Anna Atkins, Algae
On the list for 2026: Learn to cyanotype. This artist: Anna Atkins, Algae
On the list for 2026: Learn to cyanotype.
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India, Part 2 - Fort Kochi
Chinese fishing nets. Fort Kochi has been a global trading port for centuries.
Street art of a girl creating a mandala with bird seeds.
Traditional clay pots for sale.
A curious monkey outside our hotel room window.
Roaming goats! Everywhere you look!
Hindustan Ambassador + Colonial Kochi + two lovers kissing
A little lizard.
A secret library.
Everything is Tuberculosis
My 3-line book review: A beautiful, accessible blend of personal story, social history and medical ethics.
If you enjoyed The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, this book is right up your alley.
Here’s hoping John Green’s work will shine a light on a disease that could be eradicated - if we collectively decided to make it so.
My 3-line book review:
A beautiful, accessible blend of personal story, social history and medical ethics.
If you enjoyed The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, this book is right up your alley!
Here’s hoping John Green’s work will shine a light on a disease that could be eradicated - if we collectively decided to make it so.
Reflecting on 2025, Planning for 2026
Happy final day of 2025! I hope you’ve spent at least some time reflecting on the past year and celebrating your accomplishments. Our family is super into rituals like this - so the other night over pizza, we went around the table and each shared something we are proud of from the past year.
Hello Friends!
Happy final day of 2025! I hope you spent at least some time reflecting on the past year and celebrating your accomplishments. Our family is super into rituals like this - so the other night over pizza, we went around the table and each shared something we are proud of from the past year.
As for me - I’m proud of my daughters, who have launched themselves from the nest and into another country. Obviously, we never “finish” being a parent - but it feels like the heavy-lift of their childhood is behind me. So I’m also proud of myself! I remember bringing home Sophia from the hospital (nearly 21 years ago 😳) and not knowing how we’d survive the night, much less the teenage years. And now look at them! Out in the world, learning to love and live life on their own terms.
And so… now what?
If you are one of those people who dislike New Years goals, first of all, what’s wrong with you? Second of all, look away now. I have LOADS of New Years goals. I have categories of goals. If we were sitting at a cafe, right now I’d squeal and pull out my Hobonichi Cousin 2026 Planner to show you in detail, all my goals for each quarter of the coming year. I freaking love this stuff.
I’ve probably set too high expectations for myself, because that is what I do. But I can’t help but assume that this year I’ll have a little bit more time on my hands. Plus I’m super excited by everything on the list… Here are just a few of the goals related to my creative life:
In 2026:
I will finally become a yoga teacher! You can learn more about my decision to start training and follow along here.
I will start tracking the books I read on Goodreads. Not sure why it’s taken me so long to do this? (Btw - here are my favourite books of 2025.)
I will keep blogging (here) and sending out the monthly newsletter: I’ll Have What She’s Having.
I will keep a commonplace book (more on this in a future post).
I will finish writing at least one book.
There are a few secret goals related to the above - let’s call them suuuuper stretchy goals, shall we? If I succeed at any of them, you’ll be the first to know.
xo, L
Preparing for Yoga Teacher Training
Yoga teacher training isn’t about flexibility—it’s about showing up healthy and strong. As I prepare for YTT in midlife, I’m focusing on overall health, joint care, mindset, and time. Here’s what I’m doing to feel ready before training even begins.
I told you in the last post that you don’t have to be super bendy to become a yoga teacher. And that’s true! That said, I want to go into my Yoga Teacher Training feeling healthy and strong. Here’s my plan:
🩺 Overall Health
Reminder, to my midlife friends: Just because your HRT was working, doesn’t mean it will continue working forever. I just had my annual checkups done and I’m so glad my doctor suggested running blood tests. My results came back wacky, so we made some changes. Now I’m on a different regime and I’m already feeling more energetic and focused.
🦴 Joints and Bones
I’ve had a shoulder injury for way too long (low estrogen didn’t help), so my doctor suggested I add a collagen supplement to my routine. I was put off by the idea at first because it’s a powder you stir into water, which sounded disgusting. But it just arrived today - I tried it and it’s actually not bad! I recommend it. It’s not cheap, but if it cures my shoulder pain, it will be worth it. (btw, Apparently you’re supposed to take it with Vitamin C for better absorption.)
