May: THE BIG 5

A personal monthly edit - everything that rocked my world during the month of May

Hola! I’m munching on a fruit plate as I write this newsletter; we’ve entered the best season for produce, let’s be real. The only thing missing is a big slice of aged cheddar, which would take it to the next level.

It’s finally HOT in New York and I’m living for it. I’m thinking of treating myself to a new tank or two. I’m leaning towards this one, in the color, “Violet Heather.”

Anyhow, I’m trying something different with this monthly edit: I’m speaking in third person! I used to do this in my Instagram captions, and it feels poetic, as if I'm plopped into a movie, or I’m writing a letter to myself. It helps me lean into the emotion and gratitude of the moment.

joyful, bubbly laughter

You have the opportunity to visit three of your closest girlfriends and celebrate their different stages of life. Is there anything better than sitting with a bestie and cluck cluck cluckin’ away? (no)

1. You eat lunch with your dear friend Alex, and it feels like no time has passed. She tells you what it feels like to be pregnant, she validates your experiences, and you throw your head back with joyful, bubbly laughter. You wish so much that you lived in the same city.

2. You attend the wedding of your college friend, Savannah, and raise your glass to her love with Aidan, a gentle and steadfast soul. You eat two slices of cake, watch in awe as she twirls in her dress at twilight, and thank the gods she married a deserving man.

3. You visit your oldest friend, Laura, and finally meet her darling new baby; Everly is sunshine encapsulated, a total squish, a powdered sugar donut in baby form. You listen to Laura and Jacob tell Everly’s birth story and think about how you want to be just like them when it’s your turn: full of humor, thoughtfulness, and above all else, love.

special and sacred

Speaking of love, Anjali and Safi visit the city for a long weekend, and there are too many beautiful moments to keep track of.

• Safi plays his video games on the couch, Anjali reads her book, and you take a short nap in the armchair. There aren’t many people you can do “nothing” with, and it feels special and sacred.

• You go on a run and then a long walk with Anjali in Central Park. It’s easy to share with her: the words tumble out, she catches them, and spins them into something loving and wise.

• The masa pancake at Cocina Consuelo that you love so much? You share that alongside some breakfast tacos. The sun is out, the iced chai is delicious, and the server you’d like to be friends with offers to take your photo.

liquid gold

You watch your husband perform at the legendary Public Theatre, and you squeal when he glides during “Boom Boom.” You hold your breath when he walks on stage, cheer as loudly as you can during every applause, and feel that familiar awe and appreciation that is always present when you watch him perform. You want everyone to notice his hard work, the hours of creative collaboration, the grace and generosity that spills over like liquid gold when he shares his talent with us.

bravery and vulnerability

You attend Maybe Happy Ending, the Broadway show about two retired robots, and you’re filled with hope. Their love story is brave and vulnerable, and you feel grateful to be married to someone who values those qualities: bravery and vulnerability.

You read Onyx Storm, and it reaffirms that the best books are those that sweep you away, propel you into a different world, and inspire you to be passionate, loyal, and unwavering in your pursuits. Fantasy is just so damn fun!!!

best laugh of the year

La familia travels to the city to support Austin, window shop in Park Slope, eat bagels and Thai food, and celebrate Marco’s graduation. You take the train to Brooklyn and play pretend, like this is every weekend. You drink Diet Cokes with Grandma, run with Anik and Papi, and buy a copy of Romantic Comedy for Mama. Oh, and Anik challenges you to do 10 pushups—it doesn’t go well, so now you’re doing 5 modified pushups every day, working on your form and sending her funny GIFs every time you complete them. Agus gives everyone the best laugh of the year.

My intention for June is to enjoy the sunshine, the heat, and the long walks in Central Park. Above all, to trust the wisdom of my body.

Thank you, always, for reading.
xo,
alexa