Merry Christmas from Me and Mrs Backhouse, where I’m half way through a day that started with me absolutely knackered. You see, I was too excited to sleep last night, a bit of a cotton-headed ninny-muggins, you might say.
The day began, as you might not expect, with a mince pie for breakfast. It’s not your typical start to the day, but then again, Christmas isn’t your typical day, is it?
Gift-giving was a highlight, as always. As was the gift-receiving. My sister, Alison, outdid herself this year. She gifted us a Lycett & Mummy print. At first, I couldn’t quite place it, but then it clicked and I confirmed with Alison — Helen Lycett’s watercolours with Joe Lycett’s acrylic overlay. It’s a print that both Kathryn and I love. It’s now tucked away quietly in the Bat Cave awaiting framing, ready to add a splash of colour and creativity to our flat’s living room.
Reflecting on the past year, it’s been a mixed bag. The rise of populism and the shift to the right in parts of Europe have been worrying. It’s a bad state of affairs, and it’s something that’s been on my mind. But, looking forward, I’m filled with a sense of purpose. My journey into UX Writing and continuing my art feels more important than ever. It’s about rallying to a call – I am yet to describe anything I do as a protest; I do not want to stop bad thoughts getting in the way of making great things.
So, as I sit here, in our new chair, I’m optimistic about what lies ahead. Yes, the world might be a bit topsy-turvy at the moment, but there’s always hope, there’s always creativity, and there’s always a path forward.
Merry Christmas, everyone. Here’s to a hopeful and peaceful year ahead.