Here’s what I’m enjoying now!

Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang — This is the first of two short story collections by the sci-fi writer. (I read Exhalation first.) What if arithmetic were proved to be inconsistent? What if an experimental drug to heal brain damage unexpectedly caused superintelligence? What would be the cultural effects of a reversible procedure that eliminates people’s ability to perceive beauty? Chiang’s mind-bending scenarios and intricate world-building make for gripping, thought-provoking reading.
Holding it Together: How Women Became America’s Safety Net by Jessica Calarco — I have barely cracked open this investigation of U.S. caregivers’ unpaid labor, but I’m already appreciating the sociologist’s thorough research and compelling storytelling. Calarco addresses the consequences of our inadequate social safety net — and demands institutional change.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Resistance in Difficult Times by Katherine May — In this gentle and wise memoir, May recalls one poignant winter, emphasizing the importance of cyclicality and the lessons we can learn from nature. A cozy, affirming book to savor under your favorite fluffy blanket with tea in hand.

We buy so much granola and yogurt each week, we elected to make it at home. It’s easier than I’d thought! This is the granola recipe I riff off of (it’s sooo good with pure maple syrup and a dash of extra cinnamon). To make yogurt, heat a gallon of milk to 180 degrees, let it cool to 110 degrees, add a spoonful of yogurt, and wait several hours for the cultures to multiply. This simple video has straightforward instructions.
Chili has invaded our fridge and porch after we hosted a meal for 25 people. It’s filling, healthy, and easy to prepare in copious amounts. Our new secret ingredient to add some more depth to the flavor is cocoa powder!

A riveting performance of House of the Rising Sun — This unexpected collaboration between Marcus Mumford, Jon Batiste, Trombone Shorty, and Celisse at New Orleans Jazz Fest will have you grooving and grinning, no matter what kind of day you’re having.
Speaking of Celisse, she absolutely shreds on the guitar and has a commanding voice to boot. Here are her incredible renditions of Chain of Fools and Use Me.
Breakout singer-songwriter Jobi Riccio’s track Wildfire Season is a powerful statement about the climate crisis (with a very catchy chorus!)
Phoenix by Hope Tala — Tala’s soothing vocals, bossa-inspired guitar, and message of resilience make this single a must-listen ahead of the release of her upcoming album at the end of this month.

Lately I’ve been deeply absorbed in videos from Howtown, “a YouTube channel dedicated to investigating where facts come from.” Hosts Joss Fong (formerly at Vox) and Adam Cole (formerly at NPR) clearly and engagingly cover a range of topics, and the editing and graphics are superb. Fong and Cole explain dog vision, attempt to prove to viewers that they’re not AI-generated, and break down the actual science behind brain-rot.
Yoga for neck, shoulders, and upper back — Enjoy a 15-minute break from hunching over the computer with this simple and effective routine. Typically, you have to drag me by my (very inflexible) limbs to a yoga class, even though I know in my heart of hearts that it’s (sigh) good for me. But this video just might be a gateway into longer, in-person classes. It’s that good.

Radio Garden — Whether you’re dreaming of traveling to far-flung places or feeling flattened by the personalized recommendations of Spotify’s algorithm, this website is a go-to way to tune into local radio stations across the globe. Listen at random with the balloon ride function, hear rare languages from the stations on this curated list, or check out some of my favorite frequencies in Santo Domingo, Helsinki, or Kigali.

Creative Activities from the Art Institute of Chicago — Having a creative block? Try these art-based writing prompts, printable coloring pages, and activity ideas (I’m loving the phenology wheel and paired portraits).
Beautiful Song of the Week — As you might guess, this website’s curator posts one track every seven days along with thoughts on what makes it meaningful. The archive goes all the way back to May 2010!

Learning all about curling — Fun fact: my grandpa was part of the US Senior National Curling Championship team in 1998. (Go Chuck!) Inspired by the Winter Olympics, we tried our hand at the sport that’s been described as “chess on ice.” It’s really challenging, y’all! And you should see what it’s all about.
Doing a deep dive into the history of Valentine’s Day. A few years ago I researched why it was a thing and wrote this piece that begins: “Ahhh, February 14. Chocolate and flowers and romantic candlelit dinners and … animal sacrifice?”

I’m always foraging for recommendations. Got one (or ten) to pass along? Send me a message and I’ll share them here!