Hey y’all!
February is here – finally. It’s also the start of my birthday month! While February is short, often grey, and not always well-loved, I’m excited to make it a good month. Even if I have drag it, kicking and screaming, into joy.
Also, Happy Imbolc! I’m wearing my Brigid’s cross and meditating on how we’re halfway to spring. If you want to join me, consider lighting a candle today and thanking the earth and your body for winter and the resting season. Remember, lighter days are coming.
Without further ado, here’s my Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.!
READING
This was a good reading week! I finished several books, including Song of Silver, Flame like Night (and immediately picked up the sequel from my local library).
I was also approved for Alix E. Harrow’s new short story on NetGalley. It’s only about ~36 pages, but I was really excited to read this dystopian Appalachian fantasy. This was definitely a 5 star read for me – immaculately crafted and beautifully imagined.
I have a LOT of stellar ARCs waiting for me on NetGalley, so there’s a lot of good reading ahead.
EATING
It was allllllll about maitake this week. Maitake, also know as Hen of the Woods, is a thick, meaty mushroom with a strong flavor. I’ve fallen in love with oven-roasting it. It holds up well to the heat, with the outer edges crisping while the center stays tender and meaty.
I ate it on top of beans and congee and both versions were stellar. If you can get your hands on this mushroom, I recommend drizzling it with olive oil and coating with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then you pop it in the oven at 425 for ~10-12 minutes and you’re golden.
PLAYING
I’m wrapping up winter with the melancholy Christmas playlist I made this year. It’s moody and sad – no jingly carols here. Listen if January left you wishing someone would shove you face-first into a large snowdrift and leave you there til you can’t feel anything anymore.
OBSESSING
Definitely obsessing over my cats this week – especially Kimchi. She’s been particularly cute (I think you’ll have to agree).
RECOMMENDING
Sour Milk and Bitter Herbs | Labaneh and Zaatar – a powerful personal essay about food, culture, diaspora, and identity by Amal El-Mohtar, the co-author of This is How You Lose the Time War.
Also, since he’s up for confirmation this week, I think it’s a great time to listen to Maintenance Phase’s episodes about RFK Jr. Putting this man in charge of Health and Human Services would be incredibly dangerous and it’s important that we stay informed. If you haven’t already, call your reps first thing on Monday and ask them not to confirm RFK Jr.!
