2024 Thoughts and Favorites

For the last newsletter of the year, I'm sharing reflections from 2024, favorite things and a personally meaningful poem.

Hi readers!

It’s hard to believe that this is the last newsletter of 2024. I’ll be taking a short pause to rest, spend time with family, read and have a cozy, quiet Christmas. The newsletter will be back on January 9 with fresh inspiration and recipes for a healthy, delicious 2025.

If I’m being totally honest, I am eager to put this year behind me. Aside from the hard things happening globally and within the US, it’s been marked personally for me by loss, illness (not me, but beloved family members), and, perhaps most unsettlingly, feeling adrift from some of the things that matter most to me. Some months have been better than others, and I’ve been trying my best to ride the waves with faith and optimism that everything with settle down in due time, and that there will be some valuable lessons to be gleaned from this period of my life.

Yet, it’s crucial to formally recognize all of the good that persists. My children are healthy, happy and thriving. I am still cancer-free, nearly 5 years from my initial diagnosis. I have a loving, supportive partner. I treasure my home and the community we’ve built in our town. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to amazing places. I find meaning in my job, and I’m still touched that there are people out there who care about what I have to say. There is a lot to be grateful for, and these are just the big things (I can write a whole other gratitude post on hot coffee alone, seriously).

And speaking of my readers, you represent part of the population that I am relieved to know still exists: good, kind people who are seekers, change makers, and aren't afraid to question the status quo. You take accountability for your health and the world around you and take deliberate action in hopes of positive change. It brings me great comfort and hope to know that you’re all out there, and I’m honored that you take time out of your precious lives to read my words and cook my recipes.

So, with that, I am not making any grand plans or resolutions for 2025 because my wants and needs are simple: a healthy, happy family, peace of mind, good personal health, a safe home and a job that makes me happy. Oh, and a trip to Italy (you know, the basics). Everything else is just bonus material.

Before we get to the final Favorite Things of 2024, I want to share a poem that’s had great personal meaning to me this past year; I have a feeling it will resonate with more than a few of you, too.

The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Now, here are some fun things to click on:

I recently got a chance to watch the documentary Martha and thought it was fascinating. I find Martha Stewart to be somewhat of an enigma. No matter how you slice it, she’s an inspiring force to be reckoned with and her story is compelling.

I just pre-ordered this book which I already know I’m going to love. If you’re not familiar with Suleika Jaouad, I highly recommend checking out her Substack.

A good interview with a travel guru Rick Steves, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

The most perfect eyeshadow.

There’s only one thing I really want from Santa this year and it’s this indoor pizza oven.

What is winter solstice, and how can we celebrate?

I always order the kale pakora at my favorite Indian restaurant, and now I’m dying to make it at home - this recipe looks so good.

Have a very happy, healthy holiday and beautiful New Year, friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued support and readership. See you in 2025!