Happy New Year 2010!

Let me explain the awesomeness that is this photograph. This is a photo of my Grandfather Joe Haughey (right) with his friend Robert Barrett (left). I'm not sure when it was taken, but probably during the late 1950s-early 1960s. They're chatting at the bar in my Grandparents' rumpus room in their house on 16th Avenue. Other than the fabulous paper New Year's hats, the thing that makes my heart sing with delight is the map of Ireland prominently displayed on the wall behind them.

A life-long friend of my Mom's sent this photo to me after finding it randomly one day. Knowing how much I love old family photos, she stuck a post-it on the back saying: "Give this to Annie." I treasure this image, it's just too fantastic! What if she had never found it?

I should also mention that Mr. Barrett's granddaughter Jen is one of my friends, and even a neighbor. While we don't necessarily tie one on like our forefathers, we've been known to put a dent in a bottle from time to time... Sigh. Family traditions.

Phew! So glad this year is O-V-E-R! My friend & I were talking about "burn lists" last night, and I'm definitely looking forward to burning up all the crap that happened this year and letting it go, once and for all. I will be very happy to shed 2009 and move into a new decade - 2010!

Wishing all of you a wonderful, stylish and fun-filled New Year's Eve, followed by a peaceful and restful New Year's Day. May you enjoy a fair amount of champagne, and eat a lot of black-eyed peas for prosperity. Enjoy yourselves, be safe, and I'll catch you in January!

Much love to you all!

xoxoxo

-Annie (Ms. P & C)