winter 2024
Well, friends, here we are, at the end of another year. It’s been…challenging, to say the least, and with another Trump presidency looming, I’m not feeling particularly optimistic about the next few years either. November and December are my worst months, with several grief-iversaries combining with the shorter days to make everything challenging. And I’ve felt that a lot this year. The darkest part of winter feels very dark right now.
That being said, I find myself valuing the moments of light, community, and connection even more than usual--and I think it’s worth thinking about ways we can provide that for others, as well as celebrating the people who make what brings that light into our own lives.
For instance, R & I went to Louisville in November for our anniversary, and to see Mariee Siou, a wonderful Native musician that we’ve both loved for years. We had the trip planned for months, and then it happened just days after the election when everything felt bleak and blank and awful. The show was in a small venue and she played and sang music that acknowledged the darkness of the world and honored the beauty that still exists, within the world and ourselves and each other.
We also got chickens this spring and they’ve continued to be a delightful presence in our lives, providing far more than just eggs. As we try to build lives that have just enough to share, developing relationships with living beings beyond other people seems vital to understanding how we can both enrich and be enriched by the world.
So, here are a few small things that give me hope, or have brought me joy. I hope you can find your own, the bright candles to light the dark days ahead.
2025 books I’m excited about
Among Ghosts by Rachel Hartman
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
The Incandescent by Emily Tesh
Queen Demon by Martha Wells
Prescribed Burn by Arkady Martine
Top musicians/albums of 2024
Old Time Feeling - S.G. Goodman
Still + Bright - Amythyst Kiah
Polaroid Lovers - Sarah Jarosz
Trail of Flowers - Sierra Farrell
Like the River Loves the Sea - Joan Shelley
Recent Favorites
Raven and the Box of Daylight, a blown glass exhibition by Preston Singletary
Telling the traditional Tlingit story of Raven bringing daylight to earth, this immersive exhibit uses glass, projected images, sound, light and shadow to build layers of meaning and propel the viewer into the world of the story. We were able to visit this exhibit twice and both times I found myself engrossed in the details of the work and the way they add texture and depth to the surface of the exhibit.
Joy Harjo’s poetry
I’ve found myself revisiting the poems of Joy Harjo recently. Here are three favorites:
TV shows
Owl House: We’re almost done watching this for the first time and I’ve really loved visiting the beautiful and bizarre world of the Owl House and its inhabitants. While everyone is great, I especially love Willow and Hooty. With thoughtful storytelling and fantastic characters, this is one to treasure.
What We Do in the Shadows: Do I think the final season was as strong as the previous ones? Not really--the different pieces never quite added up into a coherent arc for the season. But I still appreciated being able to say goodbye to our favorites, and leaving with a sense that the story will continue on, even without the cameras to capture the adventures of the vampires of Staten Island.
Recipe
Brussels & Kale Caesar Salad
Adapted from Pinch of Yum
Vegan Caesar Dressing:
½ large avocado
1 clove garlic
2 Ts lemon juice
1 t dijon mustard
2 Ts olive brine
Brussels & Kale Caesar:
4 ozs brussels sprouts
1/2 bunch kale
Pumpkin seeds
More avocado, sliced
Bacon
Green onions
Dressing: Pulse all ingredients together in a food processor until smooth. Taste & adjust. Note: will make about double what you need for this recipe
Salad: Finely chop kale and brussels sprouts. Mix together and add dressing to taste. Top with bacon, pumpkin seeds, green onions, and avocado. Soft boiled eggs would also be splendid!
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Until next time, wishing you all a little light,
Maureen