I saw the first fireflies of the season last night, illuminating my path as I walked my dog, Scout, around the neighborhood. Each time one lit up in front of me, it was like a little jolt of serotonin or maybe it was simply an infusion of wonder and awe into my soul.
And I was reminded of Kirsten Luce’s truly magical picture from years ago, of thousands of fireflies in a forest on the outskirts of a tiny Mexican town. It’s one of the rare images that I wish I could transport myself into and stay a while.
Last week got away from me. I was down the shore for a long weekend that included both my son’s first birthday and Memorial Day. It was lovely and relaxing and filled with beach time and lobster rolls and gelati and unplugging.
We got back to DC in the middle of the week, and all of a sudden Friday was here. And putting together a Substack felt like work. But I reminded myself that I’m allowed to take vacations. So I reveled in mine, and enjoyed extending it. Hope you enjoyed your break, too. :)
I’ll try and make it up to you this week though, with 10 great links I was looking at and loving over the past two weeks.
I’ve been thinking about We Don't Need 'Self-Help,' We Need Support since I first read it, and it seems to be a natural follow-up to The way we live in the United States is not normal.
“You aren’t famous. Anything you do or create will probably receive little to no attention, so stop optimizing for a non-existent audience and instead focus on what makes you enjoy the activity.”
I’ve had both of these links open in tabs for weeks now. And I refuse to close either because I love them so: The unexpected joy of the Squirrel Census and these little vignettes that go along with the data on the NYC Squirrel Census.
I want to go to here. (Photo note: it’s a very Paolo Pellegrin-ish travel piece).
Practice Leaving Social Media, you won’t die. I promise.
“Did you see the “How to with John Wilson” that features the congressional nuclear bunker?” No. No, I did not. But I love getting texts from friends that take me even deeper down the rabbit hole.
Listening to and loving: The new season of Serial is all about Gitmo. And it's absolutely fascinating. For all the journalists out there, episode 7 is worth listening to. "One reporter has been covering Guantánamo since the day the prison opened. The military would like her to go home now." [side note: In 2004, I got stuck on the base at Gitmo. It was the longest 3 days of my life.]
Katy Grannan’s photos of surfing legend Jock Sutherland are the best thing I’ve seen all week. Here’s one more.
I enjoyed the discussion around The 25 Photos That Defined the Modern Age.
My Mailchimp newsletter dropped this morning. It’s a little glimpse into some cool assignments and great clients I’ve worked for this year. #freelancelife
Great stuff, M!! Thank you!