Thanks, loved the tanning info as I am peely wally the now and never know which brand to choose. Chucked my old ones away last week. Interested in the Indian fashion. Fed up with our high st stuff. Nothing stands out. What a lovely pic of you and your substack friends. You suit that colour.
I want to know about violets! Don't seem to see them anymore. I am worried about them. I ll need to investigate. Have a great week.
On the sneering writer at the party years ago. I’ve recently learned from my therapist that this sort of comment is called “envious attack”. I have a friend who often makes unnecessary and hurtful comments like this. Made me feel better knowing that it’s rooted in deep insecurity!
Hey, I dig being inside whilst a stonker of a thunderstorm crashes and bangs lutside; I think it’s an awe-thing (everyone needs a bit of awe going down) and a home thing (so appropriate for a reply Home).
I think the Edmund White clip is very emblematic of the overwhelmingly queer landscape of his work: the prose, the placing of himself vis-à-vis his mother, father, and the English soldier (his first! - classic and brilliant White) as part masochist part victor, the wit, the alternative. I hope it leads people to read him. I’d go with the essays and factual work over the fiction to start with…and he did a neat book on Proust for Proustians out there (everyone needs a bit of Proust going down even if they may wonder if they want to do the whole shtick…White and lots of us would recommend doing so, however).
One thing I might have beef with White over is television: he veered into the elitist with his claim that reading always left him refreshed whereas this was not the case with television. Come on man, there’s plenty of rubbish out there to read which leaves one far from refreshed (yes everywhere, including here in Substackland: I just read a piece that was appalling and), and some things to watch which interest and refresh. Like Department Q and its very good central performance from Matthew Goode (everyone needs a bit of Goode going down).
Very good news to see a new Diana Henry. It’s her writing as much as her recipes that is a joy (everyone needs a bit of joy going down).
A request for a realistic guide to summer dressing? Do I look like your man for this gig?
I think we'll give you a pass on the summer dressing. I dig a stonker too. EW: (yes, classic re soldier) - part-masochist, part-victor is such a good encapsulation of the autobiographical writing. Rimbaud book outstanding, from memory. To be fair to him re tv, I think it used to be true(er), and then came this golden time which I expect he probably missed because by that point his prejudice would have been very entrenched.
Yes…I think you’re right re the timing of EW (I dig a good use of initials…my mother and grandmother used to do it the whole time in their letters along with all sorts of other nicknames and abbreviations and wordplays) and the timing of his tv views.
And, equally bang on re entrenchment. You wrote elsewhere here (aging as a flowering rather than a drying out vibe…) about different takes on maturity. I think entrenchment is a mode to be wary of once we reach 40 and above: it happens so insidiously; the strongly held view becomes entrenched and look we’re stuck! Not that I ever want anyone to presume to tell me that I’m wrong about anything…but a quiet and well hidden from the gaze of others word to self about entrenchment is sometimes necessary.
And, finally, I forgot to say that your point re married couple in which the wife treats the husband as if she were his mother is well made. I once was involved in a toe curling conversation with not just a high net worth, but a stratospherically high net worth couple, in their Cotswold garden where, predictably, the discussion was about staging some ballet for a midsummer soirée: their wealth did not preclude them from being charming (why would it) and giving them the confidence to bring off this mini-Glyndebourne ambition whilst issuing to indicate their liberal open-mindedness (although I think they might have blanched a little at EW in full queer sail). The conversation had somehow turned itself to dress (they were very tactful), and to steer herself away from what what might prove perilous waters should tact inadvertently have run out, the wife had launched into a long anecdote about her control of her husband’s wardrobe accompanied by his silly smiles and ‘but those trousers are so comfortable, darling’, and her rolling her eyes at me ‘I just don’t know what to do with him’ as if without her the man would have spent his days in an old pair of trousers held up by a line of string and really not minded at all.
The husband-child thing. It is THE WORST, I can't stand to see it. I always hope the man is having an affair, which is grossly unsisterly but my God, you can't talk about your partner as though he were a nice, slightly gaga old dog. GAH. Hellish scenario above.
I feel so bad about the papers - sometimes I don't even open them. I used to read every single one every single day (for work, but still). And then when I do read them I mostly swerve the news because they make me sick with rage. I know, amazing about rats!
I felt bad retrospectively about my perfunctory list - you probably don't need to know my response to everything you post!
However: very excitingly I am now in possession of an oral Minoxidil prescription, and your linked pill-cutter, and took my first dose last night! Fingers majorly crossed...
Yes, wasn't Christina Patterson's Prescription wonderful?
