goodbye 2007

I've been cruising through a few of my favourite blogs this morning and suddenly feel peer pressure to write a year-end wrap-up post, filled with reflections on 2007 or a list of goals for 2008, but truthfully, I need to leave 2007 behind me and not put any pressure on 2008 to perform. I feel guilty even writing this since there were no major disasters in 2007, but the devil is in the details and it's been a year filled with small setbacks, disappointments and plenty of disillusionment. I can even look back over my blog, comparing its more sombre tone -- or absence of any kind of tone at all -- to the light-heartedness and humour of the past. For example, when I injured my back again in October and couldn't move for three days (and it took until now to feel 100% again) I was so fed up with myself/circumstances/2007 that I told almost nobody about it. The dormitory matron in me wants to tell me to pull up my socks and count my blessings, you silly old cow, but that tendency to downplay and spin everything positively, a self-preservation tactic I learned early on, is often part of my problem, so I'm hoping that committing it to public record will help me make a clean break with 2007.

In 2008 my only real intention is to try and live by these words of the Dalai Lama:

I am open to the guidance of synchronicity, and do not let expectations hinder my path.

On a professional level I also plan to follow Jafabrit's wise advice and "screw the business of art." :)

And since I wouldn't dare post without pictures, here are a few from yesterday's hike in Burns Bog, a short walk down the hill from us. We found a lot of evidence of beaver activity by the creek and spotted a coyote on a hillside.

Finally, I also want to thank my virtual friends for all your support and affection this year and may 2008 be filled with good memories. Happy New Year!