WELCOME 2010
I’m hoping you don’t all faint from shock or anything, but yes, this is a new blog post. I promised myself - and many friends and family - that I would take up the blogger’s hat again in the New Year and so here I am. For awhile I wasn’t sure that I was going manage to do this on January 1st. The kind of crazy fate and circumstances that have made me be more absent than present last year, seemed determine to converge today. Although our internet connection has been pretty stable for the past few weeks, we woke up to a signal that was coming and going faster than blond starlets in Hollywood and that finally crashed altogether late morning. Making matters even more complicated was the electricity that also bounced up and down. That’s a much more common phenomena around here and we have ways of compensating for it in the short term but, when it goes on all day, the compensatory goes as well. So. Here it is about 9:30 PM Indian time and we appear to have light and connection to the outside world. Maybe they’re bouncing signals off that gorgeous, big moon that rose a couple of hours ago over the Eastern mountains. The winter months’ moons over this part of the Himalayas are breathtakingly beautiful. Here’s hoping that my friends in the Western Hemisphere where it’s daytime, get treated to as fine a moonrise when it’s your turn.
Can I say how very very glad I am that it is now officially the year 2010? (Yes. by the Western business calendar - I know there are scads of other systems out there that might designate this anything from the year 2 to the year 25218.) Of course it’s purely arbitrary to think that January 1, 2010 heralds something different than December 31, 2009, but I personally really need some change and I’ll take an arbitrary and capricious marker such as a date change if that’s what I can get. Something like a new calendar year, with broader connotations of change and beginnings, might just be the handle I can attach to the remnants of my once-indomitable optimism. I definitely need some leverage on the rudder of my personal flagship to get it headed back in a more optimal direction than it has been dragged by the undertow that was 2009!
All of which is a complicated way to say that, on a personal level, much of the year 2009 sucked. I won’t get too colourful with that metaphor and I don’t need to go into long or graphic detail here. That would bore you and me both since almost all of the suckage had something to do with the state of my health. This included an emergency abdominal surgery that I would have as soon not had, as well as surgery I wanted (knee replacement) but could not have due to an almost constant series of infections and autoimmune issues that left me pretty well sidelined and housebound much of the year. Munching pills and laying in bed doesn’t make for a very exciting blog most of the time. I’ve been feeling better this past week and seeing some improvements which make me optimistic about this being a better year all around.
There were some really bright spots to the past 12 months. Most of them had to do with people - it’s been an outstanding people year. I’ve made some wonderful new friends (waving at Kim, Kelly, Jo and Chandra to name just a few of many fine folks,) feel closer than ever to the ones I’ve kept through all the chaos (Sylvia this means you. Tien, I’m hoping to dance a bit at your wedding) and, through the miracles of social software, have reconnected with some people in my life in delightful ways - friends from childhood, former loves, awol family members and those whose lives took them in different directions than mine. Those connections with people kept me sane during the days in bed and looking forward to seeing them gave me incentive during some hard times. Then, of course, there is the absolute miraculous fantabulousness that is my daughter and grandkids! Doting on these doesn’t even begin to describe it. I am just… smitten. Never knew it was possible to love as hard or as deeply as this after all my mommy love went to daughter V, but it’s as intense with them as it was with her and gets stronger with every little change, every word and song and dance and Easter egg they dye:
My time with them in the States was grand and, through the wonders of the web cam, I get to see and talk to them regularly and be a part of their growing up, even though I’m on the other side of the planet. Virtual hugs aren’t as good as real ones, naturally, but I am so glad to live in a time and place with the technology we now have available!
Especially since letters and parcels STILL take 2 weeks to go from Oregon to India and cost an amount large enough to give me the blind staggers.
