I facilitate three ongoing groups of writers -- people who have taken workshops from me and want to continue -- that meet on Zoom weekly to share work, receive feedback, and talk writing and reading. All of the groups are currently full. But thank you for asking, Callie!
Aug 3, 2023·edited Aug 3, 2023Liked by Molly Wizenberg
So. I happened to be at home when this came into my inbox, and I had all of the ingredients, and I recently made another of Natasha's recipes recently so I know she's amazing, and I trust you implicitly when it comes to food because I think we have the same taste, so I made this coffee cake immediately, except with blueberries, and I can confirm, it is fucking amazing.
ahhhh!!!! thank you for an impromptu writing prompt that I could write on my phone, holding the napping babe, sad to not do IRL tomorrow, happy to have had the chance anyway. 🧡
say their name if you remember it. “it’s alex, right?” watch them smile.
only read the parenting things that make you feel free.
use libby liberally.
take the stairs whenever possible. always stick to the right.
wave and mouth thank you when the people with the leaf-blowers stop their leaf-blowing so you can walk past.
look grief square in the face, cupping your hands at its neck, holding it tenderly, holding it loosely, holding it.
keep lists of any and all kinds, paper, phone, napkins—pleasure, tasks, needs.
put two glasses in the freezer so later you can split a cold beer.
grill on sundays.
buy more fruit than vegetables at the farmer’s market.
remember that empathy is being with, not fixing. remember this applies to you, too.
text the people you love “checkin’ in” and leave it open, like a screen door on a cooling summer night.
don’t conflate loving him with always loving the role. you won’t always love the role. you will always love him.
“be 95% good and 5% mean” ❤️
Hold the hug one second longer
Put the kids covers back on them at night if you’re up
Set a timer on your home WiFi
Boil the eggs for the week
Light a candle, say a few Hail Marys for someone you love
Crack the bedroom window open before you go to sleep
Dry your clothing on a rack
Train your children to first ask dog-walkers if they can pet their dog
If ‘you don’t like audiobooks’ try 0.8x speed
What is this Tuesday writing group and is it accepting new members? I will write my list and post later....
I facilitate three ongoing groups of writers -- people who have taken workshops from me and want to continue -- that meet on Zoom weekly to share work, receive feedback, and talk writing and reading. All of the groups are currently full. But thank you for asking, Callie!
Please let me know when you have an opening. :)
This makes me even more excited for the workshop I signed up for this fall on narrative! Weee!
How to be perfect-
Always look for the good in people & situations.
Don’t hide your feelings.
Kiss, hug & tell them you love them everyday.
Eat what you want not what you think you should eat.
Read everyday.
Remember that creativity comes in many different forms. Create your way.
Smile at strangers you make eye contact with.
Always be polite to customer service.
It’s ok to change your mind.
Forgive often. Especially yourself.
So. I happened to be at home when this came into my inbox, and I had all of the ingredients, and I recently made another of Natasha's recipes recently so I know she's amazing, and I trust you implicitly when it comes to food because I think we have the same taste, so I made this coffee cake immediately, except with blueberries, and I can confirm, it is fucking amazing.
YES YES YES!!!!! 💙
I still sing my 15-year-old daughter twinkle twinkle every night (ssssh don’t tell!) Also walks, always.
Molly!!! Thank you!!! As a big fan of sundry lists I’m honored to be included in yours 💗💗💗
ahhhh!!!! thank you for an impromptu writing prompt that I could write on my phone, holding the napping babe, sad to not do IRL tomorrow, happy to have had the chance anyway. 🧡
say their name if you remember it. “it’s alex, right?” watch them smile.
only read the parenting things that make you feel free.
use libby liberally.
take the stairs whenever possible. always stick to the right.
wave and mouth thank you when the people with the leaf-blowers stop their leaf-blowing so you can walk past.
look grief square in the face, cupping your hands at its neck, holding it tenderly, holding it loosely, holding it.
keep lists of any and all kinds, paper, phone, napkins—pleasure, tasks, needs.
put two glasses in the freezer so later you can split a cold beer.
grill on sundays.
buy more fruit than vegetables at the farmer’s market.
remember that empathy is being with, not fixing. remember this applies to you, too.
text the people you love “checkin’ in” and leave it open, like a screen door on a cooling summer night.
don’t conflate loving him with always loving the role. you won’t always love the role. you will always love him.
kiss those cheeks. kiss. those. cheeks.
Coming back to the comments since you mentioned your list. It's wonderful. x
Your LIST. Gah! Tomorrow.
Never depend on others for your morning coffee.
If you find yourself continually investing more into relationships than you receive, reevaluate.
Friendships can run a course.
Ah Molly your list made me tear up. Thanks for sharing 💛
beautiful, everything and the Helen Garner article, my god!!
here's my quick shortlist:
surprise; allow yourself to be surprised.
retain mystery; allow others to retain it, too.
let your eyes linger on any people that attract them.
wash the linens.
long.
make mischief.
praise others lavishly when the whim strikes.
sleep cold.
be 95% good and 5% mean.
let intoxication be an indulgence; let indulgence be an indulgence.
crush.
don’t waste yourself.
move the muscles, they need it and like it.
savor.
be open, but sure.
play: the game is worth the candle.