I set a goal of reading 50 books in 2025, and really enjoyed using StoryGraph to track my reading metrics. While I didn’t hit the 50 books read mark, I did gather some interesting data. And, I’m thinking that setting a “quantity” goal might not be the best approach for 2026. Instead, I’m going to focus on more carefully curating and writing about books read.
Some highlights from my StoryGraph 2025 reading summary:
“…I said that I had typed up something I wanted to show him. I had found notes that I had taken after 2 interviews with the UC psychologist I saw in 1955. One set of notes was on a torn-out notebook page, the other partly typed with handwritten notes added. Reading them, I said, I had been struck by how they seemed to address the very things we were talking about, and discouraged by how little progress I had made toward addressing these things during the 45 intervening years.”
~ Joan Didion, in discussion with her therapist, in Notes to John
Issue No. 12 is now out in the world.
Highlights include: A visual diary of our trip to San Francisco to celebrate the wedding of our friends Frank & Celeste, A piece from the NYT in praise of over-stuffed bookshelves, a video that may get you thinking about this truth: If we don’t use analog materials, then they’ll eventually go away … and the usual round-up of “notes and photos.”
I hope you consider subscribing and following along HERE.
So much history and beauty here at San Miguel Mission. We paused for a few photos before enjoying the glorious Nuptial Mass of dear friends.
Long live analog! This is one of the best things I’ve watched (on a screen) in a while, and an encouragement to not lose hope, as the digital world threatens to wipe out our analog joys.
Issue No. 09 is now out in the world.
Highlights include: What it means to have enough, how to find all things interesting, Austin Kleon on “Comfort Work,” interview with Jonathan Smallwood on daydreaming, a lesson from Earnest Hemingway on why you should plan your weekend, and a round-up of photos from the past few months in the Journal section.
I hope you consider subscribing and following along HERE.
Today’s lap around the lake: 1.00 mile | 18:07 | Average 95 bpm
“‘Safe Harbor’ is a state of mind… it’s the place – in reality or metaphor – to which one goes in times of trouble or worry. It can be a friendship, marriage, church, garden, beach, poem, prayer, or song.”
~ Luanne Rice (American Novelist)
Photo: Handheld with my Apple iPhone, @ Dana Point Harbor on the evening of the Holiday Boat Parade. A wonderful evening.