beautiful

You survived. With your artistic photo-sense intact.

Congratulations.

(((Laurie)))

p.s. Take the day off tomorrow and make lots of glorious swatches with your new yarn. :)

Now that's my kind of celebration!

May you enjoy every sip and bite of chocolate. I'm having a beer and a special dark chocolate in your honor.

*hugs*

it IS time to celebrate! rejoice in your new life!

looks lovely.

now all you need is bunches of cats...

covered. you should be good to go.

Looks like there is a ribbon on the side of those papers... is that to choke the shark, Mr X, or lawyers with?

Enjoy your wine, and know we're all here for you, and some of us will still hound you for the Monster Cat Thing to not only be finished, but shown online in all its glory!

i have nothing to say that hasn't already been said, but I will be where you are shortly, and I'm glad to see that you made it. You make me have faith that I will too. AMEN SISTER. Enjoy!

Happy Independence Day!!!!

Dude, I'm with Kat. Happy Independence Day!

I'll toast you with my 9 bottles of Pacifico I plan on pounding this evening.

Hey, lovely, lovely, Laurie -

You are a survivor. Your honesty, charm and ability to be a classy woman in less-than-classy circumstances are remarkable. One less man who was wrong for you, and hundreds more people who love to read your creative words, who count you as a highlight of their day, and who look forward to watching you build a life that honors all of who you are.
I can't wait to see your next chapter in the story of my favorite aunt.

Atta girl.

Hooray for you, Miss Laurie.

Thanks for LIVING OUT LOUD for all of us to laugh and cry along with you.

Champagne fact of the day: Veuve Cliquot was run by the Widow (=Veuve) Cliquot. How fittin' that you should be celebrating with her (and mini Snickers)

Congrats. That`s a lovely picture of a lovely new start.

Enjoy the wine! It only gets better, I promise :) Happy day to you!

Think of it this way. You don't have to share. The Snickers or the champagne. I'm having a glass of chianti with you, but no Snickers, I hate peanuts.

Congrats and all. I know it still sucks but it's gonna be okay. Onward and upward, you incredible woman you!

What - no yarn?

Cheers! (looks good enough to drink!)

Laurie: I know the divorce day is bittersweet. Mine was. I went all alone and when I took the stand and answered the judge's questions, I had the biggest lump in my throat -- I thought I would crumble in front of all those strangers. It was hard to end the marriage alone with a scummy lawyer remembering my own elopement and all the fun and joy I felt. BUT Take it from a woman who has an ex frighteningly similar to yours, with every passing day the bitter falls away to reveal the sweet of life filled with...possibility. You will have a happy life. In many ways, you already do.

Does it help at all that Patons UpCountry is discounted at Patternworks for only $3.99/ball?

HOORAY FOR *YOU*!!!! Mmmm. Snickers made me hungry. Must get chocolate and celebrate your freedom. :) YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!

Cats that love you and give you kitty snuggles, wine, chocolate, and yarn are all any girl needs. Well, maybe one or two other things...and I'm glad to see you have already been informed of the Upcountry bargain at Patternworks.

snickers and la veuve ...

woo-hoo!

Cheers, Laurie! *clink*

I have been checking your site throughout the day to see if you had the energy or spirit to post.

Now I can go to bed.

Congratulations on your formal independence. Good things are coming.

*lifting my glass to you* Cheers! Champers and chocolate... definitely a winning combination! You made it through the day and I'm proud of you.

I am glad that you found your camera in time to document your freedom. You are no longer attached to Mr. X, and that, my girl, is a good thing. Emotionally difficult to deal with, yes, but a good thing nevertheless.

Here's to champagne wishes and caviar dreams (of Mr. X being eaten by a shark).

Woo hoo Laurie! You did it. Salute!

As I always say, "This too, shall pass." I might just run to the market and buy a bottle of champagne to toast with you!

Cheers to an incredible, beautiful lady.

I stumbled across your blog about 4 weeks ago. I'm getting used to a new house with boxes stacked all around from my move from my 'home' that he couldn't get me out of fast enough. My seperation/divorce only started late August (this year!) and was final last Monday........It has been the most incredible pain I have ever experienced (except the pain and fear I felt when my dog was diagnosed with cancer and endured surgery and chemo 2 years ago)

No matter how angry I felt or how much I cussed him, I didn't like to hear how other people "always thought he was an SOB and were happy for me to be rid of the no good, dirty bastard". It hurt so much to hear that from friends who thought they were supporting me but that hurt to hear because I loved him----even though he didn't love me---I loved him. The pain of that was a suffering, lingering, painful death.

