A Few Good Things

As we limp toward the end of August.

Hi all, apologies for the much slowed pace of this newsletter. Things are quite hectic and out of sorts, by which I mean the children are feral and so am I. There is a lot going on in my personal sphere that I may write about here someday, but maybe not. Who knows. In general, right now, I would rate my mental health at about a four. Here are a few things that briefly lift me to a six.

A League of Their Own

It’s on the evil empire’s channel. Please forgive me. But other than that, this show is perfect. The best ensemble cast! I love every single one of them. It’s got more heft than the movie, and is much, much gayer. Abbi Jacobson, I love you. And Darcy? Dang.

Brittany Spanos on Harry Styles

Brittany and I were both Rookies back in the day, and I’ve loved following her career for the last decade. Rolling Stone cover story on Harry Styles? Not bad, baby, not bad. He sleeps ten hours a night. What on earth? I think I could play MSG every night if I slept ten hours a night, too. Speaking of Harry, don’t you think he should come to Books Are Magic while he’s in NYC this month? I sure do. We made him a list of books we think he should read. I wrote him a note and left it at the store just in case he comes when I’m not there. In it, I say that I hope he gets some rest, but honestly, reading Brittany’s piece, I think I need more rest than Harry does. He seems to be doing just great.

Episode of the Decoder Ring on Todd Manning, RIP Michael Malone

One Life to Life was a family favorite. My dad was on several episodes, playing a blind retired police detective named Pete Braust. He made friends (in real life) with the whole (fictional) Llanview Police Department. I loved listening to this episode of the Decoder Ring all about the Todd Manning and Marty Saybrook storyline. Also, RIP Michael Malone, who is mentioned in the episode, and wrote for the true glory days of the show.

12k!

That is how much money we raised at last week’s fundraiser for the National Network of Abortion Funds. The most helpful thing we can all do is to set up a recurring donation to a fund you care about. I set up mine at the New York Abortion Access fund. Join me!

Thank You For Listening

Julia Whelan is one of the GOATs of audiobook narrators, and she’s just published her first novel. Thank You For Listening, about….an audiobook narrator. I just started listening (via Libro.fm, of course, the audiobook choice that supports independent bookstores) and it is delightful.

Chocolate covered raisins

One of our very kind booksellers bought me a gigantic tub of chocolate-covered raisins, the world’s most perfect food. I cry.

What are your favorite mood-boosters? We are going upstate tomorrow, and staying at a place with alpacas. I suspect they will help. Sending love to all.