Happy new year, everyone! I still can’t believe 2016 is here. Last year was a huge growing year for me filled with lots of highs and lows. I am truly grateful for another year of life and the innumerable ways God blesses me each and every day.
I made reading a big priority in 2015 and ended up reading a grand total of 57 books. I’m looking forward to reading even more in 2016. I also spent Christmas in New York and it was truly magical. I’m already planning my next trip!
On New Year’s Eve, I went ice skating with good friends down by the Harbourfront. How did you usher in the new year? If you’re spending the weekend lounging on the couch, here’s a roundup of my favourite links for you to click through…
+ I am so thrilled that Anne is hosting the MMD 2016 Reading Challenge. If you’re on Pinterest and want to read more in 2016, I highly recommend joining in on the fun! The 2015 reading challenge inspired me to stick to my reading goals and challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and explore genres I wouldn’t usually pick up.
+ Instagram has been pretty amazing lately and I am a wee bit addicted. A few favourites: incredible sunset and waves in Hawaii and this stunning backstage shot.
+ That being said, I’ve never done this and I just might give it a shot. Why You Need a Digital Detox and How to Start One. “If going off the grid feels too scary, try just ignoring Instagram for a few days and see how it goes. You can also make a commitment to not check your phone in social settings. Start small and feel it out.”
+ Must watch: British Vogue takes us Inside the Wardrobe of the Vogue Fashion Editors.
+ This Darling magazine piece on what we can learn from businesses that depend on human decency. “If we can look at our society as a large village of strangers, trading what we have to offer, letting each other into our nests, and depending on technology to facilitate the processes, we can break our village of strangers into a community of givers, and maybe even make a few meaningful connections along the way.”
+ A guide to tasting olive oil (complete with illustrations!)
+ Surf and Rescue: Maui’s top helicopter pilot on saving skinny-dipping yogis and dodging 60-foot waves for Hollywood shoots. “Shearer, who has worked on films including Die Another Day, Waterworld, and Riding Giants, pilots a helicopter as if it were an extension of his body and can dodge oncoming waves by a matter of feet.”
+ This NY Times piece: Matt Damon: You Could Call Him Down to Earth.
Winter reading update:
I started reading Tales from the Back Row on the plane last week and I’m already halfway through. Odell is absolutely hilarious and tells it like it is!
I also picked up 2 A.M. at The Cat’s Pajamas a few nights ago and I’m loving it. Bertino’s writing is a breath of fresh air. An utterly charming, witty, moving, delightful read packed with surprises.
(Photo snapped while ice skating down by Harbourfront on NYE.)
DonzWebb 