I’ve been busy the last few days (too busy) getting ready to leave my beautiful ranch in LA to go to in New York. Why is it that I have to work two to three times harder before I leave town? It’s crazy. It’s not like, wow; I get to take a break from all the chores and details in my life since I’ll be gone. It’s more like I have to do the work of three people all at once, accomplishing all the work that I would have done if I hadn’t been gone in a third of the time which = Stress.
But I love New York. And it’s lure kept me going through my dawn to bedtime workload, tempting me like a carrot dangling in front of my nose, but in this case, it’s a big shiny apple. I like NY so much that years ago, I tried to convince Patrick to sell our LA place and move there. You know – we’d have ultra urban in NY, and then complete rural ranch living at our place in New Mexico. Sounds pretty good, huh? But this wasn’t a reasonable idea considering that three dogs, two cats, six horses, and one peacock would have to come along, and it’d be really hard to pick up all the poop.
I start press for my book next week, but I’ve come a few days early to spend New Year’s Eve with my wonderful girlfriend (let’s just call her Lady M). Spending New Year’s Eve in NY was Lady M’s idea, and a good one. It fit right into my new M.O. to shake things up and do something different every holiday. We have a fantastic evening planned, and it’s something that I been able to look forward to the entire month of December. I can’t tell you what a difference that’s made over the last weeks – instead of dreading, really, really, painfully dreading the thought of New Year’s – I’ve been excited about it. Bravo to Lady M.
Of course the Lady M and I will probably shed some tears over dinner (she lost her husband not very long ago, too), but our camaraderie will warm us. And hopefully, we will find a smile as we raise our glasses, and toast those that are still in our hearts. And have some damn good fun while we’re doing it.
In the meantime, I’m heading to a doctor to see if I can kick out the last of a chest infection I’ve had for a couple weeks. The holidays have been tough, I’ve been working hard, and my cough has not been helped by the fact that stress levels have been spiraling off the charts.
But I’m in New York now. And since arriving, I’ve felt the tension start to peel off of me, like shedding heavy clothes and armor. And I’m enjoying how that feels. How wonderful to feel…relief in my life. I know this respite will help me in the coming week when press begins, and my life spins into a whirlwind again.
For now… Breathe! Breathe!
Dear Lisa,
Nice to hear that everything is ok with you. I will read your new book as soon as possible.
Wish you and your girlfriend a great new years night with a smile and a tear, its good to think of
our lost love ones. I hope 2012 gives you everything you wish,
Hugs from a horse friend in The Netherlands
Thank you, Horse Friend. L
Lisa,
I’m glad to hear that you’re getting a break in New York as I imagine all the interviews you’ll be undergoing because of your new book will be quite stressful. I really hope that you get that chest infection under control before you start.
Take care.
Joan
My health has vastly improved in the last 24 hours. I’m glad. I’d hate to cough through all my interviews! L
Dear Lisa i have never been in New York but i love the way you describes it.Take care and i hope your infection will pass soon.Always when i get up i think of you every day.
My love and admiration
Thank you for your support, Marcela. And NY is great. I lived here after I left Houston at 18 yrs old, and it will always feel a little bit like home.
Thank you Lisa for your responding I appreciate it very much.Best luck to you and to your book!
Hi Lisa, Wow! You never stop!! Have a great time in NYC. True, when one moves, no time to think! Take care and Happy new year.
Keeping busy is a good thing for me. But still, everything catches up eventually. I think that was reflected with my chest infection. Two and a half weeks of coughing and fatigue! Argh!!
Dear Lisa
Have a fantastic break in NYC. May you and your girlfriend have huge fun and relaxtion time.
HAPPY NEW YEAR celebrations for tomoro night.
May 2012 be a fantastic year for you and your family.
Hugs
xxxxx
Same to you, Andrea. And to all of you.
happy hogmany from scotland…… hope 2012 is good to you ;0)
Happy…whaaat? I can only suppose it’s a Scottish thing!
Oh no! I hope you kick out that chest infection soon before all of the press starts! Can’t wait to see you on GMA!. You and Lady M have a wonderful New Years in NYC! Much love always!
The Lady M thanks you. She, unfortunately, ended up in the emergency room last night with an severe allergic reaction. She’s 100% today though. Yea!
