2006 was nothing if not eventful.
I got dumped.
I bought my first home.
I got fired.
I got outed.
I was given an exciting opportunity.
2007 should be a little quieter, less turbulent. A few important dates loom on the landscape. A hearing at the industrial tribunal on 19 February. A first book to deliver by 4 July.
But the thing which I’d most like to happen sometime soon, the thing I finally feel ready for, is the only thing that you can never plan. The thing which you can guarantee will only happen when you stop hoping; when you look the other way; when you least expect it.
I’d like to meet someone. Someone I can lose my appetite over. Someone who fills my head with silly daydreams. Someone who has the power to make me smile at complete strangers in the métro. Someone who doesn’t follow this blog, ideally, as I’d like to be discovered little by little, not offered up in one king-sized serving.
I spent much of 2006 keeping men I met at arm’s length, or pushing them firmly away. Partly, I suppose, because no single person I met was “all that”. Partly because I’d been badly burned and no longer dared trust my instincts. But also due to the simple fact that there was so much going on, so much that was new and terrifying that I wanted to come to terms with all the change before I let someone else in.
Taking stock, as 2006 drew to a close, I was forced to admit to myself that there is something a little empty about this life I’ve been leading. Spending hours alone, writing about events in my past, by day. Partying a little too hard by night, whenever the opportunity presented itself. I’m no fool. I see the binge drinking and bad behaviour for what it really is: a symptom of my malaise, escapism, a temporary stress release mechanism.
It’s time to set my life on a healthier course. Time to let go of my anxieties and enjoy the opportunities which have come my way. Time to let someone in, should a worthy candidate present himself.
Time for petite anglaise to take a step back and let me do the living.
about
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petite anglaise 
Ah, malaise and ennui. Two of my favourite french words, as they sound like what they mean.
Good luck in your search. I am on the same hunt, but without a little tadpole to help ground me.
My best to you in the New Year.
Comment by Babs — January 1, 2007 @ 10:31 pm
As I said on GWAOTM’s blog, 2006 was a hellacious year for you.
I wish you and Tadpole all happiness and health in the New Year!
Comment by Viviane — January 1, 2007 @ 10:38 pm
Good for you Petite, hope 2007 goes well. Don’t get too sensible though!
Comment by Francesca — January 1, 2007 @ 10:48 pm
Happy New Year to you and cute little Taddpole. Thanks for sharing this post and I’ll be among the first in line on July 4th for le livre de Petite!
Oh, btw, you’re really something courageous and fierce…you’re so brave in all that you do (at least all that I’ve read about, thus far). Thanks for inspiring others to do the same.
Comment by Mlle Smith — January 1, 2007 @ 11:00 pm
I do so hope 2007 brings you what you desire. A Happy New Year to you.
Comment by M — January 1, 2007 @ 11:25 pm
Petite, presumably you are aware of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Comment by Jim — January 1, 2007 @ 11:27 pm
Here! Here!
Me, I’ve been on the dating merry-go-round in ’06 and I seriously think it’s a merry-go-round because there’s so many clowns on there! On the whole I didn’t find anyone who was “all that” as you say, so this year, I’m taking a little backwards step, and just doing the wait and see thing :)
I have a motto for ’07 that you are welcome to use too if you would like to:
2007 – it’s going to be HEAVEN!
All the best Petite!
Comment by Kasey — January 1, 2007 @ 11:27 pm
Me too, me too. Though I’ve tried many tactics over the years and am not sure that waiting and seeing is any different or any more effective than what I’ve been doing so far, but hey… good luck. Here’s hoping 2007 is the year of finding good boyfriends.
Comment by The B — January 1, 2007 @ 11:39 pm
Maslow’s Hierachy isn’t carved in stone.
Comment by Jeremy Jacobs — January 2, 2007 @ 12:05 am
It’s hard finding the right person isn’t it. For me, 2006 ran from beginning to end without a single love interest, just like 05 and 04 before it. I’m sure you’ll find someone long before I break my losing streak :)
Happy 2007!
