Welcome Back! How Are You?

Welcome back! I’m Irish, but I live in Portland, Oregon. I recently enjoyed my friend Rene Denfeld’s brilliant novel THE TALKING BONE and a movie I watched on my BA flight from Ireland last year has stayed with me. It’s called Lollipop and it’s written and directed by Daisy-May Hudson about a released prisoner fighting to regain custody of her children. It’s so moving, beautiful and brilliantly acted, but hardly anybody I mention it to has seen it. I loved it. Our beautiful little foster bunny, Guppy, has brought me so much joy! And the coffee mornings for writer/reader friends I’ve organized brings me happiness too. I’m worried about everything – women’s rights, climate change, the state of the world, finding an agent and getting my memoir published and so on I love that I’m tenacious, loyal, reliable, determined and attentive.

I live in Canada. I love my hair!

* live? PNW * books/shows/movies – Currently reading ‘Go Simple’ by Maria Semple – I enjoy what she conveys in her writing (though her writing style is a hair too glib for me but it’s fine because the insights she shares are worth it), and loved her book and the movie, “Where’d You Go Bernadette”. But earlier summer reading has been dismal – a string of harsh and depressing which is not what I want!!: (The Silent Patient audiobook (currently listening on my commute), How to Commit a Post Colonial Murder, Ithica, The English Understand Wool, Lion…all depressing as heck or just meh). Movies: Nothing seems good right now. Just finished, “The Audacity”. Silly and ridiculous but also depressing because I have known people a little bit like this and living in a tech hub, I shudder to think that this is the mindset creating the world we live in now. It seems to have infected politics too. I try to just bless it and move on, emotionally. * What has brought you joy lately? Hmm. I’m working on it but my years of consistent meditation reliably bears fruit and that saves me from all the above. Thank God. Nature and the good fortune of my Puget Sound view. * What are you worried about these days? I could provide a very relevant list but I refuse to go there. Not in denial but because it takes all my energy to focus on the good and generate joy. (But the biggest one in this moment is how angry I am that the US did not join the Paris Accord and could have made such an impact and moved the needle in the right direction. Instead they chose denial and seem to be working as hard as possible to sell off all natural assets before “the collapse”, (thinking money will save them as individuals, the heck with their children and or the world), because they have no faith that different choices could produce different results. * What’s something you love about yourself? Ugh. I don’t know. I don’t think of myself in those terms. I just have total acceptance of myself while working steadily to change whatever sticks out and causes issues.

hahahah that skit is amazing. definitely feeling this way after coming back from Italy! I read the best book this summer. Beginning Middle End, by Valeria Luiselli. as soon as I finished it, I wanted to immediately read it again! I haven’t loved a book this much in so long. welcome back! so glad you had a beautiful trip. I loved seeing snippets of it.

*live: minnesota *enjoying: halfway through the book Cue the Sun about the history of reality tv – fascinating! loved Sterling Point (like everyone else) and The Invite (x2). *joy: my three month old! *worry: he starts daycare next week, what will I do without him all day!? :( *love about myself: I think I’m pretty good at this new mom thing

* Philadelphia * I’m listening to A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett right now, which is the third in a series. A friend is also listening to it, so we compare notes after each section. It’s a Holmes & Watson type mystery but in a scifi/fantasy world, and the audiobook reader is very good. * Good books :) Also my garden * Small scale: my dog is probably going to die soon. Large scale: authoritarianism/fascism and climate change. * I like to learn and ask a lot of questions

Western Washington (state) I am obsessed with the tv show Acapulco on Apple TV. It is just fun. I am 66 years old and just planned a trip to Disneyland for my husband and I *Western Washington State *Acapulco on Apple TV. It is just fun *I just planned a trip to Disneyland for my spouse and I. We haven’t been there is 35 years! *What the heck will DT do next. Can’t even type his name. *Yesterday without hesitation I saw an elderly man driving erratically who was now pulled to the side of the road. I pulled up next to him. He told me he was lost. Long story short I called 911 and two very kind police officers got ahold of his wife and got him home.

* Where, generally, do you live? south eastern WV – * Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? I loved I See You Called in Dead – unexpected. I’m reading John of John and it’s slow, but lovely. * What has brought you joy lately? My garden always brings me joy. This summer my son and his family visited from China and we had REALLY GOOD visits with most of our children together at one time! So much joy! What are you worried about these days? We’re considering a move to NC to live wit. h my mom. She’s nearly 90 and has dementia. It would be a real gift to her and very stressful for us. Trying to sort it out without What Ifing myself to death. * What’s something you love about yourself? I love that I love gardening. I love that I’m a maker – knitting and sewing being my strengths. I love that I’m a good friend.