Me? I’m ten times better than I was. Thanks for asking.
Oh no!!! I’m SO glad you both are feeling a 100 percent better now!!! Happy New Years Eve to both of you! 🙂
Lisa;
Just love your blogs. You write so well and so REAL. Keep them coming. What a talented lady you are! I am very jealous about you spending NYE in NYC. We also love the city and go as much as we can. I didn’t tell you that Lynnette has started doing local musical theater. She did Best Little Whorehouse in Texas last year and is doing Chicago in May. She hopes to get the Catheren Zeta-Jones part and she has a good chance. She is also having the time of her life!
Have fun on New Years and stay safe!
Jim
GO, Lynnette, GO!
ps. I’m seeing Hugh Jackman’s show tonight on Broadway.
Happy New Year Lisa,
I am happy that you will be spending the New Year with a friend and not at your home where I know from experience the memories and thoughts can overwhelm you and create a depressing time. I also thank God everyday for the wonderful girlfriends and friends in general that have helped to pull me and walk me thru the quag mire of grief that you go thru when you lose a spouse or loved one especially around the holidays. I know you are going to be busy with promoting your new book which I already have pre ordered. I wish you lots of Love, Laughter and Fun for the New Year with your family and friends. You are a great inspiration to me and just from reading your blogs and facebook page and your personal appearances I know why you were such a special lady and love of Patrick’s life. God Bless You Lisa and Have a wonderful New Year.
What a wonderful and very thoughtful comment from you. And yes, having friends that you can call on makes a big difference. I am very lucky I have the friends I have. It’s like we all pull each other up, so all of us float instead of sinking to the bottom. How great is that?
Happy New Year to you, too.
Dear Lisa
I’ve never been in New York, but my Ballet-Teacher said “you have to go, it’s an amazing city”. His son is in New York since two years now, he got the role of Billy in the Broadway-Musical Billy Elliot. So, next year, I will take a plane… 🙂
Wish you and your girlfriend all the best for New Year’s Eve and a happy new year!
Take care
Nicole
You’ll love it!
I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all you do in the fight against pancreatic cancer. I lost my dad on Feb 10, 2011 after just a 9 month battle and it has been a tough year. I have been volunteering for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network since his death and have since become a Community Rep for NW Arkansas. I am so thankful to have this organization and people like you to fight right alongside with. Enjoy your time in NY and I can’t wait to read your book!! Thank you for writing it. I think my mom will like it as well. I’m sure she will have a lot to relate to as she reads it. Happy New Year!
Lisa, My mother-in-law died of pancreatic cancer 9/1/2008, less than a year after diagnosis. My husband was devastated and had a very hard time coping during her illness and after her death. The day before Thanksgiving my husband was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He is 55. Thank you for keeping up the fight.
Robin
Enjoy new years eve New York style!!! It is one place top of my “to visit list”
I hope you and Lady M are both feeling much better-and that you have a wonderful evening together
xxxx
Lisa,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I hope you feel better, and hope your New Year is everything you hope it will be:) Going out now to buy People. Pam
Hi Lisa,
I hope the next year will be a good year for all your futur projects and espacially for your book that I look forward to read, as I loved “The Time of my life”.
Happy new year from France and take care of your health.
Hello Lisa,
We wish your a beautiful Time in New York and which you feel better soon.
a dream of me is New York to seen. Thank you so much for your beautiful Pictures and Postings.
I like this so much. Sorry for my not so good English. Can I write you also into German?
Many Greetings from Amberg in Germany
Love and Light
Simone (DancingDragon)
Lisa you deserve a well earned break! You tirelessly go on like a true diamond! You are an inspiration to all out there! You have a lovely new year with your girlfriend, its great that you have someone and yous are both helping each other! Your doing great girl! Xx ps cant wait for the book in the uk! Xx
Hello Lisa,
Happy new year for you and girlfriend. much health 🙂
love and light
Simone
Hope you have a wonderful break in NYC. I wish you a very happy New Year.
