...that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents...

I deemed this 'The Year of Developing Talents'. I made a list (only mental and verbal to Carl) of all kinds of things I'd like to learn to do or learn how to do better. I'm pleased to say that I'm doing well.

Remember how I got a piano for my birthday? Well, I'm still taking lessons mostly every week and I'm getting better. No concertos in the near future, but I'm playing with both hands and understand a lot more than when I started. Unfortunately my harmonica playing is not coming as well.

We've done a little gardening this year and I've learned a fair amount about that. It's been so exciting to see something you planted actually grow and very satisfying to eat it!

Carl and I have been taking dancing lessons (as per my Valentine's Day gift) the past few weeks as well. You just show up to the beginner classes whenever you want so we've dropped in on Salsa, Swing, Waltz, and Ballroom. We like the teachers and we've done well. Look for us on Dancing with the Stars next season.

I've been learning how to use my new sewing machine - you might remember the bags I made. I've done a few odd jobs here and there but still have a lot to learn. What's next? Maybe curtains? Maybe a quilt? Maybe a pillowcase? We'll see.

**Post edit: It was a skirt. I went to Relief Society last night and we're working on making 100 dresses for the local women's shelter so... I sewed a skirt. Yippee!

Lastly, my culinary endeavors. I've made quite a few new recipes this year and am enjoying learning how to make different kinds of things. Recently I made Peach Surprise (pictured above) and it was really yummy. We've had it several times since. It's not hard but it was my first time making meringue. We had some friends over the other night for a four-course, candlelit dinner. (That's what I offered as my service for the YW auction/fundraiser). We had steamed artichokes and almond-crusted chicken with fresh green beans and cilantro lime rice. I made rolls and tried out a new twist to them that I made up. And you know what, it turned out great! Off topic: Shall I share a funny picture of Carl? he dressed up for this dinner all in black and slicked his hair back in a ponytail with one lone curl on his forehead. Oh! And the mustache! I love him.

Anyway, back to food. You might remember my sunflower cupcakes from a couple months ago. Well, I've been at it again.

I made these duckie cupcakes for a baby shower.

And these mini hamburgers for a BBQ. These are candy coated cake balls and they are about the size of a golf ball. Not surprisingly more work than I had anticipated but it was still really fun. A huge thanks to Carl for the encouragement when I wanted to quit and the help making them when it turned into a two-person job.

So there's my progress. I'm proud of myself for making such an effort and for being half way through the year and still working on these things. My mom is proud too - I know because I call her the very minute I accomplish anything to get her verbal pat on the back - and she always gives it.