Bookends: 2026, Side A
The first half of the year in books, albums, recipes, and birds.
My friends, the record of 2026 is winding to its first fuzzy end. I don’t know about the pressing you received, but mine has given me songs of waiting, winter wrens, rebirth, bubble baths, and mulberry pie. It has been sweet and grainy and, if I’m honest, a bit drawn out.
As the needle completes its circuit with its measured bump and pause, let us, too, pause. There will be time for Side B, to be sure—but first, let us smack our lips against the fiery dregs of the bourbon in our glasses. Late as it may be, will you humor me?
Cheers.
Books
Excellent Women by Barbara Pym (1952)
The first notable read of 2026 was total happenstance. I found a copy of this book lying in the library shipping area, and the artwork on the cover caught my eye. Moments later I started reading, utterly charmed by the writing of Barbara Pym. She has a keen social eye, and her witty style feels quite modern considering the publication year. I was reminded of the writing of contemporary author Dolly Alderton, particularly in her musings on the life of a single woman in her 30s.
I chuckled quite a bit too at the bit of pearl-clutching from Protestants at the—dare I say it—Anglo-Catholics (!), which I related to quite as an Anglo-Catholic myself.
The Supper of the Lamb: A Culinary Reflection by Robert Farrar Capon (1989)
The past few years have unearthed my deep interest and joy for all things culinary. I found here not only a culinary guide but fantastic, humorous writing that squares up with the substance of the world and our participation within it. It has encouraged me to stop taking shortcuts in my cooking—to avoid recipes that claim ease and speed—and to instead behold and revere the reality of an onion’s coppery peel, the potential of a cut of meat, and manifold mysteries hidden within layers of pastry.
Man’s real work is to look at the things of the world and to love them for what they are.
I have been wondering what St. Peter might have meant when he described the people of God as "a royal priesthood," and I think this jolly and forthright priest has guided me closer to understanding—but that’s the topic for a brewing essay.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (1908)
Oh, the riverbank! Oh, Toady! Oh, dear Mole and Rat, paddling and picnicking! I was delighted by this particularly Anglican vision of the good life, creaturely and homely. It tickled me endlessly, and startled me with its profundity.
Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.
One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder by Brian Doyle (2019)
This collection solidified Brian Doyle as one of my favorite authors. Each of these essayettes keep you under water until their very end, and then leave you gasping for breath.
I read this in those first blurry postpartum days, and it met me in my terror of life’s rarity.
The Leaf and the Cloud: A Poem by Mary Oliver (2000)
I read this book-length poem in two sittings, one creekside and one lakeside. I have been whispering lines from it to myself ever since.
Albums
Heartleap by Vashti Bunyan (2014)
The sound of early morning snowfall.
Rotations of a Songbird by Leila Marie (2026)
Truly sublime songwriting from top to bottom, with lyrics that read like poetry and instrumental arrangements that immerse you in the green and gold hues of the natural world.1
Soon by Hana Stretton (2023)
Did this album help me keep my head through childbirth? Maybe. Probably. Most definitely yes.
Angel in Plainclothes by Angelo de Augustine (2026)
A new nostalgia, thank you very much.
The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean (2025)
That lady lady! I take my time in the kitchen just so I can cook to the end of this album.
Recipes
So far this year I’ve cooked 35+ new recipes, with a focus on unfamiliar ingredients and seasonal produce. Here are a handful of my favorites!
Grilled Za’atar Chicken with Garlic Yogurt & Cilantro (NYT Cooking)
Birds
My fellow birder friend Emma Winchell once included birds in her end-of-year-wrap-up, which was too fun not to include myself here! Here are the birds I’ve had the privilege of encountering—each being first-time sightings.
Indigo Bunting
This bird. THIS BIRD. The Indigo Bunting has eluded me for years now—every summer I say “this will be my summer of the Indigo Bunting!” And each summer I’m left bereft. Its taunted me from treetops with its gorgeous vocalizations. I’ve had friends just happen upon them in ways that feel like I’m the butt of some sort of cosmic bird joke.
This year, if you can believe it (I can’t), was the year of the Indigo Bunting! I spotted this radiant little rascal at last, near the ground funnily enough, nestled among wildflowers. I had a good, long, satisfying look—and I’ll admit, it was worth the wait.
Worm-Eating Warbler
In the same day as the Indigo Bunting, my friend and I had the absolute glee of spotting the reclusive Worm-Eating Warbler. We glimpsed it for but one thrilling moment.
Common Raven
I’ve mistaken many a crow for a raven, but I’ve been told that there is no mistaking the two once you’ve seen them both. I understood this the moment I saw a true raven’s hefty figure overhead as it released an impossibly throaty caaaaaw.
Red-Breasted Nuthatch
This is a fairly common bird in Northeast Ohio, but a first sighting for me this winter. I had the pleasure of not only seeing its tiny frame, but also hand-feeding one!
Swainson’s Thrush
This rare bird passed through the streets of Cleveland during migration. Its distinct and beautiful song trilled through our kitchen on a Saturday morning, landing in our apple tree for reprieve.
Now, to turn the record over and resume.
Find me drumming on “Dog Song” and “She’s That Girl” :)
I read "Excellent Women" a couple years ago, on the rec of a friend. It stuck with me.
Love, love this! Thanks for posting. So glad it popped up today, of all days …. Frog, Toad, and the Indigo Bunting. Yes, indeed!