Comment by Ignorminious — January 2, 2007 @ 12:28 am
*sigh*. This blog is about to get soooo boring.
(sorry, couldn’t resist :-) )
Oh, btw, anyone who thinks that following your blog means he won’t have to discover you is a fool – writing, no matter how lengthy or intimate, never paints an accurate picture.
Comment by Guillaume Laurent — January 2, 2007 @ 12:51 am
I’m all too familiar with malaise-induced binge drinking and bad behaviour. But at the beginning of last year I began cleaning up my act. Eating better, going to the gym, going out less. And then as you say, when I wasn’t even thinking about meeting someone anymore, I met someone.
I wish you the same. This is your year!
Comment by day in bed — January 2, 2007 @ 1:00 am
Petite, you are insatiable (but I *like* you!).
Comment by andrew — January 2, 2007 @ 2:23 am
I’ve always found that every time I was “looking” for someone it was impossible to find.
When I switched my mindset and decided I would simply go out, have a good time and let things fall where they may, multiple prospects presented themselves.
In any case, good luck to you and don’t look too hard!
Comment by Jeff D — January 2, 2007 @ 2:39 am
“The thing which you can guarantee will only happen when you stop hoping; when you look the other way; when you least expect it.”
That seems to be the way it’s worked for me and most of my friends. I was 35 and had finally decided that my life was just fine without a man in it, when I met the man I ended up marrying. Very unlike anyone I had dated before and that was probably the key thing – he is truly a nice person through and through. When I think back to all the nice guys I ignored when I was younger . . . .! If only I had given them a chance I might have settled down much sooner.
Comment by Almost American — January 2, 2007 @ 2:41 am
two words, growing pains.
Comment by Sam — January 2, 2007 @ 3:00 am
Well, at least there are men for you to keep at an arm’s length, or to firmly push away. My love life’s been barren for all my life!
I’m sure someone will have the power to make you smile at complete strangers on the métro! Have a fantastic 2007!
Comment by kaye — January 2, 2007 @ 3:04 am
Finally, finally!!! This is, perhaps, the most honest, self-aware thing I think you’ve ever written.
Best wishes to you for continued growth in 2007!
Comment by Christy — January 2, 2007 @ 3:50 am
Oh! So you are THAT Petite Anglaise! I read about the situation you had with your employer a while back, but I didn’t remember the names or any real details, just the situation. I remember I felt so bad for you because it just seemed so unfair, and there is nothing more humiliating, IMO, than being fired from a job. You certainly didn’t deserve that!
I’m so glad to hear that you are back on track and hope your book or books are a great success. I love your writing style.
As far as the dating scene is concerned, I think the wait and see attitude is the best. Sometimes when you’re looking too hard, you miss the real gems.
Best of luck to you!
Comment by Mary Ellen — January 2, 2007 @ 4:13 am
best wishes
Comment by brem — January 2, 2007 @ 5:31 am
I like that resolution. I have a tendency to keep people at arm’s length, too, so I can relate. Maybe seeing someone else open up will be an inspiration for me. :)
Comment by Zandria — January 2, 2007 @ 5:37 am
When we create space in our lives for love, it shows up. The problem is, we often don’t realize the ways in which we throw up roadblocks or fill up our lives with stuff that is counter-productive to love coming in. I’ve done it with food; maybe you’re doing it with excessive partying; other people fill up their lives with too much work or shopping. You can’t wait for love to come along BEFORE you make space; you have to make the space FIRST. And the space is uncomfortable.
Comment by The Bold Soul — January 2, 2007 @ 6:47 am
Jeremy Jacobs: I never suggested it was – I simply asked if she was aware of it and suggested she might consider it. There is a better graphic description Here
Comment by Jim — January 2, 2007 @ 8:21 am
Happy New Year, hope this year will be calmer & very fulfilling ! I guess I am on a similar search (even though I try to deny it) & it’s quite hard after being burned… coming with “bagagge” however adorable doesn’t help either !
