The Sunday Letter: Edition 3
inside: inspiration to read more, joan didion's recipes, lists of objects
Hi, lovely readers —
Settling into 2025 feels like stepping into a wave of inspiration. Over the past year, I’ve felt an undeniable pull toward curating and creating full-time. It’s a bit predictable, perhaps, but isn’t creative fulfillment essential to enriching every other part of life? There’s so much I want to explore: writing more consistently here and connecting with you through these letters; dreaming up a book that captures the ideas and inspirations I hold closest; crafting a home that feels like a sanctuary, where our family can thrive and grow together; sharing the wonders of art, poetry, and science with my kids, nurturing their curiosity and creativity; carving out moments of stillness to simply be, untethered from the rush of daily life; and learning to let play and spontaneity guide my days more freely.
Each small step, including this newsletter, feels like a move toward that vision—a way to embrace what inspires me and share it with all of you.
That’s it for this week’s rant. How has your week been?
Objects of Desire
Lately, I’ve been working on breaking the habit of checking my phone every few minutes. Instead, I’m focusing on creating with my hands—a way to ground myself and stay present in the moment. I’ve been considering investing in a beautiful timer to help me focus, like the Areaware Everybody Timer or a retro-inspired kitchen timer that adds charm to the everyday.
I’ve also fallen in love with the rose-scented, refillable Diptyque perfume balm. The container is simply stunning—a luxurious treat for the senses and a versatile layering piece in both fragrance and design.
Recently, I discovered an Etsy shop with gorgeous handcrafted fidget rings and couldn’t resist treating myself to one. Its thick, layered design feels substantial and stylish, while also serving as a comforting tool for moments of anxiety or restlessness—a perfect blend of function and beauty.
Some recent lists I’ve curated on my ShopMy shelf:
If Valentine’s Day is on your mind, I’ve also put together a variety of gift guides to make your shopping a little easier:
Words to Hold
This week’s inspiration comes as a gentle reminder to find joy in ways unique to your own story—and to read more, more, more.
“You hear this all the time, but it’s the most important advice you can give anyone: read as much as you can. Read novels, essays, the news, books on architecture, cultural criticism. Read, read, read. You’ll learn everything from reading. Inform yourself about the world and history. Get a library card and devour the books; read as much poetry as possible. Old poets, young poets, dead poets, contemporary poets, poets from other countries, poets in translation. Do not be afraid to dig deep for the roots of your own culture. Notice the world: the luminous spider web in the garden, the big sculpture mottled by pigeon shit. Your images are there, at hand, in the world. And don’t be afraid of the page. Respect it, but don’t be scared of it.”
— Aria Aber, interviewed by Meher Manda for the Atticus Review
A Recipe for the Week
Lately, I’ve been toying with the idea of recreating recipes inspired by my favorite writers or drawn from their works. Over time, I’ve collected quite a few that I’d love to share—let me know if you’d like me to add them to this weekly newsletter or compile them into a separate list for you.
This week, I’m diving into a couple of Joan Didion’s recipes:
In The Year of Magical Thinking, Joan Didion fondly recalls her early days in Malibu, where she, John Gregory Dunne, and their friends would host dinners, trade recipes, and even dream about starting a restaurant. At one point, Katharine Ross brought back vanilla beans from her travels, inspiring them to make crème caramel for a while—though caramelizing the sugar turned out to be an unpopular chore.
Melt 1 cup sugar in 1/2 cup water in saucepan + cook until golden. Line 12 cups with this caramelized sugar + let it set.
Scald 4 cups milk with long piece of vanilla bean. Meanwhile, beat together 6 eggs, 4 additional egg yolks, and 1 cup sugar.
Remove vanilla bean + trickle hot milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly. Pour this mixture with care over caramel in cups.
Place cups in pan of hot water + into 350° oven for 20-25 min, until point of knife comes out of center clean. (water must not boil.) Chill + unmold.
What’s Inspiring Me
I’ve been compiling a list of saved articles, newsletters, and other inspirations that have captured my attention lately. From thought-provoking reads to creative ideas, these are the things currently occupying my mind:
Mark Rothko on the "recipe of a work of art," lecture at the Pratt Institute, 1958:
1. There must be a clear preoccupation with death—intimations of mortality... Tragic art, romantic art, etc. deals with the knowledge of death.
2. Sensuality. Our basis of being concrete about the world. It is a lustful relationship to things that exist.
3. Tension. Either conflict or curbed desire.
4. Irony. This is a modern ingredient—the self effacement and examination by which a man for an instant can go on to something else.
5. Wit and Play..for the human element.
6. The ephemeral and chance...for the human element.
7. Hope. 10% to make the tragic concept more endurable.
Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear what’s been inspiring you—whether it’s a book, a recipe, or something unexpected. Feel free to share by leaving a comment or replying!
Until next time!
All my love,
-D