happy holidays

Hi All

After our normal Turkey day celebration with my Ballenger cousins and Uncle Bruce and Aunt Nancy, we said Bon Voyage to Missy's oldest son Matt. He is on his way to India (NOT Mumbai, thank goodness) to seek spiritual enlightenment. Must be nice not to have to pay bills! He will definitely not be staying in any luxury hotels either, so we think he will be fine. I told him last night I was totally jealous... I would have loved to do something like this when I was his age. At this point his plan is to return in April, but who knows? He could fall in love with an Indian chick, and then Missy & I could visit.

Tomorrow we head to Pinehurst. Bert's youngest sister Betsy has lung cancer and will be treated at Duke...thank goodness we have such a fine facility nearby. Bert's mom and oldest sister will be in Durham also. We tried to get them to stay with us, but it is 2 hours from our house to Duke. Betsy likes the doctors who are treating her, but she is still terrified. I guess any of us would be. Say a little prayer...

Cindy

New World Order

I am waking up optomistic more lately. Not just because Jess finally signed our settlement agreement, which I thought was overly generous and he didn't (hence "settlement") but at least it signals that the big issues are done with and now it's just formalities (like dissolving the marriage). But also, with Obama, and faith satisfied, I really feel that the world is going to be a better place. I will be n DC for the 20th -- can't miss it. Look for me among the millions in the parade....

I am actually looking forward to our "recession" year -- where I can rejoice in simple things because we won't have money and all -- we will turn more towards all those values that really matter.

Such as our reunion in Indiana. I will actually be in Indiana in October at my annual book writers conference so this may be my heartland year.

More to the point, I was distracted at a friend's wedding by his best man (it was only a night ladies but still proof that I am not yet dead) who was a 6'8" former NBA basketball player -- and yes, he was handsome as all get out -- all of which led me to believe that my 13 month hell is over and I have my life back. I can't remember when someone was strong enough to lift me up and twirl me around the dance floor -- whohee!!

I have been traveling constantly, and during the last two weeks, and flew 6 out of the last 7 days. I feel like I have been moving so as not to look about me and see my life. But today, I sigh and realize that it's all fine, in whatever form it is. All the blessings and curses are part of the fabric that I am wearing around myself, and it's all fine. I was in London for a week on business, rented a flat and spent the weekend with a law school friend and her daughter (they now live in Paris)...and I realized what fabulous women I have in my life and how damn lucky I am. The support crew has been amazing.

I stayed in DC with Leila, my best friend from high school -- I have y'all and then law school buddies and Robbie and Miruni here in the City. Lots to be thankful for this week.

I got home after being on the road and my brother and Miwa (his chinese/japanese girlfriend) made me dinner, which apparently will go on face book later. I found out that most of my friends and family converse regularly on facebook. I can't quite expose myself there yet but may.

I will be in New Orleans for Thanksgiving and with my Dad over Christmas...spending holidays with those I love and NOT COOKING. Very simple fare all around.

The book is nearly done and will be finalized to go to some lucky agent by the end of the year -- more optomism for 2009.

So will you guys that have kids please post photos this month? I would at least like to live vicariously and enjoy your largesse...

Vicky, how about pics of that 10 year old grandaughter, eh? love to you all...keep writing.

Glasses Half Full

This stage in life, though not without its challenges, does have some benefits.  Nothing to prove; no one to impress.  We have arrived with all our wrinkles and gray hairs.  But the good news is that we still are standing.  And, thankfully, we have each other.  

Vicky, congrats to your son on his nuptials and to your granddaughter on her 10th birthday.

I hope this Thanksgiving will be a little less painful for you.

Allison, what are your Thanksgiving plans?  How are you holding up?  I think of you often and send you love and encouragement.

I had a very pleasant blast from the past, two weeks ago.  Rusty Pierce came to Boston and called.  We spent a lovely afternoon together.  She is someone who has experienced a dark period for the last 25 years.  Colleen, you know some of the things she's been through.  I have faith that she will be ok.

By the way, I am happy to report that Jackie Rose is doing very well.  I cross my fingers, as I say that she is turning the corner.  The meds are working and she is having success on all fronts. Her grades are very solid; she was chosen to be the stage manager of the winter musical--Pippin; and she was moved up to the varsity field hockey team.  An answer to our prayers.

Jon is having a good senior year, but might need shoulder surgery.

Jeff is wonderful, per usual.  We are having fun as empty-nesters.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  We will have a modest crew, by Garrity standards, anywhere from 11 to 20.  We are hosting a foreign student from Tabor, for the Thanksgiving vacation.  She is a freshman girl from China.  I hope this will be fun for the girls.

With much gratitude, Cecilia

Falling thoughts

Things are peaceful around here. I both hate and love November. 8 years without James this Thanksgiving. That just sucks. But my granddaughter turned 10 over the weekend, which was cause for much fun and an excuse for me to buy somebody "Hannah Montana" outfits.

We are finally "of that age" where our friends and loved ones are suffering the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. And that sucks, too. It's not fair that marriages and bodies wear out. It's horrendously unfair and that a creepy, evil disease sneaks into somebody we love. Somedays it's hard just to catcha breath, much less smell the roses...and even the roses can be a little wilted.

I am glad for my remaining family and friends....for nieces and nephews and sisters-in-law (even when they yell at me for voting for Obama) and girlfriends who tell me the truth about myself, (even when I really don't want to hear it). I am grateful that the weather turned cool last week and that a young, ridiculously-in-love young couple I know finally married. I am grateful that Arnie and I still love the hell out of each other and plan on riding through the last lap in (to steal a phrase) "hot, righteous monogamy".

We are a fortunate crew of women.... smart, able and good-hearted. I pray we each find something to warm our souls today.

Falling into Winter

Since I don't travel with my computer and only check email sporadically I see that my summer and fall travel has really left me out of the loop. I failed Al's test by not hearing what is going on her life and am very sorry about that. For many, many reasons we need to make another reunion happen soon; I think Lisa suggested June. Let's check our calendars and start talking about dates and places. Had we agreed that Bloomington made the most sense for the next gathering?
Though I thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent colors of autumn being mostly on the east coast, I sort of feel that time has sped by and here we are heading into holiday season already. Miss you all. Love, Colleen