As 2016 ends, so does this round of Project 365. I am relieved on both counts, although I will miss how the act of sharing a daily photo kept me connected with faraway loved ones. Thank you for being here; your presence meant a lot to me during this very challenging year. I’m excited to refocus my creative energies on my writing in 2017, but I’ll keep sharing here from time to time.
2016 had one last stomach bug to throw my way. Earlier this afternoon I was feeling dizzy so I went outside for some fresh air and saw this lichen-spotted sign. via Instagram [ift.tt/2hBWIDc](http://ift.tt/2hBWIDc) Writing from: my living-room in Portland, Oregon. Listening to: an episode of "Travelers" on Netflix. It had promise but ultimately suffered from the same issues that plague all shows about time travel.
A tiny tree sits next to a pine-scented candle, and it is drizzling outside. Zen wanders through the house, pausing to express her displeasure at all of the chilly corners that lack FunkyPlaid’s presence. But soon he will be coming home, and we’ll all be warmer. You have noticed by now that despite being Day 364 of this project, there are two more days left in 2016. Leap year granted me a bonus Day 366 photo!
Tonight I turned the page to peek at 2017. It looks so clean and new from here. I am sure 2016 looked much the same, last December 28th. Is it foolish to look forward to a symbolic fresh start? Are these merely the first few hours of our darker days? via Instagram [ift.tt/2iHenLA](http://ift.tt/2iHenLA) Writing from: my study in Portland, Oregon. Listening to: Carrie Fisher being interviewed in 1977 about “Star Wars”.
Here is my first Kaweco, a Liliput Fireblue, which is one of the smallest fountain pens – less than four inches long when capped! Each pen is hand-torched by Kaweco CEO Michael Gutberlet to give it the distinctively mottled steel finish. I’m looking forward to putting it through its paces in future ink tests! via Instagram [ift.tt/2iCK3O3](http://ift.tt/2iCK3O3)
Hopping into my time machine to catch up with some posts from the weekend! Yes, I am wearing a bat onesie pajamas (kigurumi), a most excellent gift from FunkyPlaid. via Instagram [ift.tt/2ilD5h5](http://ift.tt/2ilD5h5)
Hopping into my time machine to catch up with some posts from the weekend! FunkyPlaid and I were together on Christmas Day for the first time in too long, and it was wonderful. via Instagram [ift.tt/2hiiacS](http://ift.tt/2hiiacS)
Hopping into my time machine to catch up with some posts from the weekend! Here's a selfie I took at Gamescape North, the best and friendliest local game store in the world. via Instagram [ift.tt/2hewEe4](http://ift.tt/2hewEe4)
I’m reading Patricia Highsmith’s “The Price of Salt” and enjoying the new fireplace in my inlaws’ living-room. Not pictured but very close by: FunkyPlaid. π ο»Ώ Writing from: a cozy home in Marin County, California. Listening to: the quiet whir of the fireplace.
Zen didn’t get up to say goodbye as I was heading to the airport, but that’s okay. She has a new hiding place: right in front of the register, underneath the nesting tables. I tried to move the tables and put her bed there, but she just folded herself up underneath the tables and looked disappointed. Message received. I’ll miss this little weirdo but I’m looking so forward to seeing FunkyPlaid for a few days!