Joy Comes in Threes | Vol 01 🐌
What I’m loving, reading, watching, and listening to this spring.
Introducing my first volume of Joy Comes in Threes, a seasonal roundup of my newest favorite things.
As a conscious digital consumer, I love getting curated recommendations from other Substack authors rather than trying to make sense of the firehose of suggestions coming from social media. You too? You're in good company.
Here, I’ll share three things I’ve been loving, reading, watching, and listening to lately, and a few rhythms and routines I’ve been experimenting with.
Spring began with a quick girl’s trip to Nevada with my mom where we spent most afternoons by the pool with a good book.
Even though we had an oddly mild winter, I’m looking forward to a longer spring (minus my seasonal allergy flare-ups).
Our lilac shrubs are just starting to blossom, and it recently warmed up enough for me to plant an herb and veggie garden in my GreenStalk Garden vertical planter.
This spring, I want to perfect my lavender lemonade recipe, change my scenery more often, frequent the library, and eat lunch outside on our shaded patio.
With wonderful things on the way, here’s a look at my recent favorites:
What I’m loving
Nightly mocktails
As a puppy parent, I’m always looking for ways to tell my brain it’s time to rest and relax. To spice things up, I started mixing mocktails at night—complete with fancy glasses, fruit-infused ice, and homemade dried citrus garnishes! The viral Sleepy Girl Mocktail gets a 5/10 from me, but I love this Stonewall Mocktail with a sugar and cinnamon rim. 😍
Work sessions at the library
I used to work from the library a few days a week before the pandemic hit. As a beverage goblin who’s always snacking, the library is my haven since I can bring food and drinks from home. I’ve been going to the library closest to our new home at least once a week, and it’s been amazing. If you frequently work from the coffee shop, switch it up with the library.
Vintage shopping with friends
I’m in my thrifting era! My favorite things to thrift are glassware, sweaters, denim, decor, and books (obviously). On a recent trip with a friend, I bought an Italian 1980s denim dress that’s *chef’s kiss* and a burnt orange Italian 1990s suede jacket from Moth Oddities. I also went to the outdoor Minneapolis Vintage Market last weekend with two friends. I found an item I was on a mission for—the soft white linen shirt of my dreams which I’m currently wearing—and a 1960s vintage seersucker blazer that fit perfectly.
What I’m reading
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Anne begins Bird by Bird with a promise: to teach us everything she knows about writing. With a mix of fictional writing exercises and hard-fought wisdom, Anne candidly shares her journey in hopes of inspiring our own. Even though I’m not a fictional writer, I still gleaned a lot from these pages. On Writing Well and Writing for Busy Readers are up next for Q3!
Evidence by Mary Oliver
I haven’t written much poetry since I self-published Brave Little Bones in college, but one of my 2024 reading goals is to read more poetry. Mary Oliver is my all-time favorite, but this collection of hers was particularly breathtaking. In her signature style, Mary explores the beauty of nature in free verse.
The Little Book of Big Dreams by Isa Adney
I love it when a friend writes a book and you genuinely LOVE it. Crafted over nine years, Isa interviewed entrepreneurs, Disney executives, athletes, and others in search of what makes big dreamers unique. She then turned the stories into a narrative non-fiction book called The Little Book of Big Dreams. Some features had me tearing up, and I devoured it in two days. You’ll love it!
Substack Feature of the Month
byI interned for Lindsay many years ago, and it’s been fun following along with her slow business journey as a brand designer and new mom. I especially liked her essay Why Don’t We Hang Out Anymore? about how to redefine togetherness in the digital age.
What I’m watching
Finished Parks and Recreation (again)
After watching The Office for the eleventh time (my ultimate comfort show), I decided to switch it up with Parks & Rec. It might be my fifth or sixth time watching the series, but it cemented Ben as my favorite character in the show. Few moments have made me laugh more than Ben’s Claymation scene. The Cones of Dunshine subplot is also iconic.
House renovation videos from Ariel Bissett
I love watching home reno videos while taking a break from my renovation projects. Ariel Bissett, who’s currently renovating her 1850s farmhouse, is a BookTuber turned interior design YouTuber. She considers her style “eclectic maximalist” which couldn’t be more different from my own (cozy cottage minimalist with a mid-century modern twist), but her videos are SO delightful. Start with her Updated House Tour and Building the Perfect Reading Nook videos.
Romcom movie marathons
I firmly believe romcoms are a great choice any time of the year, but they’re especially cozy in the spring. I’ve been rewatching 13 Going on 30 (because we all wanted to be Jenna Rink, right?), Legally Blonde, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. And who else watches The Holiday even after the holidays? *confidently raises hand*
What I’m listening to
Book Girl audiobook by Sarah Clarkson
Book Girl, among other non-fiction audiobooks, has kept me company as I remove wallpaper from our primary bedroom. It’s a tedious job, but listening to a bookish author and theologian share her favorite classics felt like a lovely retreat. I wish I had a print copy I could refer back to for each book list, but it was a simple and enjoyable listen even though our reading tastes are a bit different.
Stick Season album by Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan has been on repeat lately. He’s been selling out shows left and right, so this isn’t an “underground” recommendation, but it’s an honest one. All My Love is my go-to song from this album, but Catastrophize is my favorite lesser-known gem. Thanks, Hannah, for the recommendation!
The Collaboratory podcast by Emily Jamieson
If you’ve never tried a listening prayer exercise, please tune into The Collaboratory. With season two already underway, you’ll have plenty of episodes to choose from, including Release Control and When God is Quiet. They’re a wonderful way to begin your slow morning.
A season to remember
What have you been loving this spring?
I’ve been meaning to try working from the library as a change of scenery!
This was so delightful to read! I can't wait to come over and share a mocktail with you this summer! 🌞🏝️