What I’m Into {a snapshot of January 2015}
I know that January is often about change, but I don't usually set out that way. This month ended up bringing a great deal of transition, opportunity and bittersweet moments. Most of this surprised me, and even the things I knew about in advance caught in my throat just a little.
But like all change, this month also brought growth and hope, and for that, I am thankful.
Reading
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How To Make the Most of Them Now by Dr. Meg Jay
I’ve been meaning to read this book ever since I watched the author’s TED talk. I borrowed it from a friend months ago, and finally picked it up (as part of my library book fast). There were a lot of things in this book that got me thinking, and science and research to support something I’ve known for a long time: every moment of our lives matter.
The Surrendered Single by Laura Doyle
I’d like to start by saying that I don’t actually recommend this book. There are many points within it on which I disagree. However, though it wasn’t a Christian book, there were passages that convicted me. There were times that I had to stop and wipe tears from my eyes. This book, coupled with another I read last month, have really affected the way I look at other people, especially men. For that, I’m very thankful.
Rich Food Poor Food by Jayson Calton
This book made me want to start grocery shopping completely differently. It was another loaned to me by a friend. Enter at your own risk.
Second Sky by Tania Runyan
A poet friend loaned me this beautiful book by Tania Runyan, making me immediately sorry that I hadn’t read anything of hers until this point. These are poems for those who get bored easily in poetry (like me) for those who need to hear it said in vivid, living words. I can’t wait to get my hands on more of Tania’s work.
The Curious Case of the Copper Corpse by Alan Bradley
This is just a little Kindle single between Flavia de Luce books. I’m a super fan, so of course I had to check it out. Although it was very short, and not overly plot heavy, I’ll take all the Flavia I can get.
Watching
Honestly, it’s been a busy month, so my watching hasn’t been extensive. I have been watching the Harry Potter movies with my mom as she’s finished the books for the first time. We just finished Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
I went to see Wild with some creative nonfiction friends. Let me start by saying that I haven’t read the book, and that I am a great fan of Reese Witherspoon. I think that both of these things led me to be more disappointed with the movie than I otherwise would have been (although there were many beautiful and masterful things about it).
I also finished watching A-Z, my favorite little new show of the year (which was cancelled halfway through). On a whim, I contacted the creator of the show on Twitter to ask how it ended, and he responded within moments. Month made.
@littledidcknow The show is loosely based on me and my wife. Does that answer your question? :)
— Ben Queen (@benqueen1) January 23, 2015
Listening 
The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley Speaking of Flavia de Luce, I caught up on her series in anticipation of the next book (just released). I love the reader who brings Flavia to life, so I always listen to these instead of reading them. Flavia was my companion as I cooked, cleaned, and drove to work all month. Living 
This month was one of unexpected changes and transition. I said goodbye to my childhood dog, after 16 years. I quit my full-time job to focus on writing my book (and other writing projects) and work part-time. I started dating on Tinder and went on more dates this past month than in the previous two years (more on that soon). 
I was diagnosed with an infection which has forced me to drastically change my diet for the month (hopefully beginning to return to normal, slowly, on Monday). This has had the unintended side affect of getting me to cook every day, and helping me to feel better about my body again. I started going to yoga regularly in the mornings again. I can already feel the strength in my body returning. Clicking Again, this month didn’t afford as much reading time as I’d like, but I did find a few lovely things I’d like to share with you. Home Plate by Sam Turner for You Are Here Burn The Candles by Shauna Niequist To Fall in Love With Anyone, Do This by Mandy Len Catron for The New York Times What You Learn in Your 40s by Pamela Druckerman for the New York Times Let’s Get Drinks by Kelly Stout for the New Yorker “Sponsored” by my husband: Why it’s a problem that writers never talk about where their money comes from by Ann Bauer for Salon Writing 
I had a little thrill being included on lists by both Traci Rhoades and Tara Bender this month. I’ve never been on anyone’s list before, and I can’t deny that it’s a wonderful feeling. I wrote a four-part series on friendship, culminating in a lovely synchroblog with so many thought-provoking entries. (I’ll be closing it first thing on Monday morning, so you still have time if you want to play along). The series itself was both hard and beautiful to write. I explored the concept of cost per wear in relationships, talked about friendship lost and regained, walked through long distance relationships of all kinds, and spent some time thinking about the words we use to talk about friendship. I published my Year In Review (which I kept adding to, because 2014 was such a big year). I also wrote about my trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with my brother this Christmas, my complex feelings about baptism (for Epiphany), and an elegy for my lovely dog. In the de(tales) series, I welcomed Melanie Boronow with a achingly beautiful look at growing up, Alice Buckley with her six-year-old self’s version of a self-help book, Elizabeth Strauch with her Oma’s nontraditional guest book, and Tara Owens with a poetic deep breath, a reminder that we aren’t as in control as we thought we were. I had the honor of writing a little more about my journey with depression (and what came after that) for Tanya Marlow at Thorns and Gold as part of her God and Suffering series.
This next week, I'm beginning to work on my next newsletter (this one for the Lenten season, with an appropriate cocktail recipe). I'd be honored to have you sign up to receive (and blog posts too, if you like). I'd also love to connect with you on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. I post all kinds of things about my real life there, so if you find posts like this interesting, you'll probably like these channels, too.
Once again, I’m linking up with Leigh Kramer for What I’m Into (check out the rest over at her site).