Psst — are you the type of person who subscribes to newsletters hoping for a glimpse of someone else’s dirty laundry? Well, behind today’s paywall is a literal dirty laundry room. It’s... kind of embarrassing. If you become a paid subscriber, you can see what it looks like now!
On Thursday evening, I got together with two friends for no other reason than to sit on a porch and catch up. We talked about the challenges — and joys — of our lives: working through disagreements in our relationships, navigating new stages of parenthood, caring for aging parents, learning to care for our own aging bodies. The night settled into a comforting ebb and flow of heaviness and lightness, concern and laughter.
Before we departed — well past everyone’s bedtime — my friend Meredith asked us each to share one thing we were looking forward to. The conversation had ebbed a bit, and it helped us end the evening on a hopeful note that would carry us home.
“Returning to the newsletter,” I said. “It feels like my well is full again. I have lots to write about. It feels good.”
I’d been sensing this for a while, but I hadn’t said it out loud. The moment I did, I felt something release.
Yes! What a delight to be looking forward to returning to the page.
And now, here I am. Refreshed. Recharged. I missed writing to you. It feels good to be back.
June was a good month. Next Tuesday, I’ll return with regular posts for everyone. Today, though, is a little treat for the paying subscribers — the folks who make this newsletter possible. If you’d like to join them and read the rest of this post, you know what to do.
Onto the highlights!