My Sunday List
January 18, 2026 || The third weekend of 2026 || The weather in Nashville: High 33 degrees, Low 19.
Words
“Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us. —Pema Chödrön
Music
These days, whatever is most familiar and comforting. What’s going on in the world continues to astound and my focus is often stolen by the latest onslaught of news. It’s hard to turn away even though I know the twenty-four hour news cycle is one of the worst things to ever happen to us.
Something that bugs me
There are so many things I’m behind on—I chip away at this and that but seem always to have a list of things I need to do that would push me forward more than the things I seem to do most, which are the things that keep our ship afloat. It frustrates me but I remember—the daily routine is a blessed thing, particularly when blended with ritual. It’s worth it to slow down and revel in the commonplace. It is precious and our right to it could be gone quicker than we can imagine. Is it possible to maintain grace and dignity while we’re fighting like hell against the ever rising flooding of the zone? Hanging on to the small practices that keep us grounded makes a powerful resistance against the chaos.
Catalog of Gratitudes
Forgiveness
Facing one’s ego, however painful it may be
Technology as a tool; Humanity as the hand that controls it
Reading glasses
Old Friends
New Friends
Holidays that celebrate progress and remind us how powerful peaceful protest can be
The way you do anything is the way you do everything.
What I’m Reading
I still haven’t finished this one.
What I’m writing
SAME AS LAST WEEK. I’m inching forward on details for the novel. Planning a research trip for the spring. Trying to stay close to the world in my mind when I don’t always have time to devote to its development.
As of today, January 18, I’m working on an outline. It is far flung yet familiar.
Work
I hosted a panel yesterday at the MUSUEM. In support of our exhibition Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, we discussed Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones. Joining me were co-author Holly George-Warren, Director of the Dolly Archive, Rebecca Seaver, and Creative Director of Dolly Parton Enterprises, Steve Summers.
It was fascinating to get a close look at the inner workings of the machine that keeps the industry of Dolly Parton going. She is surrounded by the best kind of people—they’re smart AND they love her and obviously have deep loyalty to and admiration for her. I’m so lucky to have my job. I pinch myself sometimes at my luck—I’ve been able to combine my worlds into something that makes sense for me in the second half of my life. It’s a long and winding road. But I know when I reach the end of it, it won’t feel long at all. I’m grateful for the phases and stages.
Prayer
Let me be good. Let me remember to talk to you and hear what you have to say to me. Let me value your divine knowing over anything and everything else, over anyone and everyone’s opinion. Let me be choosy about the counsel I seek. Let me be loyal, kind, and compassionate to my friends and family. Let me use good judgment and strength of character in every moment. Let me never forget that each breath is a gift from you, from this universe, from the miracle that is this moment of perfect combustion. Let me be strong in my faith. Let me receive inspiration. Most of all, let me love and be loved.
Intention for the week to come
May I be the best version of myself.
May I be patient.
May I be kind.
May I have self-awareness.
May I clear clutter from my life.
May I welcome change.
May I love unconditionally.
May I travel, and tread, lightly.
May I slow down my emotions and keep them at arms length. They are clues—not answers, not truth.
Something I’m thinking about
How I might make it to London to see the Marie Antoinette exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum before it closes.
The absurdity of the idea that one should transfer a Nobel Peace Prize under any circumstances. Every day brings something more confounding from this bunch of bozos.
Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. — Buddha
Talent: hitting a target no one else can hit.
Genius: hitting a target no one else can see.
Wishes
That we all receive the love we deserve.
That we all find comfort and peace.
That we all find time for the things that soothe us.
That you will forward this to one person you think might like it.
Have a wonderful, peaceful, joyous week. And thank you for supporting my work here at The Autotelic.
Peace. Love.
Allison
There are first edition copies of I Dream He Talks to Me and Blood in the shop. I will sign each copy that is ordered. If you would like it personalized, please send an email with your order number and the name you would like on the signature page to allisonmoorercontact@gmail.com.
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I am a Minnesotan and live 20 minutes from Minneapolis. I am so proud of the protests! Lives can end very quickly, especially with so many radical ICE agents carrying out their lawless orders here, but yet we have so many people showing up to abolish the inhumane treatment of another human being.
A trip to London sounds great and taking a break from this crazy world! I am maternally related to Marie Antoinette. Take that break, take that vacation, enjoy the little things.