What a year. I finally started writing and progressed on a book of stories, made some films, and learned how to stop worrying about the inevitable collapse of the society. I’m not a prepper or too much worried about apocalypse, but I do know we are going to die soon. So I live with the motto “The fear that human race might not survive replaced with the fear that it will endure”. London is horrible place to stay forever, I need to find a place close to nature. Also, the dream is growing to paint a series already, too much dreaming.
Writing. I returned to writing my short stories (started the project in 2012…), digging into old archives of my family trauma and computers, compiling everything into a book. When I stepped back and looked at the big picture, a pattern emerged: they’re all about family trauma and grief. Lovely but painful discovery. I kept writing and structuring the theme, mainly diving into memories of the 2000s – computer clubs, violence, streets, broken dreams. Lots of painful experiences that I want to share. The goal is to self-publish the book, working title: ‘The list of fires, son’. I might publish some stories here as soon as my new editor will reply to my messages…
Journaling. I realized I need to slow down to get where I’m going. Life in London moves too fast. Embracing “slow down” as a recurring mantra in my journaling opened a new chapter for me: it helped me stop carrying the pressure of the outside world into my inner sanctuary. The key principles are simple: less reaction, more observation, and no pressure on yourself. The main takeaway? If you feel like having a drink or a cigarette, just have it – no guilt.
Movement. No marathons, but consistent activity. 2024 was my most active year yet. Lots of cycling, both indoor and outdoor. Kept upgrading my Surly Straggler – the only bike I need for life. New wheels, front rack. Tried indoor cycling but returned the device back (though Zwift online cycling is fantastic). Discovered stretching this year – finally moving without pain. Did two months of BJJ (typical me – that’s exactly how long I need to hug other men before getting bored). Almost forgot: skiing speed record for this year is 85km/hour.
Reading. Not much overall, but what I read hit hard. Agota Kristoff became my main inspiration of 2024 – fell into her Trilogy and couldn’t get out. What a killer. Explored yet again Beckett and Vonnegut but quickly abandoned them. Bukowski dominated my reading time – devoured all his works in weeks. “Women” made me feel alive again. Hope to write about it here soon, need to reflect more.
Cinema. Almost every evening at home watching moving pictures. Rich year for discovering brilliant works:
- Kes (1969)
- Perfect Days (2023)
- The Beasts (2022)
- The Curse (2023)
- The Different Man (2024)
- Red Rooms (2023)
- Bikeriders (2023)
- Anatomy of a Fall (2023)
Menorca. This trip mainly inspired by Alexander Doba, after reading his interview when he shares experience around kayaking across the Atlantic Ocean (especially the moment when he describes the 5-7 meter waves). This got me so hooked. Alina and I had never kayaked before, so we started slow. It turned out to be one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. Gliding across the open sea, surrounded by stunning views, brings a calm sort of joy that’s hard to describe. The highlight was meeting George, who studied cinema aesthetics and shares my favorite films. That connection gave me a powerful push to keep pursuing my dreams. Cave hunting in Menorca (film)
Needles. Small Island of Wight off the south coast of England, which was in my list for a long time. We went to check the Needles, which are beautiful three stacks of chalk that rise about 30 metres. What made this trip unforgettable was taking magic mushrooms and briefly losing Alina – an experience I tried to capture on video, though it barely comes 5% close to the feelings I had in that moment. Catching the pink-tinted sunset was pure magic. I want to relive those moments over and over again. I need the Needles (film)
Lake District. We were bored at home and decided to see some lakes. Windermere was the obvious choice. We camped nearby, and I experienced weird dreams, which I tried to document based on footage from my archives. Lake District bliss (film)
San Francisco. I spent two weeks there: the first for work, and the second purely for myself, wandering the city, exploring museums, and meeting people. My friend Eugene, who’s been living there for a few years, showed me around. We spent most of our time walking and talking about how AI is watching us. But also when I looked for events it was AI this, AI that. Jesus. Also the contrast was striking – so many homeless people in what feels like the most futuristic place on Earth. Driving through the middle of nowhere was surreal. I discovered some incredible spots I can’t wait to visit again:
- Muir Woods
- Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
- Moe’s Books in Berkeley
- Henry Miller house in Big Sur, and I managed to create a short video about it, which I think is the best work I’ve done in 2024. Henry Miller memorial library (film)
Coincidence. It was a fun story: I went to buy some hiking things and met Damian Lewis. He was shopping with his kids very annoyed and Iditarod. I didn’t have enough time to spend there but I couldn’t stop observing: the way he talked was mesmerising, honestly I think ive learned acting classes just by watching this beast selecting clothes. He was silent and I approached and said “hey – you’re my favorite actor, any chance we can do selfie?”, which he refused after careful consideration. I took my things I bought (belt, carabiner, hat) and he approached me and said “let’s fucking do it”.
