(second) summer strands

hi friends,

I write to you in the wee hours before John and I hit the road for a week on Monhegan. The car is (mostly) packed, including snacks: carrots for munching along the way, the leftovers to be roasted for a later-in-the-week dinner, and two share bags of sours, one for each of us.

My minimalist self is more than slightly appalled at how many clothes I threw into my duffle. I’m unsure if this is because I was distracted by the news (so much news!) or because I simply no longer know how to pack for an island for less than a month, but it is what it is, and who knows, I might tear the whole thing apart one more time.

I’m leaning into this week as a softer, quieter time to be on island with good friends, good books, and without dogs or work obligations—a second summer of sorts. We do have a once-in-a-lifetime experience before the boat on Saturday, but I’ll write about that next time.

hint, hint: my postcard was pulled!

Whether you’re in the midst of your first or second summer, may it be a wonderful season. I’m leaving you with a few things I’m looking forward to along the way, and a poem that sings of all summer is meant to be, especially in Maine ~ xosew

making… . ..

I’m keeping my cooking easy, relying on a few condiments (apricot preserves, dijon mustard, soy sauce, peanut butter) to glaze for pork tenderloin and salmon, or to dip cured meats and cheeses and to make this roasted kale with sweet potato yumminess (I unlocked the recipe from the NYT and chef’s note, swapped chile crisp for the harissa):

(Pro tip: if you’re going on a road trip that involves cooking on the other side, a frozen whole chicken or pork tenderloin, a slab of bacon, a pound of butter all make excellent supplemental ice packs)

listening (because we have eight-plus hours in the car each way):

in keeping with the softer, quieter summer theme, I love Slow Stories, especially this interview with poet Victoria Change, because it takes a lot of energy to be slow.

the second season of Death of an Artist is all about Lee Krasner, the artist behind the artist

Milkweed, 1955

Popcast (Deluxe): Ranking Every Taylor Swift Album, Worst to Best, because I’m sorry, there is nothing better than to belly laugh out-loud to two guys talking Taylor.

and any episode of Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis Dreyfuss (I’m pretty partial to her interview with Anne Lamont, who reminded me of my favorite acronym, wait—why am I talking, which I constantly forget to implement).

finally, here is my Maine-centric reading list… . ..

The Cliffs, J. Courtney Sullivan

The World After Alice Lauren Aliza Green

The House by the Sea May Sarton

Thanks for being here. I’m grateful for your readership. Before you go, would you click the ♥️ or share this post with a friend? You may also restack, leave a comment, or reply via email because it helps others find this newsletter. If you want to join in our island adventures, you can also follow me on Instagram, but most importantly, I love knowing what resonates with you.

The Faraway Nearby: stillness, story, sea is FULL

September 18-22, 2024 | Monhegan, Maine

thank you to all who expressed interest ~ want to be the first to know about next year’s retreat or get on the 2024 waitlist?