I also started to see a physiotherapist who down-right astonished me with her diagnosis and treatment plan. The key, of course, is YOU HAVE TO DO THE PHYSIO. You can’t just think about doing it and have your pain magically disappear. If you live in west London and need a physio, I recommend Becca van Klinken.
🧐 Mindset
I mean, I guess I put this here because it feels like I should? But the truth is that I feel pretty excited and “ready” to start training. The only thing I'm worried about, I guess, is the day I’ll have to start actually teaching… but that’s why we train, right?
⏰ Time
One of my favourite podcasts is The Creative Penn by Joanna Penn. She writes about all things AI as it pertains to running an author business. Anyway, she was talking about a presentation she heard at Author Nation which I think applies to this topic:
“If you want to start something new, you need to first stop doing two things: first quit the easy thing, then quit the hard thing.”
As a person who routinely sets too many goals - this advice really hit home! We can’t do all the things all the time. I suppose that’s why I didn’t start YTT until now! I am no longer a full time parent, so I have space in my life for this.
That said, I do have other goals and projects I’d like to accomplish this year... But for Q1, my priority is Yoga Teacher Training. And blogging. And maybe writing another book (but not until February).
xo, L
My Favourite Books of 2025
My favourite books of the year - featuring literary fiction, memoir, and food writing - plus a three-line book review for each.
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
Of all the books I read about India, this one was my favourite! Set in 1970s India, four people from vastly different backgrounds find their lives intersecting in a city dominated by political violence and poverty. I loved how the book slowly reveals an interconnected social web, turning an unfamiliar history into a story that was intimate, fragile, and deeply human. If you enjoy historical fiction—or are interested in India—you should absolutely read this!
The Silence in Between by Josie Ferguson
Spanning WWII Germany and Cold War Berlin, this novel follows a mother and daughter whose lives are divided by war, music, and eventually the Berlin Wall. I’m a sucker for dual-timeline historical fiction, and this book takes the genre to a whole new level. Gorgeous writing - and the musical elements are to die for. If you read a lot of WW2 fiction and/or love novels about resilient women - this book is for you. I’m jealous you get to read it for the first time.
Heart the Lover by Lily King
Set between an unnamed New England university and Paris, France - the story follows an American woman whose intense love affair fractures her sense of self, ambition, and emotional stability. I love reading about the lives of writers—the pretension! The anxiety! The crushing disappointment! Throw in a steamy love affair and Paris and I’m in. Read this if you liked Writers & Lovers by the same author. (I liked this one better.)
James by Percival Everett
This is a brilliant retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of enslaved Jim. This novel is outstanding. The first 10% of the book is fine - it establishes us in place/time. But then at about 12% into the book we learn something that reframes everything else that follows. It’s so good. Maybe you’re worried you don’t remember enough of Huckleberry Finn to truly appreciate this book? No need to re-read the whole thing. Ask ChatGPT for a summary and dive into James.
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Told entirely through letters, the novel follows an elderly woman in New England whose long life is revealed through decades of correspondence with friends, lovers, and strangers. This was utterly delightful to read! When I finished, I immediately began looking for other epistolary novels to read. Looking for a fast, sweet book? This is it.
The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier
Spanning hundreds of years in Venice, the novel centers on a glassmaking family struggling to preserve their art as the world around them changes. I loved the strong female characters (of course) and the way the author plays with time. It’s quite a long novel, so I got the kindle and audible version so I could go back and forth. This helped so much, because the Italian accent on the audio version is beautiful and it makes the story that much more immersive. Read it if you love sweeping historical novels. Did you read The Girl with The Pearl Earring? It’s the same author.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Set in the sweaty, lawless kitchens of New York restaurants, the memoir traces Bourdain’s life as a young cook fueled by ambition, addiction, and adrenaline. I’m late to Anthony Bourdain and how sad for me! Because WOW what a voice. He narrates the audible version and it feels like he’s talking directly to you while drinking a beer. A must-read if you’re a foodie—or if you just love a great, unapologetic voice.
Some books for daily inspiration.
