January – New
Beginnings
This is always the month for fresh starts. I know I am not
alone in thinking that now is the time to look after my health more, or to
begin or attempt new things. And so I look to the start of this year with fresh
hopes for the future.
It is also a time to look back. The past twelve months have
been very special. Since my nose operation in January, things have definitely
improved. Alan has said many times throughout 2012 that he has never known a
year where we have been able to pack so much into it. I understand what he
means. It was the first year with both of us not working and in reasonable
health. Work was done in the garden, which is still looking so lovely, even
now. We were also able to improve on the fabric of our home. I had a new
computer. We purchased a new carpet for the hall and lounge; the study got a
makeover; a new cooker was bought; and I think we really felt the benefit of
our move to Seaford .
I have signed up for a creative writing course with The
Writers Bureau. The time has come to see whether my writing is worth publishing
and whether it is possible to earn any money from it. I have been thinking
about this for so long, but now I will be doing something about it. And it
feels good. I sent the first assignment off this Monday (14th) and
am now going into the next book on the course.
One thing I have realised is that this is going to take an
awful lot of organisation and perseverance to follow through, together with a
bit of sacrifice. I know that in order to do this course, other things are
going to have to go by the board. The trouble is, I’m not sure what. Alan feels
that my card making should stop, but that is something that I enjoy. I am aware
of just how long I spend on the computer doing computer games. I know that
should stop, because just at the moment, I can see that there are no benefits
to the games, apart from me seeing those
flashing lights and noises and the voices telling me how good I am.
Television is also under consideration. It is one of those
habits that I have been in since childhood really – watching television every
night. But why? Especially when some of the things that we watch aren’t even
entertaining. It’s just something we do.
One thing I am resolved to do is to write down my
experiences in this blog. I wanted to do it last year and got completely
sidetracked. I want this year to be different and for writing to be a priority
in my life.
Finally, just to compare, I leave you with a winter photo of
our garden.
