Fun Little Things Friday #7

Weekly series? Not so much

Midway through August already and I feel like fall is almost here. It’s been a weird summer for weather in Texas and maybe it’ll actually feel like fall in September?

Usually by this time of the year, my brain is ready for it. College football, the excessive amount of pumpkin flavored things hitting the shelves and people up north posting about cooler weather.

Or at least they’re wearing long sleeves and not sweating.

Anyway, it’s been a while since I’ve done one of these but this feels the kind of week to do it. I was kind of sick most of last week and the feeling of coming out of the sick fog feels so nice, so I’ve been in a much better mood and feel like there have actually been fun, little things.

And that’s always nice.

1. Witch's Brew

My first ever Alani Nu drink was Witch’s Brew and I had in fall last year. Like probably the last week they sold the dang thing, since it’s a seasonal drink. Getting my hands back on it has been fun, but also contributes to the feeling that I want fall now.

2. Book Mail

One of my dearest writing friends, Rhianne (you can sign up for her Substack here), did a Kickstarter earlier this year and my package came yesterday. So much character art, two hardcovers with sprayed edges. It was so cool to see all this work she’s put into this book come to life in my hands (but also now I feel like I’m slacking because I have no character art). Seeing your friends fulfill dreams is one of the best feelings.

3. Random Rain Showers

In typical weather nerd fashion, I’ve been keeping my eye on the tropical wave that came from the Yucatán into the Gulf of Mexico and into south Texas earlier today but we’ve had a few afternoons this week of random rain showers and thunderstorms. Any time you get thunderstorms in August is a win.

4. Local Places

Earlier this week, my boyfriend and I stopped for dinner at our local pizzeria, 600 Degrees. We found out they’re closing our particular tomorrow, they were bought out by another place in the strip center. And while it’s bittersweet we won’t get to go back to that specific spot with those people and employees, I’m so grateful they were there. They opened up back in 2020 or 2021 and at the time, I literally lived catty-corner from them on a major intersection and could walk there.

I’ve written books there, celebrate new job offers, and my 30th birthday, along with so many nights of “let’s go grab a slice real quick.” It’ll be sad to see it change.

5. THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL

Look, I will be the first to admit that my enthusiasm for Taylor Swift changes regularly. Her music has been the soundtrack of my life (I literally turned thirteen a month after Taylor Swift the album came out). I think my peak Swiftie-ism hit when The Eras Tour concert movie came out. I was laid off literally two days before that hit theaters, so I needed something happy to cling onto at the time, but I will admit, I’m not a big fan of The Tortured Poets Department.

But getting back together with Max Martin and Shelback? Getting bop after bop after bop? That album dropping on the same day I’ll be driving five hours to Midland, Texas? I’m excited.

Only six weeks to go.

I’m hoping to be back here with something besides wrap ups and goals next week, more like a little personal essay, but you can also follow me on my author substack to see some quotes and fun things coming up. Because as soon as I figure out what this book title is, we’re going all out on promoting it

Until then, take care.