snail mail: january '26
media roundup & recommendations
somehow we have come to the end of the first month of 2026. despite a restful end of 2025 spent with family and loved ones, 2026 started off as a sprint, and i’m only just starting to catch my breath.
i have lamented that i did not share my reflections of 2025 or a december media wrap up but if i’m honest with myself, taking some time to be more present and away from screens provided a much needed recalibration (which promptly was undone come the new year).
but now we’re back, baby. with it being the start of the year there’s been lots that i want to achieve, but instead of rushing into things i am allowing myself the time and space to really think about what my hopes and dreams are for the year and to actually set small achievable goals instead of trying to rehaul my life and change my personality.
though my type-a neurotic personality would have preferred to have already created resolutions, i have only just finished setting my goals for 2026. but spending time reflecting over a month is way more intentional right??? so far on the 2026 board we’ve got new dreams and old ones that we still hope to achieve. there’s the constant attempt to get off the psychosis inducing hamster wheel that we’ve been forced to run on. the desire to be more analog and connect with those around me. the desire to do good in a world that seems to be forgetting the meaning of that word. the desire to love deeply and selflessly; to be a villager not just live in the village.
i’ve tried to keep these in mind through this first month and will continue to do so as we move through the others. but enough rambling, here’s a roundup of things that have been consumed and enjoyed in january ‘26:
january’s moodboard:
books:
hamnet by maggie o’farrell: when this book first came out, as is my contrarian way i chose not to read it since it was getting lots of traction. now in 2026 i have finally hopped onto the bandwagon. mainly because i want to watch the movie and i like to read the source material before watching the adaptation. not much is known about hamnet’s life but o’ farrell does a good job at creating a rich background to give his story a voice. sometimes i did find agnes to be slightly “too unique” and the story at times meandered and i lost focus. however, there were positives and i found it a very powerful choice to decentre the most well known playwright in history by referring to him through his relation to others.
ruby’s worry by tom percival: yes this is a children’s book and yes it counts. as an adult i have more tools that children to cope with life’s stressors but this was a wonderful reminder that it’s okay to talk about your worries and that it’s actually healthy and helpful.
movies:
lord of the rings: the fellowship of the ring: just a good old fashioned cosy watch. have mentioned it before in my monthly wrap ups? probably. but this solid comfort watch helped me feel present, and cosy and happy this month, which is what i needed. also…viggo mortensen as aragorn. need i say more?
sinners: damn my contrarian ways. i wish i had watched this movie sooner because it was fan-flippin-tastic. i definitely judged it based on hearing that it was about vampires and horror but i’m so glad i gave it a chance. i was totally entranced as i watched (save for the really bloody battle at the end). the story was incredible weaving together themes like folklore, music and racism into a coherent narrative. my favourite scene was in the mill where music transcends time and space the different sounds all come together; chills, literal chills.
tv shows:
a knight of the seven kingdoms: i keep giving game of thrones spinoffs a chance and am never fully satisfied. when will i learn?
the pitt: season 2 of the pitt is here and dr. robby still has trauma. girl, go to therapy. so far i’ve watched three episodes and while i’m not getting season 1 levels of “this is amazing” i am enjoying it. also i do like that the show highlights the reality of the american healthcare system, though it doesn’t help me manage my anger at just how shit it is.
music:
most of the songs i listened to this month were part of my singing lessons.
mamma mia by abba: pure vibes. also if meryl streep can sing this so can i right?
people help the people by birdy: remember birdy? well let me take you to the funeral scene in the vampire diaries’s 2009 episode the sun also rises. birdy’s cover of skinny love catapulted her to fame
aperture by harry styles: we are so back baby! can’t wait for HS4. i love the new sound, though not a lot of people are fans. i am very excited for the new album though am not prepared for the carnage of trying to get tickets. counting on my friend to secure those!
culinary:
after months i finally was able to visit heaven on earth aka marks and spencer. thanks to a generous gift card i was able to indulge in lots of goodies including percy pigs and the m&s’s knockoffs of cadbury’s mini eggs. honestly criminal considering they sue others for their collin the caterpillar cakes. but i’ll forgive my problematic favs.
this month i didn’t do much cooking, but i did host a boardgame night. ever the hostess, the menu included lasagna, pesto-parmesan garlic bread, sun-dried tomato and mozzarella salad and chocolate crepes for desert.
visual inspiration for february:
and so we head into the second month of the year. i am looking forward to the adventures february will bring. i have lots of look forward to with embroidery classes, art fairs, markets and more. i hope that you have a lovely february too.
xoxo,
d