"How we spend our days is, of course,
how we spend our lives."
~ Annie Dillard ~
I thought today would be a good day to take a look at the past year of my life in a fun A-Z way with pictures included. I thought twenty-six short stories would be a good way to bring this particular blog to a close. I will be returning to blogging here quite frequently as well here from time to time and a new blog is in development on my soon-to-be unveiled website. It's been many months since I've last written a post on The Ultimate Yes so to those of you who have subscribed and might still be reading this thing...thank you. I hope to continue our correspondence and connections elsewhere on the web.
The last day of 2009...wow! Here are some of the people, places and experiences that have made my life this past year what it was.
Applied Improvisational Network Conference ~ For four days in November, I learned from and played with 100+ people from various places around the planet. The conference reaffirmed for me how important play, creativity and authentic expression is in the world. This is a new tribe of folks I'm excited to be a part of.
BeachDance ~ This past summer was the second season I held ecstatic dance events in Cannon Beach. In addition to having twenty-two public dances, I was hired to facilitate three private group events. Beach Dance is growing and getting more press. It has been and continues to be an extraordinary and exciting adventure. I can hardly wait for Season Three!
Chris Guillebeau ~ A thirty-year old traveling and writing wonder. His blog is one of only a handful I read on a regular basis and it is superb! I've learned a lot from this guy and he's inspired me many a time.
Decluttering ~ Life is not about stuff and I've realized lately that I have too much of it. Downsizing, simplifying and choosing to live with less has been refreshing and incredibly freeing.
Escape to Maui ~ My husband, James and I went to Maui for eight days in mid-October to sit on a sandy beach, swim in warm waters and relax in the sun. We're quite skilled when it comes to island living.
Facing Reality ~ James' mom and dad passed away this year just six months apart from one another. They both lived long lives, but that doesn't make their deaths any easier to bear. The truth is...life is full of painful events and it's incredibly short. Getting older makes you incredibly aware of these things. Living life fully each and every day is so important. Take nothing for granted.
Garden of Morrell ~ When James' dad died in May, I created a flower garden In honor of him. Morrell was his middle name. I'm still thinking about what I'd like to create to honor his mum.
Happily Married for Three Years ~ Like Jack Johnson's song says, "It's always better when we're together." I couldn't agree more.
Interplay ~ I've known of this organization for a couple of years and have felt a deep connection with them because of their passion for playing and storytelling. I suspected one of the founders, Cynthia Winton Henry and I were kindred spirits, but when I met her at the AIN conference (see A's link for info) it felt like she was family. I LOVE meeting people who are as silly as I am.
Jonathan Fields ~ Brilliant blogger. Beautiful man. Better human being.
Kicked Ass ~ After training for three months, I ran the Flying Pig Half Marathon in May in 1:47:55. Not great by any Olympic standards, but I was happy with it. I also met the wonderful and witty Patti Digh who inspired me to do the damn thing in the first place. She was just as genuine and lovely in person as she is on her blog.
Lying, Lust & Love ~ I thought I was going to write my book in 2009. Instead I completely ignored it. That's not going to happen this year. My book will be written in 2010. No shit.
Mom & Me ~ We took a vacation to Smith River, California in August and spent four days being with each other. We hung out at the river, danced on the beach, ate way too much food and enjoyed our time away together.
Nathan, My Nephew ~ I didn't see this sweet kid (or his brother, Bryson) as much as I wanted to this past year. Nathan just turned one years old three weeks ago. They grow up so darn fast! I think Nathan looks a lot like his mommy did when she was just a baby. I love being an auntie and I will make the long drive to my sister's more often this coming year.
O.A.S.C. ~ This past summer marked nine years of being a counselor at the same Leadership Camp I attended when I was in high school. The third week of July has been a time I've looked forward to for almost a decade now.
Playful Spirit ~ I am in the midst of developing a new website for my business. It was time for a change. The Playful Spirit will go live sometime during the first week of the new year.
Quitting ~ After working at the Cannon Beach Spa on and off for the past eight years, I decided it was time to let it go for good. November 7 was a sweet day.
Retreats ~ It's been two years since I've held one here at the coast and I've missed them. I'm considering creating a four-day event to be held in the fall of 2010. I have a feeling it's going to be different than anything I've done before. I have a feeling it isn't something I'll facilitate alone. Those two things alone get me excited about the possibility.
Soulbiographies ~ Nic Askew is the lovely lad from London (who now lives in Minneapolis) who made a film a little over three years ago starring yours truly. His work continues to amaze and inspire me along with hundreds of others scattered about the world. My book will be dedicated to him.
Tsunami Studio ~ Having my own dance studio was an adventure I'll never forget. In a year's time, my business partner and I created a beautiful space and a small community of people who loved to dance. While we weren't successful enough to afford another year of it, I'm incrediblly grateful to my husband for making it financially possible to have made a dream come true for us. The studio closed its doors at the end of September and we're still dancing.
Unique Friends ~ I remember my mother saying to me at my wedding how different all my friends were. It's true, I have a very eclectic group of folks I am proud to be pals with. I may not see all these women as often as I'd like to, but they make up the core circle of my closest comrades. I love each of them dearly for their unique qualities and for the lovely friendship we share. Thank you, Wendy, Tayna, Shannon, Nicole, Layne, Karen, Joan, Elia, Earlene, Dawn, Carol and Amy for the moments we had together this year.
Vegetarianism ~ It's been almost two years now since my husband and I made some big changes to our eating habits. The choice to no longer consume any animals was made primarily from a personal and moral perspective, but also from an environmental one. I'll admit I occasionally have a piece of fish when I go out to dinner, but honestly, I don't miss a darn thing.
Work-outs ~ For the past three months, I've been seeing another man named James who makes me sweat. HeeHee. He's my personal trainer and he's been helping me get more fit. I want to be firm in my forties, not flabby. I know if I keep working out with James (and if I cut out the sugar) I'll continue to feel and look much better.
X as in ex-boyfriends ~ I had the opportunity earlier this year to spend an afternoon with one of my exes. He was moving across the country and we got together to say our hellos and goodbyes. I didn't know how much I wanted a few more precious moments with him until I was having them with him.
Yes! ~ Life is wonderful. I am blessed to experience it in all the ways I do. Whether I'm here on this planet for fifty more years or just five minutes, it's a good life I live and I am grateful for all of it.
(New) Zealand ~ I'll be there in three weeks time and my parents will be coming with me. It will be good to show them the country I've fallen in love with...the country where my husband is from...the country I'll call home someday.









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