In lieu of a summer season bucket listing, I’ve made one singular seasonal aim. It’s associated to my facet quest as a self-proclaimed Pool Dad: I’d wish to discover ways to dive. Not belly-flop off a ship or tiptoe into the shallow finish like I’ve accomplished for the previous 44 years. I’m speaking a couple of correct, informal, arms-first, toes-pointed, clean-arc dive that claims one thing like, “Oh this? I summer season in Maine.”  

As a child, I took swim classes in my neighbor’s freezing pool and easily refused to do what the trainer requested. I stood on the edge, arms in place, and easily stated no. For an hour. Each time. Cussed? Appears so; which can clarify my present swimming mediocrity.

Right here we’re, a long time later, and I’m again on the fringe of the pool, convincing myself to lean in. Isn’t that what diving actually is? A choice. A metaphor for making an attempt one thing regardless that I’m afraid. It’s giving: Do it scared.

So every morning this summer season, I’m going to strive. First sitting. Then crouching. Possibly ultimately standing. It’s sure to be awkward. I do know that’s true as a result of I took a video of my first – third seated dive this morning and instantly harm my very own emotions watching it again.  Nevermind the optics. I’m going to offer it the previous Pool Dad Strive (adopted by a glass of Pineapple Mint Agua Fresca, photos above).

 The providing this week is beneath. As all the time, take what you want:

• There’s a sense I haven’t fairly been in a position to identify — watching from the sidelines with shock, dread, and a rising sense of heartbreak because the Jewish group faces escalating violence and an alarming silence from the remainder of us. This piece by Robert Glazer gave form to that feeling right here: We Are Higher Than This. It’s a crucial learn, particularly should you’re not Jewish. Particularly should you haven’t identified what to say, and particularly should you consider we are able to and will do higher. (Substack)

•  I’ve lived in Bellville for over a yr now, and it’s excessive time I get severe about constructing my buddy group. The reality is, grownup friendships take loads of effort and a little bit of a mindset shift. This essay by April and the Idiot (love this Substack identify!) on Methods to  Develop into Buddies With Actually Anybody made me really feel hopeful. It’s an encouraging information on methods to speak to new folks, not from obligation however from actual curiosity.  Partitions down, babes. We’re extra alike than we notice.  (Substack)

•  Will launched me to Noraly Schoenmaker’s YouTube channel, Itchy Boots, the place she paperwork her solo motorbike rides throughout the globe. Will would go to sleep midway via an episode, however I’d keep up fully transfixed by her grit, her cheer, and the way she will repair a motorcycle in the midst of nowhere with a headlamp and a very good perspective.  It’s unimaginable. I informed Will I may do the identical factor, I’d simply cry so much A LOT extra.  Her new e book, Free Trip, is simply the type of summer season learn I would like: heartfelt, and stuffed with reminders that we’re able to a lot journey.(YouTube, Bookshop.org)

•  Pleased Sizzling Canine Summer season to all who rejoice!  What’s your favourite sizzling canine model?  I’ve been a Hebrew Nationwide girlie for ever however this video Professional Cooks Blind Style Take a look at Each Sizzling Canine maaaaay simply be altering my thoughts.  Please hold forth. (YouTube)

•  And whereas we’re speaking about sausages, my buddy Cara, one of many esteemed the butchers within the above video, makes probably the most scrumptious rooster and veggie sausages that completely must be in your grill this summer season.  My fave are the Rooster Parm Sausages. (Seemore)

•  I haven’t stopped fascinated by this piece from Time a couple of girl who turned an expert bodybuilder at 50.  The scale of the bikinis alone are… impressed. Girls aren’t meant to shrink. We’re constructed to final.  And now I’m feeling like I may actually raise heavier on the fitness center:  Turning into a Bodybuilder Taught Me Girls Aren’t  Meant  To Be Skinny (Time)

•  Rice pudding is a kind of issues that, if in the home, I’ll eat completely till it’s completely devoured.  Additionally on that listing is Cool Ranch Doritos, any chip and guacamole mixture, and Oreo cookies. I noticed this divinely impressed Vanilla Rice Pudding with stewed plums and it feels prefer it’s excessive time for a vanilla pudding weight-reduction plan. (Instagram)

•  You’ll by no means on this lifetime catch me in a pair of flip flop sandals. I’m allergic to them – it’s a tough no.  However quite surprisingly, I dug a forgotten pair of cute teva sandals  from the again of my closet they usually’re the one sneakers I wish to put on proper now.  (Teva)

•  Deb has a brand new summer season recipe for a really recent Cucumber Crunch Salad with Tofu (which I bookmarked as Deb’s Cucumber Scenario in my head after I noticed the IG publish). This has instantly discovered a spot on the prime of the weeknight dinner menu.   (Smitten Kitchen)

•  Talking of our buddy Deb, she has the most effective Ice Cream Sandwich recipe in her Keepers cookbook and I made them for the weblog final summer season and it’s completely okay should you forgot however… now’s a good time for a revisit. (Pleasure the Baker, Smitten Kitchen)

•  I don’t make almost sufficient corn fritters and I’m going to repair that this summer season. (The Trendy Correct)

•  For those who don’t dwell within the south you won’t perceive the significance of a pitcher of candy tea within the fridge. It’s life-giving when you possibly can actually collect the humidity up in your palms.  I discovered these 3 Secrets and techniques For The Finest Southern Candy Tea from my buddy Suzonne, however should you don’t have a giant sister in Louisiana, the article must do.  (Southern Residing)

Buddies, stay up for the subsequent few Sunday posts from our associates Amy, Abby, and Karlee. We’re again in rotation, child! And within the meantime, you will discover me for incessantly on Substack the place I’ll supply some much more private writing to paid subscribers.

Have a beautiful day!

My like to you.

xo Pleasure