The Sunday Letter — Issue No. 03
Dear Readers,
It’s been a busy stretch since the last letter, one of those weeks where the days blur together, but the memories linger in sweet, surprising ways.
Last Friday, I attended my department’s Christmas lunch at The District in Ponchatoula, and it was such a good time. Delicious food, generous craft cocktails, and shrimp and grits so cheesy and comforting they deserve their own moment of silence. I posted the full review on the blog if you want all the details.
The very next evening, my best friend and I dressed up again. This time to support our coworker’s daughter at her winter ballet recital. Before heading to the ballet, we had dinner at La Mariposa, a Cajun and Creole fusion restaurant tucked into the business district of Summit, Mississippi. The staff were warm and welcoming, the atmosphere lighthearted, and the food fresh, crispy, and full of flavor. That experience is also fully written up on the blog.
It was our first time attending a ballet, and it was such a lovely night. There’s something really special about seeing art performed live, especially when it’s done with so much heart. We’re already looking forward to going again next year.
This Week’s Reflection: On Listening to Your Body
On a less enthusiastic note, I learned the hard way that the body keeps receipts.
After a little too much dancing and celebrating, I ended up hurting my foot and have spent most of this week resting, elevating, and taking things slow. I’m almost in the clear now and can put a bit of pressure on it, thankfully, but it’s been a reminder that joy and rest have to work together.
Sometimes slowing down isn’t a choice; it’s a requirement. And fighting it only makes things harder.
Currently Watching
I finally finished the 2021 C-Drama Crush, starring Wan Peng and Evan Lin. It was a light, gentle watch that occasionally flirted with melodrama but never went too far. Overall, it was a nice change of pace from some of the heavier historical dramas I’ve been watching lately. A full review is coming soon.
I’ve also started the 2023 K-Drama The Good Bad Mother with my mom, and whew. Plot twist after plot twist. We’re only a few episodes in, but it already has us hooked (and talking back at the TV).
What I’m Reading & Writing
I haven’t been reading much this week, but I’ve been:
Writing and posting restaurant reviews
Letting ideas rest instead of forcing them
Mentally planning end-of-year reflections
Jotting down notes for upcoming drama reviews
A Gentle Note for You
If your body or spirit has been asking you to slow down, listen.
Rest isn’t a reward, it’s maintenance.
You’re allowed to pause without explaining yourself.
The world will still be there when you’re ready to move again.
Until next Sunday,
I’m really looking forward to some time off next week. Work has been busy with holiday sales, and I’m craving rest, quiet mornings, and a big bowl of gumbo.
And the biggest news of all, we’re finally moving into our new home. If all goes as planned, we’ll be spending Christmas and New Year’s there, settling in and making it ours. I can hardly wait.
Thank you for being here, for reading, and for sharing this gentle rhythm with me.
Love,
Iris — xoxo
