~~For My family. ~ I looooove youuuu…… Saint Shirley, Daddy, Mr. Liverpool, Andrew, Alex, ALL of Kay’s boys, Alan, Leta, Faith, Tia. …& A special thank you to Mercy, D., R.,  e.,  J., and A.    Love.     Love.     Love.     xxX Always. K.
~I learned… I definitely want to come back as “this cat” if
I believed in reincarnation.
~I learned… girls just wanna have fun.
~I learned… I have a room of my veeeeeeery own.
~I learned…walking thru the shadow of death is for the living.
~I learned… you don’t need to meet people face to face, skin to skin, or eye to eye to love them.
~I learned… grieving isn’t something that dies; it is simply
born.
~ I learned…when all else diminishes, Â love is left.
~I learned … in spite of everything, God lives.
~I learned…Poetry saves.
~I learned…to write with my own blood.
~I learned…applying red  lipstick helps.
~I learned…a bit of red wine helps.
~I learned…listening to Adele helps.
~I learned…eating too much Dove Chocolate makes your fat ass jiggle.
~I learned… accepting yourself as you are is sexy.
~I learned…life fucking flows forward.
~I learned…to never hang up the receiver without saying “I love you.”
~I learned…darkness has absolutely NO power over light.
~I learned…to inhale.
to exhale. to give it all, give
it all, give it all– to God.
~I learned…the truest friends are individuals who love you
regardless of your extreme irrationality & Â insanity.
~ I learned…blogging is just another form of psychoanalysis.
~I learned…too much hilarity makes one piss in her jaggings.
~I learned…the best writing is hard-core honest writing.
~I learned…the clock keeps on ticking regardless of your
circumstance.
~I learned…when all else fails, words do not.
~I learned…if you do not believe in yourself, nobody else will.
~I learned…sometimes the people you least expect– become your greatest advocates, counselors
& angels.
~I learned….that family is EVERYTHING.
~~~Dearest, 
Reader, What are some things you’ve learned in 2011?~~~
Related posts:
I learned that if I don’t stand up for what I believe in, someone might take it from me! They can try, but we’re not done fighting yet!
-Annette,
So true.
Some things are worth fighting for. Xx
I’ve learned that the only power the past has over the present, is the power with which I choose to imbue it.
I’ve learned that childhood homes are a lot smaller than how they are remembered.
I’ve learned that being healthy is a lifestyle decision, and choice, not a short-term, fast-result event.
I’ve learned there is no time like the present, which translates into, there is no time but the present.
Bright blessings and best wishes for a kick-ass new year, Kim!
~Ellen xoxo
Hot Coco aka Ellen @ From Flab to Fab recently posted..In the Know for New Year’s Eve
~~Hot Coco,
that is so true about our childhood homes. They were quite large when we were little, weren’t they?! xx Happy 2012
I learned how delightful it has been to get to know you this year. Though the reason we got to know each other is tragic ( two sisters shot to death by estranged husbands), we have made new connections and new revelations that only people who have gone through the process can know. Happy New Year. 2012 will be better.
Joan recently posted..If you take a gun to Starbucks…..
–Joan,
)
I feel the same about you.
I with it would have been under diff. circumstances.
Xx See you soon.
That’s an awesome list, Kim. I wish I could pick my favorite, but they’re all so profound. Sounds like 2011 was quite an experience for you. Here’s to another year of learning, growth, family, and friendship!
Happy 2010, my dear!
Love,
Tara
–Tara,
One NEVER stops growing & evolving, do they?
Love to you, my dear. I wish you Love. Xx
Sweet Kim. I don’t know how you manage to write the way I think (as well as lots of others I would imagine) but you do. Consistently. That must mean we have a lot in common huh? You are just a joy to read, and I look forward to each new post. Your heart has a coming out party right here on your blog. It’s a beautiful thing. I’m so glad to be in attendance.
Love you’s!
T
XOXOs
Terri Sonoda recently posted..Resolving Not to Resolve
Terri,
Talk about sweet. You keep reading my same old stories!
