You recently mentioned Fredrik Backman. His BEARTOWN totally broke me, in the best and only way a great book can. Warning-I suspect it's even a more difficult read for a parent with children. But you live in Texas, where sports reign, so this would be a good book. Also his My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry is beautiful and magical and my favorite of all of his books.
I look forward to these every year, more than any wraps or best of lists. From a few years back “drink water before coffee”. Now if I forget I say “sorry Austin” under my breath.
What a great year from this perspective! 57 & 88 particularly resonated.
57…leaving books around for the kids. Just last week, my 19YO was looking in my storage unit for a book for me when he grabbed 2 books for himself! It really works!
88…reminds me of your convo with Penny Lane about Kenny G. Without the baggage we carry from the contemporary times, the younger generation can appreciate some artists more (and less!) than we can.
Austin, love your newsletter and your books! I feel the coffee conundrum 😬 I recently started discovered chicory and I don't miss coffee. It's brewed similarly (a little different ratio) and it has a nutty flavor. Bonus: it contains inulin fiber, a prebiotic, so it's good for the gut and no stimulant!
What a great list! Austin, you lift my spirits with your thoughtful, kind, creative self. Thanks for sharing it with us. The joy you take in your family and creative life are wonderful to read about. At the top of my list for the year is having lots of time with my two grown sons, a gift and not a given. And while I keep in touch with the news of the world I'm determined to put most of my attention close to home and all the many blessings I have in the here and now, also a gift and not a given. Let's all keep trying to follow the Dalai Lama's advice - "Be kind whenever possible.
Curious how you composed this list. Had you written these things down during the year and you just compiled them? Do you keep a special notebook, just for the things that you did or did you pull these from your commonplace notebook?
2025 was it tough year for me?And when I was doing my end of year meditations, all I could think of was how bad it had been; how depression kicked my butt. I think I need to go back to writing in my "Proof That I'm a Baddass" tiny notebook in 2026. 🤔🥳🥰
Not sure how Austin does his, but I keep mine as I go in a gdoc and then when I fall off or forget for a little while I review my photos and calendar to fill in.
Climbing pyramids with my husband and our four awesome kids on the very last day of the year. Being on the temple of the moon—a giant ode to fertility—when a special friend texted me a high res ultrasound of her imminently arriving little baby girl. I still can’t believe I wrote “climbing pyramids.” It was the most awe-inspiring day of my life. 😭💜
Having had a bad year health wise always grateful to read anything Austin writes Being creative brings comfort and grateful that Austin has reminded me to Keep Going for many years now . And following the boys as they grow up 😎
We’re on our city walking/biking path and meet so many neighbors. My muse (currently my gardener, too, as he’s passionate about roses) has discovered the spiritual and nourishing value of fire pits. We’ve had three neighborhood gathering this fall from 20 - 65 people and ages from 4 - 92 in attendance and analog life is so cool. Thanks for sharing your lists and the walking in the Neighborhood is something everyone should try to do if they are. So fun that the neighborhood is getting like the old days when everyone knew everyone and actually got together. Love you work.
You recently mentioned Fredrik Backman. His BEARTOWN totally broke me, in the best and only way a great book can. Warning-I suspect it's even a more difficult read for a parent with children. But you live in Texas, where sports reign, so this would be a good book. Also his My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry is beautiful and magical and my favorite of all of his books.
I love lie-in. But knackered is right up there. And better together.
You/this newsletter were definitely one of the highlights of my 2025… I got turned on to so many writers, musicians, and other cool things!
I appreciate you very much and can’t wait to buy the new book!
I look forward to these every year, more than any wraps or best of lists. From a few years back “drink water before coffee”. Now if I forget I say “sorry Austin” under my breath.
Love this. It's been a rough day and it was a good reminder to be present and cherish small and big moments. Happy new year!
2 million books! 20th anniversary of your blog! 300,000 readers! NICE!!!
LOL at the Super Bowl thing. Hope they were good snacks at least!!!!
What a great year from this perspective! 57 & 88 particularly resonated.
57…leaving books around for the kids. Just last week, my 19YO was looking in my storage unit for a book for me when he grabbed 2 books for himself! It really works!
88…reminds me of your convo with Penny Lane about Kenny G. Without the baggage we carry from the contemporary times, the younger generation can appreciate some artists more (and less!) than we can.
Looking forward to your new book!
Austin, love your newsletter and your books! I feel the coffee conundrum 😬 I recently started discovered chicory and I don't miss coffee. It's brewed similarly (a little different ratio) and it has a nutty flavor. Bonus: it contains inulin fiber, a prebiotic, so it's good for the gut and no stimulant!
What a great list! Austin, you lift my spirits with your thoughtful, kind, creative self. Thanks for sharing it with us. The joy you take in your family and creative life are wonderful to read about. At the top of my list for the year is having lots of time with my two grown sons, a gift and not a given. And while I keep in touch with the news of the world I'm determined to put most of my attention close to home and all the many blessings I have in the here and now, also a gift and not a given. Let's all keep trying to follow the Dalai Lama's advice - "Be kind whenever possible.
It is always possible."
Curious how you composed this list. Had you written these things down during the year and you just compiled them? Do you keep a special notebook, just for the things that you did or did you pull these from your commonplace notebook?
2025 was it tough year for me?And when I was doing my end of year meditations, all I could think of was how bad it had been; how depression kicked my butt. I think I need to go back to writing in my "Proof That I'm a Baddass" tiny notebook in 2026. 🤔🥳🥰
Not sure how Austin does his, but I keep mine as I go in a gdoc and then when I fall off or forget for a little while I review my photos and calendar to fill in.
I'm very late to the party but say more...it it kind of a gratitude practice?
Was wondering the same thing about compiling this list!
2025 best - I retired from the federal government in January right before the 💩 show started. 😎
Climbing pyramids with my husband and our four awesome kids on the very last day of the year. Being on the temple of the moon—a giant ode to fertility—when a special friend texted me a high res ultrasound of her imminently arriving little baby girl. I still can’t believe I wrote “climbing pyramids.” It was the most awe-inspiring day of my life. 😭💜
Having had a bad year health wise always grateful to read anything Austin writes Being creative brings comfort and grateful that Austin has reminded me to Keep Going for many years now . And following the boys as they grow up 😎
We’re on our city walking/biking path and meet so many neighbors. My muse (currently my gardener, too, as he’s passionate about roses) has discovered the spiritual and nourishing value of fire pits. We’ve had three neighborhood gathering this fall from 20 - 65 people and ages from 4 - 92 in attendance and analog life is so cool. Thanks for sharing your lists and the walking in the Neighborhood is something everyone should try to do if they are. So fun that the neighborhood is getting like the old days when everyone knew everyone and actually got together. Love you work.
Thanks for teaching me about the top-down fire starting method. We are also clueless about football. Nice recovery though with watching Groundhog Day.