Re British summer fashion tips I am NO kind of fashionista but I read Kate Spicer's Times piece about her newish country wardrobe and thought it made perfect, all weather sense. Paywalled, I'm afraid but these were her top tips - decide your colours; her's were khaki, navy blue, cream and pale blue. I'm always drawn to that colour palette anyway, with the addition of pink, so have since invested in khaki cargo pants from Superdry, which I'm hardly ever out of - may have to buy a navy pair as well - one pink and one pale blue linen shirt, a pricey but WONDERFUL navy blue rollneck from Finisterre.
These, with some voile blouses (one from Sainsbury's, one from Tesco) lend themselves very well to layering. Am also an investor in cashmere cardigans for popping over dresses - always from Uniqlo, plus two gorgeous recent crew-necked cashmere jerseys in lilac and mint green. And as for when the rain pours down, I see nothing shameful in a waterproof hat - mine is a Barbour - and I also have a cheery bright yellow sailing-jacket from Racing Green, which comes out occasionally (though never on an actual boat!). Finisterre do a similar thing. Whatever happened to Racing Green? I also have a cotton navy-marl jersey from them which must be over 20 years old now, as is the sailing-jacket. That's value... Lxx
ps I also just bought the most wonderful white cotton nightie from F & F Tesco's clothing brand. They really do have the odd masterpiece, though noone should bother with their knickers...
Yes, I read Kate's piece, very good. I'm very happy with my country things - and I am weather-ready at all times - but the issue is when I'm in London. Waterproof hats 4 ever!
Ah! I see what you mean. I wouldn't wear my yellow sailing jacket in London... I've got an olive green trench coat from Uniqlo which I wear with a black beret in inclement weather. It's a bit French resistance though...!!!
Do NOT REGRET your perfect zinger of a response to that nasty little man (pretending to be an author) We all wish we'd said something like that but it's usually the thought on the stairs. And thank you again for your lovely stroll through all things beautiful, fun and interesting. My favorite Saturday morning in.
I look forward to this dropping into my inbox on a Saturday. In fact, I think it is fair to say that it is the only thing I enjoy dropping into my inbox.
I'm a new subscriber and I'm thrilled that this is going to be part of my week from now on. It's like the best parts of the weekend paper all in one place! Love, Love, Love!
Thank you so much for highlighting our Barbara Kingsolver interview — we were all so in love with her. Such a joy to chat with someone so firmly on their own two feet. Love your newsletter, India!! Xoxo
Thank you so much - I love yours, OBVOUSLY. That's exactly right about her feet. Also so interesting how talking to someone through a domestic prism somehow tells you much more about them than a straight boring interview.
So agree about the joy of these posts, always a nugget of something irrisistible (this week the butter dish) Is there a round up of perfect holiday reading on it's way? Please? Also like the idea of things that make life just that bit easier - eg the roll of Sainsbury bin liners which unroll singly so one doesn't have to find and tear the perforations. It brings a lttle spark of satisfaction each time empty the bin. Pathetic but true!
I did one last year if you look under Books but yes, I should prob do another one. Brilliant idea re little things that make life better. Maybe I'll make a thread and collate. Didn't know about those bin liners - genius!
Thank you India, these posts make me feel like how opening a favourite magazine used to ☺️ Loved Dept Q. Now looking forward to watching the second series of The Gold. Finished Small Bomb at Dimperley (having been meaning to read since you shared the first chapter) and loved it.
Yes to ideas for summer dressing! I have a couple of shirts from WNU and brought their cotton jumper which is such a lovely fit and feel. Wear with a vest or T-shirt (love the selection at ivy-t) and shorts. But that skirt you shared looks a great smarter option. Brought Birkenstock bostons for pottering and actually they’ve been really useful in this weather at not getting feet wet or dirty! I have a very lightweight Patagonia jacket that fits into a small bag. I have turned into my mother with multiple layers about my person but I can’t stand being, hot, cold or wet! Have a lovely weekend x
Layers are the solution, but it's a question of which layers. Bostons excellent, Patagonia the best and I love WNU. Will go and look at the cotton jumpers, thank you.
Such a treasure trove…the green Jodi dress is MARVELOUS!
Thank you! I love that dress.
Thanks, loved the tanning info as I am peely wally the now and never know which brand to choose. Chucked my old ones away last week. Interested in the Indian fashion. Fed up with our high st stuff. Nothing stands out. What a lovely pic of you and your substack friends. You suit that colour.
I want to know about violets! Don't seem to see them anymore. I am worried about them. I ll need to investigate. Have a great week.
Yes that is a very good point about violets. I haven't seen any for ages, now I think about it. Ta re pic!
On the sneering writer at the party years ago. I’ve recently learned from my therapist that this sort of comment is called “envious attack”. I have a friend who often makes unnecessary and hurtful comments like this. Made me feel better knowing that it’s rooted in deep insecurity!
