In a moment of maybe irony(?) I am a therapist and I had your writer voice in my head this weekend talking about the concept of what we owe to one another and referenced your exact discussion on protecting one's peace so hard that we become isolated. They were discussing that they had pointed out to one friend in their group that they continue to back out of showing up to things citing being tired or having to wake up the next day early and they were lamenting that the response was angry and defensive and pointing out that if we don't make an effort to show up for one another, the friendship will wither away (Gen Z really continues to impress me). So, while you might not HAVE a therapist your writing helped this therapist with language to discuss this concept!
I am so sorry about the lost phone, especially being in Montevideo (the expense! Also, most fun city name to say in Spanish!) and YES to the Luther doc. I watched it twice it was so good and cried both times. Never Too Much is the love anthem!!!
Absolute nightmare to lose your phone - my condolences. Unrelated, but need to share with someone who will understand the significance of what i am about to say. I am reading The Bell Jar (why can I not change font here, Substack??). I have been on this earth 61 years and have never read Plath. My my … it’s amazing.
Sorry about your phone! I use 1Password for all my passwords because of not being able to remember them all while trying to make them secure. And please report back if you got lost or found your way with written directions.
Clara, my husband and I passed through Salzburg a few weeks ago (as one does) and he—a massive SoM fan—booked a Sound of Music bike tour that takes you to nearly all the filming spots, including the house outside of town where they filmed the exteriors, etc. He made us sing Do-Re-Mi while lined up on steps next to the opera house and I wanted to die, but it was also extremely fun and charming in a “wow, this guy is intense about the Sound of Music” way. Highly recommend if you ever happen to be there!
Also the Italian (farinata) and French (socca) versions of Faina are high on my favorite foods list; if you’re ever in Nice there’s a famous stall in the market that serves socca delivered to the stall from their nearby ovens via modified motorbike with a GIANT socca carrier on the back!
You have just prompted me to write down my Apple ID password and shove it in a drawer 😂 I don’t know it, or any other, password my heart as I just use the iPhone strong password app for everything 😬
"I’ve been accumulating bad days like they’re collector’s items"
Glad it's not just me! Misery loves company and it's great to have someone else here. I'll take the aisle, you take the window seat. Destination? Hopefully the sun.
I locked myself out of my phone while on a trip to Italy in March (after thoroughly enjoying the free drinks at the lounge) and didn't know my password either. It was..a journey! You're braver than me for venturing out without a phone for directions. I get lost in my own driveway.
Soon the dredges of August will be behind us and we can shrug off the melancholy and horror of this month.
I too love a good doc on just about anything, and the Luther one is exceptionally well done. I really really enjoyed it. Dance With My Father is sooooo good but before school had to be a bit much 😅
some absolute gems in this one, Clara! I hope you have fewer reasons to complain in future, but when life gives you lemons I sure hope you continue to write with wry and spite about them here
In a moment of maybe irony(?) I am a therapist and I had your writer voice in my head this weekend talking about the concept of what we owe to one another and referenced your exact discussion on protecting one's peace so hard that we become isolated. They were discussing that they had pointed out to one friend in their group that they continue to back out of showing up to things citing being tired or having to wake up the next day early and they were lamenting that the response was angry and defensive and pointing out that if we don't make an effort to show up for one another, the friendship will wither away (Gen Z really continues to impress me). So, while you might not HAVE a therapist your writing helped this therapist with language to discuss this concept!
oh this meant the most to me, Lauren, thank you! x
The Baroness and Fraulein Maria’s conversations are etched into my very soul
ETCHED
I am so sorry about the lost phone, especially being in Montevideo (the expense! Also, most fun city name to say in Spanish!) and YES to the Luther doc. I watched it twice it was so good and cried both times. Never Too Much is the love anthem!!!
Absolute nightmare to lose your phone - my condolences. Unrelated, but need to share with someone who will understand the significance of what i am about to say. I am reading The Bell Jar (why can I not change font here, Substack??). I have been on this earth 61 years and have never read Plath. My my … it’s amazing.
Sorry about your phone! I use 1Password for all my passwords because of not being able to remember them all while trying to make them secure. And please report back if you got lost or found your way with written directions.
Clara, my husband and I passed through Salzburg a few weeks ago (as one does) and he—a massive SoM fan—booked a Sound of Music bike tour that takes you to nearly all the filming spots, including the house outside of town where they filmed the exteriors, etc. He made us sing Do-Re-Mi while lined up on steps next to the opera house and I wanted to die, but it was also extremely fun and charming in a “wow, this guy is intense about the Sound of Music” way. Highly recommend if you ever happen to be there!
Also the Italian (farinata) and French (socca) versions of Faina are high on my favorite foods list; if you’re ever in Nice there’s a famous stall in the market that serves socca delivered to the stall from their nearby ovens via modified motorbike with a GIANT socca carrier on the back!
It is a total nightmare losing a phone, I deeply sympathise. I saw this article recently which might be helpful https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/apr/23/what-to-do-phone-lost-stolen-change-passwords
You have just prompted me to write down my Apple ID password and shove it in a drawer 😂 I don’t know it, or any other, password my heart as I just use the iPhone strong password app for everything 😬
"I’ve been accumulating bad days like they’re collector’s items"
Glad it's not just me! Misery loves company and it's great to have someone else here. I'll take the aisle, you take the window seat. Destination? Hopefully the sun.
I locked myself out of my phone while on a trip to Italy in March (after thoroughly enjoying the free drinks at the lounge) and didn't know my password either. It was..a journey! You're braver than me for venturing out without a phone for directions. I get lost in my own driveway.
Soon the dredges of August will be behind us and we can shrug off the melancholy and horror of this month.
I too love a good doc on just about anything, and the Luther one is exceptionally well done. I really really enjoyed it. Dance With My Father is sooooo good but before school had to be a bit much 😅
The beautiful journey of life. I love how you share it.
some absolute gems in this one, Clara! I hope you have fewer reasons to complain in future, but when life gives you lemons I sure hope you continue to write with wry and spite about them here