In lieu of a summer time bucket checklist, I’ve made one singular seasonal aim. It’s associated to my aspect quest as a self-proclaimed Pool Dad: I’d prefer to learn to dive. Not belly-flop off a ship or tiptoe into the shallow finish like I’ve executed for the previous 44 years. I’m speaking a few correct, informal, arms-first, toes-pointed, clean-arc dive that claims one thing like, “Oh this? I summer time 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 mentioned 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 making an attempt one thing despite the fact that I’m afraid. It’s giving: Do it scared.
So every morning this summer time, I’m going to attempt. First sitting. Then crouching. Possibly finally standing. It’s sure 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 harm my very own emotions watching it again. Nevermind the optics. I’m going to provide it the outdated Pool Dad Strive (adopted by a glass of Pineapple Mint Agua Fresca, photos above).
The providing this week is beneath. As at all times, take what you want:
• There’s a sense I haven’t fairly been in a position to 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 if you happen to’re not Jewish. Particularly if you happen to haven’t recognized what to say, and particularly if you happen to imagine we are able to and may do higher. (Substack)
• I’ve lived in Bellville for over a 12 months now, and it’s excessive time I get critical about constructing my pal group. The reality is, grownup friendships take a number of effort and a little bit of a mindset shift. This essay by April and the Idiot (love this Substack title!) on Methods to Grow to be Pals With Actually Anybody made me really feel hopeful. It’s an encouraging information on tips on how to speak to new folks, not from obligation however from actual curiosity. Partitions down, babes. We’re extra alike than we understand. (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 angle. It’s unbelievable. I advised Will I may do the identical factor, I’d simply cry quite a bit A LOT extra. Her new ebook, Free Experience, is simply the type of summer time learn I need: heartfelt, and stuffed with reminders that we’re able to a lot journey.(YouTube, Bookshop.org)
• Joyful Scorching Canine Summer season to all who have fun! What’s your favourite scorching canine model? I’ve been a Hebrew Nationwide girlie for ever however this video Professional Cooks Blind Style Check Each Scorching Canine maaaaay simply be altering my thoughts. Please pontificate. (YouTube)
• And whereas we’re speaking about sausages, my pal Cara, one of many esteemed the butchers within the above video, makes probably the most scrumptious hen and veggie sausages that completely needs to be in your grill this summer time. My fave are the Rooster Parm Sausages. (Seemore)
• I haven’t stopped interested by this piece from Time a few lady who turned knowledgeable bodybuilder at 50. The scale of the bikinis alone are… impressed. Girls aren’t meant to shrink. We’re constructed to final. And now I’m feeling like I may actually elevate heavier on the fitness center: Changing into a Bodybuilder Taught Me Girls 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 weight loss plan. (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 reasonably surprisingly, I dug a forgotten pair of cute teva sandals from the again of my closet and so they’re the one footwear I need to put on proper now. (Teva)
• Deb has a brand new summer time recipe for a really contemporary Cucumber Crunch Salad with Tofu (which I bookmarked as Deb’s Cucumber State of affairs in my head after I noticed the IG submit). This has instantly discovered a spot on the high of the weeknight dinner menu. (Smitten Kitchen)
• Talking of our pal Deb, she has the most effective Ice Cream Sandwich recipe in her Keepers cookbook and I made them for the weblog final summer time and it’s completely okay if you happen to 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 time. (The Fashionable Correct)
• In case you don’t stay within the south you won’t perceive the significance of a pitcher of candy tea within the fridge. It’s life-giving when you possibly can actually collect the humidity up in your arms. I realized these 3 Secrets and techniques For The Finest Southern Candy Tea from my pal Suzonne, however if you happen to don’t have a giant sister in Louisiana, the article should do. (Southern Dwelling)
Pals, sit up for the subsequent few Sunday posts from our mates Amy, Abby, and Karlee. We’re again in rotation, child! And within the meantime, you’ll find me for regularly on Substack the place I’ll supply some much more private writing to paid subscribers.
Have a beautiful day!
My like to you.
xo Pleasure
