Happy New Year

It has been a while since I have written...since I have actually put my own words, my own thoughts out here. Apologies, it has been rough. And I have also been lacking in keeping up communication-wise, so if you are one of the many that I have let down...again, apologies. This season was much more difficult than I had anticipated.

I write fromTucson again...from the lovely place that helps to calm my heart and free my soul....and clear my mind. I am so thankful to have a respite here....to have a place and loving person to turn to always....

I am not even sure where to begin. I thought that I might skate through the holidays unscathed...not sure why I thought that....maybe it was just hope. Nonetheless, I felt a little battered and bruised at the end, and am glad it is all over.

I can tell you that there are going to be a lot of "one year ago" moments...not only in this blog but in many more to come. My life right now compared to one year ago is really night and day...and I know it will take a lot of time to work through all that has happened.

Christmas day was rough. Extremely rough. I never thought that I wouldn't want to be with my family on Christmas...but I turned around once after leaving home, then had to pep talk myself into going the second time...I have not felt so weak in a long time. Then the greeting I received was not as I had expected...nothing was as expected. But it was fine. "They" tell you that you never know what you are going to feel, and that was true for me.

I felt all the pain of the last year...in a moment...all day. The anger of betrayal, the agony of defeat...the rawness of love once lived. I felt every fiber of my being wanting to cry--wanting to scream out and run away, and the very same fibers fighting to stay calm. I felt the emptiness of a part of me lost, the hollow in my chest where the wound is still healing...I felt the cold of being alone, and lost. I felt the chains of fear and the prison of doubt.

But I also felt the warmth of hope. The brightness of a life found...the glow of a new day. I felt joy of a new promise...a new life. And the love of friends and family.

A year ago today, we were just starting a family vacation...with all my favorite people. At that time...I still had hope that my marriage would not end. I needed to trust and not be disappointed...unfortunately....that would not happen.

A year ago today, I thought I knew exacty what my life would be...I had a plan--well, there really was just a plan for me. Now I stand, unsure of the next step, but ready to take it--right or wrong.

I resolve to live the life I want to live, love the love I want to love, and be the person I want to be. I resolve to live each day to its fullest, to no longer regret--to accept and learn from my mistakes--and to grow and learn from them, then move on. I resolve to love more completely than I ever have before...my friends, my family....my love....I resolve to never again live half-assed, to be comfortable and happy with comfortable. I resolve to push the limits, to push myself, and to change--myself, and my world for the better.

The past year was the most trying of my life. I lost my marriage, my best friend of many years, many friends, and my dear dear friend and brother, Cedric. I learned that I cannot always stand on my own, that I do need a hand to hold and a shoulder to lean on at times....and that is OK.

I gained a bunch of wonderful friends...closer friendships that have helped to grow my heart and strengthen my soul. I gained a friendship that flowered into love, that showed me I could love again...and trust again. And even though that was lost, I learned that my heart beats all the stronger. I gained a ukelele and a renewed love for my guitar, and a stronger love for music and the voice it gives the soul. I gained a respect for the unknown, for walking a path that is undecided.

I have also gained a new respect for love....for the kind of love that cannot be explained. For the illogical, ridiculous, outrageous love...the kind that has no idea how it will make it...how it could possibly work....but it decides to live another day, to give it another shot...because it wants to.

So thank you--to all of you who have made this year amazing: Ted, Poosh, Jon, Sophie, Cedric, Emmy, Sharon, Butch, Sunny, KT, Wally, and all my friends at the koi pond (can you please return my ipod?). Without you, this year would not have been the same, by any measure. You have each touched my life in a way (or in many ways) that I will never forget. I am sure I would not have made it to this point without you....thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Much love to you all.

I start this new year with a full heart...and a full head. ;) As usual, there is never enough time to write it all. I look forward to the adventure of the next year....