Hello, darlings!
This past Sunday was my golden birthday, which means that for the first and last time, I turned the age of my birthday: 25 on the 25th. Golden birthdays are an arguably silly tradition, but for some reason, when I first heard about the concept as a child, it stuck with me, and 25 became a number I anticipated. I’m not sure what my younger self thought 25 would look like, but I think she’d be equally proud and perplexed to see where I am now.
Sorry, Phoebe, you’re not a pop star or an actress, or remotely famous, and you did not ride off into the sunset with your kindergarten crush. In fact, you just found out he’s engaged to another person from your kindergarten class, and you’re happy for them! You are, however, in a loving, committed relationship with a very kind and funny person, and you’re actively pursuing a creative career (even though it feels chaotic right now!). Your hobbies are the same ones you’ve always had: singing, drawing, and writing. Your home base is New York City, and you’ve cumulatively lived in Europe for 1 whole year of your life, through opportunities you created for yourself. Your family is healthy and close. You take care of yourself, and you’re taken care of by your community. And now you will stop making your readers queasy with your earnest letter to self.
My parents and Eliza came to town for the weekend and stayed with Teo’s parents, who were kind enough to host a birthday gathering for me on Saturday night. It was such a nice evening, full of friends, champagne, and the snacks of my dreams: oysters, local cheeses, duck rillettes, radishes, a silky sweet potato-tahini dip (thank you, Devra!), and too many baguettes. I felt well-fed and loved.
And then, on Sunday, my actual birthday, I came down with a horrid sickness which we shan’t dwell on. (Although it’s important to me that you know that the sickness was NOT related to the flawless snacks.) Let’s just say I spent the next few days on the couch, rewatching Sex and the City and drinking Gatorade between naps. Such is life! I’m much better now, thankfully.
Today, let’s end the month with a list of links. We survived February!
February links
Just read Ashley Ford’s memoir Somebody’s Daughter — an intense read, but a beautiful, worthy one. Now, I’m switching things up with Dolly Alderton’s clever new novel Good Material, which I’m racing (and giggling) through. I recommend both books for entirely different reasons. Balance!
I want to wear everything in the new Ciao Lucia spring collection. If only it weren’t so expensive…
New Kacey Musgraves album on March 15th! If the first two singles are any indication, it’s going to be my album of the spring and summer. I love it when Kacey’s folksy side comes out.
Into these prints by Ty Williams.
Into these “little passing thoughts” by Orfeo Tagiuri.
Thrilled to learn that Christina Chaey is writing a cookbook. I don’t know her personally, but I’m always inspired by her smart, vulnerable writing about food and mental health.
Listening to Sentimental Garbage, author Caroline O’Donoghue’s hilarious podcast. Also listening to the mini-series within it called Sentimental in the City, which features Dolly Alderton as a cohost and tackles Sex and the City, season by season. You will laugh; you will cry; you will involuntarily start rewatching Sex and the City. (Thank you for the rec, Starling! You were right.)
These jersey slippers are cheap and perfect for padding around and cooking at home.
Thank you for being here! More soon.
Love,
Phoebe
Delighted to be “here” at the Dish. I really like your recommendations. When we went to Live From Here (Prairie Home Companion) before covid I think we saw Casey Musgraves….and so know we saw Jacob Collier! Unforgettable. Xo