And There Was Light by Jacques Lusseyran. Kate recently tried watching the new Netflix series All the Light We Cannot See. Unfortunately, it was not good. Is the book it’s based on by Anthony Doerr better? Neither of us have read it. However, the show did remind Kate of another book that’s definitely worth reading: And There Was Light by Jacques Lusseyran. It’s the real-life memoir that inspired Doerr’s novel. Lusseyran went blind as a young boy, but despite this disability went on to lead a French resistance movement during WWII when he was only sixteen. The story of how he did that and survived a concentration camp once he was caught is inspiring enough, but the real treasure in the book is the way he recounts what happened to his other senses once he lost his sight and how he discovered deeper layers of reality and light that most of us are unaware of. The book is quite affecting and transformative. For a taste of Jacque’s story, I highly recommend checking out one of our best and most favorite articles: “Turn Your Excuses Into Action: The ‘Do What You Can’ Guide from the Blind, Teenage Leader of the French Resistance.”
Cowboy Belt by Zilker. I’ve been on the hunt for a Western-style belt that reminds me of my Southwestern roots. When I saw the Cowboy Belt on Huckberry, I knew I found the belt I was looking for. Handmade in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Cowboy Belt has given me a reason to tuck in my shirt more so I can showcase it.
The Death of the Slow Dance. This article digs deep into a cultural phenomenon I’ve been noticing in recent years: young people don’t slow dance anymore. Awkwardly shuffling your feet from side to side while some romantic R&B song played in the background used to be a right of passage for teenagers. But DJs have been reporting that Gen Z doesn’t want to do that anymore. Instead, they’re opting for more individual, high-energy type dancing. My son’s middle school dances have skipped slow songs altogether in favor of that nonstop high-energy stuff. What’s led to the death of the slow dance? The author speculates it’s changes in tastes in music (slow, romantic music is out — there’s no Savage Gardens these days), the rise of performative social media (slow dancing doesn’t make for a good TikTok vid), and changes in how Gen Zers socialize; used to the distance and control of digital communication, the vulnerability and intimacy of the slow dance makes them uncomfortable.
The Last of the Mohicans Soundtrack. Recently, I’ve been revisiting the epic soundtrack from The Last of the Mohicans while working out. When I’m doing my HIIT on the assault bike, I like to crank up “Promentory” and imagine I’m Daniel Day-Lewis running as fast as I can up a mountain.
“I will find you!”
Quote of the Week
I believe the recipe for happiness to be just enough money to pay the monthly bills you acquire, a little surplus to give you confidence, a little too much work each day, enthusiasm for your work, a substantial share of good health, a couple of real friends, and a wife and children to share life’s beauty with you.
― J. Kenfield Morley
