Curious
Eager to know or learn //
Arousing speculation, interest, or attention through being inexplicable //
A desire to investigate //
Strange or unusual
Connect
Join or fasten together //
Consider as related //
Become joined or united //
Link to a power or water supply
As in
Finding interwoven threads
between seemingly jumbled pieces
of my story
As in
A mother and her daughter
singing every lyric at the Taylor Swift movie
several months after its release
A gradual shift
from primary caregiver
to faithful adult—
ever present,
ever compassionate,
ever full of grace
As in
Talking deeply
about things that matter
Creating safe space to disagree
dialogue;
express differing opinions
Deepening relationships
with those who see the best in me,
love me despite my faults,
and refuse to give up on me
As in
Becoming
physically strong,
spiritually sound,
and emotionally full
This Word of the Year As In Poem was inspired by my friend and mentor, Callie Feyen. Learn how to write your own As In Poem here.
It’s been a while since I made you a playlist, but January feels like a good time to gift you with a new mix. Remember when we spent hours recording our favorite songs on cassette tapes and wrapping them in notes for our best friends? It’s not much different than that. Here are a few songs I’m really loving right now.
Last week, I shared my favorite books from 2023, but I didn’t finish Tom Lake until January 1. I don’t know if it counts for 2023 or 2024, but had I finished it before my list went out, it would have taken the prize for my absolute favorite book of the year.
It’s a beautiful story of a mother and her three daughters, the life she had before motherhood, how our dreams sometimes change over the years, and how ordinary family life can be a dream come true.
I don’t often tell you that you must read any book - but really, this one is so very good. I would love for you to put it at the top of your list if you haven’t read it. I also really love this interview with Ann Patchett about the book.
I adore this Enchilada recipe because you can make it with just about anything. Chicken and cheese; sweet potatoes and black beans; leftover roasted vegetables and pinto beans; or whatever else you can find in your fridge. This recipe is getting a workout in my kitchen this month, but it’s never the same dish twice!
May your days be filled with moments of wonder and beauty; may you remain curious about the gentle whisper of God in your heart; and may you boldly make space for deep connection with all that surrounds you.
Until next time,
Ah this is such a great way to bring your words into the world for us to experience with you!
I felt the same way about "Tom Lake". It's been several months since I read it and I'm still thinking about it.