I'm entirely lacking an original subject line

But I did want to start the year with at least something.

Things from the past year that are note-worthy, in maybe some order

An election that gives me hope
(and yet) A war that has no end in sight
One new relationship
The rewriting of an old one
A... I dunno, but it's something
A grant acquired with my name on it
A new program of education/outreach for work also of my instigation
The hope for a new career for quiet_elegance, but dependent on a housing market that's headed in the wrong direction
General good health for me and mine
Revision of day-to-day financial keeping that makes me less stressed
Revival of craftiness in a rather emphatic way

This year I think I'd like to keep a lot of those trends going. As always my plans for improvement include: less stress and drama, better communication, feeling like I can be proud of what I'm doing on a daily basis.

Arisia's Art Show is huge on the horizon. I've got a lot of stuff and a limited wall space. The hard part is going to be figuring presentation, but I can't think of it yet, so I just make more stuff to avoid making decisions. 
For me the "holiday season" doesn't feel over for me until after Arisia and the Flea.

So, happy new year. Warm fuzzies to you all

Now that's what I'm talking about! [food]

If every first dinner of the year is an indication of the quality of the coming calendar cycle, I am going to have a great year. Lightly aged cow, caramelized onions, Cotes du Rhone, fresh bread, potatoes, both sweet and standard and a lovely spinach salad. I may eventually have some chocolate bread pudding. I will not be skipping the cardio tomorrow. Thanks to purple_terror for making it all go. Thanks to my friends and F/family so rich and fulfilling- I'm not sure my appreciation for you all came through last time. Thank the Cotes du Rhone for my current locquacity.
Now back to some Angel and clay fiddling. Before dinner I made a pouncing dragon on a rock. Adorable.