*Osijek, Croatia (not on the beautiful croatian coast, but also super cute). *I Looove The Good Hang but I guess everyone is in on it. Also watched the Dutton Ranch after being obsessed with Yellowstone and now watching 30Rock to relax – love it! Also, the royal guard’s tribute to Dolly – made me cry! *My 3yo that’s the sweetest and funniest being in the world and soaking up our “last” summer with no siblings (baby on the way) and also seeing that baby on the ultrasound being only 4cm long but waving its tiny feet and arms like crazy haha. *Being a mom of two… and splitting my love, attention and time between two little beings. Also, finding out the sex. I’ve really always wanted a girl but now I’m so used to being a boy mom I really believe it would be great to have two boys :)) * My legs :)

* I moved to Beijing, China a month ago, and I’m originally from the Twin Cities! * I read ‘Into the Blue’ by Emma Brodie and YEARNED for the yearning in that book. Currently reading ‘The Ending Writes Itself’ by Evelyn Clarke and it has Knives Out vibes. * Figuring out how to live in China is overstimulating if I’m being generous, and incredibly difficult if I’m feeling frustrated. Every tiny win is bringing me joy these days – I bought a cream bike with a brown leather seat so that I can bike to the nearest market, and learning my bike route and discovering how juicy and plump all the fruit is in China is giving me SO much little joy. * I worry about my fertility and trying to have a baby. I had to late-term TFMR in 2025, had uterine surgery this year due to complications from that procedure, and am navigating a lot of unknown, hopes, and wishes toward having a baby. * I can turn pretty much any barren fridge or cupboard situation into a Chopped challenge and make a meal out of very little. It’s fun (and sometimes tragically hilarious) to see what dinner might be.

Where, generally, do you live? Astoria, New York. Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? I just finished Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje, and I was hooked from page one. What an incredible writer. I genuinely felt like I was in Croatia for the two days I was reading it. Highly recommend! What has brought you joy lately? We’re currently in London for a few days, and I’m typing this while wide awake with jet lag! But one of my favorite little joys happened the morning of our flight. We ran into our neighbors, a lovely couple we’ve only really spoken to in passing, and found out we’d both be in London at the same time. So, naturally, we made plans to meet up! Then we bumped into them again at the airport, which felt like such a funny little coincidence. Those small moments of community, neighbors, and realizing how small the world can be bring me a lot of joy. And, of course, being in and out of all the bookstores in London. We come here every year, but this trip I’ve been making more of an effort to visit local bookstores. Bookstores and libraries are my happy place. What are you worried about these days? Being far away from family and living so far from my country of origin. Sometimes I worry that, being so far away, I’ll lose that part of myself. It’s such a classic third culture kid experience, feeling like you belong to multiple places while also feeling a little removed from each of them. I also think a lot about the fact that, when my husband and I eventually have a child, we’ll be doing it largely on our own because we don’t have family in New York. That distance feels more significant when I think about the future. What’s something you love about yourself? My ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone, and my hair! I have long hair and take a lot of care with it, especially now that I’m in my 30s. I love seeing it healthy, nourished, and happy. Xoxo.

– Bucks County, PA… outside Philly – We just finished Widow’s Bay and loved it. Before that, we watched The Pitt and loved that as well. Now we have to wait for the next seasons of these shows and it’s really hard! – Little things, like watching the Phillies with my 95 year old dad, seeing the bunny that lives in our front yard, cooler temps at night so we can open the window while we sleep, and all the summer tomatoes! – I spend my time between watching my grandson and spending a few nights a week at my parents’ house, caring for them. Between the two, it seems like my mind is always worrying about something. – I like my grey hair, my love of reading, and the connection I have with dogs. Dogs make everything better.

LOL on the clip – let’s all go to Paris right now! * Washington, DC * “You Are Here” Poetry in the Natural World” by Ada Limon * Swimming in Senaca Lake in NY!! * Omg, where do I start?? Measles and Ebola, plastic, Canada * My curly hair (that I used to hate!)

*Eastern North Carolina. One hour from the beach! *I’m reading The Midnight Train, and I’m struggling to get anything accomplished because I can’t put it down. *My kids have started playing with Legos! So fun to see their creations. *Trying to navigate the increased presence of tech in my kids’ lives. *I love that I am the friend that shows up. And most often with a book recommendation!

we finally started watching ted lasso. pure joy.

1. Gulf Coast (in TX) 2. The Count of Monte Christo on PBS Masterpiece. It was fantastic! 3. Joy – My kids :). Also, getting back into walking outside. 4. Digital distractions. From car accidents, to kids’ mental health. Young people are on screens way too much. 5. I’m a life-long learner. I love learning new things, and deep diving when I’m ignorant about something.

* The Piedmont of North Carolina, close enough to mountains and river to go every weekend with a camping chair to sit in the water. * Just finished Big Mistakes and loved it. I don’t want to wait a year for season 2! * My niece just started kindergarten and it’s so exciting for her. * Work woes. * I have such a wide variety of interests, and I would say that I’m a master of none, but I do love a deep dive into researching every thing.

1. I live in Western Massachusetts (near Catherine Newman!) 2. I loved Lady Tremaine! And I watched Hook for the first time ever and became a huge fan. 3. I just reconnected with a group of close friends at a wedding and we laughed so much, it brought me so much joy to see them. Also anytime my 4 month old baby laughs or smiles 😭 4. I’m worried about the state of the world, transitioning back to work from maternity leave, and how to navigate difficult conversations with family members 5. I love my warmth and sense of humor and ease with people.

