I hope everyone has a lovely holiday season!

Goal for 2011 - actually write in this blog.
(holiday letter)
howdy friends and family.
for some of you this year has been full of many exciting things - such as... marriage, baby #1 and/or baby #2, twins, engagement, new shoes, surprise travels, creating new art, a kitten, keeping your job in an awful economy, getting a great job in this crazy time, seeing your child walk, graduation, new home, becoming a grandparent, etc. For all those exciting things that unfolded in your life this year - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! I sure wish I could have traveled more this year to extend a warm hug or a high five. I think of you all often and fondly. I  keep each of you in my prayers.

For those of you that had a year with some challenging times - such as... the loss of a grandparent, the loss of a job, loss of a father/ mother, loss of a close friend, learning some harder life lessons you weren't quiet ready for - my heart is with you and I am sorry. This year had its challenges for me and I can tell you with much certainty that I am SO excited to welcome in 2011!

SO... a very Merry Christmas and MOST importantly - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This year I was reminded that life is pretty darn cool - filled with so many lessons, challenges, interesting people, amazing stories, cool children, great colors, inspiring hero's, awesome smells, beautiful symphonies created in nature, full moon midnight skis make me giggle (making me feel as if I snuck out of my parents house and I am doing something so sneaky), dusk mountain bike rides make childhood feel so near, the onset of autumn (the rich colors of the leaves) is fire for ones soul, the smell of a camp fire in your clothes the following day - the best, live music - perfect!, exercise = balance, talking to strangers on an airplane can be really fun (never know what you may learn), embracing fears is character building, letting go is still hard, and asking for help is a priceless thing.

Thank you all for beautiful friendships, love, support, laughter, teaching me lessons (some I wasn't ready for), and for patience. This year marked the 25th anniversary of my mothers passing - I learned how to celebrate her and not feel the load of an overwhelming sadness. This year more than any other I was constantly reminded that life is so precious, every moment is a gift. I also learned that when you travel solo to a new place - you meet some super people.

Goals for 2011 - I will get better at writing letters again. Getting back to the kitchen and creating yummy stuff. Exercise, exercise, exercise (find the fun in the gym work outs). Traveling to one new place.

Quick update - I am still in Montana. Still have a healthy set of lungs. I do have a man in my life - see photo above (his name is Eban aka Ebi or Memmers) comes with 6 toes on each paw and no tail and a crazy desire to fetch.

Again - Happy Holidays! Cheers to a new year filled with endless possibilities.