In lieu of a summer season bucket listing, I’ve made one singular seasonal aim. It’s associated to my facet 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 accomplished 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 season in Maine.”
As a child, I took swim classes in my neighbor’s freezing pool and easily refused to do what the trainer 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 call. A metaphor for making an attempt one thing regardless that I’m afraid. It’s giving: Do it scared.
So every morning this summer season, I’m going to attempt. First sitting. Then crouching. Possibly ultimately 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 damage my very own emotions watching it again. Nevermind the optics. I’m going to provide it the previous Pool Dad Attempt (adopted by a glass of Pineapple Mint Agua Fresca, photos above).
The providing this week is under. As at all times, 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 group 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 when you’re not Jewish. Particularly when you haven’t recognized what to say, and particularly when you consider we are able to and may do higher. (Substack)
• I’ve lived in Bellville for over a yr now, and it’s excessive time I get critical about constructing my good friend 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 Learn how to Turn out to be Pals With Actually Anybody made me really feel hopeful. It’s an encouraging information on the way to speak 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 bike rides throughout the globe. Will would go to sleep midway by an episode, however I’d keep up utterly transfixed by her grit, her cheer, and the way she will repair a motorbike in the course of nowhere with a headlamp and a superb perspective. It’s unimaginable. I instructed Will I may do the identical factor, I’d simply cry so much A LOT extra. Her new e-book, Free Experience, is simply the type of summer season learn I need: heartfelt, and filled 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 pontificate. (YouTube)
• And whereas we’re speaking about sausages, my good friend 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 season. My fave are the Hen Parm Sausages. (Seemore)
• I haven’t stopped interested by this piece from Time a few girl who grew to become an expert 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 gymnasium: 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 devour completely till it’s solely devoured. Additionally on that listing 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 reasonably surprisingly, I dug a forgotten pair of cute teva sandals from the again of my closet they usually’re the one footwear I need 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 submit). This has instantly discovered a spot on the prime of the weeknight dinner menu. (Smitten Kitchen)
• Talking of our good friend 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 when 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)
• In case you 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 possibly can actually collect the humidity up in your fingers. I discovered these 3 Secrets and techniques For The Greatest Southern Candy Tea from my good friend Suzonne, however when you don’t have a giant sister in Louisiana, the article should do. (Southern Dwelling)
Pals, stay up for the following few Sunday posts from our associates Amy, Abby, and Karlee. We’re again in rotation, child! And within the meantime, you will discover me for incessantly 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
