Howdy,

I’m writing to you practically* sans-coffee because we ran out of beans yesterday and the day was too full to get more. This means as soon as I hit send, I’ll be walking to our coffee shop and restocking our stash, and while I’m there as might as well stay and finish grading essays and continue tapping out sentences in my current story… In the meantime, I’m impressed with myself for getting any of these words out at all.

This past week I started this simple calisthenics routine, and I’m shocked at how sore I am. At first blush it seems so easy! Alas… By the time I’m done with each one my muscles are shaking. In a good way. If you’re looking for something simple (and free!), it might be up your alley.

*I ashamedly microwaved a shot of coffee still left from yesterday, just to cut the edge. 🫣

5 Quick Things ☕️

1. 📻 A new episode of ADWAF! 📻 Both adult Catholic converts from a lifetime of Protestantism, Seth and I each could do a 12-part series on why we swam the Tiber. In this chat, Seth unpacks with me just a few items in his backpack worn on his journey to the Church. (We get SO many questions from y’all about what compelled us to walk this path, so this episode’s for you if you’ve wondered what on earth is going on.)

2.  None of us really use a rotary phone attached to the wall via landline anymore, but why do we still read — and prefer — paper books over e-books? Why are we, as a whole, still buying books in droves compared to their digital counterparts? Here’s a good exploration of that question. “We’re so enamored of digital technology we often presume its superiority; worse, we sometimes forget its alternatives even qualify as technologies. ...That should lead us to ask a question: How does a technology as fusty as the printed book continue to thrive against digital competition?”

3. When we lived overseas, it was always going to the grocery store in the States that was the first real culture shock to the system. Why is that? Too many choices, too many bright colors and logos vying for my attention, too much of too much. This is a lovely piece on the beauty (and practicality) of practicing temperance at the grocery store.

4. If you really enjoyed our recent episode with Abigail Favale and wish there was more, then listen to my friend Keith’s latest chat with her. Two gems of human beings. (side note: I had drinks with her a few weeks ago and she’s the real deal. I also locked my keys in the car with her luggage inside when she needed to head to the airport, so there’s that.)

5. And finally, it’s time for another challenge from one of my favorite YouTubers… I, too, love early mornings, so I’m tempted to try this out.

Currently Reading, Watching, Listening 📚

• Writing Tools, by Roy Peter Clark

Quotable 💬

“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”

— Paulo Coehlo #

How Many Tattoos Do You Have? 🎨

Apparently none, for most of you. I have two, if you’re curious.

Find this week’s poll here.

Quick Links 🔗

• Create your own Rule of Life

• Subscribe to A Drink With a Friend

• Become a paying subscriber of The Commonplace (and thank you!)

Save the Date! July 15-25, 2023 🗓

Psst… I’m announcing soon which trip I’ll be leading next summer, but in the meantime, I’d love you to at least mark your calendars! It’ll be from July 15-25, 2023 and you DEFINITELY want to go. …I promise.

Question(s) For You to Ponder… 🤔

What do you need to let go of from your agenda today?

Have a good weekend,

Tsh

p.s. Fries.