The day after the new year came upon us, I attended a birthday party for some petite ya-yas that featured the four senior partners of the sisterhood empire. At one point the quartet of us was sitting together, laughing our fool heads off at some inappropriate conversation (cause that is how we do) and I looked over to see the baby wandering contentedly in our sphere with happy toddler-style oblivion, and the queen petite in the corner observing the scene--looking at her mom and the sister-wives with a look of sheer delight in her eyes and a big gap-toothed smile on her beautiful face. And I thought, how cool is that. I hope that somehow this is a memory she will always have in her treasure trove of good times. One of four beautiful women who have been best friends for a terribly long time. Members of a sacred tribe who can finish each others' sentences (even when they should keep their mouths shut), who have weathered many storms and all the births and deaths and celebrations and mean reds that accompany such natural wonders, who have been to hell and back and never let go of each other's hands. And that she (and her sister) will be as lucky as we are, to find so many soulmates on this earth to travel through time with.
After the party, I was driving homewards solo and thinking of all that had happened in 2010 and I thought, I want--no, I need--to write it all down. A top-ten list of 2010 that encompasses the best of the best. And as I was running through the magic moments that had brought me here, I found myself crazy-overwhelmed by one steel thread running through it all--that all you need is love. I wasn't thinking about the lack of cash flow that trumped most months, the everyday trauma of car problems and heath issues and family dramas and heartbreak and ennui and work bullshit and the type-A worry about everything and everyone at any given moment throughout the capstone of the first decade of the millennium.
Not at all, even though some if not all of these events were preceded by such petty concerns at one time or another. Once into the breach, however, all I recall is the sheer joy of laughing with people I love, and sharing experiences that enriched us all, and I thought there has never been a time I have not been loved. At least, circa 2010-style.
The list includes two weddings, several productions of theatrical and musical natures, a few va- and stay-cations, a few parties, general hang-time with cool people, a standing date for a miniseries event, and some ballgames. The number of people involved in all these things is staggering--new pals and old (silver and gold), family near and far and ever-expanding, neighborhood peeps, and a healthy sprinkling of puppy dogs and pussy cats and one rescued betta fish. I met some dandy folks in 2010 who made my life so much better. I experienced seismatic changes in relationships that gave me the strength for what lies ahead. And generally speaking, I laughed until I cried over and over again and one hell of a time.
I am glad I am me. I hate that my highs must be balanced by some serious lows, but when I look back on 2010 it isn't the lows that stand out, and the highs seem less momentous than just the norm, the way it is, how we roll. Dancing, laughing, kissing, toasting, cheering, working, talking, cooking, eating, singing, whispering, sunning, sharing, enjoying, sleeping, breathing--essentially, it was a whole lotta loving the one(s) you're with.
So, beginning 2011 surrounded by more of the same was pretty swell. Start as you mean to go on as my dear neighbor R. says. I am going to try. I hope that the new year is a happy one for me and mine.
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