My word for 2015 is...

"Renewal"

2014 was a year to regroup and rediscover myself after

the previous rough year 2013. In 2015, I hope to renew

my creative interests and look at life with fresh eyes.

Thank you for...

...this beautiful winter day in Seattle.

My Smile

Silent

Woke up to a calm but chilly Saturday morning. 

My new hot water bottle brings warmth without

the humming or hissing sounds of central heating.

Sweet

We did not have the chance to build a gingerbread cottage as kids. So when I got hold of a kit from the local grocery store, my sister and I spent the afternoon putting together this sweet and edible edifice.

Today is...

Christmas!

Merry Christmas !

Maligayang Pasko !

Joyeux Noël ! 

Frohe Weihnachten !

Gifts

• Thoughtful gifts from friends
• Our cat Maoki snuggled with one of my gifts to her 
• What I found in my Christmas stocking!

Sparkle

Sparkles from my miniature snow globes.

Fragrant

After a busy day at work, went home and lit my lavender and fern-scented candle.

The act of hand washing is always pleasurable

with cherry blossom scented soap.

Friendship

When it comes to friends, who knows me better than

my own sister? 

Happy Birthday to a wonderful sister!

Today marks another birthday for my sister.

To celebrate, off I went to the Dahlia Bakery to pick 

up some delicious apple scones and mini rum-glazed 

buckwheat bundt cakes for a delightful birthday breakfast.

This year was...

Blessed.

There were some changes and a few disappointments but I got through 2014 with the love of my family and friends.

Delicious

A few delicious things for today:

• Lindor Dark Chocolate truffles with afternoon tea
• Macrina Bakery's savory Porcini Harvest Rolls with dinner
• Marzipan-filled Cat's tongue-shaped dark chocolates for dessert

 

Triangles

On the table

 

My Favorite Camera(s)

One is made of chocolate but is too pretty to eat,

the other is part of my new phone and goes with me 

almost everywhere.

My first Jingle Bell Run!

During the busy holiday season, it's not always easy to stay healthy and keep fit. It's good that there are year-round running and walking events in the Seattle area. Personally, I prefer running during the colder season as long as it's not too wet outside.

Sunday's Jingle Bell Run was blessed with good weather and great fun...

I signed up for the timed 5K Rudolph Runners course...

Downtown Seattle was bright and festive with costumed runners and walkers...

 

For a first-timer at this event, I did quite well and kept good time (30:17, 9:45) despite the uphill portions of the course.

Perhaps I'll sign up again next year :-)