It's been an odd year...





To say this year has been turbulent is something of an understatement. From a chronic medical diagnosis to being nominated for a blog award. Life has a way of throwing in little quirks, often when you least expect or not at all prepared for. 2013 was meant to be my year - I had begun the year of course with good intentions. The resolutions were made and I headed out into a new year full of hope and optimism. I was single on the right side of my twenties and had a job I enjoyed - yes I still lived at home with my mother but that was okay, I was happy. I enjoyed time spent with my friends, I cherished them, made time for them. We would laugh and make plans and generally make the world a better place. Men came and went - I must have some form of repellant oozing for my pores. That or Mr Right was still out there. This longing for love grew tiresome and so I went about my days appreciating the wonderful things I had to be thankful for. My health, my new found waist, a head of luscious auburn hair which made many a girl jealous in pub toilets. For once I had a healthy social life, my social awkwardness eased and I, for the first time in my life, liked the skin I had finally grown into.

I accomplished life goals. I passed my driving test, completed my first year of university and travelled. Amongst all this goodness, the nagging urge for more clawed it's way back in and then during the summer I fell ill. I had been unwell on and off for years. Unexplained bouts of fatigue, pain and with that of course came my old friend depression. He likes to pop round now and again just to spoil my fun, keeping me in check, making sure I don't over to it. But I struggled on until I could hardly use my hands and walking a hundred yards equaled to at least a two hour nap. I had found my shell and my hermit crab syndrome was back.

I forced myself to enjoy my summer as best I could, I bid farewell to my best friend as she moved to Berlin to begin her new life. I went to the beach and then there was Greenman, the festival I thought I'd never want to forget. In four short days, I felt a freedom, security and the feeling of complete escapism - life should be one big festival. I met Richie and the whirlwind began. When it was great it was good and when it was good it was great and longing for a soul mate I honestly believed he was the one. But alas it wasn't to be. Did you honestly think I would have a happy ending, don't be daft. I am the Miss Of Unfortunate Events, the serial dater and attracter of the mentally impaired.

So thanks 2013, the pleasure was all yours.









Dates and cakes







Books and Berlin







Festivals and fancy lips





Winter and worries

I hope you can understand why I haven't been around much over the festive season, but 2014 is already shaping up to be my year. So I will keep you posted.

Laurie Rose