Dear 2009

It's been a few hours since you've left. Like your predecessors you left in the middle of the night without a word. But unlike them you left your mark on my life in good ways and in not so good ways. You did a number on me big time. I know some people have said "Good riddance!" to you but there's a bit of wistfulness in my heart. Let me recount some of the highlights.

Those mad skilz needed for fiber manipulation-- In the past year I put in more spinning hours to fine tune my technique, used a drum carder for the first time, participated in a shearing, and went to my first Spin Off Autumn Retreat. It was enough to encourage me to do a workshop for the Portland Spinnerati for the first time and make some yarn for a very good friend. It gives me the impetus to pursue making some batts for raising funds for travel and other off-work mayhem.

Participated in a number of local events -- Two events, Black Sheep Gathering and Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival, I've been to before. Those are fun even when the wallet is a little empty for you never know what you'll run across. But two national events were also local events. The first Sock Summit, ably put together by Tina Newton and Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, was a stunning success in so many ways. The entire vibe of the four days was one of a mutual love of crafting. There were many fangirl moments and Internet buddy meetups. There will be another Sock Summit in 2011 but none will compare with SS09. The other event was the SpinOff Autumn Retreat (SOAR) in Sunriver. For many, including me, it was their first SOAR. While the altitude didn't help my asthma, the classes I took were excellent. The knowledge gained inspired me a lot and gave me a hunger for more. I got a good taste of the spinning community and made new acquaintances that have carried over to the Internet. On top of those events I managed to negotiate the appearance of Franklin Habit in Portland. Yes, he's just as adorable in person as he is in his blog.

I found a fellow space traveler who speaks my language -- Sometimes you get lucky and find someone who, in the course of everyday living, understands you when you decide to go in an entirely different direction than everyone else. I have friends with which I can carry on conversations that are decidedly whacko. But I have to say that Dan beats them all. The synchronicity we have is at times a little uncanny even though we come from definitely different backgrounds. Today at lunch we held a conversation for at least half an hour that sounded like two spies getting together after a hiatus and all without a blink of an eye or "You are just so weird!" We share a fascination of the grotesque. He's a gentle soul at heart and a true delight. I look forward to spending another year with him.

So 2009, even though you threw at me financial and health issues that challenged me (don't forget the computer crapage of September), you did have much to recommend for you in my house. Thanks for the fun. 2010 has its work cut out for it.