Big news.

In which I blow all your minds.

Apr 01, 2022

I didn’t buy a return ticket to Paris. It wasn’t intentional. It was more logistical. See, I knew I’d be in California for at least a few weeks and then me, sis, bro-in-law and nephew were all probably going to fly to NY for Passover and, presumably—eventually—I’d return to Paris sometime end of April. I just wasn’t sure of the date yet. But then. Well, then. I fell in love with San Fransisco as I knew I would. I love the colorful Victorian houses and wild tree varities and proximity to water. I love the food scene and temperate weather and being understood again when I speak. And, it’s a lot closer to family here in the US of A, most especially my boo Calvin.

And so ever since arriving in the Golden State a little over two weeks ago, I’ve been pondering a “what if” scenario where I traded the City of Light for the Golden City, and I think—despite having just obtained my 10-year-visa for France (because OF COURSE; isn’t that always how it goes?!) that I’m going to give good ’ole ’Merica a shot once again. Only this time I’ll be over on the Left Coast. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I’m not sure of timing yet or any of the details. Obviously, I have a lot of things to settle and figure out. After all, Paris has been my home for over 7 years! I have friends. An apartment. A life.

But I guess there was a reason why I hadn’t yet purchased that return ticket. Things were a bit…up in the air, despite my not actually being up in the air. So voila. There’s your news. And there’s my attempt at an April Fool’s Day joke.

Did you really believe me??? Come on! I can afford to live in SF — or any major U.S. city for matter — like Will Smith can take a (bad) joke. :) See ya Tuesday from LA, the Friday after that from NY, and, by end of the month as planned, back in Pareeee. Bon week-end, friends. (And desolée for the psych out, Mom & Dad.) xx — Sara

Clickable

A Parisian chef with flair. | (Me for) the NY Times
An Argentine chef with Michelin stars. | (Me for) Hemispheres
Birth control for men is coming. | Cosmo
Are you “caught in the crosshairs of the ceramics craze”? | FT
One woman’s journey out of Ukraine. | The Cut
A fashion designer who fled during Fashion Week. | Back Row
All hail the original hound of Chowhound. | Eater
Soooooo… balloons are having a moment? | the NY Times
The Girlbosses have left the building. | The Cut
Bopping around Bordeaux’s Bacalan-Docks. | (Me for) Hemispheres
Remember Blue Man Group? Here’s an oral history. | Vulture
On losing a brother and traveling with his remains. | The Cut
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Watchable

It was the slap heard and seen around the world and Jimmy Kimmel’s take on it was ACE. Lots of lol-moments from both Jimmy and Guillermo.

Pretty psyched for this. Will he sing “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’” again, though?

Overthinking It

Solange's Side: Personal Space

“Solange’s Side” is a reader-supported Tuesday letter in which I ramble on about idiosyncratic or divisive topics, à la Carrie Bradshaw or Larry David—minus the high-heels or bald head. Picture this: You’re in San Francisco’s Dolores Park in the Mission. It’s late afternoon, probably around 5 p.m. The park is full of dogs running around, lovers kissing in the grass, and singles keeping to themselves or talking quietly into the air; earpods tightly positioned in their ears. You choose a swathe of grass in the sun, far enough away from anyone else that you can lie back and be both alone, but amongst this energetic community. You close your eyes and suddenly hear someone say, “Keep close to me.” You assume it’s someone with a dog, reminding her four-legged friend not to stray too far, so you close your eyes and carry on with your relaxation. Then, you hear it again: “Keep close to me.” Only, this time she’s singing it? You turn the volume up on your podcast. But unfortunately, it doesn’t drown out this woman who, in fact…

3 years ago · 2 likes · 6 comments · Sara Lieberman

Currently Overthinking…

…how many nights to spend in Israel’s Negev desert…possibly alone…

Souvenir: Pippi Longstocking

I wish I could tell you how or why the fictional character with red hair, pigtails, and freckles appeared in my head—in the middle of the night, no less—but alas, she did, and hence, she is this week’s throwback. My sister and I were pretty obsessed with the 1988 movie “The New Adventures of Pippy Longstocking” and, of course, her pet monkey. Mr. Nilsson, 4EVA.

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