Written by 
Hope is the thing with feathers/That perches in the soul/And sings the tune without the words/And never stops/at all – Emily Dickinson
That is what hope feels like right now. So light it could fly away at any moment, so slight it could slip through your fingers. Despite its weight, or lack thereof, it’s solid through and through. I have to believe hope, that feathered slight thing, will be the thing that pulls through. I was supposed to write last week’s Sunday post, but I couldn’t. My feathery version of hope was nowhere to be found last week, but it didn’t leave, despite feeling that it did.
Sitting in therapy this past week, my therapist asked, “What is giving you hope?” and I automatically answered, “Time. Hope that things will not always be this way.” Not gonna lie, I surprised myself with that answer. What am I, a scholar?!
This week, I’ve decided to divvy up the Sunday post into my favorite things that are getting me by right now. Feel free to chime in with yours, I love chatting in the comments with you!
Favorite Books
• TJ Klune is one of my favorite authors, and continually writes queer centered fantasy fiction. I’m in the midst of reading his sequel, “Somewhere Beyond the Sea,” and I can tell it might make me cry. (Bookshop)
• I love Stanley Tucci an abnormal amount. I’m sure it’s the same level as everyone else, though. I am TOO excited to read his newest book, and also love how much he loves food. A handsome man that loves food – perfect in its simplicity. Of course, he is a celebrated, awarded actor who kills every role he plays but that’s just icing on his proverbial cake. (Bookshop)
Favorite Music
• I’ve found it. I’ve found music that sounds like Sunday. Start with “Sinking Boat” and then start the album from the beginning. This music deserves a record player, plants, blankets, and your favorite drink. (Spotify)
• Lo-fi sounds had its heyday, but I really enjoy the low stakes beats. Somehow it allows my brain to focus on what I’m doing without the urge to sing and harmonize. Okay, that actually relaxes me, but I still love a good lo-fi focus moment especially when I need to write. I also find it’s incredible to clean to. (YouTube)
Favorite Comfort Foods
• It’s too bad Joy has no comfort food. A shame, really. It’s also a shame that I’m a bold faced liar. What do you need, pumpkin muffins? Of course you do. Salad has become comfort food for me lately and this is both a salad and a tart combined. And there’s always chicken that will garner a partner, or so I’ve heard. (Joy the Baker, Instagram)
• It’s full swing holidays at Trader Joe’s. Perhaps take a stroll around the aisles and let Mr. Joseph tell you what you need. If you need a guide, you might find a few things here, hmm? (Joy the Baker)
• Am I alone in craving a really good burger from time to time? I’m sure this means I’m low on iron, especially since this craving hits around that time of the month. Deb’s “Fake Shack” burger is the perfect foil to my craving. In my book, smash burgers are the best burgers. Is it a Chicago thing? Not sure, but I’m for it. (Smitten Kitchen)
Thought Provoking Favorites
• As someone who would love to live abroad, cannot do so, also recognizes the privilege in being able to move abroad, and the incredible irony about moving abroad from the US (whew!), this article was so interesting to read. (Cup of Jo)
• Addressing the question I’ve been avoiding, “Do you have hope?” and how do you find it? (The New Yorker)
Vibes
• My girlfriend Bre got me into scam podcasts, which sounds wild. Podcasts like Scamfluencers and Scam Goddess have me riveted, mostly at how gullible people are. I cannot get enough! (Wondery, Apple Podcasts)
• I blame/thank Joy for putting me onto Charlotte Stone shoes, and I need. these. boots!!! (Charlotte Stone)
• Lastly, live footage of my cat, Charlie Brown, at 3AM. (Instagram)