Vermont has seen Spring and Winter in the last week and along with the time change things feel a little wacky. So I’m feeling like this post needs to be a little wacky as well. Okay, maybe wacky isn’t quite the vibe I’m going for but just lighter and a little bit fun.
When I read other newsletters I alway enjoy the “What brings me joy” or “What I’m listening to, watching, eating, etc.” posts. So many good ideas and interesting insights into people. So I thought I’d give it a try myself here and see how that goes. And hopefully you can share some of yours as well. I love learning about people and their interests and their lives. Part of why I love writing too.
3 Things this month that …
Are bringing me joy and have me feeling grateful:
A long run with friends on a section of the Vermont 100, course, which is the race I will be doing this summer!
A random mid day meet up with a friend for coffee and a croissant.
Continuing with my “yoga every day routine.” I started doing at least 10 minutes of yoga every morning a few months ago and have been consistent and feeling so much better. Especially on those mornings I have to be up at 4:30 am for work, I manage to get my 10 minutes and the body thanks me later. Here is what I used to get started. Yoga with Kassandra has such a great way about her, and also, a ton of other types, lengths and variety of practices on her channel, all free!
Listening to:
All the podcasts! I love listening to podcasts on my long runs (when I am not with friends obviously!) And a few that I’ve enjoyed lately. This very funny episode with Amy Schumer on the “Smartless” podcast.
This episode of the “Happier Together” podcast on how to cultivate a generosity mindset. I consider myself a pretty generous person but this was a great reminder of why it is so good and important.
A super inspiring podcast with Janice Grady, a 70+ ultra runner that has been running 100 mile races since the early days in the 80’s and is still out there setting records. She gives such a cool history of the beginnings of the sport and I loved her spirit and her joy.
Reading:
Oh my gosh… all the reading… but this book , The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin had me hooked and I just cruised through it. The story itself was riveting but the writing truly kept me going as well.
I know that YA novels are not just for young adults but I’ve not picked one up in a while. (Well, honestly probably since I was a young adult!) But a trusted friend, who is also a librarian, recommended this book Gather and I absolutely loved it. The character, the setting (Vermont) and the writing. I am now on the hunt for some more good YA novels.
I am finding more and more interesting Substack newsletters to read. Mountain Running and Living by Sarah Lavender Smith is always a great read and one of the first ones that I became a paid subscriber to. Sarah’s writing is so wonderful, especially if you are a runner and /or midlife-ish woman or just love the mountains and good writing, I encourage you to check it out!
Eating:
Always here for all the tasty treats. Training has been ramping up for my first summer race, and so I am always hungry and trying to find ways to fill the belly. I like to say nutritionally healthy and mentally healthy. It’s all about balance.
Sunday (and sometimes Saturday) morning waffles! I love this Kodiak Power cake waffle mix, as it has a big boost of protein and then I top the waffles with peanut butter and LOTS of maple syrup. I swear I am a toddler when it comes to maple syrup on waffles. I like to keep refilling the waffles pockets with syrup! I also add some greek yogurt on top. Perfect for before or after long run fuel!
For St. Patricks Day at my work, where my day job these days is baking at my local food coop, we made a yummy Chocolate Guinness Cake. It was originally a Nigella Lawson recipe and is an absolutely perfect recipe! The cake was not just tasty but with the chocolate cake and delightfully light cream cheese frosting, it looked like a cake version of a perfectly poured Guinness beer!
Okay now for something nutritionally healthy. This meal was soooo delish! Kind of used Justine Snacks recipe for buffalo cauliflower bowls, but made some adjustments based on what I had in the house. And boy was it yummy. I’ve made buffalo cauliflower before (think chicken wings without the chicken) but this bowl with spicy chickpeas and nutty farro was a really nice, comforting variation!
Well that wraps up my first “3 Things” post. Fancy title right? Maybe I’ll come up with something a little catchier. Let me know in the comments if you like this kind of post, and I would love it if you’d share something bringing you joy, you loved watching, listening to, eating, or are just grateful for!
I am so grateful for you!
And I am so grateful for you. I love the Kodiak waffle mix too!!! I also use it to make pumpkin muffins or just plane muffins, or I make them into a breakfast cookie because when camping flatter packs better! I hear your voice every time I'm on the VASA which is 2 - 3 times a week! I remember our fist run out there and I still here your voice, well the first thing you said is where are you going as I took off like racing! haha, I don't do that anymore, I move slowly and deliberately, stopping to look for birds at times or just o hear all the quiet around me. I also listen to Smartness and because of you follow Justine Snacks. So you are a great influencer! Write along and run along! Hugs!
Always enjoy the peek into your life! I’m looking forward to checking out the podcast recommendations. And I totally forgot about yoga! Talk about wacky weather. March is the hardest for me with all the warm/ cold switches. Keep up the posts!