For the first time ever tonight I'm at a loss for how to begin a post. I've been a million miles away. I could blame it on the holidays, but I won't. There's nothing earth shattering to report. I have been working hard, spending time with family, writing consistently, and tucking in Christmas-y outings here and there. I can't seem to make every piece of my life fit right now, and I am almost afraid of what would happen if I did. I'm also afraid of looking back over my shoulder at all that I lost this year. I know I am gaining other things, but at costs that cut me to the quick. I know that you know about years like that--the ones we'd just as soon pack away with the ornaments come January.
One saving grace has been family, another has been intense work. A third has been the Legacy Series, and all who are participating in it as writers and readers. I'll be continuing with it for a few more weeks with a new post next week and more writers coming along to help begin the New Year with beauty, wit, and insight.
In the meantime, I'm gathering up my nuts and berries for winter, and wrapping up tight 'cuz, baby, it's cold outside.
Back soon with holiday cheer. Hope your season so far has been merry and bright. xo Gigi
Dear Friend,
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. There's something in the air! Hoping next year will be better for everyone.
Wishing you Holiday joy-
Love,
Marjorie
hi gigi. in swahili there is a wonderful saying - 'usiwe na wasi wasi' - do not be with worry. i find that even saying it makes me feel better :). i think sometimes we set ourselves expectations that we feel we just haven't met, and yet when we look back we find we've exceeded them in so many other ways, even without realising. i think also at this time it's easy to be melancholy; i know i am at the moment, slightly missing family and home. you don't have to look back over your shoulder, but know that you're taking so much that is good with you into this next year!! cheers, eliza
ReplyDeleteAll-round forgettable year (except for the occasional amazing bits!!)
ReplyDeleteHope next year brings you all your dreams Gigi and I wish you and yours a very happy and loving Christmas.
I absolutely love my visits with you and look forward to continuing next year xx Julienne
Oh Gigi, here's an enormous all-enveloping hug to you, my dear girl. Keep plowing ahead with the writing and the loving of your family; the rest will fall into place.
ReplyDeleteAnd I swear I've got a legacy post coming your way...mid-grad school applications and just DYING for a good break.
hugs and loves from inja! xo
Dear Gigi,
ReplyDeleteTry not to let things get on top of you.....Life is full of twists and turns and I don't know anyone who has a life without difficulties along the way. They are sent to challenge us and nearly always work out, often for the better.My mmantra is 'It could be so much worse and there are so many people with far worse things going on' although, this doesn't always help at the time.
I never think that looking back helps us much. Time to look forward and put this year into a little pocket in the far reaches of your mind.
Sending you much love, happiness and magic this Christmas time and to look towards a wonderful 2011.
Take care Gigi and look after yourself. XXXX
seems as though a lot of us are going through the same thing. lets hope and pray that 2011 is so much better for everyone!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, you all know how to lift a girl's spirits. It's true that so many people I know have had a crummy year. Like Jackie, says, it always helps to keep some perspective. It also helps enormously to know all of you. I am actually, in general, feeling quite sanguine about 2011, believe it or not, which is why I am working my little writing fingers to the bone. It's the best way I know to make magic happen.
ReplyDeleteHuge hugs to you wonderful women!
I can feel your ache from here, dear friend. I have no wonderful words to offer, but I do have this. I love you. I do. I hope you can feel it.
ReplyDeleteThe photo is perfect, to remind us that little pieces of our past can help us cope with our future...that is the plan anyway?
ReplyDeleteWell, as you know this has been the worst year of my life...also it feels like the "lost" year of my life. There are days when I'm so overwhelmed by loss that I don't want to get up and days when I am hit with waves of gratitude for all the blessings in my life. So...I guess we just try to focus on the blessings and allow ourselves to just feel what we feel. Life keeps going and there is always something wonderful waiting around the corner:)
ReplyDeleteSweet Beloved Gigi ~
ReplyDeleteI want to jump on a plane at this very moment and be in your kitchen so we can just fill our warm mugs with tea and share the many downs with the ups of this year.
Shame on the 2010 bully for making it so rough...and I surely hope 2011 proves to be a giddy rabbit!
Finally taking a few moments to catch up with my favorites. We are in the midst of a move (thanks to '10 bully), but all is good. Change is good, right? I'll keep you posted...
Until then, big hugs and much love to you and yours!
Bisous,
Melissa
Hi, Gigi... Sending you a big ((HUG))... stay cozy, keep gathering and turn things over when you want to, savor the words when the come, the fun of family & friend, the small, quiet joys of this time. I know what you mean about years... 2010 has been a difficult year for me & my family in many way, so I am ready for the calendar to turn! But there has much good along the way, and I have learned much to prepare for, what I pray, will be a brighter new year. Wishing a beautiful lead-up to Christmas, my friend... just enjoy. :o)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean too. I know sometime it is the introspective silent times that teach us the most. I await your new posts and lovley photos eagerly till then savor each moment of this holiday season and here is me sending you a hug.
ReplyDeleteYou're coming along just fine. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have made the best of a tough year Gigi....May next year treat you better...the way you deserve!
ReplyDeleteohhh sweet Gigi I know how you feel and I wished the year away last year and hoped for a better 2010.
ReplyDeletei hope you find that your pieces will eventually fit and all will become clearer.
for now, enjoy the special moments & live them.
many hugs once again my friend ♥
It has been one of those years. I look back and see the losses, the unwanted changes, but also see the surprises and wonderful newness of things, and am confused. A year to be remembered. And, to be honest, I stopped participating in Reverb10 because it was just too much looking back - I'd written about everything already and just couldn't do it anymore.
ReplyDeleteI am reading this late and your Chrismtas wrapping extravanganza has begun, so I hope you are better and covered with ribbons and tissue paper and stardust and that the blues are backseat passengers for the rest of the season.
xoxo
Debi
In truth for so many I know it has been a terrible year. I can't say the same. It has been a pretty good year for me. For a change. ;)
ReplyDeleteI tend to do this too though, take stock of what is behind me and try to put it all into perspective. New years do that to a girl.
Try not to worry too much, things unfold as they should. Know that as long as you are doing your best, the world will keep on turning. 2011 will be your best year Gig.
xoxoxo
It's Christmas evening and we are having a lull while we prepare Christmas dinner. I wanted to stop by and wish you the merriest of Christmases. May you and your family enjoy laughter, love and peace. May you feel all the love that we feel for you. May you truly know you are blessed. Sending you much love! ~ Relyn
ReplyDelete