Captivations is a monthly feature with links, stories, and news that captivated me. It’s also a monthly update/recap of what’s going on in my world. Here’s a summary for July 2023.
July Recap
One of the best things about summer is ease. It’s too hot to go anywhere. It’s slow and easy-going. That’s what July was for me. With the exception of our Washington, DC trip, July was full of no plans. Instead, it was being spontaneous on the weekends but a lot of staying home and watching a show or reading a book. The days are long and the months are short. Not every month needs to be packed with life-changing, headlining experiences. The small things matter too. Don’t forget to notice them.
For the Planet
One of the best things about visiting Indonesia was the food. From street food to finer dining, there are good eats and innovations. One restaurant I visited – Locavore – just announced their next step. I love that they are walking the talk and innovating for the good of people and the planet. Check out their cool website to see it! See this post for my dining experience a few years ago.
You are the healer
The saying goes, “Time heals all wounds.” Time allows other thoughts and emotions to take the place of the wound, but in reality, as Danielle LaPorte points out, you are the healer. You shift your thoughts and process what is needed for you to move on.
Climate Emotions
A few years ago, when I posted about sustainability, I had climate emotions. If you read about what is happening to our earth, it is daunting and hopeless. Our planet continues to heat up, affecting all our ecosystems. Our consumerism continues to be excessive and thoughtless, encouraging companies to keep up their destructive processes. From this New Yorker article, I’m not the only one who feels the overwhelming dread.
Octopus House
I recently learned about this house in Austin. The owner turned a dull gray box of a house into a colorful tribute to the ocean. What a fun place to live! See all the photos on the website.
Inner Work
To be a better leader and a more aware person, putting focus on your inner work can make a big change. In short, inner work includes your feelings, processes, and values. Understanding your core allows you to recognize it in others to understand the bigger picture. This article gives a lot more details.
Self-Care
Self-care helps you reset and relax. This list of 99 things gives some good ideas. What would happen if you added one small indulgence/habit to improve your mood?
Good and Bad Parents
I recently started listening to How to Start Over, a podcast by The Atlantic. It explores a variety of topics and this one discusses family relationships, and specifically, how the parent-child relationship changes.
Loose Ends
I love this organization called Loose Ends, which helps people finish craft projects loved ones leave behind. This NPR article tells all about it. Projects like finishing a sweater or quilt can help families tie up literal loose ends and have a cherished memento.
The Bear IRL
As a reader of this blog, you know I geek out about dining experiences. The Bear is one of my favorite shows right now because it shows the reality and beauty of restaurants. (If you haven’t watched it yet, season 2 came out recently and it’s a drama show about a fine dining chef returning home to run the family restaurant.) If you’ve watched any of the seasons, you may enjoy this Eater interview and this Second Life podcast episode with Chef Courtney Storer, who is the culinary producer of the show. She’s in charge of ensuring the culinary things they’re doing, like how they’re cooking, are true to reality.
5 Things I Love Lately
- A delicious bowl of pasta
- Stopping to notice things like a moth flapping its wings or to smell my jasmine plant
- Pool parties
- I’m more than halfway to my reading goal this year
- Perfect watermelon
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