Hi buddies,
Happy New Year! I love celebrating the turn of the year, just like I love when people gather to watch the sunset. Of course the earth rotates all day long, but why not stop to witness it? We celebrated with congee and tea and some dear friends. A few people brought us cookies they had made from Dorie Greenspan’s cookie cookbook, which were really good.
I feel hopeful. My news years resolution is to try and be connected to the people that I love as much as possible. And to worry less, haha.
a few shows:
1.7 Quartet with Tyler Wagner, Lily Finnegan, James Wetzel; Empty Bottle, Chicago
1.8 Quartet with Dave Rempis, Bill Harris, Nick Dunston; Marmalade, Chicago
1.9 Honestly Same @ Drone Rodeo, Hideout, Chicago
1.10 Trio with Whitney Johnson + Macie Stewart; Sleeping Village, Chicago
1.11 Duo with Whitney Johnson; Hideout, Chicago
1.12 Duo with Nick Dunston; Hungry Brain, Chicago
1.25 Duo with Zander Raymond; Mediums of Sound @ the Red Room, Chicago
tiny recommendations:
This amaro, and an amaro cocktail I made up for some friends who were over earlier this month:
Pretty much equal parts amaro (of choice) and mezcal, and an orange twist, topped with soda. Don’t overthink it. Inspired vaguely by a great drink we had at one of our favorite spots, Ludlow Liquors.
This Japanese mandoline, which is perfect for slicing shallots for fried shallots.
Loba Pastry, especially their mole croissants.
Open Books, in Logan Square, and Point Reyes Books, in Point Reyes Station.
Walking in the morning, a habit I finally picked up from my Mama.
a few things, from 2023
Celebrating the release of The Ceiling Reposes, I had a mid-show moment of presence when I really stopped to listen, facing the audience. It’s (occasionally) awe-inspiring to listen in a group of humans, and maybe especially so when you’re making the sound. I’m grateful for everyone who’s taken time to listen to my music this year.
Macie and I saw a really beautiful sky (this isn’t it, but here’s picture of the sky I took this year:)
My Mama and I heard four Great Horned Owls.
I watched the moonrise from a train, and the sunrise from a train.
I taught a workshop, which I was nervous about doing, but I had an incredibly good time (and I would like to do more teaching!)
I found a hot spring in the woods and a hot spring on the side of the road, and I swam in both of them.
Miso learned to fetch and play the piano.
N and I made seven batches of chili oil, two lamb feasts, and uncountable midnight noodle snacks.
and more, of course.
My grandma turned 96 this year, and my Mama and I got to spend her birthday with her — we brought her breakfast on the patio, tangelos from her tree, flowers in a tall blue vase. As we were leaving she spread her arms wide in thanks, taking a moment to search for the right phrase. My cup is full, she said. And then a benediction: go with a full cup.
so friends, as we enter the new year: go with a full cup.
that’s all, for now.
Lia
> I taught a workshop, which I was nervous about doing, but I had an incredibly good time (and I would like to do more teaching!)
Hi Lia! I loved the workshop and would love to hear about whatever you teach next.
☕️😌💛