Daybook
November 2025
Outside My Window:
It’s nearly dark already, though it’s only three in the afternoon. Snow is dusting the mountains, and soon, it’s predicted to find its way to our little valley. These are hygge days: my companions as I work are my dog, my cat, a candle, a cup of hot tea, and a soft blanket.
Wearing:
A comfy black loungewear set I love so much, I’ve bought it in several colors.
Reading:
This month, I’ve read:
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (fiction)
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés (non-fiction)
Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose (non-fiction)
The Restless Lake by Teri Fink (fiction)
Maddie by Dawn Kinzer (fiction)
I enjoyed them all. Tonight, I’ll begin Mary Magdalene Revealed by Meggan Watterson (non-fiction).
Thinking About:
Goals and plans for 2025. I want this newsletter to offer more value because your time and attention are precious gifts. If there are topics you’d like me to explore, I’d love to hear from you—just hit “reply” and let me know!
Pondering:
A poem by Maggie Smith:
How Dark the Beginning
All we ever talk of is light—
let there be light, there was light then,
good light—but what I consider
dawn is darker than all that.
So many hours between the day
receding and what we recognize
as morning, the sun cresting
like a wave that won’t break
over us—as if light were protective,
as if no hearts were flayed,
no bodies broken on a day
like today...
Maggie Smith writes on Substack. You can read more of her work here.
Finding My Rhythm:
My mornings begin around six with a mug of lemon water in hand. For the next hour, I journal, read Psalms, pray, and meditate—often with river sounds in my earbuds to tune out the household bustle. It’s my favorite part of the day, and I guard it fiercely.
Learning:
My undergraduate degree in creative writing has me focused on long fiction right now, and I’m absolutely loving it.
Keeping House:
Thanksgiving prep is in full swing! With two big dinners to host, it’s time to plan menus and make that grocery store run.
Staying Fit:
My dog keeps me moving with our daily walks, and I’ve been enjoying yoga and sauna sessions for a little extra self-care.
Grateful For:
The silly antics of my dog and cat, who keep me laughing every day.
Living the Liturgy:
Advent is almost here! This year, I’m using Honest Advent by Scott Erickson for my readings. His art and writing are always inspiring—highly recommend his Substack here.
Looking Ahead:
This week, I’ll focus on school from Wednesday through Friday, enjoy a date night with my husband on Saturday, and spend Sunday with family.
Book Stuff:
It’s that time of year! If you’re in the mood for a light, sweet holiday romance, check out my book, America’s Favorite Christmastown.
Here’s what one reader had to say:
“America's Favorite Christmastown is sure to put you in the holiday mood. Reminiscent of a Hallmark movie, it’s easy to imagine the small-town snowy scenery and follow the characters as they develop. What was surprising for me was the theme of belonging and sense of community—something many of us long for yet don’t realize we need. This is a light and easy read with likable characters, perfect for the holiday season.” —Amazon review
You can find it here.
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Quick Links:
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you; may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm; may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you: may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.
I love hygge mornings. I don't have furry companions, so I add a heating pad to the mix. The mornings are so sacred, aren't they? I treasure these long stretches of writing and contemplating while the sun is still making it ascent.