In Summation | January 2023
Bringing in our village, decorating our home, and books that promote deep reading
Hey, readers!
While my adoration of John Greene’s Anthropocene Reviewed remains, I’m already weary of rating my months. So this year, I’m rebranding these monthly check-ins In Summation. Here, I’ll offer musings and reflections on my month and offer curated book lists based on whatever is on my mind this month.
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Today, I’m looking back at a long and trying January. Typically in Denver, cold dreary weather is broken up by sunny and unseasonably warm days. The snow is light and lovely, and doesn’t stay on the ground for more than a few days. But this month has been cold, gray, and icy—bringing our plans to be out of the house as much as possible to a screeching halt. Between gloomy weather and a bad bought of illness for Louise and me, all of the new year energy and anticipation evaporated.
As we turn the calendar page to February, I’m feeling a bit of my creativity and excitement return, but I’m also trying to taper my goals and expectations. Even with more regular childcare and support, it’s hard to count on anything with a toddler in the equation.
But in spite of the unpredictability of each day, I’m feeling more and more settled in our new house and the rhythm of life with an increasingly human little human. In today’s In Summation, I’m reflecting on what has been working for me lately in my home and in my reading life. I’m also sharing the what’s, how’s, and why’s of my intention to read slowly in 2023 along with a curated list of books that promote deep reading and the habit of noticing for anyone else hoping to tune out the noise and increase their focus this year.