I intend to quit Instagram at least every month but, alas, I am still there. It’s another item on my long list of decluttering life and divesting from evil companies.
The reason I’ve found Instagram in particular so difficult to leave is that it’s such a useful record of my life—the books I’ve read, the places I’ve gone, the people I saw, and so on. It’s also the social media that most of my nearest and dearest use, so it’s an easy way to keep up with friends and family.
However, when I quit Facebook in 2016 because I was sick of the inane political commentary, I missed it for a week or two and then never looked back. Ten years on, I am sure it will be the same when I (eventually) ditch Instagram, but how to hold onto the records of the past?
I’ve decided to collect all of my posts since 2015 and create a series of printed photobooks. After I’ve done that, I’m going to take the plunge quit for real. Thus far, I’ve completed one volume: 2015-16 using Pikto.
Concurrently, I’m going to start keeping a brief written record of my months; a little snapshot of what’s going on so I don’t forget. I’ve never been great at keeping a journal, but I’m hopeful that I will be able to maintain the practice for at least a year. TBD but here’s installment one!
I read: A great month in books. I read Heart the Lover by Lily King, Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (I wept), Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino, and London Rules by Mick Herron (I’m working my way through the Slough House series after watching Slow Horses).
I went: Nowhere. It was hovering around -25C for most of the month with lots of snowy days. It’s hibernation season and I did not stray far from home.
I ate: Over the Christmas break, I stocked my freezer with frozen balls of cookie dough and scones, and we ate our way through those stores this month–hibernation season demands baked goods.
I made: I tried making focaccia. Easier than I expected and so delicious.
I watched: The (first few episodes) of The Pitt, season 2.
I listened to: A lot of Stars and Ahmad Jamal. Also, I have an uncanny memory for songs and jingles from my childhood and this month I rediscovered the Multiplication Rap that has been living in my brain for over 30 years.
Little joys: The return of daylight beyond 5 PM. Planning an ambitious springtime getaway with my long distance bestie.
Looking forward to: Having a glass of lovely pinot noir when Dry January emds.
Taking pleasure in: The Matter hand lotion my husband gifted me for Christmas.
Fascinated by: Dream work in end of life care. (I borrowed this book from the library and it is very cool).
Grateful for: A Prime Minister who feels like a steady hand in this sociopolitical shit storm.
Current mood: I’ve had a low hum of anxiety this month and I’m not sure why. I do know that I need to start wearing my nightguard because my teeth are clenched during sleep. Onward.
My Fine Lines 
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