December finds

A few of my favorite finds in the month of December:

Top favorite: While roaming the streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar, I stumbled upon the story of Princess Sayyida Salme, a woman who lived an incredible life.  As a lover of herstory, this is right up my alley.  I've already ordered her memoirs.

Favorite video: A TED Talk that spoke to me and made me want to cry.  With so many different interests, I just don't know what my "calling" is.  And just maybe that's a good thing!  This inspiring talk by Elizabeth Gilbert about why not having a passion might just be a good thing, is a close runner-up.

Favorite article: When you feel like the world is all going downhill, click here to see why 2015 was actually the best year in history.

Favorite recipe: Zanzibar is known for its spices, so I stocked up while there.  And I was inspired to experiment with saffron.  This saffron chicken recipe is both easy and delicious.

Favorite song: A song by Syrian composer Kinan Azmeh and the Toronto orchestra. http://blog.onbeing.org/post/135510754561/the-syrian-composer-kinan-azmeh-performs-this

Favorite quote: Reminding myself of this as the New Year approaches:

Of all ridiculous things the most ridiculous seems to me, to be busy.
— Kierkegaard

Favorite comedic relief: Because she has no idea what she's talking about.

Favorite new word: acerbic - sour or astringent in taste; harsh or severe, as of temper or expression. From The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd

Favorite product: It's always hard to resist traditionally-made textiles, so we picked up these pillowcases in Zanzibar.