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.

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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.

 

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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