Hey you,
How are things? It’s been a minute, hasn’t it? I don’t have a pressing issue to discuss, I just missed you so much so I had to write. I know you see my tweets, my threads, my IG stories, and we even interact sometimes. But still, I miss you. So much. It doesn’t make sense, but it’s true. That’s why these letters mean the world to me. There’s something about letters that makes us both a little softer, a little more honest. And frankly? It’s the only time you really tell me how you're doing.
In my last letter, I shared that we need to aggressively pursue joy, how’s that going for you? Have you found an activity that helps you let off steam? If you haven’t and you need ideas or want to brainstorm, just hit me up. Keep this in mind though, you don’t need to be good at something to enjoy it and you especially need to give yourself grace when you’re starting something for the first time, okay?
All this, the website, podcast, book content/curation was born from a need to let go of stress and try something new. And in 8 years, I haven’t monetized any of it, instead, people have peeped the passion I use to create stuff and they offer me jobs or invite me to paid experiences so, let that be your inspiration.
Going forward, I think I’ll make the newsletter a quarterly thing. It just makes more sense because I don’t want you to tire of me in case I end up repeating myself from sharing stuff on multiple platforms.
Currently reading: I’m shocked to write this but at this very moment, I’m only reading two books which are, Liquid by Mariam Rahmani & A Girl Within A Girl Within A Girl by Nanda Reddy. This is sure to have changed by the time you’re reading this so, let’s be friends on Storygraph so we can stalk each other.
Next show/movie on my watchlist: I recently watched, Hidden Love, a Chinese contemporary drama and I’m hooked. Why haven’t you recommended any to me? Next on my watch list is, When I Fly Towards You, I’m choosing from my Netflix recommendations so if there is any you’d like for me to watch, please tell me.
A surprising fact I just learned: I’m still shocked about this. Samsung makes everything from ships to skyscrapers. While most of us know Samsung for smartphones and TVs, the company also builds ships, operates a theme park, and even constructed the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, through its construction division. Did you know this?
A product I’m loving right now: Incense sticks. My sister got me some from when she travelled to Egypt and it’s my favourite thing. Also, I’ve learned that I really don’t like sandalwood, it makes me nauseous.
What’s on my wish list (bookish or not): I’m still wrapping my head around how I’m going to score a collab with a hotel. That’s high on my wish list right now.
Most recent book recommendation: I’ve already read it and I spoke about it in the June 2025 wrap-up episode on the podcast but I was asked to check out 10,000 Hours With A Rich Menace by Jahquel J. I think only the audiobook is available, you should listen to the podcast to hear my thoughts on it.
My favourite line from what I’m reading: This is from my last completed book of June, Mina’s Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa. “Every time I look at the photograph, I murmur to myself. Everyone is there. Everything is okay. No one is missing.”
A recipe I tried/want to try: Meat pie. I can’t remember the last time I had a good meat pie and this is a snack that I enjoyed as a child. These days, I prefer the Jamaican beef patty, but I’m challenging myself to make meat pie because it can’t be that hard. (ps I have bad luck in the pastry dept)
Most recent purchase: A tuber of yam, lol
Something small that recently brought me joy: The caramel milkshake from Milk and Honey cafe. It’s legit about to become my obsession.
What I’m currently bingeing: Yoooo! So many shows! I started Our Unwritten Seoul but I had to pause and wait for all the episodes to drop because my heart couldn’t handle the waiting anymore. I’m also watching Oh My Ghost Clients, this is a really quirky show that for some reason, I’d like a TV-to-book adaption for. I’m also watching When The Weather Is Fine, this is a little slow but it’s the perfect pace for a rainy day so I’ve been taking my time with it, deals with some heavy themes so you have to take care of yourself when you watch it.
Something I’m looking forward to: In this next quarter? I’m excited for all the reading lists and author interviews that will feature on the website. I’m also looking forward to August, which is Women in Translation month, I have a healthy stack to play with, I might even do a mini photo challenge to make it fun for myself.
What I’m most grateful for: My ability to catch myself from spiralling. Before, I used to just sink into the blues but now, I can sense it and make a decision whether to sink or get a floatie.
And that’s me for now…
Podcast: Have you been keeping up with the podcast?
Events: I have no planned event yet but I have an idea for something, I promise to tell you in time so you can plan, okay? Also, stay tuned to my Instagram, and by stay tuned, I mean turn on the notifications because you know the app be moving crazy these days. That’s my hack to getting posts from the people that I follow. IG notifications are turned off on my phone but as soon as I open the app, I see posts from those I turned notifications on for.
Book Club: There’s a separate Substack now dedicated to all things book club, so let’s meet over there.
Website: The Something Bookish website is now live! You can expect book excerpts, author interviews, themed reading lists, and other fun stuff. I’m curious about you you make of it so far.
A Friendly Reminder…
Please remember to hydrate, eat well, sleep well so you can poop well. Most importantly, don’t forget to give yourself the grace you always extend to others. You need it too, okay?
If you love my content, you can support me by buying me a cup of tea (I’ve finally found a way for non-Nigerian residents to contribute too) or you can give me a shout-out on social media or in real life (prayers are fine too).
See you on the other side, Dearest.
XOXO