Welcome to the first of many monthly digests! These will be landing in your inbox at the end of every month, and while I’d love to kick things off with something thrilling, the reality is that August has been all about settling into London life. You know, the kind of month where you’re just trying to figure out how the washing machine works and where the good pastries are.
I’ll admit, August felt like the first time I could exhale a bit—finally a sense of “settledness,” if that’s even a word. I did a bit of exploring, but if I’m being honest, I needed summer to pass before I could really dive into this city. Why? Because I’m a self-confessed summer hibernator. Sunshine is great and all, but not the heat… give me a cool breeze and a sweater, or a jumper as Brits call them, any day.
Now, I’d love to tell you that moving to London has me feeling like I’m living in a Nora Ephron movie. But let’s be real—I’m not out here twirling around in a perfectly tailored trench coat while falling in love with a charming stranger in a bookshop. The truth is, doing life on your own is hard. It’s something I’ve been doing for most of my life, and while I’m not a complete loner (yes, I do have friends and family), all the responsibility—every last bit of it—falls squarely on my shoulders. Sure, that’s how it should be, but sometimes, just sometimes, it would be nice to lean on someone. Maybe for the logistics of a move, or even just splitting the cost of the flat I just rented. Every once in a while, the weight of it all hits me—this whole “doing it alone” thing can be exhausting.
I’ve actually been working on a piece about this very topic, and I’ll be sharing it in the coming weeks. It dives deeper into these feelings, but for now, I didn’t want this digest to paint a picture of everything being seen through romcom-colored glasses. Let’s be real: life isn’t always a neatly scripted film with a happy ending, and that’s okay.
Speaking of being tired, that seems to be a recurring theme in my life lately, likely stemming from the whole “doing it alone” thing. This move, while exciting, has taken a lot out of me. It’s not just the logistics of moving, but also juggling work, life, love, friendships—you name it, I’m managing it, and well, I’m tired.
You might expect me to say that I’m “pushing through” or that I’m giving it my all, but truthfully, I’m learning to do the opposite. I’m learning to just let things be in certain areas of my life. I’m always “on,” always going, going, going, and sometimes you just need to hit pause, breathe, and let things be what they are.
But hey, let’s not linger in the land of existential crises for too long.
There are some real positives about life in London. It took a minute to adjust, but I’m genuinely loving it here. Homesickness has crept in occasionally—especially for Vancouver, my home city, and Los Angeles, where I spent practically all of my adulthood. I had those pangs for home comforts from both places, but I realized the other day that I hadn’t felt them in a while. I’ve been too busy discovering new things to miss the old. I mean, have you ever had a Yorkshire burrito? If not, you’re missing out.
New routines, new foods, new surroundings = for the first time in a long time, I’m actually present. I’m not daydreaming about a different life in a different place. I’m daydreaming about the life I’m living right now. It’s a welcome change, and honestly, it’s about time.
Going forward, I hope to have more useful insights to share in these monthly digests. But for now, here’s what I’ve been up to, where I’ve been, and what I’ve been consuming.
WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON
Stepping out of my comfort zone—and out of my slowly coming-together abode—I’ve been meeting new people. Actual human beings, in real life. I’ve only been here a few months and already have more of a social life than I did in my last year and a half in Vancouver… and probably the two years before that in Los Angeles… combined. It’s a bit uncomfortable for me, but that’s what this phase of life is all about—doing the uncomfortable but doing it gently. I’m no longer giving out my time and energy to just anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, I don’t do it. If it’s neutral, I check in with myself: What, and who, are worth it?
London’s dog-friendliness has been a huge plus. Raffi is loving it, and so am I. It’s nice to be able to pop into a shop, café, or grab a meal without having to take him home first and then muster the energy to go out again.
WHAT I’M WORKING ON
There’s been a lot of new content in the works, and it’s been incredible having the creative freedom to do things my way, with my voice. I’m also working on new offerings to help other creatives, which I’m really excited about.
I’m working on a new book… and you might be thinking, “New book? Where’s the old book?” Well, the first draft of said old book is sitting on a metaphorical shelf, covered in about a foot of dust. I haven’t touched it since I finished it four years ago. But once I finish this new book, which is kind of a prequel to the old one, I think it might be time to revisit it. I’m keeping the details of this new book close to the chest for now because it’s still very much a work in progress, and who knows? The idea might shift. But it’s non-fiction, and I’m excited—and nervous—about it because it’s really personal. I’ll keep you updated as things progress.
I’ve also got a screenplay I’ve written that I’m considering turning into a book. It’s a fantasy romcom, and it’s been in the works for many, many years. As they say, there’s no such thing as an overnight success. Right now, I’m in the “date phase”—giving the script another once-over and contemplating the novel route, where I’d have more room to dive into the details. With the film industry being what it is right now, I’m wondering if a book might be the smarter route. I’ll share more about this one soon—I’ve got some cool visuals and pieces that I’m eager to get feedback on.
Lastly, I’ve got a murder mystery/whodunnit screenplay in the works from scratch. It’s been a while since I started a screenplay from scratch—mostly, I’ve been tweaking and revising existing works—but this one has been nagging at me to write it. It’s so much fun, and all I’ll say is it’s in the vein of Knives Out. I’ve been binge-watching Murder, She Wrote and Agatha Christie lately, which might explain why I’ve been feeling a bit on edge. But I think it’s going to be really great when it’s done.
WHERE I’VE BEEN
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is like the Disneyland of London—but, you know, with fewer screaming children and more artisanal gelato. I found myself wandering around, not even trying to hide my inner tourist. I found the most delectable stationery shop. I’m a sucker for all things paper and ephemera. Also, yes, I did buy another notebook I don’t need.
