I saw a quote today after a work meeting that said “A goal without a plan is just a wish” (attributed to one of my favorite books, The Little Prince written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry). That line reminded me of how important it is to stick to my writing and even though life has gotten in the way – all it takes is a bit of planning and re-adjusting….and motivation.
Motivation can be hard to find, but it’s necessary to grab that shovel and DIG DEEP. Sometimes we forget we are the only ones in our way of grabbing that dream as opposed to simply chasing after it.
What has brought me joy these past couple of weeks?
+ Catching up on the phone with a dear friend – In the rollercoaster of life, especially as we get older it is hard to keep in touch with those that we love. I was able to finally catch up with one of my favorite people two weekends ago on the phone and it only reminded me how much I missed her – and how long it’s been.
+ Fried zucchini – Many things remind me of my Mom-mom, but perhaps one of the most random is fried zucchini. I made myself some two weekends ago , and I couldn’t help but think back to the first time I tried this hesitantly as a kid. She tried so hard to get me to try it and convinced me if you put a little bit of parmesan cheese on it, I would think it was delicious. She was right, and that’s exactly how I still eat it as an adult.
+ Colder weather – I am from a small beach town in NJ, I am not used to the long & constant humidity of living in DC (even after 5 years). I’ve always loved autumn weather, but now I absolutely adore it because summers without an ocean breeze aren’t my thing. Give me the beanies, jackets, and sweaters please.
+ Dumplings from my favorite take-out spot in DC – Finding take-out is really hard in this city, and I’ve lived here for a few years there’s no convincing me otherwise. Dumplings & Beyond is a gem that I love ordering from and has become my ultimate comfort food for when I just want to fill up on dumplings and hot chili oil.
+ Constantly reciting the words of Andrea Gibson to myself, “you are the best thing that has ever happened to you” – The older I get, the more I realize it is not worth anyone’s energy to be around people that make you doubt your worth.
On another note, I have this journal that a close friend of mine gave me where I have to write one line a day for 5 years. Sometimes it is hard to keep up with, but lately I’ve been doing well with it.
I looked at it last week to see where the bookmark was placed and it dawned on me that this year is almost over.
Then I wondered to myself, wasn’t 2019 just yesterday?
I can’t tell if time has flown by because I’m getting older and that’s just the facts of life – or the pandemic has increased the confusion of time.
Books I’ve been reading:
*yes I’m a writer and librarian…but even I go through unfortunate long periods of time when I don’t read…and then I get back into reading and I feel whole again and remember why it’s so important to be an avid reader…it centers me and comforts my imagination*
My Love Story: Tina Turner I have a deep appreciation for this woman and this autobiography did not disappoint. It also led me down a rabbit hole of watching old videos of Tina Turner & Cher performing together and honestly – it was so fabulous, I have to share the video gold with you all.
Tina Turner & Cher video —-> (click here)
We Are Not Broken by George M Johnson WOW, just wow. I was floored when I read their first book, All Boys Aren’t Blue… and then I just finished We Are Not Broken – their way of telling their stories and sharing it with the world is truly a gift.
What songs you should listen to:
*go, add these to you playlist…yes, right now*
Tales of Dominica – Lil Nas X
Wake You Up – Geographer
If I Can’t Have You – Sara Bareilles
Shows I’ve Been Watching..that you should watch too:
One of Us is Lying (Peacock) … if you were a fan of Pretty Little Liars this is for you. Also yes, this is a book adaption – and I never read the book so I can’t speak on that, but the casting of the characters in this show is enough reason to give it a try.
Morning Show (Apple TV) … only if you’re into realistic fiction television, good cast choices, solid acting that delivers on the solid writing, and stick around for season 2 because it only gets better
Truth Be Told (Apple TV) Octavia Spencer DELIVERS in this thriller drama that I did not know existed until I got my free trial of Apple TV – season 2 finale just dropped this past Friday. If you are looking for a new thriller drama to binge, there are two full seasons available on Apple TV…you are welcome.
Be nice, it’s not as hard as some people make it seem.
Traci Tay 