MY CUP IS FULL

i have crossed the threshold of a new year. i have only taken a few steps but already i feel as if the change in chapter is but that, a new chapter. and, as i celebrated the arrival of 2011, in the midst of partying, my first thought was a realization that MY CUP IS FULL. i have, above all, health and my six senses without which i wouldn't really amount to much.  i have love a plenty both from and for family and friends, i am happy with little and have more than i could possibly deserve. my life has been interesting and challenging, i have learned and grown. yes, my cup is full, it actually overflows.so full, that everything that should happen to me from this day forth will be added gifts, bonuses.  

 the new year was spent 'neath the stars in a small seaside resort called papudo on the pacific coast of chile watching the most amazing spectacle of fireworks i have ever seen, up close, with a glass of champagne in hand and friends around me cheering and hundreds of people from all walks of life dressed carnival-style.

 we then headed home to the summer home of our hosts, sara and andrew, a chilean-australian couple of geologists who had provided a full rack of lamb basted in rosemary and mint for dinner, the other guests, their niece ale and her husband ricardo and their son maxi, isabel, their housekeeper and my close friend anita.  there we ate and drank "the chilean way" and vowed to await dawn.

sara & andrew

 only three of us made it, sara, myself and isabel.  sara and i then went for a long walk along the beach promenade watching the sky slowly turn from a dark blue to light.  we had welcomed the new year in true form.  a few hours of profound sleep were enough to allow us to continue with two more days of celebration, eating, drinking,eating, drinking, eating, drinking, on and on and on with small breaks sunbathing on the beach, walking around the village, reading, listening to music, conversing, visiting the avocado farm of the hosts in la ligua.

 mucho vino

machas a la permesana

ponche

happy new year!