Nothing like a crazy hat on New Years Eve.
I loved the hand-painted murals inside the bar and club.
I had a fantastic New Years Eve celebration last night. The Lady M and I had dinner at the famous Carlyle Club, complete with entertainment by grammy award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell and his band. It was a black tie evening, and classic New York. What a treat! The Lady M and I sat dead center, right up against the stage. Let’s me put it this way – we were soooo close to the stage that we had to put our purses on the edge of the platform because there was no room on our table. We marveled at our good luck at landing the best seats in the house!
And I wake up this morning, and as much fun as I had last night, I feel much more at home with the quiet, reflective solitude of this New Years Day. It’s how I usually celebrate this time of year. It’s a grounded place, a more “real” place. And I am reminded of the things that really matter to me.
January 1, 2012 is like a piece of candy I’m slowly savoring – yummy, and a bit bittersweet. It’s a beautiful day out there, and not too cold. And I look forward to an easy walk in the park.
Happy New Year, Lisa!!! My 8 year old son said to me today, “I love New Year’s….it means we can start fresh and new!” I thought that was very insightful for a little guy….but, can’t argue with his logic either. He just may be onto something! 🙂
Best of luck to you in this new year!!!
Kids crack me up sometimes. They can says things that are way beyond their years! Pretty amazing.
Hello Lisa,
Thank you so much for you beautiful Postings and Pictures.
How are you? I hope fine.
Happy New Year 🙂
Many Greetings from Amberg in Germany
Love and Light
Simone
Happy New Year.
Ojalá algún día pueda sentirme como usted lo describe y volver a disfrutar de la vida.
Le deseo un buen año.
Cynthia
Hi Lisa,
Glad you had a lovely time in New York. My dream is to go to New York for my 18th but my biggest dream is to meet you, but with being in England that isn’t the easiest thing to do, but it’s my dream and like both you and Patrick said never give up on your dream so I’m not going to. I can’t wait to read your book, I’ve read ‘time of my life’ over and over again I also have every single one of Patricks film as well as cups, posters etc of him I love him and you too bits, thinking of both of you. Good luck for the 2012 year I’m sure your book will be great success. You inspire me so much! Just like Patrick did. Both so talented. Keep Smiling. Buddy will be looking down on you as always. Happy New Year Lisa.. From Chelsea
I know that he’s looking down on me, and I like it that way. I hope to meet you someday, too. Who knows?
I do very hope so. It would be an amazing dream if I could attend a book signing!!! One day that will happen i will make sure of it! Btw.. I have just finished watching The box set of the THE BEAST I have watched it many times before but I just watch Patricks movies over and over again and never get bored. He is fantastic in it and it is very special as it is last thing he filmed as a actor. My favourite episode is definitely the one you directed “My brothers keeper” you are a very talented women! And I would just like to say thankyou so much for replying you really do take care of your fans! Much Love from your biggest fan ever!!!
Lisa,
Happy New Year! I just read the article in People and have preordered the book. I’m looking forward to it. You see, I’m going through something similar with my husband that you went through with Patrick. My husband is diabetic, a double amputee (both feet), blind, has peripheral neuropathy in his hands and is on dialysis for kidney failure. We’ve been battling this disease for the last 10 years, although the last two have been the worst. For me, its like riding a roller coaster and you never know whether its going up or down at any particular time. It’s just plain hard!! I know exactly what you mean about people telling you how strong you are and thinking that you’re so not strong inside. I think of you often and hope things are getting better for you. I’d love to be in contact and be your friend.
Terri
Hi Terri. I hope you’re taking care of yourself! You are having to deal with so much, and you need to keep yourself healthy. I know what you mean when you say you “never know whether its going up or down at any particular time.” I mention in my book how nothing was ever “routine” in Patrick’s care, but as I got more experienced, I came to expect the unexpected, and get a good idea of when it was coming around the corner.
– I’m sending you my best.
Thanks, Lisa! I understand what you mean about coming to expect certain things at certain times. After going through years of this, I can almost sense when something is going to happen. Unfortunately, that’s usually when I feel like my stomach is tied up in knots in anxiety over what it might be. I do try to take care of myself, but its hard when you are the only caregiver.
