See You Next Tuesday: July 24, 2025
Are you average? Menopause clubs. Being a smarty pants. And more. . .
As some of you know, I lost my beloved dog, Avery, last week. I am recovering, but things feel gloomy right now. Avery was my comfort, my joy, and my emotional support.
Put simply, Kyle is great, but Avery was my soulmate. The kind of presence that fills something inside of you that you didn’t know needed to be filled.
Avery was diagnosed with diabetes in 2023 — during an incredibly turbulent time in our lives — but we persevered, learned how to care for her, and kept her in good spirits and mostly-good health until a few weeks ago.
As she declined rapidly, it became clear that she likely had cancer in her stomach or digestive tract. There would be no more good days. The day I had dreaded for a decade was here.
I am so grateful that she passed from this world at home, surrounded by the people who loved her, before her pain became too hard to manage. But I miss her. Life is less joyful without her. I sometimes feel unsure how to move through life without her in tow. She was my shadow, and my light.
If you are also grieving a pet, I find this post from Anne Helen Petersen on why love for a pet can run so deep to be extremely comforting. I have thought of this quote often since reading it two years ago, shortly after Avery was diagnosed:
The love between a human and their pet is completely uncomplicated. There are no interpersonal dynamics to worry about. It’s one of the few relationships in life that you can express your love freely and without self-consciousness. And that’s why it hurts so much when they’re gone.
Avery was the through-line of my post-DC life, my guide to the life I have now. I will love her always, and I am grateful to her and for her.
Today, I thought I might cheer myself up with a belated SYNT post. I so enjoy writing this newsletter and sharing the articles, shows, recipes, shopping recommendations and other bits and bobs that fill my week. So in that spirit, today’s post is available to all subscribers, both free and paid. Let’s dive in.
How do you compare to the “average person?” (Than Average via Jess Kirby)
The We Do Not Care Club may be the cure for what ails women over-40. Though, I will probably keep plucking my chin hair. (NYT, gift)
The Curse of Being Smart from Too Smart For This with Alexis Barber
Sarah Burton is a genius. Her new collection for Givenchy is straight fire. (Vogue)
I will be baking these Chocolate Muffins this weekend. There is spinach hidden in the batter, so I am comfortable deeming them health food. (Yummy Toddler Food)
My law clerk tells me all the cool kids are listening to Poolsuite.
Not shocked to learn that men are returning to the office at higher rates than women. (Yahoo! Finance)
Small breast implants are now the hot thing. It’s a brave, new world. (WSJ, archive)
The jury is still out for me on Spread the Jelly, but I’m glad to see Mom-content that doesn’t focus on seed oils or screen time shaming. I connected with a lot of what was said in this interview with the founders. (The Cut)
It’s still summer. Let’s drink a Brazilian Lemonada.
How to do laundry better. Because toddler spills have consumed me. (WaPost, gift)
What if everything we know about Sacagawea is wrong? (Hint: It is.) (NYT, gift)
What I Watched. Your Friends and Neighbors (5-stars) // The Studio (3.5-stars) // My Mom Jayne (4.5-stars)
What I’m Listening To. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill // my Covers for Work playlist // the Extended Scenes podcast
I am Abra Belke, and I will see you, next Tuesday.
xo.