THINKING ABOUT:
Why is the total eclipse of the sun so compelling? In 2017, San Diego achieved 70% totality and all of our neighbors were outside with their kids and various contraptions to see the eclipse and talk about it. My favorite thing was handing the kids colanders so they could throw cool shadows onto the sidewalk, and the moment we realized that the leaves on the trees were already creating them.
In Oceanside today we achieved 60% totality and people seemed to be going about their business as if nothing was happening, even though the light was a bit strange. There are fewer trees in our new neighborhood and no children, so it was just us outside with my colander, but I did find some beautiful shadows in front of our neighbor’s house. On CNN, we caught totality on Stowe Mountain in Vermont, and finally felt the wonder. The meteorologist was SO JAZZED about what was happening, why it was special, and being able to see all the planets lined up in a way that is not visible in springtime at night.
There are so many things we miss, heads down, rushing, scrolling our phones. The eclipse required people to prepare, wait, and be present in the actual moment so as not to miss it. And to look up and see the beauty that is always there waiting for us.
Promotional image from The Morning Show, AppleTV+
WATCHING:
We just finished The Morning Show and the amount of talent Apple has corraled is impressive. I have been on local morning shows a few times, so I’m not completely unfamiliar with the process. What interested me were the episodes showing how they did business during the pandemic, how people really weren’t paying much attention to it, and the feeling of dread when you know what’s coming and the characters don’t. It’s a fascinating meditation on legacy media, cancel culture, and women’s power (or lack of same).
READING:
I am positively GRIPPED reading Chris Cantor’s The Young of Other Animals, a dual-POV novel about a mother and 19-year-old daughter dealing with the aftermath of a shocking event.
EATING:
I made a lamb roast with this mint chimichurri sauce for Easter dinner last weekend and that sauce is SO GOOD I strongly recommend making it to slather on SOMETHING. It was great tossed with a head of cauliflower before roasting it at 425F.
Mint Chimichurri Sauce
15” prep
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Pulse all ingredients in a blender or food processor until emulsified. You should still see flecks of individual ingredients in the sauce. Rub on lamb chops or a roast before cooking, then serve on the side to pour over. Toss with roasted vegetables like potatoes and cauliflower. Marinate tofu steaks in it.
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