What a joy to read!! and you know accompanied by a friend ….. I wish you. a very good end of year (we have n ever was as near!) and a very good start with the dedication of your book ….. ho !! j as like those of N Y. … be happy and healthy ♥♥♥
Olá querida Lisa, tudo bem com vc? Primeiramente quero dizer que a admiro muito,vc é um exemplo para muitos!! Desculpe,não seimuito bem inglês,então deixei o comentário em português mesmo,espero que não haja nenhum problema quanto a isso!! Moro no Brasil, tenho 29 anos, e, desde os meus 11 anos sou muito fã do Patrick, desde a primeira vez em que assisti Ghost!!! Digo sou,porque jamais deixarei de ser!! Eu sempre o admirei. e essa admiração levarei para o resto da minha vida!! Aqui no Brasil,faço parte de um site de relacionamentos,o Orkut, e nesse site sou afiliada a várias comunidades relacionadas a ele, entre essas comunidades tem uma muito mais que especial, da qual sou uma das moderadoras!! Essa comunidade se chama: Patrick Swayze eternamente!! Infelizmente devido a correria do dia a dia,quase não tenho participado,mas sempre que posso,dou uma passadinha para me corresponder com pessoas,que assim como eu,também são admiradoras do Patrick!! Agradeço muito ao Patrick,pois graças a ele conheci pessoas maravilhosas nessas comunidades!! Lisa,e através do Patrick, também tive a oportunidade de conhece-la!! Vc é uma grande mulher!! Amo todos os filmes do Patrick, tenho a maioria dos filmes dele aqui em minha casa, e entre esse filmes tenho os dois que vocês fizeram juntos: Red Daw e One Last Dance!! São todos filmes maravilhosos!! Inclusive minha filhinha de três anos também gosta muito de One Last Dance!! Lisa,quero parabenizá-la por mais essa etapa de sua vida, desejo a vc um feliz ano de 2.012!! Muito sucesso, amor,paz,enfim,tudo de bom pra vc!! Ps: Espero que vc entenda tudo que escrevi! Desculpe por eu não ser muito fluente em inglês!! Vc e o Patrick estarão sempre em meu coração!! Obrigado por tudo!! Kisses!! Divina Tavares.
Hi Lisa,
I wish you and Lady M a wonderful time in NYC. It sure is one great city! Been there myself in 1991 and I really loved it.
Anyway, just wanted to stop by and wish you good luck with your book and all the best for 2012.
Regards from rainy Germany,
Birte
Lisa,me desculpe, confundi seu filme Dawn Stell com Red Dawn!! Mas ambos são filmes m,aravilhosos!!
Hi Lisa, I love reading your blogs. Happy new year to you and Lady M!! I wish you a happy and successful 2012 and all the best with your new book. All the best, Deb.
Hi Lisa!!! Enjoy your time in NYC. I’ve never been (and I’ve lived in PA my whole life haha) but it looks magical this time of year!!!
As for Lady M, it sounds like we all need a Lady M in our lives!!!!
Happy New Year!!!!! I have a feeling 2012 is going to be a good year for you!!!!
xoxoxo
Lisa,
Enjoy yourself and have a great New Year! I’ve been battling a chest cold as well. Need to get it taken care of before I face my 25 4th graders again. Take Care! Looking forward to your book!
Dear Lisa,
What a great way to spend New Years Eve! In New York, with your friend! Good to hear you health has improved and that Lady M is feeling better again! I’m sorry to hear that she also lost her husband..
I hope you’ll have a wonderful time over there and I also hope that 2012 will be a good year for you. I’m proud of you….it’s good that you’re adopting a new M.O.
I ordered the Time of my life book ( I got a bonus from work so I decided to buy myself a gift.. I am a poor student so I can’t buy myself gifts too often haha and my Irish dancing is an expensive but great hobby 😛 ) I will order your new book as soon as it get published in The Netherlands…..if it doesn’t get published here I will order it in America….thank God for Credit Cards… 🙂
How was Hugh Jackman’s on Broadway??
Thank you so much for blogging…I love reading your blogs…
Love,
Ineke Uitterhoeve
Can’t wait to read your book….just may be what I need. I lost my husband almost two years ago to pancreatic cancer. He was 51. I guess I am not the only one still having such a hard time with day to day and especially holidays. I have great support, a wonderful family and an unshakeable faith…still doesn’t make it easy. It has helped me the most to hear from people who have had similar journeys. Thank you for writing the book and sharing your journey. Hope your New Year is filled with peace.
What would our life be without real friends?
I’m glad that you are surrounded by sincere people!