And a Few Daily Readers…
I really got into daily readers this year - books you can read in short, satisfying chunks, without needing deep immersion or long stretches of focus. Here are the three that still live on my desk:
A Book of Days by Patti Smith
A brilliantly idiosyncratic visual book of days. If you loved Just Kids - this feels like a companion piece.
How to Live an Artful Life by Katy Hessel
Artistic inspiration for everyday of the year. If you loved The Story of Art Without Men — or if you’re an artist of any stripe - you’ll love this.
Life is Meals by James Salter and Kay Salter
I keep coming back to this book, even though the title rubs me the wrong way. It’s beautifully illustrated and tidy - a little nugget of food knowledge for every day of the year.
xo, L
p.s. For more book reviews, travel photos and yoga inspiration - sign up for my monthly newsletter here:
Kerala, India
Here are a few photos, which cannot begin to scratch the surface. I’m so thankful to the bride and groom for this incredible experience. xo
You guys, I went to a 3-day wedding in India and it was insane. In fact, it was so unique and so special, I’m still processing the experience. I wanted to write up something special for you to read - but a few days ago, I sat down to write a quick recap of our trip - and it was 16 pages long. So instead I’m sharing these photos, which doesn’t begin to scratch the surface. I’m so thankful to the bride and groom for this incredible experience!
At the mehndi party, just before getting my henna applied.
We stayed at an eco-friendly resort on Lake Vembanad and its surrounding backwaters.
A map of property - because I love maps! :)
Professional dancers kicked off the festivities at the sangeet. Later, we all joined in as we’d memorized three Bollywood dances!
When everyone else went out for an evening boat ride, I took a walk around the property. (Not shown: I also went to a meditation class in a thatched roof shala lead by the oldest man I’ve ever seen in my entire life.)
Isn’t this pretty? And not coincidentally it’s very similar to the book cover of The God of Small Things (set in Kerala).
Kathakali traditional dancer, our entertainment on the second night. Words cannot describe what this man could do with his eyebrows and cheeks.
I mean look at this place!
Left: First night, dancing at the sangeet. Right: The wedding day… not to humble brag, but I stayed up dancing until 3am the night of the wedding, which is about six hours past my regular bedtime.
The groom on horseback.
The bride and groom under a canopy of flowers.
That’s all for now. You’re welcome for not posting the 16 pages I wrote earlier.
xo, L
Choosing My Yoga Teacher Training: London vs Bali
How I chose my yoga teacher training program in midlife — London vs Bali, intensive courses vs slow learning, and finding the right fit.
I really wanted to go to Bali for my teacher training. To the point where I had to stop and ask myself: Do I actually want to become a yoga teacher, or do I just want to go to Bali?
But here’s the thing. If you Google “Yoga Teacher Training [YTT] Bali” you will find lots of very beautiful young people, wearing bikini tops and doing backbends in rice fields. I’m sure there would be some people my age there. In fact - I know there would be, because I spent some time in Bali, and there were plenty of women of a certain age there doing their own personal Eat Pray Love tour. But when the entire YTT website is papered with PYTs you start to question whether it’s the right place for you.
These are beautiful people, but these are not my people.
I will cut to the chase and tell you: I decided to do my teacher training in London - which includes a one week intensive in Morocco. Here’s my thought process:
🐌 Learning deeply instead of quickly
I could learn fast and furiously - but I’d rather take my time and really absorb the material.
🧘🏼♀️ Practical teaching experience
One of the things I’m most nervous about is actually standing in front of a class and teaching. Those super fast intensives? They don’t give you much time or experience actually teaching. I feel like I’d come home from Bali and feel super insecure about teaching my first class.
Often, when you take a course over several months, they get you “teaching” short sequences right away. You have time between sessions and you begin to video yourself for homework, etc. From what I’ve learned, by the time you finish the course, you are ready to walk into a studio and start teaching. I mean, I'll probably still be a nervous wreck, but you know what I mean.
😊 Sense of community
I’d like to be taught by someone I can relate to. Bonus points if she’s a wise woman who is my age-ish. It also seems likely that your fellow YTT students might become your support system, both during and after the course. I like the idea that these are people who live near me.
