the antidote for a crappy day? fabulous friends.

good golly molly, i did not want to go to work today. there was some real suckage going down and i really wanted to avoid it. but, ya know, kids gotta eat...the great thing is that i made it through the day, and i captured some real joy ta' boot.

leon's teacher was sick this evening and he was home when i walked in the door. he told me that he was going to drop something at a friend's house, and i teared up. i hoped that i could go knitting, i told him. it's tuesday, and i never get to knit with the tuesday girls (meaning jane, and ne who had returned from christmas with her family). he said, honey, i'm not saying no...we're just negotiating...what time will you be home. nine, i said. my husband looked at me and said, go on honey, i can drop it off when you get home.

and so, i went knitting. and i learned how to make beaded rings. and i laughed. and i knit a few stitches here and there for good measure. i just love affirming rich bodacious relationships. the generosity of the woman who showed me how to make these rings, and gave me beads to do it with. j who challenges me to think bigger and s-t-r-o-n-g-e-r. and my beloved, beloved, ne. each time i am lucky enough to be with her, well, i just become a better person. she is so damn fearless. and brilliant. and inspiring.

ne's husband stopped by at the end of the night. it is their anniversary. when they are together? you can see what a real partnership is. the love is palpable and the laughter brims over the strength of their marriage. what a lovely way to cap off the evening.

i came home, kissed my boys. and i'm dreaming big dreams for the new year. i will be fiercer. stronger. and a better me this year. i'm going to challenge myself. i'm going to rise up to those challenges and surpass them.

today i've been reminded of how full my life is. how the real gifts of this season are the love, the inspiration, and the kickass support of my friends and family.