Love Love Love. btw, can’t believe i have not been getting your posts.. Xx
I have learned that regardless of what has happened in my past I am still alive and I MUST continue to LIVE. Live to the fullest and without regret.
Happy New Year Kim xoxo
Sandy Webb recently posted..When Kind Words Are Spoken
–Sandy,
So true. What else can we do … but live?
What else?
Happy 2012, sweets. x
I’ve learned that too much happiness in ones life makes people uneasy and with that, I learned “SO WHAT”?? I’ve lived in and walked out of hell. I can be free and truly enJOY my life now. I choose joy.
I’ve learned that choosing to walk in love, joy and peace really screws up peoples’ minds but my life is love-filled, joyous and full of peace. It is a choice and that choice is sometimes made hourly but it is always the right choice.
I’ve learned that what we choose to speak can make our life better or make our life full of woe. We choose to speak life or we choose to speak death (to dreams, relationships and our future).
I’ve learned that the most powerful of choiices, forgiveness, only sets one person free – me.
I learned some of the srongest friendships can develop between people who’ve never met in real life. Fascinating.
Most of all I’ve learned to make sure Alpha Hubby knows at all times that I love him truly, madly, deeply. I learned to stop every once in awhile and take his face in my hands and REALLY look at him. I need to realize who he is now, what his hopes and dreams are now, and how he’s grown, changed and improved like fine wine. I learned to always focus on how very, very precious he is to me.
nan @ lbddiaries recently posted..I Love How He Loves Me (Redux)
Nan,
Too much happiness? That’s why people love your blog, girl!
I find too much sadness pisses people off, too.
So glad I met you in 2011
) You Rock w/ your kindness & wisdom. X
What a year so bittersweet…. so much I’ve learned including what do want to do with my time. Jealous of my time I am now choosy about who I spend time with.
Adriana Iris recently posted..A Bohemian Toast…
Adriana,
Yes. I have let many things go, too…
You deserve to spend your time where you like! With your Children & Family!
Love Love Love. Xx
Ive learned that I love your blog!
And that bloggyland drama exists. Who knew?
And that blogging is therapeutic.
Happy New Year Gorgeous!
xoxo
Impulsive Addict recently posted..4th Quarter Review Extravaganza
Impulsive,
) Xx
And I also learned that I can click to your blog and get a giggle.
Happy 2012 !
This is a wonderful post – you’re such a strong person and I love how you share very personal things so beautifully.
I’m still pondering on what my learning points for the year are, but I know that I’m so grateful for all that I’ve learned from bloggers all over the world.
Happy New Year to you. x
The Girl Behind recently posted..The Best Gift Ever
–Dear Girl,
Happy NEw Year!
I’ve learned much from all of you, too
) xx
I learned that I still have so much more to learn…
I continue to practice.
every day.
accepting yourself as you are is sexy -
Bingo!
xo
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles recently posted..Cinnamon Roasted Lychee with Slivered Ginger and Agave
–Kelly,
we will never learn it all, or know it all ….until we close our eyes for the last time.
Love to you, Deeeear. xx
Hey .. is jiggly ass is an ass that’s lived honey! LOL. And I completely co-sign on that statement lol. I loved this post.. and this year has been a wonderful one. I’m glad I found you and this blog
. I hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year 
Pure Complex recently posted..Ice Cream Sundae Pie
–Hi Pure,
& I’m glad I found you. Sooo Fun to read. Xx
I learned that I have a lot more to learn.
I learned that family and God mean more to me than anything. (Also Friends)
I also learned how much you mean to me Kim.
I learned how much I love to read your blogs and how well you can write.
Love You So Much
Daddy
–Daddy,
And I learned that I love you moooore than the entire Universe & Panthers & Chocolate.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
see you in a few hours.
Kim, I look forward to every post you write. There is always something that you write that makes me feel something deeply. You have a wonderful blog. What I’ve learned this past year is this — we are really just like renters here on earth. When I look up at the moon and stars I realize that people that lived 100 years ago saw this same sky and they are now gone. We are all alloted a block of time here so I try to appreciate every minute I have and the beauty of it all around me. And yes, family is everything….
