2012 :: the year in random pictures

Mini raw pies from my upcoming pie cookbook

Ah, the nostalgia that comes with December 31. After a string of hellish years – and accompanying difficult-to-swallow life lessons –  my planets finally got their act together in 2012. Looking back, I have much to be thankful for, some of it via kismet and some via my own design; important to distinguish between the two.

My health improved after my surgeries. I remain in a solid, wonderful relationship with the proverbial man of my dreams. After my health-induced hiatus, I am more in love with running than ever – I even set PRs in every race I ran this year. I wrote another cookbook – one that I am especially proud of – and F-stop photographed it – fun! We traveled to St Martin twice. I finally remodeled my kitchen. Truly, I am blessed.

Happiness is finishing another cookbook then cooking recipes from someone else's! BBQ Black-Eyed Peas Collard Rolls from Veganomicon

Of course, 2012 had it's bad points, too. Buttons has been getting up in years and her health has been declining [but I never underestimate my little tuxedo waif kitty: she is powerful]. I learned that friendship can be as fickle as the weather – and in other cases, stronger than time. My love of running led to an overuse injury (IT band syndrome). But life is in balance.

I'm a bit stuffed after all the holiday feasts, so instead of sharing a recipe, I thought I'd recap 2012 by sharing a few, random "behind-the-scenes" pictures that didn't make it to blog posts. Happy 2013, amigos!

Pablo grooming little Buttons. 

Pablo and Bossa Nova cuddling. Pablo loves everyone. Bossa, not so much!

F-stop and I were greeted by flowers and a complementary bottle of wine in our hotel room in St. Martin. Flowers everywhere: on bed, on paper towel roll, on TP roll!

Me, PRing in the Rothman 8K, chip time, 39:10, 7:52 pace. 7th in my age group! It was very cold that day. I ran for Team Vegan Philly. We raised money for the Humane League.

Me and my Cioci Regina at her 90th birthday party. She does not look [or act!] 90. I hope I inherited her genes. Her young spirit is inspiring!

My favorite 2012 Philly vegan breakfast dish out: vegan French toast at Green Eggs Cafe.

F-stop and I spent a weekend in Cape May but the weather was so bad, we left early. This was the storm before Sandy, extra drama courtesy of Instagram. What a year of weather. 

[This is MY photo, by the way, Instagram. I took it. I own it. So there.] 

Happy, healthy 2013!