Look forward to seeing you in print this year !
Comment by Kate — January 2, 2007 @ 8:23 am
I think it’s good to recognise that 2006 wasn’t all bad but heres hoping that 2007 will be better. I hope you find that special someone. Be happy.
Comment by Sue — January 2, 2007 @ 8:40 am
I “found” my husband (or maybe he was just brought to me) this way: I wrote a list of everything I wanted in a man, including physical characteristics, but especially things like, he loves to travel, he is crazy about me, etc. I stuck the list in a drawer and forgot about it. Over a year later, as I was packing up to move to France with my new husband, I found the list and every single thing on the list was my husband except for one thing: he wasn’t tall. So, I don’t know if this will work for you but it is something to try. You just can’t put too much emotion into it. You truly have to sort of forget you did it. Also, never turn down a blind date even though they can be painful and boring–that’s how I met my husband, even though I had to have a few very strange, boring dates before anything exciting happened.
Comment by Linda — January 2, 2007 @ 8:44 am
Go for it Petite. I hope that 2007 brings you much happiness and an early end to binge drinking!
Comment by Martin — January 2, 2007 @ 8:56 am
Happy New Year Petite! I’ve been following your blog for a while but this is my first comment…I felt compelled… I got dumped by my frog on Christmas day of all days, in a most cruel and cowardly way…he then ‘dug the knife’ well in again on New Year’s Eve… So I have now decided that 2007 is to be lived for ME, in MY way and on MY terms…! Seeing your decisive post this morning has given me the buzz to go ahead and do just that, so thanks for inadvertently giving me a push in the right direction and all the best for 2007 :-)
Comment by La Inglesita — January 2, 2007 @ 9:38 am
That person you want to meet? I met him yesterday. Only I didn’t want to. Why not? I’m (in)conveniently married with a little (tadpole)yorkshire pudding of my own (now 17mths), and ha ha – the guy is my husbands best friend. (we’ve never met until now because of wierd things that always cropped up). Be careful what you wish for, because I distinctly remember wishing for someone when things were rough with the hubby. Now what the heck do I do? I blogged about it about 30 minutes ago in desperation to get the feelings off my chest. At least in your case – you are reasonably free to pursue those who make your appetite disappear! Whereas I can’t keep anything down because of this and have no explanation as to my sudden resolve to improve myself…
Comment by Valkyrie — January 2, 2007 @ 9:51 am
Hope 2007 is a good one for you!
Comment by Laura — January 2, 2007 @ 10:38 am
Bravo!
All the best for 2007!
:)
Comment by black cat — January 2, 2007 @ 10:50 am
Happy 2007 to you, Petite and Tadpole.
As to your romantic resolutions, I can only agree with No. 15 – because of my own experiences: in the 90ies I had a firm reputation for not wanting to get seriously hitched, let alone married and also for living only for my uni and my job(s), so I was single for years. I also had no idea what kind of man would suit me.
But I forgot all my resolutions as soon as HE came around. The mistery of a woman :-)
Comment by alcessa — January 2, 2007 @ 11:28 am
Damn… I was going to put myself in the running but I fear I may now know too much… I know what you mean when you say ‘someone I can lose my apetite over’. I’ve felt that way too many times to count, but when it actually happens, I just want to go back to normal as that kind of Erotic Love invariably ends in tears – usually mine!
Good luck with your ‘search’ while trying not to search…
Marcos
Comment by Marcos — January 2, 2007 @ 11:48 am
Happy New Year. Your successes in 2007 will be all about setting objectives and working your way through them. Best of luck.
Comment by cheria — January 2, 2007 @ 12:06 pm
Bonne et heureuse année 2007 à Paris!
