smokingboot

2023 was like the guy wearing his first biker jacket who walks into a pub determined to out-ferocious every Hells Angel in the place. Admittedly it could be argued that each year since 2019 has been trying to get all the others to hold its pint while it outdoes its predecessor in bad behaviour, but we have to give 2023 credit for what seems like extra effort. Yes, 2023, well done, you've been so appalling we'll never forget you. Exit's that way.

For so many this was a year of suffering and heartbreak, loss, even death. I felt for close friends and strangers too, because pain was everywhere and few were untouched.

For me it was a year of frustration and debilitation. But there were lights in the dark, friendship so solid and generous it made my heart cry out, Love that sustains me. There were wondrous days and stories both epic and ridiculous. There were tasks and tales that I managed to complete, and as ever, a lot of beauty and laughter.

How have I failed? The time requires me to turn inwards and I haven't quite done so. More meditation is needed, I am scrabbling on the surface of things for entertainment, while circumstances require more depth, more thought, from me. I need to return to the liminal.

How have I succeeded? All I can do is shrug and say Here I am, and though some of this is awful, I have managed to mostly do what I had to, and have a good time as well. I'm learning to respect my body and be a bit kinder to it, so that must be something.All those green vegetables though! Brrr!

Saw the waning moon so clear this morning, it looked washed clean after all that snow and rain. Tonight I will wash my hair, put on paint and new clothes, dab on fresh fragrance that won't knock our hosts into a stupor, and we'll go across to a mate's party to kick this horrible year out of town. We'll be back before midnight, because we're tired, and it's all right to be tired. And we'll see the new year in with love and champagne and kitty cat company.

Here's to tomorrow, and to you too; Thank you for sending me messages, for glimpses into your life and your art, for wisdom and friendship and support. May 2024 bring you happiness and all you wish for. Lots of Love, always.

Now, let's get out of this place.