The Farm 👩🌾
And a brick
The picture above feels like the perfect punctuation for this moment: an “!” for 2024 and a “?” for the year ahead.
The exclamation point marks the end of a turbulent year that’s now on the shelf. I’ve reflected, processed, and it’s time to start dreaming. The question mark represents all the possibilities 2025 might hold.
As Lauren and I plan, dream, and execute in the weeks ahead, I had this middle moment—a chance to not only celebrate the past and look forward to the future but also to make a stop at Walmart in Kellogg, Idaho, with my six best friends from college.
We went skiing this past weekend near a friend’s home, and while I thought about sharing a photo from the slopes or the ski lift, I landed on this one instead: the familiar fluorescence of Walmart’s “FRESH” produce section towering over us as we bought groceries for ensuing weekend meals.
Why? Because moments like this capture something special—the anticipation. At this point, none of us had yet fallen over our skis, triumphed over the mountain, or spit out an apple from a questionable produce section. This was the pause before the action, filled with laughter, reminiscing, and getting to know one another—10 years after graduating.
Trips like this are a gift, and so is the anticipation they bring. It feels fitting for January, a month where the year’s falls and triumphs are still unknown. For now, it’s all ahead of us, and that feeling of expectancy is something I’ve come to treasure.
If you’re reading this, remember—you’re not stepping into the new year alone. From Walmart to wherever you are, join me this January with anticipation for what’s in store.
(PS: Check out the update at the bottom about The Porcupine and something I’m excited to share for 2025!)
Part of what has me hopeful for 2025, even just one week in, is this small device called a “BRICK”. It’s simple but powerful and I’ve heard multiple friends vouch for its immediate impact.
Essentially, the brick allows you to block access to certain apps you choose on your phone for extended periods—the power is in pairing the physical device with the functionality on your phone to, in effect, “brick” your phone so there’s no way to access unless you’re in proximity to tap the brick for access once more.
I’m now one of those voices who has found victory in limiting screen time, “pickups” and distraction from my phone.
You can check out BRICK here.
A few weeks ago, my brother-in-law, Joe, reminded me of this SNL video that exists—and we’ve been quoting it back and forth ever since.
Adam Driver is great. And and I’m for anything that can help lighten winter’s darkness.
In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
that he channels toward all who please him.
Delayed Christmas card^ And yet this photo is mostly irrelevant now because I shaved off my mustache last week….
Writing: Normally, I share what I’m listening to, reading, etc. (and I’ll keep doing that!), but today I wanted to share an exciting update: the Porcupine is getting a relaunch, featuring The Porcupette!
If you noticed the new header at the top, that’s thanks to my talented friend, Abigael Elliott, who designed the updated Porcupine and Porcupette sketches (Porcupette is the name for a baby porcupine).
So, what’s The Porcupette? Starting next week, I’ll send a bi-weekly email with slightly longer content—think blog post length—to complement these shorter, punchier updates. In 2025, I’ll resume bi-weekly Porcupine updates as well.
This relaunch stems from a desire to release more personal work and writing into the new year. Getting back to a regular rhythm feels both daunting and exciting, but I’m hopeful for what it might lead to and how my words might serve you in some small way.
Thank you for reading—it truly means more than you know!