I am a thirty year old human and I still have to say “Feb-BREW-ary” in my head when I spell February. Maybe you do too? Cool cool. Here’s to all of us of out here doing our best. And here’s to making it through another month. It’s not easy out here and I personally think you are doing a great job.
Yaya (grumpy chihuahua queen) is not really into verbal affirmations, but she thinks you are doing a good job, too. Not as good as her, but still a good job.
February Things
favorite read:
Okay you probably already know that this month I read and died and was reborn over Casey McQuiston’s forthcoming novel, The Pairing. March right over here if you want to read more gay enthusiasm for that one.
But my cup runneth over because I read another novel I loved with my whole being this month and that is Sandwich by Catherine Newman.
I had high expectations for this one because Catherine Newman’s debut novel, We All Want Impossible Things is a lifetime favorite. Guess what? She did it again! I’m calling this one a beach read for the rest of us. It’s about aging and menopause and motherhood. It’s about marriage and loss and change. It’s about the singular, impossible, messy perfection that can be summer in New England. And on top of all of that - it is funny. I mean really, actually funny. I snorted multiple times. That’s a very good sign. I will read anything Catherine Newman writes and this one is a keeper. Out on June 18th, it is going to be a book of the summer, I’m calling it right now. You know what to do… preorder from your local indie and thank me later!
one bright glimmer:
We went for a cold and sunny walk. We stopped to notice this old red barn against the blue sky. Yaya was shivering so Rebecca gave her her scarf.
Yesterday, Rebecca said she got sad because she noticed how much more grey Yaya has on her face. I’m sad too. And I’m living every moment I get with this grumpy old girl.
a book I’m looking forward to:
March is going to be a good month because we get a new book by Hanif Abdurraqib. That’s it. That’s all you need to know. Hanif is one of my favorite writers and thinkers and his new book There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension is, “a lyrical, historical, and emotionally rich exploration of what it means to make it, who we think deserves success, the tension between excellence and expectation, and the very notion of role models.” Hell yes. Out March 26th. I am so ready for this one.
biggest surprise:
If you know Dunkin, you know a lot of things that are easy for other dogs are not easy for him. One of those thing is getting along with other dogs besides his sister and forever queen Yaya.
My mother-in-law and her sweet rescue dog, Mako, came to visit this month. Mako and Dunkin have a tenuous relationship at best. I’m a helicopter dog mom so I am always very anxious about how these two are going to get along.
There is a part of me that was convinced that Dunkin could never peacefully coexist with another dog besides Yaya.
Guess who proved me wrong?
Here’s Dunkin sharing his coveted window watch spot with his uncle Mako. Change is possible! Growth is happening! Leave room to be surprised! I am who I am so I am still going to worry, but look at these two men joining forces to keep tabs on our mortal enemy aka the neighbor’s cat.
I’m still learning:
How to show up and do the right thing in this brutal world. Yesterday evening, my city passed a ceasefire resolution. On Monday, I read of the death of Aaron Bushnell, a horror that hit me hard as a survivor of suicide loss. I watched my President callously hold an ice cream cone in his hand while vaguely gesturing at the possibility of a ceasefire the way one might discuss tentative brunch plans. Queer and trans youth are not safe in my country. None of this is news to any of you reading this. I guess I’m still learning how to keep going despite. Not so much learning as just still trying. I hope you are too.
On Monday, the sun was still up when we got home from work and we scurried to take the dogs out for a walk while the sky was still blue. We made it. There’s my wife looking more gorgeous than anyone has a right to while holding a tiny bag of chihuahua poop.
I love you.
I’m glad you’re here.
Love,
Rosamond
As always, I am grateful for both the book recs and the inspiration to live life more like Yaya. Request scarves when you’re cold! Have people carry you places! Take the best seat/blanket on the couch! You’re doing THEM a favor!!