This note, has by far, been the hardest to write.  I really wanted to write something more whimsical, more aligned and upbeat.  But spirit has pushed me into pouring out my heart -- and I have come to trust they know it is needed -- more than I do.   For me, 2010 was also a time for reunions and re-connections of past relationships.  I reconnected with some old school friends and, with my estranged mother.    The following is excerpts from The ZEN of Duct tape: An Empress is Born!   The reconnection with my old school mates was brief -- like ships passing in the night.  It was wonderful to see them again.  And it was nice remembering our childhood adventures together.  This  did help me to remember where I came from, and too, showed me how very far I had  come.   The reunion with my mother, however, was and continues to be, a real challenge.  She and I never had a good relationship.  I wasn't the daughter she wanted and she let me k...