Gathered: Vol. 01
The inaugural newsletter of late summer/early fall 2025.
Welcome to Gathered. Published quarterly, this newsletter features a curated selection of what I’m reading, watching, listening to, and savoring throughout the changing of the seasons. These are the little pieces of my life, carefully gathered. 📖🕯️🎧☕️🍂
As August slowly turns into September, I can feel our Michigan nights getting colder and the wind starting to bite my face in the morning. It’s the season of warm sun with a slight chill in the air, the wearing of shorts in the afternoon paired with a sweatshirt in the evening. Here are my current rotations this season, gathered.
What I’m Reading 📖🍂:
I recently took myself to lunch at a southern lakeside spot and started Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber. It’s the perfect summer-to-fall transitional read with its small town setting and cozy charm. I also love the slightly spooky and whimsical nature of the plot.
Here on Substack, I can’t get enough of StoryLines by Jason Arehart. Jason’s newsletter is full of inspiration for the writing journey and the everyday writer, but what I love most are his personal essays. Each piece has beautiful imagery and a tender vignette from the author’s life. I look forward to every short story that he posts.
What I’m Watching 🕯️🍂:
This time of the year forever calls for a rewatch of Sense and Sensibility. The wistful English countryside, the melancholic longing, the poetic use of rain and weather and literature throughout the film -- plus an absolute all-star cast -- makes this a perfect watch for late summer and early autumn.
What I’m Listening to 🎧🍂:
2025 has found me listening more and more to indie-acoustic, bedroom-pop female artists. A new EP, Ramona by Sabrina Sterling, has been my latest obsession. Sabrina’s lyrics are deeply honest with simple, diary-like storytelling and vocals that are softly haunting. I’ve been listening to her on cold morning walks and as I make dinner late at night while the baby sleeps.
What I’m Savoring ☕️🍂:
A new friend recently brought me a meal while I was solo parenting and included an ice cold Crisp Apple Olipop with my dinner. One small sip and I was completely hooked. It’s tart, not too sweet, and incredibly refreshing.
I’ve also been scouring racks at Goodwill and Salvation Army in search of the perfect vintage denim overall. Those of you who love a good thrift will know that sometimes that hunt is just as rewarding as the find, and I’ve been having a fun time trying to snag my dream pair.
Some images in this essay are sourced from Pinterest.
This is such a cozy read with the recommendations and commentary as I start winding down before bed. Makes me think of sweaters and hot apple cider. Thanks for that!