I live in Finistère Nord (North Brittany, West of France) and apparently I am not the only reader here which is nice ! I just finished See one, do one, teach one by Grace Farris and I liked it very much. As a doctor myself, there was a lot of similar expériences even if it s a different country. Just before i finished The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I am watching the last season of The Bear and loving it. My recent trip to Denmark brought me joy! It was very nice, peaceful, kids friendly, not to hot weather, great places and museums to visit. I worry about the new rythm with thé new school year. We ll see! And I like that I love to read so much!

* Where, generally, do you live? – Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan * Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? (I watched Solomamma on the flight.) – recently finished The Dutch House by Ann Patchett and highly recommend (evocative, character-driven family saga about the centrality of a childhood home – read it while in my childhood home visiting – cue the tears) * What has brought you joy lately? Being home (in Maine) for a few weeks and being adoptive owner to my dad’s two dogs – loving dog-life!! * What are you worried about these days? ummmm the state of the world!? also – trying to figure out what I want in life…separating ambition and career progression from true happiness and trying to understand what that looks like for me and how to best pursue it… * What’s something you love about yourself? how I’ve recommitted to my fitness in recent months – rehabbing a running injury and getting out 2-3 times a week and also strength training (with heavy weights!) 2-3 times a week. Makes me feel strong, capable, and like I’m putting myself first

1. I’m from France, I live near Annecy, a beautiful city in the Alps with a lake in its midst, 30 minutes from Switzerland and an hour from Italy. I love it there. 2. show: I’m rewatching Gilmore Girls for the 20th time, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of Emily, Lorelai and Rory. Film: I’m exciting to see El Deshielo (the Meltdown), a Chilean movie and Fjord that won the Palme D’Or. Book: I’ll start the Correspondent soon; I’ve just bought it on my way home from my wonderful vacation. 3. Joy: My vacation to Norway was an enchantment. We stayed with a Norwegian couple I met through Instagram! They cooked for us every day, so we got to try a lot of national dishes, and it was yum. Nature there is spectacular, we went on a different adventure every day. I loved it and can’t wait to go back. 4. I worry about my young adult children. My son is 24 and fresh out of college. He has a Master’s in 3D animation, but AI is messing everything up. He’s so talented and he worked so hard. I hope studios will give him a chance. He’s moving to Vancouver in a month to have more opportunities. Fingers crossed, he is objectively such a nice person. I also worry about my 21-year-old daughter who quit college after two attempts. She has a job, but it’s minimal wages; she doesn’t know what she wants to do, I hope it works out for her and I hope she finally sees all the wonderful qualities we see in her. 5. I like that I’m good at languages; I speak fluent English, and I can speak some German, Spanish and Dutch. I quickly pick up on Italian and Portuguese. Since I love traveling with my husband, it comes handy. I also like my legs, I think they look good at 58. These years of ballet can be seen right there!! Thanks for the questions, it’s really fun to read all the comments. Such a wonderful community in these pages…

^o.o^ Hello from Madrid, Spain. – I am watching once again Friends :) My best readings lately come from Japanese writers: Yasunari Kawabata, Toshikazu Kawaguchi and Hiromi Kawakami – What has brought you joy lately? meeting friends I haven’t seen in months. Love August :) – I am worried about the lack of job opportunities as a 47 old freelancer woman in the PR and comms sector. – I think one of my strengths is my ability to connect easily with people and build strong, genuine relationships. I’m naturally approachable, and I find it easy to establish trust and create a good rapport with people

Welcome Home and I hope you enjoyed your trip to Cornwall! Where I live; Aberdeen, NE Scotland. Aberdeen gets a bit of a bad rep for being grey and dreich but I enjoy living here. We have a beach, we are close to hills and nature and its a relatively safe city. I am not really one to watch much TV and the only thing I am reading at the moment is my Procurement Books so that I can sit my exams. However my 14 year old daughter and I have been working through classic films of my youth and loving them. Miss Congeniality one and 2 are firm favourites. She LOVED Speed and Clueless. Princess Diaries One and 2 are always delightful and we rewatched The Devil Wears Prada so that we could then rewatch The Devil Wears Prada 2. Such lovely moments together. I worry about everything constantly, thats literally how I function! As a general worry, I am concerned for the world and what we are giving to our children. As a more particular worry, my 14 year old has just entered Secondary 3 which is the year they start studying towards their Nat 5s. My daugher is not particularly Academic and I worry how she is going to cope over the next 2 years. A thing that I love about myself is that I actually love myself! I went through a lot of years, pretty much hating everything about myself, got very depressed, thought about killing myself, let men treat me like crap because I wanted to be loved etc etc. After a lot of therapy and looking at myself, I now realise I am a fairly fabulous person and someone I would want to be friends with. It may sound big headed but I think we could all do with loving ourselves a little bit more!!