📍 Where I’m doing my course
After a lot of researching and soul-searching, I chose Yoga Haven here in London, which is run by Allie Hill. A few months ago, she hosted an online Zoom session to explain her programme and philosophy - and then gave us a link to a podcast interview where you could learn more about her. The 200-hour course will be held in person, one weekend a month for 5 months, plus a one week intensive in Morocco. I think this is a great blend of solid instruction and fun adventure!
Yoga Haven YTT, Morocco Intensive Week - Agadir
FAQs for the YTT curious:
Not sure if you are experienced enough?
You are. You don’t have to look/do like the above in order to be a great yoga teacher.
Not sure if you actually want to teach?
That’s okay. A lot of people just take the course because they want to go deeper in their practice.
How do you know which programmes are legit?
Look for something that is Certified by Yoga Alliance, which is how you will become a Registered Yoga Teacher.
How many hours do I need?
You need to take a 200-hour course to become certified to teach. There is also a 300- and 500-hour options, but most people start out with the 200-hour course. You can always add-on extra hours of training later.
How long does 200 hours take?
Well… approximately 200 hours. JK,JK. You can take an intensive course in 21 days. These are popular in India, Bali and Thailand. Or take a course that is spread out over several months. You could even take a self-paced course that is 100% online - which sounds terrible to me, but you do you Sister Sue.
How do you find a good YTT programme?
Do your research. Almost anyone can become a Yoga Teacher Trainer, so it’s important to be discerning. Ask your favourite teachers where they trained. Get references, read reviews, watch online videos, etc.
What kind of yoga will you learn?
It depends on the programme, but most do blend of a few styles. Figure out what kind of yoga you like, and speicfically look for those. For example, I like flow-y, “find what feels good” yoga, like Hatha and Vinyasa. I don’t enjoy practices like Iyengar, which focuses on precision and perfect alignment. Or aerial yoga, which makes me barf.
What do you learn in YTT?
Each programme should clearly lay out their curriculum. Look for something that covers anatomy and philosophy, in addition to teaching practicalities like sequencing and adjustments.
Thanksgiving in Indiana
Hello friends! We just got back from Indiana where we spent the most picturesque Thanksgiving. Here are a few memorable scenes…
Hello friends! We just got back from Indiana where we spent the most picturesque Thanksgiving. Special thanks to my sister Kelly for pulling it off - four generations, seven casseroles and a full-on snow storm! Here are a few memorable scenes - or scroll all the way to the bottom for the best description of my childhood I could ever show you.
After the big Thanksgiving meal all the men went into the living room and watched football…
… while the women stayed in the kitchen and took turns playing with the baby. xoxo
Clayton got out his 4×4 and took everyone sledding. (There are no hills in Indiana!)
Lucy’s idea! So awesome: snow + hot tub + twisted teas
In from London and New York. xo
Cousins. xo
Sisters with Papaw Jack
Mama and Doug.
Daddy took me on his regular walk through the cemetery.
Looking through daddy’s old scrapbooks and photo albums.
Old photo of mom and dad.
I have no words.
The only hiccup: I woke up one morning with a terrible headache. But my mom took such good care of me that the memory of the headache now makes me smile… She sat on the couch next to me - patting my hand and telling me stories until my headache went away. It was so sweet!
Thanks so much for indulging me. I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!
xo, L
A Yoga Lover’s Gift Guide
A practical, opinionated yoga gift guide featuring simple, beautiful essentials — from mat straps to Jesus shoes.
1 - Palo Santo 2 - Yoga Words of Wisdom Book 3 - slim bracelet for my new work uniform 4 - mat spray 5 - slip-on Jesus shoes
Since there are approximately six people reading this blog post, let’s cut to the chase, shall we?
🎁 This is what I want for Christmas:
Slip-on Jesus shoes - because it’s super annoying to finish a class and have to lace up your sneakers.
A super slim, natural, neutral bracelet. One that isn’t precious. NOT chunky mala beads (see below)
Aromatherapy sprays or similar
Incense or palo santo or similar
Magnesium bath flakes or similar
♥️ For the record, I LOVE but already have:
A singing bowl. It’s something you have to choose yourself. Preferably in Bali.