Comment by Clem — January 2, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
It sounds as though you have put yourself in a good frame of mind for the New Year. I do hope Mr Right puts in an appearance in the not too distant future but, in the meantime, enjoy your freedom, independence and newly found strength and smile at people in the metro anyway.
Hope Tadpole is getting used to her bandage and not finding it too much of a nuisance.
Comment by sablonneuse — January 2, 2007 @ 1:06 pm
Petite, looking back at 2006, how many of your good intentions (http://www.petiteanglaise.com/archives/2006/01/06/the-road-to-hell/) did you achieve?
At least “Will try to prevent self from singing the words “I would like to tender my resignation”…” became irrelevant!
Comment by Hywel Mallett — January 2, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
Happy New Year to you Petite!
I’ve been following your blog for a while but this is the first time I’m commenting, as this post really strikes a chord in me. I would also like to meet somebody, but as you said, this will only happen when you stop hoping. Problem is that when you’ve been single for a while, you look at every potential bloke with hope.
I wish you ‘bonne chance’ and may 2007 bring you all good things.
Comment by Karen — January 2, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
Yaxlich sincerely hopes that you have a better year in 2007 although getting sacked again for blogging would certainly win you a Bloggie.
Yaxlich hopes to find someone this year too although he doesn’t want them to fill his head with silly daydreams. That job is reserved for Pingu.
Comment by Yaxlich — January 2, 2007 @ 2:20 pm
If the worse thing you did to get through your 2006 was a little bit of binge drinking I think you are doing pretty well. You’ve had so many changes to cope with.
I know what what you mean about it being a way to get through though – in my twenties I was always the last girl to leave the party and it was really only because my life wasn’t going according to plan and I was miserable about it (not that I think you fall into this camp at all!)
Good luck for 2007 – I look forward to reading about it.
Comment by Elisabeth — January 2, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
Well yes indeed you have had your ups and downs, but you feel your life is not 100% until you have that certain-someone….well he will come, of course he will come! Just don’t look for him. And Happy New Year, reading about your life made me think a bit more about my own, except you are living yours in a wonderful city…thanks all the same!
Comment by Delphine — January 2, 2007 @ 4:21 pm
Now that you mention it, entries with references to drinking had been on the increase recently…
Wishing you less interesting times in 2007.
For readers who fear this blog will get boring: petite has repeatedly proven her ability to turn both small and big events into great posts !
Comment by ontario frog — January 2, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
How appropriate that your first book is due on Independence Day (at least, in America). I wish you lots of luck with your personal resolutions and trust that the powers that be have plenty more in store for your love life.
Happy New Year to PA, regular commenters, and lurkers alike! Happy wishes for you all.
Comment by Leslie — January 2, 2007 @ 6:22 pm
“Someone who has the power to make me to smile”
Comme tu es francaise!
Comment by Passante — January 2, 2007 @ 6:44 pm
I wish you all the best for 2007! And I hope you find your “dream guy” this year :-)
Comment by Veerle — January 2, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
Ah, the resolution to back off of finding someone in the hope of finding someone. It’s so hard, perhaps one of the more difficult things to do, to admit that you want someone in your life yet remain firm in the resolve that being on your own is just fine, too. After dipping my toes in the internet dating pool, I found the ‘search’ a little fruitless. And then, while vowing I didn’t really want to keep at it, found someone in my life. So strange and so fulfilling. I have faith you will find someone too, if only because searching or not, when you admit to yourself that you want it…it has a way of happening.
Comment by ambika — January 2, 2007 @ 7:27 pm
i meant no offense…
i believe you were dumped
for you have dumped.
that’s one lesson of life…
an eye for an eye,a tooth for a tooth.
may you learn from it.
happy new year!
Comment by patricia anne tay — January 2, 2007 @ 7:58 pm
Happy New Year!
