Greetings from my favorite week of the year, the days between July 4 and my birthday! I have something planned just about every night this week.
In every monthly post, I like to share the articles I’m reading, the shows I’m watching, and the podcasts I’m listening to. They’ll remain free to read but there will continue to be affiliate links to recommended products to support site upkeep.
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Reading
I’m still reading Daisy Jones and the Six, but also picked up Poster Child, a memoir about a girl who is born with a condition requiring the amputation of her leg. She is later a poster child for the March of Dimes.
For some much-needed levity, I loved this article for Conde Nast Traveler about how Dolly Parton’s tour bus has been converted to a private suite for the ultimate luxury Dollywood vacation. Written a few years ago, this Smithsonian article highlights Atlanta‘s version of Stonewall. I also loved this Wall Street Journal story on the last Howard Johnson restaurant.
To see what else I’m reading, check out my Goodreads Profile here (which is also my author page!).
Listening
I’m taking suggestions again!
Watching
I loved the last half of the season of Stranger Things, despite how dark and sad it was. For some lightness, I have also been watching the Houston season of Top Chef along with The Bear, a new show on FX.
Loving
I’ve been spending a lot of time antiquing lately and am collecting glassware and artwork. This is how I came across uranium glass and have since fallen down a TikTok hole learning more about it. I got my first story for Hemispheres framed as a way to showcase more of what I’m proud of.
I also ordered myself my first Yitty piece so I can’t wait to see it. I got some fun birthday gifts including a painting from an artist I love, a Blenko pitcher, and a Bitter Southerner flag. I also loved all the time I got to spend with friends recently.
Causes
I’m exhausted from everything happening in this country. From the decisions unilaterally made that will affect in the deaths of many people. From the fear of what could happen next. From the stress of always looking for an exit in case of an active shooter.
After ordering myself Plan B online (while we still can), I read this list of abortion funds to donate to. I decided to support two in the South, the Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund and the Yellowhammer Fund. You don’t have to believe in abortion for yourself to support the need for access to this type of healthcare so I hope you’ll donate as well.
Working
It’s been a busy time with editors assigning me stories and friends recommending outlets. For Garden & Gun, I wrote about the fight to preserve a folk art site in Vicksburg, Mississippi. For Lonely Planet, I wrote about North Carolina’s best national parks. And for InsideHook, I profiled the “brothers” of Houston‘s Blood Bros. BBQ.
Next up, I’m working on a guide to fall foliage, profiling a designer for Boston‘s oldest house, the origins of a popular phrase, tips for beginning with backyard archaeology, and a Kentucky store selling the rarest bourbon around.
If you’d like to see more of my work, visit my professional website, CarolineEubanks.com, for more information. If you got a copy of my book, review it on Amazon or Goodreads. Or you can sign up for one of my online writing classes.
Traveling
I’ve enjoyed a few staycations here in Atlanta during the past few weeks, first at The Wylie Hotel and then the Intercontinental in Buckhead. I went to an INCREDIBLE dinner at the penthouse of the Four Seasons Atlanta. But I’m most excited about my first international trip since SPRING 2019! I feel very rusty when it comes to packing and navigating, but I’m so excited to spend a week in Belize. Send me your tips!
I’m totally with you on the abortion stuff. It’s so hard to watch what’s happening, knowing it’s going to be nothing but bad for so many people. I’m exhausted from seeing how many people seem to not understand just how important abortion access is, even for people who don’t actually want one but might really need one.