Some thoughts at the end of the year

As 2008 rolls around, I wanted to share that I feel incredibly blessed. This week's post is just my attempt to give at least partial thanks for what I've been given.

One, to have joined the ranks of La Bloga and be able to share my brickbats and bouquets alongside Daniel, Michael, Manuel, René, Rudy and Gina has been a honor. You've all been kind to a fault, supportive, funny, (especially YOU, Rudy!) and insightful.

To make a small contribution to our discourse about literatura, cultura y más required me to dig deep in the best possible way. La Bloga has given me the chance to interview writers like Martín Espada, Demetria Martínez, Luis Rodríguez , Margo Tamez, Tara Betts, Rich Villar, conversations that make me want to be a better writer.

Two, with sands shifting in my personal life this year, I've been given an object lesson as to the real nature of friendship. For all the shoulders I've cried upon, ears I've bent, dinners I've been treated to, late night phone calls accepted, opinions shared, and unconditional love....my love and my gratitude to: Jay and June, Rose, Toniann, Deirdra, Ramone.

Three, for my hermana, my cohort, my heart, my partner in crime, Ann Hagman Cardinal. To be able to have you in my life as family is one of the rare times the words fail me. But what I do have words for is the incredible joy I feel in being part of your writer's journey.

Four, for the gift of finding Jewish roots, my ancestry in full, hidden treasure now in the light.

Five, for proof that magic is still possible, even when you least expect it.


Other notes:

Gente, indulge me with posting the photo above. (Sometimes a girl's just gotta....)

I've completed a poetry manuscript, Raw Silk Suture, and I'm lighting the candles that there will be more good news about that in 2008!

There's also been a redesign of my website: http://lisaalvarado.net
The incredibly lovely design is courtesy of Jay Fox -- http://frogdoggraphix.com
and Lin, http://photographybylin.com