Comment by Sharon — January 2, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
Petite – may 2007 bring all that you desire – or at least someone that you desire. ;)
Comment by teewee — January 2, 2007 @ 9:15 pm
Happy New Year to you, I’m sure you’ll get everything you want and more. You’re right you have had an eventful year though.
Comment by heather — January 2, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Your year has been what all of our years hopefully are–an explosion of fate. I know you are up to the challenge of 2007!
I truly hope that you do find that someone who makes you smile at complete strangers. I love the feeling of that tart smile too…;)
Comment by Novel Nymph — January 2, 2007 @ 10:43 pm
Petite Anglaise,
Je suis une “petite French” du Suffolk et j’ai trouve ton blog dans MarieClaire UK! I didnt found the time to read it all yet (I have a little one myself and it is a full time position at the moment) but being an ex-parisian-mum-living-in-sin-30smtg-trying-to-have-it-all specimen, I am quite sure to become one of your regular readers.
In any event, I just wanted to add all my very best wishes for your brand new 2007.
Toppi.
Comment by Del — January 2, 2007 @ 10:50 pm
This post leaves me with a little sense of foreboding, as it sounds like you might be of a mind to blog less (in both content and frequency) in the near future. I hope I’m reading too much into this, because I so love reading your musings, and though it sounds ridiculous, I would be missing a friend were you to curtail your writing here.
2006 was indeed crazy for you with both good times and bad; it is a good thing to take stock sometimes as life happens to us, as you apparently have been doing long before this post.
(So spake a woman old enough to be your mother, so do forgive if it sounds goofy.)
Hugs to you and Tadpole.
Comment by PJ Carz — January 2, 2007 @ 11:43 pm
well, maybe you feel you have to save up your writing effort for your novels. don’t dump us, though, eh?
Comment by mad muthas — January 3, 2007 @ 1:41 am
Geez Jim your such a “stirrer”!!! Enjoy Spain BTW.
Good luck Petite.. (mostly for your livers sake)
Comment by simon — January 3, 2007 @ 5:34 am
Good luck, Dear Petite!
I’m sure there is a saying about frogs and princes…..
“Insider”
Comment by Insider — January 3, 2007 @ 5:49 am
You go girl, I have the same ambitions for this year. It can be a bit painful to slow down & reflect, but it’s all good in the long run.
But I have to sound a little bit selfish, I hope we still hear from you now & then.
Happy New Year!
Comment by Qld Deb — January 3, 2007 @ 7:38 am
Be the leading lady baby.
Comment by Alicia — January 3, 2007 @ 9:25 am
Petite
I spent most of 2005 binge drinking, throwing up and then regretting getting so hideously drunk. At the time, my new partner and I were both going through particularly difficult divorces and we found that it was the only way we both coped.
Now, however, life is calmer and, thankfully, our days of binge drinking are well and truly behind us. If anything, I would say your binge drinking is a temporary thing like ours was. Your life has gone through so much upheaval in the last 18 mths it was inevitable that something had to give. Cut yourself some slack.
I hope tadpole’s on the mend.
Happy new year
Comment by Jen — January 3, 2007 @ 9:30 am
Happy New Year Petite!! Good luck with finishing the book. And have fun!
Sally
Comment by Sally Lomax — January 3, 2007 @ 11:28 am
I certainly didn’t mean to imply that I would stop blogging.. I’d just like to feel like the blog won’t be in the driving seat any more, making things (good and bad) happen to me…
Comment by petite — January 3, 2007 @ 11:46 am
As one of my best friends said to me:
“You have to kiss an awful lot of frogs before you meet your prince”
Good luck Petite, don’t give up or give in!!
Comment by Alaise — January 3, 2007 @ 12:19 pm
“Petite, presumably you are aware of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs”
Maslow also wrote of the concept of “peak experiences.” It is the idea that one knows when one is operating in full form and function, or more precisely;
“Peak experience is a term used to describe certain extra-personal and ecstatic states, particularly ones tinged with themes of unification, harmonization and interconnectedness.”
