Best of 2017

To wrap up 2017, here are a few “bests” from my year...

Eight Best Books (of the 52 I read): Cordelia’s Honor (Lois McMaster Bujold); The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism (Naomi Klein); Lords and Ladies (Terry Pratchett); History of Wolves (Emily Fridlund); A People’s History of the United States (Howard Zinn); Etta and Otto and Russell and James (Emma Hooper); The Shepherd’s Crown (Terry Pratchett); and Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen (Lois McMaster Bujold).

Best New Experience: Going to protests – I went to 14 different protests, rallies, and vigils this year, in addition to other activism events and meetings!

Two Best Adventures: My roadtrips with Zach to Maine – to explore Acadia National Park – and Missouri – for the solar eclipse!

Best Harvest: Cucumbers – I harvested 95 cucumbers from my garden this year!

Best Timing: The Vegan Month of Food – Vegan MoFo taking place in October coincided with the absolute worst part of this year for me (Buttons’ cancer, her declining health, and her passing), and yet it helped me keep it together in spite of all of that was going on. I could hang out with Buttons while she rested, reading about all the great food everyone was enjoying around the world; in those moments, I was experiencing the lives of other people instead of dwelling on all the worries and anxieties I had for my dear Buttons girl. Additionally, if I hadn’t committed to posting every day and trying new foods and fun recipes, I know I wouldn’t have eaten well in October; Vegan MoFo kept me cooking, and I sketched my food every day as part of Inktober as well. The Vegan MoFo community was so incredibly supportive during this difficult time; all the comments and love and understanding definitely got me through it. Thank you so much, everyone! <3

What are some “bests” from your 2017, and what are you looking forward to in 2018? I’m excited to read more good books, cook and eat more good food, grow my garden, cuddle with my kitties, make more art, and have some fun adventures! 

Thanks for reading and commenting this year, and I’ll see you again soon!

Peace. :)