Hello friends. Here in the U.S. we’ve had a day … that comes at the end of a week, following more weeks, and months, and … it’s hard. I find myself needing to
– celebrate Congress actually passing a bill – that will become law once it’s signed by President Biden – that promotes gun safety;
– add my cries of disgust, disappointment, sadness, and anger to the Supreme Court’s rulings around gun safety and abortion; and
– express my deep gratitude (and still processing all the other emotions!!!) for the House Committee’s work to investigate January 6 and educate the American public about what really happened.

AND I need to be true to myself … to search for those moments of joy, gratitude, and growth in my life, and celebrate them here. because it’s especially days like these where I(we) need those moments.

Thinking about … Book Words! Kendra Adachi is lazy-geniusing how to choose books we will (or might) love. She talked about it in her podcast this week and shared a snapshot in this Instagram post . Basically, you Name What Matters about books – and it helps if you can also name what oh-my-please-never matters. Here are words I LOVE: lyrical, sparse, smart, magical, redemptive, thought-provoking, interesting structure. and here are a few I DON’T (usually): thrilling, poignant, dense, dark, dual timelines, steamy. I actually wrote “creative” in both lists and I’m not even sure what that means! What are your Book Words?

Grateful for … my second COVID booster shot (and also MOSTLY for being past the 36 hours following that shot). I saw my doctor Tuesday morning and we had a lengthy discussion about it. We agreed it was necessary, but there were a lot of variables playing into the timing. Here are the two factors that decided me (sharing in case they’ll help you!):
1. I’m about to spending a lot more time with a family with young kids … who are out and about in camps and school … and their parents (YES! Katie and her family are moving NEXT WEEK!!) Improved immunity is a good thing.
2. The waiting period between boosters is four months. It seems like there’s going to be an updated vaccine available “early fall” that will include Omicron. Being able to get another booster in October is a good thing.
and there you have it. Not gonna lie – those 36 hours were tough. but compared to the risk of time in the hospital. or worse. well, that’s easy.

Inspired by … my book journal. I know book journaling is a tricky topic, but it’s really just about doing what matters to you … and I decided last year that what mattered to me was keeping a paper record – we’re talking paper, pens, glue, scissors, and washi tape! – of all the books I read. Last weekend I added the last book to my SECOND journal (173 books!). Y’all, I have documented over 320 books this way!!! I shared a video of me flipping through the pages of that journal here … and here are few sample pages from that video (if you click the images you might even be able to read my writing … “MIGHT” being key, and obviously … well …)

Finished … Heidi published the Twofer Tank pattern yesterday so I can share modeled photos! I really do love this top – and I say I’m Team V-neck, but maybe I need to try the opposite side. What do y’all think? (Ravelry links to my project here and to the pattern here)

Please take care of yourselves. and make it a point to find moments of joy and gratitude this weekend … if you’re reading this next week, I’d love for you to share what you found in the comments – unless you’re compelled to share Book Words, which would bring joy and gratitude to me! xxoo.