Things That are Bringing Me Joy This Week
1. Dog training audiobooks. I get no greater pleasure than obsessing over a new hobby. As a neuro-spicy individual I often find myself going on hyper-fixated deep dives into certain topics. I used to be self-critical about this tendency, embarrassed even. But you know what? It’s fun, it feels good, and it ain’t hurting anybody (other than my husband, who is subject to endless facts about dog behavior).
I’ve blown through all the classics of positive reinforcement training such as Pat Miller's The Power of Positive Dog Training and Patricia McConnell’s The Other End of the Leash. Now I’m on to books by contemporary experts like behaviorist Zazie Todd (Wag, The Science of Making Your Dog Happy) and local author and puppy pro Kathy Callahan.
Audiobooks are such a joy. I encourage you to find your own subject area for a deep dive and listen away - while you drive, fold laundry, walk the dog…
If you’re into audiobooks like me and want to support local, make sure you sign up for Libro.fm. They’re having a sale November 26 - December 2 on thousands of audiobooks. Plus, if you’re a new member you get two free audiobooks anytime with the promo code SWITCH. Sign up here.
Star, who was recently adopted!
2. Early Christmas decorations. We work with Greenstreet Gardens every year to get our store decked out in pre-lit garland, red ribbon bows, and wreathes. This year we added decor to the kids store, too. Wanting to get ahead of the busy season rush I texted Brad, my Greenstreet connection, a frantic plea: “Can we get everything up November 1st?!?” This year (for reasons obvious to everyone) I just needed some extra early cheer. So, mere hours after Halloween, our store was BOOM! Christmas-ified. It might be early for some. For me, it was necessary.
Also a huge joy? How amazing the books and displays inside the store are looking lately. The team has really outdone themselves this year. We are positively brimming with books folks, so if you need some seasonal serotonin stop on by.
3. My new nose piercing. (Two, actually - septum and nostril, ouch.) I went to Creative Chaos on the suggestion of our booksellers and highly recommend it. I’ve been heartbroken about the recent disregard shown for a woman’s bodily autonomy, so I felt like making a choice about my own was fitting. We’re thinking of having a tattoo and piercing popup in the bookstore in the New Year, because why not? Books + body art, let’s make it a thing.
4. Emotional support Target visits. It’s just that the lights there are so bright! And there’s a new Ulta in the one on Richmond Highway! And their ornaments are so cute! And maybe I’ll get my foster dog a new toy? And what about some Command Hooks? Command Hooks solve existential angst about the state of the world, right? Also have you tried that new Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte? Fine, it might be basic to love Target, but I am welcoming that side of myself this season with open arms.
5. My pet rabbit. Not to seem like too weird of an animal person (surprise, I am) by talking about multiple animal obsessions in one newsletter, but I have really been enjoying some bunny love lately. I may have even decorated her enclosure for the holidays... Gingerbread man chew toy, lights, etc. It’s totally normal to cope with stress by decorating a tiny Christmas tree for your bunny, yeah? Look, we’re all out here just trying to survive.
6. Lisa Jewell. This international bestseller has always been an auto-buy author for me. I love her character development and twisty plots and crushed half her backlist on last year’s beach trip. To say I am excited we are hosting her in Alexandria for an in-person event and book signing in the New Year? Understatement of 2024.
7. I did my first chin up. Like, ever. I work out at Get Fit Studio in Alexandria, which I love (hi, Eun!) This past week I did one wobbly little chin up and I was ELATED. Just look at my face: Stunned, proud, a year of hard work finally paying off.
8. Charm It. Last year on vacation in Florida I came across a gift store with these cute little charms “for kids”, that “kids” can use to decorate bracelets and necklaces. “Kids” love them, look forward to new ones arriving at the shop, and enjoy using them as keychains, zip pulls, lanyard accessories. “Kids” get so much joy and pleasure out of them. So far I have the boba tea one, the polar bear, and an axolotl. (It’s me, I’m “kids”.)
9. Cate. The general manager at Old Town Books has got to be one of the loveliest people on the planet. She runs the bookstore with a warmth and dedication the whole bookselling team can see. Also, she is so darn handy and crafty. The woman is replacing a door knob one minute, budgeting for payroll the next, helping customers, coaching staff, installing signage. When one of our metal outdoor chairs broke the other day Cate said, quote, “Ooh, I’ve been wanting to learn welding!” I get so much joy from working with Cate at the bookstore. Her charm, leadership, and good spirit in tough times is a marvel.
10. This community. We started a book drive for Children’s National Hospital recently and you’ve already donated dozens of books for kids in treatment there via their Family Resource Center. We also have been utterly crushing goals for the Campagna Center book drive. This community is a brilliant and caring - a wonderful, hopeful way of seeing the world. And for that I am grateful.
