My Infatuation With an Ice Tray

And how simple pleasures can sustain us

Good things: Maira’s new glasses, Matilija poppies, pearly nail polish, teeny avocados, fresh cubed ice, Henry’s new sneakers

Dear Friends,

This week, I made a totally frivolous purchase: A new ice tray and box. The plastic trays in our freezer are still functional, but they’re decades old, cracked, and brittle, and it’s always a chore to get ice out from them. The second 90° day in a row helped me justify my decision, and the new one arrived a few days later.

I tried it out immediately. I carefully washed the ice tray, filled it to the brim with water, and slid it into the back of the freezer. The next morning, I made a beeline to the kitchen. There were 32 perfect 1-inch cubes glistening before me, and each one popped out with ease.

When I went to make coffee at lunch, I plopped a few cubes in it. When Maira craved boba later that afternoon, I offered to make her an iced matcha instead. When I felt parched, I filled my glass with a handful of ice and topped it off with chilled, filtered water. It was incredibly satisfying.

Does everything taste better with perfectly cubed ice? Or is the moment delicious simply because I’m taking time to make something a bit more special?

Either way, I acknowledge how lucky I am to be able to splurge on something so silly. I also acknowledge how important it is these days to find joy where I can.

In one of her wonderful newsletters, journalist Emily Amick said: “Find moments of delight and softness, not as indulgences, but as fuel. Because joy isn’t frivolous. It’s how we remember what we’re fighting for. Because care isn’t weakness. It’s how we break the spell of powerlessness. And because connection - real, grounded, messy connection - is how we build something better.”

So I’m stocking up the ice box, and I plan on enjoying ice cold beverages all summer long. Maybe I’ll invite a friend over for drinks, too.

xo Christine

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Good Things

• I finally tried Levain Bakery, and you guys, it really is that good

• Matilija poppies

• Cold, crisp apple slices

• Pearly pinkish nail polish

• Slivers of sunshine through the window

• A gathering of squirrels on our front lawn

• The moment the car’s hot air turns cool when you blast the A/C

• Rama’s protest signs are always works of art

• A break from early school morning dropoffs

• A family portrait party

• Coming out of a matinee with a whole night still ahead of you

  

  Frozen dark chocolate peanut butter cups from Trader Joes are my current treat of choice.

Good People Doing Good Things

Thank you to everyone who stood up for democracy at Saturday’s No Kings protests. Rama joined our kind and brave neighbors, and I drove by to honk in solidarity. The protest was peaceful and uplifting, and I felt so proud and moved.

These little guys are always on the move. I love watching them from our porch and imagining their secret animal lives.

Good Quote

Good Deed of the Day

Let someone go ahead of you in line. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s a cinch to do, and the other shopper will likely be thankful you did.