We have had a fair share of swings and roundabouts in 2025. Health scares and money challenges probably have been top of our list. We felt constrained in our choices for a winter break, so we never really escaped winter to find the sun and warmth we craved. And whilst on the dreaded Wegovy, I was totally lost in a sea of misery and despair. My beloved Michael was confused and bewildered and just hanging on for dear life.
I have had to choose happiness and search for contentment again. This alteration in my attitude does not mean I have banished sadness or anger or frustration. Those emotions are still there (at the heels of the Black Dog) but I am working really hard for balance.
Back on 2 January 2012, Michael and I were married in our garden at the House That Rocks. Callum gave me away to Michael with "Love Shack" playing in the background. We then played "Miss Sarajevo", which, at times, mirrored the conflict between us and Michael's children. Finally, as we signed the register, we played that amazing Louis Armstrong hit "What A Wonderful World". For us, this is a song that epitomises hope and joy and of course, wonder.
When I really really look, our world is actually filled with wonder. Michael has just won the Avon Valley Artist for 2025 at the York Art and Crafts Awards. His face, upon the announcement of his award, will live in my memory forever. After so many years, he finally feels he has the validation of his local community for his art. He is even becoming comfortable in his persona as an 'bone fide' metal artist.
Today, I discovered our fabulous dog groomer Rochelle has a Secret Identity as a internet guru. She may even be able to stop my hapless floundering around webpages and Facebook and newsletters and mailing lists. She also reduced Lexi from resembling a Woolly Mammoth into a sleek and sharp pseudo Greyhound. And bathed both Lexi and Stella who now not only look fabulous but smell much better too.
I have rediscovered the pleasure of exercise. Thanks to my wonderful cocktail of drugs, my breathlessness has mostly disappeared and most days, I am joyfully mounting Barry, my beloved exercise bike. I may or may not lose weight as quickly as I would like, but I am getting fitter and some of the annoying age-related quirks seem to be improving. I can even lower my hands to the floor in horse riders stance!
Then, sometimes still tentatively, I am really happy to be back in the East End Gallery. I handed the reins over to Bec and Sue for the three months I was wallowing in a Wegovy induced severe depressive episode. I am enjoying the challenge of being a team with these two magnificent women, the Gallery becoming a reflection of all of us, rather than just me. Plus, Rochelle has given me plenty of homework to prepare for our brand new social media launch.
To assist myself in my embrace of wonder, happiness and contentment, I am actively parting company with those who just give me grief. Deciding when (and to whom needs) to provide a well deserved bollocking for poor service. Taking time to rest and relax. Cherishing the company of our friends. Just being together and having fun with my darling husband. Loving my sons, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Being silly as Nanny Kate. Laughing at life. And knowing I am actually good enough.
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