Back Into the Fray
The usual re-entry challenges; media requests; and, coming soon, a big new project
Hey-o, everybody! TGIF (wait, it is Friday, right? Or Wednesday? Or Saturday???). I’m battling the usual slog of discombobulation, jet lag, and other challenging physical and mental states after spending more than a month in the U.S. I’m used to this weird transition by now — missing family and friends I’ve just left; grateful to get back into a routine; homesickness; reverse culture shock; even more night-owl-ness than usual — but somehow, it doesn’t seem to get any easier.
That said, I was a bit out of it during my time in the States, too. Some of my not-so-finest moments: dropping my cell phone not off but through the end of the dock pictured above (it slipped from my hands into the crack between two boards, a feat I could not repeat if I tried, but, miraculously, it’s worked [knock wood] after I rescued it); leaving my son’s passport at a dear friend’s house (a discovery I’m glad I made two weeks prior to our flight back to Amsterdam and not the night before); and brushing my teeth with lip balm on said return flight (to my credit, that blasted balm was alongside the toothbrush in a tube that looked just like toothpaste. My teeth still feel like I ate a candle.).
Three days post arrival in Amsterdam, I’d hoped to have my act together to finally announce a big new work project, but — see above! And I still need to finalize a few niggly details first. However, next week’s newsletter will definitely be go time to put this thing out into the world. (Hint: It’s a perfect mix of two of my passions. And if you’re one of the verrrry few people I’ve told about it, mum’s the word, please! )
Recently Published Stories
I haven’t exactly been cranking out the bylines lately (which is good when you’re trying to relax on vacation; not so good when you’re trying to make a decent living). As such, I only have a couple of stories to share at the moment. (But the first one is a biggie, and quite personal. I hope it resonates.)
Afar: How Perimenopause and Menopause Retreats Are Helping Women Understand and Demystify the “Big Change”
KAYAK: Chill out: A guide to cooler places to visit this summer
Media Requests
Just a reminder: Replying to this newsletter all but guarantees your email will get buried in my insane inbox, whether you’re sending a pitch or a comment (which I love! But would love even more if you can comment on the Substack platform!). If you’re pitching, send a separate email to blanebachelor[at]gmail[dot]com.
For Afar, I’m working on a story about how to avoid the crowds in Amsterdam. If you have a source who is on the ground here and can provide unexpected tips (as in, I’ll need something deeper than “get up early”) on how to do this, I’d love to hear from you. Deadline: Tuesday, August 19; Subject Line: Avoiding Amsterdam Crowds
And That’s a Wrap!
Ok, back to the brain fog/jet lag slog for a few more hours until the weekend officially starts here. It’s the next-to-last one before the little guy starts school again, with all that entails, so until then, I’m determined to soak up as much summer fun as humanly possible. I hope your weekend is full of good things, too.
‘Till next time,
Blane
OMG that phone calamity is something I *nervously* envision every time I'm over open water or by an edge of something - so happy you were able to retrieve it! And that lip gloss/toothpaste incident made me giggle along with your teeth feeling like a candle! Hope that you're able to reset and feel restored soaking up the rest of summer while prepping for the new school year! Have a great weekend!
Florida can be a tough place to spend time. My wife and I are dog-sitting in Berlin for a few weeks. We are definitely getting the better end of the deal.