💙My Favorite Things: 2024 Edition💙
Raindrops on roses, Posts I have written, Neat Northern Lights shows, and Snacks I have bitten
Hello, friends. ‘Tis the season for year-in-review sorts of posts, so how about a round-up of my favorite things from 2024? I hope my list inspires you to zoom in on whatever brought you sparks of joy and meaning this year.
Before we dive into all that fun and frivolity, let me be clear that a whole lot of things about this year were not my favorite. I’m sure many of you can relate.
My family continues to navigate complex health challenges with both kids, but things are moving in a positive direction. We’re in such a better place than a year ago (I haven’t had any breakdowns over chicken nuggets lately), and I’m so deeply thankful for and relieved by that. But it’s still, you know, A LOT.
A few months back, one of my kids was struggling mightily with some mighty big feelings. I texted a friend, lamenting that sometimes, parenting feels like carrying a “big heavy sad bag” around all day. When my kids feel deeply, I feel deeply.
2024 held several other noteworthy shitshows, stretch assignments from God, and near-implosions, but I’ll spare you the gory details. And, of course, like so many of us, I’m swimming in the existential dread of our tenuous national, global, and planetary circumstances. [wipes brow]
BUT! In 2024, I’ve also celebrated wins, discovered new delights, and found levity and beauty whenever it’s appeared – sometimes in the blazing sun, sometimes in crevices and shadows.
What follows is a rearview mirror look at some bright spots of 2024.
Favorite Substack Post I Wrote: 40 Things I (think i) Know at 40
Favorite Substack Post I Read: Ending the Manel by
Favorite Family Memory: My son Amos getting selected to play pseudo-Harry Potter at Ollivander’s Wand Shop in Universal Studios. The wand chose the wizard, and it made the wizard’s mommy so proud.
Favorite Memory Not Involving Children: The ending of my 40th Birthday Party: gathered with a small group of friends, lighting flying wish paper, and singing “Seasons of Love”
Favorite Daily Pleasure: 5:30 AM, Starbucks Drive-Thru, Grande Flat White
Favorite Song, Obsessively Played on Repeat: Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan
Favorite Quote: ““Faith is to know the pattern is there, even though none is visible.” (from The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese)
Favorite Jewelry: My friend Beth got me these earrings for my birthday, and they magically looked good with everything. Thanks, Beth!
Favorite Movie: Hit Man. Just good fun.
Favorite Book: You’ll have to wait for my 2024 Book Report to find out – coming in January!
Favorite Snack: Barsy’s Hotties Almonds (and locally owned!)
Favorite Lesson I Learned: The truth will set you free. Say the hard thing – to yourself and to others. It might not lead where you think it will, but it will lead to something more true.
Favorite Beauty Product: After years of struggling with mascara smudges on my eyelids (yes, even with waterproof mascara) – the helpful gal at Ulta told me I need “tubing mascara” and voila, first-world problem SOLVED. Tartelette Tubing Mascara
Favorite Trip: Boone, NC for a long-overdue homecoming and reunion with old friends 💚
Favorite Thing I Started: The Diving Board, of course!
Favorite Thing I Finished: I finally organized my toiletry & linen closet over a year after moving into our new house. 15 months of procrastination solved in about an hour and 15 minutes of work.
Favorite Clothing Item: This shirt (pictured below).
Favorite Go-To Spot: Silverwood Park in St. Anthony, MN
Favorite New Restaurant: Vinai (Hmong food) in Northeast Minneapolis. Get the cocktail called “hmoob ntsuab”.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: This southern girl finally saw the Northern Lights after 14 years in Minnesota!
Favorite Fun Money Purchase: Owala Water Bottle. A client told it would change my life, she was right. Also, so many fun colors!
Favorite Thing I Found: In an antique shop, I came across a Sears & Roebuck Catalog from the year my dad was born (1948). Dad waxes nostalgic often, and during my childhood, he shared fond memories of ordering baseball gloves and farm supplies from the catalog. I can’t wait to give him this gift for Christmas!
Favorite Thing I Lost: My sweet little silver necklace with an M for Mabel (my daughter). LMK if you see it, thx
Favorite Photo: This picture captures so much about my daily life. Mabel is eating our go-to “healthy enough” dinner of gluten-free fish sticks and fresh fruit, sitting backwards on the couch so the dog (Webster) doesn’t steal her food, and….watching Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Movie, of course. The look of longing on Webster’s face… 😂
Do share your own 2024 faves in the comments! What changed a game, saved a day, or brought a smile to you this year?
Finally, as I’ve done before, I must give credit to the superb
, who inspired today’s post. Emma’s Substack, The Hyphen, remains my biggest influence as I shape and grow The Diving Board.TTFN.
Next time on The Diving Board: I expect to have some exciting news to share on the book publishing front. I can’t wait to tell you more!
Favorite Thing I Found: The Diving Board, of course!