A year in France.

Today marks a year that I have been in France. Hard to believe. Have learned so many lessons. Have been through so much. But at the end of it all, everything has worked out. Nico and I are soon to have our names on the lease of the apartment. Living together has been better than I could ever have imagined. If we got through this year, we can get through just about anything. And he's making me Saltimboca to celebrate tonight!

I could review all the bad things that happened this year. There were a few, but the good things far, far outmeasure them. And dwelling on the crappy parts of life never helped anyone or anything.

A review:

*Nico and I are living together in the same apartment and sleeping in the same bed.
*I finished my novel and sent it to a lit. agent.
*I have my recording equipment and am chomping at the bit to record my demo. And work up a live set for possible gigging!
*I have plans to start my very own freelance design company covering web, illustration, animation and textiles. Possibly photography one day. Am building my portfolio now.
*My father made it to the ninth step in AA, and sent me a handwritten apology for his alcoholism and all the damage done. I also felt safe enough to send him three chapters of my novel and all my recent drawings. He said, "I'm so pleased with how you turned out." Considering the damage done, it is a wonder that I'm not addicted to anything other than being creatively productive. Oh, and stress,..but I'm working on that.
*The Prefecture is processing my carte de séjour vie privée/familiale, which will allow me to work.
*Long-lost friends are popping up and reunions are afoot.
*New friends, one of whom is an amazing baker, are making things more than bearable, too!

So, all in all, a wonderful and productive year considering all the stressful change and scariness.