within a month
I told Sam that I had troubles remembering the January’s of my life. It’s true — I don’t know where this month always slips away to. In turn, she wrote a beautiful response here. It sums up everything I could ever say about January.
I find myself in similar patterns as the months go by. In June, for example, I always listen to disco. There have been multiple Februarys where I find myself taking photographs of pomegranates and making more sandwiches than normal (I don’t even really like sandwiches). Each year, I battle to decide whether I dislike November more than March; or vice versa. In July, I go full serotonin production — I sun bathe, lounge with friends, and attend as many events as possible — I live in the moment. This is because in August, I get hit with a wave of nostalgia. I am all wrapped up in the memory of August.
I discovered these patterns when I started doing monthly written reflections. My January 2025 mirrors my January 2022 quite closely. Back then, I was writing and sketching daily, going bare-face in the world, consuming an egregious amount of dates, and listening to French jazz. Sound familiar?
As an ode to all January's, past and present, I will remember this month, even if only through written word. This post is inspired by two primary things: monthly instagram photo dumps, and influencer trend lists.
I benefit greatly from a set of rules. A clear "to-do" list with an order of priority. Doing a monthly photo dump on instagram was one of the ways I set a boundary with posting. Not too much, not too little — an honest reflection of the photos I took.
The best part about being away from social media has been the lack of people trying to sell me something. I especially dislike when influencers do an "in's" and "out's" trend list, with links to their storefronts. You can be just like them for the small price of...
In the spirit of telling you everything and selling you nothing, I bring to you nine of my favourite things this month (in no particular order).
number 9: the CBC should receive MORE of my tax money
After spending time in Nova Scotia with my family over the holidays, I was reminded of the greatness that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) holds, and their exceptional Saturday lineup on CBC Music. This includes Centre Stage with Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, who presents symphonic classics, followed by Saturday Afternoon at the Opera with Marion Newman who brings us broadcast Live from the Met. My favourite opera this month has been Tosca (Giacomo Puccini): a performance recorded in November from the Metropolitan Opera House.
number 8: when arlo parks sang "read him sylvia plath" did she mean it?
I’m a religious spotify playlist maker. I take great pride in my work. This January, like most before it, I’ve been busy listening to soulful, heartfelt music with a good beat. Here’s a taste of my playlist Solo this month:
Eugene — Arlo Parks
Sunshine —Cleo Sol
Shameful Game — Pale Jay
Easier Said than Done — Thee Sacred Souls
Stuck in the Middle — Greentea Peng
Crushed Velvet — Molly Lewis & Thee Sacred Souls
number 7: sleepy clothes for sleepy girls
Just as I love curating a playlist, I also create monthly fashion albums. This month, I dreamt of pyjamas. Cotton sets with delicate embroidery, sleek satin two-pieces trimmed in white piping. Bias-cut pastel nightgowns with empire waists. Cap sleeves, balloon sleeves, and sheer peignoir sets. I long to lounge. Outside of my usual rhythm, I spent more than four days in bed this month—a perfect excuse for my pyjama obsession.
number 6: going fast down the rideau canal
Moving one's body is especially important during the dark months. I still find myself in the gym almost daily and continue to love indoor cycling, which I discovered in October. Beyond that, I maintain the same routine I’ve followed for years. However, now that I live in Ottawa, I partake in the most Canadian activity imaginable — skating on the Rideau Canal. Despite having acclimatized to British winters, I now go skating in spite of the weather, even when it’s -20°C.
number 5: the best things come in small, shelled packages
After being vegetarian for 13 years, and vegan for 7 of those, I’ve started eating shellfish this past year (do I even recognize myself?). This month, I consumed clams—so many clams. My partner has become extremely talented at catering to my shellfish needs; this month, they came in the form of Nick’s Famous Clam Pasta. Any "linguine with clams in a white wine sauce" will do to replicate this top-secret recipe... Not only did I enjoy massive amounts of clams, but I also ate a lot of dates (just as I did in 2022), and have resolved to consume more pistachios. I started drinking black tea and now enjoy my morning espresso not as a cappuccino, but with a small, cold splash of milk. I continue to love a croissant on Saturday morning.
number 4: recording, humming, and other notes on glenn gould
My enjoyment reading has been limited this month. I have been working on two literature reviews, so I am primarily caught up in academic work on Crip Theories and accessible arts (which I do enjoy immensely… just with higher stakes). Outside of this, I have been making my way through Conversations with Glenn Gould; written by Jonathon Cott on his interviews with the pianist. I would recommend both this book and the film Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould from 1993.
number 3: a spoonful of azo gold
In my artistic life, I continue to paint with Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylic Quinacridone Magenta. This month, however, I added Golden Acrylic Heavy Body in Azo Gold. Yum. I have also been sketching more, especially after attending a life-drawing session a few weeks back. As you will see here, I continue to write more than ever before. Hooray!
number 2: if light diffuses through a surface but nobody is there to fall in love, did it diffuse?
Beyond my art practice, I have fallen in love with the paintings of Daniel Kowacki. I have always had a love affair with the patterns that light casts when reflecting through a surface. It may even be more of an obsession than a love affair. Kowacki captures these reflections with a soft precision. Yulia Bas’ art has been another favourite of mine this month, alongside the sculptures of Morgan Young.
number 1: and the award goes to...
For the first time ever, I am preparing for Oscar season. I have viewed 9 oscars-nominations during January. I will be busy rooting for How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (Pat Boonnitipat), Conclave (Edward Berger), and the first half of The Brutalist (Brady Corbet); only the first half. However, I am looking forward to watching Sing Sing (Greg Kwedar).
These are the things I love about January. Only the things I remember, of course. I am sure there are parts of January that still slip away. Maybe they go where socks go to die? I am sure there is a big pile of memory somewhere around here.
I hope you have found moments of joy this month.
xoxo anna