BLOGGER, CARTOONIST, CYCLIST, BEARD OWNER & NORTHMAN

DESCENDED FROM NORSE KINGS & NORMAN INVADERS

Wednesday, 1 January 2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025

appy New Year. 2025 is here, we are a quarter a way through the century. Time is something that rages past and we can't control the speed in which it travels.

So, Yule is almost over for another year and soon "normality" will return.

Our seasonal celebrations were low-key, as usual, with plenty of feasting and a fair share of beer (though I'm not a big drinker myself).

This year's Yule card

It was our grandson's first Yule/Christmas. At seven months old, he may not have fully grasped the occasion, but he certainly enjoyed his new toys.



Our dog, Magnus, also loved the festivities and happily devoured many treats.

In a previous post, I lamented the lackluster state of festive television. However, upon reflection, perhaps it's not about the sheer volume of content, but rather the quality. The recent 'Doctor Who' special, while perhaps a bit corny in its ending, was an enjoyable watch. But it was the 'Gavin and Stacey' finale that truly resonated, sparking conversations across the nation. Its expertly crafted conclusion brought a satisfying and perfect end to the beloved series. Then there was the 'Death In Paradise' and 'Beyond Paradise' specials, the 'Big Fat Quiz - and let's not forget the brilliant new 'Wallace and Gromett' special. Happy to admit I was wrong.

New Year's Eve was a quiet affair at home this year. We marked the passing of the year with drinks and a fire in the firepit. It's a time for reflection and remembering those we've lost.


Let's look at last year's goals;

1. Let's get cycling recreationally again, if that means getting help for my health issues then so be it. 
I've found myself in a cycling rut, let's face it, this year hasn't been my Tour de France. While I've been clocking miles on my commute, fun rides have been non-existent.


While I've been relying on my bike for commuting, it has mostly been a mode of transportation, not a source of joy. Work, life, and a couple of unwelcome chest infections have taken a toll on my cycling time. It's frustrating to see my cycling mileage decrease, but I'm committed to turning things around and get back on track.

2. Reboot the blog. It needs better content, I'm happy that the design is OK (I redid that recently) but the content sucks - sorry about that. 
Talk about timing! Just a few weeks ago, I wrote about the need to breathe new life into this blog. Well, I've taken steps to do just that with some design updates to give the place a fresh new look.

Here's hoping these changes spark a renewed enthusiasm for blogging that has been a part of my life for over two decades.

3. Give 30 minutes a week to quiet contemplation, maybe learning about runes or re-reading the Eddas. 
My spiritual journey unfolds, a tapestry woven with myth and magic. I've been exploring Norse and Celtic mythology through audiobooks during my walks and recently delved into the ancient stories of the Mabinogion, seeking deeper connections to the spirit of Cymru - a land that holds a special place in my heart.

Yet, I've strayed from the sacred space of my altar, where quiet contemplation resides. I've neglected the quiet moments of reflection that I feel I need.

So, it's probably been a 50/50 sucess with the goals from last year. So, next year's goals?... Probably similar again.

Here goes -

1. Cycling for fun needs to happen. I need to commit to at least three this year which i hope gives me to spark i need to get riding recreationally again.  
 
2. I need more social, getting out and having a bit of fun. Pubs, music and friends. It just hasn't happened recently.  
 
3. I want to take time and do more rituals, expanding my spiritual side.

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