For many people in the world, the turn over of the Gregorian calendar signifies just another day passing. December 31st becomes January 1st with little fanfare and no more than a passing nod to the year change. For some reason, we have placed an undue significance on this time of year. We spend hours huddled in the cold winter nights waiting for a ball to drop (New York) or an acorn (Raleigh's own version of the Times Square pandemonium). Maybe it is because the New Year represents a clean slate to some people, a chance to say "I am no longer this person, I am now a new person."
This attitude toward New Year's is very seductive but it is a fool's paradise to think in one night we can become someone new, someone different. Fireworks, champagne and a kiss at midnight do not fundamentally change who we are and how we live our lives. This may seem quite cynical, it truly isn't meant to be. The long nights and hours forced indoors mean we have loads of time to look inward and reflect on our own lives. Resolving to change is a natural extension of our reflections. Loosing weight, becoming a better person, getting out of debt, and traveling more doesn't happen because we resolve to make it so, these goals are accomplished through smaller daily acts. Accomplishing these goals happens because we resolve to do these things on every one of our 365 days.
So, my suggestion, pick a resolution you are comfortable saying 365 days in the year, for example, today I plan to get cardio exercise for forty minutes, or today I plan to live an authentic life (whatever that means). My daily resolutions include spending more time with loved ones at home, eating very few carbs, and writing more often.
Speaking of an authentic life or at least being true to ones self, there are people that breeze through your life with a quiet intensity. People with whom you may make a brief acquaintance but that have a lasting impact. A few years ago, I went to Black and Blue tattoo to meet with a tattoo artist. I had a small drawing of a dragon that I wanted to have tattooed on my back. I checked out the books in the tattoo studio and decided that Tala Brandeis was the artist that would be able to accomplish what I wanted. Tala and I met several times. She looked up the original artist and contacted him to see if he sold prints of the small drawing for more detail. She also looked online to see if there were any more better copies. Throughout the process, we discussed art, had several conversations about dragons, symbolism, religion, and Joseph Campbell's views on the reasons for dragon like figures represented in all major religions. Despite several consultations and as Rusty points out, several hundred dollars, Tala never tattooed me. She moved away from Black and Blue Tattoo and into her own studio. I just never followed up and eventually commissioned another artist to complete the work.
Most people stumble into a tattoo parlor in a drunken stupor getting a Tweety bird on their shoulder from a random artist. This was a creative process and a collaboration between myself and an artist. The parameters of of the relationship were very clear, this was a business arrangement, but the process was intimate, enlightening and refreshing. Tala had an impact on me as one of the many strange prophets and angels randomly tossed into my life to remind me I'm on a journey and nowhere near a completed project. I found out that Tala passed away last week, and although I would probably never have seen her again, I liked knowing the opportunity to interact with her was out there. My thoughts go out to the friends of Tala, I know her passing has left a void because even in my brief encounters with her I feel a void.
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| I eventually got the tattoo, not from Tala, but from Britney, another fascinating and talented artist. |
So, what's the point of all this you might be asking. I guess just to say as the New Year looms with all of its promise, hope and dangerous mystery, enjoy the moment. I plan to wake up every morning and ask myself, what small step have I made toward being present and being at peace. Not really a resolution rather an acknowledgement of a constant state of change and a recognition that I can only be responsible for my actions and emotions.
Anyhow, enough of the reflective jargon. In other news, gentle reader, we've had guests from Australia and have had a good time showing them our Babylon by the Bay. Di Drew arrived just before Christmas and her Aussie mates (and now ours), Sarah and Chris just after on boxing day.
Christmas morning with the Aussie Sheila!
Christmas morning caffeine to get us all through the day!
Christmas pancakes for everyone!
Oscar and Chris enjoying Christmas dinner and cocktails of course.
Yosiell and Rusty post Crab and Low Country Boil.
Nothing says Christmas like strong cocktails.
Pablo and Vivian ignoring the decidedly un-Christmaslike conversation.
Di, Sarah and Chris looking at Sarah, Di and Chris. Who doesn't love the panoramic setting on the camera App?
A brrrrrrrrrrrrrisk sunset on Twin Peaks while touring with our guests.
Sonoma and the Bear Flag Republic. Had to add a little Cali. history in between wineries.
Rusty, Di, Chris and Sarah ready to head out for New Year's eve. Me? Home sick with this eternal cough (Yes, I have been to the doctor's office).
Well, gentle readers, I hope the New Year is an exciting adventure for you. I'm not particularly going to miss 2014 so it makes me even more ready and excited for 2015. Lots of adventures planned and hopefully a willing audience with whom to share them. Thanks for your support and readership this past year.
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