1. Do not think dishonestly.
2. The Way is in training.
3. Become acquainted with every art.
4. Know the Ways of all professions.
5. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters.
6. Develop intuitive judgment and understanding for everything.
7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen.
8. Pay attention even to trifles.
9. Do nothing which is of no use.
-Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
-William Morris

“Oh I’m afraid the deflector shield will be quite operational when your friends arrive.”

And that picture and quote combination is probably the nerdiest thing I will do this year.  I’m not even going to explain it – either you’ll get it or you won’t.

I started a new set of  pictures of the Rocket.  I also intended to post something more substantial here this weekend, but time ran away from me. Maybe later then.

Me: Do you think our souls are the same age?

Herself: I think your soul is about twelve.

One year ago my wife and I were married.

Two days ago our beautiful daughter turned three months old.

I am a very, very lucky man.

Happy Anniversary ma petite. Happy Anniversary to us.

Year in review, 2009: married in January, baby arrived in October.

Went to Paris for the first time. Still struggling to write and express my feelings about that city.

Did I mention we had a baby?  I’m not going to even try and write about the tsunami of emotions involved with my daughter. Too much. Too humbling.

Many other folks, dear to us, had babies. So far we are all of us muddling along in a pretty fair manner and in good health.

Can’t ask for much more. See you around in 2010.

The wind is picking up, but we are still waiting for the threatened snow here in Q-town. Hope everyone is warm, well-fed and watered, and enjoying the holiday season.