* watching Furious with my husband – it’s scary and propulsive and thought-provoking * my snuggly puppy gives me so much joy. And watching my husband and son’s relationship develop * SLIGHTLY less anxious than usual these days, but I’m sure that’ll change once my kids are back to school and dealing with all the academic stress and social pressures. For now, I’m worried about my brother who’s making a big life change that I hope is the right move for him

* Where, generally, do you live? ATLANTA * Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? THE BOOK, GOOD PEOPLE. THE MOVIE – DON’T SAY GOOD LUCK * What has brought you joy lately? PASTA I MADE TONIGHT * What are you worried about these days? My wrist! Fractured it rollerblading and then had to have surgery unexpectedly. Praying it heals and I gain full mobility and ease. So worried my follow up will have bad news. Anyone else have wrist surgery after a distal radius fracture? * What’s something you love about yourself? – MY OTHER FUNCTIONING WRIST. I HAVE SLENDER WRISTS AND ANKLES. PRAYING THEY STAY STRONG

1. I live an hour outside of DC 2. I just read “Whistler” and loved it so, so much, I am sad it’s over and want more of the story 😭 3. This week, I returned to work part time after 8 years as a SAHM and it has brought me a ton of joy, more than I expected. I loved the time at home and wouldn’t change a thing, and am really glad to be back working again. 4. I’m worried about the world, and AI, and our country, and Trump, and what the world will look like when my kids are adults. 5. I think I am getting better at putting myself out there and expanding my friendship circle. It was on here, I think, that I read, everyone wants to be asked and no one wants to do the asking, so I am trying to make plans with new friends and am not minding being the one who asks first

Philly suburbs, currently in love with my boss! That’s the answer to the only question I remember lolll…this is anonymous, right?!

Hi I live in Muskoka Ontario, on the Moon River. I recently watched a TVO documentary, First We Eat, about a family in Dawson City, Yukon, attempting to eat local for a year. It’s available free on YouTube. It was so interesting how they managed, and how the mom’s health really improved. I read The Finest Hotel in Kabul by Lise Doucet this month. I didn’t know very much about Afghanistan’s more recent history, the American and Russian involvement, the Taliban. She tells the story through individuals who worked in the hotel. I just spent the weekend with family and friends at the Summerfolk Music Festival in Owen Sound Ontario. So wonderful to share music and good times, and so grateful to my son and his partner who joined us for the festival. I worry about the direction the world is heading right now. We need to be concentrating on the climate crisis and instead there is war and tariffs dragging us down. I love that at my age, 75, I can make a difference in my community, volunteering with a Plein Air painting group, our local Green Party, and getting a community garden started in a local park. Keeping busy is being happy for me.

A college town in northern Colorado; Correspondent, Yesteryear, Road to Tender Hearts and watched Sunfish and other stories on the plane—loved it; my homemade mint syrup for matchas and seeing the crazy student fashion on campus; American politics and climate change; how I make people feel comfortable and seen.

Live: Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia Book: The Lady in the Seal Skin by Lauren Keegan Recent joy: planting my wildflower garden for spring Worry: not inviting enough people over Self love: my hands. They create, heal, touch and look pretty.

Where, generally, do you live? I live in Boston, MA * Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? I read Yesteryear and it’s stayed with me in a disturbing-not-sure-what-to-make-of-what-I-just-read way. Currently reading Land by Maggie O’Farrell–I have loved all of her other books, so presume I will love this too. August has been TV free, not by plan…just happened that we haven’t turned it on. So can’t wait to watch Ted Lasso in September. * What has brought you joy lately? Spending a month in Colorado working and hiking. And needlepoint–it’s the best stress relief. * What are you worried about these days? Two of my daughter struggle with mental health issues. I’m always worried about their health and safety. The administration is a constant concern–and how they are systematically undermining Democracy. * What’s something you love about yourself? Why is this the hardest question?

HI! Longtime fan and follower. So glad you are back. My lunch breaks have been lacking! I live in Milton, Ga (north of Atlanta). Currently reading Meet the Shipmans, It’s cute! My last really good read The Shampoo Effect or Into the Blue. Taking walk by myself (even in this heat) brings me joy. My newly 6th-grader is making me fret. He’s having more trouble with the middle school transition that I had thought. Why is it so hard to think of something I love about myself?

San Diego! I just started Land (Maggie OFarrell) and enjoying Furious on Hulu Having the Big Bear bald eagle nest cam on my TV always brings joy What worries me – everything, unfortunately. Our planet’s health, our nation’s stability, my parents’ health (both living with dementia) and my son’s future What I love most about myself – that I am interested and curious; and don’t take myself too seriously Thanks Jo!

