The sky has been a bright orangish grey haze all day, tinting the light through our closed blinds. Friends across the Bay Area have been sharing photos of the apocalyptic skies—and it isn’t just the sunset. After days of excessive heat and hazardous smoke from wildfires, this feels dreary, unending, and depressing.

Baking is an excellent coping mechanism, not least of which because it is so tasty! Mama and I enjoyed this scrumptious Bittersweet Chocolate and Pear Cake (Torta di Pere) with a dollop of whipped cream. I’ve been a bit obsessed with making this cake during the pandemic. One bite transports me back to Venice (where we first enjoyed it) and away from the horrors of 2020.

Today’s #OneGoodThing with Mama was Italian cake for a gloomy day. What was your #OneGoodThing today? Please share in the comments! And remember, kindness is everything!

Day 253 of 366. And Now Totaling 1,714 Days In A Row. Here’s the first 366, & the following 365, & the third year of 365 good things, & the 4th year of good things!

On this day…

• 1 year ago: A creative visit
• 2 years ago: Shana Tova
• 3 years ago: Crazy for Emerald Beauts
• 4 years ago: Afternoon surprise
• 8 years ago: Adventures in Becoming a Temporary Venetian