5 things I’m loving lately

1. Peachtober daily doodles

As part of my effort to spend more time being creative and less time scrolling on my phone, I’m (casually) participating in Peachtober, a creative prompt list slash drawing challenge hosted by @furrylittlepeach on Instagram. (If you’re an arty person, you may have heard of Inktober — this is the same concept.) Right now, I am several drawings behind, but it’s okay! I’m making more art, and that’s the whole point!

2. Yorkshire Tea Malty Biscuit Brew

I have been a die hard Yorkshire Tea enthusiast for ten years now — since my gap year in England in 2015/2016. Luckily, there are a few places in Canada that reliably carry it. During our last restock, I spotted this flavor and had to try it. It’s a novelty, and nothing beats the OG. But with a bit of vanilla creamer, it’s such a treat. I’ve since learned that Yorkshire Tea makes a few other novelty flavors, including Jam & Toast Brew and Cherry Bakewell Brew. I must hunt these down.

3. Book club

I’ve always been a big reader, but I’ve never been into book clubs — I can be picky about what I read, and I don’t like to read on a deadline. However, I took over leading my local library’s book club (I’m a substitute librarian), and I love it! I may not love every book we read, but we always have a good discussion. Our latest book was one I really enjoyed: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

4. Antiques Road Trip

Anyone who has watched The Great British Bake Off knows that British reality/competition shows are just…better. Each episode of Antiques Road Trip (not to be confused with Antiques Road Show, btw) features two antiques experts driving around the UK in a classic car, stopping to shop for antiques, and ending up at an auction house to see who can make the biggest profit. Is the main demographic for this show old ladies? Probably. But it’s wholesome and calm, and sometimes you just need that. I love knitting while watching this show. Granny mode: Engaged.

5. Trip planning

Speaking of road trips, I’m in the thick of planning for a big vacation coming up in December. There will be a road trip, and there will also be a boat trip??? I’m going on my first cruise! We’re sailing from NYC to Southampton aboard the Queen Mary 2, the world’s only true ocean liner. I love making travel plans and detailed itineraries, so I’m already in heaven and the trip is still 6 weeks away! I’m also doing some shopping and outfit planning. The cruise has formal evenings, so I obviously need a sequined party dress, right?

What’s something you’re loving lately?

See you next week,

Kara

P.S. I stole this format from an artist I follow, Hallie Bateman. See her list here!

Out of Office

What I’m doing when I’m not working

This week’s newsletter was essentially one giant OOO section!

P.S. Got a question about self-employment, anti-hustle culture, business books, or something else?

Kara Detwiller is a writer and creative based in small-town Saskatchewan. She specializes in long-form content writing for enterprise SaaS, cybersecurity, and manufacturing clients. She is also working on her first novel, among other creative pursuits. To connect, reply to this email or find Kara on LinkedIn. To support her work on Wishful Working, share this email with someone or buy her a “coffee.”

Why Wishful Working? I write this newsletter because I want to see more people enjoy a life not centered around work. For some, the path to freedom and flexibility is through self-employment, but we also need to challenge cultural norms and champion healthier working conditions and work/life balance for all types of workers.