2010 was a whirlwind. Life opened itself to me and revealed some amazing new experiences, knowledge, new and strengthened friendships. I let go of something from my past and embraced my present. My biggest constant throughout the year was Sandy. She's provided me with infinite encouragement; anything I've dreamed, everything I've done or wanted to explore she's supported. She's been my voice of reason but also my inspiration to reach out and stretch. My life wouldn't be as rich without her in it and I love her with everything I have.
And then there's all of you. This year I grew to realize the power of conversation and there was lots of it, often very heavy. Confessions of holding onto the night, hoping to make it through. Fantasies flirtatious or imagined. Heartbreak, self-loathing and hope. Tales of forbidden affairs, sexual adventures that sent my mind and heart racing. Uncertainty, desparation, trying to decide just where you fit in to it all. Passions for life expressed through words so fiery and eloquent they stole my breath away.
Words when spoken with conviction, sincerity and compassion can breathe life into those they reach. Never have I had more genuinely amazing things said to me by so many in so short a time. From the teenage girl longing to be thin who questions her beauty yet whose words reveal a lovely soul, to the young woman who's helped me realize what it is to hold a child in your heart. To the one I've only begun to know, whose words pour off the page like birds set free to soar. I've grown to know many extraordinary people.
I’ve learned from those less than half my age; some of you have a wisdom and intensity that belies your years. I don’t know where you draw it from but it’s something that never ceases to disarm me. Every one of you reading has impacted my life and the truth is, in a very real way, I've fallen in love with you guys.
The coming months are a blank canvas. Each person we encounter, whether friend or stranger, will leave their own unique brushstroke. I'm looking forward to seeing what the days paint for all of us.
Have a Happy New Year everyone!
xo
And I have fallen in love with you :)! You are amazing I love your blog and everything about your words. Thank you for everything all the times you have been there for me. I truly appreciate it you are a rare gem in an ocean and I found you! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Barry! I hope that 2011 is just as if not more fulfilling than 2010. I can't wait to read about your happenings in 2011. :o)
ReplyDeleteI've often wondered what it would look like to collect each person's unique canvas and collate them. I've started opening my eyes and am seeing it be created in front of me. An imperfect collage of moments - beauty at it's barest.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Barry :) x
Yessika- sweet as always, thank you. I'm always here, remember that.
ReplyDeleteLady M- thanks for your wishes. I look fprward to getting to know you better in the coming year.
Heather- I've found people are often most beautiful in their most imperfect and vulnerable of moments. This is life revealed.
Happy New Year Barry! What a well-written post. I have a feeling i know who one of the women was in your post you're talking about :). I recall it was a year ago that you first wrote on my blog about amaretto on New Years :). I see not much has changed with me since I talked about it again this year haha. I hope that the new year holds many great things in store for me and I wish that for everyone else as well.
ReplyDeleteYes you do know her Jill, quite well! Amaretto...I'm flattered you remember, I had totally forgotten! Has it really been a year? It's been so great knowing you, you've been a great friend and I wish you everything good for the new year.
ReplyDelete:) Happy New Year, Barry.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year. So glad we become friends. Enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year ladies! I'm proud to call you my friends. :)
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog, but sounds like a great year! Good luck with 2010 (and thanks for stopping by my blog).
ReplyDeleteThat pizza looks amazing, I'm drooling at the sight of all that cheese :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Giddy Fingers ~ my blog
A very Happy New Year to you too Barry!
xox
This post was so beautiful - as always, Barry, you take my breath away with your soft words which reflect such a kind, gentle and compassionate soul. :)
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