A Snapshot of April
Here we are in a new month! April both feels as though it dragged along and was gone in an instant at the same time. I think we’re all a little tired of hearing how this is an unprecedented time full of uncertainty and stress - which it is - but it’s also a time where we’re all just humans, doing our best and just doing normal human things. Like reading, listening to podcasts, and trying to perfect that sour dough starter (okay, I haven’t gotten on the sour dough train yet - but if anyone has good tips for making it happen send them my way, because I did bake my first loaf of yeasted bread!).
I’ve decided to start compiling my favorite things at the end of each month - books, podcasts, moments, recipes, and whatever feels relevant at the time. It’s both a great way to document the time (and look back years from now) and to share something that may inspire someone else. Have a list of your own? Post it in the comment below (I’d love get some new cooking and reading inspiration in particular)!
Favorite Book:
Gurmeet got me this book for my birthday and I have been reading it aloud to the girls every night. I’ve been super impressed with this one - it’s an interesting read (for any age) and isn’t too heavy. The main character, Nisha, is a thoughtful, well written character who brings the struggle of Indian citizens to life when India was split into Pakistan and India back in 1947. Especially with our family’s connection to the part of India where all of this happened, this was a really good read with my girls, who learned a little more about the world and their connection to it. Thank you Gurmeet— you have always been so good at finding the perfect gift!
Or you can purchase a copy from a local bookstore!
Favorite Snack:
Crispy Chickpeas! Oh man, these are amazing, and there are SO many ways to spice them up. They are super easy to make (this is the recipe I’ve been using by Minimalist Baker) and you can add whatever flavors you like to them. My personal favorite? Adding Zatar to give them a middle eastern flavor, or using Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning Blend.
*Photo by Minimalist Baker
Favorite Moment:
The four of us went and biked out Quigley. It was our first mountain bike ride of the season. We pedaled back at dusk, looking back on Hailey— it was one of the moments you just have to savor. An overwhelming feeling of gratefulness washed through me - for my family, for this place we call home, for our health - it was one of those mental pictures I hope to keep forever.
Favorite Playlist:
I’ve been on a real Bonnie Raitt kick lately. We’ve been watching The Voice and one of the contestants sang “Angel from Montgomery” - the rendition was beautiful (I cried as Gurmeet and the kids made fun of me as usual!) and brought back wonderful memories of listening to her music. When in college, I signed up for a documentary photography program in Maine that really helped me find my direction in life. I was 21, and Gurmeet and I had the time of our lives driving across the country, exploring as we went. Influenced by an aunt and uncle who we stayed with who were huge Bonnie Raitt fans, she became the soundtrack of that summer for me. It was pretty special when, a few years ago, the Sun Valley Center for the Arts brought her to Sun Valley and I got to photograph the concert. Re-listening to her songs brings me back to that long ago summer on the road and that more recent concert in Sun Valley. It’s crazy how those feelings can all feel like yesterday when I tune into her music.
Favorite Follow:
Who doesn’t want more flowers in their lives? The @WildFloraFarm is an awesome local flower grower with some seriously gorgeous bouquets to drool over. Go check out her page - I can’t wait to see what late spring blooms she posts!
Favorite Podcast:
This podcast has been such a good listen - not just for improving partnerships, but for learning ways to be a better communicator in any relationship. It’s honest and real. Esther is a professional psychologist (her Ted talks are also a good listen) and the podcast provides insight, questions, and a thoughtful narrative to things we all go through in relationships.
You can check it out wherever you listen to your podcasts!