The Wind Up

Happy new year to you all. Gosh where does time go? It seems like the weeks just fly by. . .

As we rejoin the White Party where the atmosphere had taken a serious turn, Russell and Taylor had left and Taylor was obviously in a difficult situation. She tentatively admitted to Russell that she had been indiscreet and let many of us know intimate details of their marriage. But we have to ask ourselves just how much would we admit to someone who, by their own admission, had a temper?

So the women were left to sift through the confusing details. I was honest in the fact that my opinion of Russell was formed prior to meeting him. Taylor's account of their relationship was disturbing to me. I understood Dana's point that if a friend of ours takes us into their confidence, relaying stories of abuse, my natural instinct would be to believe them. The alternative, to think they would manifest like that, I couldn't even contemplate.

I know many of you have voiced an opinion as to the validity of Taylor's claims. I understand that I for one was doubtful of many things she had said in regard to their financial situation and their lifestyle, but that is what provoked the statement "I am not masquerading as your best friend, but if you need a place to stay I am here for you."

I believed there was volatility in their marriage, to what extent I wasn't sure, but I had been privy to some of their struggles that weren't caught on camera so I knew, regardless of our less-than-smooth friendship, at some stage she might need every single one of us. That is why at the tea party her desperation for my friendship superseded all my other doubts, and regardless of anything else, I am thankful I was there for her through the situation that emerged.

The therapy scene spoke volumes to me -- the gently probing Dr. Sophy, Russell's reticence to engage, and his mentioning that respect goes a long way, but also acknowledging his anger issues. It was an extremely complicated situation that ended in tragedy. My heart goes out to his family and cannot imagine how difficult this has been for them to endure.

Anyway on a much lighter note, off we go to Hawaii for a brief respite from all the demands that I was dealing with -- my Sur project, my daughter's wedding, businesses. Ugh, I needed a few days to regroup with my husband.

We had so much fun. I felt this episode of us all together recaptured much of the tone from last year. I love to see the funny side, and Brandi was the perfect foil for my humor. She was playfully trying to wind me up, flirting with Ken, and really it was a much welcomed reprieve from all the drama we had endured. . .But it would be foolish for you to think that there was a remote possibility of this group managing to spend three days together without some sort of altercation. . .

We received the phone call from Taylor revealing that things had finally come to fruition and her marriage was over. They had separated. A sadness washed over Kyle and I, as we knew this was only the beginning of another chapter, a chapter where a little girl is in the middle of a tumultuous situation, but the one thing that is worse than coming from a broken home, is living in one, so we hoped that Taylor had ultimately made the right decision.

So there we have it. As we leave us in the midst of our tropical paradise with many issues unresolved. Where was Kim? Was my husband going to get lucky and jump on my bones?

Well you will have to wait and see. Thank you for following our journey. I love hearing your comments and once again a happy and prosperous new year, remembering my mantra. . .love and laughter supersede all.

Love always Lisa.