I wanted a separate section in my newsletter. A more informal blog-style extension. A pinboard with all the things I come across. I want to make it a weekly habit or at least as often as I can. I want to write about places I visit, things I do, creative hobbies I try, and people I meet. The journalist in me wants to try again. But now, I’ll be writing about things I love.
The winters have finally set in Mumbai. By winters, I mean a European summer: the slight chill, the less-than-severe sun, the cute knits, and hair that doesn’t frizz with the humidity. It’s also the start of the wedding season, and shops are filled with pretty dresses and Christmas decor. The social calendar finally lives up to its name, and the weekends finish as soon as they start.
I love reading, but for some reason, I struggled to read for the last few months. Was it because of boredom, anxiety, or just a slump? Turns out, it was all three. But I was determined to get back on track. So I did the most outrageous thing one could do to get back into reading — read a 1360-page trilogy. But I have to first start with the 310-page prequel.
The trilogy in question is The Lord of the Rings, and the prequel is The Hobbit. I had secured the three books at a book swap exactly a year ago, and later, found The Hobbit at a second-hand book shop. I have always been fascinated by the author J.R.R. Tolkien. I have never read Tolkien before, but I’ve read so much about him. He continues to be an inspiration, and I can’t wait to see how the books unfold.
I read The Hobbit on the train back home and then a little before bedtime. It is cute, relaxing, and reminiscent of the Enid Blyton books I read as a child. The worldbuilding is surreal, and I’m already in love.
Speaking about Tolkien, I came across this newsletter a year ago. It’s a lovely resource and aid to reading Tolkien and understanding his work. Do check it out.
Also, did you know that there are actual online writing tools? And no, it’s not ChatGPT. I love this essay, and I’ve already bookmarked Rhymezone and Onelook.
This was such a fun read! Hobby glow up? Count me in!
Also, my friend Krysanne has been writing amazing stuff on her Substack. This one was so cool.
I’ve been trying to make this crochet cardigan for the last month. Let’s see how it turns out.
Until then!
-Alinka