Friday 28 December 2007

Adieu, 2007

Let me be clear: I'm usually a happy, positive person. I see the silver lining in the cloud, the glass half-full, and make lemonade out of life's lemons. I don't believe in good or bad luck, I believe it's all in your perspective.

But let me also be clear: 2007 sucked. Big time.

I can't honestly remember another year which has been so determinedly, stubbornly, negative. And I don't mean just for me. Everyone I know has had a lousy year - bereavements, illnesses, financial hardships, job losses, workplace dramas, failed relationships have abounded. All topped off by truly awful weather. As I look back on the year, the overriding sensation is of a constant uphill struggle.

It seems to me there must be some big, cosmic pattern at work. I don't know enough about astrology to make an informed comment, but surely there is some kind of major planetary disharmony going on? And hopefully if that is the case, it can't last forever?

In my search for clues that the tide of fortune may be turning, I remember that Christmas 2006 was a bit of a disaster for my family. We had all planned to have Christmas together at my sister's house. Unfortunately the building work they were having done wasn't finished in time so the venue had to be changed to Mum & Dad's. Then the person who'd promised to house sit and care take the animals for us so we could be away, discovered she couldn't house sit after all - so T & I couldn't go. In the meantime, my parents went down with food poisoning which lasted throughout Christmas, my sister-in-law's car broke down on the journey up from Somerset leaving her stranded at the roadside with my 4 year old nephew, and to cap it all off, while my sister and her husband were spending Christmas at Mum & Dad's, their own home was burgled.

This year, Christmas has been a much more enjoyable experience! After a somewhat manic lead up to the big day, all has gone smoothly and easily. Everyone has been relaxed and happy, the food preparation went smoothly, there was plenty of it and it was delicious: no culinary disasters to report. Excellent gifts have been given and received, the house has been comfortable and cosy, the cats accepted my sister's dog quite happily and even the weather's been quite mild, allowing for pleasant walks interspersed with all the feasting! Quite a contrast to last year. So now I'm feeling quite positive that perhaps the change is coming. 2007 is drawing to a close; 2008 will be better!

Yes, at heart I'm an optimist. And there is plenty to look forward to in the coming year. My Mum & Dad are moving to Wales, Avalon Spring is going to be wonderful, my brother is planning another big party in the spring, and that's just the tip of the iceberg! We have a whole new year to fill up with fun.

Thanks, 2007, for the lessons learned about coping with adversity, the strength of family and community and acting with grace when under pressure. Thank you, and adieu.

And hallo and welcome, 2008! We've been SO looking forward to meeting you!


13 comments:

kathyann said...

Great posting! I agree with everything you said,it really has been a lousy year,how funny you should write about things looking better for 2008 ,Please call in on my blog! I too have a feeling things are about to get better for all of us ,maybe the power of kind thoughts and prayers and the togetherness we all feel for one another in blogland is starting to have an effect !!!! What do you reckon!!!!!great news about your parents moving to wales ,bet you can't wait ,Leanne at Sommerset Seasons now has her mum living near to her and Lee at Soltice Dreamer has put her name down for a house near to her parents ,lets hope and pray she gets it ! I'm sure there will be many more of us hoping this year is going to be better than the last for many reasons .Take care love from Kathyann at meg's mum's muffins

enchantedartist said...

What a magical blog...I am so happy to have found it! I have been captivated by Wales since childhood.(My family is Welsh.)

I hope that your wonderful Christmas was a sign of continued blessings to come.

Gretel said...

Yep, I agree, 2007 could be greatly improved on, in fact, things started picking up this month - let's hope 2008 is better, I think it may be...

Anonymous said...

Thank You for putting it out there!
2007 sucked!
It's been a steady uphill climb for me and I feel like I've gotten nowhere. So many obstacles in my path to overcome.
Yay for 2008!

Leanne said...

My 2007 sucked too Moonroot, in many ways. I am so glad its drawing to an end and that 2008 is nearly with us. I am a positive person and i just know things will get better!

sending yuo good wishes for the new year and a change of luck!

leanne x

laoi gaul~williams said...

i loved reading this so much...its so true, many folk i know have had a hard year for many reasons and i am sure you are right...some shift is happening, lets just hope its shifting to a more positive year

Miss Robyn said...

I agree, 2007 was a tough year. Losing my friend Daisy in June, then it went down hill from there.
I am so looking forward to 2008.. not long now!
see you at my faery party xoxo

Cottage Smallholder said...

Hi Moonroot,

I am positive but have struggled this year. I sense that 2008 will be more of a nurturing, harmonious time.

All best wishes for 2008. May all your dreams come true!

Anonymous said...

Avalon Spring just sounds magical! Hoping 2008 is a great year for everyone. :)

Breezy said...

Hi Moonroot just popped by to wish you a happy 2008. Glad you Christmas celebrations have set the tone. I always enjoy the New Year celebrations a chance to start afresh

Reya Mellicker said...

Oh yeah, 2007 was really challenging! It was the seventh year of the new millenium. That's how I've decided to frame it.

Onwards to 2008! May it be a wonderful year.

Moonroot said...

Wow, I seem to have struck a chord with many people by saying 2007 wasn't great. Let's hope for a much more positive 2008. A Happy New Year to you all!

Anonymous said...

Yup, chord resonating over here too (come by from wise little acorn) and stopped a while to read.

Here's to a much more positive 2008