February's Six

Image Credits: upper-left tile via pexels.com, upper-middle tile via acouplecooks.com, upper-right tile Titian’s “The Andrians,” lower-middle tile courtest of Alison McGhee, lower-right tile courtesy of Billy Bragg and Wilco.

The aim of this series is to corral some favorite things and share them in a short and sweet post. Whether it’s a song, book, recipe, tip, or product, hopefully you will find some inspiration in this list.    

1. It’s February and Valentine’s Day is around the corner. I am not one to complain about the commercialization of holidays because I love how celebrating orients us to the changing seasons and provides an opportunity to be thoughtful with our loved ones. Although, there is absolutely no reason to spend a fortune on a prix fixe dinner or expensive gifts. This year, my husband and I are having dinner at home (breaking our long-standing Valentine’s Day taco date tradition) and I plan on gifting him homemade chocolate truffles and a card. Find the recipe for the earl grey truffles here and a cute set of cards here.

2. If cooking at home more often made your 2020 goal list, then I have a snack suggestion that will help you avoid stocking up on crackers and chips at the grocery store. Crispy chickpeas are so easy to make and are so versatile. They’re perfect as a snack, salad topper, cheeseboard filler, you name it. There are tons of recipes online that’ll get the job done, including this one.

3. I have a special appreciation for this recent Kent Anhari New Atlantis essay because its subject overlaps greatly with the subject of my dissertation. It is foremost dedicated to reviewing a book on reason, but also provides a nice overview of the relationship between rationality and irrationality, especially in the context of the Enlightenment tradition. If you are interested in philosophy, history, or both, check it out.

4. This wouldn’t be a Six Series without a rough transition, so here’s to a sharp turn to a toddler recommendation. I love our Camelbak’s kid’s water bottle because it’s cute, easy to clean, and functional. If you’re on the market, check out Amazon’s big selection here for less than $10.

5. I can’t get through this beautiful children’s book without tearing up—and for the record, neither can my husband. I can’t wait to share it with all the parents-to-be in my life. “Someday” perfectly captures the tension between wanting to watch your baby grow and experience all of life’s beautiful gifts while still wishing they could stay your baby forever.

6. Billy Bragg and Wilco’s “California Stars” is one of my favorite songs. Lyrically and musically, it is just lovely. Listen to it here, and while you’re at it, check out these few stanzas: “I'd love to feel, Your hand touching mine, And tell me why, I must keep working on/ Yes I'd give my life, To lay my head tonight on a bed, Of California stars/ I'd like to dream, My troubles all away, On a bed of California stars/ Jump up from my starbed, Make another day, Underneath my California stars, They hang like grapes, On vines that shine, And warm the lovers' glass, Like friendly wine”

Alison