Our House in the Middle of Our Street

Every year I type out a list of 10-20 items that I want to complete in the year. Some are silly, some are big, some are (potentially) life-changing, but they are written here, and written in my journal at home that I use near-daily, so they are around and 'out there'. It helps keep me accountable to plan intentionally our weekends, fitting things in I want to make space for, whether they're an afternoon roller-skating or following a specific way of eating for 30+ days. If it matters to you, make space for it.  People ask me how I accomplish so much, and I *know* it's because I plan ahead of time, and am intentional about putting it on the calendar weeks, if not months in advance. Maybe once in a blue moon it's days in advance. Having the life you want takes a lot of work and a lot of thought, it doesn't happen by chance. How few things in your life that you're proud of, that you worked hard for, just fell into your lap? Yeah, I can't think of very m

Every year I make a list of loose goals and try to start/finish/try/plot/etc. them before the year's end. Some are hard, some are goofy, some are ridiculously easy or that I've been chewing on for awhile but just need to actually write it down to get it done. Most years (most) of them get completed. Sometimes they don't. You can view past years' lists and the What Happened post HERE . I'm still mulling on my 2020 list, so you'll (probably) see it later January. 19 Things in 2019 * Watch Lo + Behold with Lukka (completed, Spring). This netflix documentary about tech was something I wanted (and was able to make) time for with my son. He liked it. I was 'meh'. * Go to New Media Gallery for another exhibition (completed, multiple installations). I love this gallery...it's not even something that needs to get written down anymore, I just go every time they have new work! * Take Ani to the Vancouver Art Gallery (completed, December) I finally

I read so many good books this year, it was extremely hard to choose favorites. I literally could not take a single one off this list, so it became 11. Hah! As a bonus, I included some of my favorite read-alouds that I completed with the kids at the bottom. You might notice a pattern to a lot of my picks; I want exceptional writing if I'm reading fiction, and a rich sense of place. If I'm reading nonfiction (and I probably am), I want it to be engaging, intriguing or making an excellent argument, and accessible. I love reading true stories. I love reading things that end on a hopeful note, or that shine beauty or hope. All of these picks have that. A few of them are Christian spirituality or have that worldview while looking in on culture or literature--that's my English degree coming out, and so while those might not interest the general population, I loved them. I'll briefly list why they're on this list. Here are my favorites! * Crow Lake by Mary Lawson -