5 Things I'm Thinking About Right Now
Including two very different types of odysseys, with one that still needs some planning (that's where you guys come in).
Happy Sunday, Midlifers!
How are you? I am de-lightful and relishing a relaxing weekend. I had book club on Friday night in one of the girl’s backyard sanctuary where she served French-inspired nibbles in homage of the setting of this month’s selection (ham and butter sandwiches on baguettes and lemony madeleines), which inspired tons of conversation.
Everyone but me (gah) showed up in bathing suits so there was a pocket of gals standing in the pool for a spell while the rest of us tucked into cozy wicker chairs to talk about the book and of course all the other things women in their 50s and 60s talk about on a summer Friday night (highlights: ADUs, kayaking and pickleball).
On Saturday, I headed to that recovery meeting I always write about that just puts me back in place. Every damn week I come out of that hour with my ego checked and reminded that when I stop resisting and let go, everything falls into place. But inevitably, that voice inside my head will talk me out of that all week so by next Saturday, I’ll need a refresher on what works for me.
After that, I visited my dear friend who had knee replacement surgery about a month ago and we did two (very slow) laps around the neighborhood where we were both once neighbors (I lived right across the street). We met a new couple who are moving in next to my old house and told them what a wonderful place it was for our children to grow up. They jumped on a trampoline day and night. They climbed way too high up trees. They rode bikes around the circle dragging someone wearing rollerblades tethered by a jump rope to the back of the bike.
She and I drank a lot of wine and tea and slowly over the course of years spilled all of our secrets while the other gently mopped them up. It was quite lovely.
Sigh.
I came home after the leisurely visit and spent the rest of the day making to-do lists for things I want to do, see, eat, read and watch this summer. Here, in no particular order, are some things that are top of mind right now.
1. My 60th Birthday odyssey
In a stroke of good fortune, this year my annual Maine getaway is butting up to my 60th birthday, so I’ve decided to combine the two. I’ll be heading back to my beloved cabin in Small Point for a solo retreat and then my kids will meet me in the middle of the following week at our friends’ place in Stratton, VT for a few days of mountain activities and ringing in my new decade.
But the true headline here is that I’ve decided to take a full two weeks off work as the ultimate gift to myself, and I could not be more excited. My central nervous system needs a deep reset.
I’ve finally started making some actual plans for the getaway, which is becoming a true odyssey. I’ll start by driving to Cape Cod to stay with one of my college Hens, which is now becoming a lovely tradition that I hold really dear. TBH driving to the Cape is super out of the way from NJ to Maine, but it is SO beautiful and this Hen is just the kindest and most thoughtful friend, why wouldn’t I? Like, that would be dumb.
From there, I’ll drive up to Portland for lunch and roam a bit before heading to the Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s to stock up for my week in the cabin, which is about an hour north of there.
Top 5 moments: Midcoast Maine 2024
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I’m in Small Point until the following Saturday and then I don’t really need to be in Stratton until around Wednesday when my kids arrive — so I’m looking for something to do in between. My consultant, ChatGPT, would really like to see me go to Woodstock, VT and that seems like a lovely option. There’s hiking, a Rockefeller mansion and garden and pottery to shop for. Totally up my alley.
Any other suggestions?
I’d thought about heading further up the coast of Maine to Cumberland/Rockport but not sure I want to keep adding miles onto my trip to Vermont. I don’t mind driving but that’s a little too Homerian.
2. The (actual) Odyssey
Speaking of which, my son and I already bought tickets (AND popcorn and soda—which you can now order ahead of time) for the new Odyssey movie coming out later this week. I am such a fan of Greek mythology — I can’t tell you how many times I watched the VHS tape we owned of “Clash of the Titans.” (Oh, Harry Hamlin in your very short toga.) Or how I devoured the novel Circe. And read Greek Myths to my kids, all of us snuggled up in a twin bed caught up in stories about one-eyed giants, three-headed dogs and the perils of flying too close to the sun.
I’m so excited for this movie to come out and have seen the trailer countless times over the last few months.
In that spirit, I listened to this podcast (gift link) yesterday while puttering around the house that interviewed the author of Circe and Song of Achilles and got me even more in the mood for a good Homerian epic.
3. What books to read/listen to on my odyssey
I have been hoarding Whistler, the new novel by Ann Patchett (who I drove to Brooklyn to see last month), to listen to on my trip. Same with Annabel Monaghan’s newest romance, Dolly All the Time, which I picked up a few weeks ago and is sitting patiently on my nightstand to go to Maine and be read. I’m also downloading the memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me to listen to as I drive or take long walks on the long stretch of deserted beach outside my cabin.
But I kind of need something right now to listen to. Any suggestions?
4. What to watch
This weekend, I started the new Elin Hildebrand adaptation, The Five-Star Weekend, and it’s hitting the spot. It’s just the eye-friendly Nantucket porn I was looking for. It goes well with my other current binge, Couples Therapy, which is heavy and real. I love Dr. Orna so much.
What are you guys watching? I wouldn’t mind something fresh to take on my New England odyssey to have in my back pocket.
Midlifers: Your girl needs a plan. If you have any recommendations on where to stay, what to do, or what to read/watch — please share!
5. Things I Keep Wanting and Not Doing
This morning, in an effort to perfect the art of procrastination, I got involved reading Suleika Jaouad’s Sunday newsletter. I really love her writing, the way she thinks and sees things. This week, as she undergoes yet another new round of chemotherapy treatment, she’s making a list she calls “Things I Keep Wanting and Not Doing,” and she’s added to her list that includes hiking, painting and bike riding: get peacocks.
I am inspired. Not to get peacocks — that is not my journey. But her ethos is very much, “If not now, when?” Suleika is a much-younger woman than me but her leukemia has thrust mortality in her face. And while I would in no way compare turning 60 to cancer — like, not even close — it is making me consider my shrinking lifespan.
What are my peacocks? What have I kept pushing to “some day”? Because bro, some day is here.
PS: Her peacocks are on order.
Did you, in fact, know that you can get my free Sunday emails delivered right to your inbox? It’s like the Uber Eats of newsletters.
Thanks for being here.🧡
See you next week. xoAmy
I’m looking for my peacocks too. I turned 60 a few years ago, was diagnosed with breast cancer that year and then lost my sister to complications of her alcoholism. It tossed me sideways to be honest so I feel like I’m a bit behind and still searching for something meaningful and defining for this decade. Divine inspiration has not struck but it’s time to get off my butt and figure it out.
I’m going to the cute little chapel on my vacation island this morning. I haven’t set foot in a church in years, if lightening doesn’t strike maybe I’ll find some answers.
Enjoy your 2 week birthday adventure- sounds perfect! Woodstock, VT is a beautiful small town- I think you’ll love it.
I read Suleika Jaouad’s book, Between Two Kingdoms, several years ago and have followed her journey. Inspirational.