The Good Stuff
A list of what's bringing me joy this week
Happy Friday, Dear Lifers!
I love the idea of sharing what’s making this dear life especially dear right now. Books, yes, but also records, recipes, gift ideas, and other finds. I’m not just a person who writes and teaches 24/7, after all. I parent, I cook, I run or take long walks with music turned way up in my headphones, I dress my rescue dog in various jackets in cold weather, I see as many bands live as possible, I roller skate, I buy too many pairs of jeans. As Walt said, “I contain multitudes.”
Here are some things that are bringing me joy. I hope you find some joy here, too.
Dear Lifers are seeing this before anyone else! As a preorder incentive for my memoir, You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Simon & Schuster is producing a limited-edition print of my poem “Bride.” And I’m signing each and every one! Get yours here. (And keep an eye out for a behind-the-scenes look at “Bride” and some resources related to the poem next week.)
Best read this week: this gorgeous essay by Matthew Salesses.
I just bought tickets to see boygenius this summer, and yes, I’m taking my daughter Violet to the show. The live version of “Salt in the Wound” at this show is WHOA. Goosebumps.
I stayed in a bed and breakfast a lifetime ago, before I had children, and the owner made this for breakfast. I raved enough about it that she emailed me the recipe. I make this a couple of times a month, usually with a peach or blueberry topping. This is how to be a SATURDAY MORNING HERO for your partner/family/kids/roommate. You’re welcome. (The other way is donut delivery. I don’t make the rules.)
I put these conversation cards on our dining room table, and my kids and I are having some pretty interesting chats over meals. And laughing a lot as usual.
Speaking of conversations, if you missed my interview with Margo Price, you can read it here. A new memoir, a new record. She’s a talented badass.
New release alert: Christie Tate’s memoir on friendship is out now! Welcome to the world, B.F.F.
If you’d told me when I was teenager, or even in my twenties, that I would someday willingly put OIL on my face, I would have laughed, but here we are. My current favorites are Dr. Elsa Jungman’s gentle cleanser and oat serum. My sensitive skin has never been happier.
It’s Aquarius season, and my 46th birthday is the day before Valentine’s Day. From the sound of this horoscope, I need to listen to my heart. Thanks, Rob Brezsny. (And thanks, Josh Radnor, for turning me on to Rob Brezsny!)
Next week keep an eye out for a behind-the-scenes look at my poem “Bride,” which is a sort of valentine for the self, along with some writing and teaching resources connected to the poem. And of course, bonus goodies for paid subscribers, as a thank you for supporting my work. In the meantime, snag one of those signed prints!
What’s bringing you joy?
Wishing you more of it,
Maggie
Ethel Cain's "Thoroughfare" -- a beautiful, windy and achy road trip of a song. Though I did have to text my 20 yo daughter earlier this week to ask if the guy the singer meets in "Thoroughfare" is the same guy who eats her (!) in "Strangers" later in the album. The answer is yes. Still, it's gorgeous if you just stay on the road and don't think about how it ends...
Hello from a former Buckeye, I'm from Nelsonville OH :) Looking forward to reading about your dear life each week and what reflections they offer to both myself and the masses. Lover of language who's hoping to perhaps really dig down and put pen to paper in the near future. Joy seeker stumbling through a life that's been inundated with overwhelming loss and death recently. Like you, through ordering live music tickets, walking our furry friends, creating yummy food, mothering our kiddos and most importantly, growing and loving ourselves, we will find joy in the daily. Whether small or large, joy brings hope and hope brings momentum to keep going and sharing and loving and caring. Thank you for sharing your gift, your passion is palpable. Grateful to be here.