As the first day of the new year draws to a close, I have the shaky stability of a new colt. I’m not quite settled into 2012 yet. It will probably be weeks before I correctly write the date on a document. I’m still in awe of how quickly this last year passed. I haven’t crystallized my intentions for the coming months – where I wish to go, what I intend to accomplish. So many of the facets of my life reflect a different light now than they did 12 months ago, I have no idea what outlook to expect as I contemplate future reflections, and I must laughingly admit that I’m entirely okay with this state of affairs. As long as there are many facets to my life, and they reflect the light, I am content.

I am content.

I hope your 2012 unfolds to let pleasure touch every facet of your life. I look forward to sharing with you whatever may come.

xo -em

01-10-11

I noticed yesterday, as I was running errands, that it wasn’t pitch black at 5 p.m. I know you know what that means… Spring is just around the corner!

You may think it’s too early to start celebrating a new season when winter has only recently officially begun. I would argue, however, that the rebirth and renewal so many of us articulate with the arrival of the New Year is simply a planting of the seeds that will sprout in a few months time and flourish in the heat of summer.

What seeds are you planting today?

I hope you were able to honor the passage of 2010 in the way you most wished, whether it was with shots or grapes, a passionate kiss or a long winter’s nap. I spent it with three of my favorite people in the world. Or four, if I count myself. And I do. I will. That’s what I want this new year to be about – counting myself, celebrating myself, within the community of others and in such a way that what I say and do compels those with whom I come in contact to breathe a bit deeper, smile a bit wider, laugh a bit louder and act with a bit more freedom and clarity.

by Thorsten Becker / flickr

I wish you the very best in health and happiness for 2011.

What do you wish for yourself?

whimsical (adj.): given to fanciful or unpredictable notions or actions.

Now, I am not licensed in any way, except to drive, and even then the DMV won’t let me maneuver motorcycles or 18-wheelers. I leave hangover remedies to those more qualified. And there are already enough sources out there for those wishing to be introspective. Instead, I offer the following celebration of GUMMI BEARS so you may start out 2009 with a smile on your face.

Gummy Bear Anatomy by Jason Freeny

There is something about Gummi Bears, or Gummy Bears, that brings out the child in everyone. Sometimes that child is homicidal, but this is what happens when you feed children candy.

Gummy Bear Homicide by ELogan Photography

This may explain why some people are actually scared of Gummi Bears, and announce this fact to the world.

Gummy Bears Scare Me

Now, I completely empathize with those folks who shake in terror upon seeing a clown, but Gummi Bears? They’re so cute and squishy! And they expand in water!

Sadly, sometimes only a 13-year-old girl just discarding her Barbies can truly appreciate the full appeal of Gummi Bears.

Bracelet from Luster Studio

Well, 13-year-olds and comic book geeks. In fact, Hans Traxler from Germany dedicated an entire comic to “The Life and Times of Gummy Bears.”

Ivan the Terrible vexed by Gummy Bear

Well, 13-year-olds, comic book geeks and hipsters. Yes, all those folks who collect metal lunch boxes and attend Viggo Mortensen’s art openings are sure to just cream over Gummi Bear lamps and such.

Gummy Lamps by Jellio

Aw, hell, they really are funky-cute, don’t you think? Check out Jellio’s cupcake furniture too! Never too early to start a wish list for next Christmas, right?

And never fear, there is Gummi Bear furniture to be found as well.

Gummy Bear Rug by Yaya Chou

No one is immune to these little gelatinous guys. Clearly an international movement – I dare say, a revolution – is under way. The radicals involved are not content with the odd lamp, earring, or YouTube video. No. They mean to take over the world. And their leader is obviously Yaya Chou. It is just a matter of time before Yaya and Frank Gehry get together to create the next architectural wonder.

Gummy Bear chandelier by Yaya Chou

What is it, exactly, that makes people so passionate about Gummi Bears? You tell me.

Luddite laptop created by Big Time Attic

How did this happen? Ignorance, I tell you. I had no idea that my spontaneous decision mere weeks ago to documenting things that bring me pleasure would thrust me so deeply into the alternate universe of technology. I have spent the waning days of 2008 learning more about FeedBurner, favicons, and FTPs than I ever thought I’d need to know. Ever. The journey has tested me, perhaps made me stronger, and certainly made it easier to subscribe to my blog. And it is not over. As I reflect on what 2009 may bring, I know I have much to learn, and not just about web 2.0. I couldn’t be more excited!

Magic Pill

I’ve always been a magic pill kind of person. I just want to flip a switch or press a button and have what I want, EXACTLY what I want, appear in working fashion before me. Patience is a virtue I misplaced in the process of exiting the womb – except I was delivered by C-section, but you get the picture.

Recently, however, I’ve found myself noticing signposts leading away from the magic pill approach to life. I’m not saying that I plan on diving into any wombs to retrieve an errant virtue. Or anything else, for that matter. I am saying that my intention in the coming months is to rewrite my story, the one about who I am and what I can and cannot do in this amazing life. Perhaps I am not such a Luddite after all. And if that is the case, what else may or may not be true about myself?

So here’s to discarding expectations, and joyfully embracing the unknown in 2009. Let’s be pleasurably surprised by what we reveal of ourselves and what we let ourselves achieve. Happy New Year!