A Wink at What Matters

Apr 11, 2025

Welcome to my new author newsletter! You can look forward to somewhat regular missives with my favorite books, bars, Broadway shows and more.

I was supposed to get this first newsletter out before now but I got slowed down by an eyelash debacle. Yes, you read that right. And to make matters worse, it’s all George Clooney’s fault.

First of all, I have a long and troubled history with fake eyelashes and yet I can’t quit. Nothing levels up a look better. I dabbled in eyelash extensions, only to discover I’m never in one place long enough to keep up with the maintenance. Bonus plot twist: pulling them out took half my natural lashes with them.

Recently, I was getting dolled up for the opening night of Good Night and Good Luck (produced by my brilliant BFF Greg Nobile) and figured a potential run in with George Clooney was a lash-necessary occasion. A friend swore by the magnetic kind—no glue, no fuss. Great, I’m in.

So how'd it go? Well, the magnets certainly did their job. Unfortunately, the lashes themselves seemed more determined to cling to each other than to any part of my actual face leaving me lashless. Sorry George.

Luckily, in the starry crowd that attended the show and the Black and White Ball that followed, no one was looking at me and my husband kept me well stocked in martinis to hide behind!

And now on to (what will be going forward) our regularly scheduled programming! These are a few of my favorite things…

1. Shaken, Not Sleepy

Juggling time zones and travel this month... I've been leaning into the Espresso Martini as less of an indulgence and more of a survival strategy. Just one of these trusty caffeinated cocktails before a night at the theater and I'll be wide awake well into the afterparty. Though my strategy did take some refining. Going forward, I'll stick to the classic—vodka, fresh espresso, and Kahlúa. The Bailey's version is delicious, but it veers dangerously close to dessert territory. Too cozy, too soon, and too tempting to crawl into bed.

2. Between the Covers

Just finished: Baby X—a fascinating, twisty novel about the ethics of designer babies. Currently reading: The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry, my fellow committee member from the Authors Guild Gala. It’s gorgeously written, and Julia Whelan’s impeccable narration is the definition of chef’s kiss. Next up: the new Emily Henry, obviously. My audiobook pre-order is already queued up, and I’m already preparing for all the feels.

3. High Altitude Heartwarmer

On a recent overnight flight, I needed something gentle but not dull. The Life List on Netflix hit the spot. It’s warm, affirming, and just sentimental enough. I might even track down the book it’s based on, because, of course I will.

4. Havana, via the Hudson

This month I saw the new Buena Vista Social Club musical—a Broadway first with an entirely non-English score. It was so hypnotic I could almost forget JLo and her family were sitting directly in front of me. I’ve been listening to the original album on repeat ever since and imagining myself drinking rum and swaying in a Havana dance hall. As one does.

5. Wilde Reflections

Seeing Sarah Snook embody The Portrait of Dorian Gray on Broadway had me, inevitably, reflecting on aging. Right on cue, my nosy phone surfaced an essay by none other than Judith Viorst, the iconic author of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Now 94, she wrote a reflection on growing older called “AT 94 I’M STILL WORTH LOOKING AT” that was joyful and entirely inspiring:

People are concerned that the superficial—attention to looks—will obscure and distract us from what is truly significant... But the people I love the most embrace what’s playful and fun as well as what’s profound. Celebrate as well as cogitate. And are willing to discuss, without apology, both eyeliner and the meaning of the universe.

Temporary tattoos may have been ordered.

What’s been getting you through this month—books, cocktails, entertainment, existential reflections? Drop them in the comments, I’d love to hear.