A few other good things… Well, actually there are many other good things going on, I’ve simply been too often sidelined by little things like trying to walk and breathe and haven’t reported them well. I’m going to change that. I want to tell everyone what the Tso Pema Medical Emergency Fund is doing (lots of great things for good people in need) and what’s happening here in our little corner of the Himalayas. I want to post pictures of Sonam Yutron (the invalid whose need for a wheelchair inspired the formation of the Emergency Fund) WALKING around the lake. First she started with crutches and a lot of help:
Slowly and with assistance she has become more and more mobile and people passing by her little house often see her outside, enjoying the sunlight. The utter joy of seeing someone who hadn’t left their house in years do kora and be able to participate in community events is so great. I want to wax enthusiastic about the traditional regional textiles that I’m studying, trying to record the motifs and construction before they vanish with the old craftspeople who hold all their secrets in their heads. Working with the knitting patterns, learning from the old women of Kinnour and Lahoul, is something I have been able to do, even when stuck in bed. I look forward to sharing that with my friends who are interested in such things!
So, although I don’t actually make New Years resolutions anymore, I do have a kind of new year determination to resume blogging in a consistent way. I know that receiving comment and feedback really helps motivate me, so please, leave all the comments (and compliments 
) you like. Nag me if you need to. There is so much wonder and beauty here to share, I promise not to be selfish and keep it all for myself in 2010.
Lynne aka socklady wrote:
Am so glad to see you back in the world of bloggerland. And expect to see you again at either BSG or the Sock Summit II in Portland in 2011.
Be well this year and do great and good things when you can.
Posted on 01-Jan-10 at 11:21 pm | Permalink
Pam wrote:
Welcome back Joy! Have really missed your blog!!!
Posted on 01-Jan-10 at 11:33 pm | Permalink
Rachael wrote:
Oh, lovely to hear your voice! Happy New Year! May 2010 be the the best year yet. xoxo
Posted on 01-Jan-10 at 11:37 pm | Permalink
Kathy wrote:
I am so happy that you posted today! I’ve been reading your archives. I love the photographs, especially of the people. I think you have material for a fascinating book!
Posted on 01-Jan-10 at 11:48 pm | Permalink
Robyn Kinsey wrote:
Wow! What a wonderful new year’s surprise to read your blog again and here’s wishing you good health for 2010!! Many tashi deleks to all.
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 12:03 am | Permalink
Sylvia wrote:
Plunk your immune system on the keyboard there and I’ll nag it to get well so you can have knee surgery.
Love the grandkid photos. Doubt I’ll get any of those. And yes, 2009 had too much grief and illness, but we made it. It’s easier to survive the rollercoaster with friends, eh?
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 12:34 am | Permalink
Lucy wrote:
Its really good to read your blog again, my last year, as was yours was dreadful and things can only get better!
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 1:55 am | Permalink
Freyalyn wrote:
What joy to hear from you, and such a lovely and positive message. Lots of love for 2010, to you and yours.
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 3:29 am | Permalink
Cyndi in BC wrote:
So glad you’re back. I really enjoy reading about your adventures. I need to start blogging regularly again too!
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 3:57 am | Permalink
Heidi Jill Price wrote:
Hi Joy! Nice to hear from you again! So glad you were able to make it to Sock Summit and we found each other! Wishing you much health and happiness in 2010 and always!
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 6:08 am | Permalink
Juanita wrote:
What a delight to see that you posted today! Beautiful granddaughters!! Sending you hugs.
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 6:39 am | Permalink
Anne Kaelber wrote:
Oh, wow. That’s a good all-around “get up and go” for the new year. I’m most interested in the preservation of the patterns and motifs around you. Please do keep up with that!
Have you ever seen the Institute for Draped Clothes? http://www.idcw.org.uk/IDC.html They are trying to preserve clothing like saris and kimonos — clothes which are being replaced by the ubiquitous blue jeans and t-shirt.
Happy New Year!
Anne.
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 7:00 am | Permalink
Maria Hyman wrote:
Hello Joy. Many a time I wondered if you would ever blog again. Thrilled that you’re back. Would love to hear more on the textiles. Take great care.
