Welcome to Joy Ride, a monthly dose of joy, good things, creativity prompts, and gratitude by journalist and author Jennifer Chen. If you like it, please share this newsletter with someone who might like it too.
Your Pep Talk 🙏🏼
I’d like you to meet Pretzel. My kids named him Pretzel because “his feet look like pretzel sticks.” (Evidence below.)
Every year, we write what we’re grateful for on Pretzel’s feathers and he sits on our table until after Thanksgiving. This year, one of my twins asked if all of our notes could be about Chewie, our beloved adopted pug, who passed away this month. They drew pictures of Chewie playing fetch and wrote, “I love you.” I wrote how he will always be in my heart. My kids helped me turn something I was incredibly sad about into a practice of thankfulness for the four fun years we had with Chewie.
I hope when you read this, you can take a moment for gratitude. Maybe it’s a sunny day, a new book waiting for you to read, or the perfect cup of coffee. Maybe it’s appreciating every moment you have with that person (or pet) who makes your days better.
My Latest News 📚
SO! I have big news. I landed a two-book deal!!! I have been working toward this dream for almost 20 years. I’m super excited to work with Vicki Lame and an incredible team at Wednesday Books, who publish some of my favorite romance books. I am incredibly grateful to my agent Caitie Flum for all her hard work.
Check Out This... 💘
MAGAZINE: Kazoo Magazine. My kids and I love this magazine (for ages 5-12). Each issue is dedicated to a topic, like art, and there are stories, crafts, fun puzzles by some of the best artists and writers. Not only do my kids learn something new, I do too.
BOOK: Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales is a sweet, funny queer YA romance that made me feel like love wins.
VIDEO: My friend Yin Chang and her girlfriend Moonlynn Tsai were named Glamour Woman of the Year for their incredible Heart of Dinner organization. Yin’s acceptance speech is 30 seconds of pure inspiration.
TV SHOW: Baking It (NBC). The show premieres on December 2 and I can not wait. Maya Rudolph and Andy Samberg and four grandmas judge this baking competition that looks so wholesome and sweet.
NONPROFIT: Hello Neighbor pairs recently arrived refugees with people in Pittsburgh a yearlong mentorship. Sloane Davidson, who launched it after hosting a refugee family for Thanksgiving, has made matches that turn into lifelong friendships.
I'm Grateful For... 🐾
Chewie. He was my best friend, my shadow, and my therapy dog in one snorty pug. He passed away this month. It was a hard goodbye. When we first met four years ago on Thanksgiving, I had sworn to close my heart off to dogs after losing my last guy, Buddy. But at the adoption facility, Chewie curled up in my lap and I knew he was coming home with us. I’m grateful for four years of playing fetch, cuddling, carrying treats in my pockets, and his absolute silliness. Thank you, Chewie, for everything.