A gentle close to the week

With 8 things that made life better / Issue 1,193

Oh, hi friends!

Have I surprised myself?

Have I made myself proud?

Have I done something kind for someone else?

Have I eaten something sweet?

Have I rested?

Have I lived?

Instead of “what did I accomplish?” maybe these are the questions to ask at the end of a summer week.

8 Things That Made Life Better This Week

• OK, where has Oxiclean White Revive been all my life?! Who knew a laundry product could make me this happy?? 

• Colin and I loved watching Silo on Apple TV+ — apocalyptic sci-fi with great acting and dialogue.

• So appreciated reading all of your experiences with percolation yesterday! Here’s my new Quartz story on percolating > productivity in case you missed it.

• Another self-promo bit (sorry! trying to be better), but a few people told me this episode of DO IT TODAY with Wine People author Michelle Wildgen was their favorite so far. Hope you enjoy! New episode out Monday.

• Friend of the newsletter Kara Gross sent along this intriguing (free!) cohort Buildspace for people who want to build out their ideas in a dedicated sprint. It started this week but still taking applications if you’re interested.

• Halfway through Brian Koppelman’s podcast with author David Lipsky and appreciating their nerding out on craft. Brian once told David that his work wasn’t living up to his potential!! (WOW.) David’s response? The new book The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial, which has rapturous reviews.

• This song “Boyfriend” by Leo Season is my song of the summer (and just in time). (Shoutout to endlessly creative duo Jack Adams and Mitch Epeneter.)

• Finally, most importantly, this NY Mag tribute to Blakeney Schick, who I wrote about last week, was so moving. Blakeney worked as a producer for Kara Swisher’s podcast, and her colleague Nayeema Raza created the most wonderful tribute through this story, and this podcast with Kara Swisher and therapist Esther Perel. Esther’s guidance on making meaning where there is none was a balm to the heart. Recommended listening for everyone. It’s also an extraordinary gift to learn more about a friend after they’re gone.

Have a restful and gentle weekend, my friends.

Sending you a hug, and would love to hear about your week’s highlights, too.