Joseph Campbell wrote “We must be prepared to give up the life we planned in order to receive the life that is waiting for us.” I think Petite, that Catherine expressed that quite nicely in the last sentence she wrote.
Comment by Dave of the Lake — January 3, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
Happy New Year petite, (sorry it’s a little belated). I wish you health, happiness, love and prosperity in 2007.
It’s interesting to note that you seem to feel that you have become a bit of a caricature of yourself, doing things just so you can blog about them later. I imagine you must constantly be doing a kind of running commentary in your head, to be posted on the blog later! Careful you don’t get too schizophrenic though – maybe you need to ask yourself if petite anglaise and C******** S******** are still the same person? Were they ever? Just a thought.
(Sorry if that sounds like some of those other interfering advisory comments, it’s not intended that way – forgive me if so!!)
Comment by suziboo — January 3, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
Happy New Year, Petite.
I’ve been reading your blog for a while now but this is the first time that I’ve posted a comment. Your writing brings back memories of the few months when I was living in Paris 3 years ago. In fact, this blog was one of those that inspired me to start my own recently.
Keep up the good work!
Comment by Sparkle — January 3, 2007 @ 3:40 pm
Maybe you should take your blog off-line if you (i) intend to meet someone who does not follow your blog (because it is becoming more and more widely read, and you are diminishing more and more your dating pool) and (ii) intend to do more living. Needlesstosay, the day that ever you do that would be one we would all mourn.
Comment by Lost in France — January 3, 2007 @ 4:46 pm
Happy New Year to you, Tadpole and … Mr. Frog. Are you sure you can’t get together with him again?
If not, do you like the idea of getting a puppy? It’s hard work but he/she would be a wonderful companion for Tadpole and you’d be surprised at how many people one meets while walking a dog, but you must be very careful about the breed you’d choose.
Comment by Blue — January 3, 2007 @ 7:03 pm
Petite,
I have similar hopes of the new year.
May 2007 bring brighter times for everyone.
X
(“Now no discourse, except it be of Love;…”)
Comment by jolly jolly ella jolly — January 3, 2007 @ 7:13 pm
well petite this is the 2nd time i have wrote the last time i broke my foot,so heres with my fingers crossed , seems like we all have had a pretty bad year so out with the old in with the new , the way i look at it, i think we could all do with a little happiness in our lives , dont think thats asking to much …so raise a glass “water for you petite”to finding happiness iam told it is out there,,goodluck to you all . petite may all your dreams come ture
Comment by danny — January 3, 2007 @ 8:53 pm
Petite,
This poem by Maya Angelou is far longer than any comment that is generally posted.Nevertheless i wanted to send a copy for just to you to have.
Remind yourself that the words and all the sentiments contained in the poem are everything that you are. Single parenthood is no easy option and there are times when the need for the scent of a man leads us to make some out of character choices.Don’t beat yourself up about it, own it and move on,from your writing you have some tough battles ahead.
My wish for you this year and always is the you hold on to your obviously beautiful spirit in 2007 and always. Be bold, be audacious , be brave.Some people may resent that but thats not your problem.
You may already be familiar with the work of Ms Angelou so i apologise in advance, but once in a while all women need to take time out and be reminded just how utterly glorious we are !
Take care
Phenomenal Woman-Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Comment by Ony — January 4, 2007 @ 1:59 am
I final thought – the right time is the right time.
For you that could be 2103, who knows.
Have a great 2007
Comment by Jeremy Jacobs — January 4, 2007 @ 11:28 am
I agree with Blue, a dog is a great way to stay grounded, meet other dog people, and get lots of healthy love and attention. What I’d do to be able to sit in a cafe in Paris with my own “Gracie” and write.
Comment by Sam — January 4, 2007 @ 11:44 am
Happy New Year Petite. I hope that 2007 brings you all that you wish for. I was really pleased to hear that you got your book deal! I will keep on reading, I am still missing Paris terribly and you are one of my only links!
