Edition #32 | The American Experience

Hello friends,

America turns 250 today, and I've been thinking about what the American experience actually feels like. Not as a symbol, but as a lived thing. For me, it starts at my childhood home three blocks from Route 66 in St. Louis and includes a very serious crush on Vinnie "The Jet" Rodriguez from The Sandlot. This week I'm sharing a personal collection of the books, films, music, art, and places that make up this complicated, hopeful, amazing place we call home.

Let's celebrate.

-Karli

There are 16 items in my full American Experience collection on hili. Here are six that capture the range of what American feels like to me.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn | Betty Smith
“This is my mom's favorite book and a beloved American classic about a girl's coming of age at the turn of the 20th century. It gave me a deeper understanding of what life was really like for so many families struggling to survive at that time, while still feeling hope and connection with the community around them.”

The Sandlot
“Encapsulates the best feelings of childhood in America - fun, adventure, and friendship. Such a good film to boot.”

Route 66
“I grew up in St. Louis 3 blocks from Route 66. I have always been enamored with the classic Americana feel of the buildings and signage along this route and think it would be so fun to drive the whole length of it.”

I’m Just a Bill | Schoolhouse Rock
“Such a classic! Groovy song, fun animation, plus learning a vital part of our democratic process. LOVE!”

Imogene + Willie Catherine Jeans
“I'm not sure there is a more American piece of clothing than a pair of jeans. These jeans are made in America from premium 14 oz. denim. I have these and the wash is perfectly worn while the cut is a class 70s look I love. They take a minute to break in and form to your body, but they last forever.”

Reservation Dogs
“An amazing show in all aspects, it showcases the true lived experience of indigenous teenagers from Oklahoma. Additionally, the creators built the first series to have an entirely Indigenous writers' and directors' room, plus an almost entirely Indigenous crew.”

What are you guys making to celebrate this weekend? I’m looking for desserts, side dishes, pitcher drinks, snacks - all the good stuff!

Here are a few things that have caught my attention this week:

🇺🇸 Reasons to feel good about America. While there is always room for improvement, we have done some amazing things.

👟 I just unboxed a new pair of Adidas Gazelles and asked my husband (known sneakerhead) to lace them for me. Since then I discovered this instructional treasure trove of 62 to ways to lace shoes.

📷 These cyanotypes from the 1890s are absolutely mesmerizing

Thanks for being here!