Thursday Things #95

A docuseries, the trend I've fallen for, a soothing soundtrack and twisted hoops.

Jul 28, 2023

Welcome! Every other Thursday, I share a handful of things I'm loving, reading, watching, listening to or just discovered. In other words, what I'd text you about if I had your number or mention if we met up for coffee! I'm so glad you're here. :)

Hiiiiii, how are we doing?

Today looked like lots of time in the car, a few hours with family, and hurrying to send this your way before settling in to knock out part of Friday’s work. We leave in just a few hours to serve at a prison for a couple days—so this week we’re just jumping straight into The Things and skipping an intro at the top. :)

I hope your Thursday went well—and if it didn’t, I hope tomorrow brings rest, joy, and unexpected goodness. 💛💛💛

Twisted hoop earrings.

Introducing the sister to my favorite everyday gold hoops, these are lightweight and simple with a little something extra. I bought the gold 35mm twist hoop style, but there are a dozen other styles in both silver and gold. Depending on the design, they’re up to 48% off.

I’ve given into the trend.

Well, I’ve officially joined the “wear a fanny pack across your chest” club. It’s weird to me that we’ve all agreed to forget how very uncool these were just years ago (did I wear one with my super duper cute capris and did I get made fun of? 100%), but Fanny Packs must have hired the same PR firm that helped Cauliflower reinvent itself because they’re everywhere now—and they’ve gone past cool to becoming a normal, everyday part of people’s wardrobe. At least, that’s the case here. Maybe where you live too?

This is the one I bought on Prime Day (Melanie Shankle would totally call it a starter fanny pack, IYKYK). I figured there was a 75/25 chance I’d buy it, take one look in the mirror, and send it back. But we came out on the side of 25 because of one word: convenience. It holds a decent amount of stuff without holding too much. I can already tell it’ll be a game-changer when traveling and going through airports. For that alone it’s worth $18, but it’ll be good for baseball games, grocery shopping when I just need a couple things and want my hands free to carry items, walks with friends when the weather cools off (in November, bless) etc.

There are two sizes and a bunch of colors/designs, including clear ones for sporting events.

If you’re holding out on the trend, in the words of Zeek Braverman, I see you and I hear you. Godspeed. But if I may—speaking especially to my fellow single gals? If you occasionally travel by yourself, you might want to reconsider joining the weird fanny pack club. We might not look the coolest, but I really do think this is going to be not only easier when trying to juggle luggage + your wallet/ID + your phone/boarding pass + possibly food or a water bottle . . . but it’ll also be safer, keeping the most important things right on your person whether you’re in line for security, trying to squeeze in the always-too-small bathroom stalls without your backpack falling off your luggage or sitting on the ground (please no. never ever.), or trying to get your carry-on in the overhead bin.

Okay, thank you for coming to my unexpected fanny pack TED talk.

Emergency NYC.

If you watched Lenox Hill and wanted more (me. too.) you’ll definitely want to check out Emergency NYC on Netflix. (You’ll see a few familiar faces.) The eight-episode docuseries follows flight nurses, trauma surgeons, first responders, and transport coordinators who work under intense conditions with immense skill and compassion. There might be a few moments that raise your blood pressure, but just like with Lenox Hill, I found it to be hope-full and encouraging.

Note: If you’ve experienced a difficult medical procedure or diagnosis, I trust you’ll know whether this is one to consider or pass on. For me, seeing such care and kindness for patients was a beautiful thing. At the same time, as someone who has had brain surgery, there were two moments I needed to look away to avoid seeing what hits too close to home. Take care of yourself, friend. But if you like medical stuff and would appreciate a docuseries that is respectful, thoughtful, honest and humanizing, this might be the one for you.

Everywhere the River Goes.

Nathan Nockels is an actual musical genius. I listened to his new instrumental album last night and highly recommend playing it through—in order. Each song beautifully transitions into the next, and it’s a lovely, soothing soundtrack to have playing in the background. Here’s the link to the playlist on YouTube (also on Apple Music, Spotify, etc) and the first song:

Last thing—a quick All The Things piece of news:

Many of you filled out a survey in 2022 that helped shape Thursday Things and All The Things. When I asked “Who are some of your favorite authors?” and “Who would you love to hear from or chat with (authors, artists, etc)?” a few names showed up again and again and again. One of those? Holley Gerth.

Listen, I get it and you aren’t wrong. I’ve been Holley’s assistant for over eight years now and can easily say that however wonderful you think she is, just go ahead and double it.

I don’t usually post a “Hi! Here’s the person we’re talking with next month!” heads up in Thursday Things, but seeing as many of you specifically mentioned Holley, I wanted to make sure you know so you can join us for the August Author Call! We’ll read through Fiercehearted together over the next few weeks, chat about it in the private Instagram account, and then Holley will join us on Zoom. Click here or leave a comment and I’ll send more info your way.

Good Things

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