Debbie recently posted..Happy New Year!!!!
——Renters on Earth.
I sooo like that, Debbie.
To know this is not our home, comforts me abundantly.
Love to you, Sweet girl. Xx
Beautiful, Kim.
This last year I learned that I do deserve to be happy and it’s ok to pursue happiness. And the only person who is responsible for my happiness is me.
I learned that I have choices. Not everyone will like or approve of my choices, but that’s ok. I don’t need their approval.
I learned that fear is just an emotion and sometimes you have to plug through it to get to the good stuff.
I learned that life is NOT black and white. No one has the absolute on right and wrong.
I learned that that LOVE is the most important thing and if you have that, the other stuff is small potatoes.
Michael Ann recently posted..Is it time to change how you approach change?
Michael Ann, I love your list
–Especially This::::::I learned that I have choices. Not everyone will like or approve of my choices, but that’s ok. I don’t need their approval.
HAPPY 2012 Xx
Red lipstick can fix everything:)
Emily,
Yes. Almost! Xxx
I had to do a double take on the Hef pic
lafemmeroar recently posted..Winter Sex Tips
—Why?
Hef invited me! How cool is that? Xxx Haaa kissssssssss
Ya know, I’m looking at that picture of the cemetery and all the cute ornaments that are hanging from the tree and in a way all the souls are also enjoying the trinkets! You hung them for Kay and she is now sharing them with the others. I think that’s nice.
I thought about starting a “Lesson a Day” challenge, but I’m not one for having to commit myself to having to post what I learned that day everyday. Instead of “Post a Day” which is hard to do sometimes because you can’t always come up with a subject to blog about, it might be easier and more practical to blog about what you learned that day. After all, you learn something new everyday, don’t ya?
Happy New Year my friend! ((HUGS AND KISSES))!
Irene recently posted..Fa La La La La My Ass
Hurricane Irene,
)
And I learned that YOU are one of my FAVES
looooove this: “the souls are also enjoying the trinkets!”
Beautiful. xx Many kisses.
Oh Kim, I love this! You touch my soul with every one of your posts. Thank you. I learned I have another person to admire and respect: Kim Sisto Robinson. xoxo ~Kay
ohhh, Kay,
That’s how I feel about you, dear. Xx Thanks for all you do for woman.
Kim, that was hauntingly beautiful! I just love it! You have learned a lot, but I’m probably mostly excited that you’ve learned that light has power and love conquers all….
I’ve learned that I have MUCH to learn
I’ve learned that I really, REALLY like blogging!
I’ve learned that, while I’m not a fan of photography in general, I LOVE taking pictures of food!
I’ve learned that visiting your blog is like having a cup of coffee and great conversation with a good friend!
I’ve learned that I miss baking every day, but I really like making tasty healthy food
I’ve learned that when the chips are down and I’m in my honey bunny’s arms, I can tolerate, live through, or DO anything!
Ann recently posted..Steak and Onion Panini
Ann,
And I learned that your blog is like comin’ home to mama. So warm. So sweet. Delicious. And you even play Christmas Music in the Summer. Xxx Luv Love.
Great lists.
I learned a lot this year and became an adult in the process.
adventures in alyssaland recently posted..Friday Fluff in Alyssaland
Dear Adventure,
SO Great!
I don’t think I’ve ever been a full adult
Xx
Happy 2012
I learned that blogging and the blogosphere has opened my eyes, my heart, my imagination to a whole new world. I’ve met so many wonderful people who have made me laugh, have moved me, and have inspired me to be the best that I can be. You are one of them. Thank you, Kim, for all that you’ve given us. Happy New Year, my blogging friend! Peace.
Monica recently posted..And They Call it Puppy Love
–Same to you, Monica.
thank you for the words words words.
Happy 2012. Love. Love. XXx
I think I’ve learned to let go with grace. I think I’ve learned to do the right thing even when it hurts. I think I’ve learned to not take myself or life too seriously. I know I’ve learned to love a number of people I’ve never met in real like and they have lightened up my life on dark days!
