10 things lately ✨
glimpses of joy in the year-long month that is January
Aaaand just like that, somehow—finally??—January’s over! A lot has happened this month—around the country, the world, personally—and I’m trying to remain positive and energetic because 2025 is just getting started but…does anyone else need a break already? Maybe a very long nap?
With things off to a weird start in early 2025, I’m grateful for a second chance with Lunar New Year, which was on Wednesday. A take two on the new year.
In case you missed it, this month I launched a new book-focused series and interviewed myself (🙃) for romanticizing writing with…
Internet-wise, I was in a few cool spots: Downtime, You’ve Got Mail, Falon’s Substack, The Incoherent Fangirl podcast, The Well-Read podcast, and Literary Hype. I adore all of these amazing people.
Despite everything, there were so many glimpses of joy this month, including a heartwarming show that made me teary, a cozy pasta dish going into the monthly meal rotation, and the cookies I judged too harshly at first (but am now a big fan of).
1. publishing my third book
One of the biggest highlights for me in January was publishing my third (!!!) novel, Yin Yang Love Song. I felt so much love and enthusiasm online and IRL. The night of pub day, we had a flower tea party and I got to hang out with such wonderful people. Clare Gilmore asked me such thoughtful questions—she’s a treasure! It was a packed house filled with so much laughter and hugs and, of course, tea and treats. What a special night that was. I was also given one of the most unique gifts I’ve received at a signing: a loaf of homemade sourdough bread from the tiny oven! I can’t thank you all enough for making this pub day so special.
2. hockey for Lunar New Year
We did things a little differently this year. I’ll be cooking up a storm this weekend, but on Wednesday we ate dumplings and celebrated Asian & Pacific Islander Music Heritage Night with the Nashville Predators (vs. the Canucks). It was my first pro hockey game, which felt very on theme with the book I’m currently reading, Unloved by Peyton Corinne. (Stay tuned for her romanticizing writing with… coming soon!)
3. chocolate snakes
L.A. Burdick Chocolates makes some of the best chocolate (and cookies) out there. Every year, they make animals from the Chinese zodiac for whichever year it’s about to be. And since we’re now in the Year of the Snake, that’s what they made this year. Each of these snakes are individually hand-piped and hand-sculpted — no molds! Just so cute.
Year of the Snake represents a time for renewal and transformation. It’s time to shed what’s no longer serving us. New beginnings? Let’s embrace them. This is a year for growth, navigating challenges, and being flexible with unpredictable twists and turns. As always, aim for balance.