Please feel free to e-mail me anytime. I know you have some down days still and I can be a good listener.
Terri
Lisa,
Happy New Year. I hope this new year is filled with much happiness for you and your family:) Pam
Thank you, Pam!
Dear Lisa
I’m so glad you had a happy New Years Eve! And you look like a queen with your special hat 😉 I have lit a candle for Patrick at midnight, may this light also enlighten you the new year!
I wish you all the best for the publication of your new book and I’m convinced you’ll keep the upcoming whirlwind under control!
Take care and God bless you
Nicole
Thank you, and thank you for the candle, and also, the vote of confidence for my book tour!
YAY! Sounds like you and Lady M had an amazing New Years! Wishing you the best for your upcoming week full of press! Much love! 🙂
Thank you, Lindsay. You, too.
Happy New Year Lisa. My wish for this new year is to have some inward peace, and for all the “noise” in our life to quiet down so we can enjoy the important moments and dismiss the “cluttter” that takes up so much time and energy, and I wish the same for you in this new year. In Friendship – Ingrid
If I have any New Year’s resolution, it’s to do exactly that. (I was just talking about this at dinner with some friends last night).
Hi Lisa,
I’m so excited that you are here in New York. I can’t wait to meet you and I’m looking forward to getting a signed copy of your book. I was so looking forward to meeting both you and Patrick 2 years ago when your first book came out. I was sad and dissappointed as it never happened. Never the less, you are quite the lady; rave, tough and strong. My wish for you is that you have much success with your new book. I’m sure Patrick is roudly looking down on you. I will continue to send rainbows your way for peace, happiness and new beginnings in 2012. See you soon.
Nadine
Thank you for the lovely wishes, Nadine! And I’m sending them back your way.
Happy New Year, Lisa
I was really glad that you had such a special New Year’s eve and are now able to balance it with the things that are really important to you. I send my prayers for you that you will have a New Year that will contain all your hopes and dreams Good luck on you book tour.
Joan
Thank you, Joan. Hopes and dreams have been hard things for me these past two years. If I hoped and dreamed again in this new year, it will be a very big thing for me. So, I am touched by your prayer.
Dear Lisa!
I am so happy for you that you had a good time with your friend. You need to live more nice moments like this.I wish you Happy New Year and i want to tell you that The Beast started on a channel TV in the Chzech Republic yesterday.It´´s already for the second time and the series have a succes in my country.
I am so proud because you and Patrick did so great job together there!
Thank you for writing just a great blog
i send you a big hug,
Take care
Glad you’re seeing THE BEAST! The episode I directed is “My Brother’s Keeper,” and I’m really proud of it. I had a great time doing it, and it is particularly special as it was the last episode that was shot. Patrick’s fantastic in the series, isn’t he?
Yes Lisa he was fantastic there and My Brother´s Keeper is one of my favourite episode! I love all the series!I know Patrick was proud of your work , too… Both of you was a great team!
We Maliks send you a whole tanker of love to help you enjoy the world in 2012. Often think of you with the warmest feelings of, ‘family’. Glad you had fun at New Year, and hope to get together when and if you are in the same town as us one day. BIG HUGS from Gina, Art, Jessica and Keira. xxxx
Hi Lisa, So nice to hook up with you again. Hoping that you’re well and wishing you a very happy 2012 filled with joy, love, health and prosperity and not necessarily in that order…
A big thank you for that link you have with us Traver your blog!! Appears when I read a bit of c is Patrick I see through every sentence ……… and I do thank you ever assez.Mais thanks to Patrick conaitre we have a great lady “The Lisa” I know that he watches over you from above and that he is very proud of how you overcome this ordeal.
Indeed, in “The Beast” I always say that c was a role made for him !!!!!!!!!!! j Loved this series ♥ ♥
Dear Lisa
I am happy to read what a wonderful new years you had. I spent it with my mother. No great festivities but being with the person I love most was beautiful. Being surrounded by good ppl and experiencing new things is beautiful. I would love to read your new book.. however I dont know when itll be published here in Switzerland.
