Travel, travel, travel.

(And trying not to let the rapidly approaching end-of-year-panic hit me like a freight train. Can I outrun it? Maybe?)

Over the past few years, I’ve discovered something fundamental about myself - something that’s always been there, but now we’re properly addressing and leaning into it - is how absolutely stir-crazy I get when I’m in the same place for more than a couple weeks. Travel is decidedly a luxury, but it’s also becoming a necessity for my mental health; even if it’s a budget-friendly road trip for the day. Movement breathes life back into me.

I come alive in airports, even at four in the morning (especially at four in the morning). The perpetual cycle of flights, road trips, train rides, and newness through living out of a suitcase infuses me with an energy that’s difficult to name. There’s an undeniable lifeline, espresso shot, when I’m thousands of feet up in the air and leaning into my own thoughts and creativity - no distractions allowed. A sanctuary for myself to write, journal, brainstorm, read, indulge in the occasional movie (or, this month, a lot of Delta-sponsored Yellowstone episodes). A blissful, self-imposed exile where I can’t distract myself with the noise of everything else.

I’m addicted to a steady stream of new experiences, places, food, rolls of 35mm film to shoot. I could probably travel forever, lily-padding from one place to the next.

When I returned to LA in mid-August after several weeks of travel, I had an inkling that my life wouldn’t slow down until Christmas. I’ve proven myself right.

October was a whirlwind: a bridesmaid in one of my childhood best friends’ wedding in New Orleans, a dreamy weekend of Broadway shows and endless eats in NYC, and a subsequent impromptu change in plans that found me surprising my parents in Virginia instead of flying directly back to LA. All the while folding in a balancing act of work, creative endeavors, acting class, workshops, and auditions… rinse and repeat.

I’ve been sidetracked by blessings.

(And yes, I’m writing this from another flight. Go figure.)

THE BOOKS

Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz

If you know me, you know my long-standing love affair with One Tree Hill - I’ve probably rewatched it more times than any other show except LOST (…and The Walking Dead). My best friend and I have affectionately called each other B. Davis and P. Sawyer, respectively, since we were fourteen. I have signed copies of both of Hilarie Burton’s books (absolute recommends) on my shelf.

Joy’s storytelling is magnetic. She masterfully immerses readers in the narrative, weaving an unebelievable account that left me stunned by her courage and resilience to save herself and her daughter. I’d eagerly awaited this publishing date for months and inhaled it in under two days… impulse control must be nice, huh?

The Magic by Rhonda Byrne

Just as I’m working through The Artist’s Way for a third time, I went through Rhonda Byrne (of The Secret)’s The Magic for a second time this month. My advice: commit to the 28-day gratitude practice precisely when you least feel like it. If you’re in a funk, battling a bout of negativity, or just need an emotional lift before the holiday rush, this book will ground you. It takes just 10-25 minutes a day, and the shift in perspective is worth every second. Commit to this - I promise it’s worth it.

From Here to The Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

Gorgeous, fascinating, and heartbreaking all at once. I can’t begin to imagine the strength and resilience Riley stepped into by finishing her late mother’s memoir. One you need to read for yourself to experience - from Elvis to their family legacy and beyond.

THE WATCHLIST

The Wild Robot, dir. Chris Sanders (2024)

I saw this with one of my best friends in NYC; ten minutes in, I leaned over and whispered, “This is going to devastate me.”

I haven’t full-on sobbed to a film like that in so long - there’s a very well-circulated video of me after Avengers: Infinity War - and it made my heart ache and feel near to bursting all at once. Perfect. Mandatory viewing in theaters: come with your heart wide open and bring plenty of tissues. You’ll need them.

Heartstopper (Netflix, 2022 - )

There’s a Kit Connor joke in here somewhere…

Considering I planned my October NYC trip around seeing Romeo + Juliet on Broadway, and I just recommended The Wild Robot, it’s safe to say there’s an accidental theme to the October Digest. Although I’m not usually one to binge-watch or hop between shows (I like to watch one season of one show at a time, like a weirdo), I plowed through every season during my week at home.

Kong: Skull Island, dir. Jordan Vogt-Roberts (2017)

I think this is the first time I’m recommending something that was a rewatch.

A sleeper favorite: you know those movies that, if you stumble across them flipping channels, you can’t help but stay glued until the end? Every time I revisit Skull Island I’m struck anew how much I love it. An underrated gem with some of the most gorgeous, visually arresting cinematography choices you’ve seen - in a kaiju film or otherwise. And it doesn’t hurt that Brie Larson’s character is one that fits perfectly within my own wheelhouse… and I get her as a doppelgänger constantly.

The Recommends

Bubby’s NYC

My first stop every time I’m NYC. There’s always a line out the door, so I’d recommend a week-day reservation (first-come, first-serve on weekends). Their pancake flight is the best - so good that I always risk the inevitable migraine and eat gluten for that exact meal - and their breakfast potatoes are some of my all-time favorites. Although it’s not the same as dining in, you can order their pancake mix online, as well as their doodle mugs, which I’m obsessed with (I have the little Asleep guy).

Bonus: before you leave, make sure you go downstairs to their photo booth.

Emmett’s on Grove (NYC)

I dream about this pizza. I’d personally recommend the Grove location over MacDougal (bigger menu, much better ambience), but make sure you get a reservation either way.

The order: crispy olives, Caesar salad, thin crust Hot Girl pizza with green peppers. Boom.

LMNT

The best electrolyte mix with zero sugar or funky additives (sorry, Liquid IV). I’m generally solid with my daily water intake, but with all the flights I was on in October, these were a life-saver and an absolute must in my travel backpack. I’m a citrus girl at my core, so I love the orange and citrus flavors; my dad prefers the watermelon and raspberry, so we always do a swap from the variety packs whenever we see each other.

The National WWII Museum (New Orleans)

Two things you should know about me: I love planes, and I read a lot of WWII nonfiction. My New Orleans weekend was a whirlwind of bridesmaid duties and events, but I still snuck in two hours at the WWII Museum during my time there. If I’m completely honest: I wanted to stay for the whole day. And you could - they have six different restaurants on-site.

Make sure you don’t skip the dog tag experience at the start of your museum day: you’re given an ID card that you activate, which coordinates directly to a real WWII soldier, pilot, naval officer, etc. Incredible to place faces to the museum experience and learn about their incredible stories and sacrifices.