Envious attack! How great that it has a name, thank you.
Hey, I dig being inside whilst a stonker of a thunderstorm crashes and bangs lutside; I think it’s an awe-thing (everyone needs a bit of awe going down) and a home thing (so appropriate for a reply Home).
I think the Edmund White clip is very emblematic of the overwhelmingly queer landscape of his work: the prose, the placing of himself vis-à-vis his mother, father, and the English soldier (his first! - classic and brilliant White) as part masochist part victor, the wit, the alternative. I hope it leads people to read him. I’d go with the essays and factual work over the fiction to start with…and he did a neat book on Proust for Proustians out there (everyone needs a bit of Proust going down even if they may wonder if they want to do the whole shtick…White and lots of us would recommend doing so, however).
One thing I might have beef with White over is television: he veered into the elitist with his claim that reading always left him refreshed whereas this was not the case with television. Come on man, there’s plenty of rubbish out there to read which leaves one far from refreshed (yes everywhere, including here in Substackland: I just read a piece that was appalling and), and some things to watch which interest and refresh. Like Department Q and its very good central performance from Matthew Goode (everyone needs a bit of Goode going down).
Very good news to see a new Diana Henry. It’s her writing as much as her recipes that is a joy (everyone needs a bit of joy going down).
A request for a realistic guide to summer dressing? Do I look like your man for this gig?
I think we'll give you a pass on the summer dressing. I dig a stonker too. EW: (yes, classic re soldier) - part-masochist, part-victor is such a good encapsulation of the autobiographical writing. Rimbaud book outstanding, from memory. To be fair to him re tv, I think it used to be true(er), and then came this golden time which I expect he probably missed because by that point his prejudice would have been very entrenched.
Hey again,
Yes…I think you’re right re the timing of EW (I dig a good use of initials…my mother and grandmother used to do it the whole time in their letters along with all sorts of other nicknames and abbreviations and wordplays) and the timing of his tv views.
And, equally bang on re entrenchment. You wrote elsewhere here (aging as a flowering rather than a drying out vibe…) about different takes on maturity. I think entrenchment is a mode to be wary of once we reach 40 and above: it happens so insidiously; the strongly held view becomes entrenched and look we’re stuck! Not that I ever want anyone to presume to tell me that I’m wrong about anything…but a quiet and well hidden from the gaze of others word to self about entrenchment is sometimes necessary.
And, finally, I forgot to say that your point re married couple in which the wife treats the husband as if she were his mother is well made. I once was involved in a toe curling conversation with not just a high net worth, but a stratospherically high net worth couple, in their Cotswold garden where, predictably, the discussion was about staging some ballet for a midsummer soirée: their wealth did not preclude them from being charming (why would it) and giving them the confidence to bring off this mini-Glyndebourne ambition whilst issuing to indicate their liberal open-mindedness (although I think they might have blanched a little at EW in full queer sail). The conversation had somehow turned itself to dress (they were very tactful), and to steer herself away from what what might prove perilous waters should tact inadvertently have run out, the wife had launched into a long anecdote about her control of her husband’s wardrobe accompanied by his silly smiles and ‘but those trousers are so comfortable, darling’, and her rolling her eyes at me ‘I just don’t know what to do with him’ as if without her the man would have spent his days in an old pair of trousers held up by a line of string and really not minded at all.
The husband-child thing. It is THE WORST, I can't stand to see it. I always hope the man is having an affair, which is grossly unsisterly but my God, you can't talk about your partner as though he were a nice, slightly gaga old dog. GAH. Hellish scenario above.
Love that photo of you all at the Substack gathering - you look great! And, I want that jug!
Thank you and also that jug goes very well with the idea I have of you in my head!
I don't mean physically! Not topless gardening! But the general VIBE.
😂😂😂
There is too much! From memory:
Infuriating squirrels.
Excellent riposte to appalling author.
Fantastic piece about Jennifer Barnett's father.
Also great Edmund White piece.
Rat Park->connection! OMG.
It's now almost midnight and I haven't even started on today's newspapers....
I feel so bad about the papers - sometimes I don't even open them. I used to read every single one every single day (for work, but still). And then when I do read them I mostly swerve the news because they make me sick with rage. I know, amazing about rats!
I felt bad retrospectively about my perfunctory list - you probably don't need to know my response to everything you post!
However: very excitingly I am now in possession of an oral Minoxidil prescription, and your linked pill-cutter, and took my first dose last night! Fingers majorly crossed...
No, I like it! Thrilling re minox, we can compare notes.
Yes, wasn't Christina Patterson's Prescription wonderful?
