Benediction #72
the Three Best Friends group chat + a brussels sprouts recipe I can't stop thinking about
“My friends are scattered across cities now, across countries and countrysides, distant as aeroplanes watched at night from a window wondering where those miniature people strapped in might be going. Why did we scatter? Were those studies and lovers and money that broke us apart, birds migrating confused by the bright lights of progress, were they worth it? I can’t tell if that light is a star or a wing tip, either way, I just wish you were closer.” - Hollie McNish (via)
My group chat with Emmy and Jenny is an underlying hum of my daily life, and has been for years. We text about everything and nothing — beauty recs, work, what we’re watching (with and without our guys), health scares, TikToks that made us giggle, and everything in between. After Zach, they’re the first place I turn to share something that happened, whether I’m elated or pissed.
Offline, I’ve felt extra lonely lately, if I’m being completely honest. Most of the time I can cover it up with the busyness of raising a family, or work, or travel, or countdowns to the next time I’ll see one of my long-distance people. The loneliness has made me wonder “why” more often. Why do some end up with local friends who are like family, while others find their closest people so far away?
I know I won’t ever know the answer, and of course, some of those things that scattered us were worth it — Opportunities too good to pass up, and now husbands and babies. Things that helped us grow into the people we are supposed to be, and in some instances, grow back to each other. But no matter how many babies are had amongst us, how many glass ceilings we shatter, how many mountains we individually conquer, part of me will wish that the three of us lived down the street from one another. Either way, I just wish you were closer.
10 Things that have been recommended in the “Three Best Friends” text thread within the last month:
This Substack post / thought exercise from Hitha
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime)
One Day (Netflix)
eating
Chili Garlic Airfryer Brussel Sprouts — This was my first time putting brussels sprouts in the airfryer, but the star of the show was the sauce. My two changes: I used a scant teaspoon, maybe even 1/2 teaspoon, of sesame oil. I like sesame oil but it gets overpowering *real* quick IMO. In place of the chili garlic sauce she calls for, I used a tablespoon of my beloved chili crisp. Served with salmon and our go-to microwave sticky rice.
reading
Recently finished book 4 of Throne of Glass and trying to decide whether I should tandem read books 5 and 6. For any ToG readers, have you heard of this/done this? While I decide, I’m cleansing my palate with Savannah Guthrie’s new book, Mostly What God Does, on audio.
loving
Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum - LOVING this, for real! My cheeks can get dry — it’s like they can’t soak up enough moisturizer! — but this has been helping keep everything smooth. Using morning and night, and works just fine under makeup.
Until next time, y’all!
Wishing you well,
Mollie
Aaaah I’m honored! Thank you for sharing this exercise - I hope it helps all of you!