“I guess I’m going to be a gardener, too?” I laughed, counting four tomato plants. I didn't even like tomatoes that much. "I've never tended a garden before, but there's a first time for everything."
This made me tear up, Erin. We're about to go through a transition as a family, and I have definitely had my moments of asking, "Is this a mistake?" Your words encouraged me to trust.
This essay was a delight to read! I loved all three of those books, too, and I'm already excited to re-read all of them (probably in 2026)! I had no idea The Wedding People was being made into a movie. Yay! I can't wait for the movie Project Hail Mary to come out. Have you read that book?
I loved your cherry tomato story! And I also loved The Correspondent. I have a regimented nighttime routine, but my sleep still varies wildly. When I’m feeling particularly stressed, I have a recurring anxiety dream that I’ve been having since 2010 (some variation of being in an airport and missing a flight, losing bags, losing my kids, etc), I always wake up heart racing 🫠🫠🫠
Thank you for reading and sharing, Alyssa! Sleep is such a tricky thing to manage, and I can relate to that anxiety dream so much. When I was a girl, I used to dream my favorite flower blanket blew out the car window over a bridge and was lost in a river repeatedly... Nothing worse than losing a precious thing or person! Wishing you a calm (and restful) week 💗
Love this, friend! So happy to see you settling in to home and community (and yourself, in so many ways). ❤️ I delighted in the writing/world creation of Wild Dark Shore.
Loved this, Erin!! It had me thinking so much about our move (hopefully) back to the States next year and everything it will mean, but how necessary it feels for reasons similar to what you’ve described here. This made me rejoice with you and also feel a little more peace. Thanks so much for linking my essay too!
Thank you, Joy! I'm glad it brought you a sense of peace, and I pray that your upcoming transition goes smoothly. You're welcome -- I loved that essay!
“The only explanation was grace.” I love these reflections, Erin! And I looove cherry tomatoes off the vine 😍 I’m so glad you’re settling into your new home and school. I also adored Wild Dark Shore and enjoyed Migrations (same author) as well!!
Loved reading this update, Erin! Happy to hear about your new home, new love for cherry tomatoes, and that you are getting better sleep! I finished The Correspondent recently and loved it too!
This made me tear up, Erin. We're about to go through a transition as a family, and I have definitely had my moments of asking, "Is this a mistake?" Your words encouraged me to trust.
(But I don't like cherry tomatoes.) :)
Erin, I'm so glad to know that my words encouraged you! I'll be thinking of you as you navigate change. You never know about cherry tomatoes 😉
This essay was a delight to read! I loved all three of those books, too, and I'm already excited to re-read all of them (probably in 2026)! I had no idea The Wedding People was being made into a movie. Yay! I can't wait for the movie Project Hail Mary to come out. Have you read that book?
Thanks, Laura! I want to reread those books, too. I haven't heard of that book, but I'll have to add it to my TBR list 😊
I loved your cherry tomato story! And I also loved The Correspondent. I have a regimented nighttime routine, but my sleep still varies wildly. When I’m feeling particularly stressed, I have a recurring anxiety dream that I’ve been having since 2010 (some variation of being in an airport and missing a flight, losing bags, losing my kids, etc), I always wake up heart racing 🫠🫠🫠
Thank you for reading and sharing, Alyssa! Sleep is such a tricky thing to manage, and I can relate to that anxiety dream so much. When I was a girl, I used to dream my favorite flower blanket blew out the car window over a bridge and was lost in a river repeatedly... Nothing worse than losing a precious thing or person! Wishing you a calm (and restful) week 💗
Love this, friend! So happy to see you settling in to home and community (and yourself, in so many ways). ❤️ I delighted in the writing/world creation of Wild Dark Shore.
Thank you so much for saying that, Jess! 🥰 Yes! It's such a gorgeous book.
Loved this, Erin!! It had me thinking so much about our move (hopefully) back to the States next year and everything it will mean, but how necessary it feels for reasons similar to what you’ve described here. This made me rejoice with you and also feel a little more peace. Thanks so much for linking my essay too!
Thank you, Joy! I'm glad it brought you a sense of peace, and I pray that your upcoming transition goes smoothly. You're welcome -- I loved that essay!
Always encouraged by your words :) Cheers to coming home! And listening to The Correspondent right now!
Thank you so much, friend! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the book 💗
“The only explanation was grace.” I love these reflections, Erin! And I looove cherry tomatoes off the vine 😍 I’m so glad you’re settling into your new home and school. I also adored Wild Dark Shore and enjoyed Migrations (same author) as well!!
Many thanks, Megan! Ooh, I'm going to check out Migrations soon.
So happy for you and all the unexpected joys to come!!
Thanks, lady! 🥰
Loved reading this update, Erin! Happy to hear about your new home, new love for cherry tomatoes, and that you are getting better sleep! I finished The Correspondent recently and loved it too!
Thank you so much, Laura! Isn't that book amazing? It inspired me to write more letters. I want to go back and read the hard copy now.
Loved this one, Erin. I’m working on sleep hygiene, too…trying not to scroll before bed and sticking to a bed time have helped.
Thank you for reading, friend! Cheers to more restful evenings 🥰