Comment by Anne — January 4, 2007 @ 12:08 pm
best of luck in the new year, petite. take time to breathe, and we’ll leave the light on for you.
Comment by franko — January 4, 2007 @ 3:11 pm
You and my stepdaughter are the same age, and she has the same wish for 2007. Here’s what I told her–
do something you’ve never done before, like join a gym or a book discussion group, or build Habitat for Humanity houses, or volunteer at a museum, take a class, or coach a Little League team, or something like that. You haven’t found the person who interests you doing what you’ve been doing, so you have to do something NEW AND DIFFERENT. Access a new crowd. Good luck to you. A good relationship is DIVINE.
Comment by Daisy — January 4, 2007 @ 3:28 pm
I find Maya Angelou’s poetry inspirational to,Ony. This one was sent to me by a friend on New Years day…
Still I rise
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise,
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
Comment by Sue — January 4, 2007 @ 4:59 pm
Please don’t get a dog!
Comment by Welsh Cake — January 4, 2007 @ 7:19 pm
WC (if I can call you that?) – I am not a dog person. More of a cat person, but even that seems unfeasible in my flat, to be honest.
Is there an award for the blog with the most poetry in its comments box, I wonder? Or the nuttiest fruitcake commenters?
Comment by petite — January 4, 2007 @ 8:20 pm
A lovely post – beautifully written. Happy New Year!
Comment by anno domini — January 4, 2007 @ 8:29 pm
Happy New Year Dear Petite!
We just know it’s going to be FABULOUS
Comment by Flighty — January 4, 2007 @ 9:40 pm
Good things happen when we don’t expect them, it’s an unexplainable law
Comment by Rog — January 4, 2007 @ 10:14 pm
Petite, I wonder what compelled you to make the remarks you made in the second paragraph of your comment. Everybody has been very kind in wishing you a happy new year on this post.
Comment by Blue — January 4, 2007 @ 11:54 pm
Okay il me faut ecrire en francais? ou sont les accents gone oh 4getit.
I just wanted to say lucky you living in gay Paree. I spent a week wandering the Parisian streets in my youth… spent so much time there in fact that when I moved to London a few years later knowing the place no better than Paris I spent some time scratching my head wondering where the island had gone in the middle of the Thames with the big cathederal and the law courts opposite…!
Yes it does sound like you had an eventful year. Life could be a lot worse: you could be living my life…!!
Didn’t I hear about you on the radio? Or am I mixing you up with someone else? Publishers came knocking just as bossy-woss slams his door in your face??
Comment by Gledwood — January 5, 2007 @ 12:15 am
*Is there an award for the blog with the most poetry in its comments box, I wonder? Or the nuttiest fruitcake commenters* – winalot perhaps?
Comment by Fibsor — January 5, 2007 @ 12:41 am
Re having a cat in a small space: I’ve had my cat for 11 years and we’ve moved often. Our last place was 635 sq. feet. We shared it with another cat, a dog and my husband. It’s been a little difficult at times, but I’ve never regretted having a cat… ok, ok, sometimes I squirm when I see a guest drop into a chair and I have to cross my fingers that I successfully de-furred the chair and that she won’t stand up with a lovely, white-furred butt…
Comment by Molly — January 5, 2007 @ 2:30 am
Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans
j.lennon
*loves*
Comment by hera — January 5, 2007 @ 9:11 am
Blue – just musing on the bloggies categories. I do get some very odd comments, the scariest of which do not see the light of day – but not on this particular post (yet).
Comment by petite — January 5, 2007 @ 10:34 am
It was rather ridiculous to expect that at moderation due judgement would be exercised and the poem and note would be deleted once read rather than posted. I guess it’s far more fun to objectify someone ‘as nutty as a fruitcake ‘, so that other barbed comments may follow.Great start to 2007.
