#Best09 Project

What did you start this year that you’re proud of?

The round of birthdays among my children-friends begins just after the new year does, which took me by surprise in 2009. Luckily I had a felted bag stashed, perfect for this occasion… which led to excited next birthday anticipation and an abundant year-long project for me!

diana models Willow’s Bag

This one is my favorite of this year, mostly because it’s much like one I’d want for myself – especially the colors!
’twas incredibly cathartic to quiet myself by knitting, filled with loving thoughts of the recipient. I’ve inherited my mother’s instinct for yarnwork, for which I am eternally grateful, as I create impromptu, individual designs.

I’m blessed to be surrounded by those who so lovingly and graciously enjoy my handiwork!

This year, I’m thinking special bags for the grownups! ♥

#Best09 Car Ride

What did you see? How did it smell? Did you eat anything as you drove there? Who were you with?

Hayden and I drove to Sioux Falls in May, following the death of Gramma Bunnie.
I love long distance driving in the Spring, seeing the whole world all hopeful-like…

Big Sky in Middle of Nowhere

We stopped at Wall Drug. Because it’s there. And they’ve got free ice-water.

Mama gets a break!

Then a whirlwind of Family and Familiar Food

Jimmy Johns!

Diana and Bre

Dee, Jr., Donna, Gary, Darla

Emily and Andrew (Scotty’s mom & brother)

Baby Brayden

Hayden, Brittany & Rhonda

Lily, Hayden & Zach

Alex, Diana, E-I, DenHay & Lizabit

On the drive home, we stopped at our favorite Rapid City breakfast joint (filled with lots of memories),

Hayden at the Breakfast Nook

Revisted Winter somewhere in Idaho

Winter in Spring

And took a moment to bond, just the two of us

Hayden and Mama, 5/09

#Best09 – Word or Phrase

A word that encapsulates your year. “2009 was _____.”

2009 was quick.

2009 was thick.

2009 was full.

2009 was potent.

2009 was legendary.

sha-la-la-la yeah!

#Best09 Tea of the Year

Diana’s Blend, of course! An afternoon tea, says it’s packaging from Wilkinsons of Norwich

Diana’s Blend

Schuyler brought this for my birthday, I like to think of it as Tea for 42.

#Best09 Packaging

I had a packaging breakthrough this year ♥
When Hannah was sick, her favorite auntie and uncle gave her a complete set of The Beatles Yellow Submarine Action Figures.
When we moved into our newest home, I lamented to my friend Linda how much I didn’t like the boys trapped in plastic.
Open them, was her easy reply.
So I did.

I liberated Paul, George, Ringo and John,
along with Jeremy (the Nowhere Man), The Big Blue Meanie, the Love Hand and the Yellow Submarine.

LOVE!

Immediately, they were loved in a whole new way.

Rowan bathes TheBoys

They continue to be loved in new ways be everyone who walks past them…

The Beatles got a Christmas Baby

And I cannot bring myself to part with the cardboard which once protected and isolated them ❤

Back of Box: Bottom Half

Front of Box: George & Ringo

Front of Box: John & Paul

#Best09 Rush

When did you get your best rush of the year?

I met Christopher Moore (he thinks I’m awesome!) AND I sent Hannah’s ashes with him…

The Fools Unite!

then, I went to Magic Mountain in California,

X2: Diana and Chance 3/09

then, ::::sound trumpets:::: I was finally reunited with Richard Bach ♥ AND I sent Hannah ashes with him, too.

Richard Bach meets diana, at last!

(and that was just the big ones!)

#Best 09 Change to the place I live

The very best change to the place I live is: I changed the place I live! Then I changed who lives here

Chance and the Beatles

Holly does pasta

Double Buddha

Then it changed again!
We kept the house & the dog (so far) and not the kids (they’re on to their next amazing adventures!)

#Best09 New Food

You’re now in love with ___________ and you didn’t even know what it was in January of this year.

Kombucha.
does it count as food? I’m not sure; nor am I sure I’m in love with it.

I do like it, the same way I like wheatgrass: I know it’s good for me and my body seems somehow energized after it’s consumption.
and I learned to mix it with sprite and drink it from fancy glasses!

~♥~

Oh wait! VooDoo Donuts! That was a first & with Holly even!

Holly's Peanut Butter Oreo Donut

Holly’s advice: always order milk, if you can have it, you will need it!

I won’t necessarily go back there (they didn’t wanna give me a vegan maple bar with bacon!); today’s post is a glaring sign I need to get out more.

Or maybe learn to cook.

Get out more, for sure!

#Best09: The Best Place

The Best Place?
Wherever my friends are… and especially when they’re in my perfect-for-playin’ backyard!
My own corner for Peace… and dogs.
The community table at Sunnyside Up, of course! (Another good place to find our friends!)

Community table at Sunnyside Up - with bacon!

Lost Creek Beach

Scotty and Charlie 4/09

#Best09: Album

What’s rocking your world?

Seriously, the only new album I received this year was Paolo Nutini’s Sunnyside Up. Then I went to see him :::swoon:::

Oh Paulo!

Instead I’ve been rockin’ out to what I love most, Amy Steinberg, Elton John, Michael Jackson’s Thriller and my very own mental soundtrack.