Is a Picture Really Worth 1000 Words?
Let's find out! Plus, mood salad links and recs for your weekend pleasure...
Happy Friday, readers! Even though this was a short week (Happy Birthday, America!), due to the fact that I spent part of it attempting to untie a Gordian knot at the same time I was dealing with an icky summer virus, it felt LONG. And uncharacteristically, I could not seem to avert my eyes from the news; in particular, the post-debate chatter, that has left me feeling (more) disheartened and more concerned about this country than ever before. I’m a rubbernecker of the political variety, unable to turn away from what feels like a slow-motion electoral train wreck. But I most certainly do not have the energy to go there today, and that’s not what this space is about. Suffice it to say that it has contributed to the full mind/body exhaustion I am currently feeling.
Last week I wrote about some of the ways age has made me better, and I looked back at that piece more than a few times over the last many days. In that spirit, today I am giving myself permission to rest, restore and replenish, so I can build back capacity to do what I love to do here- explore through my midlife lens, think out loud with you, and hopefully inspire, educate, entertain and/or delight in the process. Because age has also taught me the importance of listening to what my body is telling me and honoring the way I’m feeling, with no shame or judgment about hitting the brakes when it’s time to refuel.
Sometimes when I’m zoning out I like to scroll through my camera roll favorites, where I keep snaps and screenshots of people/things/memes I love- it’s a baggage-free method of time travel, replete with the sites I want to return too, and none that I don’t. It’s full of things that inspire me, make me laugh or otherwise feel good. So today, I thought I’d share some of them with you, in lieu of my actual 1000ish words.
Hope you enjoy scrolling with me- I’ve spared you my real favorite faves, the family/friends shots (except for my mama), because I’d like you to stick around!
Welcome to the randomness that is sometimes my mind, and thank you for indulging me!
*you may need to click view entire message to see all …
Mood Salad Links & Recs
Watch
Whatever you’re doing, stop now and watch The Bear! I tried so hard to be disciplined and go slowly with the latest season (3), but GAHHH I couldn’t do it! It’s just so good- so layered, so human, so deeply smart and moving. About a family, about a chef in that family, about the humans around that chef, about a restaurant, but mostly, it’s a story about life.
Listen:
I’ve been too lazy to make a new summer playlist, but since I don’t do a lot of new music anyway (I never know how to find it!), I keep listening to last year’s and still love it! Let’s just say it’s extremely eclectic, ranging from Ben Harper to Carol King, Lake Street Dive, Stevie Wonder, Hozier, Bill Withers, Tayler Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and the list goes on. At 6+ hours it’s great on a long drive or easy beach day. Happy summer listening!
Read:
Exploring midlife desire through Catherine Breillat’s Last Summer and Miranda July’s All Fours. (via The Atlantic gift link)
It’s a topic we Gen X women don’t talk enough about- financial health and how to we can take control of our financial futures. (via Forbes)
I love this piece on improving and expanding your life by saying yes (which happened to be on my list of ways… last week). (via WSJ gift link)
From my light camera roll fare to this thoughtful deep dive on the topic, which explores how our camera rolls reflect who we are at different points in our lives and examines how and why we attach meaning to things. (via
on Substack)In keeping with theme, how to clean up a messy camera roll! (via NYT gift link)
It’s never too late to get strong- check out these 50+ women who are boxing, body building and lifting all kinds of weight! (via WSJ gift link)
If you are not subscribed to
’s Oldster Magazine, you are missing out! In it she explores “What it means to travel through time in a human body, at every phase of life,” by featuring a diverse array of people (some of whom you’ll recognize) who answer her brilliant Oldster questionnaire. This week she took a look back over the past few years since Oldster was born, publishing multiple pieces, so it’s great opportunity to check it out. (via Subtack)
As always, I am so grateful you are here- your time is precious and it means the world to me that you take some of it to read this newsletter. If you enjoyed this post, please hit the ❤️ or leave a comment below- I love hearing from you! And if you know someone who would appreciate, please share. Have a wonderful weekend!
Dina xx
Dina, I so look forward to reading your newsletter. You keep me up to date and I've enjoyed many new books, podcasts and music based on your recommendations. I got a tickle out of this week's photos, and especially love those of you and your mom. Such treasured moments and always fun to have a glimpse inside your world.
I enjoyed looking at all the photos and reading the quotes, especially the one by Paulo Coelho that says, "The world is changed by your example, not your opinion." Thank you for sharing.