This morning, in a spurt of procrastination while working on a writing project, I happened to check my blog.  Hell-O, last post was 4 October 2021. One year and one month ago EXACTLY. Thirteen whole months of silence.

How did that happen?

Others are doing it. Friends even. Weekly, biweekly, monthly; they write regularly about all kinds of interesting and inspiring things on life, books, TV shows, bits of everything I didn’t know I needed to know until they said it. Check out Pamela Powers, Amy Heydenrych and Mike Nicol if you think I’m exaggerating. All are insightful, useful, often funny and read immediately on receipt. I recommend you subscribe right away.

My blog?

Not so consistent (or useful, in fact I think recommending the above blogs is the first useful thing I’ve done). Truthfully, I never expected to have something interesting to say weekly, biweekly, or even monthly. Still, dammit, how could I not have had anything to say for thirteen months?

So, here goes. Welcome to the phenomenon that is my first blog of 2022, intended in January but out in November. (She wrote and then stared at the page blankly). Okay, seeing that the muse has not descended, and I am determined not to accept defeat, I’ve decided on a List.

13 (one for each month gone blog AWOL) things that you probably don’t need to know about me and 2022.

1. This year I’ve procrastinated the most I ever have in my whole life. Not sure why, maybe it’s a conversation not a blog, but Covid life did my head in a bit. Possibly that’s just an excuse and I am simply a lazy so-and-so.

2. I’m most proud of the fact that in May this year, Chasing Marian, written together with Amy Heydenrych, Gail Schimmel and Pamela Powers was published.  Written in Covid, I see it as showing the triumph of writing and friendship over crap times.

3. I’m not proud that I’ve written relatively little that’s new this year. Not nothing, but the words on the page are the tip of the iceberg compared to the amount of time I’ve spent thinking about writing. (In case you’re wondering, I did do some words on the writing project before I started this blog. I’m patting myself on the back for that.)

4. I’ve loved every single book interview, launch and festival I’ve gone to this year. I’ve been inspired by all the smart people.

5. I’ve also been crazy nervous before every single interview, launch and festival. And I’ve felt intimidated by all the smart people, how do they do it?

6. I haven’t read as much as usual but it’s also the first year I’ve kept track of what I’ve read, and I’m at 38 finished books to date.  It’s the first year I’ve abandoned books I wasn’t enjoying.  

7. Life is better when absorbed in a book. Currently reading Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. It’s good, get it. (Note: I am not good at writing book reviews)

8. I’ve watched too much TV and scrolled too much Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok. Also, I’ve loved knowing all the TikTok dances (Note: I cannot do the dances or make a TikTok).

9. I’m sorry that I’ve become scared of surfing, lost my mojo. Maybe it’s because I’m so bad at it. Still love the sea though.   

10. I’m happy that I’ve been pool swimming at least twice a week the whole year, and all through winter.

11. I (deeply!) regret that I’m not good at any sport, but I’ll probably keep going as long as it’s fun. It makes me feel strong and helps clear my brain of rubbish.  

12. I’m constantly trying to eat less sugar. I’m also constantly trying to eat cake.

13. Every day I write down three things I’m grateful for in that day and it changes me. It is the single thing that I’d recommend to anyone wanting to see the small, wonderful, ordinary things in their life. (I’m profesh now, look I’ve done a third recommendation).

That’s it. That’s my blog post. I’ll add pics tomorrow once I’ve remembered how. Feel free to send notes, tell me 1 or 13 things about yourself or wherever it is that your brain leaps to after reading this. Or take 13 months before you tell me, I won’t judge … but who knows, hearing from you might make me write another blog before the year is up!

Also, last thing – I heard on the radio this morning that it is officially okay to put up your Xmas things from this weekend. So, if you don’t hear from me again, here’s to a happy and healthy festive season, may I stop procrastinating and may all our dreams for 2023 come true.

Love,

Q