Here is my annual list of random favorite things I discovered in the past year. I am a late bloomer, so forgive me if you discovered these gems many moons ago.
1. The Presbytery of Chicago. After 20+ years of membership in another presbytery, I found myself in a new place in 2011 in more ways than one. To quote Stefon, POC has everything: A mega-church in search of a new head of staff, a church that meets in a train station, a missional community that meets in an art gallery, big churches meeting in small spaces, small churches meeting in large spaces, dying churches, living churches, dying churches that look like living churches, living churches that look like dying churches. I get to work with them all now.
2. The First Ambassador to South Sudan. Susan D. Page moved to Juba, South Sudan in 2011 but she was raised in Flossmoor, IL and grew up in the church HH now serves. Trust me when I say she is a rock star. We pray for her as she serves what must be one of the toughest diplomatic posts in the world. And congratulations to South Sudan for becoming a country in 2011.
3. Aging. Although 2010 was officially my first empty nest year, I lived without HH and our dog for the first six months of 2011 and then . . . I left my own nest. This has aged me. I feel older now. I outlived my Mom as of April Fools’ Day 2011 – celebrated with a Jan’s Not Dead Yet Weekend. I also get a senior discount at IHOP now. There are moments when this all feels slightly traumatic, but really – it’s not so bad. We can talk privately about menopause.
4. These are like crack. The perfect after dinner treat. Or before dinner.
5. LB. She was always a good friend. She is an even better friend since we moved from D.C. L.B. is one of many examples of someone who doesn’t really do church, but she exemplifies what it looks like to love people lavishly in the image of Christ.
6. Gay weddings. They are just like straight weddings. Really. It will not be the end of the world if we can officially officiate.
7. The iPad. Elegant. Gorgeous. Makes me want to wear a black turtleneck.
8. Chagall’s America Windows at the AIC. My new favorite place to sit and stare.
May you have discovered beautiful things in 2011. Looking forward to the New Year with you.
A Church for Starving Artists 
What about those amazing chocolate chip cookies. More importantly, what about me!? Haha, just kidding. (well, not about the cookies.)
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Yes, Sweet Annie’s Everyday Treats are a great discovery. AND our book group. But looking forward to your book as a highlight of 2012.
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Try the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts every Wednesday at 12:15 in Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center. http://www.wfmt.com/main.taf?p=1,1,41,48 They’re a lunchtime treat and just sitting in Preston Bradley Hall anytime and gazing up at the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome is sheer delight.
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I do love the windows. And Trina’s right about the concerts–awesome and free! 🙂
Did you discover the Christkindlemarket this year? It’s a highlight of Chicago Decembers.
Also, last week I went on a walking tour I think you might enjoy–it’s from Chicago Detours and is called the Inside the Loop tour. Almost all inside! I learned all kinds of new stuff. Discover it in 2012.
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Inside the Loop Tour is great. You must do it especially if you haven’t been in the Rookery (assuming that’s still included – if not just go in it on your own).
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Teri – let’s go.
HH & I are going to Book of Mormon in January. You convinced me.
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Since you are loving your iPad, any chance that you will tell us your fav iPad apps? I would love to hear what apps you use…
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Hi Mary – I’m still an iPad rookie. The apps I use most are Kindle, BBC, and New York Times. I also use Yelp fairly often.
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A last minute discovery: Pinterest. Check it out:
http://pinterest.com/
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