Bring it!

As a child, New Year's Eve was my favourite holiday. Waking up to a crisp sunny day was energising. The festivities would start early at home, where all activities revolved around the kitchen. People in and out constantly,  everyone seemed to be an authority on what was cooking, having a peek in the oven every few minutes. No wonder the blooming roast took so long to cook!

Us kids did all things in between helping and not helping, inclusive. In the evening we'd just wear our best clothes and wait for the New Year after dinner. Waiting consisted of running: in and out the house, up and down the stairs, around the diningroom table, to and away from the fireworks, up and down our neighbour's steep driveway, among other peculiar unexplicable to-and-fro's.

As the 12 campanadas approached everyone gathered together, grapes ready to eat, one per bell ring, money in hand, suitcase near the door, and more traditions that I can remember. Counting down from 10, I swear you could hear the whole 'hood exploding in a big cheer at midnight. At that point we could leave behind all the things  we didn't like about the previous year and embrace a brand new one, full of possibilities.

I suspect that that was how I learned to be excited about the opportunities a new year brings, a time when nothing else matters, but the joy of being together in a positive environment, surrounded by fun, laughter and celebration.

Special memories: my cousin and I running to the front garden looking for the first person of the new year. My gorgeous neighbours, a couple who were young and oh so stylish. My daddy's face full of excitement, now I realise probably putting it on for us. Trailing behind dad through the neighbourhood, where there was an open-door policy, well, at least at the houses where the door was open.

Things are different for me these days. I take my kids to watch the fireworks on the bridge and we join the best part of a million people on the "ooooohs and ahhhhs" of the event. And yes, I'm excited, for me and for them, I would like them to embrace their world and the opportunities that are available to them, every day.

We can say with certainty that there will be challenges and blessings  in 2011, and you'll be reading about mine in this space, sorry, that's just the way blogging works. I am grateful that you are here, as each person in my life, far or near, brings a lesson for me to learn. You do know about the butterfly effect, don't you?

Looking forward. Today of all days, let's celebrate!

E.
x

Happy Holidays

It's the day before Christmas and I wanted to wish you all, happiness for the festivities and success for the new year.

May you measure success by the richness of your life and your ability to live each moment. My top three picks to cultivate today: Health, Courage and Love, as they will serve you in the future.

Keeping your family close is not always possible, so keep them in your heart as you travel far away. And as you walk through your life, chose your friends well, they are family brought to you by life itself. Take care of learning their language, embrace them often. Touch, smile, go to the beach, run.

Have fun!

This photograph was sent to me by a talented friend, please enjoy. (Merci, François!!)

Ps. I love my father, even though I'm absolute rubbish at keeping in touch...Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo, papá!

TQM,

E.

Coming out

OK, you have waited enough for an update. I appreciate your patience and your continuous support, you know who you are. You'll be pleased to know that I've been writing a bit, however it all has gone unpublished, until now.

Here is the deal; throughout my life I have felt heavily the fear of being criticised. Disapproval from people that I hold in high regards, just kills me. It is time for me to free myself for good. Maybe starting by changing the tense on that sentence. 

Criticism used to eat at my sense of safety. The feeling that something terrible could happen is just an expression of my ego, wanting to identify itself with an image that I particularly found very appealing, a correct and proper, smarty pants Ms. Goodytwoshoes-esque personification of myself. 

But you see, next year marks the 40th anniversary of my birth, ah the big 4-O!. As my birthday present I am giving myself permission to admit to those little things that a previous version of me would have purposedly hidden. Don't worry, I'm still proper enough not to overshare* or divulge information without consent. In addition, names will be changed to protect the innocent and the once-upon-a-time-innocent.

(Drum roll)

For the past few weeks I have had a full profile, up and visible, with one of those internet services designed to get you exactly what you want (conditions apply) for a modest sum, or for free if you're really eye-catching. I'm referring to nothing but Australia's largest dating website. Judge away, I'll continue my story in the mean time.

My experience so far has been one of the most interesting in a long time. I find myself surprised by the richness in the humanity of it all. At times, I've been moved by other people's stories, some with uncanny similarities to my own and some very different, all worthy of my respect. 

Filling out a form describing my ideal partner was interesting, having people match themselves to my form was a step up from interesting, finding out what actually suits me is a revelation in progress.

To be continued...

E.

* thank you for this word, Ultra D