2007 in Brief and 2008 in Dream

Two Thousand Seven

Made me gasp: harrowing rise in Kiehl's skin care pricing.
Highly enjoyable: the card swap group and pertaining card creations
Most memorable book: The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard
Poetry of interest: from Author Mary Oliver
New perfume: Miette pour Moi by L'Artisan Parfumeur Paris

Two Thousand Eight

Write a book of poetry or verse
Obtain authentic fleur de sel at any cost
Display favorite dishes in a glass fronted cabinet
Display LEGO magnets
Practice b/w photography

End of Year Spring Clean

Gone are the days of airing out the mattress ticking and beating the curtains in the prairie breeze. I feel a bit left out I have never slept on a hay filled mattress. Feathers is the closest I've come to nature. The season changes are a good time to let go and begin anew.

Our new year is also traditional. I have committed to deleting much of my email inbox before 2008 dawns. This may be my only nod at a fresh start. I do have several goals for the new year though which is good for me (obviously I need to make some changes . . . ). Often I have none, but possess a trace desire to improve this or that. I may improve on that record this year. What is in your book of tricks?

Anniversary of the Death of the Testator

What did you do on Dec. 10? According to my very accurate calendar, I did nothing. I went to my journal and see I ate dinner at Milton's with my friend G. We then went across the parking lot to Book Works and browsed. I didn't work as much as I had planned. I ordered some books for gifts (which arrived yesterday in case you care). I spoke on the phone to A. And, I made buckwheat butter cookies with cocoa nibs. Strange, I also made them yesterday. They are quite yummers.

And you?

On Dec. 10, my goal in life is to be in Sweden for the Nobel Award presentations and of course, the banquet. It happens every year and if the weather holds, I'll be around for a few more Dec. 10s at least. I am hopeful.

Doris Lessing did not make it to see her award for literature to physical fruition: the diploma, the medal, and the prize money. I imagine she stayed in the comfort of home in front of the fire.

But, if I went to the ceremony and the banquet, I would want to leave with a diploma. I don't need or want a medal. I would feel beholden to the Royal Family if they gave me a significant spot of money.

But, that diploma is right up my alley. I have a weakness for paper products in general and anything in ink. This is Orhan Pamuk's diploma from 2006 in literature. And, dramatist Harold Pinter's from 2005.

If you are unfortunate enough to be asked to share your Nobel with another or several, your diploma will be similar but different. A variation on a theme as it were.

I may need to marry into the Royal Family or become a chef to them to attend, but I look forward to it nonetheless.