Sunday excursions, a slump, and hitting goals
A true mix of emotions this month
Welcome to Monthly Wrap, where I share three books I loved last month, three books Iām looking forward to, and three good things. Get access to the full archive by upgrading to paid today!
Hello and happy (few days into) October! September whizzed by in a blur of celebrations. My camera roll is, yet again, filled with other people's wedding photographs.
I struggled this past month with a few aspects of being self-employed, and though things are on the upswing now, I'm looking forward to resetting in October. I've got four more weddings to photograph before I transition into my slow season, and I would like to end the season with gratitude and joy.
A bright light in September was friends and loved ones. It was a good reminder for myself that it is important to not isolate when things are a little overwhelming, which is usually my instinct.
I spent a weekend at one of my best friend's house, staying up late chatting over wine and bad reality TV and, eating pancakes and going on nature walks with her kids the next morning. We spent a rainy Thursday evening catching up with friends tucked into the dark corner of a cocktail bar downtown. My book club convened at a new(ish) bookstore in town for a great conversation about our September book. I relished long phone conversations with my mom while walking or cooking dinner. Dean and I also had a few fun Sunday day trips (more on that below) that were low-key but perfect.
My reading life was a little slumpy, but there were still some gems in there. I spent more time than usual on my phone last month, so I'm already looking forward to less of that in October.
Now, onto the books...
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3 books I loved recently
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors has been everywhere, and for good reason, in my opinion. I loved this novel about three sisters grieving their fourth sister, who died of an accidental overdose. It's tender, it's devastating at moments, but it ends in a way that leaves you feeling hopeful.
Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff is a stylish, sophisticated little treat of a romance novel that will get you out of a reading slump, as it did for me! It has two main characters in their mid-30s with well-established careers (one is a political strategist; the other is a former boy band lead). The political strategist of it all also made it a fun read in election season. This is 831 Stories' debut, and I can't wait to read more from them.
The Most by Jessica Anthony will likely make it into my favorite books of the year list. I can't resist a clever little novel, and this is exactly that. A housewife gets into the pool on a warm November day and refuses to get out. The novel takes place over the day as her husband tries to coax her out, but we flip back and forth in time to understand their marriage. It's intriguing, thought-provoking, and a little suspenseful.
You can see everything I read in September here.
3 new releases Iām looking forward to
Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi (out 10/1) because I've already seen some rave reviews from readers I trust about this cozy, witchy rom-com. It feels like a perfect October read.
The Book of George by Kate Greathead (out 10/8) because I really enjoyed Greathead's debut, Laura & Emma. Her sophomore novel is an "excavation of millennial masculinity," which is giving me some real Good Material by Dolly Alderton vibes.
Don't Be a Stranger by Susan Minot (out 10/15) because an advanced copy of this landed on my doorstep last week, and I read the first few lines and was intrigued. The only other book I've read by Minot is Evening, which I enjoyed. So, I'm excited to experience more of her writing.Ā Ā
3 good things
Time with friends. As I mentioned above, this was a balm for my soul this month when I was stressed out or feeling down. Between weekend day trips, overnights at a friend's house, book club, drinks downtown, and chats with my mom on the phone, they all lifted my spirits and made me feel better. As I continue to navigate self-employment, it's a good reminder that staying connected is important. My instinct is to put my head down and hibernate during the busy season, but it's better to take breaks and connect with other humans for an hour or two.
Sunday day trips. Dean and I have one day off together during the busy season. So, it's been really nice to keep things low-key but be out and about together. We have a little list of activities, and we're slowly working our way through them. Some highlights include checking out the flea market this past weekend, going to a small art house cinema to see a matinee, exploring a new to us art museum, and a fall foliage hike up the coast.
Work wins. This month, I finished booking out my big 2025 weddings! I'll still be taking on small weddings and elopements, but my weekends for the season are penciled in. I also hit a financial goal this past month that was slated as a five-year goal (and I'm in year three ā”Ģ), so that felt pretty amazing! It's easy to let those wins breeze by when you don't have a boss or a team to share them with, but I made sure to pause and take them in. Because, after all, they are all a product of the work I've put in.
Til next time,
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Love this so much, Michelle. I feel you on the instinct to turn inward and hibernate when feeling downābut I agree, I always feel better connecting afterwards. And huge congrats on your business goal reached early! This is amazingācheering you on all the way ā¤ļø
Ohh just ordered The Most and it looks incredible!