Sooooooo I’m a little superstitious, a little sentimental, and, fine, maybe a little drunk.
Here’s to 2011 and the journey ahead – with all its challenges, joys, and tears – without them, well – we wouldn’t really be living, now would we?
Superstitious because I cannot finish this month, this year, this decade with #13 blog post, about something called “Chocovine” for f***’s sake.
Sentimental because I am sitting here (as my dad snores on the couch) reflecting on all this year has brought.
Drunk because – well, hello, HAVE we met?
I’m not going to go into a long “I woke up in Southern France at the beginning of 2010, Toulouse-ish, and hopped a train to Switzerland ... “ pontification. This is precisely why I blogged this stuff for the last year.
You all know the deal – Venice, Sicily, VinItaly in Verona, meeting God Angelo Gaja, Tuscan country side, cheese, wine, pork, learned Italian, improved (a little) the French, and wine certificates from Culinary Academies in two countries. Blah, blah, blah, fat girl jeans, new bra size, finally got my lips on Sassicaia.
But sometimes it serves our spirits to look back and appreciate where time, wisdom (quit laughing), choices, and fate has brought us.
What a ride!
20 years ago I was divorced from dipshit #1, 10 years ago from dipshit #2. I don’t regret marrying either one of them – but as I always say, people come into your life for a reason and “they go for just as good a reason.” I wish them both well. New decade, fellas.
The great love of my life has been, now, my dear friend and part of the family, really, for nearly three years; it was amicable, respectable, and we shared more in the first seven years of the decade than some people ever will in a lifetime. We were lucky.
The last years I spent with just me – no crushes, no dating, not even loneliness, but just trying to explore myself and the world around me – you can’t put a price tag on the second half of my 2009 and 2010.
So here we are – end of a year, decade, and – shit – this bottle. I’m with my parents, the sun is shining, my famous Tiramisu is chilling for tonight’s family get-together.
I will stop here, as I think this will suffice to break the #13 curse.
Tonight I will drink a toast to:
The people you love, wherever they may be, the lessons learned, the memorable moments and those with which you’ve shared them.
To all of you who have shared this journey with me – as it’s been a doozey. Thank you for your reading, your comments, and for sharing.
I will drink to the rush that comes when you open – finally - your heart, and to walls that come crashing down when you quit being so damned stubborn and realize they stand between you and love – in its many forms – and to those who made me realize this.
Here’s to 2011 and the journey ahead – with all its challenges, joys, and tears – without them, well – we wouldn’t really be living, now would we?Salute (to your health), and the happiest of new years.
Valerie
Shalom, sister! Let's rock 2011!
ReplyDeleteOk, well u almost have me bawling.. yep, i've had a few glasses of Bonterra... yes, this year i have dumped someone that I thought wanted the commitment but flaked out.. and no we didn't have that piece of paper because I don't need it at this time in my life.. just the individual who is true...I like this post and I completely get it. Hope 2011 is better for u and for me..
ReplyDelete@Becky - you know spending a few days last January together after missing you for 25 years was a great part of 2010. SO looking forward to our 50 & fabulous celebrations, and any times we can swing together before then. Yes, we are soul sisters! Hug to you and your beautiful fam.
ReplyDelete@Krissy - I couldn't have asked for a better year - if it was my last one on the planet, I'd have just said, "thank you, Lord - who the hell am I to ask for another" - may 2011 be just as amazing in whatever form it takes. Love and light to you, Kalei, and your beautiful spirit!
Salute beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Here's to another great year!
ReplyDeleteBuon anno, Valerie!!! Ti auguro tutto buono nella vita per un anno pieno di gioia e felicita!!! E sempre un piacere a leggerti, e mi dai sempre un sorriso!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2011 to you dear Valerie! Santé xo
ReplyDeleteSalut Cherie and here's to a wonderful 2011 for you. I sniffed all through this post and I haven't even had a drink (yet).xx
ReplyDelete@Sam, Michele - Thank you, ladies - wishing you both a beautiful 2011!
ReplyDelete@Barbara - Grazie tanto e auguri a te! Il piacere e mio!
@Sara - Merci, bonne annee bella to you, hubby, and 50.
@Carol - So glad you enjoyed - let's get to drinking!
Hugs to all you beautiful ladies!
Have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing your year vicariously! Thanks for sharing, and here's to a even better '11 than you had '10, if that's possible!
ReplyDelete(don't know what's going on, but it seems none of the comments I posted via cell showed up! So sorry, not ignoring you, got one of those new 'smartphones' and still haven't figured it out! So happy new year again, Val, cheers!)
@ADOC - cheers to you too, my dear. Ahh - technology - I'll see your smartphone and raise you a dial-up connection that makes me want to stick a fork in my eye (which is why I'm only on blogs when I'm at Panera schlurping coffee) these next few weeks - I'm not ignoring you guys either.
ReplyDelete