I Do Not Long For Extravagance

Only more time to enjoy the simple things

A foggy morning at Mohonk Mountain House, a lovely retreat from the city

Usually I’m impatient for summer to begin but this spring has gone by far too fast that I wish I had more time before the sun gets hot and the blooms dry up. The pace picked up in mid April with a trip to Tennessee, then Mexico a few weeks later, then Utah for a music festival, then New York at the end of May, with visits from my brother and a dear friend speeding up time even more. A cold knocked me out for two weeks in between, and most recently, I tested positive for Covid. Steve too. Our second time with it. Now it’s the middle of June and all I want is to slow down so we can enjoy these precious few days when the afternoons are warm but the mornings and nights are cool. I can still wear sweatshirts and sleep in socks and get goosebumps and enjoy hot coffee.

I suppose being stuck at home has helped me savor these long days as we approach the solstice. All I’ve been able to do while waiting to test negative is sleep in until 7 and write for work and walk Kona and water the herbs and read a book I can’t put down and pick up sewing again. My friends check in to see how I’m doing, which makes me miss them more than I already do. But truthfully, all I’ve been wanting is an excuse to do nothing—or rather, to do all the things that I don’t do when I have other things to do. Over the weekend, I planted tomato starts a friend dropped off on our porch, and I picked mint leaves from our potted plant to make my favorite meatball recipe. On Monday, I boiled water and sugar and lemon thyme leaves I planted in another pot to make a simple syrup for ice cream. Every afternoon around 3 p.m., I draw the curtains in our living room so it doesn’t get too hot and reopen them when the sun dips behind the trees across the street. At night we’ve been rewatching The Bear one episode at a time, and we tuck in bed at 9:30 to read even though it’s still light out. Since my cough went away a few nights ago I’ve been sleeping really soundly. Keeping the window open to feel the breeze helps. And in the morning, the routine starts over again.

Me thinking, “I think I need a rocking chair”

Knowing myself well, I anticipate getting bored of this routine eventually. The monotony will wear on me, and I will want something new. But for now, it feels really comforting to settle in after so much unrest. The simple things bring me the most joy. Tossing the ball for my dog in the backyard at lunchtime. Opening the windows in the morning. Ironing fabric. Curling around Kona and Steve on the couch. At least for right now, I do not long for anything extravagant. Only for time to slow. Okay fine, and maybe a Nelson saucer pendant for the dining nook.

Lots of love,

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Latest Stories

• Last week, I published the first installment of STUDIO VISITS, a film photo and interview series lasting for the rest of the year featuring Portland artists in their studios. Lauren Beane and I (and the artists!) would be so grateful if you read and shared them. The next one comes out on June 28, and the first one showcases abstract artist Brenna Hodges, who shares with us this wisdom: “A disciplined schedule might not be the most conducive to creative work. I’m trying to prioritize filling my cup first, then working.”

Studio Visit With Brenna Hodges

• For Backpacker, I wrote about how the Oregon Coast Trail is undergoing a transformation thanks to a new action plan proposing long-term improvements. I’m itching to get out there again, this time for an overnighter. Oh, to fall asleep to the sound of waves!

• I also wrote a series of skills stories for Backpacker about mosquitos, skincare, and hair care, just in time for your summer backpacking trips.

• For Field Mag, I covered Hikerkind’s latest collection and evolution of their hiking clubs into Portland and beyond. I went to all three events of their pop-up with Earth\Studies in May because I’m so dang excited for them to grow.

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June Mood

Blues (as always) and stripes and shells and baskets and bubble lights and embroidery

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Monthly Shareables

Reading: I finished Tom Lake by Ann Patchett in only a few sittings because it was that good. If you’re looking for something campy and nostalgic and witty and cozy, this is it. Next up is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.

Wearing: On days I don’t leave the house, I’m wearing these LeBon Shoppe sweats. Entirely worth the money. I have the Arc Pants on my wishlist.

Making: The Rhett chore coat out of a cornflower blue denim, my first sewing project since March. Also this no-churn lemon thyme ice cream is decent.

Cooking: Buttered noodles with jammy eggs is my new comfort dinner

Using: A brand sent me a Kodak M35, and it’s so lightweight and compact that I’ve been taking it everywhere. TBD how the film (Kodak Gold 200) turns out.

Listening: The Challengers soundtrack on repeat. Btw, this analysis of the film by

Lina Dune

is everything.

Planning: My friend Emma introduced me to the concept of a summer Bingo card (rather than a summer bucket list), so here’s mine. We decided we should get treats every time we finish a row and a big one if we finish the whole card.

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