Hey there,

This week I spent quite a bit of my work time doing what needs doing to wind down AoS. It feels like yesterday that I announced 2020 would be The Art of Simple’s final year, obviously having no idea that 2020 would be so very 2020.

Nonetheless, it feels good and right that I’m weeks away from writing my final post for this website that opened the door to me writing professionally. I’ll forever be grateful for that fateful Sunday afternoon in my Turkish living room when I hit publish on my first post.

AoS isn’t going into the ether starting in 2021, though. This week I tidied up its about and contact pages, designed a new home page to make it easy to search the archives (to be unveiled in January), and I updated my own info.

I’ve got plans for this newsletter space, and I’m excited about it! More details soon.

Christmas at Kew Gardens in London. #

5 Quick Things ☕️

1. I admittedly feel squirrely sharing this, but I just read it for the first time a few minutes ago and it’s made my morning. I’m …speechless. Truly. I’m so grateful for the team of writers I’ve been honored to host on AoS the past 12 years, and Katherine is cream of the crop.

2. Today, Seth and I talk about the counter to doomscolling — what could even be a sacramental practice for staying informed and involved without losing hope. 

3. I’m such a fan of well-written newsletters, and Andrea Debbink’s new one about the love of nature, called Natural Wonder, is a must-read for me. I especially loved the latest issue’s bit about the upcoming Christmas Star.

4. I love this literary playlist.

5. And finally, ICYMI, I’ve been interviewed a number of podcasts this fall — here they are, if you’re curious (plus a reader-curated S&L playlist, which is fun!).

Quotable 💬

“Into this world, this demented inn in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, Christ comes uninvited.”

― Thomas Merton #

Advent: Week 2 ✨

I loved this quick reminder about our needed posture during Advent. Perhaps it’s an encouragement to you, too?

(And as expected, here’s your reminder that it’s never too late to recognize Advent. It’s waiting for you, ready whenever you are.)

Have a good weekend!

xo, Tsh

p.s. Don’t forget to buy local and/or indie for your gifts — these shops usually have longer ship times, so order by this weekend! I added some more faves to my Etsy Gift Guide, and as always, here are my book recommendations.