Best of 2009 Blog Challenge: Best Stationary

So I’m a little bit obsessed with geometric architecture and Islamic art. Growing up in the Middle East probably had something to do with it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m also impressed with the whimsical creations of Gaudi, but my preferred architecture is the kind where math meets art. The symmetry of mosques, the creative ways they made windows and tile work both beautiful yet functional inspires me.

During my trip to Saudi with Jim over last year’s holidays I took many photos of geometric art expressed in architecture. When I got back to Colorado I promptly got the tools and materials to make prints, researched more Islamic art online, found some incredible paper at Two Hands Paperie in Boulder (even though their prices stink) and then got to work. My prints were transformed into stationary. I had some of my stationary listed on my etsy shop, but had to take them off due to my using them too often. (Jim and I used these cards all year to send our thanks or congratulations.)

So as self centered as it may be, my favorite stationary of the year is my own. The process was a fun way for me to be creative, stretch my mind, relieve stress, feel connected to the place of my birth, and ultimately produce a unique and usable product.

Best of 2009 Blog Challenge: Best Project

I had some of my photography printed by my good friend Paul and  Lafayette’s art market pARTiculars liked my work so much they chose it to join their collection. I also opened my own etsy shop.

I picked my meditation practice back up.

Jim and I sold our house, simplified our belongings, packed up our dogs, and moved to Costa Rica.

I participated (and won) NaNoWriMo by writing 50,000 words in the month of November. I now have the beginnings of a collection of short stories based on my life.

I’ve started my exploration of vegan, gluten free, and refined sugar free baking.

I began a regular habit of exercising, often walking four miles a day on our wonderful beach here in Bejuco.

I started SamAhern.com and even when I take a break (like in the month of November) I just keep coming back. I love this medium for keeping track of and sharing what I’m up to. I am so grateful for the response it has had.

Notice how I don’t really choose one thing to be THE BEST? Yeah, I’m just not willing to do it. I’m already forgetting or omitting many things due to my not wanting to blog so much that I don’t have a life. There is no such thing as “the best” anyway. (Even though I have a habit of being overly dramatic and proclaiming that something is indeed “the best” at times.) My fact is that my life is overflowing full of good stuff (which I might add is awesome to be reminded of when the earlier part of this year was a whole pile of suck).

Also, I haven’t been doing the prompts for this challenge in order or on the days suggested. I may keep this thing going into 2010. (Woah. Is that allowed?! Hahaha.) As I often say: “I do what I want!” So be it.