Will definitely check out release dates…
Wish u jus the best for 2012… much love from switzerland,Kathrin
Happy New Year. Lisa I will be buying your book. I would like to know if there are any pictures in the Book of Patrick’s final days in it. I saw A picture of him the other day and it bothered me. I think most of his fans would like to remember him like he was before he got sick. Thanks Jo Ann.
Lisa, just want to wish you a Happy New Year. I hope only the best comes your way in 2012. Thank you so much for doing all you do.
Happy new year Lisa. Glad you and lady M had a great time! I have just read an article in the daily mail online with an exerpt from your book,a box of tissues will be on my shopping list before it arrives i think!!
I hope that 2012 is a peaceful and happy year for you,bringing new experiences and new friends!
Much love to you lisa you are a very inspirational lady xx
Hi Lisa!
Good to hear you enjoyed New Years Eve!!! Did you enjoy your walk in the park?
I’d also love to meet you someday! I always wanted to meet Patrick but maybe I’ll meet him in heaven . I hope to meet you in real life someday..that would be great! I do want to visit the US soon.. My aunt always said to me during her last months: If there is something you want to do or buy, do it now! You don’t know what life brings you so you better enjoy it to the fullest now that you still can. And she’s watching me so I have to listen to her haha.
I wish you all the good things you can think of for this year and all the years coming!
Thank you again for the wonderful blogs!
Love from the Netherlands,
Ineke Uitterhoeve
My wish for you Lisa is to find some kind of peace in your life. Some of the pictures I have seen of Patrick have been quite disturbing. Only pray that as time goes by things will get better. I am watching ‘Ghost’ as I write this, we can only believe that ‘the love inside does go with you’. Have a great New Year,
Happy New Year Lisa!! 🙂
How are you?
Thank you for reply me the last time.
I’m happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed the New Year’s Eve with your fantastic friend Lady M.
It’s beautiful and fantastic have friend like her in life.
I really hope that, this year, could give you peace, health, joy and, all that you need.
Patrick will be proud of you. I’m sure of this.
Always thank you for this page!
Take care;
sincerely.
Nadia.
Très bonne année à la magnifique Lisa Niemi amitiés !!
Lisa, I’d love to do a portrait of Tammen and Patrick to raise money for Pancreatic cancer research. How can I get something like that going?
I’m crying the whole time… I have read your total blog here and the article on dailymail.co.uk and I think you can write so beautiful and real! Some feelings are coming to me right now…pfff! Lost my sister in law (39 years old) in May 2009 of breastcancer. We regret it so much we didn’t take any pictures of that period in time… What a wonderful healing process I guess it must be to be able to write your story like you have done. I know for sure, I’m going to order your new book and hope I will learn something from it! I admire your strenghth so much (you are truly an inspiration) and I wish you all the best! Wish I could hug you for real!
Sandra X
Lisa,
You are an inspiration. After watching the Barbra Walters special with you and Patrick, I was so inspired in many ways. I would never normally even post a comment but I wanted to let you know that as a woman, an artist and wife I have so much respect and admiration for you.
Ps. Doesn’t look like you will have any book signings in San Francisco bay area, darn! I have per ordered my book though!
Happy 2012,
-ellie
Dear Lisa, Happy New Year from Koblenz /Germany.!
For the first time i read about you and Patrik Swaysys relationship yesterday on internet. I fell happy for you both that you found eachother .Well, i am going to read your book.I dont read too often books, but you have catched my interrest .Thank you .
….and, what beautifull dancers together;-)
Hi Lisa,
Wishing you a fulfilling 2012. How wonderful for you to be back in New York again to start this new year. I used to live on the UWS and just loved the energy of central park, especially by Shakespeare Garden all the way up to the little waterfall in the early 100s. I hope you enjoyed your New Year walk.
I loved your book the Time of My Life and I got the audio version which was even more special to hear your voices. I loved to hear your story, the perseverance, the successes and the challenges. It was inspiring and beautiful and in particular I learned so much from the very unique partnership that you and Patrick had with each other. You both have led such remarkable lives and you are leaving such a wonderful legacy in your acting, dancing, writing, directing, presentations and environmental projects.
