December has always been a month I savour.
Growing up in South Africa it meant a few weeks of juicy, endless summertime fun: long days on the beach, cold mangoes eaten beside a pool, sticky, sun-kissed skin and deliciously late nights. From my new position in London, December looks very different, but it still holds the same pull over me. I think it is the rest it offers come the 26th. The limbo that finds us in the few days between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve are a promised pause, a chance to take stock and gather our thoughts on an old year and prepare for a new one. A moment to write lists and map out fresh dreams. For reading all the books we put off. In other words, it is the High Holy Days of Words.
My final Little Things of 2024, is, then, a celebration of just that. A festive gift of reading and writing (with a few things to see in between) to all of you who have so kindly done just that with me for the last 12 months. Thank you for your support. Perhaps, come the Crimbo Limbo, these suggestions will keep you in good company.
Poetry | “Idea” by Kate Baer
Idea
I will enjoy this life. I will open it
like a peach in season, suck the juice
from every finger, run my tongue over
my chin. I will not worry about clichés
or uninvited guests peering in my windows.
I will love and be loved. Save and be saved
a thousand times. I will let the want into
my body, bless the heat under my skin.
My life, I will not waste it. I will enjoy this life.
Read | Open Throat by Henry Hoke
A short, witty, wild novel about modern America, narrated by a lion who can’t decide if they want to eat humans, or be one.
Restack | Good lists by Victoria Bencsik
Inspiration for your own?
Photography | stories to see, not read.
I found an issue of SWALLOW MAGAZINE in a secondhand bookshop in East Sussex last weekend and have been completely captivated by the creativity pouring out of the pages ever since. It seems to be no longer active, but I’d love to get my hands on back issues. Any leads on here?
Also been enjoying returning to the work of Saul Leiter. His centennial retrospective might be the ideal gift for someone who loves stories in photos.
Listen | ‘On The Inside’ by Gotts Street Park
Can’t get enough of this album.
Cook | ‘A Thousand Feasts’ by Nigel Slater
No one does words on food like Nigel Slater. His new ‘memoir of sorts’ is a literary - and culinary - feast.
Also - back in stock - The Skatepal Cookbook, SAHTEN:
“The book is a portrait of the skateboarding scene in Palestine told through food. Featuring recipes from various people in Palestine’s skateboarding community, shop owners, local heroes, volunteers and friends”
Don’t sleep on it.
See | cinema is so back.
There are so many good films out or due to be out right now. A24 has been busy! Here is a list of what I am running to the cinema to watch.
Babygirl (2024) dir. Halina Reijn
The Last Showgirl (2024) dir. Gia Coppola
Anora (2024) dir. Sean Baker
Queer (2024) dir. Luca Guadagnino
Parthenope (2024) dir. Paulo Sorrentino
Do | fully offline.
Trying something new where, one day a month, I go completely offline. It’s uncomfortable and delightful. Unreachable! Free! Not a single meme rotting my brain, or endless onslaught of information to keep up with!
In the time I reclaim, I read, or paint, or go for lovely long walks. What a pleasure.
Plus | Table Magazine Volume 8 is here.
A true labour of love: creating a magazine alongside a full-time job is no joke. But the Table team and I are delighted to welcome Volume 8 into the world. A collection of essays, photos and recipes on fortitude and resilience - topics we have all had to become more familiar with this year. It’s beautiful and I am so proud of it. On sale now.
Signing off | postcards from Seville.
Spent a few solo days in the south of Spain gathering as much sunshine as I could to see me through the winter. Unsurprisingly, all the film from my trip is stained in saffron hues. Perhaps you need some of this colour in your life right now.
That’s all. See you in 2025. But - if not - No Worries If Not.
Anna x