I’ve always found the best gift (other than love) is sharing a good idea, great find or a hot tip. So as we wrap up the year, here a few of my favourite things from 2009.

Favourite book: The Road by Cormac McCarthy (www.cormacmcCarthy.com). In a post-apocalyptic landscape, a father and young son struggle to survive on a road littered with despair and depravity. In the constant face of death, when all else falls away, this dark yet life-affirming fable explores the limits of morality, compassion and humanity.

Favourite film: The Road, adapted from Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel, with compelling performances from Viggo Mortenson and  young actor Kodi Smit-McPhee. A difficult, bleak film to watch, but one that brings into sharp focus the best and worst of humanity.

Favourite live concert(s): Leonard Cohen, still sexy and poetic at 74; and Cold Play, Chris Martin and fellow British band mates whose exuberance, playfulness and serious ability to rock made for an unforgettable show. Both at Winnipeg’s MTS Centre.

Favourite new music discovery: Snow Patrol (www.snowpatrol.com), the Scottish pop-rock band who opened for Cold Play in Winnipeg, and could have carried a concert on their own.

Favourite website: http://www.ted.comThe absolute best and brightest working in technology, entertainment and design. Check it out and be inspired.

Favourite blog(s): http://www.sethgodin.comfor a regular dose of sage marketing advise and just good business sense; and 2 design sites that spark both the imagination and inspiration that beauty provides: http://www.designtherapy.com and http://vicentewolfblog.com

Favourtite restaurant(s): In Winnipeg, Bistro 71/4 (725 Osborne Ave.), a charming, intimate French bistro; and Pizzeria Gusto (404 Academy Road) whose unusual pizzas and European atmosphere live up to its name.

In New York City, Tartine (253 W. 11th St.), an adorable, tiny French café in the West Village that could have be lifted from the streets of Provence; and Pastis (9 Ninth Ave.) a large, bustling Provencale-style bistro in NYC’s meatpacking district that serves up fabulous, classic French fare and ambiance.

Favourite travel destination (this year): New York City – have been there more than 20 times, but as one of the world’s most energetic and culturally diverse cities NYC never fails to offer delight and discovery.

Favourite quote: “Fortes fortuna juvat.” (Fortune favours the brave.) Or as my friend says: Luck favours the bold.

Best life advice: “You have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down and has made all the difference in my life… stay hungry. Stay foolish.” – Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple Computers and Pixar Animation) in his address to the graduating class of Stanford University. Click here for the entire speech.  http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_jobs_how_to_live_before_you_die.html

What were some of your favourite finds, good ideas or new discoveries in 2009? Please send them to me.

And all the best for 2010.