It’s summer, which some use as a noun, and others a verb. I just love the summer, and in some ways it’s my favorite time of the year. I feel most myself. All it takes is one hydrangea bush and I’m six years old again, walking around the garden with my grandmother.
My grandmother defied expectations and was a very modern woman.My guest this week, Bill Cohan, has also surprised people in his work life.First as a journalist, then he spent 17 years as an investment banker before returning to journalism and book writing.His first book, The Last Tycoons, was about Lazard Freres, where he had once worked.He is a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and the author of Four Friends - Promising Lives Cut Short.
The 5 Things that made my life better this week.
1. The time to read. Reading a lot of great stuff. If you are just joining this podcast anew, I have recommended lots of books throughout the year. Read Four Friends - Promising Lives Cut Short, the new book by this week’s guest, William Cohan.
2. The smell of privet hedges. I love it so. It’s one of those nostalgic scents that takes me back to my childhood. I also like pansies and honeysuckle, if you want to know.
3. Sitting in the shade. I’ve been scolded not just by my dermatologist, but by other dermatologists too. I get it. I sit in the shade, under a hat, with a minimum spf of 41 covering my body. But the sun is nearby, and that is what matters.
4. Swimming. I like it. I really like it. In a pool if necessary, but I like a natural body of water best.
5. Sunglasses.I bought my first pair immediately upon getting rid of my thick prescription glasses and wearing contact lenses.I won’t buy the most expensive designer ones because I tend to lose those.The cheap ones I seem to hold onto for years.
Photo Credit: Jonno Rattman
And here are the 5 Things that make Bill’s life better.
1. My family
2. My homes
3. Traveling/adventure
4. Old friends, new friends, interesting people
5. My work