CFW: Corners From A Week in June
Image Source: ItalySegreta.com
Memorial Day Weekend might be the unofficial start to summer for most, but for me, it’s really when June has said, “Hello! I’m here!” that I find myself, reveling in the summer season. Temperatures have settled in to those high 70s, 80s, and 90s (as it goes these days with global warming) and the sunny, blue sky days practically beg you to stay outside for as long as possible. I’m hoping this summer season feels a bit more normalized after last year’s summer. While I hesitate to even use the word “normal” because I don’t want to go back to many “normalized” notions that were standard pre-pandemic, I think I speak to the sentiment of wanting to feel safer, more comfortable in activities of life.
For me that means more comfortable traveling and eating indoors. At the end of the month, I’m headed to Maine for 10 days to explore the coastal towns, hike, visit Portland, and eat as many oysters as my heart desires. It will be a quintessential summer trip and a proper vacation—a true privilege to have in life, and I don’t take it for granted.
In the mean time, until then, I’ll be busying myself with city art spots and a new park in Manhattan, and trying to get out of the confines of an apartment and hit the pavement.
Here’s what I’ve been eyeing up, reading, listening to, streaming, and contemplating on as of late for your perusal. . .
I recently watched the Netflix (of PBS Productions) documentary on Amy Tan, and I really enjoyed it, partly because I had no concept of her personal life story going into the film, and partly because the narrative of how she became a writer and how she is developing herself still at her age as a writer and an artist is inspiring to see that evolution. Might I also suggest the Twyla Tharp and Oliver Sacks PBS documentaries? Here’s an accompanying New Yorker interview with her as background to the recent doc that is illuminating in itself.
I recently snagged a bottle of EADEM’s “Milk Marvel” before they quickly sold-out, and I’m eager to see it work some magic on my melanin skin. Started by two females rich in their own melanin-toned skin, they wanted to create a product specific for skin tones left out of the beauty market, and specifically a dark spot remover for these types of skin tones. Fingers crossed this 2x a day milk serum works wonders!
The latest sandal/shoe/handbag brand that I’ve got my eye on and seemingly covet just about every new style they release is HEREU. A Spanish brand with rich leather material has unique styles that I’d love to slip my feet into, specifically these PESCA ones. Any color will do just fine, please and thank you.
Speaking of summer fashion, I have my eye on Dae Off Studio’s (she’s also the Head of Design at Madewell) quilted bandana totes for when more colors hit the site. They seem so great to travel and hit the beach with in multi-purpose.
Everybody’s talking about “Hacks,” and for good reason: Jean Smart. She truly is driving the show in all its appeal. She spoke to Terry Gross on NPR Fresh Air about the show (as well as her role in “Mare of Easttown”) and provided insightful personal life context around filming both of these highly revered shows.
While all the talk this summer has been about the cicadas and their hatching, I’m going to be on the lookout for poisonous caterpillars that are overtaking Maine, since I’m headed there for vacation in a week. Between these and watching out for ticks, it’s definitely a creepy crawler kind of summer season.
Speaking of Maine, it’s been over a decade since I’ve last been, and I’m excited to explore much more of the state and coastline than I got to previously. We’re staying on Deer Isle for part of the trip, which I stayed on the last trip, but this time, we’re staying at the beautiful, Aragosta. I love how on the “About” page, there’s a thank you and call-out to the artisans who contributed various pieces to the renovations. It’s attention to the detail and the craftsmen (and women) behind the dining room, silverware, soaps, etc. that I’m excited to experience, as well as the sunsets and sunrises on Goose Cove.
Substack has really taken off, it seems. And while I subscribe to a handful of newsletters’ free tiers (Patti Smith’s free newsletter tier is a good one), I finally made the plunge and paid for my first subscribed newsletter on the platform with Yolanda Edwards/Yolo Intel’s newsletter. I consider it an investment in travel knowledge-share, since the content revolves on spots to hit up in various global locals. I’m wondering how many more I’ll be enticed to pay for in the future. . .
Speaking of travel tips and guides, Allcall Travel is one to check out. A bit of a shameless plug, but I’ve joined the guide community, and wrote my first one for Santa Monica, CA, and plan to add to the list as my summer travels evolve. Look into their membership for curated itineraries for your next trip, they’re pretty spot on when it comes to recommendations.