Re British summer fashion tips I am NO kind of fashionista but I read Kate Spicer's Times piece about her newish country wardrobe and thought it made perfect, all weather sense. Paywalled, I'm afraid but these were her top tips - decide your colours; her's were khaki, navy blue, cream and pale blue. I'm always drawn to that colour palette anyway, with the addition of pink, so have since invested in khaki cargo pants from Superdry, which I'm hardly ever out of - may have to buy a navy pair as well - one pink and one pale blue linen shirt, a pricey but WONDERFUL navy blue rollneck from Finisterre.
These, with some voile blouses (one from Sainsbury's, one from Tesco) lend themselves very well to layering. Am also an investor in cashmere cardigans for popping over dresses - always from Uniqlo, plus two gorgeous recent crew-necked cashmere jerseys in lilac and mint green. And as for when the rain pours down, I see nothing shameful in a waterproof hat - mine is a Barbour - and I also have a cheery bright yellow sailing-jacket from Racing Green, which comes out occasionally (though never on an actual boat!). Finisterre do a similar thing. Whatever happened to Racing Green? I also have a cotton navy-marl jersey from them which must be over 20 years old now, as is the sailing-jacket. That's value... Lxx
ps I also just bought the most wonderful white cotton nightie from F & F Tesco's clothing brand. They really do have the odd masterpiece, though noone should bother with their knickers...
Yes, I read Kate's piece, very good. I'm very happy with my country things - and I am weather-ready at all times - but the issue is when I'm in London. Waterproof hats 4 ever!
Ah! I see what you mean. I wouldn't wear my yellow sailing jacket in London... I've got an olive green trench coat from Uniqlo which I wear with a black beret in inclement weather. It's a bit French resistance though...!!!
Sounds excellent.
Do NOT REGRET your perfect zinger of a response to that nasty little man (pretending to be an author) We all wish we'd said something like that but it's usually the thought on the stairs. And thank you again for your lovely stroll through all things beautiful, fun and interesting. My favorite Saturday morning in.
Thank you Jill! Yes, usually the reply comes too late. But I was INCENSED.
I look forward to this dropping into my inbox on a Saturday. In fact, I think it is fair to say that it is the only thing I enjoy dropping into my inbox.
I love the opening to this one .
That's so lovely to hear - thank you VERY much.
‘Outselling yours by about 300-1,’ and went to get a drink. Love it! 😆
It's quite petty, but then so was he.
exactly.
I'm a new subscriber and I'm thrilled that this is going to be part of my week from now on. It's like the best parts of the weekend paper all in one place! Love, Love, Love!
Oh I'm so delighted - thank you. And also WELCOME!
Thank you so much for highlighting our Barbara Kingsolver interview — we were all so in love with her. Such a joy to chat with someone so firmly on their own two feet. Love your newsletter, India!! Xoxo
Thank you so much - I love yours, OBVOUSLY. That's exactly right about her feet. Also so interesting how talking to someone through a domestic prism somehow tells you much more about them than a straight boring interview.
How I loved Wellness thanks to you India. And Simon Mason books! You are a treasure
Have you read The Nix? ALMOST as good. And Simon Mason is the best int that genre I think.
So agree about the joy of these posts, always a nugget of something irrisistible (this week the butter dish) Is there a round up of perfect holiday reading on it's way? Please? Also like the idea of things that make life just that bit easier - eg the roll of Sainsbury bin liners which unroll singly so one doesn't have to find and tear the perforations. It brings a lttle spark of satisfaction each time empty the bin. Pathetic but true!
I did one last year if you look under Books but yes, I should prob do another one. Brilliant idea re little things that make life better. Maybe I'll make a thread and collate. Didn't know about those bin liners - genius!
Thank you India, these posts make me feel like how opening a favourite magazine used to ☺️ Loved Dept Q. Now looking forward to watching the second series of The Gold. Finished Small Bomb at Dimperley (having been meaning to read since you shared the first chapter) and loved it.
Yes to ideas for summer dressing! I have a couple of shirts from WNU and brought their cotton jumper which is such a lovely fit and feel. Wear with a vest or T-shirt (love the selection at ivy-t) and shorts. But that skirt you shared looks a great smarter option. Brought Birkenstock bostons for pottering and actually they’ve been really useful in this weather at not getting feet wet or dirty! I have a very lightweight Patagonia jacket that fits into a small bag. I have turned into my mother with multiple layers about my person but I can’t stand being, hot, cold or wet! Have a lovely weekend x
Layers are the solution, but it's a question of which layers. Bostons excellent, Patagonia the best and I love WNU. Will go and look at the cotton jumpers, thank you.
I have this butter dish & it’s even lovelier in real life. Creamy and almost lick-able
I can imagine. I covet it deeply.