You look fantastic! I love your shiny hair and pretty face!
Linda Medrano recently posted..Sometimes Love Hurts
–Linda,
Lightened up your life on dark days! I soooo Like that.
And I like you, Dear. Xxx & all your pets.
I love you!!!
Not more than I love you. Xxxx
I teared up, I smiled, I said hell yeah. Great post!
I’ve learned that I am not the only one who is dealing with horrible situations and that tomorrow always comes (thankfully) even if we aren’t sure we are ready and some way some how we manage to make it through it. Each new day is an opportunity for us to heal and make a positive out of horrible events in our pasts.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I wish you the very best in 2012.
Laci recently posted..2 Days, 11 Hours, 24 Minutes and 32 Seconds ish
–Laci,
and thank you for your stories.
By telling our stories, we allow others to “not feel alone.”
Words are power. Oh, My, So much power.
You know this quite well. Xxx Many Kisses
I have learned that I even though I don’t know you I would welcome you and your wisdom into my home. We would have a blast together! I agree, family is everything and you must believe in yourself.
Cheers for 2012!!
–Liberty,
and I would come into your home. Do you have the coffee ready?
Xxx Happy 2012.
I will come to your site tomorrow……And visit.
I learned that your type writer makes me Purrrrrr…and Nadia G is HOT!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iELyAABb_U4
paul recently posted..Dark Globe Awards
Who is Nadia G?
haaa
Hi Kim,
. I’ve also learned that if I put myself out ‘there’, in places that make me squirm with discomfort, amazing things will happen. That’s where I’ve learned the most this year.
I’ve learned there are a lot of wonderful writers who are also bloggers
mamawolfe recently posted..Friday Photo: On The Flip Side
Mamawolfe,
The most amazing writing makes us squirm.
What a great thing for you to learn
Xxx
What wonderful lessons, Kim.
I’ve learned that writing heals me, it fills me up, it gives me joy.
Happy new year!
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Letter From a One Year Old
Mama Alison,
~~~~~~Yes. It fills. It gives joy. It cures. It is almost better than wine. ::))
happy 2012 Xxx
What a gorgeous post (from a gorgeous you). I will cherish reading this again and again. Thank you Kim, for being such a beautiful straight-from-the-heart writer. You touch my soul. And oh yes, maybe we HAVE met.
Vidya Sury, Freelance Writer & Blogger recently posted..An Affirmation for 2012
–Vidya,
I feel your heart and love and compassion all the way from India.
Wish you were closer so I could hug hug hug you, dear. Xxx
Happy 2012
Thank you for sharing your list and asking about mine.
I learned how good it feels to stand up for myself and honor my boundaries.
I learned that dogs are a girl’s best friend and I learned to live without mine.
I learned that exercise is great for the mind and the soul.
And I remembered, often, how much I value you Kim.
Liz recently posted..Year in Review: Ignorant Legislators and Heroines of the Week 2011
–Liz,
I also learned that YOU have inspired me to grow more than you know…
Your proactivity & brilliance make me better.
& You are loved. Xx
That’s a LOT of profound life lessons learned in a single year, Kim! Lessons that many of us don’t learn in a lifetime. Great pictures of your lovely family, and I looooove your old typewriter and the well-worn books. Thank you Kim for your gorgeous, heartfelt blog and happy 2012!!! xxxxxxxxoooooooo
Jann Huizenga recently posted..Death by Sugar in Sicily
–Jann,
And I met you all the way in Italy.
Your photos make me smile and fill me up with pleasure… Xxoo
thank you.
I’ve learned to live each day to the fullest and never take one moment for granted. Also, I have learned that no matter how tough a day can be, there is always someone out there who has one even tougher. Family and friends are our foundation in life, so keep the cement in good shape and “live, love, laugh” with all your heart. Bless you Kimmie and all my Sisto friends….the best to you in 2012. You keep goin with this blog….love it.
Cheers,
Sissy
Helene,
Happy 2012 to you and your family.
