As 2018 neatly folds in on itself, smoothing out the pleats and brushing out the crumbs. 2019 stands in the wings waiting to burst forth filling all with hope.
Sorry I don’t believe that, I do not like New Year (there I have said it.) The truth, as I see it nothing will magically change or become better at midnight 31st December..
Nothing will resolve itself, all the resolving is up to us!
Now I have not ever done a review of a year as it passes or a preview of a year to come but 2018 was different.
So this might be my one and only shot at this type of blog.
The year started as it always does, a damp squid. But it warmed up, we had a family in Wedding and a trip to Mexico in April.
Then May arrived as did The Bloggers Bash in my old Stamping Ground of Chiswick.
I don’t know if you know I love The Bloggers Bash.
Here is all the information you need for The Bloggers Bash 2019
In June we visited the Houses of Parliament for PMQs and there was an incident!
Also in June I was nearly at the end of withdrawal from the last of my painkillers. Here is a post about the visit to Parliament and withdrawal here.
Ps. I am totally painkiller free now, no Tramadol or Gabapentin .
In June /July I met a young mum who lives near me who has Macular Degeneration ( not the age related one) and Stargardt disease . She started to go blind at 12yrs old. Now at 26yrs she has two wonderful children a partner and a beautiful guide dog. I go out with her when she takes her dog for its free exercise. As you know Ruby is a retired guide dog . The two dogs get on so well. I have become good friends with Natalie and Ruby is a favourite with her family. She says I help her, I say she has taught me a lot too.
Quala and Ruby, Ruby on the right.
Also in July I badly sprained my ankle…whilst walking Ruby!
September we took Ruby to France for a week, it was a success.
Top picture is us boarding Le Shuttle, second picture is Ruby and Hubby investigating a church in a wood. Here is a blog about a day on that holiday.
October came with Halloween and I did a month of spooky poems. Here is one of them.
Along came November and there was a surprise trip to Mexico.
So December arrived and I went on a course with the Silent Eye which I found truly affecting. I opened my soul, brain and heart to more that can be seen with the eye. Thank you to all who were there.
Here is a post about one sites we visited.
Then Christmas sadly not all the plans came fruition, I did not see my lovely grandsons, maybe this year will bring better times. Hey ho life is life no point in making myself ill.
We had the other lads round and friends too so I think I did a good job of wearing the happy mask.π
I started this post on New Year’s Eve but time got away from me. So here I am on New Year’s day looking back on 2018. We went out last night and celebrated with friends. I have to say it still feels hollow. But no one likes a moaner or a miserable face.
Onwards and upwards to 2019. I have three resolutions.
1. If I can not change things in my life that are causing me pain I can hopefully learn to accept them and not mope.
2 Take forward what I learned on the Silent Eye Weekend.
3 Blog happily and do my very best to publish a book of poetry this year…. Any helpful tips on this gratefully received.π
Thank you friends and followers I do love you all.
Jan 01, 2019 @ 11:48:15
Wishing all your hopes become reality sis π
Jan 01, 2019 @ 11:50:07
Thank you Sis I wish you the same ππ
Jan 01, 2019 @ 12:57:55
Like you I donβt believe new year magically changes anything, but it is a good breathing point at which to stop and take stock. Iβm terrible for not appreciating what Iβve done or achieved so for me new year is a nice reminder that the past year wasnβt as lost as I perhaps thought it was.
Best of luck with the new year, love the photo of your dog.
Jan 01, 2019 @ 13:22:56
Thank you I just find this time of year so very sad. I have taken your words on board.π€ Glad you like Ruby she is gorgeous isn’t she.πππ
Jan 01, 2019 @ 13:26:10
Very beautiful. With work, my husband and I haven’t got much time for poets, but luckily I have a friend who brings her chocolate lab round for visits so I still get lots of cuddles.
Jan 01, 2019 @ 13:36:35
Friends pets best of all worlds all the love none of the responsibility ππ
Jan 01, 2019 @ 13:15:16
Happy New Year Willow.
Jan 01, 2019 @ 13:19:05
Thank you Di and the best to you too
Jan 01, 2019 @ 13:33:46
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Jan 01, 2019 @ 14:43:16
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Jan 01, 2019 @ 13:25:41
You were in Mexico twice in 2018? Happy New Year, Willow! I hope you have a wonderful 2019!
Jan 01, 2019 @ 14:42:42
Yes I was very lucky. Happy New Year to you and yours Trent π
Jan 01, 2019 @ 16:19:03
I think you had a terrific 2018 and did so well coming off your pain medications, Willow. I hope 2019 will be even better for you.
Jan 01, 2019 @ 16:20:29
Thank you Robbie all I need now is my youngest and his family.π
Jan 01, 2019 @ 18:42:54
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
Jan 01, 2019 @ 18:54:34
Thank you π
Jan 01, 2019 @ 19:14:24
lots of ups and downs, and hopefully more ups than downs in 2019!
Jan 01, 2019 @ 19:24:38
Thank you ksbeth and a happy, healthy New Year’s to you too π
Jan 01, 2019 @ 19:46:58
Sounds like 2018 was none to shabby and here’s to a 2019 with more wonderful!
Jan 01, 2019 @ 21:52:22
Thank you Dale , I hope your year is a blast ππ
Jan 01, 2019 @ 22:54:29
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Jan 01, 2019 @ 22:01:53
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Jan 03, 2019 @ 00:50:45
Reblogged this on Loleta Abi.
Jan 03, 2019 @ 06:38:29
Thank you for the reblog ππ
Jan 20, 2019 @ 03:29:17
How did I miss this one? Owie for the sprang ankle, overall you got to travel. Other than the fun I am having with the blog, last year really sucked for me. I herniated my disk in April and took til September to have surgery. Just pain all year. Hey, maybe I should write this on my own blog. Lol! Cheers to much better happenings in 2019!β¨
Jan 20, 2019 @ 08:47:48
Hi Jordy not a good year at all like you I hope you will have a much better and pain free 2019
Jan 20, 2019 @ 13:59:15
Thank you, Willow!β€οΈ