You have a busy schedule ahead and I wish you a very successful promotion for your new book. You will shine.
I heard Buddy talking about his angels in one of his last interviews and I am sure that there are plenty keeping watch over you too.
Thanks for keeping this blog.
All the best from London,
Helen
Hi Lisa, great pleasure to read your page. I was touched by his words on the first day of the year again. I am Brazilian and deep admirer of Patrick and also you. We have a page about it on orkut.
Lots of light!
Dear Lisa,
I just felt compelled to write you because I can so relate to your pain. I am experiencing the same pain. My husband died from pancreatic cancer 8/31/11 on our 42nd wedding anniversary. He was a big strapping guy. 6’2″ & 250 lbs. He was only 63 years old. We met in a Nutrition Class in college. He wasn’t diagnosed until 2 weeks before he died. I think he died of kidney failure not the cancer but either one it doesn’t really matter. He had several pancreatic attacks starting in March. Everything he ate caused abdomen pain. I tried so hard to make low fat meals for him so he maybe could eat a meal without pain. It didn’t help. Nights were his worst time. For whatever reason he had more pain in bed at night. He lost so much weight. I am so lonesome. I posted on Facebook that going into our shared closet after he died and seeing the warm up pants that he folded & layed on his chest of drawers when he returned home from the hospital on the Sunday before he died on Wednesday was the hardest thing for me. I didn’t want to disturb them for the longest time because he touched them. I finally gathered enough strength to go through all his clothes; but I kept several of his favorite shirts & those warm up pants. His clogs are still at the back door waiting for him just in case. I just can’t totally give up on the the final goodbyes. I want him to come home; but he won’t ever be coming home again. Know that you are not alone. There are many of us out there. I will buy & read your book because I think others traveling the same journey can get help dealing day to day from each other……
Hugs, Leah Willman – Conroe/The Woodlands, TX
Almost two and a half years later, I still can’t bring myself to properly pack his clothes. But I figure I’ll do it when I’m d#m good and ready. Right? I figure I’ll know when I’m ready, and not a moment earlier.
Lisa,
It was 5 years on New Years Day of the passing of my husband. On New years eve I sleep in his clothing. I have most of his things packed away, but I want to make quilts for our 3 children with his clothes. Just not sure what I want to use. You will know when the time is right for you. Don’t let anyone tell you when that time is.
Leah, We are all going through similar experiences and could probably start our own support group. My husband is still with me, although I don’t know for how much longer. He is a diabetic, on dialysis three times a week, has lost both feet due to lack of circulation and has no feeling in his hands. We know that he can only be on dialysis for so long before his kidneys give out. I just try to take life a day at a time and pray for the strength to get through that day. Then I can move on to the next one. Please know there are those of us out here who feel for you and know what you are going through.
Hugs!
Terri
Lisa…………
I lost my husband on December 17th 2011 to esophageal cancer that spread to his brain. It has been an agonizing ordeal for all of us. I also was with my husband since I was a teenage girl. I, along with my sons are trying to deal with the loss, the void, the pain. I saw you on Wendy Williams today and it made me cry. When you spoke of Patrick’s death and said it was like loosing a limb.WOW…………..powerful…………….I felt so connected to you at that moment, strange as it may seem. YOU WERE SAYING ALL THE THINGS I HAVE BEEN FEELING OVER THE PASSED TWO WEEKS SINCE HIS DEATH. When you said, You have to learn to walk again…………..that hit a cord …………….I am keeping your words in my head for the days ahead. I am going to order your book to read. I hope it helps me heal. THank you for your words, lessons, and experiences. Sometimes Angels come in odd forms………….TOday you are my angel…………thanks…….
COl
Colleen, I just read your post and am going through this right now. Esophageal and stomach cancer with my husband. Things are not looking good and I am just devastated. Please read this book. I just finished it and have found it to be extremely helpful. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I hope the future days are less painful, although I feel the same pain most every day myself. All the best to you and your family.
