Great news, we're all alive

Also in here: cute new top, Palm Springs photos, thoughts on marrying at 20

Apr 10, 2024

Hi! First of all, a very warm welcome to the new readers who made it here by way of the generous Joanna Goddard. Here’s a quick primer on Handpicked. So happy to have you!

I’m pleased to report that everyone is alive after six consecutive days of togetherness. And by “togetherness” I mean that the children and I were literally five feet from each other at all times; it was spring break and Nate was out of town on production, so we ate, slept, drove, cried, cleaned, walked, talked, peed, screen timed, bathed, painted, and breathed practically on top of each other for about a week. Super proud of us all for not marooning someone off the end of the pier.

Here’s a nice photo I got back from the lab during the trying times.

I love my children so much and I am so happy they’re hanging out with their teachers and dad for some of the hours // Kodak Portra 160 film

today’s bouquet

My favorite eclipse coverage so far. Also, what to do with your glasses.
Do you listen to The Moth? It’s my go-to when I am too tired to commit to a podcast or an audiobook and just want something to ‘snack on’ while I finish the dishes. My #1 favorite story ever told on The Moth is one of a six-year-old breaking the teacher’s rules. Related: my second-favorite Moth story. (via Mom)
Green marbled picture frame, be mine! (I’d put this in it)
Dreaming of a mural in my front room. (via Lizzy)
Good reminder, both ways.
Took all four kids to Anthropologie, purchased this summery top, broke nothing. That is what I call a successful shopping trip.
I’ve never been to Brooklyn and I know I’m missing out! 12 charming shops in Cobble Hill + Carroll Gardens.
So cute: chipmunk tries almonds.
You don’t have to be pretty.
Favorite link this week: 90 Prints in Honor of Jane Goodall. Each photograph was made in nature by a woman, including a few from Jane herself.
Made me laugh.
Charlie negotiated a pack of these for doing a few jobs; meanwhile Lucy wants one of these for her trouble, and Eleanor wants to buy some stock lol.

my biggest and littlest :’) // Kodak Portra 160 film

If you’re in your twenties, may I recommend this podcast episode about adult development. FWIW, I’m 33 and still got a lot out of it. I got married when I was 20 and spent a lot of my twenties trying to figure out how to “admit” my age in casual conversation. Even though I was happy and and confident (and by the way very much in love), it felt like everyone around me was secretly embarrassed for me that I’d gotten married so young. Same thing with having a baby at 23. Now, many years later, I’m still happy and I don’t regret those decisions at all (though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them to everyone). If anything, I regret doubting myself and letting others’ judgements color my thinking. Certainly, I can see how lucky I am that things have gone so well. I also see places where Nate and I have chosen to make things work out. Luck and choices. Is that maybe all adulthood even is?
“Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing — and keeping the unknown always beyond you.”
— Georgia O’Keeffe

mom talk

Eeek, there’s a good chance of making people mad in this one so I’m sticking it down here. Whatever, I’m super happy about this subtle and very unexpected feminist moment.

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