Not many friends of mine are as enthusiastic about wine as I am. Upon further reflection, none of them are, unfortunately. It took me a lot to conclude and admit that, but the last of the mohicans was gone, after a friend’s painful relationship break up.

After a few hours walking on the cold fields at a distant vineyard, in Northern Holland, I was absorbed by a strong yet peaceful energy that mostly reveals itself when close to nature. Then, I find it hard to avoid thinking that a simpler lifestyle endures to fulfill us so much more.

I’ve never understood the pleasure of reading digital books. It seems odd to think that reading through a screen can be more amusing than having the physical work in hands. It sounds almost outrageous when I hear comparisons that attempt to claim the effect on the reader is the same.

Why are we always expecting a formal “congratulations” in order to feel proud of ourselves and reassured by our competence? I confess, with a little bit of shame and guilt, that I can be, sometimes, one of those people.

I was listening to one of the Monocle's podcasts the other day and one in particular was very much of my interest as food played a central role in an interview with Martha Stewart. I've always been fond of her.

I’ve rescued an old habit which has great potential to become a worthy occupation on a Saturday night. I’m weary of feeling angry and hopeless because of this lockdown. Instead I’ve made a decision, mainly to preserve the healthy sanity I still consider to have left in me.

As our hearts have woken up on this new year’s morning filled with hope, love and cherishment, I caught myself thinking about the greatness of friendships.

In a year when many have lost jobs and have seen careers derailed, some others have faced the extreme opposite, seeing themselves drowned in exhausting work-hours like never before. It’s the year of the paradoxes, after all.