I was deep in the pain when I found your site. I searched back your archives to find out when your divorce started. I felt so in touch with you because what you wrote was exactly what I was going through--so much so it's scary.

Your pain has been enduring SO LONG and I am so sorry because I know exactly what you feel (except I've got 10 years on you--44 and starting over) but I can't imagine your strength for enduring this pain for the length you have--you are a warrior--what man could have the stamina for pain that women do?

With the finality of last Monday, I am slowly seeing the sunshine again and redefining my life and future on MY TERMS--and that is exciting (here I should be singing "I Did it My Way"). I will be okay just as everyone has been telling me (while I always doubted I could ever feel okay).

Each day is presenting a new revelation of the lies I believed about my marriage to get through 6 years we spent together. I already wonder who that person was that was married to him--she is a stranger and I don't know her anymore. She was so damaged and scarred on her soul--but now I'm okay and doing better each day--the revelations are bandaides on her scars and I'm healing nicely.

It has been a complete pleasure to get to know you a bit through your site. Everyone that reads wants to be your best friend and I've seen the site growing so fast. You are a wonderful person and I hope for you speedy end to your pain and can't wait to watch your star get even higher and brighter. You alone give so many of us so much, please feel the love and care and understanding we wish to give to you.

Sorry for excess length--been stalking too long!

Salud!

Nice Champagne!!!!!

A wonderful dinner indeed!

On to a better chapter of your life.

Am I the only stalker that is a teeny tiny bit thankful that Mr (insert your favorite derogatory adjective here) X. in some twisted way freed Miss Laurie to be the wonderful person we have gotten to know in the past months? I am truly grateful to have found your life here on the Internets and I know with all of my heart that this time next year the celebration will not be as bittersweet and the wineglass will be just as full (however, I'm not too sure about the Snickers wrappers).

Big woolie hugs and sloppy Shiraz smoochies from Vermit!

Excellent choice. I "celebrated" mine with a Qupe Syrah and a pile of dark chocolate. You're such a neat person - don't ever forget that.

Kristi, the one above my post...that beautiful. It made me cry! Toasting you and your new found freedom!

Sorry, Laurie...I had to tell her! :)

I say you take a copy of that letter along with the ring, stick it in the bottle and let it set sail.

the snickers bars are a nice touch.

Woo Hoo! You made it. Welcome to the illustrious sorority of wickedly crazy ladies who got rid of a bunch of excess weight (mine was a full 165 lb!!) and guilt. You rock!!

Sometimes Laurie, there are no words... but your picture sums it up perfectly!! CONGRATULATIONS on your emancipation. You've come along way thru this process, make sure you take some time to feel VERY proud of yourself!!

{{{{{Laurie}}}}

I love it and you!!

Laurie,

I was thinking about you today as I was driving around, wondering if today was really the day. You are amazing - funny, poignant, and real. I think you are great. Tomorrow isn't Monday and that's a good thing.

Crystal

You made it! You might be hung over tomorrow but you'll be finished that chapter of your life. Not the drinking, the ex thing. Look at how many people think you're pretty damn cool and would love to spend time with you! I'm going to have a martini tonight in your honour. I raise my glass to you. Cheers, sistah!

Had to say, Kristi brought tears to my eyes and is SO right on that when you have been left, when you get divorced, hearing people with all the best intentions say terrible "I never thought he was good enough for you, etc." things just compounds the pain. We loved the men we thought we knew, and that was wonderful to trust and love and give that way. Even if it turned out in ways we didn't want or imagine, the moments between two people can only be understood by them. Laurie and Kristi, good for you to be free. AND don't forget the good memories, those in which you loved freely because that is a part of your history you should embrace.

Good choice of champagne - my favorite!

Like I've said to a few friends, "I don't know whether to say congratulations or I'm sorry!" It is a very mixed up feeling, I'm sure.

Congratulations on making it through this far. Your posts are wry and witty and hilarious and gut wrenching. I'm sorry you've had to go through this, but the wonderfulness of your writing and of you comes through all the time. I love reading your crazy takes on life in So. California.

Take care of yourself. And know that there are lots of people out there sending you good thoughts.

Cheers, Laurie! (hoists glass of Rioja and scarfs a fistful of chocolate chips)

awesome, you! this day is almost done. you are a wonderful writer and i wish you much success!

