It’s never feels good to be limping towards the finish line at the end of a year… but I’ve been thinking about how despite the loss of my mother-in-law just some weeks ago has us all still sad and aching, it is not exactly tragic.
Everyone must go one day – we certainly don’t get out of this life alive and eventually something must claim you. Not everyone lives to see an entire century pass, and though 72 isn’t exactly a ripe old age, she did get to see her children grow, and welcome some grandchildren into her life… to live a life well, and to be healthy is a wonderful thing. And when health fails you, we hope for the ones we love not to suffer long. She loved, and she was loved. And isn’t that really the goal? To love others and to be loved in return? These are good things.
I will miss her.
But, all things considered, it’s been a good year. I met some wonderful people at some conferences both in Montreal and in Toronto – many of whom were imaginary online friends I finally had opportunity to meet face to face, and our friendships have grown. It’s good to have friends. I have excellent people in my life, and I am so very, very fortunate in this department, it’s almost ridiculous.
My children are smiling and happy, growing well, and safe for another day… I don’t know what kind of fate decides these thing, but I feel rather lucky to have no real foibles in my life as they are concerned. Thank you, Universe.
My husband Martin loves me. He really does. And he likes me. And even when this tango sometimes feels less like a dance and more like a struggle, I know he’s still in it with me… and I do so love being dipped so low to the ground sometimes. RAWR.
My loving parents and my darling sister live a few hours away from me – all are well, thank goodness – but we really should have more face time next year. Yes, indeed. I will plan for that to happen.
Sure I lost some shoes in a taxi, and I burned some chicken along the way, and I had to witness something there’s not enough bleach in the world to scrub my eyes with to unsee, but it’s not been a bad year all told.
There were silly challenges, like that serious hair-washing, and then the crap of having to cut said glorious hair… poor baby. Be careful what you wish for, I guess. Oh, and my four-year-old started swearing like her mama like a trucker, but if this is as dire as it gets, then I’ll take it.
I thought it was high time that I waxed on waxing AND I shared the stuff about my eyebrows, and I was lovingly embraced by so many – thank you all for that. In fact, I should say how good it feels to me to have this excellent community around me… I thank you for reading. And doubly to those who comment – it really means the world to people who share their thoughts and dreams, their musings and their rants out in the world like this… it’s nice to know it’s not always falling on deaf ears. Or blind eyes, as it were.
Be cool as you rock yourself into 2013 tonight… may your new year be shiny and inspiring. Be kind to people every day – it’s good for the world, and it comes back to you. Love yourself. Forgive yourself. Compliment others. Wear something pretty. Kiss with your eyes open. Be the unicorn. Go spread your magic. Let your heart be light.
And don’t forget to smile…
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL YOU MUTHERS OUT THERE!! Go get all you want and more.
With all my love and gratitude,
Grumble Girl xox
Photo credit to the Excellent and Delicious friend, Greg Wong
I love reading your blogs. U make me laugh and I think you are one classy lady.
I cannot WAIT to do some shopping and have a sleazy (yet classy) bar date with you, lady… I’m thinking springtime, yes?! YES!!
Happy New Year, Sonya, my friend!! xox
No, YOU are!! (Can wait to see you again, lady… soon!!!) xox
Thanks for the nice words, Amanda! Yeah, it’s been a bit of a brutal time actually (and she passed away the night before my birthday… and my father-in-law’s – we share the date) and it’s been very strange this holiday not having her with us… but we have to just do our best to celebrate the good. I am grateful for the good parts.
Happy New Year to you, busy lady! Here’s to figuring it all out… or to at least muddling through it all for another day! 🙂
HNY Honey! You know you shine a light in so many lives with your honest and often humorous look on life. Looking forward to many more stories from you, lady! And a visit back to us in this city…we’re counting on it! I have a shopping/sleezy (yet classy) bar date holding. 😉 Cheers! xx
Happy New Year to one of my fave people. Thanks for making me smile, making my wardrobe better and giving me things to look forward to (see you soon MTL!!!). So well said about your mother-in-law, I’m so very sorry. But it sounds like she had a wonderful life and you made the end as best as it can be. You’re the bomb beyotch.
xx
It’s been a full year for you all, to say the least. I am sorry to hear of the death of your mother-in-law, especially so close to the holidays and your own birthday, but you are clearly rising above the pain, being open to feeling the loss and at the same time being thankful for the love all around you.
Happy New Year, Tracey!
You can bet on it, Alice – this will be the year! Get ready… it’s gonna be dirty… xox
I am the lucky one, dear Margot, to have you as such an excellent friend, to always prop me up, as you have for all these many years… I love you. I hope you are well!! xox
That means the word to me, Fran – thank you very much. Happy New Year! Enjoy everything!!
Lady, you are fantastic, and I so hope this the year I finally get to meet you somehow, somewhere.
You are a star. How lucky I am to have you as a friend. May 2013 be the best year ever for us all. Big hugs all around.
Happy New Year to you too, Grumble! May 2013 be filled love and happiness for you and your family. I look forward to more of your writings, absolutely beautiful.
Happy New Year, Jen! I wish you the best of all things for the new year!! You are an excellent lady.
Thanks for having me… t. xoxoxo
Happy New Year my sassy, kind, generous and fabulous friend! XO