Comment by Ony — January 5, 2007 @ 10:55 am
Ony – I very much liked your comment. Please note that if you want to send something for my eyes only, it is simpler to do so by email, as I often just press “approv e all” after having a quick scan through and read more carefully when I have the time to do so.
I was only amused that this post had attracted two poems , which is somewhat unusual in blogland.
Comment by petite — January 5, 2007 @ 11:50 am
Look the other way.
Comment by meredic — January 5, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
Time for petite anglaise to take a step back and let me do the living.
Wise words – and spot on; let the ‘you’ develop, take the time to enjoy yourself (as a single person and as a mother) – now you have the time to take.
TT.
Comment by Trying Times — January 5, 2007 @ 6:40 pm
Wow, I haven’t checked in on you for a few weeks and wondered to myself how the dating was going for you. You had been lamenting the single thing going into the holidays and meeting up with friends as a “single” last time I’d looked. I had to chuckle about the whole commentary today though. What makes anyone think that dating someone or that being in a relationship would doom your blog? You were in a long term relationship when you started this and it has only grown and evolved as you have. Personally, I look forward to checking in again from time to time to see what your journey brings. Best wishes for 2007 and onward!
PS. Also a laugh about the comment connecting your book release date with (US) Independence Day considering your British ;) Funny.
Comment by California Reader — January 7, 2007 @ 6:03 am
Oops, publisher’s deadline not book release date…you know what I mean.
Comment by California Reader — January 7, 2007 @ 6:07 am
Petite, from a petite anglaise en Hawaii, don’t be so hard on yourself…your life is not empty otherwise you would not have these legions of fans like myself who click on their favorites and yours is the first blog they read.
All the best for 2007, Jo
Comment by Joanna — January 7, 2007 @ 10:29 am
“I see the binge drinking and bad behaviour”
Bait the hook to please the fish…………..just think what you will catch fishing in these waters
Comment by Voyager — January 7, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
Offered up in a ‘king sized serving’. So do you think we overdo it with this blogging then?
:-)
I am sure you will find a new lover. If there ever was a lovely blogger.
Comment by fjl — January 7, 2007 @ 5:49 pm
I don’t think your going to have any problems in the nomination department. Its amazing how many people recommend your blog, especially other Bloggers. I have voted, though I found the form completely confusing. Good Luck xx
Comment by EFROG — January 7, 2007 @ 7:38 pm
I haven’t heard (or read) you speak with such honesty in a very long time. You always give the impression that your life is very fulfilled, very glamorous, that even when the worst happens – loosing a good job, loosing a partner, loosing someone you’ve fallen in love with – you always managed to escape unscathed. Maybe what you need is coming back to earth, and instead of wanting to meet someone who makes you lose your appetite, you should be wishing to meet someone who understands you and gets to know the real you. It seems that you have many fans and people who adore you, but they don’t really know YOU. This blog is NOT the real you, it’s just want you are willing to let us see, to project. It’s just a work of fiction like the book you’re writing. Maybe life is fiction too, but it’s important to know exactly when and why we’re fictionalising.
I know you might decide to delete this comment since it sounds a little bit harsh on you and there’s no flattery in it as in all the others. But whether you delete it or not, I just hope it makes you think.
Comment by P — January 9, 2007 @ 2:15 am
Happy New Year to you Petite!
I just arrived in Paris for a few months in the Marais. I’m not in your age group but if I meet any blokes I’ll keep you posted! Might want to post your requirements? :) I will be at a party this evening where I suspect I’ll be the oldest. Candidly I think just living in Paris is a great way to bring in the New Year as I did.
Rosbif
Comment by Chez.Rosbif — January 9, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
Good lord, you make me feel like a pensioner!
Comment by petite — January 9, 2007 @ 12:11 pm
Best wishes for 2007 to you Petite and to Tadpole!
Comment by jujuly25 — January 9, 2007 @ 9:45 pm