Perfection.

Cheers! (Martini, sorry, not wine.)

Salud with sherry from Atlanta-ish! It only gets better from here, right? Right!

I'm celebrating your freedom with german gummi-- saure kirschen flavor.
Congratulations!

I laugh at your jokes. Every day. Thank you for being brave enough to share your pain in ways I never could.

Oh, Yum! I had Veuve once (someone else was paying). Enjoy - you too are one of the finer things in life.

Anything - ANYTHING, even divorce - has got to be better for the addition of wine and chocolate.

If only...

Hey there, (got a new email to match the blog, like getting a purse to match the shoes...), I toasted you as well, can't remember the name of the wine, it's downstairs and I'm lazy. Had some dark chocolate to help it along. And whatever you're feeling, just know it's okay. I physically had to stop one well-wisher from going on and on and on about my X. 's why we changed his name to A@L. Cuz he was that now, not then. Like Santa Cruz, it's still a big roller coaster ride, some days good, some days not so good. But you are so loved, if these cagillion comments aren't a bit of a hint.

Mary(in Tahoe)

cheers!!!

Those mini snickers are a nice touch. Hadn't thought of that combo before!

Hmm... now I want chocolate. Must go scrounging through the pantry...

Hurrah!!
You are too cool. How proud we all are of you.
Viva Crazy Aunt Purl, inspiring women all over the world!

etta

I heart you. Seriously. :)

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" ~Mary Oliver

congratulations... Another Day. Of. Dread. has passed. I did the same thing... went by myself.. was apalled at the anti-climactic nature of the whole business. Like Sarah... I'm glad you aren't not-writing any more to support the energy-black-hole of a husband. Live your life... keep looking there are others who can float your boat rather than leave you swimming with the sharks.

no cliquot at my house, just beer, but we (me and the kitty - i imbibed, she just sniffed the glass) toast you and your survival of d-day!

hugs to you and the menagerie - may every day hereafter be filled with yarn, wine and possibility!

Many thoughtful comments here and truthfully all we can say is that we love you. I'm sorry for the break up. I'm sorry that it had to happen to you. I lost my best friend in a breakup-not-death sort of way and I still stalk her blog. *smiles* It's good to know that she's happy. It's good to know that I feel no sting when she talks about how happy she is. And it's good to know that I can face the fact that she and I are better off no longer friends.

Here's hoping you continue on your happy beginning.

To New Beginnings.

Snickers and champers! Laurie, I think you hit the mood just right. Congratulations on being legally free.

*lots and lots of hugs* And a big "fuck off" to the wacko that lost you. :)

You're gonna make it!

Laurie, he doesn't know what he's missing, but I personally think you are MUCH better off the way you are now. I love how you are branching out in your blog, your life, your knitting. Hang in there my friend!

Cheers!

Here's something I've learned: when you're in someone else's orbit, you never realize you have gravitational pull of your own. You are a star!

It's like so much of the rest of life. Some things you just have to get through. No rhyme. No reason. Just endure. At some point, the other side is reached. Champagne is an excellent travel partner.

Lovely picture. And Happy Independence Day, indeed!

After a shark bites off a person's arm or leg, there's no chance of the appendage growing back.

After a shark bites the head off of Life as You Know It, you can grow a new one. And if that new head has a bad perm, well, maybe we should save that one for another day.

Laurie - There's a fabulous Christine Lavin song for times like these, called As Bad As It Gets.
http://www.christinelavin.com/022200abaig.html

Here's the bit that I think's particularly relevant right now:

I know that you will find the strength
to make it through this day
and then I know
you will be OK
you'll be alright
don't give up the fight

mazel tov!

you totally deserve better chocolate after all that...

Christine Lavin is good medicine for life. I recommend the Inner Bitch song.

You've got a chance at a new beginning - enjoy it. Celebrate your freedom by changing "soon-to-be-divorced" in your banner to "newly emancipated but hopeful."

Karen
(Newly single for two weeks, and determined to hold out for a man who knits!)

congratulations!!! you made it to the other side! We are all proud of you.

I feel very guilty but I'm happily married.

One of my closest friends just went thru a bitter divorce and all I can say is that she is 100 times a better person than she was when she was married. She's vibrant and actually smiles. I feel like I have a new and improved friend now that she's actually happy - it took a few months after the divorce for the happy to set in but I think you're very close to that.

Good luck and celebrate December 5th as your second birthday from now on!

