Another year is ending. As time passes, I cling more to each minute. Recounting my favorites is an exercise that always fills me with such gratitude. I love to pay homage to the light in my life. Here is a short capsule of the gems I relished this past year:
Favorite Reads: I love those moments where my attention is dedicated to turning the pages of a book. As a story unfolds, my mind might gravitate toward learning a particular character’s fate or the detailed description of a new place that becomes familiar with a writer’s choice of words or lyrical prose that creates a personal and emotional response. This is the power of a good piece of writing. I recounted my favorite books of 2014 earlier this month. If I had to pick a favorite, it is a tie between two choices: Wonder by RJ Palacio and This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper.
Favorite Posts: This year I loved the following post: 6 Parenting Lessons I Learned From a Father Dying in Hospice. This piece became a tribute piece to my father’s memory and I am so honored that this post became my debut piece on the Huffington Post.
Favorite Poem: David Whyte’s poetry resonates on a guttural level. I read his words slowly, with consideration as to how his metaphors and prose evolve into something wholly unexpected. The poem that spoke to me the most this year: Everything is Waiting for You.
Favorite Trip: My family and I traveled to the Pacific Midwest during the summer. Strolling the fresh food markets in Portland, visiting Multnomah Falls and climbing Grouse Grind in Vancouver are the montage of moments that still linger in my mind. The falls and its drops captured my attention and when I looked up the word peace kept whispering in my ears. I will never ignore the power of that moment.
Favorite Concert: I am an avid Tori Amos fan and relished the opportunity to see her in concert. At age 50, her voice carries a clarity, her words a purpose and she epitomizes the definition of an artist dedicated to polishing her craft.
Favorite Movie: I must confess the movie selection this year didn’t spark my interest. Divergent, Snowpiercer and Gone Girl held my attention, although I am not certain I’d list any of those movies at the top of my list. I did, however, enjoy the Serial podcast and House of Cards. I highly recommend these two series.
Favorite Words: “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Favorite Picture: The smiles in this picture mean the most to me. Taken at my brother-in-law’s wedding, I love how one glance at this snapshot brings forth the montage of dancing, laughing and enjoying our time with family and friends.
Happy 2014. What were some of your favorites?
Looking forward to sharing my thoughts with you in 2015. As always, thank you. For reading, sharing, commenting and making me feel less alone. xo
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
Sounds like a beautiful year. I hope 2015 brings you much love and happiness. Happy New Year, Rudri!
Susan,
Happy New Year! Wishing you love, light and happiness in 2015. xo
So, so lovely. 2014 seems like it was full of light. Happy new year! xoxo
Thanks, Lindsey. Happy New Year! xo
What a wonderful compilation of favorites Rudri 🙂 I hope you have a great New Years Eve with you and yours. Happy 2015 Rudri! -Iva
Happy New Year, Iva. Hoping 2015 is a joyous year for you and your family. xo
Beautiful family photo! I remember so many of your posts from this summary! I too was a huge Tori Amos fan back in my college days but I haven’t listened to her in years.
Happy New Year, Sarah! If you liked Tori in your college days, check out her latest album. She retreats to her roots – a beautiful mix of her superb piano playing and voice.
Wonderful list. Thanks for sharing. I’m excited to check out some of the books you mentioned here and in your ‘Favorite Reads’ post. Gorgeous picture of your family. Have a beautiful New Year.
Thanks, Sarah. Let me know what you think of some of my reads when you have a chance to check them out. Wishing you a prosperous New Year and so glad we connected. xo
Happy new year to you and yours! I’m glad we connected this year.
Christine:
Congrats on your book and essays on the web. I am so grateful that we intersected and I am looking forward to reading more of your work. Happy New Year! xo
I love this post! So lovely to look back on these things. And that waterfall is amazing. Also, Tori is FIFTY!?!? Wow. When did that happen?? Have a wonderful NYE and I hope 2015 brings just as much light to you.
Kristen:
I could not believe Tori turned 50 this past year. She still commands a presence on stage and really rocks motherhood in her music. She is the mother of an only and on her new album she shares a duet with her daughter, Natasha. Check it out if you have a chance.
Glad we connected this year and looking forward to reading your work. Happy New Year, Kristen! xo
Gah! My comment got lost in cyberspace. Basically I said that I couldn’t wait to check out the books you mention here and in your ‘Favorite Reads’ post. Also, gorgeous photo of your family. Have a beautiful New Year. (Feel free to delete this comment if it’s a duplicate.) 🙂
I love the favorite words, oh my! The picture is lovely as well. What smiles! And how is Tori Amos 50 already? She has such talent, and it’s really nice to see (hear? read?) that she’s still honing her craft, especially in an industry which is rather youth-obsessed. Happy New Year!
The music industry is definitely filled with so many singers and bands that possess limited staying power. Tori still reveals her vulnerabilities and authentic voice on stage and I believe that is what keeps her relevant and refreshing. She engages with her audience in a way that resonates even among her long time fans.
Happy New Year!
Since we both loved “This Is Where I Leave You”, I’ll have to take your other favorite to heart too.
And I love Grouse Grind. I miss Vancouver.
I love hearing again about Tori Amos. She’s always been dear to me. (well.. her music)
Your family is so beautiful. I think that your husband and daughter radiate the way you do.
Tamara:
I think you will appreciate Wonder. It is young adult fiction, but the narrative is universal.
What a great compliment – radiance is word I love. xo
That is a GREAT picture! I love this idea for a post, too– all around favorites. Great idea!
Thanks, Nina. Glad you enjoyed my 2014 year in review via my favorite things. Looking forward to connecting with you this year.