2007
So here it comes. Another year.
This one will be about, above all, living life well. Whatever that means to me with regard to love, writing, coaching, money, spirit, relationships, and physical and emotional health. It will be about travel and art and intellectual expansion and flowers, sometimes all of those rolled into one. It will be about continuing to appreciate “the view” and the joy in moments. It will be about giving liberally and receiving graciously.
So much to look forward to.
Happy Birthday
So yesterday was my birthday. Eventful one, I’d say.
– Received a fabulous red Gerbera daisy and a beautiful purple flower (not sure what kind, but it rocks) in a clay pot. Brings a feeling of life to my intimate world.
– Found out first thing in the morning that a dear friend who’s been wanting to adopt a baby got one!!!!!!!!
– Saddam Hussein was put to death.
– Discovered, with the urging of a friend, that I was born on a Friday night. Kind of cool to know.
– Received a thank you note from my mother expressing appreciation for going the extra mile for her birthday.
– Had great company for a delicious Italian dinner complete with live opera in The Village. AND, had four opera singers belting out a rendition of Happy Birthday that will live in my memory forever.
– Not too shabby, eh?
Hummingbird
Went to Target for the post-Christmas bargains. Made out like a bandit. Was strangely drawn to a bright blue hummingbird ornament for my tree. Decided to just go with it, maybe it means something. So I looked it up on a website that gives the meaning of animals:
Pure love and joy
Celebration of life
Beauty, wonder, agility
A pretty nice sentiment for the New Year.
Strand-ed
Seems hard to believe that I had only been to the Strand bookstore once a number of years ago before venturing in there today. What a great way to while away a few hours.
I wandered from section to section, marveling at the number of people trying to get their hands on that special find in the form of the written word. I found a few of my own.
Treasures made of paper.
More on Umbertina
Still reading Umbertina and enjoying it immensely. A favorite sentence:
She saw the Italian women, how sure they were of themselves; and she despised her soft, round childish face and Italian-American uneasiness.
There is so much astute information loaded into that sentence. Let’s leave it there.
Tidbits
Christmas 2006:
– Rich in family and tradition
– Two children who are truly bright lights
– Sparkle and light
– Delicious, well-prepared food
– Some quality downtime with Mom
Back to real life …
Family time
I’m psyched about the weekend ahead. Some last-minute prep for Christmas, Mom’s 70th birthday on Sunday, the niece and nephew’s faces on Christmas day. Good food, warm house.
Merry Christmas.
Bearing gifts
Gifts of Godiva and Riesling and music.
Gifts of thoughtful, touching words written in cards.
What a day.
Umbertina
I am reading a novel called Umbertina by Helen Barolini. I’m only 60 pages into it, but I am captivated by it. It’s about three generations of Italian women and I am currently reading about the first, whose story takes place from 1860 to 1940.
She grows up in the hills of Italy, among the goats. But then she marries and has three children and eventually emigrates to the United States. The details of the passing have me wondering about my own relatives who made that courageous and difficult trip. It is so absorbing.
Stay tuned …
Health
So many people in my generation are losing parents. This year that has really been a resounding theme. So scary to me.
But what is even more frightening is when my friends’ spouses start having health scares. One friend’s husband is being treated for prostate cancer. Last night I found out another friend’s husband had a heart attack yesterday. The terror in her voice rocked me to my core.
Blessedly, he has been given a positive prognosis and she considers this a big, fat Merry Christmas. Blessedly.