Stationery Store: Choosing Keeping
Camden Market
If Covent Garden is Disneyland, then Camden Market is like a rock concert mixed with a treasure hunt. It’s gritty, loud, and a little overwhelming in the best way. I picked up a pair of sunglasses that make me look at least 10% cooler, or at the very least, like I’m trying to be cool. The whole place has this creative energy that makes you feel like you could stumble upon the next big thing, or hope that you’re the one discovered.
Chelsea
Chelsea is where I went to pretend I have my life together… but by now you’ve likely caught on that I don’t. But walking along King’s Road with everyone who clearly does have it together is oddly motivating. I treated myself to some overpriced lunch and hoped some of that Chelsea charm rubbed off on me. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.
Notting Hill
I’m not saying I went to Notting Hill with full Hugh Grant movie expectations, but… okay, I totally did. While I didn’t bump into a charming Englishman, I did fall in love with the pastel-colored houses and quaint bookshops. It’s impossible not to feel a little bit like the star of your own romcom, wandering these streets. And while there was no epic meet-cute, I did find a cinnamon bun that was pretty life-changing, so there’s that.
Life-Changing Cinnamon Bun: Buns from Home
WHAT I READ
Ghosts by Dolly Alderton
This book had me nodding along so hard, I thought my neck might actually snap. Dolly Alderton has this way of making you feel seen, especially if you’re a single woman in your 30s navigating friendships that are starting to feel a littleghostly themselves. The romance plot? I was frustrated—that’s the point. But the way she nails the slow drift of friendships as everyone else pairs off? That’s the real gut-punch. It’s like reading a mirror of your own life, but with better one-liners.
Let Me Tell You What I Mean by Joan Didion
Reading Joan Didion is like sitting down with your most intimidatingly wise friend who also happens to be a master of the written word. This collection of essays is classic Didion—sharp, observant, and so brutally honest that it makes you question everything you thought you knew. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling smarter and slightly less sure of yourself all at once. But in a good way.
On Women by Susan Sontag
Sontag’s On Women is the kind of book you pick up thinking you’ll read a few pages and then realize three hours have passed, and you’re questioning your entire existence. She dives deep into the complexities of womanhood, and by the end, you’re left with a head full of thoughts and a strong urge to discuss them with anyone who will listen. It’s dense, it’s challenging, and it’s completely worth the mental workout.
WHAT I WATCHED
Didi [Film]
Didi is a coming-of-age film that doesn’t follow the usual script, and that’s what makes it stand out. Set in Fremont, California, it follows Chris, a Taiwanese-American teenager, as he stumbles through the awkward messiness of adolescence. This film skips the easy answers and tidy endings—relationships with his crush, his family, and even his friends are as complicated and unresolved as they are in real life. It’s not a feel-good story, but it’s real, and that’s exactly what makes it hit home.
Twisters [Film]
Twisters is the cinematic equivalent of junk food—predictable, a bit ridiculous, but oddly satisfying. It’s the kind of movie where you can see the twists (pun intended) coming a mile away, but you don’t really care because you’re just here for the ride. It’s not going to win an Oscar—well, maybe for special effects—but it’s just a damn good time. And if that’s not enough, Glen Powell will charm the pants off of you.
Love is Blind UK [Netflix]
I heard a quote somewhere—and I’m going to butcher it because I can’t remember who said it—but something like, there’s no such thing as guilty pleasures, only pleasures. This show is an unexpected pleasure, and I’m not even sorry about it. A friend begged me to watch it because she needed to talk to someone who had. I’ve never watched a dating show in my life—not any of the Bachelor series or Love Island—so I was hesitant. But watching people navigate love while blindfolded [metaphorically, of course] is both cringe-worthy and absolutely addictive, and I loved every minute of it.
Presumed Innocent [Apple TV+]
I went into Presumed Innocent expecting your run-of-the-mill legal drama, and instead, I got a twisty, turny thriller that had me guessing until the end. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out… you’re wrong. My kind of show.
Trying [Apple TV+]
If you liked Ted Lasso and found yourself crying once again by the end of every episode, Trying is for you. It’s the kind of show that sneaks up on you with its warmth and heart. It follows a couple navigating the ups and downs of trying to adopt, but it’s about so much more than that. The show’s humor is gentle but sharp, the characters are incredibly likable, and the storylines are both touching and relatable. It’s the TV equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate—comforting, sweet, and exactly what you need after a long day. But don’t forget the tissues; you’re going to need them.
WHAT I LISTENED TO
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus [Podcast]
I fell down the rabbit hole with Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Wiser Than Me, and I don’t regret a single minute of it. I binged both seasons, and honestly, it was like having a series of deep, meaningful conversations with the coolest women you could ever hope to meet. The episodes with Julie Andrews and Sally Field were hands-down my favorites. Hearing these legends talk about their lives, careers, and the wisdom they’ve gathered along the way was like getting a much-needed pep talk from your future self. It’s the kind of podcast that makes you want to be a better person—or at least a slightly more thoughtful one.
Anything by Griff [Music]
Put this on, go for a walk, and feel like the damn main character that you are.
And that’s August’s monthly digest! Thanks for sticking with me through the bumps of this first edition. I promise, there’s more to come, and I hope to bring you even juicier tidbits next month. In the meantime, I’d love to hear what you got up to in August—what made you smile, what got you thinking, and what you’re looking forward to as we head into fall. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Quick heads up: After this post, the paywall will be going up. Don’t worry, I’ll be sending out a separate post soon with all the details on what that means, what you can expect, and how it’ll work. Stay tuned!
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— The Friday Club — A digital hangout where movie nights, shower epiphanies, and life's charming chaos collide. From writer and creator Ash [of @the.ashfiles], expect weekly musings, honest stories, and a reminder that we’re all just winging this thing called “adulthood”. 🎬✍🏻📚
Brilliant!