Plot Points #16 💌
Insomnia, iconic '90s movies, and seasons of wonder
Hi friends and happy Friday.
You’d have no way of knowing this except for the fact that I’m telling you about it now, but this newsletter in your inbox today is a little bit of a miracle.
The past few weeks have been very difficult for me, thanks to an unexpected bout of insomnia—and its asshole buddies, Anxiety and Depression—which sent me spiraling into a scary mental health situation for about two weeks. My mom and sister came here to help, I had a panic attack and an emergency psychiatry appointment, and my birthday was sort of a bust BUT! I am on the mend right now. It’s amazing what a few little pills can do for a person’s wonky brain. Praise the Lord for all His good works, including ones that come in a prescription bottle.
Anyway, until yesterday I wasn’t much capable of full cognitive functioning, but now I am—hooray!—so here’s your weekly dose of Things That Interest Me On The Internet! I hope you enjoy it.
And, hey, if you’re the praying type, would you add me to your list?
Thanks. I’m ever so grateful.
Point #1: Once upon a time, I wanted to be Wendy Peffercorn.
There are many iconic ‘90s kids movies (it really was the best decade to be a kid sorrynotsorry) but not a single one of them tops the summer magic of The Sandlot. I will die so hard on this hill. Gangly, blond, and with the sex appeal of Gumby with braces, young me wanted to be Wendy Peffercorn so bad I could almost taste Squint’s horrible wet mouth kiss. (I would have much preferred Benny’s, obviously.) This piece marks The Sandlot’s 30th anniversary and touches beautifully on all the reasons it still stands the test of time. It’ll make you wanna get out the s’mores and climb into a treehouse for a movie-watching marathon. Just don’t invite me, though, because I’ll be the annoying friend who quotes every single line FOR-EV-ER.
Point #2: We need help before going into this election cycle.
This book might be just the ticket to making it out alive with our faith—and relationships—intact.
Point #3: If you ever wanted to take British literature for free from a brilliant professor, now’s your chance.
Karen Swallow Prior—literature extraordinaire, longtime-now-retired-professor, and one of the bravest Christian voices online—now has a Substack and she’s going to be walking readers through her British Literature course here just as if she were teaching in the classroom. (Without tests!) Prior doesn’t know this, but she has been a huge mentor to me in faith and in work, and I’m excited to learn more from her!
Reading In The Nook
As I was mostly in survival mode this week, I haven’t read much of anything lately. But my family gifted me some incredible books for my birthday that I can’t wait to snuggle up with, so I’ll share them with you here.
Great or Nothing by Joy McCullough, Caroline Tung Richmond, Tess Sharpe, and Jessica Spotswood: This is a re-telling of Little Women set in the chaos of World War II, and it takes place after Beth’s death while the family is trying to piece themselves back together. I love a good reimagining of a classic, beloved book so I hope this one doesn’t disappoint!
Fix Your Eyes: How Our Study of God Shapes Our Worship of Him by Amy Gannett: Amy is one of my favorite Bible teachers and voices on the internet. She is gracious and intelligent, and she creates invaluable resources for people to explore how our understanding of Scripture forms our families, homes, and lives. We have a few of her children’s books, too, and Theo loves them!
Seasons of Wonder: Making the Ordinary Sacred through Projects, Prayers, Reflections, and Rituals by Bonnie Smith Woodhouse: This 52-week devotional is a beauty. I didn’t realize when I put it on my wishlist that it’s rooted in the Anglican tradition, but God has a sweet sense of humor. I’ve only just begun, but already these pages have been a breath of fresh air.
Even though we are still living in ninety-degree temperatures, September is almost here and that means Starbucks has officially released their fall beverages! So I want to know:
What drink is your favorite? ☕
This verse has been a balm to me this week. I hope it encourages you, as well, wherever you are.
Remember:
You are loved. You are held.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 (NIV)
Get My Latest Book: Bookshop | Amazon | B&N
Want help getting published in 2023? I got you.
Can’t afford a monthly subscription to The Nook but want to support my work? You can buy me a coffee instead.