All things new ...

"At the end of every year, on December 31st, we get so excited about the prospect of the new year which is about to dawn. We have such high hopes and unreasonable expectations. People gather together with family and friends, or in large groups in public spaces such as Trafalgar Square, the Embankment, Times Square, Sydney and Dubai, to wave goodbye to the out-going year and celebrate the promise of the new one, with elaborate fireworks displays.

So much optimism; so many possibilities. Yet within a matter of a few hours, it all evaporates. This January, many of us have been battling widespread flooding once again. Something we all hoped was behind us, following a similar situation in 2012, which caused so much damage and disruption, and loss of life. Yes, it didn’t take long for us to start cursing 2014 and longing for January to be gone.

Many of us still make resolutions, and with the best of intentions vow to make changes which will improve our health, our wealth, our relationships, and if we aim really high, the plight of those less fortunate than ourselves, and the world in general.

Spring is a time for cleaning and sorting and stocktaking. Cupboards are emptied, paperwork is filed.  Rooms are tidied and redecorated. And in the removing of clutter, we feel better in our spirits when the physical and mental and emotional cobwebs are dusted off. We can think more clearly and react more logically. For a while,

For myself, I resolved to be more like my dear, late husband; more positive, tolerant and loving. He was such an inspiration, and I want to be worthy of him. Spring-cleaning and a healthier lifestyle involving taking more exercise also feature on my list of ‘must dos’. But even as I resolved all this, I know beyond doubt, that come February, they will be history, and both my house and me will be as messed up as before.

Really, in all honesty, the only new thing to have permanence in my life is a wonderful little granddaughter, Emily, a cousin for Sam, who is now almost fourteen. Aside from her, “Vanity, vanity. All is vanity. “As it says in Ecclesiastes. But I know that come December 2014, we will go through the whole business once again. And maybe that’s the human spirit and to use another famous quote about second marriages, from Samuel Johnson, is “The triumph of hope over experience”. I will just add that in my own case, my second marriage was a match made in heaven."

Penny from across the pond.