Five 🗞️ Slow News Day #88

Hey,

Well hello there. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

I’m grateful for the few of you who’ve checked in and asked about the future of the newsletter. It’s still here, I’m still here. I’ve been hard at work at what feels like not a lot, but is probably even more than I can say.

The abridged version is that I’m just getting back into the rhythm of a more settled life. I’m only just starting to lose the twitching sense that we’re about to have to pack up our stuff and move somewhere new. This little house is ours. (It’s the bank’s, really.) Its wonky walls and wobbly floorboards keep us – still. Still.

Now, if you’re happy to head that way, let’s do the Slow News Day bit.

I took a week off in September and my main goal, the bold plan for my week of leisure, was to visit five coffee shops in five days. Big steppa.

It took me six, in the end. The week started off a bit shaky. But I did it — a coffee shop for each day I didn’t work.

And it was great. Something so tiny, so minor, so tasty was somehow such a nice way to spend my week. It got me out of the house, around town and into places I like.

It cost me, what, £15? Not an all-inclusive trip somewhere sunny, but it punched well above its weight as a way to enjoy my time off.

There’s fun to be found and joy to be had in most places, I’m (re-, re-, re-) relearning. The leaves on the floor as I walk to my local. The light filtering through windowpanes onto monstera leaves. The chatter of strangers, the sight of familiar faces.

It’s a big world out there, but the smallest corners are as good as anything.

Slow down guide

Need a little help moving slower?

Ease your way out of Friday afternoon with this newsletter, a nice cup of something, and a little background music. Steal my setup if you aren't sure where to start.

After I press send, I’ll be chucking some of Tugboat’s Amharic beans into the office bean-to-cup machine. These were a kind gift from a friend a short while ago and I’ve almost finished the bag. Something to savour, from first cup to last.

I think I’ve shared Petey’s I’ll Wait in this newsletter before, but who’s keeping track of these things? It’s great. Sometimes strong, sometime wavering vocals. Sometimes rushed punky rhythms, sometimes quiet reflective tinkling. All over the place, all good.

Take it easy,