In Review

In January, I flew to Buffalo to attend the wintry wedding of my college roommate, waxed poetic over childhood dreams, spent a lot of time doodling and enjoyed a girl's weekend with my two closest female friends.

In February, I fixated on Swedish interiors, practiced staying wonky, saved up for and purchased my beloved Nikon, celebrated Valentine's Day with an indoor French picnic, and published my first (and last) style post.

In March, I splurged on my now favorite piece of art, connected with my New England roots on a weekend trip to Westport, pondered the point of blogging, wandered Manhattan with my camera, proclaimed my enthusiasm for everything and shared five interesting facts about myself.

In April, I completed my thesis with the help of coffee, accepted a new teaching position for the upcoming school year, saw my sister perform in her leading role at Ithaca, and debuted Exquisite Banana Junior.

In May, I was moved by the beautiful paintings of E.E. Cummings, treasured plentiful time with friends including a Kentucky Derby party, declared my undying love for Spring, baked a favorite dessert, met Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, cheered for Emma as she graduated from college, survived a bee infestation in our house, and said farewell to three years of graduate school with the acquisition of my Master's degree.

In June, I spent significant time outside, witnessed the most amazing sunset on the tennis court, lamented a particularly emotional goodbye with my students, attended the wedding of Tiho's colleague, shared my thoughts on picture-taking, succumbed to Summer's glorious freedom, prepared for our European vacation, and made a rainbow painting for one of you.

In July, I got engaged(!) in the gardens at Versailles, fell in love with Paris, froze in magical Prague, and gallivanted across the entirety of Bulgaria.

In August, I spent an afternoon at Stone Barns Farm, celebrated a special anniversary, reveled in downtime, thoroughly appreciated a weekend get-a-way to our cottage in Cape Cod, said farewell to my mom as she departed on a year-long trip to China, and sustained Hurricane Irene.

In September, I turned twenty-five, spent labor day at the lake, returned to the Cape to visit wedding venues for our second celebration in 2013, adjusted to the craziness of a new school year, went apple picking, and eloped at city hall!

In October, my love turned twenty-six, we goofed off in a photo booth, I embraced fall, struggled to find balance, and experienced seriously wacky weather.

In November, I fell prey to the stunning colors of Autumn in New York, reached the semi-finals in an online publishing contest, and expressed my Thanksgiving gratitude in the form of a poem.

In December, it was all things festive, all of the time. There was significant sparkle and light, culminating in a glorious and restful holiday break.

I'm not sure I'll ever have a year quite like this one again (traversing Europe! getting engaged AND married! starting a new job!). I'm sorry to say goodbye to such a beautiful twelve months, but excited for the potential of 2012. Here's to contentment and serenity for us all.