Dog Days

swimming in a heat wave

we’re all Freddie schvitzing in his AirBnB chair

My mom tells this story about growing up with a dog named Christopher Columbus. Apparently, he ran away a lot—probably a stand against his problematic namesake. As the story goes, my grandmother would have to regularly go around the neighborhood shouting for “Christopher Columbus.”

My dog’s name is Freddie Mercury, which is a nice name, a cute name. But in the depths of pandemic isolation, Kevin and I got in the unforgivable habit of calling him Pupu, short for puppy (I guess?). But yeah, it sounds exactly like poo poo. So when I go out with Freddie, I sometimes hear myself calling for poo poo. #gothiccycle

Opening up again is weird for many reasons, but weirdest of all is realizing what a bizarre creature I’ve become. Our offices announced yesterday they’re re-opening in September, and it feels like waking up from a strange dream. The idea of meeting in person, of sitting at a desk, in pants now seems very exotic.

Certainly a far cry from rolling out every morning in PJs calling for Pupu.

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I’m continuing to be the recipient of an amazing amount of love for Songs in Ursa Major, and am so so grateful to everyone who has bought a book or shared their experience of reading the book with me. Next week, I’ve got a virtual event coming up on 7/8 with the legendary Paula McLain, courtesy of Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, MI. Should be very fun, I hope to see you there!

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I’m also very proud of this music video produced by PRH and my brother, Ben, alongside his longtime producing partner Charlie Danner, and their super talented friend, vocalist Nicole Chaffin. It’s for “Wallflower,” a song from Jane’s album, Songs in Ursa Major, which is her equivalent of “Little Green.” You can check it out here:

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Last, if you’re looking for a signed copy of the book, any of the stores I’m doing events with will have them. Or, if you already have your copy, I’m happy to pop a bookplate in the mail for you—just message me the best address.

Wishing everyone a lovely July 4th holiday—stay cool!

xx