In lieu of a summer season bucket checklist, I’ve made one singular seasonal aim. It’s associated to my facet quest as a self-proclaimed Pool Dad: I’d wish to learn to dive. Not belly-flop off a ship or tiptoe into the shallow finish like I’ve achieved for the previous 44 years. I’m speaking a couple of correct, informal, arms-first, toes-pointed, clean-arc dive that claims one thing like, “Oh this? I summer season in Maine.”
As a child, I took swim classes in my neighbor’s freezing pool and easily refused to do what the teacher requested. I stood on the edge, arms in place, and easily stated no. For an hour. Each time. Cussed? Appears so; which can clarify my present swimming mediocrity.
Right here we’re, a long time later, and I’m again on the fringe of the pool, convincing myself to lean in. Isn’t that what diving actually is? A choice. A metaphor for attempting one thing though I’m afraid. It’s giving: Do it scared.
So every morning this summer season, I’m going to strive. First sitting. Then crouching. Possibly ultimately standing. It’s certain to be awkward. I do know that’s true as a result of I took a video of my first – third seated dive this morning and instantly damage my very own emotions watching it again. Nevermind the optics. I’m going to present it the outdated Pool Dad Strive (adopted by a glass of Pineapple Mint Agua Fresca, footage above).
The providing this week is beneath. As all the time, take what you want:
• There’s a sense I haven’t fairly been capable of title — watching from the sidelines with shock, dread, and a rising sense of heartbreak because the Jewish neighborhood faces escalating violence and an alarming silence from the remainder of us. This piece by Robert Glazer gave form to that feeling right here: We Are Higher Than This. It’s a vital learn, particularly should you’re not Jewish. Particularly should you haven’t identified what to say, and particularly should you consider we are able to and will do higher. (Substack)
• I’ve lived in Bellville for over a 12 months now, and it’s excessive time I get severe about constructing my buddy group. The reality is, grownup friendships take numerous effort and a little bit of a mindset shift. This essay by April and the Idiot (love this Substack title!) on Find out how to Grow to be Mates With Actually Anybody made me really feel hopeful. It’s an encouraging information on discuss to new individuals, not from obligation however from actual curiosity. Partitions down, babes. We’re extra alike than we notice. (Substack)
• Will launched me to Noraly Schoenmaker’s YouTube channel, Itchy Boots, the place she paperwork her solo motorbike rides throughout the globe. Will would go to sleep midway by way of an episode, however I’d keep up utterly transfixed by her grit, her cheer, and the way she will repair a motorbike in the midst of nowhere with a headlamp and a superb angle. It’s unimaginable. I informed Will I might do the identical factor, I’d simply cry loads A LOT extra. Her new e-book, Free Trip, is simply the form of summer season learn I need: heartfelt, and stuffed with reminders that we’re able to a lot journey.(YouTube, Bookshop.org)
• Blissful Sizzling Canine Summer season to all who have fun! What’s your favourite sizzling canine model? I’ve been a Hebrew Nationwide girlie for ever however this video Professional Cooks Blind Style Take a look at Each Sizzling Canine maaaaay simply be altering my thoughts. Please hold forth. (YouTube)
• And whereas we’re speaking about sausages, my buddy Cara, one of many esteemed the butchers within the above video, makes probably the most scrumptious rooster and veggie sausages that completely needs to be in your grill this summer season. My fave are the Hen Parm Sausages. (Seemore)
• I haven’t stopped serious about this piece from Time a couple of girl who grew to become knowledgeable bodybuilder at 50. The scale of the bikinis alone are… impressed. Ladies aren’t meant to shrink. We’re constructed to final. And now I’m feeling like I might actually carry heavier on the health club: Changing into a Bodybuilder Taught Me Ladies Aren’t Meant To Be Skinny (Time)
• Rice pudding is a kind of issues that, if in the home, I’ll eat solely till it’s fully devoured. Additionally on that checklist is Cool Ranch Doritos, any chip and guacamole mixture, and Oreo cookies. I noticed this divinely impressed Vanilla Rice Pudding with stewed plums and it feels prefer it’s excessive time for a vanilla pudding eating regimen. (Instagram)
• You’ll by no means on this lifetime catch me in a pair of flip flop sandals. I’m allergic to them – it’s a tough no. However quite surprisingly, I dug a forgotten pair of cute teva sandals from the again of my closet they usually’re the one sneakers I wish to put on proper now. (Teva)
• Deb has a brand new summer season recipe for a really recent Cucumber Crunch Salad with Tofu (which I bookmarked as Deb’s Cucumber State of affairs in my head after I noticed the IG publish). This has instantly discovered a spot on the prime of the weeknight dinner menu. (Smitten Kitchen)
• Talking of our buddy Deb, she has the perfect Ice Cream Sandwich recipe in her Keepers cookbook and I made them for the weblog final summer season and it’s completely okay should you forgot however… now’s a good time for a revisit. (Pleasure the Baker, Smitten Kitchen)
• I don’t make practically sufficient corn fritters and I’m going to repair that this summer season. (The Trendy Correct)
• If you happen to don’t dwell within the south you may not perceive the significance of a pitcher of candy tea within the fridge. It’s life-giving when you’ll be able to actually collect the humidity up in your arms. I realized these 3 Secrets and techniques For The Finest Southern Candy Tea from my buddy Suzonne, however should you don’t have a giant sister in Louisiana, the article must do. (Southern Dwelling)
Mates, look ahead to the subsequent few Sunday posts from our associates Amy, Abby, and Karlee. We’re again in rotation, child! And within the meantime, yow will discover me for regularly on Substack the place I’ll provide some much more private writing to paid subscribers.
Have an exquisite day!
My like to you.
xo Pleasure