Minneapolis – the City of Lakes THE CORRESPONDENT – loved! joy…. walking my dog by the beautiful lake near us, knitting things for people I love & the beauty of clouds! American politics…

* I live in Portland, Oregon! * All summer my nine year old and I have been reading The Penderwicks and they have brought us a lot of joy. I have been reading Beautyland as well, which I think was recommended on COJ! * I really packed our summer with family reunions and camping trips. The cousins are a lot closer as a result and I feel validated that all the effort I put in was worth it. * My marriage is only okay and I see (and feel comfortable with) an eventual separation as our paths diverge. * I really love that I don’t take myself, or daily ups and downs, too seriously.

– Where, generally, do you live? South Bay, Los Angeles CA – Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? Ted Lasso (the only show my husband and I can agree on) and it’s pure delight – What has brought you joy lately? Simplicity, calm mornings, practicing gratitude after wrestling through a season of anxiety. Watching the little personalities of our 3 and 6 year old unfold and the funny things they say. – What are you worried about these days? I moved here 2 years ago and worried that I’m not as settled in our new lives as I’d hope for (lived in my prior city for 12 years). Working on the narrative that a life change can take more time than expected to settle, and making new deep friendships take a lot time and effort (can feel a lot like dating). – What’s something you love about yourself? My values and how I spend my time feel aligned. I have a big heart and I care for my loved ones and myself well.

* I live in Greensboro, NC * Just finished reading Yesteryear, and loved it – what a ride! Just started the film noir series Sugar, and am really into it so far. Also, just watched The Invite and LOVED it. Highly recommend! * Recent cooler mornings have been giving me so much joy! Very ready for fall. * Worried about politics (as usual), and job stuff (I have a micro-bakery and am in the process of trying to open a brick-and-mortar). * I love my eyes and my hair color (I’ve never dyed it!).

I just celebrated 17 years living in Washington, DC! Which is basically the same amount of time I’ve been reading CoJ :-o I have been eating up the new season of Married At First Sight, anyone else? I used to dip in and out of past seasons of the show but I think the new look and feel now that it’s on Peacock keeps me more interested. It’s definitely maddening reality TV but also intrigues me in terms of thinking about how I would respond to different situations, how people approach relationships differently, etc. My friends bring me such joy, especially as I’m building towards pursuing SMBC next year (!). They remind me that I have an incredible village as I pursue a new phase of life. They recently reminded me that I invest a lot in friendships — checking in, remembering what someone has going on, checking out events together, etc — which was really sweet to hear reflected back. That’s my favorite thing about myself right now! Well, I definitely have a lot of worries related to the above, which I’m trying to tackle every day. I also can’t believe the political and public policy hellscape we continue to live in and do my best to manage my news intake as a result. I’m also gearing up to volunteer for some midterm elections coming up!

1. I just recently moved from Washington DC to Atlanta, GA. 2. Reruns of America’s Test Kitchen and Lan Lam’s offshoot ATK show are keeping me going lately. Feels like learning from my really talented friends. 3. My dog brings me joy. Especially when I see him interact with my mom, who’s in the later phases of Dementia. She rarely is “my mom” anymore, but when she pets my dog, she’s her old self again for a moment. 4. AI, for a billion reasons, but especially for the impact it’s having on our ability to think for ourselves. Also, people getting cancer younger and younger. 5. I think I care really deeply about other people. I’m an introvert, and it takes me time to trust others and open up, but once you’re my person, I’m all in.

* I live in Brooklyn, NY! * I’m reading “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” and it’s a bit different from the movie, plot-wise, and laugh-out-loud funny. Helen Fielding is a talented writer for sure. * Bringing me joy: it’s once again, “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”! It’s been a long time since I read a book cover to cover. * Worrying me: The war with Iran that is now entering a new phase of economic warfare, and the suffering it will continue to cause. * Love about myself: I’m getting better at not caring what other people think of me.

Where, generally, do you live? San Luis Obispo, CA (lucky me!) Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? I recently read Euphoria by Lily King and loved it. What has brought you joy lately? My toddler!! What are you worried about these days? Having a second baby after trying for over a year and having one early miscarriage last month. What’s something you love about yourself? I’m smart, funny, and very resilient.

* Where, generally, do you live? I’m lucky enough to live in the PNW. * Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? I’ve been on a hard cover book kick and loving it. Conform, Calamity Club, Go Gentle, Yesteryear. There’s something about a physically kind of heavy hard cover that is really hitting the spot lately and feels luxurious. * What has brought you joy lately? Late summer stone fruit and corn. The moms group I met with my second. * What are you worried about these days? We’re having an unexpected third baby after fertility treatments for the first two, which is both thrilling and terrifying. I’m worried about finances for 3 in daycare, how to parent three (the internet tells you the move from 2-3 will break you) and how to have two littles18 months apart with a 4yo who doesn’t sleep through the night, and when specifically I’ll sleep through the night again. * What’s something you love about yourself? xoxo I’m a good noticer, which I think makes me pretty considerate. And a quality snob, which is a good and bad thing, but I mostly like it.

