Heading to (Mount) Parnassus

 

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/your_happiness_calendar_for_november_2026

When I present, I often celebrate Greater Good Science Center resources, and my go-to is the monthly Happiness Calendar. I realized these daily prompts could also serve as Slice inspo, and bingo! Here are 30 ideas for the four Tuesdays in November :)

Shortly after posting this, I'm getting on a plane and flying to Nashville Tennessee to visit Parnassus Books, the independent bookstore owned by Ann Patchett, one of my favorite writers, who I got to hear earlier this year during Chicago's Humanities Festival. I don't think Ann's going to be around (she'll be at the shop on Saturdays all month, as it turns out), but I'm still excited to be there. I'm the kind of reader who loves wandering a book store without a plan, picking up a book because I have, in fact, judged its cover. Grabbing a title from an author I recognize (or don't recognize!). Skimming the book seller recommendation notes slipped in the shelves. Spending an hour with a stack of picture books (on the floor or a too small chair!). Choosing some just-right holiday gifts for other readers in my life.

I love book stores. I love Ann Patchett's writing and the excitement of being in her energy. And now that I'm wiser, I'm doing something just for me instead of putting it off til - til when? (Answer: til never, most likely.) Turning 60 was a prompt to start doing more things on my bucket list, so...

My empty bag is ready to be filled with book purchases. 

I have a dinner reservation for one.

And next week, I'll be sure to share some pictures, some titles, and some reflections on how it went. For now: "Offline + out of office. Buying books."