Magnesium spray. This also great for restless leg syndrome, btw.
🕯️ I have but could always use more:
Candles - this looks cool: “Creative Sabbath” candle
But definitely not candles that smell like vanilla or cookies. That’s so weird.
🚫 Not for me:
I don’t really enjoy mala beads in the form of necklaces or bracelets. They’re just too chunky, and they get in the way when I type, which is all the time. Plus I’m a minimalist. I just want one tiny bracelet. That’s it.
📚 A note on books:
I feel like this deserves its own post. I have SO MANY books about learning yoga. I haven’t read them all yet, but it's better to skip this category. UNLESS you find a really good novel or funny memoir about someone doing or learning yoga - I haven’t found one I love. I do like books that offer a little bit of digestible wisdom per day (like the one in the picture above). But I haven't found a lot of those – I might need to write my own.
Starting Yoga Teacher Training in Midlife
A personal essay on starting yoga teacher training at 54, learning something new in midlife, and asking “if not now, then when?”
Roc de Chère, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, France (overlooking Lake Annecy)
I signed up for Yoga Teacher Training!
I’m so freaking excited that I already bought all the required reading and half of the suggested reading, even though my first day of classes isn’t until mid-January. In fact, I very nearly cancelled the rest of my afternoon appointments so that I could go back-to-school shopping but sound judgement prevailed. Mostly because B hates it when I buy myself things just before my birthday and Christmas. (Sophia, if you’re reading, I’d like a yoga strap like this one.) Come to think of it, here’s a Yoga Lovers Gift Guide.
🧘🏼♀️ 30 Years of Yoga
My friend Claudia took me to my first yoga class when I was 20 years old and living in Los Angeles. We were both working in Hollywood while trying to maintain some sense of self, which is a lot harder than you might think. My first class was in Santa Monica, I distinctly remember thinking two things: 1) What’s the deal with this dog pose and how long are we going to be here? And 2) Forget the Chateau Marmont, this is the place to see and be seen. There were so many actors and assistants in the room that it felt like I was networking in spandex. I liked doing the poses, but the mindfulness and philosophy behind yoga was completely lost on me. In any case, I only went to yoga sporadically in those days. When I had the time, I didn’t have the money and when I had money, I didn’t have the time.
In my 30s I went through a Bikram Hot Yoga phase. Did you know they yell at you in those classes? Why did I find that motivating? I guess in a weird way I was trying to get out of my own head - to stop the anxiety wheel of worry in my brain. Because say what you will, but to survive a Bikram session, you have no choice but to concentrate on breathing and being present. Still, it says something about a person who enjoys being yelled at while exercising in a 150-degree room while wearing hot pants and a sports bra. In retrospect, the whole scene seems cultish and unnecessarily brutal.
In my mid 40s, my body started creating its own hot flashes and I suddenly had zero tolerance for being yelled at. So I started experimenting with all forms of yoga and kept track of what I liked and didn't like. Hot Power Yoga was a hell no. Gentle Hatha and Flow-y Vinyasa? Yes. The teachers are (generally) much more accommodating and there’s no yelling or pushing. In fact, if all you do is lie down on the mat and cry take a nap? You will be commended for listening to your body.
In the last few years, I’ve started evaluating the teachers themselves. I’m allergic to 20-something influencers whose voice drops two octaves when she starts class. I went to a class at The Proud Project in London where the teacher spent more time staring at herself in the mirror and admiring her lips than she did watching her students and offering corrections. True story.
My ideal teacher is on the wise side of 40. She is stronger and more experienced than I am - but she’s not out of reach or intimidating. She is really good at what she does, but she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She’s simply a good teacher. I also like that she throws in a bit of life wisdom and woo-woo into the class - but not in an affected, performative way.
⏰ So why start training now?
The short answer is because my kids have flown the nest, and I have the time and freedom to do whatever I want!
I also like the fact that teaching yoga will keep me active and social. My other favourite activities (reading, writing, creating) tend to be solitary and sedentary. So it feels good to balance things out a bit. (Balance? Well, hello old friend. Where have you been the last 21 years?)
Plus, I love learning new things. I didn’t fully appreciate my education the first time around - I was too busy trying to make ends meet. And honestly, what greater gift is there than getting to study something you love?
