Calling it! A favorite book of the year.

Plus, some very good news.

I don’t know why this feels like such a weird thing to talk about here — maybe because cancer is such a downer and I try to keep the focus on the books — but on Thursday I had my final scan (five years!!!!!!). I can’t wrap my head around the fact that I’m officially done with all of it. No more scans, no more blood work, no more appointments where I wait nervously for the doctor to make a pronouncement about my fate. Officially turning the page on that part of my life and it feels pretty darn wonderful.

I’ve been going to UCSF for EIGHT YEARS now, ever since I was first diagnosed, and have never really given much thought to the relationships that have grown. But it’s crazy to think I’ve been with these people for nearly a decade — my doctors and nurses and the receptionist and the woman with the paper butterflies all over her blood draw station. There was an unexpected and completely heartwarming amount of hugging that took place on my last visit. My oncologist promises to check out the bookstore. My trial coordinator gave me her personal number. So many happy tears. I was beyond moved.

Exactly five years ago with a bebe and a toddler and cancer and a pandemic!! April 2020.

And speaking of anniversaries, I completely missed my Substack anniversary (is that even a thing??), but I’ve been puttering away here for two years now! How much fun is that?! If I had paid subscriptions turned on, I’d gift you some, but ChickLits is free and I want to keep it that way. It has been such a great creative outlet and I have big plans on the horizon!

So thanks for being here, friend. I really mean it.

• Your Friends & Neighbors! Am I the only one with a forever crush on Amanda Peet? She seems like the most fun. And this new show is great — love watching Jon Hamm slip over to the dark side. But I’m also super into Amanda Peet’s wardrobe! Give me all of the wide legged pants and little cardigans.

• A friend recommended this Focus Planner, calling it life changing! Helps you set goals, both big and small, to create a “goal achievement framework.” Seems like a much nicer way to write down my nightly brain dump.

• A shell candle! I’m besotted with these cuties.

• Hacks is back, baby.

• And guess who else is back? Krista Tippet, host of one of my all-time favorite podcasts On Being. She seems like the kindest, wisest, loveliest human and I have missed her and her ASMR voice. She kicked off a new season with Bon Iver and it’s delightful.

• Ugh, my hair is falling out again 😭 even with regular applications of the Davines shampoo. Think it’s time to approach the issue from the inside out and I’m seriously considering ordering these.

• Andrew and I had the most fun celebrating the final scan on Friday. I had a martini and wine and was completely drunk with relief (and a little drunk from booze) so I was in need of comfort (read, hangover) food the next day. I made this Rigatoni with White Bolognese and it was so, so delicious.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

Vacation read

OH MY GOD, this book!! Making an early prediction and proclaiming that Wild Dark Shore will be one of my favorite books of the year. It’s incredible. I have chills just talking about it!

Pre-Hawaii I was chatting with a friend about what to read at the beach and her response had me adding Wild Dark Shore to my suitcase immediately (the intense motherhood book I mention is Soldier Sailor).

Set on a remote island in the middle of nowhere — Antartica is the closest landmass — where Dominic Salt (what a name!) and his three children are the caretakers. The island is also home to a research base and seed vault threatened by rising sea levels. One stormy night a woman washes up on the shore and tips their already delicate existence off balance.

It’s about climate crisis, it’s about doomed love, it’s about family bonds. I learned so much about fur seals and Emperor penguins and the shape of wombat poop (square!). The writing is beautiful and evocative and I absolutely devoured it.

📌 Napa locals, this is the November 16th pick for the Solage Book Club get together! Get ready, it’s going to be a good one.

1. An indestructible Dutch oven for feeding a family of four in a sunny yellow shade to brighten meal time.

2. Some Ray-Ban-esque sunglasses for less so you won’t be as upset when they fall overboard.

3. Leaning into the whole nautical thing (it’s an island after all) with a classic striped sweater in a washable cotton knit.

4. A label maker to keep everything organized from seeds to rations is a must have. This compact Brother one won’t take up too much space — an important feature when you’re living in a lighthouse!

5. Also available as a full length suit, Abysse is quickly becoming my favorite brand for water wear like this spring wetsuit. Made from post consumer recycled bottles, Abysse has made it their mission to create beautiful, sustainable swimwear while tackling plastic ocean pollution.

6. Raff, one of the characters, records whale sounds and then plays his violin over top to create something haunting and ethereal. I would so love to hear it.

7. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

8. A gas-powered lantern is a necessity for when the power goes out! Would also be an excellent Father’s Day gift for upcoming camping trips.

9. I’ve had this rain jacket on the brain for weeks now. I love the color and cut enormously! The fact that it doesn’t have a hood sort of throws me, but I don’t know if that’s enough to stop me. It’s sold out in most sizes so if you’re a L or XL, I’d snatch it up!

💚 🩵 💚 🩵 💚 🩵 💚 🩵 💚 🩵 💚 🩵 I love it when you love it!! Means the world to me when you give this little newsletter a heart! 💚 🩵 💚 🩵 💚 🩵 💚 🩵 💚 🩵 💚 🩵

Hope you’re reading something good!