The end of 2007

365 days ago you arrived with all of the promise of newness.

An open slate to choose everyday how I would live

How I would remember 2007.

How others would remember me.

Was it successful - this past year?

In some ways it was the best year ever and in some ways the worst.

I have been released for regular visits with the cancer specialists - once a year instead of constantly.

I faced a major surgery and recovered with flying colors.

I was betrayed and survived - I learned that not everyone will make the right choice in a situation.

I am closer to my girls than ever.

I am more sure of myself than ever.

I have created and been inspired.

I have had a wonderful time here in the blogosphere.

I have had a wonderful time in my day to day life.

I have cried tears of joy.

I have cried tears of frustration.

I have cried tears of loss.

I have laughed because life is funny.

I have laughed because life is strange.

I have laughed because the only other response would have been to cry.

I have laughed so hard my sides hurt - then tried to remember what was so dang funny. I still can't figure that out.

I have loved - I have lost - I have gained.

I have been driven to the point of really not caring about the outcome of a particular situation. This is the best outcome for everyone because when I don't care - I don't feel the urge to retailiate.

I have dreamed new dreams. Fulfilled old dreams. Let go of those that no longer apply to me.

I recorded much of this here. I protected some things from the prying eyes of others. I may have failed at times, but I feel like I have made good decisions this year.

I leave 2007 a better person - I look into 2008 with hope.

There will be no huge resolutions - those are always broken by the end of the month. Instead I challenge myself to learn and do and grow again this upcoming year. To try and make the right choices. To give as much as I can of my time, resources, and inspiration without compromising what I need to keep for myself and my family. To say yes when I should and NO when I should. Today - I reflect - tomorrow I respond - with newness and vigor - to the blank pages that are 2008.

Happy new year - all.

ps - MaryAnn - I want to see you work in orange and yellow and green - bright saturated color. I am choosing yellow as my color to incorporate more. I shy away from it continually. I am sending you some images from my folder - let me know.