I'm finally resurfacing from this gnarly cold enough to put two thoughts together. Much like my cold, 2009 hit my family with some challenges that kind of knocked us over a bit. Since the 2010 ball dropped I've been trying to figure out how I want to approach the new year, and if one word will suffice to describe it. In the end, I decided the best word for me for 2010 was "vigor."

Dictionary.com says vigor means healthy physical or mental energy or power; vitality; a force of healthy growth in any living matter or organism. That sounds cool, right? What sounds even more cool are some of the synonyms for vigor (according to Thesaurus.com): ability, bang, capability, juice, kick, moxie, punch, vim, zing, and zip. Aren't those great words for a new decade? I even found a great quote.

To resist the frigidity of old age [boy I need that!], one must combine the body, the mind, and the heart. And to keep these in parallel vigor one must exercise, study, and love.
                              ~ Alan Bleasdale

2009 wasn't without some great moments: my Caitlin's graduation from UNT, a wonderful trip to Wyoming, visits with brothers and sisters in Oklahoma and Indiana, fun adventures with Pillow Pup, and precious encouragement and inspiration from co-workers and dear crafting friends. Here's a review of some 2009 projects. If you click on any of the pictures, it will take you to the original post for all the deets.

January – Rusty Rooster (a fun technique)

February – Sweet Stems and Lovely Letters Stationery Box

March – You Crack Me Up.

April – A Quilt of Scraps

May – Mom's Paper Garden

June – Scene From a Garden

July – Bountiful Butterflies

August – Lots of Bots

September – Bucket Booty

October – Round 'em Up Texana Designs

November – Mo Snow

December – Let It Snow

Thank you precious readers for all your support this past year . . . and here's looking forward to a vigorous 2010.