2011 started with a whimper, but has been filled with glorious song ever since.
Hospital Visit: January 4, 2010
I have been so incredibly fortunate to have only two low points in 2011; the crazy culmination of 2010′s illness in January, and the death of a most-beloved mentor and friend in May. Both have had long-lasting effects: I’m only now really able to engage in sustained exercise (my 2012 gift to myself is 12 weeks with a personal trainer to rebuild my core strength and muscle tone), and not a day has passed that I don’t mourn Michael Kiskis. I think the degree to which both events have struck me — and stuck around in my consciousness — is a sign of aging and maturity, albeit not one I’ve sought after.
Our Living Room: October, 2011
The other highlights of the year have all been positive. My graduation from an amazing development program in April. Combining households and building a life with Corrin in June. I started a new job with an amazing staff, also in June. We spent a beautiful vacation together in Michigan in July (with a repeat trip arranged for this weekend), and were visited by a dozen dear ones from far off places — Texas, Chicago, Copenhagen, and Seattle, among others. Corrin survived — and thrived during — her first solo teaching experiences. We saw gorgeous theatrical productions, hosted parties and feasts, explored our new home, rediscovered The Sims, and worked very hard to have a generally good time.
Corrin with Chaz: July, 2011
We’ve created some beautiful things: our home, this little blog with the Kitten Tales, a gently expanded circle of friends, gorgeous knitwear, the occasional stellar meal. There’s been the odd doozy, too — dinners that were nearly inedible, plants that died, days filled with plans that dried up and shrivelled in the face of too much work or fatigue.
But mostly, we’ve spent the year seeking, nurturing, and finding love, everywhere.
Love really is all around.
Here’s to a gorgeous new year in 2012, rich in warmth and joy and experiences for all.
