As my checklists and to-do lists for the farm, writing, and life in general continually grow, I realize that a quote I recently stumbled upon could not be more true many weeks: “my best fiction writing is my daily to-do list.” If you need a little distraction from your own to-do lists that may not have not gotten checked off this week, enjoy my favorite procrastination links from around the web…

• It's a few years old, but I guarantee this video of an 8th grader impersonating presidents and candidates will make you guffaw! 

• This Dolly Parton post has launched a whole new thing. 

• This London flat is sumptuous yet welcoming. The designer is Iranian and I appreciated his comment about entertaining -- the moment when a guest stretches for a nibble is when relaxation begins. Also, I cracked up at the bookshelf arrangement. Not my style at all but very Iranian. (Thank you Katerina!)

• How one can parlay a business selling vintage into an Oscar: this interview with the costume designer from Little Women is so so good! (Thanks Henry.)

• Really enjoyed watching Dave Chappellereceive the Mark Twain prize for humor.

• A dining banquette is wonderful except sometimes, space is too tight. Here is a smart and cozy work-around if you lack enough depth for a full fledged upholstered bench. (Thanks Paige)

• Given our closetless farmhouse, I’m digging deep into efficient use of space. This 200-sq-foot apartment in Paris is a model for how to wrangle good design out of a tiny space. (But no effin way I would hang a pic of Brigitte Bardot over my bed. My lover‘s eyes glance up, then glance down, then quickly return and remain fixated right above my fiftyish head.)   

• This podcast interview with Tom Scheerergoes into refreshing detail on several of his design projects. He makes many recommendations, including these IKEA wine glasses and these stackable chairs. Here's his latest book, which has inspired my plans for the farm interiors.

• All hail the interlibrary loan. (Thanks Marjorie)

• This woman’s travel and packing advice (and how to chop onions without crying) is spot on.

• Antiques of the Week: These chairs would make a boring room come alive. Same with this settee! And a little Izod Lacoste from the 80s in your bread basket? This is a cool timepiece. Finally, who would I allow to sit in this stunning rocker? Only those with cushy booties. 

Image by Glenn Carstens-Peters via Unsplash.