Salam from my online corner, and welcome to a little November catch-up. This month unfolded in layers — first with travel and learning, then a bit of downtime with good TV, and finally a Thanksgiving Day celebration with a unique twist. Together, it all created a gentle rhythm of movement and reflection, the kind that feels right for this season.
Washington, D.C.: Work, Art, and Small Joys
I started the month in Washington, D.C. for a conference, which was a refreshing blend of professional growth and small personal joys. In between sessions, I carved out moments to enjoy the city — like discovering a restaurant that completely won me over with its thoughtful flavors and unpretentious charm. I also wandered through the National Gallery of Art, which, after days of structured learning, felt like stepping into a quiet breath. There’s something grounding about standing in front of art with no agenda, no rush, just your own thoughts. The quiet halls, muted tones, and unhurried pace created a kind of stillness that felt restorative after long conference days.
I was especially drawn to the Victorian-era paintings and furniture — the craftsmanship, the details, and the way those rooms seemed to hold stories from another time. We also joined a guided tour, which added richness to the experience, offering small insights that made the artwork feel more approachable and alive.
And then there was Leonardo da Vinci’s Ginevra de’ Benci. Seeing it in person was a quiet, almost reverent moment. The painting felt both intimate and distant at the same time — the softness of her expression, the delicate detailing, and the unmistakable depth in her gaze made it easy to forget how many centuries separate us from its creation. Standing there, I was struck by how art like this doesn’t demand attention, but gently holds it — inviting you to slow down, look closer, and simply be present.
Quiet Evenings and Shrinking Season Two
Once I returned home, I finished Season 2 of Shrinking, and it lingered with me more than I expected. Harrison Ford is brilliant in that blend of dry humor and surprising tenderness, and the show captures therapy in a way that feels real — imperfect, hopeful, messy, and deeply human. It shows the truth that therapists carry their own complicated lives, even as they support others. As someone who has been in therapy too, I found comfort in watching something that treats healing as an ongoing conversation, not a destination. It reminded me how much mental wellbeing depends on the gentle work we do with ourselves between all the busy moments of life. So excited that the Shrinking Season 3 premieres on January 28th, on Apple TV+ (Apple TV).
A Desi Wedding on Thanksgiving!
And then came Thanksgiving, which, for many of us who grew up outside the U.S., is a holiday we experience differently — more as a season of gratitude than a traditional celebration. This year, it had an added twist: a Thanksgiving-Day wedding. A beautifully nontraditional choice that somehow made perfect sense. It felt like a reminder that we all find our own ways to blend into the rhythms of life here, creating traditions that reflect who we are and what matters to us.
On the flight back home, I downloaded Culpability, which was the next read for my local book club. The beginning took a little patience, but somewhere between takeoff and landing, the story pulled me in. By the time we touched down, I was fully hooked. It felt fitting to read a story rooted in the same city I had just left behind, and I already know this will be one I’ll want to revisit more thoughtfully. I’ll be sharing a proper review soon!
