Let's do the whole thing

Whatever that looks like

Hello friends and fellow humans,

Anyone else feeling stretched thin this May, or is it just me (I know it’s not just me)? There’s the usual stuff, and I have a child turning ten and need to find a pop star to dress up as for the party (as one does), and my other child is having a Bar Mitzvah in just a few weeks! I will not be dressing up as a pop star for that one. As a caregiver, there’s a lot to coordinate in general, a lot to hold. I’m excited to celebrate, and inundated with logistics. Which, basically, sums up my feelings about life.

I’m sending this out on Mother’s Day—a day that can be complicated for many of us mere mortals. I had plans for motherhood, and motherhood had plans for me. Big plans, and unfortunately, the agenda includes a feeding tube, ASD-related meltdowns, and a wide buffet of medical appointments. Plus, a lot of unexpected, gorgeous moments. And unexpected, gorgeous humans.

Maybe motherhood had big plans for you, too. Or, maybe today you miss your mom something fierce, or maybe your mother wasn’t able to do the nurturing you deserved. Maybe you’re loving the whole thing (which is a saying from my daughter, who likes to refer to the whole thing as many times as possible in a day, as in, when finishing a movie, “We did the whole Moana 2.” And then we cheer. The cheering is essential.)

Whatever your experience as a mother, stepmother, or a person who didn’t choose any of it—really, regardless, I hope you get some breaks today. It’s all a lot of work, whatever you are doing.

If you have any easy pop star costume ideas—I’m serious—please advise in the comments. This is the kind of support I need right now. And one more thing: I’m teaching an in-person class at ModernWell in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 26th, 2025 from 9:30am-12 pm. Because you know what I like even more than writing? Talking about writing. Learn what makes great memoir writing, how to navigate ethical challenges, and gain insight into publishing. By the end, you’ll leave with fresh ideas. New perspectives. And deeper insight into the liberating, vulnerable process of memoir writing. Find more info here.

Let’s do the whole thing, whatever that looks like,

Emma

Here are three hopeful things:

Good Hang by Amy Poehler with Rashida Jones

This is a relaxed, good hang. It’s funny, and it’s easy to enjoy. My favorite part is when Amy says, “One of the reasons why I want to do this podcast is I‘ve watched so many men give the bare minimum…I’m truly giving 25%, which for most people is 75%. But it’s like enough is enough. Enough with the 100% and enough with improving ourselves and listening to stuff about how we are supposed to get better and better and better…” Yes, Amy! What if we are just okay as we are, and could enjoy it?

"Why I hate Mother's Day" by Anne Lamott

A classic for a reason, and my favorite piece I’ve read on this holiday. It’s from 2010, and still spot on.

The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad

Last weekend, I got to see Suleika Jaouad and her husband, musician Jon Batiste, bring this book to life at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis. The event was full of singing, and reading, and great conversation. It made me feel alive (and want to write more), kind of like this book, which is a great collection of essays and journal prompts.