Tuesday, December 31, 2013

adios 2013, bon jour 2014

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." 
2013

At exactly this time last year, I was buried in grief. My family and I had lost someone we loved and adored. I had hoped that the way 2013 arrived would not set the tone for the rest of the year. Several months later we were shocked to learn we lost another amaZing person and friend. Again. Tragically, unexpectedly and much to soon. It's been a tough year. Throughout the year, I've had to watch as loved ones have hurt. Battling against things out of their control. From hard core addictions to aggressive cancers. It has been heartbreaking. Many, many hours and days have been spent in turmoil and tears. 

Does this mean 2013 has been a wretched year? No. It has been a lesson. Life happens. Death happens. Hurt and disappointment happen. It all goes hand in hand. Life doesn't always go as planned. But goodness happen too.

2013 was supposed to be the year of the Z. (Traveling to places with a Z in the name.)
As I mentioned, Life interfered. We didn't get to all of the places on the list, but I can't really complain.
Here's some of the highlights:

February found me in New Zealand where I spent a couple of weeks traversing the South Island. The best part was celebrating my 40th birthday with 8,000 lovely Kiwis at the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival.

Feb. 9, 2013 Marlborough Food & Wine Festival
April 1st had us traveling to Zipolite, Mexico.  (A little off the beaten path.)

I had the opportunity to study with two great yoga teachers, Tim Feldman and Kathryn Budig. Inspiring.

This summer was wonderful. The weather was perfect and my SUP yoga business, Hang Zen did quite well. A price cannot be placed on doing what you love. 

I started a blog.

The fall brought an unexpected opportunity. My first contractor job. Although I have been renovating homes on my own for years, it's a different ball game when it belongs to someone else. So far it's been super. Homeowner's happy. I'm happy. It looks as if we will even finish on time and possibly ahead of schedule (don't want to jinx myself so I'll keep you posted).

2013...
You are reminiscent of a very handsome and high maintenance boyfriend. Glad to have you but more glad to see you go. Can't say it was an exclusively good or bad year. REALLY you were a lesson.

2014
Exciting. Alluring. Full of possibilities.

Here's what I'm hoping for:
Kindness. Laughter. Forgiveness. Love. Food and Wine (in moderation). Yoga (without moderation). Travel (more Z locations please-but I'm open). Writing (a lot) more. As much time in and on the water as humanly possible.

Peace, love and happiness. A wish for you in 2014.

Happy New Year's!