Each week (give or take one or two here and there) I share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too. You can find a whole pile of things, especially books, I like and recommend HERE.
1) Charcuterie
‘Tis the season for parties and the ever looming question, “So what can I bring?” If the answer is charcuterie then the answer is right. It can be classed up and bougie. It can be adult lunchables. It can be veggie and fruit heavy or all the way carnivore. You can use Wheat Thins or some some sort of sprouted grain wafer from Whole Foods. Charcuterie pairs with beverages all styles and proofs and can serve as a main or an appetizer. A proper charcuterie board is a social hub, drawing people to it for conversation and connection. And it is an escape hatch, an excuse to leave the conversation you’ve been cornered in–“Sorry, I just want to go grab a little more of that Gruyere.” It is a place to hang out in order to escape all forms of forced fun and party games. Iff a social gathering has charcuterie, ithe worst it will be is tolerable and the ceiling on the whole event has been raised.
2) The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
When I was growing up my mom would read this novella to us at Christmas time. If memory serves–which is a less and less reliable proposition–she would often read it to us on Christmas Eve as part of our family celebration before we headed out to the late night candle light service. My memory of characters and details is spotty, but the feeling this book gave sticks with me. It is heartfelt and hilarious. The premise is that of a traditional church Christmas pageant overtaken by the Herdman kids, the most notorious and awful family in town. Chaos ensues. Conflict boils. And maybe some redemption occurs (no spoilers here, though!). If you are looking for a wonderful, light, Christmas read with or without kids, this is a delightful option.
3) “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday
A one-of-a kind voice and a moving song.
