The Start of Summer

What I’m reading, watching and savoring this season.

Jun 20, 2024

This week, I’m doing things a little differently at Strange Plants. Instead of my usual musings on leafy trees, angel's trumpets or passionflowers, I'm inspired by summer and all it promises: bike rides by the sea, beach picnics, lazy afternoons in the pool, drive-in movies under the stars and s'mores around the campfire. There are still whispers of plants here (nature always finds its way in), but I’m sharing a broader sweep of my world. So here's what I’m looking at, reading, watching, eating and listening to this season. Let’s wander through this sunlit tapestry together.

What I’m Looking At

Emily Kepulis' "Inner Safety": Sunset colors — pinks, greens, oranges and blues — dipping below the horizon. It’s like capturing the spirit of summer on a canvas.

Park YeonKyung: A potted plant bathed in golden light, inspired by a sunlit desert in Vietnam. Her vibrant colors and vigorous brush strokes convey the fleeting beauty of summer.

Ian Archie Beck's "Margarets": Climbing roses and summer blooms entwined with an old crab apple tree. The perfume is almost tangible, making you feel like you’re in a summer garden.

Jade Nguyen's "Égrégores": Kids playing among surreal, swirling topiaries and trees. It’s a whimsical representation of the playful nature of summer.

Michèle F. Bérard: Up-close, psychedelic flower portraits that echo Georgia O’Keeffe but with a bright, summery twist.

What I’m Reading

Nina MacLaughlin: In her piece for The Paris Review, she perfectly portrays the feeling of summer:

“It’s the nostalgic season, arriving all warm-breezed and verdant, putting its heavy arm around you and whispering, Come on, come on, remember? Let’s return to the screen door slamming, bare feet on the porch floor, peach juice sticky on the chin, sun on the back of your neck. You can return to a time of more time.”

I Hold a Wolf by the Ears by Laura van den Berg: I’m currently reading this collection of stories that delve into the lives of women on the edge. Through a blend of surreal and realistic narratives, van den Berg explores themes of loss, identity and the haunting nature of memory.
If you’re like
Ochuko Akpovbovbo
from
as seen on
and love “stories about women who spend a lot of time in their heads, who live alone and think dubious thoughts; who harbor secrets and regrets,” this book is for you.

Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino: This book is up next so I can participate in
cherry bomb
’s June Book Club. Set against the 1977 Voyager 1 launch, it follows a woman feeling like an outsider on Earth, exploring themes of belonging, perception and connection in an alienating world — perfect for fans of weird stories like me.

More recommendations: Check out
Extracurricular
’s 2024 Book Preview.
paloma magazine
: I enjoyed reading this collection of poetry and short stories.
Brittany Ackerman
’s piece stood out, her vivid descriptions and emotional depth captured the essence of teenage summers:

“I can hear the faint sounds of the pool outside, all the families and honeymooners and lifeguards and waitresses,” she writes. “I want to be like the waitresses. They wear bright orange one-pieces that droop low down their backs. They wear tropical printed sarongs tied in a knot at their waists. They wear clean white sneakers and visors with the hotel’s logo. They are so tan and so pretty and so perfect as they bend down to place drinks on side tables and bowls of chips in front of kids waiting to eat. Their grace feels impossible to me. Their lives seem infinite.”

What I’m Watching

A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935): Shakespeare's play turned dreamscape. Fairies, moonlit forests and enchanting visuals make it a perfect summer rewatch.

La Chimera: A mysterious archaeologist-turned-tomb raider wanders Italy in search of ancient artifacts. The blend of reality and fantasy with surreal cinematography evokes the timeless, magical quality of summer.

What I’m Eating

Alfresco dining: Every summer, I can’t wait for outdoor meals. Lisa Przystup's idyllic photo above captures the perfect vibe.

Seasonal recipes: Check out Al Fresco Season Part II by
Amuse Bouche
, which includes a snap pea and mint salad, linguine with clams and ice cream cake.
First sandwich of the summer: Mortadella and stracciatella on focaccia by SJ’s Eats. (I use this focaccia recipe.)
The Dinner Party
: The Feasting One is a meal inspired by the sun, including roasted peppers with green tahini, labneh and dill gnudi with chili butter, plus mango creams.

Roasted Strawberry & Basil Eton Mess Cake: By
Ruby Bhogal
. It’s summer in every bite.
San Diego Treats: Wayfarer Bread’s strawberry galette, pistachio croissant and vanilla scone. I had the scone last weekend and will definitely be back for more.

Sea Salted Strawberry Jam: Seriously, try this from Hot Jamn.

What I’m Listening To

“Dance II” by Discovery Zone: Hypnotic electronic beats and serene melodies, perfect for a summer daydream. The remix adds some extra layers that elevate the chill vibes.

Dinner Music
: The weekly lineup revisits iconic 70s and 80s Italo disco and funk from Naples, featuring tracks by Nu Genea and Pellegrino, along with classics from Mina and Ornella Vanoni. Perfect for alfresco dining or a poolside hangout.

What’s On My Wishlist

Bronze Windbell: Found in
Blackbird Spyplane
’s Best Museum Shops. This colorful, textured windbell adds a lovely sound to summer evenings outside.

More: A strawberry-scented candle, silver strawberry dish, blue speckle pasta bowl, mesh food cover and raw wood cornhole boards.

A Final Thought

I leave you with one last quote from Nina MacLaughlin:

“Release yourself into the sky and feel, for a moment: there’s time. The faded smell of grill smoke and sunscreen in the air. The buttery spread of stars in the air. The oak leaves touching oak leaves on branches in the air. We have the rest of the year to hurry, to be nagged by the feeling of a promise unkept. We start summer as we end: empty-handed, trying to steer the wind.”