22 Delightful Things From 2022

It was a YEAR. But thankfully, a year that turned up some very special things that made life so much better.

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Photo by Jen Steele

Like most of you, my 2022 was marked by a good number of breakthroughs, one or two meltdowns, and lots of smaller-but-no-less-significant reasons to rejoice in another year of life and hopefully making worthwhile use of it on planet Earth. I’ve been keeping this checklist of special things all year long, adding and subtracting as new sparks of pleasure/appreciation bubbled to the top. And even if there are two links in here that give you something worthwhile to read, buy, or share, then, as dear Martha would say, it’s a good thing. Hence, here are 22 things from 2022 worth celebrating in captions…

1. “City of Ghosts”—This series created by the brilliant Elizabeth Ito launched on Netflix in 2021—and won the Peabody Award for children’s entertainment—has literally been the most watched/loved/shared show in our household over the past two years. Its six perfect episodes and cast of characters (I love you, Zelda) exploring the histories, cultures, and origin stories of various neighborhoods across Los Angeles—through the eyes/lives of actual ghosts—have become like another member in our family. Another season…someday…please!   

2. Tibi Calder sweat-pants—I looked for a pair of vintage sweatpants with the right very baggy vintage fit for nearly a decade, and kept buying options when I came across them, but then gave them away because they were never quite right. This sweat-pant is completely all right. The waistband (wide, flattering, comfortable), the color (crisp and bright), the fabric (dense cotton), and the cut, which is kind of like a trouser and a big ‘80s workout pant rolled into one. I never thought I could love a pant this much—and considering I wear them numerous times a week, the cost per wear for buying something new has more than paid off.

   

   Photo by Jen Steele

3. T magazine, April 24, 2022 issue, “24 Hours In the Creative Life.” This quote from page 62, by Nayland Blake on the great Agnes Martin, which I printed out and taped into my journal: “She came in and I ran my mouth off for about 10 minutes. Then she looked around and said, “You think too much about other people,” and walked out the door. My jaw was on the floor, it shocked me. I’d imagined that being an artist was like being a good student who could figure out the assignment and become a teacher’s pet. That visit made me a better artist.” 

4. Ilia Tinted lip balm—Hands-down the best tinted lip balm on the market that deftly doubles as a hydrating lipstick…100% worth every penny.