A Vivaldi concert I almost talked myself out of, recipes for the long weekend, two novels I cannot wait to start and a Peloton instructor who wrote a book
I am tired. It has been a long, busy week and I started it with two things on the calendar and somehow ended it with a full dance card. Tonight we are going to a Vivaldi concert. I am genuinely looking forward to it and at the same time genuinely hoping I can keep my eyes open past the first movement.
Tell me I am not alone in this — you put something on the calendar weeks ago, it sounded wonderful, and then the day arrives and every part of you just wants to be home in your chair with a book. And then you go, and it is wonderful, and you are glad you went. That is always how it ends. I know this. And yet.
There is more rain on the way, which after months of drought feels like a gift rather than an inconvenience. It is Mother’s Day on Sunday — if you are still looking for ideas, may I suggest my post What Women Actually Want for Mother’s Day? We will not be celebrating with my mom until she visits in June, but she will be very much in my heart this weekend. Let’s get to the favorites.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Food
A few recipes that caught my eye this week. All of them are perfect for your Mothers’ Day weekend table in one form or another.
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. One pan, 25 minutes, creamy garlic butter sauce with parmesan and juicy chicken. I found this earlier in the week and it went straight to the top of the list. I would eat pasta every day if I could.
Mediterranean Sheet Pan Salmon. I do not eat seafood but Bill does, and my sister does, and this one is for them. Sheet pan, 30 minutes, heart healthy and full of Mediterranean flavor. If the salmon lovers in your life are coming for Mother’s Day this is the one to make.
Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad. This is mine and I make it all spring and summer long. Sweet strawberries, blueberries, beautiful greens and candied pecans with a dressing that makes people ask for the recipe every single time. Perfect for a Mother’s Day lunch or brunch and honestly perfect for any warm afternoon between now and September.
No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream. Strawberry season is here and this is the recipe I make for every holiday and every summer weekend. No machine, no fuss, completely adaptable. If you have not pinned it yet, now is the time.
Links to Read, Watch and Listen
The Voice That Revealed a Planet—science, discovery and the kind of story that makes you remember why curiosity matters.
These States Are Going to Have the Worst Mosquito Problems This Year — essential summer reading for those of us who are very much on the list.
Have you ever made Marthas’ one pan pasta? — I have not but I am about to.
Why You Should Never Throw An Apple Core Out the Window — I did not know this.
The Real-Life Teenage Castaways Who Proved “Lord of the Flies” Wrong — one of the most hopeful things I have read in a long time.
Where You Put Your Hummingbird Feeder Can Keep Birds Away—Here’s the Right Spot
Egyptian mummy unearthed with literary text on abdomen in first ever find — extraordinary.
Scientists attempt to bring African antelope back from extinction after two centuries
Books
An artist named Elise arrives on the North Norfolk coast to restore a crumbling historic cottage called Marsh House, its walls still covered in the fading murals of its long-ago owner. What she finds there is a mystery that reaches back to 1939 and a love story that history quietly buried. This is the kind of novel I read in long stretches and then have to force myself to put down — two timelines, a beautiful English setting, and the particular ache of something lost that might still be found. It has been on my library wish list for weeks.
The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love
Three women of a certain age — cautious, outspoken and fragile by turns — find themselves in a Pennsylvania boardinghouse with very little to look forward to. Then comes a rundown North Carolina farmhouse and the unexpected possibility of a completely different life. This is the kind of women’s fiction that reminds you it is never too late for confidence, competence, or another chance at love. The North Carolina setting did not hurt either.
If you ride Peloton you already know Sam Yo — he is my favorite instructor on the platform and has been for years. What I did not know until now is how much of his life happened before the bike: West End stages, a Thai monastery, and the slow work of learning that peace is something you create rather than something you chase. This book is available for pre-order now and I already have my copy coming. Ancient Buddhist wisdom for modern life, told by someone whose voice I would listen to anywhere.
Looking for more books? Everything I have recommended can be found on My Bookshop. Most are also available from Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and on Libby from your local library.
Outfit of the Day
Blue and white is a classic color combination and a favorite of many. When I saw this skirt it was love at first sight, I paired it with a simple white t-shirt, a sweater for cool evenings or if you are inside with the air-conditioning, then added a simple bag and sandals. You can wear this all day and night!
Click Below for Outfit Details
What are your plans for Mother’s Day this weekend? Tell me in the comments.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Friday Favorites. Don’t forget to join Kim and Juliet tomorrow for Weekend Meanderings.
If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend and don’t forget to follow along on Facebook, Instagram or X or Pinterest
You might also enjoy:
What I’m Reading — Books Are My Windows to the World
Monday Musings No. 218 | Picky Bits, a Blush Lily and a Book About a Bookshop
On My Radar
You find the best books! Thank you for my many hours of satisfying reading. Also, you got me hooked on The Lady of the Chateau You Tube; I have watched almost every episode and loved every minute.
Kelly, I am hooked as well. I wish they would post more!
Kelly,
Thank you! I hope that you enjoy The Lady of the Chateau. Who knows, maybe you will find yourself at a retreat there one day.
Have a lovely weekend.
Elizabeth,
I am glad to know I am not the only who doesn’t like fish–we are such a minority!!! Love your posts!!!!
Darlene, ironically I lived in Alaska for two years where the seafood is prevalent. And I did eat tuna, nothing else, as a child. But when I turned 7 I stopped and haven’t had anything that lives in water since.
I’ve made Martha’s One Pan Pasta more than once over the years, thought it was great! The Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta looks delicious (and I love salmon).
My daughter lives across the country. I requested no gifts (I don’t need anything); we’ll have fun together when I visit in July. I’m happy that she stays in touch regularly.
Lynda, Martha can do no wrong, or at least she hasn’t with the recipes I have made.
Happy Mother’s Day to you. I hope that you have a wonderful day and an even better celebration when you see your daughter in July.