November, like October, has disappeared. In all honesty, it’s a struggle to weather this winter. I fully blame the wet weather and shorter days for my slump. The other day, I ate dinner at 5:30pm and by 7:30pm I was ready for bed. It seemed my geriatric years have arrived rather early.
One of the beauties of writing this newsletter is getting to change up what I write about depending on how I feel. When I started monthly musings it was because I felt this excitement to write down things that brought me joy that month. In the summer, when things are in general, better, this feels a bit more realistic. In the depths of winter, when it’s pouring rain outside and I have to wear two pairs of sweatpants to stay remotely warm, there’s less things to be joyful about. However, I’ve still gathered a small list for you.
As a side note, I’m going to switch up how monthly musings are done in 2023. I’ll still keep it as a list because, well, I love lists. But I’d like it to become more of a space to share what I’ve read, listened to and watched instead. There are so many incredible works by some highly talented writers on Substack that I read weekly that truly inspire me, and make me want to become a better writer and thinker. At the end of the day, this is a community space and I’d love to know what you’re engaging with as well - it can be anything: music, podcasts, books, articles, movies etc.
Let’s get on with this list, shall we?
1: This filo pastry recipe
2: Being surrounded by friends
3: The period of excitement between the end of Halloween and the ramp up to Christmas
4: A long, quiet walk
5: Thick socks and hot tea
6: Grateful to Eduard Penkala, the inventor of the hot water bottle.
7: When the sun breaks through after a downpour of rain. There’s a glint of sunshine that comes through which looks a bit like a halo.
8: Dragging my feet through piles of fallen leaves to listen to it rustle together - one of my favourite things to do in autumn.
9: Planning a dinner party, which I’ve also written a guide on for this week’s Kitchen Diaries. Give it a read.
10: Seasonal drinks. I’ve found that I’m a basic coffee girl all the way through. A double espresso, one ice cube, a sliver of milk added.
11: Buying gifts for others. I always go overboard and even though my bank account weeps at every purchase, I love giving gifts.
12: Being vulnerable in writing and having others relate. Several of you reached out to me after I shared my post ‘me, myself and my average life.’ I loved reading all of your comments.
13: This stew recipe is a life saver for winter.
14: Gérard Depardieu as Chef Didier in the rom-com Last Holiday. My favourite quote is: “The secret of life is butter.”
15: wrote a beautiful piece on her substack about why gratitude lists don't work for her, I recommend giving it a read.
So, tell me, has November been hard for you too? What things brought you joy this month? Any special moments, feelings? Tell me them below!