The year is passing by quickly, I’m thankful I slowed down enough to summarize February before March ends.

What did I read in February? I read a book by Esmeralda Santiago and I am hoping to read more of her work. She has a few books that tell the story of her life, and I would love to explore them this year. My desire to get through her work reminds me of the feeling I had as a graduate student after discovering that Maya Angelou had more than just the “Caged Bird” autobiography, but seven other parts as well.

By the end of the year, I hope to share reviews of the books I’ve read, including Esmeralda’s work. However, writing reviews weekly seems like an added task outside of just enjoying the books, as I did as a kid. As we enter winter 2024, I plan to start sharing my reviews of the authors I read and mention each month. It will be colder, and a fun writing project for the winter.

Do you have any authors you suggest I read? This week, I got a few suggestions for books during one-on-one chats at the café and from a few podcast and social media accounts that I enjoy. I would love your suggestions on authors whose body of work you enjoy and would recommend me to explore

What writing projects did I work on in February?

I have completed the second and third drafts of some of my longer projects. I utilized some of my older notes and ideas in a new project, which I finally finished this March. Going through my older notes in February reminded me that not all first drafts, notes, ideas, or sequences need to be used right away. Sometimes, we may have big plans that do not materialize after months of work, and small jotted down ideas that grow to become something more later on, and that is okay.

February was full of creativity and accountability for me. As I see the sun more, more of what winter brought my way as a creative makes sense. I am feeling stronger, wiser, and hopeful.

What I wrote? I published Mae’s Orange Retreat: Short Story #13 of 72 on my blog in February. I am grateful for the support, comments, and feedback from all those who took the time to read it. If you have not already, please check it out.

What I’m growing? I am growing tomatoes again. Recently, we discovered that we love adding frozen or dehydrated cherry tomatoes to soups, stews, beans, and the new seitan dishes that I have been making. My plan is to freeze or dehydrate 90 percent of the cherry tomatoes we grow this spring and summer and store them for fall and winter.

What did I harvest? Pictured below are a few photos and names of some of what I harvested in February. Most days I don’t have time to take photos of my daily harvest, but I try to take as many photos as I can remember daily.

What meals did I make using produce from the garden in February? Here are some pictures and names of a few dishes I made using items harvested from the garden in February.

How was your February?

Although March is almost over, it takes some time to reflect on the previous month. This slow process of looking back helps to make the year feel less rushed and allows for more mindfulness. Winter is coming to an end, and I hope to enjoy every moment despite how quickly spring and summer seem to approach.