I live in the south of France, near Marseille. I’m on a post-WW2 book kick and my last two books both featured protagonists in their early 40s, like me. The Swiss Summer by Stella Gibbons (1951) Mamma by Diana Tutton (1956) Relatedly, I get a lot of joy from reading these “midcentury middlebrow” authors: reading and rereading on my e-reader, noticing things and making comparisons, checking out bloggers’ reviews and recommendations. I’m worried about AI, and about social media and scrolling and how it impacts our brains. I like that I’m interested in people!

* Where, generally, do you live? Austin TX! aka the face of the sun * Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? Honestly loving Sterling Point – my group chat has a debate on if this or Off Campus is better and I’m the only one in SP camp but I feel how I feel!!!! * What has brought you joy lately? We just got back from a 2-week trip to Italy & France and seeing my 1.5 year old splash in the waves in Sardinia and run circles between me/my husband/my parents was PEAK JOY * What are you worried about these days? Being able to handle motherhood as my baby keeps growing – we had some TRICKY moments on the plane ride back and I just want to do the right thing for my sweet sensitive boy! * What’s something you love about yourself? I can freak out over little things but I am generally good in a real crisis – I had to call 911 for the first time in my life when my mom’s BP spiked scary high on a family trip a couple months back and I was proud of being able to stay calm for her

* I live in Chicago, IL *I enjoyed watching Widow’s Bay recently. Horror is not my genre, but I persisted, it is so much more than horror. Matthew Rhys is “chef’s kiss” * Seeing my 10yo son becoming a kind, considerate family member. He is so thoughtful and I am hopeful I am raising a child who will make a good husband and father in the future * Climate change. I think we are so stuck in our everyday struggles that we are honestly not confronting this meteor coming at us. The predictions for this winter sound terrifying. * I’m a good listener.

Almost 20 years in Los Angeles, tucked into a sweet neighborhood on the east side which makes this giant city feel like a small town. I read this beautiful post on substack about using meaning as the compass for your life: https://substack.com/@rubenlaukkonen/p-185795610 I threw my 4th Repair Fair in August and my heart nearly exploded with joy at all the people who turned up. I run the fair and don’t do any of the “fixing” and I’m amazed by all the volunteers who joyfully show up to lend a hand. I have a few friends facing medical challenges and I want to take away all their pain and uncertainty. I am very good at community building. I’m not shy about inviting people over and I foster a sense of ease in accepting and asking for favors, which I think may be the bedrock of forming community.

* Where, generally, do you live? Champlain Valley, Vermont * Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? Heartwood by Amity Gaige (breezy thriller my toddler picked out for me based on the cover haha) got through Shrinking, Parks & Rec, Survival of the Thickest as my delightful shows newly postpartum, and trying out Lanterns bc I heart Coach Taylor. * What has brought you joy lately? My small but mighty raspberry patch! Zinnia bouquets from the side yard! * What are you worried about these days? Climate crisis, wars, raising up kids in this current political landscape. And close to home, worried about my 4 year old transitioning from 3days at an in home daycare to 5 day a week (outdoor!) preschool. * What’s something you love about yourself? My sense of humor. I love to make people laugh!

Live in Western WA ! Just read Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash and it’s one of the best books I’ve read in awhile. Also Adult Braces by Lindy West. I laughed so hard. Seriously. Watching new season Ted Lasso and just finished 15th season King of the Hill. I’m really loving the new seasons of that Joys : saw a snail walking on the path into work recently. Took a video. SO cute. Also my daughter surprised me with a little Jimothy she crocheted for me !! Worries: ugh too many. The brevity of life lately. Something I love about myself : I stay true to me and what I value in this life. My dear friend back East recently texted me that she told her son (who is living in an RV traveling the country) that I inspired her to live her “one big glorious life.” That was neat. to hear.

Where, generally, do you live? Manchester, Uk * Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? Books – the Correspondent, Theo of Golden Not quite in these categories but I’ve been loving the poetry of Harry Baker, his poems about being a new parent are really moving * What has brought you joy lately? My three week old baby girl, I’m still in awe of this tiny human I’ve created. * What are you worried about these days? Being a good enough mum, and feeling like I’m winging it every single day * What’s something you love about yourself? I’m good at talking to new people and I’m genuinely interested in their points of view

– Currently, in coastal North Carolina. We love it, but we’re military, so we’re enjoying the dreamy beachy life while we can! – I’m watching Girls for the first time after reading Lena Dunham’s Famesick. I find it all fascinating but I don’t know if I love it. – I started knitting again after a 5 year hiatus (pregnancies, post partum, and little ones aren’t so conducive to sitting still with balls of yarn), and I am obsessed. I’m still working to recover my skills, but I’m relishing creation and the anticipation of more to come. – Today, my husband’s emotional availability. Meh. – I love that I am relatable and approachable. People seem to like to be around me, and that makes me feel good.

* Upstate NY near the shores of Lake Ontario * The Summer Book by Tove Jansson was a balm — I believe I first saw it recommended by Kaitlyn here on COJ! A few old friends and I did a summer book club together and we all loved it. * Seeing my 8-month-old nephew’s perfect little personality start to emerge. His smile melts my heart and I can’t remember what life was before him. * When/if I will ever be pregnant. Work stress consuming me. My aging father. * I am a good listener and I pay close attention to the people I love.

