Jen's Weekend Drafts: Lost Words + Rob Reiner.

+RUTHFUL + OTHER LOST POSITIVES: I thought this post was fascinating! Will absolutely campaign to restore “ruthful” (full of compassion) to present-day English.

+A ROB REINER MICRO-LEGACY: I thought this reflection from Noah Wylie on the way Rob Reiner greeted cast members on set was so moving — “You can get such better work out of treating people with kindness and generosity.” Magpies, we have such power to shape the way people feel about themselves, about experiences. What energy are we sending out? How can we fashion ourselves into the warm, radiant kind? I absolutely love the idea of beginning any conversation, collaboration, event with “we’re going to love this; this is going to be great.” Reminds me a bit of my Dad’s long-standing advice on the eve of a transition: You’re going to love it.

+INN AT PERRY CABIN IN FALL: I’m just back from the most fabulous three-day stay at the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael’s, MD with Chappywrap. I wrote about this magical place recently, but — it’s one of those spaces in the world where I feel deeply at ease and close to myself, close to my own creativity. It’s a particularly spectacular stretch of the Mid-Atlantic, perched right on the Myles River. I took some of the most beautiful photographs while there — including the one above — on my plain old iPhone, and they almost look like paintings. Something about the golden light and the watercolor sky. Other bonuses: I saw three bald eagles sparring (two males fighting for the affection of her ladyship), a blue heron in the morning marsh, and a kingfisher (a lifer for me). I wrote a new fictional character into being, and his name is March Kipling. I cannot recommend this place more for a getaway this autumn to winter, whether you’re seeking a creative retreat, respite with a loved one, a romantic stay with a spouse, or water-front adventure with kids.

I’ve written about the blue heron twice — once when I was at St. Michael’s on a previous trip and did not find one — and once in the context of how we are all making our way through the world with what we have. These birds have an air of the prehistoric. I find them incredible sites of creativity!

+”THE SITUATION IN THE WOODS”: LOL. Why do I relate to this?

+FINDS THAT STOPPED ME IN MY TRACKS THIS WEEK:

This gorgeous wisteria gown. The pleating and draping O.M.G.

I think I’m going to grow my bangs out again – they are a lot of upkeep! – and I’ll need this textile headband to get me through.

For fellow mom in their “bleacher years”: this sweatshirt! So fun!

Personalized bandana totes for under $100.

+The cashmere fair isle cardi to wear over everything this autumn.

+TOLSTOY ON PERSISTENCE: Loved this Tolstoy excerpt. Miles are made up of inches, etc. Keep going.

+OUR KIDS LOOKING AT AMAZON CATALOGS: This couldn’t be more true. Ha!

+”SOME OF MY HAPPIEST DAYS WOULD SOUND VERY BORING”: Amen. In praise of a normal day. Dogear the routine day!

+FOUR HAIR PRODUCTS I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT: In 2025, one of my goals was to have more good hair days — to really focus on having my hair look and feel “done,” and well. Hence the investment in multiple Dyson tools. One of my 2026 goals was to really focus on hair health and four products I’ve become obsessed with:

THIS LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER — SPECIFICALLY IN THE “MELROSE PLACE” SCENT* SMELLS LIKE HEAVEN AND LEAVES HAIR SO SMOOTH

HONESTLY ALL OF THE VIRTUE LINE (STARTING WITH THEIR FULL SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER) BUT I’M NEWLY HOOKED ON THIS 6-IN-1 STYLER THAT I USE ON DAMP HAIR AND ALSO TO STYLE MY BANGS

CROWN AFFAIR OVERNIGHT SERUM — I APPLY THE NIGHT BEFORE I KNOW I’M GOING TO EXERCISE

CHRIS MCMILLAN GLASS HAIR BLOWDRY SPRAY — FOR REAL SHINE AND GLOSS

*Funny detail: at least four Magpies have told me how much your husbands love the scent of this product!

+BESTSELLERS: This statement-making navy silk dupioni top was wildly popular! Pair with jeans for a night out or tartan trousers for holiday! You’d have to test, but this might also look AMAZING with the navy Ruti pants. I’ve paired mine with a vest-like top and the silhouette is incredible.