we spent new year's eve with our friends steve + julia in julia's mom's hair salon, which overlooks the main st. intersection in northampton, where everyone gathers at midnight to kiss + cheer + ring in the new year together. after more than a few glasses of champagne + card games in the warmth of the salon while watching the crowds grow, we threw on our coats and rushed downstairs two minutes to midnight to celebrate in the street. it was freezing, but so nice! each of us ate a green grape (after our midnight kisses of course) for good luck. it seems like it's already paying off -- i have so much positive energy + momentum for the coming year, i hope i can hang onto it + get these things (and more) done!