I have MUCH more to learn…I know that much
)
Xxx Kisssssssssssssssss
I’ve learned much of the same! Here’s to a wonderful 2012!
Jenn @therebelchick recently posted..Inspiring Quotes for a Brand New Year
–You Too, Jenn. X
I learned that it really truly doesn’t matter what other people think because they don’t walk in my shoes, and saying that it’s none of my business what other people do, say or feel because it’s their choice and their life – not mine.
Happy New Year Kim!!!
Kim Pugliano recently posted..Comment on Our Holiday Tradition by My Inner Chick
–I like how you think, Kimberly. Xx Kiss. Happy 2012, Sweets.
My Inner Chick recently posted..Things I Learned In 2011
http://auroramorealist.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/award/
Enjoy your award, Chickie, hoping Lady Gaga hears you one day soon xo
PS
I learned so much in the past 18 months, it will likely take me the balance of my life just to digest it, let alone process it… still working on it, lol
janice recently posted..My “Powerhouse” Award
~~~Janice,
) Xxx KIss
If you see Gaga, please tell her I am still waiting for her call
I learned that I am very, very blessed.
I learned that happy spirits can live in the walls of houses and dance in gardens.
I learned that I need to slo-o-o-o-w down.
I learned that 3 dogs and 4 cats and a live- in “daughter” make a shit load of hair. LOL
Happy New Year, dear Krobbi!!!!!!!
-Susan,
You learned some Cool Stuff…
I also learned that this chick named Susan B. ROCKS
) X
It sounds like you’ve had a really tough year. Clearly, though, you are a survivor. Sorry about your friend… Here’s to a happy, healthy, healing 2012!
Thanks for visiting HPKT. You are welcome to link up any time for FF. I publish on Thursday nights at 9pm Central time. You can find more specifics here: http://www.halfpastkissintime.com/p/friday-fragments.html
Mrs4444 recently posted..Friday Fragments: Episode #178
Mrs, 4444,
thanks for visiting my crazzzy world.
Happy 2012. Xx
What a lot of lessons – some learnt the hard way…
May this year be one full of good things: of comfort, healing and the moving forward.
Lady Fi recently posted..Soaring spirits
–Thanks, Lady Fi.
2011 sucked BADly.
Love 4 you & Oscar.
You have learned a lot…..I hope 2012 brings you more lessons to learn… as well as only good things.
Hilary recently posted..Rainbow after the rain
–Same for you, Hilary
X
Life sure does flow fucking forward no matter how much we resist it.
You are one of the most beautiful writers that I have the privledge of reading every day (you write). You are an amazing soul.
I wish nothing but the best for you in 2012.
You foxy momma with red lips
xoxo
Kimberly recently posted..Look For The Girl With The Cracked Smile.
–Kimberly,
And I wish the same for you in 2012.
As I recall, your 2011 sucks rotten eggs 2.
Love Kiss Love Hug Peace. Wine. Blessings. love. Xxx
Like you, I learned that writing honestly and from all of our parts, broken, glued, whole, and all those in between parts of ourselves is the only way to write. What I learned is that I am sometimes a shadowy image of my real self, and then in the next inhale I am not, and it’s OK to be all of my selves. I’ve accepted me as I am. You continue to leave me breathless Mistress Kim. You’ve a different journey that the rest of us and each day, each post, each time you write your words you write a little bit of that pain away. God Bless you, woman, and may this year bring your more joy than the last, and may you always find comfort in your writing. Hugs and love, Brenda
Brenda recently posted..On Love and First Kisses
–Brenda,
God’s abundant Blessings. Love. Love. Love. Always. Forever.
You are a gifted, unbelievable woman overflowing w/ great passion…Xxx
Those are some hard core lessons in life. What a year for you it has been! I am curious about what 2012 will bring for me in my life.
Kristy @PampersandPinot recently posted..Our Christmas Story, Part 2 (Put this in your pipe and smoke it.)
Dear Kristy,
Happy 2012.
