Weekly Jetsam 1.29.2023
MY JOURNAL IS OUT. Oh, I'm also sharing Paula Fuga, Jennifer Coolidge, and Shel Silverstein with you this morning!
I have news! My journal is OUT.
In the spirit of my newsletter, Close Enough, I decided the time was right to deliver my journal baby. I really put my heart into this project and am happy with the results. There are some improvements that I want to make and I’m still gathering feedback, but I felt the time was right for a first iteration.
It was a huge learning experience. My goal was to create something that would allow people to use nature as a lens to reflect on their own lives. Although I’ve shared my writing on the internet, having something “in-print” is definitely nerve-wracking. I self-published it, but it somehow still feels more “real” (including the typos that I’m sure still exist, but alas close enough).
I have dreams of creating some offerings centered around it so stay tuned.
If you’re interested in purchasing a copy you can find it on Amazon as I continue to learn more about the universe of self-publishing and my options.
Please let me know your thoughts!
Okay, now onto everything else.
Wholeheartedly,
Maggie
Music:
My mood is easily swayed by music. However, I’ve realized that my audio diet consists almost entirely of podcasts these days. I think my lack of sing-alongs can be partly attributed to the grieving process as well. It is really challenging to have 75% of my Spotify library remind me of my dad. He loved music and shared so much of it with me. I will always be grateful for getting to see Neil Young in concert with him a few years ago.
In an attempt to lift my mood on another gray day earlier this week, I hit play on Paula Fuga. She is someone I did not share with my dad. I first discovered her music a few years ago via Jack Johnson. Her voice instantly went right to my soul.
Although, I listened to her song, Just a Little Bit Longer, many times before I never really took in the lyrics. When it started playing through my speakers this week, the lyrics were all I could hear. It was definitely a little gift from the universe. Give it a listen.
And we can be just a little bit better
Better than yesterday
Even better tomorrow
If we just love just a little bit more
Be true to yourself
Give from your heart
Just a little bit.
Paula Fuga, —"Just a Little Bit”
(Speaking of grief–If you want to hear a grief-y Paula Fuga, Jack Johnson & Ben Harper song, listen to If Ever. I have totally had MANY cathartic shower sing-along cries to it.)
Watch:
Along with wanting to listen to music more frequently, I’ve decided that I need to increase the amount of laughter in my life. I know Jennifer Coolidge is having a MOMENT, but I’ve loved her since I saw Best in Show for the first time (a movie I no longer can frequently enjoy because I have a dog who can’t handle animals on TV…SO RUDE).
When I saw this clip of her this week, it gave me a much needed laugh.
Here’s a little extra Jennifer Coolidge for you, because why not?
Quotes:
I tutor students who are hospitalized as they receive mental health treatment. Part of my job is always having a lesson prepared in the event that one of them does not have access to their own schoolwork. I use this as a chance to revisit topics I enjoyed as a student or ones that I want to learn more about.
This week I did a lesson on poetry and revisited Shel Silverstein. It was the first time I read his poetry in this decade of my life and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Last Week’s Newsletters:
Congrats on the journal! I so agree with your point about music and mood. I recently wrote a post on my substack about the role of music in my search for a calmer, more equanimous disposition.
That little dude on the diving board is so familiar to me, too! Congrats on the release of your journal and being the corner connector for Pema & Deepak in that screen grab!