10 Things So Lit

"You have to make your work or you will reduce your life quality" + other things lighting me up

heart or brain or both?

1. “I think the best thing we can do is let people know that each one of them is precious.” Tom Hanks plays Mr. Rogers. Now on Amazon Prime. Here is Mr. Rogers, one year after 9/11. What a wonderful, gentle soul.

2. Watch: “You have to make your work or you will reduce your life quality.” Writer and psychologist Beth Pickens and

   Austin Kleon
   riff on the creative life. You WANT this kick in the pants.

3. I don’t like tea. Except for this one from Trader Joe’s. It’s seasonal, so when we see it…we become hoarders. Pair with a good book and now we have cozy, fall perfection.

4. The Gwyneth Paltrow goop dupe: Trader Joe’s facial sunscreen. Finally, after always being sold out, I HAVE IT, and can agree it’s a keeper: translucent, goes on smooth, great matte primer and price ($8.99) SPF 40. Let’s not get skin cancer; we’d rather be reading.

5. Every few months, I meet with my Brain Trust. Now they’re on Substack, so you can too! Read

   The Bluebook of Happiness
   written by an attorney, who is “offering up reasonably coherent reviews of the latest in happiness studies, with proven applications for your life.” Then read
   FabFu
   ‘s random thoughts on life and Asian dramas (while being a top exec during the daytime). Now you know who I eat lunch with.

6. Epinephrine. Doesn’t sound exciting? It’s super heart-pumping, adrenaline-producing when your husband has an allergic reaction (we don’t know what) and ends up in the emergency room at 3 a.m. He is now advised to carry an epi pen for life. Friends, I’m thankful for epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), a neurotransmitter and a hormone, which quickly acts to relax the airways before your throat closes off and…you die. If you’ve ever experienced something like this, you too are grateful for epinephrine. Geek out on the history of discovery, HERE.

7. Spooky Sweet Fall Release: PLAYING THE WITCH CARD by

   KJ
   is out today!

8. What if your son was going to be a doctor, but instead, decided to be a beat boxer? This is genius artistry.

9. I want to draw like

   Samantha Dion Baker
   who is drawing the world a more beautiful place. When she offers a class, take it (Skillshare and free classes with Michael’s).

10. A Substack newsletter I always read: Letters to An American by

    Heather Cox Richardson
    . She has a new book out! YAY FOR ALL WRITERS, but today, let’s raise a glass to the ladies: Professor Richardson & KJ.

What was so lit for you this week? I always like to hear.

Amy

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and lastly…

Yesterday I spoke to Warren-Walker Middle School in San Diego. They chose Ten Thousand Tries as their “one book” read. What an honor.

Would your school like an author visit? Hit reply and we can chat!