I look forward to reading more of your stories
) Xx
Dove Chocolate…Adele? I am totally on board with you.
Who cares about a jiggly ass? The Dove is worth it.
Happy New Year my friend! Sorry if this posts twice…can’t seem to get my comment to go!!
Ameena recently posted..throwing clothes away
Ameena,
I know. I damn well LIKE my jiggly ass!!
Happy 2012 … Xx
You have learned a lot. Family is everything.
Jessica recently posted..Celebrate New Year’s Eve With A Drink
E V E R Y T H I N G.
Kissss. Xx
It sounds like 2011 taught you some powerful lessons. Here’s to peace and happiness in the coming year!
Happy New Year!
Emily recently posted..Scenes from Life: Miracles Do Happen
—Happy 2012 to you, as well, Emily. xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..Things I Learned In 2011
I have learned that reading your blog is a wonderful way to end my day! It is always so profound and so funny!! I go to bed with sweet thoughts! You are an amazing writer,Kim!! You have such a gift with words!! Thankfully, through things like blogs and Facebook, you are able to share all your writing with us!!
–Thanks for reading, Cindy.
I appreciate it… & I am happy that my words can give you sweet thoughts at the end of your busy day. Xx
I hope you had a wonderful New Year!
Blond Duck recently posted..Magical Monday: A Brand New Year
You, too, B. D. x
I’ve learned that I can. Even if I don’t believe in it, I still manage to do better than some, and not worse than others. Happy New Year!
Ivana recently posted..Long Blog Posts
–Ivana,
I Can.
I like that. Simple, yet powerful.
Happy New Year, too
You (and all these readers) have listed so many beautiful lessons from 2011.
So for 2012, I’ll tell you what I want to learn:
To surrender.
Yes. I need some surrender, here.
And also, maybe to be a cat
XOXO
julie gardner recently posted..Today call me present
Yes.
””Surrender””’
This is the hardest thing to do, Julie…
but this is my goal, too…
cuz I can’t do it alone.
Love Love Love. X
Kim, your ability to have learned these lessons demonstrates the kind of person you are. How many of us go through a lifetime, oblivious to half the things you mention in this post? My hat comes off to you, friend, for striving to be better every day, for sharing your knowledge, for being such a giving and caring person. I am proud to call you a friend. And the fact that we’ve never met, doesn’t matter one bit. I feel like we live next door to each other; that you’re the one I go to when I need a cup of sugar. This year I learned to let go. I learned to let go of expectations–because in doing so, I don’t have to feel disappointment. I let go of preconceived notions–because nothing is static; everything is everchanging. I let go of impatience–because life is too short to spend it huffing and puffing. I let go of trying to be the perfect mother, wife, sister and daughter–because I figure my loved ones have to love me just the way I am. And I let go of giving a shit about what others think–because at the end of the day, trivialities seem like such crap. Love you, girl!
Bella recently posted..Who’s wearing her New Year’s Eve party dress?
–Bella,
Letting Go. Surrendering. Releasing…
Oh, that felt gooood.
I love how you think.
If we lived closer, I’d walk w/ you and Roxy.& we’d discuss the woes of the world & we’d have some wine together.
I’d bring you over to Saint Shirley’s for an Italian Meal.
You would sooo be my friend, you special Lady. xxx
Happy New Year! I have enjoyed reading every post! Thanks for keeping it real!
XOXO – Elizabeth
–Back at you, Elizabeth
X
Such a nice text! The most important thing I learned that I will never have any resolutions for the next year. Only babysteps. A lot of babysteps:)
Cindy recently posted..Problems with wisdom teeth
–Happy 2012, Cindy X
I’ve learned…that you’re awesome.
Dear B,
Right back to you, Dear. X
I learnt that I always learn from your posts!
Mandy xo
Much love to your dear Kim for a awesome 2011!
–Mandy,
Much love flowing to South Africa right now. Xx
I got behind in my blog reading over the holidays, but have got to agree belatedly with your lefe lesson that “too much hilarity DOES make one piss in one’s jeggings.” Wishing you lots of love in the New Year!