Let’s face it, 2019 has been a shit year. After starting with the brilliant promise of a second sailing season in Europe, my husband takes acutely ill on board our flight to Italy. We spend 4 weeks in Singapore before he’s fit to fly home and the remainder of the year is spent in recovery.

Despite this nightmare, wonderful things have happened in the darkness. It always reminds me of this from Leonard Cohen:

Ring the bells that still can ring

Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack, a crack in everything

That’s how the light gets in

Leonard Cohen

What went well this year

Let’s start with the positive stuff:

• Scott continues to improve. We’re together and life is slowly getting easier
• We count ourselves lucky the flight was redirected to Singapore – the people were so kind and the healthcare was first rate
• The support of family and friends has been extraordinary – we wouldn’t be where we are now without them
• We shipped our catamaran home and have been able to spend quality time together onboard
• Sailing is still in our future and we’re already cautiously making plans
• We now have an 18 month old black English Cocker Spaniel who’s great fun and adapting well to boat life

What else?

Normally, I would reflect on a bunch of other things that happened, but this year I’m taking away only on the positive and focussing on the “here and now’.

Thanks

I’m closing 2019 with an enormous “thank you” to everyone who helped us through this year with visits, phone calls, advice, help around the house, emotional support, hugs, tears and understanding. You have been incredible – couldn’t have done it without you.

Thank you to everyone who supported my new shop project. Stay tuned for new designs in 2020.

Also, please spare a thought for those affected by bush fires and drought in Australia. If you’re able, here’s how you can help:

Bushfire Help

Drought Help – Buy a Bale or Buy from the Bush

Have a wonderful holiday season and a safe and Happy New Year.