Teachable Moments
January 2025 Link Roundup
Housekeeping note: I recently changed the name of my Substack from The Second Act to Create Anyway, which feels more in alignment with what I write about / the general vibe of my Substack. It’s also the name of my book, so, you know, consistency and all that. This changes nothing for you—if you subscribed to The Second Act, you’re still on the list! Same me, same newsletter, just a different name across the top. Thanks for reading ❤️
I’m still in bed, a mug of lukewarm coffee in one hand and an ice roller in the other, when I hear the voice of my five-year-old daughter just outside my bedroom.
“I’m so proud of myself!” she says.
At first, I’m not sure I’ve heard her correctly. She is sitting at the dining room table, presumably coloring or working on some kind of art project, but I can’t see her from where I’m sitting.
“I’m SO proud of myself!” she declares again.
This time, there is no mistaking her words.
“Pres!” I shout across my room, “What are you doing?”
“I’m drawing a picture of a car!” she shouts back, “You won’t believe how good I did the wheels!”
I can hear the elation in her voice, and even though I can’t see her, I know she is smiling. I smile too, thankful for this teachable moment in which she is the one teaching me, reminding me that it is possible—dare I say even good—to experience full and complete satisfaction in your creative work … without an audience.
Nobody is watching her, hovering over her, or telling her what to draw. There is no outside response or influence. No comparison. No applause. No feedback whatsoever. There is only Presley: sitting in front of a blank piece of paper holding a black ballpoint pen in her tiny hand, cultivating a sense of wonder and perseverance, imagination and joy, and—as a result—genuine pride in her work.
In this moment, she and God are the only witnesses to her art.
When I finally get out of bed and see the drawing she’s made, I consider telling her how great it is. But then I pause, kissing her silently on the head instead. She doesn’t need my validation today.
She made something and called it good—and that’s a perfect place to rest.
And now, onto the links!
Currently reading and/or just finished: Anxious People, Rental House, A Bit Much, The Last Love Note, I Think We’ve Been Here Before, Bad Therapy (I am STILL thinking about this book!), Even After Everything (if you’re not subscribed to
, you should be!), and Here One Moment. Up next: Beautyland. Also re-reading The Artist’s Way with a small cohort (which I am loving!).Speaking of books, some shameless plugs for friends of mine: 1) In Which I Try To Save the World is a beautiful book of poetry written by my dear friends at
, and 2) My best friend wrote a children’s book that comes out March 4th (pre-order, pre-order, please I beg of you, PRE-ORDER!). Get a little behind-the-scenes of The Very Best Baseball Game here.Making a Mother is finally out in the world and the reviews are in. 😭 Our last episode releases tomorrow, featuring one of Larry Nasser’s survivors. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify to make sure you don’t miss it. More behind-the-scenes here.
I’m only a few weeks into owning and using the Oura Ring but I can already tell it’s going to be one of my top purchases1 this year. I am learning alllllllll kinds of things about my sleep (for better and for worse).
I bought this shirt at the end of 2024 and I’ve already worn it more than 20 times. If I wasn’t on a 3-month shopping ban, I’d be grabbing it in more colors.
I’m not Gen Z, but I needed this reminder, too.
Related: I loved this conversation between Meagan and Sarah on exiting Instagram and investing in the real world.
I hosted book club last week and since over half our group is practicing Dry January, I went for a full mocktail vibe. My favorite was the pineapple paloma, but in general, I can now say I’ve tried Mingle and Remix and both were great. One of the gals just signed up for We Are Raising the Bar and that looks like a fun NA option, too!
Here’s to writing obscurely and sustainably.
I don’t typically think of myself as having dry skin, but apparently I am also not immune to … winter? This squalene oil is the equivalent of electrolytes for your face. Holy cow. My skin is glowing.
Speaking of glowing! I love love love this tanning water. I use it 1-2 times a week on my face / neck / chest / tops of shoulders and I swear it keeps me from looking like a ghost this time of year.
For anyone else mothering a little child with A Lot Of Feelings, we love this book.
I will read everything Sonya Spillmann writes, forever and ever.
Like many others, I watched Buy Now and am SHOOK. I am officially on a mission to cut down on single-use plastic in our home and ordered a bunch of things from Blueland. Will report back.
I’ve gone through various smoothie phases over the years, but I am something like eight straight weeks into this new morning routine and cannot rave about it enough: this yogurt smoothie (I buy in bulk at Costco) + this protein powder + collagen + supergreens. Top with a handful of frozen fruit, blend, chef’s kiss.
Self-care I’m loving: putting this face mask in the refrigerator before use.
Shameless Plugs / ICYMI:
Do you have an essay swirling in your head, begging to be written? Come write with me! This workshop is for anyone feeling stuck, blocked, paralyzed by the blank page, or just plain lazy (ha). After we meet up on Zoom to get the ideas churning, you’ll work on a draft for three weeks, getting notes for revision along the way. Course runs February 24th-March 15th. This is a great opportunity to meet other writers in the safety of a small group and finally write that essay you’ve been wanting to write (with accountability to finish!). More info here.
If you missed out on grabbing a Coffee + Crumbs print magazine, I am sorry to say the shop is closed … permanently. BUT. If you happen to live in Sacramento, I’ve got extras in my garage and can definitely arrange a porch pick-up.
Our annual Love After Babies series kicks off on the
Substack next week. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss out.That’s all I’ve got. What are you reading? Wearing? Cooking? Watching? Tell me everything!
Quick disclaimer: My Substack is always free to read! I use affiliate links in posts like this, which occasionally gives me a teeny tiny kickback if you buy something. Rest assured: I only recommend stuff I genuinely love.
Used our HSA card, which you know is one of my favorite life hacks.
Tell Presley thanks for the lesson today! 😂
Alllsssooo I’m over here trying to think of any essay idea soley to sign up for this workshop 😆
I read Bad Therapy last year -- and yes, so MANY thoughts. It slightly made me question my choice of education/career as a school counselor. 😂 And I will say that in the last couple of months working as a school counselor (temporarily!), I do think there is a lot of truth to it.