Susan.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,It is a dificult journey………….It was very hard to watch my husband and famiY suffer from this ordeal. Esophageal Cancer is a devstating monster. God bless you. I will Keep you in my prayers Susan. Be sure to spend alot of time with him.. Do alot of talking.DOn’t miss a minute off time with him. Let the world wait. Take time to let him know all the things you want him to know and take with him. All of my talks with Bobby are my strength now. I was at peace knowing he knew how much He and our life together meant to me. I was at peace knowing he Knew I would not of spent my life with anyone else. I also hold onto the things he spoke to me of,our life together, our children, OUR LOVE…………God bless you and Your husband. CANCER IS A TERRIBLE THING, IT ROBS US ALL OF SO MUCH…………..DESTROYS………..BUT IT CAN NEVER ROB US OF THE LOVE WE HAVE FOR EACH OTHER………..SO HOLD ON TO THAT LOVE…………IT IS YOURS FOREVER……………….MUAH
You’re not alone, Coleen. You are on a difficult journey, but you can do it! Hang in there. Believe! And put one foot in front of the other. it will get more manageable in time, and you will actually smile again. But you just need to hang in there until then!
Thank you Lisa for your kind words. I think of you many days as I return to my life of routine since Bobby’s death. Bobby was very much the Southern rough kind of guy…………I can relate to some of the things you say about Patrck. They are men of character, yet have that southern down home kind of “GOODPEOPLE” kind of guys………..lol………….somehow I know as crazy as that sounds you understand………….I have come to refer to my husband Bobby as my REDNECK ANGEL. lol
Lisa,
Happy New Year, and best of Luck with your new book. As a fellow pancreatic cancer patient, I followed Patrick’s battle very closely. His passing was devastating for me as I was praying for his survival, and his role in the public eye. I applaud and thank you for your dedication to PanCan.
I’m one of the fortunate few…having just celebrated my 4th anniversary as a survivor, after being diagnosed with inoperable PC in 2008.
All the best to you.
Stay Strong.
Bob Brown
Hi Lisa
Lisa I had the very great pleasure of meeting you and Patrick when you came to London in 2006 for Guys & Dolls, we were talking about our horses outside the theatre! Im 29 years old now and I have been a fan of Patrick’s since I was 6 !!
Lisa you are an inspiration to many people around the world, I have never known a more sincere,strong and loving lady. Patrick will be so very proud of you.
Lisa meeting you and Patrick was a dream come true for me,I didnt believe dreams came true until I met Patrick. I hope many more of your dreams come true.
‘Lifes not about waiting for the storm to pass….Its about learning to dance in the rain’
Keep smiling Lisa, and thank you for giving me just a moment of your time back in London. . Clare xx
Lisa,
I just read the article about you and Patrick in the latest edition of People. It brought back so many memories. I lost my husband 5 years ago on New Years Day to colon cancer. He had suffered for 2 1/2 years. I like so many others, I feel like a part of me is missing. I was given a letter he had written to me a month after he died,so when things get tough I can go and read how he felt. I find myself talking to him all the time,just to talk or asking for advise when I need it . Through a strong faith I know we will one day be united. I look forward to reading your book Worth Fighting For. I wish you the best and know that Patrick is smiling down on all you.
Lisa, I don’t know if you will ever get this comment, but if you do, I cannot thank you enough for writing your book. I am going down much the same path with my husband. I was at wits end this week and decided to go buy your book, check myself into a hotel and read it cover to cover. Your book was about the best therapy I could have found. It was comforting to know someone else has gone through this and survived. Now I have your book sitting on my nightstand as my “reference” and I know in the future I will read certain parts over and over to help me get through this hell called cancer. Please know how much I appreciate your taking the time to do this project, and how difficult it must have been for you. There are times I get really bogged down but your advice to take it moment by moment is very helpful. All the best to you in 2012! Susan Kolb, Ruidoso, NM
Hi Susan. While I haven’t had much time to reply in the past week, I have seen many comments as they’ve come through. And I hear you, girl. This journey is unimaginably difficult. Keep open, and keep the heart of a lioness – big, proud, fierce, and full of love. You will get through this.
ps. Please, while you’re on this journey, find ways to take care of yourself. It’s so physically and emotionally draining. You need to be good to yourself when you can. XXL
Lisa you are such an inspiration . You are one of many beautiful people in the world with so much love inside of you..
