We moved to Midland Texas a few weeks ago. It’s not known as a popular destination city, to say the least. Most people familiar with the place—literally in the middle of west Texas and about 4 hours from anywhere—make a face of horror or pity or polite neutrality when I tell them where we live now.
But a dear friend reminded me that I have lived “in some of the most barren, desolate places in the US (from my perspective) and you always make them seem delightful.” It’s a list that includes El Paso, Sierra Vista, and South Dakota. Most of these moves were job-necessitated and not places I would have chosen off the map. But it turns out I loved them all!
His words inspired my new relocation mantra: BYOB (Bring Your Own Beauty)—including the capacity to find wonder in whatever place I find myself.
Of course, I’m extending the mantra to also mean Bring Your Own Books. And we certainly did that. Arranging bookshelves anew is one of the finest pleasures in life. Going through all my books before the move, I let go of certain classics in order to buy them again in new editions. For instance, I’ve decided to re-read all of Jane Austen and to treat myself to the Vintage Classic editions as I go along. I’m starting with Sense & Sensibility and it’s helping to soothe my nervous system in the midst of moving chaos.
I did the same thing with Willa Cather’s My Antonia, which I’m reading out loud with my girls in the mornings. We may not yet have friends (or grass), but we have new editions of beloved books!
What are you excited to read this summer? Please send your lists to brighten my barren but beautiful residency!
Cheers,
Lacy
P.S. This summer’s read-aloud was inspired by Matt Sawyer of Story Made Podcast, who interviewed me about my Etsy shop and our mutual love of Willa Cather. I’ve loved listening to all his interviews, which focus on the ways stories and books shape our lives and culture.
I am happy that you are in Texas, you are obviously in the middle because y'all great. Also, I missed this tour of books. Now, about summer books: I am reading the trilogy of Eva Baltazar novels AND Tove Ditlevsen's Copenhagen trilogy. JUST BECAUSE.
I love this concept—bring your own beauty. Another great post! And Remarkably Bright Creatures is just the kind of magical book to brighten your new home! I think your girls would love it too! 💙