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Erik Lokensgard's avatar

I like your erasure poem. Have you read Srikanth Reddy? I subscribed partly so I could ask you: have you heard about the existence of transparent books? Curious what you'd do with one of those if you made one! Thanks for sharing the Christmas music, the owl story, and that amazing student's quote: “I always find out what I really wanted to say once the break starts as I learn what it feels like to be a thinker and not just a harried, hunted animal.” Glad they got an A even before break. Thanks for inspiring me to write more.

Austin Kleon's avatar

Don’t know reddy or these transparent books!

The Grief Guild's avatar

I just noticed that you end with 'hand rolled' but all of the other descriptives 'ad-free, AI-free, anti-algorithm' are missing 🤔

Austin Kleon's avatar

It’s still all those things.

Lori Fontaine's avatar

Hi Austin. This "special kind of nerd", (don't even get me started on how much I adore the New Yorker!), wanted to thank you for the joys you've brought me this year through this newsletter. (Again, don't get me started on how your books have changed my life!) Every wonderful thing for your family for Christmas and Blessings for the New Year.

Austin Kleon's avatar

Thank you! 😊

Sam Tackeff's avatar

Okay, I genuinely gasped at the first one. ONE PERSON?!

Emily GreenPurpleFireDragon's avatar

Austin, curious what threads lead you to Stardew Valley? I read an article once about/by a guy, a dad, in Ukraine who was alone there as a soldier after his family fled to another country. Then he started playing his wife’s Stardew Valley on their left-behind Switch.

Austin Kleon's avatar

I’d read about it and had it on my mental list, but for whatever reason, the time seemed right!

Elise's avatar

#5 ! So great. I’m not a gamer but I’m sick of social media and I looooooved the Sims and Sim City as a kid so I’m giving Stardew Valley a try! Thanks for the rec :)

Emily GreenPurpleFireDragon's avatar

If it doesn’t work out for you, Slay the Spire is worth trying. It’s become my self-help game because of the game itself, plus it gives even better dopamine hits than social media (or is it oxytocin?? 🤔🤔)

Walter Martin's avatar

Did you like One Battle After Another as much as other PT Anderson movies? The Master, Phantom thread..? I liked it but I think I need to watch it again. Phantom thread took me two viewings to love I guess..

Austin Kleon's avatar

PS. I went to see the movie with a friend of mine and we literally like the opposite PT Anderson movies. Like, he likes Licorice Pizza and doesn't really care for Phantom Thread. (I can't even.) But we both liked this one!

Walter Martin's avatar

Ok interesting- I think I like them all though I haven’t seen the Adam Sandler one in a long time. The Master and Phantom thread are my fav. I guess I was expecting something more “beautiful” or something with One Battle, but now that I know it’s not that kind of thing I bet I’ll love it on my 2nd watch.

Austin Kleon's avatar

Aren't you a girl dad?!? It's a girl dad movie! :-D

Austin Kleon's avatar

I saw it IMAX and it totally blew my mind. Saw it in a smaller theater with my wife just normal projection and I still liked it. Curious to see how it plays on a TV streaming.

Phantom Thread is legit one of my favorite movies. I think we've seen it half a dozen times.

Nancy McKay's avatar

Thank you for your newsletters. Only think I subscribe to and I read it and am inspired by it every time. Wishing you and your fun and interesting family a Merry Christmas and special week between Christmas and New Years!

Austin Kleon's avatar

Thank you!! Wish you the same