Peace & Goodwill

[Dottore]

It's that time again—when I look back on the past year and try to make sense of the events that filled it.

For me it has been a truly shyte year. And I mean shyte of a magnitude that I hope never to see again.

Now though, I'm slowly getting my mojo back and all kinds of new perspectives are opening up once more. I hope to live smarter and leaner as a result, and even more acutely aware of just how precious our time here really is.

I was looking through the pictures in my camera and found the one below. I took it when I was convalescing at a small cottage high in the Dolomite Mountains of northern Italy earlier this year. When I took that photo I had no clear idea how things were going to turn out. Now, it seems I'm on the mend, and there is much optimism in the air.

In the photo of course are my lovely wife and my great friend Jack the Schnauzer. Let me tell you right here and now that with the love of a good woman anything and everything on this earth is possible. And laugh if you will—but Jack has taught me at least as much about approaching the vicissitudes of life with grace and style and equanimity as all of the Buddhist texts in my library.

I also very much want to thank a whole bunch of you on this board for your great kindness and support this past year.

Peace and goodwill to each and every one of you this holiday season!

[syncroid]

May the new year bring you joy and happiness. Glad you are on the mend.

[HHI944]

Not the same magnitude, but as any regular stijn poster knows, my year has been rough. I've found buddhisy texts very helpful. Rereading the dhammapadda now.

[HHI944]

And my dog, well there's something very special about the bond between a man and his dog. Had mine for 12yrs now. I swear he knows what im thinking.

[vas930]

And to you, Sir.
Thanks for all your posts, Dottore.
Its been a pleasure to read.

[944Larry]

Glad you're on the way back! Life can be tough at times. A view like that always helps me bounce back. Dolomite mountains? Think Rudy Ray Moore named them?

[nostatic]

Ups, downs, all-arounds. Here's to a better 2012!

[74-911]

It is always a pleasure to read your posts Dottore.
A Happy, prosperous and healthy 2012 to you and yours.

[LakeCleElum]

Markus: You are a true gentleman on here. Well read, and widely traveled. Glad to hear you are on the mend and wishing many more active years.

Have a great Holiday season.

[craigster59]

C'mon D, slap a coat of paint on that fence. What will the neighbors say?
In all seriousness. what a beautiful place to spend reconfiguring your life's priorities, especially with your Wife and four legged Zen Priest.

I think many of us on this BBS have gone through some trials and tribulations in 2011, wether hanging it out there for advice, a shoulder to lean on or just keeping it to ourselves and hoping all will fall into place.

I'm not the most religious person in the world, kind of hover in Lutheran, Buddhism with a lot of the "Golden Rule" thrown in for good measure. It has served me well in life and I see very posotive things in the future.

I have read the posts of fellow Pelicans who have lost family members, have endured life threatening illness, job loss, disaster and just plain hopelessness. If I didn't post in the thread it doesn't mean that I don't care, it's just that there are so many great people in this community, what I wanted to say had been said in much better language than this hack could post.

Wishing all on the board the best in health, happiness and prosperity to you and yours in the New Year. Oh, and luck too, Lord knows we could always use some of that!

[tevake]

Its good to have you still with us Dottore, Really enjoy your comments and perspective. All the best in the new year to you.

Cheers Richard

[pwd72s]

There is infinite hope...........

[DanielDudley]

Often we reside in Heaven, and put ourselves through Hell...

Here's to a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous new year.

[dewolf]

My dear old departed Dad use to say " Son you've got 80 summers in your life, maybe a few more, maybe a lot less. 80, make 'em count". How ever many summers you have left Dottore, make 'em count. All the best for the new year.

[Seahawk]

To you as well.

[flatbutt]

And echoed back to all of you.

[vash]

feeling pretty good about 2011! it was very "vanilla". nothing to get excited about one way or another. stepdad discovered a serious illness and was given 6 months..but he rallied and will go deep deep into 2012..for that i am grateful.

trying to be a "half full" kinda guy. (even tho my glass is filled halfway with something that occasionally taste like ass)..

peace and love..friends.

[Rikao4]

same to you D..
remember reading your story of the guy who once had it all..
only to find peace & happiness in a cabin at the base of those mountains..
I'm sure the hot postal lady had something to do with that ..

so enjoy & take care..
as this is a race you can't win..
only leave..

Rika

[Mrmerlin]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Having an opportunity to learn from your past,
when you are ready to see it,
is for sure another wonderful step on your path.
Your fortunate to have a terrific wife and the dog loves you.
It`s a wonderful life!
Happy Holidays!

[azasadny]

Yes, 2011 was a terrible year for me as well, but I'm thankful that things are looking up for us for 2012. Stay well., my friend!