Hi there

Thanks for popping in on this, the last day of the old year. And what a year it’s been. I for one shall be very glad to move into the new year. Am actually happy to be drawing a line under this one, and cautiously excited about 2024. How about you? I know, I know. Tomorrow’s just another day. But somehow we have to make use of the calendar, to actually conclude this year, finish it, so that we can have a new beginning. Otherwise the perpetual, unrelenting 2023 crap would just keep on coming. Better to roll the dice again.

You’ve just got to keep smiling I suppose, put on a brave face and take each day as it comes.

I woke up early this morning and wrote a little verse. It’s short but to the point…

Ode to Old Year’s Day
Last day of 2023
Look over your shoulder and what do you see ?
It’s been violent, ugly, sad and wet -
and it ain’t over yet!
So move through this last day 
with caution and care;
And take my advice: don’t go anywhere!!

So, whilst Grace got her glad rags on, and has headed up to London for a night of revelry with friends, Dave and I have elected to stay indoors with the cats, and light a candle. I used to absolutely LOVE NEW YEARS EVE. I think the most memorable ever was back in the 80’s, when I was single, a bit wild, and living in Nürnberg. I just remember the fireworks exploding above the rooftops, and the thick blanket of snow underfoot. And I remember thinking how magical it was. We didn’t have fireworks on New Year’s in England back then, so it was quite something.

Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing this evening, stay safe and warm, and have yourself an enjoyable time. We’ve got a tasty Marks & Sparks Curry lined up, a log fire and an excellent film: The Big Lebowski. Old but gold. What a treat.

The Germans have a beautiful way of wishing you a Happy New Year. They say Frohes Neujahr (you can see the similarity there, right?) But they also wish you einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr, which translated verbatim is to wish you a good slide into the new year.

So slide gently my friends,

Love always

Barb x x x

PS. Last chance tonight, to take advantage of the Clarity Club 12 months for the cost of 11 off. CLICK HERE. New Year, New Start! x