And so this is Christmas....

And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun

John Lennon/Yoko Ono

Awash with pre teenage angst and clinging to her friend, my 12 year old self cried her eyes out to that song at the end of the school Christmas Disco in 1982.  I imagine it had something to do with last dance rejection from the then object of my desires, but I suspect too that it was actually the start of my relationship with 'end of year melancholy' that was to follow me through the next four decades - until now.

If this year has taught me anything, it is this -  be grateful for what you have, do not take your health, happiness and freedom for granted, and never underestimate the value of good friends, with everything else stripped away those moments of shared togetherness become more important than ever.

Visiting my son and girlfriend in London in January; drinking raspberry Bellini's with my sister and other son having just watched him perform live in February; celebrating our friend's birthday at her house in March; being whisked away by Mr L for an early birthday treat the weekend after...
We had no idea that these would be the last few days of life as we knew it, and they are opportunities that I am very glad I took when I had the chance, something I hope my future self will remember to do.

But perhaps equally pertinent is the fact that sometimes, some of the best memories come from much simpler pleasures.  Running a virtual relay race; reconnecting with Uni friends over Zoom; enjoying my 50th birthday filled with messages of love and a very special song; filming songs to be sent in return; running a second virtual relay race for the, as yet, unmatched wonderful madness that is Endure 24; opening our hearts and home to the four-legged bundle of joy that is Nash; having friends round to eat chili by candlelight in the back garden, in a 'bring your own camping chair' party in honour of another lockdown 50th; escaping for a 30 hour summer holiday to Northumberland to let the dogs run on the beach; discovering a love for cross country running where 8 miles inevitably turns into 11; drinking Bucks Fizz in the park post run for Mr L's 50th; drinking Champagne in the dark post run for R&A's anniversary; providing (the best dressed) race support as my friend ran over 31 miles across the moors - yet still found time to stop mid race and take that day's photograph for my 100 day dress challenge!

In a year where it wasn't possible to do very much, it turns out I've done loads.  

I've been lucky.  I haven't been poorly, I haven't lost any loved ones, my work may have disappeared overnight but this didn't have a significant impact on our finances.  I appreciate that not everyone reading this will have been so fortunate, nor be in such a happy place as me right now.  If that's you, and you could use a little sunshine then as my greeting of Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year may I offer you this..... for once it's not my photograph,  I don't even know who to credit it to, but I thank my friend in Italy for sharing it on her FaceBook.  Taken at the same time of day, every week for a year (minus a few where I'm guessing it was cloudy) this is the sun drawing out the symbol for infinity in the sky - a solar analemma apparently - or in my eyes the most beautiful depiction of hope.

Burgos Cathedral





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