A Cozy Reflection on 2024: Books, Pots, Recipes, and More

As the year winds down and the days grow shorter (at least here in the northern hemisphere), I’ve been reflecting on the little joys and creative sparks that have made 2024 memorable. From studio highlights to new additions to my pottery collection, favorite recipes, and a stack of books I’ve been meaning to read, it’s been a year of discovery, inspiration, and, of course, a little chaos.

This is my annual round up of some of my favorite things from the past year—books that made me laugh out loud, recipes that warmed me up on cold days, pots that bring beauty to the everyday, and more. I hope it inspires you to reflect on your own favorites from the past year and to carve out space for the things that fill your cup as we head into the holidays.

Now, grab a cozy drink (or maybe a big mug of tea from your favorite teapot), and let’s dive in!

Some Memorable 2024 Reads: 

You Are Here by David Nicholls was a favourite Summer read—it was relatable, vulnerable, and it made me laugh out loud several times. A good combo.

I’m currently about half-way through The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl and I’m enjoying it and all the wonderful descriptions of food and art it contains. While I enjoy Reichl’s fiction, I adore her non-fiction writing. Her book Tender At The Bone is one of my all time favourite books. 

The most unsettling (and thought provoking) book of the year goes to Foe by Iain Reid. I couldn’t put it down, and it kept me thinking long after I finished it. 

And for any audio book fans, I loved Thanks For Listening by Julia Whelan. It’s a rom-com about audio book narrators, written (and narrated) by one of the best audio narrators out there. 

And currently in my tsundoku* which I’m hoping to tackle during the holidays:

Held by Anne Michaels

Somewhere Beyond The Sea by TJ Klune

The Glass Maker by Tracy Chevalier

*Tsundoku is the Japanese word for the stack of books you've purchased but haven't yet read. I love this word, though my stack is getting a little out of hand (these three only represent a very small part of it). Time for more bookshelves I guess. 

Some Favourite Recipes:

Sausage Tortellini Soup — This is so easy and delicious. My favourite combo. Serve with some nice crusty bread, and it makes for a great Winter lunch.

White Chicken Chili — I generally try and make a double batch of this in the hopes that some will actually make it to the freezer. It’s so damn good. I serve it with grated white cheddar and tortilla chips. 

These are both NYTCooking recipes—if you like to cook, I highly recommend this app. The recipes are easy, and delicious—my absolute favourite combo. As a subscriber, I can give away a certain number of gift recipes, so those links above should give you access even if you don’t subscribe.

Favourite Christmas Album: 

Matt Andersen is one of my favourite musicians to see live—I was first introduced to him at a live Christmas concert (the beloved Vinyl Café annual Christmas tour for any Canadians here). He came out on stage and sang Silent Night acapella and it brought me to tears. His Spirit of Christmas Album is a nice blend of classics with a few of his own in there too. The perfect music to wrap presents to. 

Favourite New Additions To My Pottery Collection: 

This year I added a bunch of new pots to my collection—largely from Canadian makers. 

Here are some favourites: 

Heather Lepp is a fellow Canuck who just finished up her MFA in the US. She’s now in Montana for a residency. I got a beautiful big platter of hers from her thesis show that I just love. 

I snagged one of Kirsty Kash’s lovely carved cups this past Fall and it is the epitome of a beautifully crafted object that is a delight to look at and a joy to use. I first encountered Kirsty when she was a student in one of my original Professional Practices classes, and it’s been lovely to watch her work and career evolve in the past couple of years. 

Jody of Good Wheel Ceramics is originally from Alabama, but currently lives and works in BC. I snagged one of his big barrel mugs and it is great for those slow Winter mornings when you need a big mug of tea to keep going. 

And I got a couple of April Gates’ colourful pots at her annual studio sale this Thanksgiving. I really dig her surfaces, and joyful use of colour. 

Oh, and here’s the one pot I would have added to my collection when I was in Florence if money was no object: 

Sadly, at €4,000 this sweet little albarello was just a tad outside of my budget. 😅

Favourite Pot I Made:

This piece is from the Always. Maybe. Sometimes. show that I curated at Red Lodge Clay Center this Fall. It was nice to make something outside of my normal routine. I especially love the texture on this one. 

Quote That’s On My Mind Right Now: 

"Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you, but have a drink with them anyways. Eat slowly. Tip your server. Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride." Anthony Bourdain 

I’d love to hear from you—what’s a favourite creative moment or discovery you’ve had over the past year?

Oh, and in case you don’t know what I look like, here is a favourite photo of me from my trip to Italy this past Spring: