1. OBAMA. It felt marvelous to vote for something rather than just against something else.

2. Both his acceptance speech and McCain’s concession speech are going to be significant in the history of American public address. You watch. Plus, having an eloquent President is much easier on the nerves of rhetoricians, no matter what party they belong to.

3. I’m thrilled to have a smart, accomplished First Lady back in the White House, but I also worry so much for Michelle Obama. “Smart and accomplished” means she’s in for a world of shit if she plays any sort of serious role.

4. Kurtis’ post on the magic of early mornings is delicious and true.

5. The time change has thrown me off, but I’m still glad the switch has been thrown. This matches my normal rhythms better. I’m one of those people who loves getting up in the dark.

6. This might be my last year of local cranberries, so I’m taking advantage of that and making apple-cranberry cake.

7. I’m having tea with Fresca tomorrow. That’s always good. She demanded that I bring cake and I am happy to oblige.

8. SouleMama just launched Mama to Mama, a program to link crafters with good causes. This month’s partnership is the Caps to Cap-Haitien Project, which is collecting handmade t-shirt caps for newborns. Amanda’s included downloadable instructions, project photos, and FAQ.

9. Can’t wait to travel in December. “Try it. Go away and think nothing of a homecoming. Go as one likes to go by the sea in the night, farther and farther out under the many silent stars. Try it.” —Rainer Maria Rilke

10. They say there shall be snow this weekend. Today was the first day that looked wintry, even though we were out in our shirtsleeves: dark, gray skies, bare tree branches, leaves skittering with the wind.