And then there are the ideas… If you know me, you know I’ve always got a few other ideas up my sleeve! For years now, I’ve fantasised about hosting retreats, teaching yoga and/or finding new ways to bring women together. I just never felt quite ready.
Well, friends. I’m 54 freaking years old. If not now, then when?
💌 Follow along…
So I’ll be blogging throughout my training and whatever yoga adventures might follow. Hopefully it won’t get too weird and woo-woo, but let’s be honest, it probably will.
But you can follow along if you want. I’ll post regularly on this blog. Or you can receive monthly recaps by joining the newsletter: I’ll have what she’s having.
xo, L
A weekend in New York City
A few weekends ago, I flew to NYC to watch Sophia perform in a play. Never in a million, trillion years did I imagine that I would be in the audience while my daughter faked an orgasm on stage. In a life filled with “How did I get here?” moments, this ranked in the Top Ten.
But she’s such an amazing actress! She was onstage for almost the entire performance and even sang like an angel. I’m so humbled by how brave she is. All of the actors for that matter. Here I am, hiding behind a screen, nervous to share my writing - and she’s up there acting and singing and crying… I wish I had half her guts.
My sister Kelly and my good friend Eileen met me in NYC for the weekend. Kelly had never been before, so I felt the need to show her as much as humanly possible. Which, in case you’re curious, means walking about 12 miles per day. Not surprisingly, Kelly’s favourite area was Central Park, which happens to be Eileen’s old stomping grounds so she gave us a personalized tour. If I were ever required to live in New York City, I would definitely have to be close to Central Park. (I’m an upper west side girl, in case you're curious.)
I wanted to introduce Kelly to food she’d never find in Fairmount, Indiana so I took her to some of my favourite places. Namely: Planta Queen for scorched and pressed avocado, Spicy Moon for vegan DanDan noodles and lychee martinis, Joe’s Pizza and Leon’s Bagels.
On our last night, we went to the Upright Citizen’s Brigade which feeds stand-up comics and writers to Saturday Night Life. Again: these performers are SO BRAVE! Can you even imagine? To get onstage and try to make people laugh at you? They were crazy good.
It was fun seeing New York through Kelly's eyes. It reminded me of how fucking crazy New Yorkers are. And how there is so much freedom in that! You might feel insecure in whatever you are wearing or doing - but one day in New York reminds you that No One Cares. No one is looking at you. No one is paying attention to you. Everyone is just living their life. If you grew up in a small town, this idea is either teriftying or liberating. To me, it’s liberating.
On writing memoir (as a woman)
Preach it, Glennon. You’re a Goddamn cheetah.
Paraphrased excerpt from the podcast We Can Do Hard Things:
I actually remember a very famous cultural critic saying to me during an interview about Untamed, do you ever think it's arrogant to write another book about yourself?
I didn't think of anything smart to say in the moment. I’ve just thought about it every night since then. It’s basically this: I’m interested in the human condition. And I offer myself up as the specimen.
Around that same time, one of the major newspapers wrote in the book section, Glennon Doyle has a third memoir?
Question mark. Like, she's still talking? This woman is still talking?
And by the way, they only say this about women. Nobody says to David Sedaris or whatever guy is writing the next thing, that it's navel gazing, that it's confessional…
Because men are writing about life, and women are writing about themselves.
Men are exploring the great ideas, and women are navel gazing.
I actually believe that most of the drama and trauma that's happening in our lives and in our world is because people aren't doing enough fucking navel gazing. Like, maybe people really need to sit with their own story, work out their own shit before they unleash it on everybody else.
The End Times
I just started reading the most unusual and innovative “book” I’ve ever discovered. The End Times is a post-apocalyptic story that unfolds over a series of monthly newspapers. If you live in the US, you can actually get the tabloid-sized papers mailed to you! I’m so jealous. I had to suffice with the digital version, which I printed out to read.
The first paper (installment?) just dropped and it’s a super fun read. It’s written by Benjamin Percy and some other guy named Stephen King.
If you grew up reading your town’s local paper, this will be so nostalgic. Except for the post-apocalyptic part.
Here’s an excerpt:
