“The mind moves in the direction of our currently dominant thoughts.” — Earl Nightingale

READING:

World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments — “a collection of essays about the natural world, and the way its inhabitants can teach, support, and inspire us” (Goodreads).
Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child — “Bob Spitz’s definitive, wonderfully affectionate biography; the Julia we know and love comes vividly — and surprisingly — to life” (Goodreads).

WATCHING:

…or rather, rewatching the first five episodes of Lupin before the part two drops on Netflix June 11th. We really enjoyed this action series and it’s music to my ears to hear Parisian French.
Since we’re loving Omar Sy these days, we also rewatched Intouchables, one of my favorite French films about an aristocratic quadriplegic who hires a young welfare recipient from the projects to be his caregiver. So funny. So touching. So good.
Friends: The Reunion aka “The One that’s Disappointing” — Still, I feel like rewatching all ten seasons.
Halston on Netflix: “His name built an empire. His style defined an era. American fashion designer Halston skyrockets to fame before his life starts to spin out of control.” His portrayal by Ewan McGregor was disturbing — too aggressive, too camp. I did enjoy learning the connections among Halston, Elsa Peretti (who passed away last month), Liza Minelli, Babe Paley, Andy Warhol, and the whole Studio 54 scene. Fascinating as it is, the 70’s still hold little attraction for me. Although, I do love all of Elsa Peretti’s jewelry for Tiffany — the open heart, the bean, the bone cuff, diamonds by the yard…
The Real Housewives of New York City Season 13 — Although I really like new “housewife” (i.e. single author, podcaster, producer, and attorney), Eboni Williams, I really don’t know why I still watch this train wreck.

Wow, what an eclectic list! How did I go from PBS’ Ken Burns Hemingway Documentary and Masterpiece’s Atlantic Crossing last month to Halston and RHONY this month? I’d better pull it up!

LISTENING TO:

I Want My 80s Podcast on Sirius XM: “Each week original MTV VJs Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter & Nina Blackwood will flashback to the most totally righteous decade ever to talk about and give personal insights to the biggest 80s moments! From broadcasting LIVE AID to wearing parachute pants and seeing Dirty Dancing multiple times! Also, their part in changing how music was consumed as they were there for the launch of MTV! It’s a totally awesome pop culture exploration!”

FEELING:

Stronger, healthier, and proud: As I write this, I have rowed 75 days in a row for 300,000 meters [100,000 meters from March 13th to April 1st (water bottle) and 250,000 meters by May 1st (white socks)]. I have donated three times to water.org (every 25 days you row). My form and speed are improving and I have earned several badges including 75-days and 10-weeks milestones, Commit to Fit Spring ’21, Earth Day Team workout, World Water Race, Land and Sea, Team Player, and Wanderlust. It isn’t easy and I’m not always motivated, but I’m committed and happy to have found a routine that I enjoy.

ENJOYING:

Gradually getting back to “normal” — We’ve had a few lunches and dinners at some of our favorite restaurants in Delafield, Downtown Milwaukee, and The Third Ward. We even enjoyed a lovely cocktail (Manhattan for Eric and French 77 for me), spiced olives, and the amazing view at Blu on the top of the Pfister Hotel (featured photo).
Mondays off — I had a lot of flex time this year due to the work I did last summer. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a year to travel and Paris was completely off limits, but it has been nice to start the week with leisurely coffee and beagle cuddles, to read, to work in the yard, and to sit on the deck as the weather gets nicer. Not working on Mondays also makes Sundays even better.

LOOKING FORWARD TO: