What are you up to this weekend? Here in Louisville we’re getting our first burst of true cold this weekend (and maybe even som snow?), so it’s time to find my gloves and pull out my sweaters! I’m also looking forward to a show, a chili cookoff, and a nice brisk walk with Daisy.
I hope you have something to look forward to these next few days, and that this collection of interesting reads and favorite things helps ease you into that weekend frame of mind.
My favorite finds from around the web:
I offer gift links for articles whenever possible (you may still need to create an account with the publication); if there’s no gift link and you’re not a subscriber, check to see if your library carries the publication or use a bookmarking service.
A Rediscovered Classic by the Author of ‘Goodnight Moon.’ (New York Times gift link) “The recently rediscovered picture book “The Dark Wood of the Golden Birds” … is a 64-page prose poem infused with philosophical musings on death and the afterlife.”
Little things I’m loving lately: kitchen edition. (MMD) Early morning candles, food in bowls, cookie dough in the freezer, and more.
What I Learned About Christmas—And Life—By Starring* in a Hallmark Movie. (Atlantic gift link) “Hallmark, despite the available technology, is still something made by humans for humans. The snow may be fake, but at least the fake snow is real. There is something tremendous about being among people who, using three-dimensional matter, make things nice for a living…. Sometimes you want to climb into a Hallmark movie.”
This is a great blouse from Sanctuary, on big sale now. I wore the brown version in this year’s Summer Reading Guide photos. (XS–XL, size down).
Apocalyptic sci-fi novel ‘The End of Everything‘ wins this year’s Booker Prize. (NPR) “At 81, Harrison is the oldest author to win in the history of the prize. He’s had a decades-long writing career, with Everything being his 13th novel. Most of his career has been spent writing science fiction.”
How we’re thinking about AI. (What Should I Read Next? patreon) Ginger and I discuss AI in the literary landscape and why we don’t use it to generate book recs, create themed book lists, or write anything at all. We joked that this bonus episode could have been titled “refreshing and depressing.”
Staying cool at the airport. (Kottke.org) A great story about showing grace under pressure, and to people who are likewise stressed. (This makes me want to read the referenced book, The Wisdom of Feeling. Has anyone done so? Do tell!)
15 more food memoir and nonfiction books for your TBR. (MMD) There’s so much vicarious enjoyment to be found in the pages of a good book that’s heavy on the food content.
We made Dan Pelosi’s Chicken Stew last weekend and it was easy and fabulous. (NYT Cooking gift link)
Every Novel Is Boring—Until It Isn’t. (Public Books) “With almost every novel I read, I go through the same arc. At first the novel bores me. Then, suddenly, it becomes the most interesting thing in the world. Suddenly, I have made it through the part that was creating my investment in the novel—and now it is all payoff.” Do you experience novels this way?
7 Scandinavian Winter Rituals I’m Stealing to Make the Darker Months Feel Brighter. (Marie Claire UK) Interesting tips.
I found this gorgeous merino crewneck via a loved one’s holiday wishlist. (XXS–XXL) Beautiful color selection (the purple is especially gorgeous in person), and 40% off right now.
Is Brain Stacking the Cure to Doomscrolling? (New York Times gift link) “Everything that I do within my brain stack is designed to reclaim some of the parts of my brain that I effectively lost to burnout, overwork and stress.”
Related: Problems of output are problems of input. (Austin Kleon) An old but fresh post: “When I stall out, it’s time to start taking things in again: read more, re-read, watch movies, listen to music, go to art museums, travel, take people to lunch, etc. Just being open and alert and on the lookout for That Thing that will get me going again.”
Tell Me About Your Weird Home Cooking. (Taste) “One humbling aspect of being alive is that, periodically, we all have to sit down to a strange meal of our own design.”
Meet the Winners of the 2026 Good Dog Photo Contest. (Garden & Gun) All very good dogs indeed.
2026 Holiday Gifting Special: our team recommends books for the readers in your life. (What Should I Read Next?) Tackling requests for book ideas for a range of recipients.
U.S. Postal Service Announces Stamp Subjects for 2027. (USPS News) Always fun to see the new designs.
Don’t miss these posts:
12 funny mysteries to brighten your day. A list of whodunits that will make you grin, chuckle, or even laugh out loud.
20 favorite gifts to give and receive. Gift ideas to help you finish your holiday shopping.
20 books to cozy up with this winter. Cold, grey days are the perfect excuse to stay inside and read.
Have a great weekend!
