Nobody likes Jan 2nd

I meant to post on the first day of the new year, with a resolution (those dreaded things) to post more frequently.  I missed my first self-imposed deadline by over an hour.

But all I wanted to say was there is this Spalding Gray quote I think of every Dec 31st, from Swimming to Cambodia - he's talking about the Cambodians and their ability to live well:

They knew how to have a good time. They knew how to have a good time getting born, a good time growing up, a good time going through puberty, a good time falling in love, a good time staying in love, a good time getting married, a good time staying married, a good time having children, a good time raising children, a good time growing old, a good time dying... they even knew how to have a good time on NEW YEAR'S EVE!....I couldn't believe it!

A good time on New Year's Eve - it does seem impossible.  However, this year my friends & I tried something new which I think was a hit - I aim to suggest making it an annual ceremony.  It's the ancient Nordic practice of sumbling, which is basically a series of ritualized toasts - boasts & oaths - done with great energy, drama and cocky self-confidence, loud and boisterous.

Fill a chalice or bowl with wine, mead or ale.  The first person declares their first boast, takes a sip, and passes it on to the next person.  There are three rounds (at least).  It can be done at other seasons or events (such as weddings, reunions, etc) but the one to close out the year works well with these toasts:

First round: proclaim an accomplishment from the last year, something you are proud of
Second round: proclaim your most fabulous quality - gloat over why this makes you wonderful
Third round: make an oath - kind of like a resolution - about something important to you that you want to do, be, become, etc.
Lastly: you close by offering the last sip as a libation to the gods - pour it into a fire, if you have one, or, as we did, onto the earth. 

Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and I personally felt like it was a good way to end the year.  Much more meaningful than a countdown and watching a ball drop - well, we did that too, because who can resist Dick Clark? 

My own oath was to create more - more art, more music, more writing - so hopefully you can expect increased blog!