Five Things Making Me Happy (A secret place / a “megasculpture”)

Hello,

In New York City, where I live, it felt as though autumn arrived overnight. One day it was hot, and the next day, when I went outside to walk Barnaby, I discovered that we’d skipped over sweater-weather to jacket-weather. I marked the change by moving my space heater into my office.

So a few days ago, when I arrived in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a conference, it was a bit of a shock to be back in 95 degree weather. It’s always fun to see the cacti in Arizona. Because I’ve been thinking a lot about the sense of touch, I couldn’t resist testing some spines—then remembered why it’s best to keep a safe distance from a cactus.

As someone who is always cold, I welcomed the heat, but I’m glad to back in cooler temperatures. Even when the cold, heat, and rain require many outfit changes over the course of the year—as they say, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing”—I love living somewhere with true seasons.

The approach of Halloween has put me in the mood for a good ghost story—if you have a suggestion, let me know. I especially love stories of friendly ghosts.

Onward,

5 Things Making Me Happy

My daughter Eliza sent me this link with the note “i love this please watch!” So of course I did. This drone footage from around Wrigley Field in Chicago is spectacular. Who knew that looking at a baseball stadium could be so captivating? (How did they do this?)

Speaking of aerial footage, Michael Heizer’s “megasculpture” is now open. Watching this video from the New York Times, it’s difficult to conceive how large the sculpture really is. I wonder how it will look when it’s crowded with visitors—I can’t imagine the gift shop, café, restrooms, tour buses.

The List published a selection of “Self-Help Podcasts You Should Make Times for Right Now,” and I was happy to see Happier with Gretchen Rubin included. It’s great to hear that people find the podcast useful—though I always think of my work as “self-helpful” rather than “self-help.”

Ever since I read the section on “Secret Place” in Christopher Alexander’s strange, brilliant book, A Pattern Language, I’ve recognized the power of secret places in a home, so I was very interested to read this article about secret rooms. In our apartment, we have several secret places, though no entire room is secret. It’s so satisfying. Do you have a secret place in your home?

I really enjoyed watching the Ludovica Rambelli theater company recreate tableaus found in Caravaggio paintings with live actors. Watch here. It’s an unconventional way to see a painting in a new light.

Updates

Make your holiday travel a little happier. Get 20% off the Water Bottle, Canvas Pouch, and Travel Tumbler from The Happiness Project Collection through Wednesday, October 12 with code: HAPPYTRAVEL20.