a new one. And I will also always be the little girl who misses her father.
Oh, how, I know of the little girl missing her father. Hugs, friend. xo
A great post, Rudri. I always appreciate your book recommendations. 🙂 You will always be his little girl and I am sorry about your grandmother as well. Mine passed over thirty years ago and I still miss her. xoxo
Thanks, Ayala. Loss is always so hard. xo
Obsessed with Sam Smiths album too. Love it.
Isn’t he the best? We are going to his concert later this year. Can’t wait.