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...