Happy New Year!

Well hello!

Its been a while.  Actually much longer than I had intended.  I had a blog post written and was almost ready to press ‘publish’ and then a couple of things happened.  The first was an issue with my laptop which is far too boring to go into here, but it meant I couldn’t add any images to my posts.  The second and perhaps on reflection the more significant was London suddenly being thrown into tier 4 the week before Christmas.  The post I had written felt  a little too flippant and care free for both my mood and I suspect the mood of most of my readers at that time, so I put it on hold. I think it will appear soon, although in a less festive form than the one I had planned.  Nothing is ever wasted!

Anyway, my laptop is now fixed, thanks to my ever patient and tech savvy husband, and I am itching to begin writing and posting again.  Although I haven’t been publishing here, I have been scribbling by hand, drafts for blog posts and of course writing regularly in my journal.

How has the festive season been for you? I am aware that so many spent Christmas alone making it a difficult time.  Many of us were unable to see friends or family and still have no idea when that will change.

However it has been for you, I do hope you managed to have a Christmas which was at least peppered with moments of peace and joy?  For me it was a time spent with just my husband.  We managed to regularly get out running (me) cycling (him) and we did lots of lovely walks. Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park with a flask of coffee and some sausage rolls was a highlight on Christmas day morning. We indulgently watched films in the afternoons, we read books, and we enjoyed plenty of home cooked festive fare.  And of course like the rest of the UK, we zoomed with friends and families.

Despite the disappointment of not seeing out loved ones, It was a good time  for me.  I am sure those quiet days made going back to work  in a very busy hospital between Christmas and new year much easier.

My usual approach to a new year is one of optimism and planning.  I love the ritual of filling in my new diary and setting goals and making plans for the year.  My optimism is more cautious this year for obvious reasons, but it is still there.  I believe I learned much during 2020 through my work and the extended time at home, which I can carry forward.  I  feel hopeful for the creative possibilities and changes which I know 2021 will bring.

Changing Pages has brought me much joy again this year.  A new look and accompanying news letter have been things I am so pleased to have achieved.  Thank you to all my faithful long term readers and welcome to all those new ones who have been in contact this year.  I remain surprised and thrilled that you are all kind enough to take the time to read and comment.  It really does make me very happy.

I am so looking forward to sharing my love of London, travel, culture and books with you again this year.  I love to hear from you so do keep in touch, but for now I wish you all the happiest, healthiest and most creative 2021 possible

Angie xxx