Magpies, I can hardly believe I’m writing these words:
I signed a book deal!
Coming May 2026: a collection of musings, poems, lists, and moments noticing the small everyday things that bring joy and meaning to our lives, published by Quarto, authored by me.
May 2026 feels far away right now but, as we say: it takes a long time to become. And I am learning about the long, recursive, and beautiful process of making a book, and seeing it through edits, and having a real, live editor (and copy-editor!) to collaborate with, and talking about design and layout. In truth, the book began a long, long time ago, when I was six years old and first stapling together stories written on construction paper for my mother, and feeling that strange, never-ending compulsion to translate my observations into letters. That’s probably the truest origin story I can find in myself; the bulk of the intervening 34 years has been a blur of revision.
The entire thing feels like a woozy dreamwalk; maybe this is what I was grappling with when I asked whether you believe in fate, or magic, or what have you. All I can say is that I wrote in my New Year’s Bingo Card that I wanted to query agents for a manuscript I was working on, and here I am in April with a book deal. Through some combination of mystery, grace, and hard work, here we are.
But let me get to my point, which is to thank you for making this possible. Every time you have visited my blog, or shared an essay, or left a comment, or liked a post on Instagram, you have paved a little bit more of this path for me. In many ways, this book is a product of our little community of noticers, and I am so proud of us for it.
Onward, Magpies!
Post-Scripts.
+On shaking hands with the blank page each and every day.
+Are you a hummingbird or jackhammer? Turns out I’m a jackhammer in a hummingbird’s jacket.
+A luminary. (On making it through a hard time!)
+And in case you need it: the reassurance library.
Shopping Break.
+Have you seen Banana Republic’s new April arrivals? Absolutely gorgeous dresses for special occasions. I love this robin’s egg blue fit and flare, this patterned midi (Alemais vibes), this khaki utility style (Ulla Johnson, is that you?!), and this breathtaking poplin midi.
+And over at Old Navy: the most adorable eyelet midi set!
+Speaking of sets: I just ordered this white linen two-piece set from Few Moda. It’s made by the same manufacturer that produces Jenni Kayne, but $89 if you’re a member at Few Moda, which — just through 4/21, is free for the first quarter if you buy any item there.
+A seriously fun sneaker. Do I need these?!
+Still my favorite athletic dress. So flattering and comes in great colors. I’ve had the same pale pink one for several summers and love it. I did notice they released a cami style top, too!
+As you know, I love a pouch. I am the pouch queen! I have one of these Minnow ones in a different pattern, but love this one too! The ones from Pehr are also excellent, whether using for baby/children or just yourself! I love to give those as baby gifts. They’re a great, roomy size — I use now for packing undergarments while traveling — but excellent for holding diapers, pacifiers, little sets of clothing, etc.
+Speaking of Pehr, I just saw they released sleep sacks! Their swaddles are so incredibly soft and charmingly printed; I know these will be the same. Our favorites when my babies were little were by Kyte. (Quince has a good look for less.)
+More seriously sweet baby gifts. This brand makes the most darling patterns!
+As if Jo Malone cleaned your kitchen.
+Love this CIAO tote.
+Wow – this Loretta Caponi.
+Fun, inexpensive top — reminds me of Hunter Bell?
+These Dries sneakers caught my attention.
+Not a glamorous topic, but if you are prone to body breakouts from exercise, I swear by this body wash and this treatment oil.
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