I live in Copenhagen, Denmark – I’m reading the Iliad after watching the Odyssey I thought I should get back to basics Joy : in the ordinary like when my teenage son made us lunch when I was working from home, as for worries: we just moved in in a smaller place and I’m afraid we won’t adjust properly I think I’m empathetic, bold and pretty funny

Tardy to the party but: * I live in coastal NC – hot but glorious too! * I watched Widows Bay by myself when it came out, and am now rewatching with my sister who is watching it for the first time. It’s fun to watch it together and on different wavelengths! * Joy lately: spots of poetry, rainy days, good cups of coffee, kindness and chatter with strangers (very southern of me!). My health has been dragging at me all summer, but things aren’t getting worse and I have what I need. * Worries: so much! But I am trying to participate in community and do what I can in my corner of the world and with my loved ones to be well and spread that wellness. * What’s something you love about yourself? I’m proud of myself for learning how to not be responsible for things that are not my responsibility. It’s so freeing! My therapist is a dude, which – scary – but he’s lovely and empowering and reminds me that not all men are trash, despite the dating-app-ugh of so many lolsob

1. charlottesville, va 2a. i recently read “some people” by panini schroff, which was so delightful that I’m now reading her prior book “the bandit queens.” 2b. recently watched “Listers” on YouTube, which was so great & got me out of a end-of-summer funk 3. joy: we took our kids (9 and 12) to our favorites spots along the blue ridge parkway this weekend. parenting has been a real slog lately, but we found so much joy in hunting for all the mushrooms along the trail! 4. worried for my 9yo, who is truly the most awesome girl, but is struggling to find her people at school. 5. right now, loving my commitment to waking up super early to exercise regularly, and the positive way that impacts my physical and mental health.

Westchester, NY (by way of NYC!) * I’m binging SUITS and loving it – also reading Mad Mabel! * Old friends, you can’t make them!! + coffee and my book outside in the morning + CupofJo being back from vacation! * Yeesh, the state of the world, the environment and my aging parents * I’m kind and follow-through – always.

1. I live in Colorado. 2. I recently read the graphic memoir The Joy of Snacking by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell and it was excellent. 3. My brother and dad visited me recently (their first non-winter visit) and it was excellent. 4. I am feeling a little bit like I need to change some things (I’m 31) and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed/lost. 5. How much I’ve been dreaming lately.

1. I live in the Powderhorn Park neighborhood of Minneapolis 2. I watched Interstellar for the first time and was impressed. My mom also recommended Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation and it was funny to watch its old-fashioned kind of humor. 3. I have been enjoying Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang while I go for walks. I especially loved the Billie Eilish episode. It cracked me up. 4. I am worried if my husband and I are too old to have children. I am 38 and he is 46. I have been a fence sitter for a long time. During my 30s I was going through some very challenging health issues and only now feel I have regained the stability that would allow me to have a child. 5. I love that I haven’t given up on life even though there were many times I wanted to.

Love reading these ❤️ -Portland, OR -book: Whistler (Ann Patchett never disappoints) show: Search Party! – joy: I can’t get enough of my kids, their gangly bodies, their awkwardness, their humor and drama and woes (I have a 12 year old boy and 8 year old twin girls) – worry: splitting parenting time 50/50 with my ex in a non amicable relationship is the hardest thing in my life and not getting easier. I miss my kids like I’ve had 3 limbs cut off and I can’t currently change the situation. – self love: even when I feel like I’m flailing, I’ve been told by so many that I’m their rock, their steady hand, their constant; also recently a friend told me I’ve transformed completely and am beaming light from within since I left my (very toxic) marriage.

– Where, generally, do you live? North San Diego County, CA – Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? I’m reading “Pachinko”, as recommended in your Big Book Summer post, and loving it! Also FINALLY started Ted Lasso with my husband, and it’s such a sweet and funny palette cleanser to darker shows that we’re also loving: Lucky, Furious – What has brought you joy lately? My four year old grandson starts an intensive PreK tomorrow! He lives in two households with English and Spanish, and may need speech therapy. And he’s ready to make ALL the friends. <3 – What are you worried about these days? My kids, to varying degrees, and the world. – What’s something you love about yourself? I am kind, generous and funny!

* Nashville, TN! * We’ve just matched with a birth momma and our baby girl is due soon, and have been watching the show, Trying, which is about adoption and really cute. * The Universe’s constant love and guidance, super grateful. * The current administration. Global Warming. Robots taking over. * I love how I’m leaning into aging, and how I’m embracing my natural silver highlights :) P.S. Can we invite some adoption topics, conversation to the blog soon?

