Brain fog
dispatch from a brief, but specific moment in time
Hello Friends,
They say, “The days are long, and the years are short.”
This week, the fog settled deep into every wrinkle of my brain. Thoughts sparked like frayed electrical wires, and I struggled to find words, let alone shape them into sentences.
I have a constant sense I am forgetting something important.
I watch the clock: Playtime, nap time, pick up time, drop off time. Is there ever any me time?
It’s been three days. (It’s ok to laugh) Because, of course, there is me time, but everything is more dramatic when I’m tired.
My aunt once told me that when her three boys were young, my grandfather said to her, “These are the tired years.” And I think it might be the best non-advice advice I’ve ever heard. It’s a neural statement of fact that feels like acceptance.
It won’t always be this way. I already knew this, but a gentle reminder is nice.
Today is Mother’s Day. Last night Tautm slept through the night, I went for a long run, and I spent time with my favorite people.
This is where I am today. Thank you for listening.
xoxo,
Emily
Your Journal Prompt for Today
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Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
A break-neck, amateur sleuth, time-bender of a novel with a strong emotional arch. The plot twists were subtly revealed. (more)
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
It's pretty ambitious to write a book with a hook where a writer has a plot for a guaranteed bestseller. It made me think of Daisy Jones and The Six, where the songs were supposed to be the best songs ever written. (more)
Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James W. Loewen
I didn't really see this book as a correction of my U.S. History education but rather as an explanation of the complicated and political nature of writing and publishing history textbooks. (more) The book has inspired a reading project to dive deeper into U.S. History. I’ll keep you posted.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
I read The Winter Garden last year and thought it was nice. But it didn't move me at all. So I was surprised by how attached I was to the characters, especially since nearly all of the relationships in this book were unhealthy in some co-dependent way. (more)
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
"Do you think Amethysts can be the souls of good violets?" Like Mathew, I think Anne is a character I like to keep around to hear what she says next. (more)
What are you reading?
If you only have time for one thing… Gorgeous paintings from a young nonverbal artist with Down syndrome. (SevyMarieArt)
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