Monthly Review: June 2025

Yet another night of

Open eyes and mind

Unraveling what I cannot undertake—too many cares to

Rest. I rise,

Come to this place

Of quiet, as though

My clamorous soul can

Find stillness in reclining chairs and circling records, and here

Open the little book of my thoughts, all

Rough drafts never

To be read by human eyes.

Skim through them with me here,

Dear Lord, who knows them altogether,

Even when I in my shame

Leave my fears

In shadow. But with you there is no darkness, for you are the

God who sees, and

Here with me you sit,

Turning the pages,

Making me lie down,

Yes, on such sleepless nights.

Stay with me now, and let my heart be staid.

Ordain what works you will, and let me trust them best.

Uplift me when I fall, and righteous I will stand.

Lighten my heavy eyes, and bring me into rest.

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Here's what I read, cooked, and created in the month of June.

What I Read

• Divine Rivals, Rebecca Ross (★★★★★)

• Ruthless Vows, Rebecca Ross (★★★★★)

• A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara (★★★★★)

• True Life in Uncanny Valley, Deb Caletti (★★★)

• Run, Ann Patchett (★★★)

• The Summer of Broken Things, Margaret Peterson Haddix (★★)

• Crazy Rich Asians, Kevin Kwan (★★)

If you want to hear the rationale behind my rating, head to my Goodreads for full reviews.

What I Cooked

• Spicy Honey Mustard Salmon Bowls

Difficulty: ★★

Flavor: ★★★★★

Keeper: Yes

Comments: My husband commented that he'd eat this any day. Throw some Persian cucumbers in with the lettuce and thank me later.

• Havarti Avocado Sandwich

Difficulty: ★★

Flavor: ★★★★

Keeper: Yes

Comments: I'm really into a good sandwich right now, and this was a good sandwich.

• Cowboy Caviar

Difficulty: ★

Flavor: ★★★★

Keeper: Yes

Comments: I used canned Rotel in place of the Roma tomatoes, subbed scallions for the red onion, and omitted the avocado. This salad kept in the fridge for about a week and was still decent, but it makes a lot, so keep that in mind if you choose to make it.

• Queso Blanco

Difficulty: ★

Flavor: ★★★★

Keeper: Yes

Comments: I don't love queso dips that use Velveeta, so even though American cheese is essentially the same thing, I was excited to try this one with some chipotle pulled pork nachos. It was good enough that I'd make it again!

What I Created

• A draft for Frontline magazine

• A draft for Commonplace magazine

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May your days be filled with beauty, and may your heart be filled with the willingness to see and give thanks for it.