Wednesday, December 31, 2008

...New Years Eve.

I think that New Years Eve is a holiday that changes with our ages. When I was in my teens and early 20's it was all about the cutest boy, the best outfit, which party to go to, and who were you going to strategically stand next to at midnight in hopes that he turned around
to you for that all important kiss!
In my late 20's and early 30's I found myself traveling with a friend and had set out to explore the world overseas. I am lucky enough to have gathered great memories of this all important evening. When in Australia, I finished a private catering job in just enough time to race to the Sydney Opera House steps while the clock was striking twelve. Caught up in the celebration, some cute Aussie boy (who I didn't know) whirled around, swept me in his arms and gave me a New Years kiss that I remember to this day. I have eaten twelve grapes as the clock struck midnight in Spain, (the grapes signify twelve happy months in the coming year),
and have been fortunate enough to pop open a bottle of champagne on the
sparkling Champs Elysees in Paris.

I remember one Dec. 31st when I was alone and took myself to the movies. At the stroke of 12, the theatre lights went up, the movie stopped, everyone turned and wished each other a "Happy New Year", than sat back down and the movie continued!
For some reason, the feeling of that night has always stayed with me.

Now, in my late forties, it has become an evening spent either celebrating with good friends, or at home in reflection of the coming year. Most of us stopped giving in to the pressure of making the dinner reservation at the newest and best place of the year, don't want to be out on the road with all the "crazy's" and sometimes even need that extra cup of coffee
to make it to midnight!!

What ever you find yourself doing tonight and where ever you may be doing it, celebrate with gusto, be safe, and close the last chapter of this year with an
unforgettable memory of your own.

7 comments:

Scot Meacham Wood said...

Happy New Year Pat!

and best wishes for 2009.

tartanscot

Elaine said...

Wow, you've had some great New Year's Eves! You're right, as we
age the night means less in terms of a night out and more about spending a quiet evening with friends and family.

Thanks for reading my blog and posting such thoughtful comments.

Have a Happy 2009!

MartiGirl said...

Pat,
Your creativity knows no bounds. Your writing is both touching and humorous. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself, it's quite a pleasure to call you friend.

I'm thinking a Times Square New Years Eve experience need be added to that prolific bank of memories ......... and fwiw you can count me (your native NY'er friend) in on that one. I know the spots where even at *this age* we can still glom onto some midnight madness but be protected and removed from the mayhem. Say the word, and we're there!

Here's to '09 being "just fine" after a clearly not so great '08.

Hugs.
Marti

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year!!!
I'm with you..late 40's too!!
We spent the night with extended family..laughed played games and tryed to master the wii fitness which was a crack up!!!
Clinked our glass with aunts,uncles and cousins...
So glad we met on flickr..really special shades group we are in:)
Hugs,
K

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year! Hope all is well.

Love you,
Brian

As Seen Thru My Eyes said...

I loved reading your new year's eve post, Pat. I wish you many many more new year's eves of poignant perspectives. You have a great talent with words.
Marilyn

Abby Lanes said...

I agree about how the celebration changes through the years. I live in California, so we have an East Coast New Years celebration, watch the ball drop on television in NY, and go to bed at 9:15 :-) Happy New Year, later in January :-)

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