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Everything that happened on the blog last week with a couple extras.Too much? Not enough? Let me know what you think.

Back to our regular programming…

…kind of. I didn’t get around to everything I’d intended to this week, life kinda got in the way. If you’re struggling to find some positive momentum right now, I feel you. Some weeks I’m the pigeon, this week I’m the statue.

Still, there’s so much to love. So many great stories to read and songs to hear and dogs to pet. Take walks, find beauty in small things, eat something indulgent, and take care of yourself.

Lots of newcomers on Bluesky too, which is fun to see. I’ve been posting there for a while with very little effect, then this week brought that moment when a spot goes from empty to busy, and the vibe is so positive and fun, without the strange engagement bait that’s on Threads. If you haven’t found me there yet, I’m here.

Thanks to each of you for being here. Now the good stuff:

The second book in the current Knausgaard series, The Wolves of Eternity, was very good. The first half is very reminiscent of the My Struggle series. I have the third one ready to go, probably a couple weeks away from showing up here. 

Health and Safety: A Breakdown was not for me! I noticed a wild discrepancy between the Book Marks score and the Goodreads score - my guess is that Witt is well-liked by other media types, but those who don’t know her aren’t charmed by the book as much. 

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly was great, and the story behind it even better. It had been on my list for a long time before I spotted it in a used bookshop last week. An easy, lovely and inspiring book. 

Lastly, I shared a handful of short stories that I loved. If you’re going to read only one, make it Sophia Goes Bowling at 3AM. But seriously, read ‘em all. Then send me your faves!

I’m always looking for good writing and good music. If you have something to recommend, either your own stuff or something you’ve found, lay it on me.

First things first: Blog fave Punchbag finally released their debut single on Bandcamp and YouTube. It’s great, check it out:

Only a couple features this week, and Goldie Boutilier’s EP and the story behind it is what you should check out first. Her new EP is killer, especially once you know what led to it. 

Girl Scout’s new EP is great indie rock that sounds like a band from California (they’re from Sweden!). It’s short but burns real bright. 

Also on the playlist:

Singles from previous faves The Velveteers, Punk Mafia, Lip Filler, Stripes, Mhaol, Adore, Bleach Lab, mary in the junkyard, and Bad Bloom, with new discoveries from onlydigitally, Baby in Vain, FRANKIE FLOWERS, Twist, No Desire, SOURPUSSY, Great Grandpa, otsyuda and Moe Killed My Cool.

20 songs, 68 mintues. Hear it all on Apple Music or Spotify

Get the playlists

NEXT WEEK: I whiffed on almost everything I wrote here last week, for this week, but next week: manga, courtesy of the teenager. The Elon Musk book by Ryan Mac and Kate Conger, and The Patti Smith book (for real this time).

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