Monthly Review: September 2024

Photo by Figment Photography

For this,

sell all you have,

and gain what cannot be possessed:

an uncut gem,

matched only in its mirror,

sharpened only by that which is like itself.

Reformed, it shall be fitted into filigree,

slim as a wish,

as fragile as a yes.

Stone set not in stone, but gold

that strains and bends and cracks,

as weak as precious—

These foolish lives

you build together,

treasures just a tragedy from snapping—

and they will.

Then will you banish

what has fractured, or reforge

the broken band?

The feeble hands may yet be strengthened,

finding one another.

For who, beloved, shall not also love?

What shall not sparkle,

lifted

to the light?

---

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

What I Read

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling (★★★★★)—reread

• Twelfth Knight, Alexene Farol Follmuth (★★★★)

• I Samuel: Looking on the Heart, Dale Ralph Davis (★★★★)

• My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer, Christian Wiman (★★★)

• One of Our Kind, Nicola Yoon (★★)

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

What I Cooked

• Football Dip

Difficulty: ★★

Flavor: ★★★★★

Keeper: Yes

Comments: As much as I hate Velveeta on principle (I am from Wisconsin, after all), I have to admit that it is an essential for a good, greasy queso. This was quite delicious.

• Carrot and Zucchini Bars

Difficulty: ★★

Flavor: ★★★★

Keeper: Yes

Comments: I made this in my springform pan and used a different cream cheese frosting recipe that I love, but I did think it turned out great. Some orange zest in the batter would bring it to the next level.

• Seseame Ginger Zucchini

Difficulty: ★

Flavor: ★★★★

Keeper: Yes

Comments: While my husband was not particularly into this, I appreciated how quick and flavorful it was and would definitely make it again (when he's not home).

• Zucchini and Herbed Ricotta Flatbread

Difficulty: ★★

Flavor: ★★★★

Keeper: Yes

Comments: I used a different pizza dough that I had in the freezer and riffed on the cheese situation with Boursin instead of goat cheese, but I did enjoy this regardless.

What I Created

• Original blackout poem "Dreamers Past Curfew"

• Half of a poem for the Poets' Society club I'm advising this year

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