Ok I'll get my writing head on and do one too. Thank you π And I'll also be able to add that you received our letter. That made my boy happy. Thank you for all your stunning posts. You've really helped me over the last year. MΕrena from Aotearoa (good morning from NZ) xoxo
The best thing about my 2024 was moving into a retirement community on the Willamette River -- no stairs, great people (both staff and residents), good food. NO STAIRS!
I just finished reading "The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating" and was so excited to see this on your list. Also, your list is amazing - what a wonderful end of year ritual! Looking forward to starting my own now!
These are great and it did make me make a list of my own! Thank you! Also, I loved your son Owenβs typing song. It made me laugh and I enjoyed every key. Tech changes fast but when I first started in it, I was paid to TYPE. Someone with atrocious handwriting would hand me a stack of engineering papers and my job was to type that mess up because not everyone knew how to type. Yes, I typed on an electric typewriter too. π
18 years ago in grad school at least one of the Germans in the program had to learn to type to do the comprehensive exams. Younger than me, theyβd grown up in a school- and career system that divided people into thinkers and doers, and typing was for the doers, not the thinkers.
Really? I didnβt know that, Emily. Though it seems like they dropped the ball there doesnβt it? Since so many writers need to write/type to βthinkβ things through!
Itβs an interesting philosophy, separating the thinkers from the doers! What could possibly go wrong?
This is one of the points where I appreciate the US school system: for not dividing up kids (and rather early) into what theyβll do in the future. And having individual courses you can pick rather than entire tracks where everyone does the same thing.
Have loved your list for a few years now and it has inspired me to make my "year end summary" become 100 bits in no real order. Gave me much freedom. (Ah, the rules we make for ourselves.) What name did you settle on for your book cart?
My favorite bit of 2024 was discovering the most incredible tour guide in Florence who brought the city to life in every possible way. She made a difference. I love being with people who are REALLY good at what they do. Like you.
I was just trucking along enjoying every one of these things and got to 77 and was all awwwww. An unexpected reminder of a project that I still hold dear. π
Iβm one of those who started making my own Top 100 list because of you. Itβs such a rewarding exercise. Throughout the year, I catch myself in little moments thinking, βYeah, this is definitely making the Top 100.β
Ok I'll get my writing head on and do one too. Thank you π And I'll also be able to add that you received our letter. That made my boy happy. Thank you for all your stunning posts. You've really helped me over the last year. MΕrena from Aotearoa (good morning from NZ) xoxo
Austin Kleon is a goddamn national treasure.
Meghan's quote about 90s clothes was so spot on I had to quote her in my journal!
1. Surviving brain surgery
2. Now able to fold zines
3. Journaling since surgery
4. Keeping two newsletters and podcasts going
5. Reading this newsletter which not only was a companion while recipe but also always kept me thinking and on top my creativity. Thanks Austin
Recuperating
Wow - you are inspiring!
So good to do this. To remember the good things to offset the heavy things.
What a wonderful post. I'm going to have my work cut out for me in 2025! Great positivity.
1. Taking 3 months of unpaid leave to travel
2. Adopting two beautiful cats - mom& kitten
3. Crochetting clothes and gifts.
The best thing about my 2024 was moving into a retirement community on the Willamette River -- no stairs, great people (both staff and residents), good food. NO STAIRS!
Happy for you! it's so wonderful to feel safe at home.
I just finished reading "The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating" and was so excited to see this on your list. Also, your list is amazing - what a wonderful end of year ritual! Looking forward to starting my own now!
-Date nights with my wife (myy wiiife)
-Legos and olympics with our son.
Oh, and if youβre considering a drum machine, check reverb and the selection of analog drum machines like this one:
https://reverb.com/item/86350626-boss-dr-670-dr-rhythm-2000s-silver?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=86350626
I bought a Yamaha RX-15 this year and the kids love it. No need for a computer!
These are great and it did make me make a list of my own! Thank you! Also, I loved your son Owenβs typing song. It made me laugh and I enjoyed every key. Tech changes fast but when I first started in it, I was paid to TYPE. Someone with atrocious handwriting would hand me a stack of engineering papers and my job was to type that mess up because not everyone knew how to type. Yes, I typed on an electric typewriter too. π
18 years ago in grad school at least one of the Germans in the program had to learn to type to do the comprehensive exams. Younger than me, theyβd grown up in a school- and career system that divided people into thinkers and doers, and typing was for the doers, not the thinkers.
Really? I didnβt know that, Emily. Though it seems like they dropped the ball there doesnβt it? Since so many writers need to write/type to βthinkβ things through!
Itβs an interesting philosophy, separating the thinkers from the doers! What could possibly go wrong?
This is one of the points where I appreciate the US school system: for not dividing up kids (and rather early) into what theyβll do in the future. And having individual courses you can pick rather than entire tracks where everyone does the same thing.
Have loved your list for a few years now and it has inspired me to make my "year end summary" become 100 bits in no real order. Gave me much freedom. (Ah, the rules we make for ourselves.) What name did you settle on for your book cart?
My favorite bit of 2024 was discovering the most incredible tour guide in Florence who brought the city to life in every possible way. She made a difference. I love being with people who are REALLY good at what they do. Like you.
I was just trucking along enjoying every one of these things and got to 77 and was all awwwww. An unexpected reminder of a project that I still hold dear. π
I found a volunteer opportunity that I love in 2024! Your list is inspiring.πππΆ
I love seeing these lists every year. 2025 is the year I focus on the good things and keep my own list.
Iβm one of those who started making my own Top 100 list because of you. Itβs such a rewarding exercise. Throughout the year, I catch myself in little moments thinking, βYeah, this is definitely making the Top 100.β