Hi there!
August is right around the corner — can you believe it? Although this is the month I dread the most, its slothful reputation never gets the best of me. And proof of that is that I'm about to celebrate the one-year anniversary of creating this Substack page! I think a big congratulations to myself is in order because, honestly, keeping a project going for this long isn't something I usually accomplish.😄
Now, remember when I mentioned in my last letter about transforming the "Uplifting little things from these last days" section into something more? The time has come to make it happen! Starting this month, that section is evolving into a monthly letter brimming with recommendations, thoughts, and glimpses of inspiration.
From books that have captured my imagination to music that has been the soundtrack to my days, I want to provide you with a curated collection of gems I believe you'll enjoy. Hope this first edition brings a touch of wonder and excitement to your days!
🎧 A song
I'm a missing link of this illusion
I am not really here, I'm an intrusion
I don't swim or sink, I just float
I don't need gravity, I just need growth
🍴 A meal
This wild Atlantic bonito wrapped in bacon with zucchini cream, potatoes, and goat milk kefir. 🤤 An absolute wonder from Fermento (Sagres, Portugal).
📖 A book
This summer, I decided to read F. Scott Fitzgerald for the first time, and it seemed only fair to start with his debut novel, This Side of Paradise, which is also a semi-autobiographical account of his undergraduate years at Princeton. His literature beyond The Great Gatsby often goes unnoticed by many, and that's one of the reasons why I was drawn to explore something less celebrated (well, and also because my mom gave me a dusty copy of it last week). So far, I'm really enjoying Fitzgerald's lyrical and graceful prose. His descriptions of the Jazz Age are evocative and atmospheric, even though the whole plot structure seems a bit off - but hey, that's the charm of debut novels! I sense Fitzgerald's playful experimentation as he seeks his writer's voice and crafts a unique narrative style — a veeeery familiar journey to all of us who wield the pen…
📺 A tv show
After a rather disappointing experience watching The Idol, (which is rightfully garnering the title of the worst TV show of the year), I stumbled upon a true gem from Apple TV+ called Silo. Adapted from Hugh Howey's self-published Wool novels (long live self-publishing!), this sci-fi series takes place in a dystopian future where Earth's atmosphere has been devastated. The plot centers around 10,000 survivors living in a massive cylindrical bunker, raising questions about the enigmatic governing forces and their strict rules. What I enjoyed the most about this show was how it completely flipped the script on the usual dystopian narratives we're all so used to. The Silo had me hooked with its mind-bending twists, defying all my expectations and delivering an ending that had me on the edge of my seat. Seriously, I can't recommend it enough for anyone craving an incredible sci-fi experience!
🌎 A place
The ocean and I share a complicated relationship. I am both drawn to and fearful of its vastness. When I stand before it, I am overwhelmed by a profound feeling of my own insignificance, as if I am about to be swallowed up by a vast and unknowable force. Yet, even in the face of this awe, I find something deeply beautiful and comforting: a sense of endless possibility. It fills me with an encouraging belief that there is so much out there to experience, to learn, and to achieve…
This picture was taken last weekend while fishing with my family along Portugal's Costa Vicentina, my favorite place on earth. It's a spot I cherish and respect profoundly, from the quaint coastal houses to the farthest sight of the waves. Somehow, I feel as if it could be the canvas of my whole story.
💭 A Thought
The other day, I read this letter by Katie and felt incredibly inspired by her “Tell Me Something Good” ritual. As she mentions, instead of falling asleep after pointlessly scrolling through social media, this practice brings a more hopeful and meaningful way to end our days. It serves as a reminder that there are reasons to smile and celebrate. No matter where you look, there's always something good to appreciate.
Check it out and make it yours as well - I already did!
🪄Bits of inspiration
Trusting that in this life, everything happens as it should
The Literature Map
I recently found this website, which is the ultimate GPS for any book lover. You just have to pick the name of an author you love, and it will reveal a bunch of other authors who write in a similar style or genre. It's a fun way to discover new reads and expand your literary horizons.
Self-Care as a solitary pursuit
"Self-care" has become a popular buzzword, captivating minds and Instagram feeds alike. But amidst the myriad of face masks and scented candles, there's an often overlooked aspect that this article confronts head-on. Beneath the glossy facade of self-care lies an unexpected truth: it can be an inherently solitary pursuit, feeding into the loneliness epidemic we face.
Etel and the mountain
One day, they asked, "Who's the most important person you've ever met?" And I replied, "the mountain." Etel Adnan is just pure inspiration. Born in Lebanon in 1925, she has led a remarkable life, full of experiences that shaped her unique perspective on art and existence. Her creative journey has been an exploration of the human spirit intertwined with the wonders of nature. I invite you to discover her art and spirit through this interview:
Things I want to do this Summer
As the summer rolls in, I'm here to remind myself - and maybe you too - that it's perfectly okay to embrace a more laid-back approach to this season.
Here's a glimpse of my bucket list for the weeks ahead: