best of 2009 Blog Challenge continued

8. moment of peace – the service of matins before divine liturgy. It is quiet. The church is not full of bodies yet. The choir chants and there is this palpable sensation that you are in the presence of the Divine

9. challenge – my biggest challenge this year just happened. parenting my 14 year old son. Friends – choices – consequences – attitude – it is an ongoing challenge. I feel that sometimes I have absolutely no clue as to what I am doing. My husband shares this feeling – so we are flying in the dark. Together though. We are together. But, just yesterday after more drama – I feel that we maybe shared a positive experience that will move us forward.

10. album of the year – no question – it is the Mountain Goats new album The Life of the World to Come – this is a beautiful piece of work – I can hardly wait to hear them play it live. Please come to Vancouver soon.

11. the best place – is my sunroom- here I sit every morning with my Americano and I read and write. Here is where I sit and hang with my children and my husband. Here is where good conversation happens with my friends. It is my favourite room in my house and I treasure my time here

12. new food – prawns vindaloo spice packet - this package of spices costs just over $3. All you need to do is saute some onions in oil; add the spices; the prawns, peppers, coconut milk and simmer. Serve over rice. Easy peesy. We eat it almost weekly. Definitely weekly during Lent.