5 things for the weekend 25.08
books with everyday magic, your younger self, the language in james, read more in 2025, curry lentils
Spring is in the air! I thought I was seeing things when I saw violets a couple weeks ago, but now they are springing up all over the garden paths. I found out a few years ago, that they are edible, so I think I will look up some ways to use them. I’m thinking they would be lovely in a tea or tisane.
I am also see new shoots on both my perennial and hardy peony plants, and that is always cause for excitement and anticipation. I learnt last year that I shouldn’t plant peony tubers too deep, so I am crossing fingers for some lovely blooms this year.
In other news we are now on Winter break, and I plan to use the time wisely to catch up on projects that have fallen through the cracks, but also allow myself some rest and respite with reading, making, and art.
5 Things
1. Loved this list of literary books with everyday magic from Victoria at
. I can confirm they are great; I’ve read three of the five, and the other two are definitely going on my TBR.2. Have you seen the recent trend on social media of “meeting your younger self for coffee?” In the same vein I enjoyed this letter that Steve Magnes wrote to his younger self.
3. The Sister Reads Book Club is reading James by Percival Everett this month, so I’ve been gathering posts and articles about it. There’s been a lot of talk about the language used in the book, so I’m looking forward to reading this essay about the truth about Black language. (But not until I am done reading the book!)
4. 10 book worms tell CNN how they manage to read a lot. I honestly hesitated to share this, as it is full of ads, but there are some good nuggets of wisdom included.
5. Make this comforting curry lentil dish with coconut milk in just about an hour. I’m definitely adding it to my meal rotation.
News from The Callaloo Collective
If you want to keep track during the 100 Day Project go grab my free printable tracker. You can use it to set up your goals, and even decide on rewards along the way. Get it (and more!) with a free membership to the Planning Circle
I am:
Reading: The Fifth Season by N K Jemisin
Making: Clotilde Cardigan
Planning: the start of my 100 Day Project
Drinking: hot chocolate
Loving: that it’s our winter break!
Watching: Paradise
Listening: Kendrick Lamar (duh!)
What are you doING?
“Judge all by their usefulness: the leaders and the hearty, the fecund and the crafty, the wise and the deadly, and a few strong backs to guard them all.”
N. K. Jemisin, The Fifth Season
Or if you enjoyed this letter and want to support me just once, please feel free to
I use affiliate marketing to offset production costs for the newsletter and other free content. I receive a small compensation when you purchase from applicable links, with no extra cost to you.
There are no signs of spring here as yet. It is still very much winter 😢. I have also read three of those magical books and I am looking forward to reading James. I will be starting it this weekend. I found what works best for me to read more and that is having the right format book for the right time of day, so I usually try to do an audiobook on my commute or if I am doing a mundane chore, a paper book for during the day, and I have a Kindle book to read at night in bed. I will check out that article as I am always interested in the concept of code-switching.