Thursday, December 30, 2010

To the Continuing Journey...

2010 Collage
left to right - Top to Bottom:
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desserts at Chez Panisse: gelato at Otto in Vegas: Birthday Party Poms: Brunch at Out the Door in SF: Salumi at Otto in Vegas: Camp Confab: Craftting Community in Palm Springs: Clothes at Sunhee Moon in SF: Oysters at Hog Island in SF: Fish tacos at Mariscos El Pescador truck, Chula Vista
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Candy Store Collective Boutique in SF: Momofuku Milk Bar Midtown, NYC: Homemade caramels: Emma's kitty cat cake: Momofuku wall, NYC: Juju's Craft Party: Heath Ceramics Factory Store: Zuni in SF: Meatballs at Delfina Pizzeria, SF: Russ and Daughters, NYC
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Birthday Party at Boulette's Larder: The Grand Canyon, North Rim: Corn at our Summer BBQ: Cooks Confab Egg: Esalen Farm, Big Sur: Cakes at the Madonna Inn: The Standard Hotel, NYC: La Super Rica, Santa Barbara: Caelan and Emma at Disneyland: Viva Pops in North Park
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Juju and her cake: South Point House at Esalen in Big Sur: The Bell Jar Boutique, SF: Cannoli at Pizzeria Delfina in SF: Rajas at Super Rica in Santa Barbara: Crafts at Juju's party: Dinner at DOC in Portland: Mozza in LA: Crafting Community in Palm Springs: Crafting in Palm Springs
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Me with my Birthday Croquembouche: Pizzeria Mozza in LA: Camp Confab: Lobster Roll at the Standard Grill, NYC: Stumptown Coffee in Portland: Mast Bros. Chocolate in NYC: Emma in Vegas: Emma with her cake: The Grand Canyon Lodge, North Rim: Nepenthe in Big Sur
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The Tabor cart in Portland: Me with my Grandmother: MIHO Gastrotruck: DOC in Portland: Dale Chihuly exhibit at the Salk: The Standard Hotel in NYC: Eataly: Gobo salad at Okan: Santa Barbara Spot Prawns at Mozza in LA: Zuni in SF.

Without question, this year was filled with good things for us - lots of travel, amazing meals, parties, quality time with friends and family. On the other hand though, I have a feeling as this year comes to a close, that things have changed across the landscape in some sort of permanent - or at least very long term - way. The full brunt of the economic downturn seems apparent now, and it's pretty sobering. There are more homeless people on the street, local businesses and stores have closed, people who should be succeeding are treading water, and those who were treading water are having a hard time staying afloat. It feels a bit Marie Antoinette to discuss this year without acknowledging that reality.

Things aren't perfect for us by any means, but I feel very lucky to have what I have, to do what I do, and to know the absolutely fantastic people in my life. This was the year I turned 40, and as I said in May - I viewed it as sort of a halfway point - maybe even a high point. We can always hope that things continue to get better, but there is definitely something to be said for being grateful for what you have in the moment, and I truly am.

Here's to the continuing journey, friends. I hope 2010 has been kind to you, and wish you all the best for a warm, happy and peaceful 2011.

(p.s. - click on the photo and view in Flickr for a key to all of the pictures.)

8 comments:

  1. well said. looking forward to what the new year has to offer.

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  2. True, and beautiful. And sobering. Wishing you a healthy, delicious New Year. And yeah, lots of cake. ;-) xox Karina

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  3. Sheila@dinneratsheilas1/2/11, 8:21 AM

    Very well said...Happy New
    Year!

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  4. Lots to think about here...and I adore your 2010 collage (lots to look at and savor!). Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2011. Hope to see you again this year! :-)

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  5. I love the way you organized this. Very nice -- and what a lot of work!

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  6. lovely and thoughtful as always.

    happy, happy new year friend. here's to a splendid 2011...

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  7. I agree, this was well put. I can't wait to see where you go in 2011! You always inspire me with beautiful places to visit, lovely items to own and amazing food to try. Happy New Year to you and James! xo

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