Studio Sunday (no. 12)

This week was filled with writing and family activities. We started walking home from school some days and the combination of the weather warming and knowing I have less than two months until Summer break has me extra motivated. April is going to be packed with creativity.

We ran out of mint tea and we tried steeping fresh mint leaves with sugar and it’s SO good. I realize this probably isn’t groundbreaking to most, but damn…. try it if you haven’t. It’s the perfect sensory drink for this season.

One of the books that has never left my imagination is The Luminaries, and I have to give credit that the miniseries (2020) made it come to life even more. It’s set in the New Zealand gold rush (Victorian era) and is heavy on astrology and old-fashioned drug trips (what’s not to love?).

I’d love to hear what books or movies have stayed with you for reasons you can’t quite put your finger on. I’m obsessed with the way some stories linger and others are only meant for a brief moment (HOW, WHY?). All of that to say, I really want one of these solar system models like they have in the story.

I’ve been collecting Molly Hatch mugs since the olden days. Love that she made a “reading” one and several other hobbies this time.

I’ve been looking forward to reading this book for a while. My husband recently convinced me to watch the 1989 miniseries. Then, it came up again in The Correspondent. I know I need to read Lonesome Dove sooner than later. I love that it’s having a resurgence. The unpredictable lifespan of novels is one of my favorite subjects to obsess about.

The most practical thing I did recently was add this countertop to our washer/dryer. It provides extra storage and space to lay folding clothes and makes our small laundry room look more polished. This is the level of home projects I want right now (E A S Y).

For no reason I’m dying to go to New Orleans. Has anyone done New Orleans with elementary age kids? We’re considering it and I’d love to hear your tips. Where to stay, what to do, what to avoid, hidden gems?

Twin Peaks forever. We only watch it in the fall and it’s been a few years so maybe 2026 will be a Twin Peaks year. My husband’s comfort movie is Inland Empire (you can laugh… I know it’s not a typical comfort) but my favorite parts of Lynch’s universe are his ultra-wholesome 1950s aesthetics (Agent Cooper over everything) as well as musical choices and David Bowie intersections. I’m convinced I’ll never go a single day in this lifetime without thinking of David Lynch (RIP).

I finally watched it this weekend and LOVED it. Benicio del Toro’s performance and character was a favorite and the funny parts of the film are so quotable. I was avoiding it because I’m allergic to long action scenes, but it was so worth it.

Out of all the hundreds of art books in my home the most incredible book (design, quality, production, size… all of it) is this Bosch Complete Works Book. It’s huge and colorful and would make an amazing gift for an art lover. (Should I do a roundup of all the best art books?)

You can find or recent podcast episodes on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. We’ve been enjoying podcasting extra this year and currently we’re collecting extra topic ideas for the Summer schedule. If you have a request, reply to this email.

Thank you for reading!