Frosty mornings
I much prefer the crisp cold morning we had yesterday to today’s slushy snow. We went for a walk along the River Derwent and it was magical.
Year in books for 2024
Here are the books I finished reading in 2024. I didn’t reach my goal, but who cares. I’ve read some outstanding books and abandoned a few that didn’t feel worth my time.
Currently reading: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 📚
Encouraged by my friend, I’m picking this up again. She said it’s worth getting through the middle slump, so I skipped a few chapters from where I left off and started again. So far, so good.
Perfect Days, 2023 - ★★★★★
Some films come along at just the right time, and this one I needed today. Now is now.
The Holdovers, 2023 - ★★★★★
An actual Christmas film that is actually very good. I enjoyed how it was set up to be one thing then turned into something entirely different. All three main actors were at the top of their game. And Payne’s touch is so subtle I was fully immersed in the story and the unfolding relationships.
Abandoned reading: Daisy Jones & The Six (TV Tie-in Edition) by Taylor Jenkins Reid 📚
Can’t seem to get through a book at the moment. The interview style, and the lack of any connection developing with the characters, didn’t work for me.
After saying our goodbyes to the family today, my eldest nephew sidled up and gave me an extra squeeze. The smallest gesture topped off a wonderful Christmas 🥰
Note to self: A walk at the coast puts everything in perspective
Finished reading: Endpapers by Jennifer Savran Kelly 📚
This came up in my kindle recommendations and it was a hit. Enjoyed the element of mystery and getting to know the main character as they also discovered themself.
Happiest Season, 2020 - ★★
Call me when they’ve made the alternative ending where Kristen Stewart and Aubrey Plaza live happily ever after.
Abandoned reading: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 📚
Lost my momentum with this. It was just a bit meh. Won’t discount coming back to finish it at a later date, I just need something else right now.
A question for those who have daily standups or check-ins with their team… what are the most valuable aspects of that activity for you?
I enjoyed this reflection on Christmas carols, and singing more generally, as a method of connection and catharsis.
The end of live chat conversations never quite fit the mood of what’s gone before…
“It has been an absolute pleasure :). As this is all from me for now, do have a beautiful rest of your day filled with tranquility. Your feedback will be highly appreciated once chat has ended. Goodbye.”
All We Imagine as Light, 2024 - ★★★★
There’s so much depth to this film which essentially presents itself as the story of three friends working at the same hospital in Mumbai.
Despite the hum of the city constantly in the background there’s a calm throughout.
I’ve written just two Christmas cards and I’ve already run out of steam 😫
I thought about that a lot is one of my favourite advent calendars.
13 Assassins, 2010 - ★★★★★
There’s just something about how samurai films contrast stillness and silence with absolute carnage that no other action films can rival.
I’ve not been this engrossed in a film for some time. So glad I made the effort to go see this at the cinema in 35mm.
Nope, 2022 - ★★★★
Very enjoyable indeed. Had me keeping an extra careful eye on the weather all day today 👀
Nocturnal Animals, 2016 - ★★★
Mixed feeling an about this, and the longer it goes the more conflicted I feel. The acting is undoubtedly top notch. And there was enough suspense to keep me engaged. I even enjoyed the stylistic cuts between the different stories and times. But there’s something off. I’ve best seen it described elsewhere as “needlessly provocative”.