3rd January 2023

As the 2022 Christmas Holiday now passes and we are looking to and hoping for a better, healthier and happier year ahead, in 2023... I feel my usual yearning for the brighter and more active days of spring. It is driven by a deep passion to get creative again (for me that would be drawing, painting, writing, gardening, cooking, designing, even thinking!). In the positive knowledge that there is an inherent healing to be gained in the natural cycle of living. Soon the sap will be rising in the trees and the leaf buds preparing for capturing the extra sun light. But equally soon, possibly sooner our lives will need to begin the return to the labours and endeavours of so called normality. We need to be optimistic when looking to the future. I know only too well the effort that this entails. As the last couple of years have certainly been a challenge of sadness and loss, for myself and many people for whom I care.

The festive holiday that now passes into it's own history, actually marked the fiftieth that our family has had in this home, in Newton Street, Stornoway. The place is a considerably quieter one now. Our parents thrived on the hospitality of the season, the extra place setting at the table was always filled. There was a constant fire crackling in the hearth and the oven yielded a continuing production of roasts, vegetables and fresh festive baking. There was music, voice and merriment... But, sadly, it no longer heaves with such partying. I well remember these parties and the happy people who enjoyed them through the years. Perhaps, who knows, I might yet regain the energy required to celebrate future anniversaries, events and parties. I also thrive on same hospitality given by my parents.

As I reflect on this festive holiday, I am reminded of another, equally full of hope. On this day six years ago, 3rd January 2017, I left the warmth and comfort of my Dear Mother's home to head back to my Glasgow flat for the last time. There with the help of two of my brother's and nephews, I began the task of finally clearing that old place. It had been my home and studio of work for almost forty years. Just as our parents had in Stornoway, my Glasgow home was one of hospitality. Over the years I held lots of parties and welcomed many guests. The table was served with the same traditional extra setting, it was also always filled. But despite all these years I never actually spent a Christmas Day there, I always returned to sit at that special dinner with my Dear Mother. On my very last day, in that old flat, Friday 20th January 2017, everything and everybody gone, I was left completely on my own. Prior to handing the keys to the estate agent, for the new owner. I quietly stole a most precious moment, to wander through those empty rooms, which seemed so filled with the sound of friendly laughter and familiar voice. As my head cleared, I stepped over the threshold and gently pulled the eight foot door shut, then turned the lock for my last time. One era, with all it's memories had just past, almost symbolically and I was keen to move swiftly on to my next. The following day I returned to Stornoway, this had long been planned and I happily embraced my future. So many aspects have indeed been and continue to be bright and wonderful. Such a thought actually keeps me going...

Here's to the future, here's to 2023.

Reflections of this time of year, Tuesday 3rd January 2023
KB