A day at a time, the log jam is loosening and the ideas are flowing. The sun is coming back, energy is returning, and I am pulling myself blinking from the retreat of hibernation. For my own mental and emotional health, this year needs to be less about driving myself and more about reducing commitments, taking care of myself, and finding my passion again. It needs to be about healing.

I've been quietly avoiding interacting with all the social media posts bashing 2016, as though a year can be to blame for all the things that are wrong with the world or a person's life. It seemed so ludicrous, and I figured if someone was going to be that negative and blame it on a calendar, my energy would be better spent elsewhere than trying to help them see how ridiculous that is.

I don't know anyone who would argue that cookies and cakes are necessary food groups for a balanced diet. (Chocolate, on the other hand...) But even with all the conflicting information, I believe that baked goods can still be a nutritious alternative to store-bought processed foods. Here is the outline of the philosophy I have embraced to judiciously incorporate delicious baked goodness into our family's diet over the years while still keeping as much nutrition in our calories as possible.

When one travels, it is easy to look in wonder at the big buildings, the different customs, the strange food, and wonder, "What is that for? Who made that? Why do they do it that way?"

The truth is, wonderful things are all around us, no matter where we live.

I can probably count on one hand the number of times I have used the exact yarn called for in a given pattern, and I've made my share of mistakes while learning how to substitute. May you be able to learn from them.

Nothing like a few garden herbs growing inside in winter to bring back memories of summer. Oh, sunshine, how do I miss thee? Let me count the ways...

Tiptoeing through time and space back to India, where we made friends for life--and where our love story began.

This might look like greasy, fried Western food, but tonight, it was what relief tasted like. It was the flavour of a small victory after a long and frustrating day. It was safety after about as much adventure as we could handle at once.

At last, this pattern is finally ready! When you see all that it has to offer, you'll know why it took nine months to make! (Okay, so I didn't knit a lot during the summer... but this pattern did get super-tested!)

I see you there, with your screwed-up face and your well-coiffed hair and your impatient gesture each time someone in the line in front of you dares to order one more thing. I was much like you for many years, and once in a while, I see your eyes looking back at mine from the mirror. May I remember that Kindness is Never Wasted. I hope you learn this, too, my Lady.

Francoise of Aroha Knits had more than a few obstacles in her way when she decided to launch her knitwear business--but she did it anyway. Read the inspiring story of this expat American designer living in Japan whose business has grown to encompass the globe.

I hit a milestone this week. Have you had any milestones towards your goal lately?

Tea, books, knitting, eating, cuddling, chocolate... This is a small celebration of some of my favourite simple pleasures. What makes your list?

Making pumpkin pie from scratch is the most delicious way, and not as difficult as you might think. This is our family recipe. Perfect fall comfort food!