Tomorrow we leave for the States to visit the grandparents (my parents), family, and lots of friends – friends like Dusty Earth Mother. They lodge our zoo of a family every time we come to America, but then they have pugs so it’s probably not much of an adjustment.
So, apart from mentioning that I might not be as present over the next three weeks (after all, I will be A Lady in America, and who wants to read about that?), I did want to wish you all a wonderful holiday. And I wanted to mention a bit about dreams.
I decided to get some for the new year – dreams, that is. I decided that my key word for the year would be « strength » which would represent for me an ambitious goal, as I am hoping to be able to bench press 200 lbs by the end of 2011.
No just kidding. Sir would lose all his hair. I do want to be stronger though, to get in shape, find my youth and energy again, and I also want to have the strength to face up to the more unpleasant tasks that one must tackle daily. No more hiding, no more living vicariously through the television (pathetic, I know) and my children.
So my dreams are anything from learning to ski to organizing our dishes; from writing a book (I have an idea) to finally getting my french driver’s license. It’s not just for this year, it’s for the years to come. I keep my eyes on the stars, my feet on the ground and resist the temptation to live a shadow of a life through my children.
Because it’s tempting, you know, to live through them.
Especially when they’re so full of youthful, hopeful life.
Young Lady’s Christmas performance at the conservatory.
She lives for this.
Anything to spread her wings.
They remind me of the dancers painted by Degas.
We were all there to see her with bells on. (Although Petit Prince’s attention span didn’t persist through the amateur saxophone, piano and violin performances. Young Lady’s piece was last, of course).
I just wonder if Degas would have painted the Barbie bed sheets.
Happy holidays, my friends. I’m so glad you’re in my life.
I think your word is fanTAStic … and look forward to reading about the journey with you. Degas – beautiful. Will miss you while you are on holiday – but certainly wish you all such a wonderful Christmas and New Year! (That last photo is stunning . . . well done!)
Have a most wonderful trip and holidays with your family! I love your word for the year…strength.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I really take heart when you say “not living vicariously through your children”. So true, we must nurture ourselves too. Lovely post and beautiful pictures.
Safe travels, and Joyeux Noel. And I might just steal your key word for 2011. Strength. I could definitely use more of that, as well as the daily reminder to keep up the search.
Merry Christmas! I look forward to hearing about your American adventures upon your return.
My husband and I started a dream book. For both of us and us as individuals. It’s good to remember what we want to do. Especially the ambitious ones.
Happy Holidays and welcome back to boring ol’ States.
“Not living vicariously through your children” Wow. That hit me hard. Definitely something I have been guilty of doing all too often.
Happy Holidays to you too.
Have a save and wonderful trip.
Merry Christmas and have a safe trip!!!! I always love the photos you guys take of your kids. 🙂
travel safely
I, too, have decided on one word for the new year. Resolutions were becoming too overwhelming. My one word is “serious.”
I am going to become serious about all the things I have always wanted to do.
Again, why isn’t the world at this blog’s door?
Goodness, but the writing and the photos…goodness.
Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and safe travels.
I look forward to reading your book!
Safe travels!