“History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.” -Winston Churchill
Hey you,
I got wrapped up in my reads of the week and almost forgot to write you. Was it a good week? Take a minute and think about that for a bit. If it was good, what made it so, if it wasn’t, do you know why? And if it was bleeh, what could have made it better? I know mine is money because I had so many bills that popped out of nowhere and it had me like…
Let’s start a gratitude jar thingy. I feel like writing down what you are thankful for is more powerful than just thinking about it, and seeing the slips of paper in your jar grow is a physical reminder of just how good your life really is despite the shit the universe throws at you.
So, first of all, you’d need a jar. You could use a transparent storage jar or one of those containers you keep saying you’re going to use instead of trashing it, now is the time. Then, you’d need paper and a pen, feel free to decorate this jar if you’re feeling crafty, bust out the fancy paper even. Use whatever will make you smile when you look at it.
Set a goal to write down one thing you are thankful for each day and by “set a goal” I mean, put a reminder on your phone so that it can become your thing. Try to be as specific as possible. Consider adding to your jar first thing in the morning or before you go to bed. If you have a journal for this, that’s fine, the benefit of a jar is to see the physical growth of things to be grateful for and it encourages you to look deeper and be more aware of things around and within you. Whoosh! I felt like a pastor there for a minute, hehehe.
The book that made me forget to write you is The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. I’m yet to be disappointed by a Quinn novel but this one hooked me from the first paragraph. I listened to it and I wish I could give the narrator a fruit basket or something, the range of her voice is awe-spiring. There are so many characters in the book but she manages to make all of them sound different. People are so skilled!
The Rose Code focuses on three women recruited by British intelligence to serve as codebreakers during World War II. Each of the three women finds herself tested by the events of the war, whether that’s in bombings by the Germans, watching their beloved men go off to fight, or contending with traitors in their midst. Quinn is also one of those writers who has a natural feel for dialogue, and the conversations among the main characters sparkle with wit. Reading this book, you feel as if you’re actually witnessing the exchanges among three good friends who find themselves slowly pulled apart by their various competing loyalties. Highly Recommended.
SPOTLIGHT: Meet Humaira aka @bookishconnections. She is one of my London faves. I really hope to meet her someday, right now I’m so grateful for our blossoming virtual relationship. I love her sense of humour, her recommendations, and her personality. Can’t wait to meet her, I just know we’ll have a great time.
Giving you reasons to follow her IG page is kinda an overkill because the page speaks for itself. Just look at it. I mean, you can tell she is good vibes.
ICYMI: I interviewed the author of one of my favourite books of 2021 on the podcast!
She is such a joy to chat with, the interview was very relaxed(aka we were high and tipsy AF) and we talked about everything and I feel like you’d love her more if you’ve her book and if you haven’t, you’ll pick a copy soon-ish. You can listen HERE.
FUN FACT: Lobsters used to be considered the cockroach of the ocean. It may be found in the most luxurious menus now, but lobsters were once eaten regularly by the homeless, slaves, and prisoners. However, lobster started to be seen as a delicacy after World War II. They really gentrified lobsters and now I only eat them for special occasions, WTF!
Okay, byeeeeeeeeee, x
Can’t believe I could have been paying cheap for lobster but now here we are