Welcome to the 5th edition of The Weekly W(h)im!
W(h)im stands for What I Made…the ‘h’ is silent after all.
This is a weekly series reflecting on the act of creation beyond just what we might see as “creating”.
While it’s well and good to talk about our writing, what about the smaller, daily creations? A meal, a playlist, even the way we make the bed?
Subscribe now to receive your weekly dose of creation every Tuesday!
I thought creation was bad on vacation, but no one told me the after vacay hangover would be even worse.
Trying to get back into the swing of things, keep life from falling apart, has been a different version of creativity. Squeezing in making a presentation here, a video there, decluttering clothes that have been sitting in the closet for months.
The w(h)im was lighter this week, but in the spirit of celebrating creativity of all kinds, I must persist!
On My Mind…
What I can’t stop thinking about.
Everything, really. My rumination has been on high. Before I’m even out of the woods of a thought, another one comes, sometimes attacking the original thought, sometimes upending it, other times compressing it, adding to a s’more of thoughts.
But I suppose there’s a thought within the messy onslaught of thoughts.
If you’re thinking about everything at once, when thoughts blitz your brain with no sign of stopping, are you really thinking of anything at all?
On the page…
What I’ve been writing.
Catching up with work means writing editorial letters for my romance diagnostic clients along with emails to clients, potential partnerships, event plans…
I’ve done more thinking about writing than writing.
In the Kitchen…
What I’ve been cooking.
Nothing! This cyclospora has been kicking my ass as far as kitchen creativity.
Vegetables are the highlight of any dish I cook. And while I was eager to get back into my kitchen, start working on recipes I had saved up.
But after reading about the effects cyclaspora…I’m not taking any chances.
What I have been making are s’mores from trip leftovers. My mother is the queen of sentimental and sweet touches which meant she brought materials to have s’mores over the VRBO fire pit.
The leftovers were my inheritance. A microwave does a fine job of s’more making.
From the Library…
What I’m reading.
I finished up Raising Hare which was a ginormous triumph in my eyes. At its heart, is in an ode to the inherent connection humans have with nature and how our continued disrespect for our land and its creatures severs that bond.
Get your copy of Raising Hare
Amazon | Bookshop.org
When I got home, I had a notification that one of the many library books I have checked out wasn’t eligible for a renewal so I obviously knew my next read: The One Hundred Nights of Hero.
I’ve wanted to read this graphic novel since the movie of the same name was released. While I was intrigued by the preview, I never got around to seeing it because I heard it was based on a book.
Get your copy of The One Hundred Nights of Hero
Amazon | Bookshop.org
The One Hundred Nights of Hero tells familiar tales in a new way, from the framing premise to the stories told by the eponymous Hero. In an olden world not unlike ours, but not ours at all, Cherry’s husband, Jerome, makes a bet with his dastardly friend Manfred that Cherry will not bend to Manfred’s advances in the 100 nights Jerome is away.
Manfred, though, will not take no for an answer. In order to avoid the punishment of sleeping with Manfred and the societal punishments associated with adultery, Cherry’s maid and lover for many years, Hero, crafts nightly tales in order to delay Manfred’s licentious advances.
As a female storyteller myself and a mad, mad woman, this story touched me deeply and I foresee myself purchasing my own copy someday to read again and again.
I’ve also read a third of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard — I’m a huge fan of the Plot Twist Podcast and thought it was finally time I get around to the YA stalwart and keep expanding my fantasy palate.
In a world where blood determines your caste, red-blooded Mare Barrow does the impossible: becomes a member of the royal silver court by sheer calamity.
Get your copy of Red Queen
Amazon | Bookshop.org
On Repeat…
What I’m listening to.
Now that I’m back in town, I’m back to business which means I’ve got to get back in the gym.
I use the Ladder app which is bascially like virtual personal training. I am on team Evovle with Coach Samantha and she rocks. I fell off during the Shred series but now it’s Reload season and I’m ready to go.
(You can try Ladder for 30 days FREE by using my linkyyyy)
When I’m in the gym, I need some of that tinny motherfuckin overproduced shit. Hyperpop, remixes, stuff that goes hard in a girls and gays way.
On Substack…
Posts you may have missed.
When I find something I like, I fixate. Imagine my surprise after avoiding Love Island USA for quite some time, I fell face first into the wild social experiment of hot people without body hair.
Check out my observation the romance of Love Island…or lack thereof.
And of course! Last week’s w(h)im!
black bear
Welcome to the 4th edition of The Weekly W(h)im! Aka the Weekly What (H) I Made! The H is silent, after all.
I’d love to know what you created this week. Let me know down in the comments or share this post!
This week, I’m finishing up odds and ends on projects, preparing for the final meeting of the summer incubator, and gearing up for August, my birthday month and a month I’m determined to take entirely for myself.
Until next time, w(h)im!
All subscribers receive The Weekly W(h)im on Tuesdays and a romance-centric post on Thursdays.
But if you’re interested in companion resources and monthly coaching opportunities, consider upgrading to a paid subscription for $8/month or $80/year.