A truly remarkable lady xx
Hi Lisa,
I has read “Time of my live” and is totally inspired.
The best wishes for 2012.
Affectionately yours
Elke from Munich
Hello Lisa,
I am sorry about your “favorite” friend. Life… thinking of you, hope 2012 is good to you. Would like to converse when you have time about “fighting the fight” – I too have lost my soul mate to cancer, and struggle daily.
Leslie,
Michigan
Hallo Lisa,
Lange habe ich nach einer Möglichkeit gesucht, Ihnen mitteilen zu dürfen, wir sehr mir der Tod von Patrick Swayze leid tut bzw. wie er mich betroffen hat. Endlich und mir ist es unverzeilich, erst jetzt eine Möglichkeit zu finden.
Alle seine Filme habe ich mehrmals und unter Tränen gesehen. Dirty Dancing ca. 20 Mal. Ich habe sehr lange getrauert, es war so unfassbar. “The Time of My Life” habe ich mir in englichs gekauft, obwohl ich keine englisch kann, ich wollte es übersetzen, dann kam doch der Titel in deutscher Sprache. Das Buch steht in meiner Schrankwand, jeden Tag erinnert es mich an diesen wunderbaren Schauspieler. Manchmal frage ich mich warum die guten gehen müssen, warum lässt Gott diese gehen?
Ihre totale Liebe, ich bewundere sie beide. Wo gibt es soetwas noch?
Ich glaube sie haben einen tollten Mann gehabt, aber er auch eine wundervolle Frau.
Das neue Buch gibt es dies auch auf den deutschen Markt in deutscher Sprache?
Ich würde es mir sehr gern kaufen wollen, aber eben in deutsch.
Ich wünsche Ihnen viel Kraft für ihr Leben, Gesundheit und Grüßen Sie Patrick Swayze von mir.
Es ist alles so traurig, ich kann es nicht beschreiben, es gibt keine Worte dafür um dies auszurücken.
Alles Liebe, alles Gute und danke für schöne Filem und Bilder und Bücher
Ihre Anke Bonke aus Deutschland / Thüringen
Hi Lisa,
I just started reading your book and I can hardly put it away in the evenings. Although a lot of things are of course so different from our situation, they are at the same time so similar. My dad passed away from Pancreatic Cancer last February and sometimes it feels even harder now than it felt back then. He was always a healthy man, went to his check-up’s and when he got the diagnosis it was just unbelievable. He passed away after 6 month and although we were and still are so deeply sad, it was also a relieve for us and we think for him as well. It is really amazing how many things that Patrick experienced and went through are so similar to what my father experienced although he was not famous and lives in Germany.
Thank you for dealing so openly with this horrible disease and trying to help find a cure…someday…:)
I have the same question as the german lady before: Do you know if the book will be coming out in german anytime soon? I would love to give it to my mom…
Thanks so much and all the best for the new year!
Simone (Palo Alto, CA)
So sorry for your loss. Give yourself some time. A year is nothing! And yes, we will kick this disease in its you-know-what!
Right now the book is available in English only. It’s possible that it will come out in German. It could be in the next 2 months, or the next two years! We don’t know yet!
I cant stop but wonder how u bring up all that strength. I have loved and lost in my life before, I been thru traumas and tragedies and for my 26 years that I lived so far, I think Ive been very strong but ur level of strength and courage plus the elegance u wear it with i hope i never have to learn but if that situation confronted me I pray n hope id have the same as u.
Much Love to you my dear and I will definitely get the new book once its out
I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else encountering problems with your site. It appears as though some of the written text in your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well? This might be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve had
this happen previously. Kudos
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I to find It really helpful & it helped
me out much. I’m hoping to offer one thing again and help others like you helped me.
First off I would like to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing. I have had a hard time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out there. I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Kudos!