I recently started a crochet project that requires something like 15 different colors to make 250+ granny squares. When I mentioned it at home, both my husband and my oldest immediately started doing the math.
“If you do two squares a day, it will take you 125 days, or about 4 months. But you can’t skip weekends. Do you want it done by summer? Three a day would take you…”
I get it, because I also did some vague calculations in my head and decided I should aim for “a couple” squares each day. (Can you tell who the math people are around here?)
But then we had one of those months you’re all familiar with. Family visits, never-ending illness, unexpected commitments, generally busier than expected. And I started to feel behind.
But behind on what exactly? I crochet for fun! It’s a hobby! I don’t actually have a deadline, and no one is waiting on the finished product. Some things (many things? most things?) are supposed to be casual. Not everything needs to be efficient or productive.
So far I’ve made about 50 squares. Estimated completion date… say it with me: who cares??
The Case Of The Disappearing Secretary. I honestly love deep dives into the admin role. Is it just because my job is the granddaughter of this work? 👩💼
Austen on Screen. Adding these all to my queue. It highlights some faves (P&P with the hand flex, the newer Emma with incredible casting, Lizzie Bennet Diaries on Youtube that I’d completely forgotten about) and some I’d never heard of that look INCREDIBLE. 📺
Tropical Indoor Fruit Trees. A quick Google confirms these are not as easy as they sound, but I am also verrrryyyyy tempted to try Meyer lemons in my kitchen. 🍋
New Reeses Aren’t Edible. Devastating indeed! 🥜
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
An older man comes to the small town of Golden and one-by-one buys a collection of pencil portraits so he can gift them to each subject.
I’m thrilled to be back recommending books again, but fair warning that is a sad one. The themes, characters, and writing were all beautiful (particularly the final sermon), but I found myself reading with a little emotional distance, knowing that it could only end in tears (albeit, bittersweet ones). It’s worth your time, but check your emotional bandwidth before starting.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
A man lives alone in a vast, endless house filled with statues and tides, keeping journals about his world while trying to understand who he is and why he’s there.
And fair warning here, this one is weird. When I got to the end I thought “Do I fully understand all the layers here?” and the Reddit threads tell me the answer is no. But if I accept this as a fantasy mystery and dwell less on every metaphor, then it’s fascinating, entertaining, and totally unique.
Do your hobbies need to feel productive?
How Rare Am I? I don’t know if I totally believe this because it told me I was super special over and over again… but who am I to argue? 🧬
VTech Baby Monitor. I’ve somehow needed a new baby monitor with every kiddo but this one has been the hands-down favorite, if only because the battery can last a full 24 hours (unheard of!) My one complaint is that it turns on every time you plug it in, and sometimes I really am just trying to charge it without using it. 🎥
Liquid Death Teas. It would appear I’ve been influenced by a podcast ad. These make a great lunch drink, with alternative but natural sweeteners that prevent my blood sugar crashing mid-afternoon. They have a huge line of products, but the teas are what I keep returning to. 🧋
Glide Ray. I’m pretty sure Easter baskets will be all pool toys this year. Has anyone tried this one, or something like it? 🪼
