Bring it On 2012, I am riding into the New Year!

This gal is happy to start the New Year! I leave 2011 with great memories, a hope to continue on a path towards peace and fulfillment, a future that holds new adventures and fun. I have realized a lot of my dreams this year, I have gained knowledge, and am on my way to independence from my past. A past that has troubled me with regrets. Life plays out for all of us in a way that is at times really wonderful and at times so horrible we wonder "why me"?. I think the most important lesson for me in 2011 was to realize this and to move forward with an attitude that says "why not me"?

Some of my most memorable moments were simple, unassuming moments. An eagle on a post as I rode on a motorcycle, watching my dogs run free without a leash while I fast walk, having the people of Colombia speak with me in Spanish, all the while realizing I could understand them and answer back! Those types of moments are what I have learned to live for and enjoy. Finding myself was my "ahah moment" as Oprah would say. A me that is forgiving of myself first, others who have hurt me, all the while acknowledging the past that is part of me , the good and the bad.

Colombian traffic jam!

I have learned to accept things that I found to be disturbing because I am American. Watching a motorcycle ride by me with a child on board without a helmet, actually seeing babies asleep across their mother's knees while the father is driving. I know, it is hard to picture and fathom, but it is part of society here. I now only look twice when I see something really different. I see moto's with two men carrying a pig that is skinned across their back without a blink of my eye. I see horses pulling a carriage full to the brim with supplies on the main highway, along with cars, bicycles, motorcycles, mass transit, and even an occasional wheelchair. Everybody fighting for their space. I see cows being herded to a new field to graze on roads traveled by all, and the people wait patiently to get by. There really is no angry honking of horns here in Colombia. Just patient people who live a calm life.One of my most treasured memories is "Horsey" whom visited me on several occasions. He first started grazing in front of my home, gradually entered my patio and then my house. I miss Horsey because he stopped coming to visit a couple months back. This is not unusual as the Colombian people are about making money and selling! If you look interested in anything, they offer to sell it to you.The Colombians have firsthand knowledge of "getting ahead" and saving their money for what they want. I have learned to appreciate the small things here, as the small things add up to big things and happiness.

I leave this year with happiness, gratitude, thankfulness. I have left my past behind, but still embrace it. I find memories when I least expect them among st my many boxes still left unpacked. I am ready to ride into the future on a motorcycle, one of many accomplishments yet to be learned. Looking forward to sharing my thoughts in the New Year. Bring it on 2012!