I didn’t forget about you

As I prepared to brush my teeth, I suddenly gasped. T, from the other room, asked what was wrong. “It’s Sunday and I haven’t sent my newsletter yet!”

Oh, time off. I’ve only the vaguest grasp remaining on the days of the week, nearly missing sending this as a result.

In the last or second-last issue of each year, I try to recommend some books I’ve read in the past twelve months. This year, I didn’t read nearly as much—been a bit all over the place, and reading hasn’t been the main way I’ve passed the time.

A few do come to mind, though:

• Menewood by Nicola Griffith: I mentioned it as a “looking forward to this” in last year’s year-end issue, and, dear reader, I actually followed through. An excellent sequel to an already beloved book. May just reread them both this year.
• Mortise and Tenon magazine: Each issue is basically a book, and I’ve been steadily acquiring back issues with articles of particular interest. They’ve been a delight to read, and are really about craft—so much more than just woodworking. I especially love the articles by their research grant recipients, the product of a bit of material support to dive deep into a subject of interest. (Their tenth anniversary “Issue X” is particularly epic; I recommend it. If in Canada, Lee Valley has it in stock, no need for import duties or expensive shipping.)
• Things Become Other Things by Craig Mod: I didn’t fully read TBOT this year, but have enjoyed reading about it through Craig’s various newsletters. Craig’s energy and perspective always makes for a good read.
• Consolations by David Whyte: An excellent book of “is it prose or is it poetry” to keep at the bedside.

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2025 has been quite a year. Not so sad to see it go, other than how easy math has been with a nice “round” number like 25.

I’m closing out this last Hit and Miss of the year after a week with loved ones, sitting now in bed with three particularly loved ones close at hand—Pema in my lap, Arthur at my feet, and T at my side. I hope you’ve also had, or are soon to have, some time with loved ones.

2026 will, I think, also be quite a year, but for very different reasons—ones I’m deeply grateful, glad, and excited for. May you also have some great things to look forward to. Thank you, always, for reading my writing here. All the best for the week, and year, ahead!

Lucas