Welcome to this edition of Dimanche (That Means Sunday), a weekly roundup of things that caught my eye this past week.

It’s officially the holiday season which means a lot of things: People driving like they just learned how to drive, obligatory work parties, Christmas decorations, and, if you’re in my family, latkes, or fried potato pancakes. It’s a time to reflect as much as it’s a time to enjoy.

This year, I feel really lucky because I got a holiday work bonus. I used it to buy a Canon Rebel camera that I’ve had my eye on for YEARS. I thought about investing the money in a couple different things but ultimately it came down to, what will I use the most and what do I want the most? One of my main goals this year is to take even better photos (especially of food), so this camera is the first step.

I took my camera out for a test run yesterday. It was supposed to be a six mile loop through Augusta, one of my favorite small towns in Missouri, but it ended up becoming a 15 mile trek with a detour into a river ditch.

That’s okay though because I emerged unscathed. I also learned that no matter how dry a river delta looks, it probably isn’t that dry.

I’m not going to lie to you: I’m still much more comfortable shooting photos on my iPhone. It might take me a while to get used to my new camera but I’m already seeing some promising results. It’s especially good for taking up-close photos. I snapped a few as I hiked around the country yesterday.

Without further ado, here is Dimanche:

Can we talk about Jay-Z? Awesome. I’ve always loved Jay-Z’s music but I didn’t know much about the man behind the music. All that changed after I read this NYT Magazine interview. Jay-Z gets real about fame, politics, money, and marriage. My favorite line is when he says, “What you reveal, you heal.” It’s so true. Change comes from taking a honest look at something (or yourself) to make it better.

Do you ever see something you want and put off buying it but you’re not sure why? That’s what happened with me and these Adidas shoes. I came very close to buying them when I was in L.A. in September but I didn’t. Then a professor came into my office on Friday wearing them. “This is getting ridiculous,” I thought. As soon as she left my office, I ordered them online using a discount code.

I pride myself on watching almost every French movie on Netflix (unless it’s super bad). I just watched one last night called “Fanny’s Journey” and I’m obsessed. It’s about a young Jewish girl who helps a group of children escape the Nazis in France during World War II. It’s suspenseful, heartbreaking, and intense. I was sobbing at the end.

I can’t believe I’m just now getting around to telling you this, but you should subscribe to Southerly. It’s a weekly newsletter about climate issues in the South. It’s written by the always erudite Lyndsey Gilpin, who also happens to be one of my good friends. You don’t need to be a southerner to appreciate this newsletter. Check it out!

One of my goals is to try a new restaurant in St. Louis every week. I don’t always accomplish this but I do my best. Today I stopped by Seed Sprout Spoon for brunch and I was floored. I ordered the vegan pancakes with cranberry apple compote, local maple syrup, and pecans. They were some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had in my life.

Last but certainly not least, it’s time for everyone to get wise about the tax bill that Republicans are trying to pass. This bill is TOXIC, people. Not only does it benefit the country’s wealthiest citizens at the expense of its poorest citizens, it also includes a provision that threatens abortion rights. Call your senator, call your representative. Protest and speak out. The time is now.

Enjoy your week! Here’s a song to get you started. I remember it every December and wonder how I ever forget about it.