Add to List - #39

Autumn, At the Table, Bath and The Perfect Couple

How many times do people give you a recommendation and you say ‘Oh, really? Cool. I’ll add it to the list!’ and then you go away and do not add it to any list anywhere?

Well, I present you with Add to List: the Sunday newsletter containing small things that brought joy, evoked an emotional reaction or became some short-lived stability for me in the past 7 days.

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Obsession

Bath.

I went to Bath for an overnight on Thursday. I adore it so much there. Bookish and beautiful. Grand yet understated. Wholesome and hearty.

For no other reason than something in my soul feels like it belongs there, I really am considering moving in the mid to short term, maybe for the long term, who knows.

died and went to paper-based heaven

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Confession

I have this AWFUL song on repeat.

If you’ve watched The Perfect Couple on Netflix then you’ll know. If not, then watch it and you’ll understand.

I cannot understand how or why a psychological thriller needs to have a modern day Cha-Cha slide intro song sporting on-the-nose lyrics of ‘Call Us, Criminals, Criminals’ in the opening credits!? It’s tacky and bizarre. It doesn’t work at all with the vibe of the show. Nicole Kidman’s mum-dance pointing detracts from her character’s austerity but by episode four you’ll be pointing and clapping along, I promise.

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Shook 

How quickly it became Autumn.

I know, I know, I just got back from the sunny hills of Italy, but it feels within days of coming home it is autumnal. Is it just me? Or does everyone feel like the year is just running away from us? Is the elusion of time passing slowly a post-covid hangover? Or a by-product of adulting and inviting in too much change?

It feels like just yesterday I was quitting my job and setting off on my Italian adventure and now I am sat here, warm tea in hand, two jumpers on with half a written book and hell of a lot of confusion about where time has gone and what’s next for me.

I’m not complaining though, Autumn is my favourite season: low light, golden hues, big coats, warm bowls, it’s the perfect balance of introvert and extrovert; the start of the annual waning of the year and a good time to take stock of the fruits of our minds and hearts.

Hunker down, cosy up and grab a book, it’s the best time reflect in the small joys of the time we have on this earth.

a shop in Bath a.k.a. trinket based heaven

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Book

At the Table by Claire Powell

I finished this one this week. Loved it.

Funny, observant and psychologically smart, this novel follows all four members of the Macguire family over a series of intertwining events after parents, Linda and Gerry, announce their separation.

I loved the parallel decoupling in each of the four family members’ lives with each one capturing my attention evenly. If I had to choose, I’d say I found Jamie, the family’s people-pleasing son, the most captivating journey. It’s rare to see such empathy to be written into a male protagonist. Through all the characters, but particularly Jamie, we see the high-functioning anxiety, avoidance, despair and self-destruction that comes with being on the brink of a breakdown. In this book, Claire Powell looks at love, longing, status and shame in an exquisitely tender way. Read it and be reminded that we are all human.

added bonus points if jacket matches the table decorations

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Cook

Bath’s delicacies.

Coffee at Colonna and Small’s, lunch at Walcot House, dinner at The Beckford Bottle Shop and a great breakfast at our hotel, The Broadstreet Townhouse. Plus good pints at The Pig and Fiddle and The Raven, Bath has a lot to offer and I tasted a lot of it.

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Can’t Stop Scanning

Submissions for RE-PRODUCTION.

On the 3rd November, I am involved in organising a night of short plays, prose and poetry all shedding light on reproductive rights at the Marylebone Theatre. This will be a ticketed event with proceeds donated to MSI Reproductive Choices and Fertility Network UK.

Writers, we want to see your words! We have had some submissions in already and the window remains open until 6th October. Please share with anyone you think might be interested.

For full details, please visit our submission form. If you’re not writer but based in London and want to come along, you can purchase a ticket to the event here.

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Forward Planning

London Writers Hour and attending my first Co-Work Corner.

(F)unemployment requires accountability, discipline and routine. I am finding it hard. I am disciplined but I don’t like routine; I am determined but I am also highly socially facilitated. So, I have actively been looking for opportunities to write and work with others. I recently joined

London Writers' Salon

for their 8AM UK Writers hour and found the dedicated sprint helped me refine a bit of work I kept putting off editing. I feel much happier with the shape it’s in now. I’ve decided it’ll be my new Tuesday morning habit.

I’ve also signed up for my first Co-work Corner this week with the wonderful Kate Darracott.

Kate Darracott

is a Substack trialblazer who wants everyone to succeed. I’ve been a subscriber since meeting at a Substack meet up and as well as writing funny posts and starting brilliant conversations on posts and notes, she does nothing but pay forward her enthusiasm and energy with her Substack channels for others. Her wit, humour and background in digital marketing help her readers share and shed light on their learnings from the tips, tricks and experiments that have worked for their growth. I can’t wait to catch up with Kate and meet some new Substackers too.

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Reminder: Lex Hearth and I are hosting our Substack Meet Up on Wednesday, 2nd October. Link to sign up here.