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 8:40 am | Permalink
Maria Hyman wrote:
By the way, that beautiful Blue Moon that you saw rising exquisitely over the Himalayas on New Year’s Eve won’t happen again on New Year’s eve until 2028. I’ll be 96; glad I caught this one.
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 8:54 am | Permalink
Mel wrote:
Well, I certainly hope 2010 brings you much better energy than 2009 did, and of course, I hope you get back to blogging more regularly.
When you see Lobsang and Sonam Yutron, do give them a big hug from me.
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 12:29 pm | Permalink
Yarnspider wrote:
What a fab post, do keep them up, it really gave me a lift to read of such inspiring people, yourself included.
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 5:44 pm | Permalink
Viki wrote:
so Glad you are posting again. Remember to write a post about your hat.
Nudge Nudge.
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 8:07 pm | Permalink
Pat wrote:
Hi Joy, What a nice surprise to find a new blog entry. I hope 2010 will be a better year for all of us, especially healthwise. We are having a major snowstorm with high winds today and tomorrow with upwards of 30+ cm. of snow. Hope your weather is better.
Posted on 02-Jan-10 at 11:59 pm | Permalink
Sue James wrote:
Welcome back!!!!
I love your blog and the photos and I’ve missed you and worried about you!!
Posted on 03-Jan-10 at 4:40 am | Permalink
Swapna wrote:
Hello Joy! I hope you have a healthy and happy 2010. Best wishes.
Posted on 03-Jan-10 at 9:46 am | Permalink
Tee wrote:
What a treat to see you pop up in my reader again! Yours is one of the blogs I treasure because it keeps my mind opened and broadened. I love learning about everyday lives that are so different from mine, I wish you good health and buoyed spirits in the year ahead.
Posted on 03-Jan-10 at 5:01 pm | Permalink
Silva wrote:
Happy New Year!
Welcome back!
You look wonderful in a blogger’s hat. May you wear it in good health.
Posted on 04-Jan-10 at 12:17 am | Permalink
joan wrote:
My I have missed you and wondered about your well being. I am really looking forward to some fantastic information about knitting where you are. That is how I found your blog in the first place. I too am happy to see 2010. In my book 2009 was a year I would like to forget.
Posted on 05-Jan-10 at 3:52 am | Permalink
Tien wrote:
Yay! You’re blogging again!!
Posted on 05-Jan-10 at 10:58 pm | Permalink
nicolas wrote:
I am so glad ur continuing logging and i wish you, Lena and Joy a wonerfull new year with all my best wishes for health and hapinness! xxxxxxxx
Posted on 07-Jan-10 at 4:02 am | Permalink
Phyllis Glanville wrote:
SOOOO good to hear from you on your blog. i check frequently, hoping you haven’t abandoned it altogether .. even hit the refresh button in case something new was there but I was just seeing a cached page!!
I send all of youl the best wishes for this new year. May it be kind, gentle, prosperous and fruitful in all ways.
Love you, sweetie …
Posted on 07-Jan-10 at 8:31 am | Permalink
Kelly wrote:
Thanks for mentioning our friendship, Joy!! It makes all the difference to know you were thinking of me!!!
I am glad to see you blogging again!!!! I should really start a blog or something, though I do not know what I would say!!!
Kel
Posted on 09-Jan-10 at 1:23 am | Permalink
Jo wrote:
Welcome back!
I hope that the new year (arbitrary though it is) has brought new optimism and hope for the future. I think you were probably quite right not to bother writing much in 2009. It was a silly year. Let’s hope that tomorrow and tomorrow’s tomorrow are fun days!
Or perhaps we should both heed Kalisada and not look too much to the future, but look to this day, for in its brief course lie all the verities and realities of our existence… Enjoy the dawn of today, dear Joy!
Posted on 12-Jan-10 at 7:53 am | Permalink
Michael Sullivan wrote:
WOW. I hit the link out of habit, and my teeth almost fell out!! New blog posts!! this is great - welcome back and please keep up the good work.
Posted on 14-Jan-10 at 11:46 pm | Permalink