Jen’s Weekend Drafts: Sit with Today’s Version of Yourself.

Jen Shoop

1 week ago

+SITTING WITH TODAY’S VERSION OF YOURSELF: A friend sent me this beautiful Instagram post: “I will never have this version of me again. Let me slow down and sit with her.” What a gorgeous sentiment. It left me a bit more tender-hearted toward myself. If nothing else, the Jen of today is trying her absolute best. I know that. I also found the thought cropping up in odd moments — like when I was powering up the final big ascent of my usual running route, and I thought: “I feel lucky to be this able and strong right now!”

+PETIT A PETIT, L’OISEAU FAIT SON NID: On the heels of announcing my book and ruminating over the murky lines between fate and agency, I remembered an aphorism from high school French class: “Petit a petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.” (Little by little, the bird makes its nest.) The little things add up to the big things; there are no big breaks. Stick with it.

+THIS, TOO, IS THE JOB: I wrote not long about acknowledging the parts of our daily work that are often overlooked, and naming them as constituent, real parts of our lives that consistently call for our effort. I loved this quote from Walter Mosley, which made me think differently about the days where I sit at my desk and scratch at the earth for awhile:

“If you sit down in front of the screen and read what you wrote yesterday, that’s enough. Writing is all about the unconscious, and the unconscious should be checking with the story every day.”

This is either a great vote of confidence for fallow time as a creative, or an excellent excuse for procrastination…

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VACATION BOOK REC, PLS: I should have solicited this input on my book review post earlier this week, but do you have a vacation book recommendation? Something light and fluffy and romantic — Emily Henry vibes? (I’ve read her entire backlist though.) You can share by clicking the little “feedback bubble” icon that is wiggling at the beginning of this blurb.

+SELLING OUT FAST: I have developed relationships with some of the brands I know and love and routinely feature on this blog, and wanted to mention that I heard through the grapevine that The Outset is running low on its new tinted lip oasis line. Try the dune (nude) before it sells out! I’m obsessed with it.

+BESTSELLERS: These Frank and Eileen sweats, on sale here! As I mentioned last week, incredibly comfortable but hold their shape in a flattering way that doesn’t outline every curve on your body like some sweats do? I love the length. Great colors! Run TTS.

01. FRANK AND EILEEN SWEATS // 02. TUCKERNUCK BLUE DRESS // 03. RAG + BONE SHIRT (ON SUPER SALE AND SUCH A GOOD BUY — I OWN AND LOVE THIS) // 04. K18 HAIR TREATMENT* // 05. DISNEY STROLLER TAG // 06. STRIPED MIDI SKIRT // 07. J. CREW SUEDE SANDALS // 08. TARGET GIRLS BELT BAG // 09. J. CREW COTTON CARDIGAN // 10. LEE RADZIWILL BAG

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*Can you share how you use K18, if you do? I’ve read so many different ways people use it and I’m still finding my footing. I think the best result happened when I used it, got out of the shower and let it sink in for 30 minutes, and then rinsed it back out, but that was kind of an ordeal (in/out of shower). My friend and neighbor (with great hair) said she leaves it on for four minutes and then rinses out. I do think it’s too heavy for me to leave in; it weighs my hair down. What are your strategies?!

+AVOCADO INVENTORY MANAGEMENT: Landon and I make the same green smoothie every single morning: kale, avocado, banana, orange juice, water, and ice. So we buy a lot of avocados, and have devised a great system for inventory management: did you know you can keep the firm ones in the fridge and they will stay firm until you remove them and let them temper on the counter for a few days?! It’s completely revolutionized our shopping process. Still, I had to send this meme to him —

+EYEING + BUYING: On my radar right now is this adorable little terry dress! I really wish I’d ordered it for Florida! I can’t decide which color I like most…I also just received the most charming set of “garden party” scented solid lotions from Kate McLeod. I absolutely love them. They smell divine! I kept the vanilla rose and am going to give the lavender one to a girlfriend. The packaging makes them such great gifts!