1. I live in the DC area, where we’ve been having such nice weather lately! Usually August is stifling but we’ve had fall in the air 2. I’m re-reading Middlemarch by George Eliot and it’s such a brilliant gem of a novel 3. My young boys bring me so much joy. They are tanned and content after an active fun summer spent mostly at our neighborhood pool goofing off with their friends 4. My husband has a new job pending that he really wants, waiting on final offer. The start of a new year always makes me a little anxious, my baby is starting pre-school which I’m a little weepy about 5. I’m really good at listening to people, and making them feel seen. I also bring a sanguine fun energy to social events. The thing I like most about myself though is how good I am at spending my leisure alone time and savoring the small goods of life.

* Where, generally, do you live? N. California * Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? Widows Bay on Apple for TV and Daughters of the Sun and Moon by Lisa See for a book. * What has brought you joy lately? Having my house back to normal after getting the interior painted * What are you worried about these days? Cancer. I have another test after an abnormality on my mammogram and I discovered I have a syndrome that will require yrly colonoscopy’s 😩. I’m thankful I prioritized these routine appt. to be ahead of the game. * What’s something you love about yourself? Everything. Lots of things have been put into perspective recently and changed how I see myself.

1. I live in the Powderhorn Park neighborhood of Minneapolis 2. I watched Interstellar for the first time and was impressed. My mom also recommended Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation and it was funny to watch its old-fashioned kind of humor. 3. I have been enjoying Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang while I go for walks. I especially loved the Billie Eilish episode. It cracked me up. 4. I am worried if my husband and I are too old to have children. I am 38 and he is 46. I have been a fence sitter for a long time. During my 30s I was going through some very challenging health issues and only now feel I have regained the stability that would allow me to have a child. 5. I love that I haven’t given up on life even though there were many times I wanted to.

* Central Virginia, near the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains * Can I do music instead? I’ve had this song by a local musician on repeat for the past couple of months: https://youtu.be/k-wpZS1CU4o?si=qVSgVBB2_TvqBb7U * Cicada hum and cricket song, the ever-changing but always beautiful view of the mountains on my morning commute, a visit with my nieces, donuts from my favorite shop, and my cat, of course, always * Cruelty, greed, resignation * I’m a good listener

Where: Copenhagen, Denmark (COJ community, if any of you live here, let’s meet up!) Books: Theft, Abdulrazak Gurnah. I randomly picked it up at the library and couldn’t put it down! Joy: I recently went on my first aunty-niece trip. On our last night, we got into a small argument (I’m still learning to navigate being an aunt to a teenager), and I felt so bad about it. But then a few hours later, she blurted out, ‘I will never not like you. Even if I get annoyed at you, I can’t not love you.’ Worries: Will I ever have my own children. After 4 years and 10 rounds of IVF, we’re gearing up for another embryo transfer. I’ve been struggling to stay hopeful, and I find myself going through the motions of my treatment plan, without any real feelings attached to it. Maybe that’s normal, after having been in this for years, but for someone who’s fundamentally optimistic and happy, I sometimes don’t even recognize myself. Something about myself that I love: I love that I’m not shy and can strike up conversation with anyone. It’s given me so many wonderful friendships in my life.

1. Pacific NW 2. Movie – Odyssey; Book – Names 3. Joy – Watching my children really lean into their passions. 4. Fear – my constant worry about never being good enough. 5. Love about myself – My ability to force myself outside of my comfort zone.

Hello from Salt Lake City! I just finished Tana French’s newest book, The Keeper…so satisfying, tears of joy upon finishing it. Next up, Whistler by Ann P. and “Time to Burn” by Ellory Lloyd – a new author to me (actually a couple writing under a pen name.) Shows – just finished Apple Tv’s “Star City” ….and also the parallel show “For All Mankind.” LOVED “My Brilliant Career!” Bringing joy – the late summer Monsoon weather pattern finally giving our parched high desert a big drink! Hearing owls calling to each other in the early morning when I let the dog out – Autumn is coming! I worry about the state of our country, and our democracy, every day. I worry about my elderly parents and how I can help them best during this end stage of their lives. I worry that my 33 year old daughter will have trouble getting pregnant. I love that I am 63 years old and “still standing after all these years!” I’m ready for my third chapter!

* Where, generally, do you live? Just outside of London, UK. * Any books/shows/movies you’ve enjoyed lately? I’m reading “Strangers” by Belle Burden. * What has brought you joy lately? My daughter got into university to study physics in London, and we are so happy for her. (Also relieved she won’t be moving far from us.) * What are you worried about these days? Same as always; the kids, aging parents. * What’s something you love about yourself? I’m empathetic and funny (I think :))

LA CA (aka Los Angeles, California) I loved The Odyssey Knowing that my daughter will be home tonight. I’m hosting her wedding shower on Sunday! What am I NOT worried about? I’ll get politiical and say that I don’t know how the country comes back from this mess. My great memory. My mom had alzheimer’s so I appreciate the value of remembering all the things.

*Bay Area! * Ted Lasso Season 4, Trying Season 5 * Beautiful pottery. I recently discovered Rose Lee’s work in Yosemite’s Ansel Adams Gallery. So captivating: https://roselee-urbanpotter.com * My kids, the government, economy, climate change * My curiosity and desire to keep growing