Congratulations! I look forward to the day when my final papers arrive and I can toast closure with a good glass of scotch.

Beautiful. I like the knitting needles in the background (and the snickers in the foreground).

Looks perfect!

Still, life. With Divorce.

Damn straight!

Ever wonder why nun's are always so happy? 'Cause there don't have any men to worry about!

Besides, who needs men when we have yarn? Well, other than killing the scary bugs (Hate the millipedes)

Hang in there. Stay crazy!

Thought about you a lot yesterday, grrlfriend ~ I believe you handled the day beautifully!

Love the photo.
You are wonderfully talented.
Knit on!

One picture. 3 Snickers. A thousand words.

Sometimes it may not seem like it, but you do have everything you need to be happy - and I don't just mean chocolate, champagne, kitties and yarn. It's all inside you, and you are stronger than you think. Congratulations, and make the most of your new beginning!
Ang.

Congratulations, you made it. Always remember that he's the one who lost the best thing he ever had...not you! Life begins today!!!

hugs
Ro

His life will be his punishment.

Onward and upward!

You may be minus one (possibly selfish and jerky) man. But look at all the hundreds (thousands, maybe?) of friends you have gained. I think you're going to be just fine :-)

You go girl....just think, you don't have to share your champers or snickers with anyone. IT IS ALL YOURS! I know you will be fine....and you are my hero!

Speaking strictly from the selfish point of view, without the d-i-v-o-r-c-e WE wouldn't have you. We wouldn't have your sparkling charm and your fabulous wit and your wonderful sense of fun and your true amazingness. You are FAR too good for the likes of Mr. X baby and don't you forget it!

Hold your head high, my dear. You have done it. It was a tough road, but you managed. And while you may have lost a husband, think of all the people you have found in the last year. There is strength in numbers, and you've got an army.

Congratulations!! A new life awaits you!

Good thinking on the snickers too!!!

Congrats on making it through yesterday. I tried to have a glass of wine for you but it turned into a fiasco. I hope your bottle was more enjoyable than my glass.

I don't like putting this out in public, but here goes.
YOU GAVE UP WRITING FOR THIS GUY???
Good riddance. Glad to have you back among the living. Now go find yourself.

Cheers. *clink*

"Veuve Independance!"

Best wishes to you and your new path in life...

And when you feel the blues creep up on you --- do what I do...

Belt out "One more Minute" by Weird Al!~
and Mean every word!!!!

there's no doubt that you'll be fine, regardless of the pain. Waiting for the divorce to finish up is a strange kind of stasis -- you've gone past that now, and good things lie ahead.

>>> ...here is an online hug for you!

Snicker bars.... bite size and champange! Yumm

Champagne and Snickers sounds even better than Champagne, shrimp and caviar. And the photo has a very well thought out composition.

What impresses me the most is not your calm, cool exterior in the face of such a troubling emotional period in you life. It's the fact that you took the time to change the graphic on your blog header.

Cheers, Laurie. To you! *ting*

I'm raising my glass ~ here's to only good things :)

Congratulations! Now on to bigger and better things! Like knitting! ;p

Laurie...hang in there...with each day... the hurt and pain get a little bit better and a little bit better...

Hang in there honey - it'll get better and easier as time goes on. Don't think of it as an ending but rather as a beginning. The single most helpful thing that anyone told me when I got divorced was this, "The best revenge you can get is to live and live well."

You are doing great!

Last night I went home and made myself steak and an artichoke for dinner. I was just about ready to eat when I went for my bottle of wine... and I didn't have any! ~gasp~

I went through all my cupboards, and finally found in my 'fridge an old bottle of champagne that I was saving for "someday". I opened that puppy up, gulped it with dinner, and then finished it with the fresh baked cookies for desert.

Thanks for the inspiration!

I just realized that my 10th divorciversary is coming up tomorrow, 12/8. Well, actually it's the anniversary of the night he announced he was leaving, not the actual divorce. I had a similar story to yours... Ex-Hubby just announced one night after work that he was leaving, and he indeed left that night... we should talk ;-) Luckily, I have a quasi-posh but relaxed party to go to with hosted by my very cool neighbors tomorrow night. I'll have to remember to drink a special toast to what, in the end, turned out to be one of the best things to ever happen to me!

Laurie, I've been ill, so I missed my chance to tell you that I'm thinking of you on divorce day. Looks like you made sure you had the good stuff to celebrate on Monday. I still think you got the better end of the deal if you got the four preciouses. Bon Chance, mon ami!