I have done nothing all summer
but wait for myself to be myself again.
Welcome to The Simple Things, a newsletter inspired by one of my favorite Oscar Wilde quotes. This is a reminder to enjoy summer while it’s still here: eat that ice cream, wear those short shorts, and get in as much sun as possible (while wearing plenty of SPF, of course!). I don’t want to hear anything pumpkin-related until I see a leaf turn orange!
Today’s titular quote is from the magnificent artist, Georgia O’Keefe.
I tend to ramble, so you might have to expand this email to avoid missing anything. If you enjoy reading this newsletter, please let me know by hitting the heart button or subscribing!
Very flattered to have been featured by
for I just can’t resist sharing my hyperfixations with others… which is why you’re reading this (gesticulates hands wildly, knocks emotional support water bottle off desk, water spills, ice scatters, mayhem ensues).The world feels a bit feral these days, doesn’t it? I really appreciated
’s “We’re trying to have a society here” (which would make for a great Substack or band name) and “CAKE FOR LUNCH: A MODERN ETIQUETTE GUIDE” by and . As a Jane Austen devotee and a latchkey kid who once spent a month reading all the etiquette and manners books in the library one summer, I am especially obsessed with social codes and mores. I can hear arguments made about how such things were created to specifically exclude those who don’t belong, but that’s a really cynical way of looking at it because rules have always been designed to be broken so they can be refashioned, and reimagined. As wrote recently in “Dear Girl I Exchanged Words with on the Standing-Room-Only LIRR from Montauk to Penn Station on Monday 8/12 at 3:53pm”: “we are irrevocably bound to our fellow citizens—tied to them lot for lot, and responsible for them! More than that […] the bond is sacred.” Some hallowed rules I live by (mostly related to food):Serve others before myself. It’s definitely a side effect of growing up Chinese American. Whether it’s pouring water, handing out cake slices, ladling soups, you get what you put out. My Hong Kong aunties and uncles also got me into the habit of tapping the tabletop with middle two fingers when someone tops off my water or tea and I think that this should be a more common practice. [JoyfulHouse]
Never take the largest or last piece unless forced. In life, you should always get what you deserve, but if I see you applying this approach while dining out, then I will find you guilty of poor home training and judge you. HARD.
Just let them merge in front of you. As long as it’s safe to do so, it’s the easiest way to put out good karma and extra points if you’re the merger and you wave thanks. I also think we should all do more hazard thanks and zipper merging. [YouTube]
Please and thank you go a long way. It’s hard to be a good person every day, so if it’s too much to do anything else, then accomplish the very least by saying your “please and thank yous”.
I have a special place in my heart for Houston’s/Hillstone and this article does a great job of capturing why. [NYTimes]
Think it’s really cool that Artknit has an Imperfect Selection where they sell pieces that they’ve repaired and renewed. I’m not sure how the business model would work, but imagine the potential if more clothing lines did this.
I ❤️ Bookstores has a great map showing independent booksellers around the country.
Has anyone tried this hairdryer trick to remove water rings from wood furniture? If so, does it really work? [Martha Stewart]
I saw Sunisa Lee wear this Nike fleece at the Olympics, so I decided to wear this Nike fleece at the while watching the Olympics.
Recently watched:
Thelma - June Squibb is an absolute delight as a fiercely independent senior citizen who sets out to get her money back from scammers. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and a reminder that it’s okay to accept help from others.
Babes - I love how this movie highlights modern motherhood and gives friendships its due because sometimes friendships are more important and richer than family relationships. They should be respected as such, too!
The Instigators - Problematic actors playing problematic men. In Boston. I love a bumbling buddy comedy, though this one is a lot drier. It was fine and included on my Apple TV subscription. I would’ve been very annoyed if I paid for this separately. I also fell asleep towards the end if that means anything.
Recently read:
Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe - I genuinely cancelled all my Saturday plans to finish this book, that’s how good it is. It’s funny in a “fuck my life” kind of way and has so so much heart. I was very sad when it ended. A24 bought the rights to adapt the book, so it’ll be on screens soon!
The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe - A suggestion by Libby after I returned Margot and I was pleasantly surprised to see it was available to borrow — my lucky day! While Margot ended on an optimistic note, I found The Knockout Queen a little sadder and more heartbreaking. Thorpe has an uncanny ability to create moments of violence that never felt gratuitous, but it breaks your heart just the same. The ending left me on the verge of tears.
Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami - Translated novels are tricky because I always wonder how much of its success is because of the writer or the translator? Kawakami’s writing is less stilted than some translated Japanese novels I’ve read in the past, but I had a hard time connecting with the material. DNF.1
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater - Cannot remember who it was, but someone described this to me as Bridgerton meets Howl’s Moving Castle historical fantasy. Not a genre I often gravitate towards, but I’m about 13% into it and I’m really enjoying the writing and the Jane Austen vibes. I also recently discovered that you can read Kindle books on your computer through your browser, so I’ve been sneaking a few pages in throughout the workday.
These confections by @birdhousebakeshop via somstack:
I would love to be one of those stylish women who can pull off ankle ties, but they keep slipping down my large calves.
has a short tutorial that’s a great help!
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Can attest that the Rest comforter is literally the coolest thing I’ve ever slept with. I’m a hot sleeper and will often wake up in the middle of the night, burning up and sweating even though the thermometer says 68° and I’ve got the ceiling fan going. I haven’t had that experience since using the duvet and same goes for the the pillowcases that came free with my purchase — every side is the cool side. P.S. they’re having a summer sale right now.
Some updates: My Flowze sandals arrived in the mail and they are every bit as cool and comfortable as I imagined.
Remember the Santa Maria Novella burning papers I mentioned many posts ago? I still use them after cooking and they have been wonderful in resetting the scents in my house. My recommendation is to fold the strip in a zig-zag way so you can stand it on its side (like one of those tri-fold posters we all had to use for science projects) and on a porcelain plate (to prevent, y’know a larger fire). Makes it easier to light and burn fully.
Guilty:
Listen, I don’t want to be difficult but can someone get me this t-shirt? Yu & Me is not a figment of my imagination but a real bookstore in NYC that specifically features Asian-American authors.
Please and thank you,
G
DNF = Did not finish
Georgia O'Keefe and "doing nothing all summer,"--two of my favorite things. I appreciate this write-up, Grace. :) Hope you're well this week? Cheers, -Thalia
Yu & Me is my absolute fav independent bookstore in NYC! As usual your taste is impeccable. Loved Margo and can't wait for the tv show—I think Elle Fanning will be perfect in it. I enjoyed the first part of Breasts and Eggs, but definitely found the second part more challenging.