I fully intended to write some New Year’s ponderings, but I’m just not feeling it. What I do feel like sharing is . . .
10 THINGS I’M EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW
Ranked, for fun.
(FYI: This post might go past the email length limit because of the number of images and then you’ll be prompted to click a button to keep reading!)
10. War and Peace, the book
Admittedly a strange way to start this list, but hear me out! I’m a voracious reader at heart, but my reading habits over the past few years have been all over the place. I’m attempting to get back into a consistent rhythm, so when I saw that there’s a 2024 read-along of War and Peace happening here on Substack, I was surprisingly intrigued. And immediately signed up. I never in a million years thought I’d read this book, but it’s only a chapter a day, they’re short chapters, and guess what — I’m ahead of schedule. I’m enjoying it so much.
Here’s the read-along post if you happen to be intrigued as well:
9. Candlelit nights
We celebrated the Winter Solstice for the first time over the holidays and it was lovely. It mostly consisted of turning off the lights once it got dark out and spending the evening by candlelight. It was the coziest. To keep the coziness going, lately we’ve been turning off the lights and eating dinner by candlelight. Excellent vibes. 10/10.
8. Hot drinks
I haven’t historically been a hot drinks gal apart from the occasional hot chocolate (and even then it’s usually too sweet for me), but this winter I’ve had some fun trying out some new drinks. Herbal teas — wow! Sipping chocolate — also wow! We even attempted to make a traditional Danish drink called gløgg, which is more or less mulled wine (we tried a non-alcoholic version). Basically, I’m really leaning into cozy, hygge vibes this winter. And it’s working!
7. Green
I go through cycles of being in love with particular colors, and currently it’s cool-toned greens for me. Lately I’ve often found myself in outfits with various tones of green, usually not on purpose. I’m just in my green era right now.
A close runner-up: browns. Did you know that brown is supposed to be one of the biggest style trends this year? It’s a thing.
6. The Sound of Music
We watched The Sound of Music as part of our New Year’s Eve festivities and honestly, it was a very good decision. We laughed. We cried. We sang along. I swooned over Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer and that CHEMISTRY. And then I went down a deep rabbit hole after the movie ended and ate up this article interviewing Andrews and Plummer for the 50th anniversary of the movie (Vanity Fair link). Legends.
5. Graphic novels
Recall how I’m trying to become a voracious reader again. Well, as it turns out, my attention span is kind of shot, and with certain (many) books I get bored very fast. When that happens, I’ve been turning to graphic novels on the Libby app. I’ve been seriously missing out — there are some GORGEOUS, deeply poignant graphic novels out there. I devoured three over a couple of days: Almost American Girl by Robin Ha, Flamer by Mike Curato, and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and Emily Carroll. Loved them all and I’m hungry for more.
4. Animal Crossing
You know how in the early days of the pandemic, there was a huge Animal Crossing craze? Well, I was unable to take part in it, so now I’m belatedly having my Animal Crossing craze four years later. And oh, what a delight. I’m really in love with the overall theme of community building, which I care about deeply in real life. I planted some flowers for my virtual neighbor and you know what, it felt good. Maybe I’ll do that in real life too.
3. The 30-Day Drawing Habit
In 2024, I’m really just trying to become like my 4th grade self again: voracious reading, letting myself have fun with video games, PLUS — drawing all the time. I love drawing! Always have! I used to draw non-stop! And then, you know, life. And then I saw
of DrawTogether is doing a 30-Day Drawing Habit program for the month of January and I didn’t have to think too hard before signing up. This one isn’t free, but it’s just $6 for the month and it’s bringing me so much joy to be part of a community dedicated to drawing 10 minutes every day and cheering each other on along the way.More about The 30-Day Drawing Habit below:
2. Gochujang caramel cookies
I’m realizing now that putting these cookies at the #2 spot is maybe a little bold, but then these are probably the best and easiest cookies I’ve ever made in my life and I really think you should make some too. Gochujang is a fermented Korean chile paste (we got ours from Trader Joe’s) and it adds the perfect, super subtle amount of heat to the cookie. It’s like an elevated snickerdoodle with the most scrumptiously crisp, yet chewy texture. Please make them, I beg of you. Recipe here (NYT Cooking gift link)!
1. Birding
For some time I’ve wanted to find myself a good hobby that gets me outdoors and out of my comfort zone. Birding has been in the back of my mind, so when my friend shared a rad bird identification app called Merlin, I downloaded it, took it for a spin on our morning walk, and became positively giddy.
But THEN! On the way home from that walk, I stopped by our neighborhood’s Little Free Library and you won’t believe what happened to be there: two bird identification books! Just sitting there! Waiting for me! CAN YOU IMAGINE? My local birding society has a meetup scheduled for this Sunday and I’m hoping I have the guts to join! (Next step: get some binoculars.)
I’d love to know
Alright, I’ve gone on long enough. What are YOU excited about right now? Do we have any overlapping things we’re excited about? How were your holidays? How are you feeling about the New Year?
Substackers Against Nazis
Substack’s response to the Substackers Against Nazis petition was bleak (NYT link). Many writers are sticking around to continue pushing for change, while others are seeking out new platforms. I feel gross supporting a platform that refuses to demonetize Nazis. I also don’t want to flee and leave more room for bigotry to spread here. For the time being, I’ll be sticking around until I find a platform I feel better about. But hopefully Substack changes course. Stay tuned!
Until next time,
Maryn (is here)
K--if you want a good graphic novel, check out "The Prince and the Dressmaker." I love it!
The Gochujang caramel cookies are making my mind spin. I've had gochujang in many contexts but never in any sort of sweet, dessert, or baked context?! I cannot comprehend this. I'm so skeptical, but it DID make your top ten list so that means something!!!