Wrangler Dani

I stole this idea from Val, because she is the best at lists. Also, I know that today is January 9th and so this is pretty late to the year-end party. Oh well, you know what they say: if you can’t be on time, at least say something witty and have a second cupcake. Wait, that’s not a saying? Oh.

My Three Favorite Books of 2013

• The Casual Vacancy, by J.K. Rowling – In looking over what I’d read this year, I realize that I don’t read much fiction, unless it was written by somebody long-dead and overly in love with billowing skirts and white waistcoats (Austen, Dickens and I would have been great friends, I’m sure). But I LOVED this book. It was occasionally dirty, but so honest, so heartfelt and so detailed that you couldn’t put it down – a complex portrait of family dysfunction, small-town politics and the beautiful difference that one life well-lived can make. Read it. You will cry like a baby and you will love it.

• The Indifferent Stars Above, the Harrowing Saga of a Donner Party Bride, by Daniel James Brown – I’m enamored with American history, particularly those brave souls who pioneered the West. Sarah Graves was a newly-married, hopeful Illinois girl who embarked with her new husband and her entire family for the promising, rich soil of California. Everybody knows the Donner Party story – but this book brought to life the details that we miss in our eagerness to talk about the gory aspects: the mistakes that were made early on, the alliances forged and broken, the families who sacrificed everything for each other and their children. It’s tragic and heart-breaking, but also beautiful, because it speaks to the hope and tenacity of the people who made the West what it is today, who endured so much in pursuit of a dream.

• Under the Banner of Heaven, a Story of Violent Faith, by Jon Krakauer – Krakauer is easily one of my favorite authors, and he blends a reporter’s skepticism with a storyteller’s empathy and a historian’s outlook in a way that’s compelling and haunting. The FLDS (Fundamentalist Mormon) movement is fascinating to me, and I love the details, histories and complexities of faith and how we come by it. It seems obvious to me that the more a religious movement tells us what we want to hear, it has ceased to be true and starts to smack of men instead of God. Great book, fascinating history.

• Honorable mentions: Good Tidings and Great Joy, by Sarah Palin; The Paris Wife, by Paula McLain; Bright Lights, Big Ass, by Jen Lancaster; Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, by Jon Meacham; The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Top Three Movies of 2013

• Star Trek: Into Darkness – Gosh I loved this movie. It’s the classic second in a trilogy, (i.e. dark and emotional) but dammit if Captain Kirk isn’t still charming as all get-out. I loved seeing the characters develop past their stereotype (nervous doctor, playboy super-captain, emotionless sidekick) and into nuanced individuals with battles of their own to fight. I watch movies for inspiration and escapism, and this one did it for me.

• The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – I love this movie for a very selfish reason, that I identify deeply with Katniss. But other people liked it too, who aren’t as self-centered as I am. Also, I’m Team Peeta.

• Iron Man 3 (just beat out Thor) – I couldn’t wait for another Thor movie. I was really into mythology in high school and read a ton of Nordic myths, so I think the tie-ins are really engaging. However, Iron Man 3 was an incredible full-circle for Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, so it beats Thor. (Yes, Marvel, you can take all my money.) It was emotionally honest without losing Tony’s signature snark, and allowing Pepper to grow past the hand-maiden and into a heroine was refreshing.

Top Three Moments of 2013

• Adam and I moved to Oregon. It’s been a wild year and it’s been mostly terrific. Plus, it feels like change in the right direction, which is helpful. We’ve also had a lot of chances at unique Northwestern adventures: kayaking, beer festivals, snowshoeing, hiking, shooting guns, fishing – it’s all been exciting and totally worth the scariness of change. It’s also been really wonderful to have so many friends and family come visit – and you are next on the list. Yes, you. Come see me, and will buy you the adult beverage of your choice and take you on a hike in the mountains.

• Our Impromptu Labor Day wine-tasting trip to Washington. You know how to revive your soul? Go on a trip with someone you love – no definite plan, no agenda, nothing to be late to – just three days of exploring, laughing, trying new food and getting lost. (Good wine was a nice addition as well). So fun, refreshing and absolutely perfect.

• Horse camp. I got to go back to the ranch where “Wrangler Dani” was born and volunteer for a weekend. I felt a little old and a little less toned and fearless than I used to be, (all sad truths) but being surrounded by so many familiar sights and sounds was really fun. My old boss is no longer there and many of the horses I knew and loved are long-gone, but some things are the same: the feeling of a saddle in my arms, the gentle murmurings that come out of old cowboys comforting scared horses, the smell of fresh-cut hay and trail dust and wet saddle-blankets. These are moments to live for.

All in all, 2013 was a great year, don’t you think? Can’t wait to see what 2014 unfolds.