October 2, 2024

A Small September Recap

A last minute cancellation of my early morning jiu jitsu class has left me in the quiet house, kids still asleep, and no sunlight yet. So, with a moment with nothing else to do, here’s a quick recap of my September consumption.

#1 Ola Gjeilo

This album has been the soundtrack to my September, filled with beautiful music that gives me goosebumps (seriously!). Its cinematic and deep sound creates an immersive experience that resonates with every emotion. And there’s something inherently human about choir music.

I recently tweeted about how dramatic, immersive, and ethereal music can enhance a film experience, and it seems audiences really enjoy that aspect. Interestingly, even though most realize how the music furnishes the movie, they don’t typically listen to this type of music casually in their daily lives. For me, though, this album provides exactly that—it’s a soundtrack that enriches my days.

The song that first hooked me via YouTube 

Full album via Spotify

#2 Morning routine addition & hacking cultural engagement

To welcome the first day of autumn and embrace a slower pace of the morning routine, I recently bought a 500 piece puzzle of Fall inspired artwork. Each morning over coffee I work on placing the pieces, I’ve found the process surprisingly engaging and relaxing (I’ve never been a puzzle person). The kids have been curious and eager to help assemble it. While I can’t guarantee that all the pieces will be intact by the time we place the last one, it’s been worth it to include them in a relaxed morning routine.

Interesting side note, during soccer practice while my daughter focused on drills, I glanced up at the sky and spotted a flock of birds flying overhead, set against a familiar colored sky. It reminded me of the artwork in the puzzle. It struck me at that moment, this simple activity ended up being a profound way to engage with art. Perhaps it’s not a groundbreaking insight, but it certainly felt meaningful to me, that by accident I was kind of hacking a deep engagement with the artwork. I’m planning to dive into more puzzles in the AM. I think the low stakes nature of it while exploring the finer details of the artwork is promising for the kids and I.

#3 This month in books

Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross is a book I find difficult to fully recommend, even though I largely agree with its insights. While the anecdotes are a bit overdone/wordy and some ideas seem like common sense, they nonetheless serve as valuable reminders. You never really know what might resonate until you dive in, so skimming could reveal something unexpected.

For me, the book prompted reflection on my own habits as a parent. Since my first daughter was born, I’ve spared no expense on books, which has certainly paid off—she’s now an avid reader. However, this abundance has led us to accumulate many titles that I would classify as shallow. My concern has shifted from simply having a variety of books to ensuring we focus on depth and quality in her reading. Am I inadvertently fostering a disposable relationship with literature?

One of the core values I want to instill in my family is a genuine love for reading. The thought of her quickly flipping through books without truly engaging makes me slightly uneasy. This book served as a timely nudge, encouraging me to pare down the books scattered around our home.

The very next morning after a purge, I noticed a shift I hadn’t anticipated. She was excited to reunite with titles she hadn’t been able to find in a while, now that the library felt less overwhelming. She’s revisiting some of the classics with a sense of joy and curiosity, ideally diving deep into their themes and walking away with intriguing insights as weekly repetition occurs. I was particularly proud when she expressed, “This book trains me,” recognizing that books can teach valuable lessons and demonstrating her self awareness. It’s moments like these that remind me how important it is to focus on simplicity and quality, and curating that default environment that is rich with deep and engaging works.

Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man by Chesterton need no introduction, yet I was amazed at how frequently I found myself jotting down his quotes in my notebook. His insights are so striking and thought provoking that it was clear it was time to explore more of his work, so I picked up two titles.

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson Gilead focuses less on a traditional plot and more on deep thoughts about life. It encourages thinking about what makes life meaningful, the connections we have with family, and the everyday grace people often overlook. The story unfolds through letters written by a dying pastor to his young son, I really enjoy reading a good letter! You can expect letters filled with themes on faith, family, and the ups and downs of life, all while reflecting on the beauty and fragility of being human, themes I generally enjoy thinking about.

Posterity by Dorie McCullough is a collection of letters from notable Americans to their children. While I haven’t read it yet, it promises to be a treasure trove of heartfelt messages. These letters, not crafted for the marketplace but for the authors’ own children, likely convey genuine sincerity and wisdom because of the skin in the game nature of writing for one’s own children.

The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Bauer is a popular read among homeschooling parents who advocate for classical education, so I had to pick it up. Bauer makes a compelling case for a classical curriculum, arguing that deep engagement with foundational texts foster critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning. What resonates most with me is her emphasis on integration—connecting different subjects and ideas in a way that encourages synthesis rather than compartmentalization. While it felt like preaching to the choir for me, I still found some practical tips and resources worth noting.