The End Is Nigh...

Maybe a little melodramatic perhaps... I could have easily titled this entry 'The End Is In Sight' or something similarly benign. But hey, I'm sticking with melodrama, dammit!

So yes, 2012 is gradually creeping out to make way for the new year. I can't say I'll be sorry to see it go either, as it has turned out to be quite a challenging year in many respects. It didn't exactly start well with the prospect of clearing out the family home following the death of Dad in late 2011, a stressful activity not to mention emotionally draining. And then of course there was the selling of the property, all virgin territory for me being in the hands of estate agents and solicitors. It didn't help being so far way from the house either. But mercifully it sold relatively quickly, the monies dispersed (a very sad day) and business concluded.

But the experience affected me emotionally, more than I realised, and rendered me somewhat needy, as if my life suddenly had no meaning. It led to a difficult period in the latter half of the year when I got too attached to a certain someone which led to complications. I had to extricate myself from the situation but felt bad for just abandoning the other person without explanation. I still think of and miss him.

But the year also proved good in so many other respects: getting involved with Cardiff Players, completing the Photography Beginners course run by ffotogallery, organising and editing the IPO/ONS booklet Winter Bizarre Vol. 2., camping at Out In The Open, attending the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time since 2009. Oh and lets not forget being inadvertently cast as a disaster prone elf for the works pantomime.

I've also seen some great live performances this year, from the brilliantly funny Fascinating Aida to the stunning light and sound spectacle of Muse performing at the LG Arena. Seen some pretty good films at the pics this year too - Avengers Assemble, Sightseers, Skyfall, Holy Motors, Shame, Looper, Ted, Chronicle, The Artist, Hunky Dory to name a few. Inevitably some dire stuff there too; The Raven, The Darkest Hour, Mirror Mirror, Total Recall were all pretty bad, but none so as much as Elfie Hopkins, a film so inept it has to be seen to be disbelieved.

I've met some fantastic people during the last twelve months too: the cast and crew of Cardiff Players, the other students on the photography course, and online friends from Wales, Northern Ireland, the US and even New Zealand. They have all helped me get through the tough times - and I would like to thank them so much for this!

I was gearing up for a tough time over Christmas this year, being the first one ever not going back to the family home in Abingdon. And although it was sad, it was passed pleasantly with Stu's family in Brynmenyn and Nant-y-moel. (I also got to spend time with my own family when we gathered at my sister's place in Radstock a week before, which was lovely.) So, all told, it was nowhere near as emotionally traumatic as I was expecting it to be.

But that's all over now - and it's time to look forward. 2012 is done and dusted, so I would like to wish my readers a very happy new year - may it prove peaceful and fruitful for all.

Lx. 31/12/12