What if…algorithm-free reco list, no. 2?

My latest collection of “stuff you might like, but can’t really buy!”

Hello!

The people have spoken, so here’s another list. Just like last time, it’s limited quantity, zero urgency. No affiliate links, no algorithm, just raw obsession.

Quitting books (and other things)

So I used to have a problem where once I started a book, I would do whatever it took to finish it. That meant a ton of choking down hundreds of pages of stuff that made me angry or lifeless or whatever. No longer! Life is so short — I’m not gonna get to read even 10% of the books I want to read, so spending energy on anything that feels like a literary chore? No thank you! So far, I’ve read (to completion) 20 books this year, and I could not have done that if I didn’t quit 8+ stinkers. I’ve also been doing this with TV (if the soup is not electric, I’m giving up). 

Accidentally putting your thumb in photos

I used a disposable camera in El Salvador, and the roll I got back was at least 47% thumb. Hardest I’ve laughed in weeks. Truly humbling. (In my defense, it was one of those bulky waterproof ones! I have a weak grip!)

Being a beginner

On Monday, I took an embroidery workshop, and ever since then, I’ve been fully obsessed. Lots of people hate that feeling where you’re learning something new and your taste is miles away from your skill level, but I love it. The all-consuming mania? The gobbling up of lessons? The possibilities that are yet to be trampled by reality? Great stuff. I think embracing amateur hour is the only reason why I’m able to make anything. I’m not even sure if it’s possible to fully escape “beginner” and arrive as some kind of talented expert. Anyway, go try something brand new!

Tangible crafts

Really don’t want to do a whole “but could an AI do this?!” here because if I investigate, the answer is probably “yes, at least sort of.” But I think the embroidery situation is so riveting because I rarely get to physically experience making in that way. I mean, no shit, but it’s magical to make physical objects! 

Rummikub

Okay, this one you’d technically have to buy, but there are a ton on eBay and most libraries also have board games. I can’t believe I went my whole life without this. It’s one of the few games I’ve played that’s as enjoyable with two players as it is with four. It’s easy to learn and involves enough strategy that it doesn’t get old quickly. Y’all probably know about the ‘kub, but if you didn’t, now you do. 

This newsletter brought to you by:

• Everything above!

• Yelling at the TV, watching the new season of Outer Banks. This is not a recommendation.

• Repeating to myself “I will not complain about the rain in LA, I will not complain about the rain in LA, I will not complain about the rain in LA…”

• Tapering off an SSRI and feeling like a single-celled organism (pejorative).