2016 Strikes Again

GEORGE MICHAEL

June 25, 1963 - December 25, 2016

So terribly saddened to hear, this evening, Christmas day 2016, that George Michael has passed away at the age of 53.

This man, his talent, his God-given ability to move you to joy, happiness, peacefulness, calm and even tears, was as iconic throughout my life as he was throughout the music industry. A turbulent life in his later years, George Michael struggled with his demons, and if it were not for his public incidents associated with his troubled life, we would not have been aware.

Nonetheless, his fan base still loved him and for a while his music lifted both he and us, and it is now that we are left to pick ourselves up from the shock of his passing. 2016 has been an awful year on many fronts, none more so than in human cost. It is as if this year has had one purpose: to remind us of our fragility within this world and the frail grasp with which we cling to it.

F**k you, 2016. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

Unsure...

Once upon a time, back in March of 2011 I thought I knew what I wanted from my blog, and started out on a journey of which I knew all directions. Then I stumbled upon a junction. A choice. Which way? I chose the undiscovered country road into writing.

Now don't misunderstand me, I was happy travelling my new path. Meeting new, interesting people, sharing thoughts, learning new things and getting involved in a whole new community. It simply fizzled with energy and possibilities - the potential for greater things cocked its finger and beckoned me on.

Now it's December of 2016 and I no longer walk the path. It saddens me greatly, for truth be told, I was happiest mixing with my new-found writerly friends and taking part in projects, exercises and fun distractions.

So what happened?

I lost my muse, my mojo and my direction. I left the path, and turned my back on my blog, teased away by the shadowy figure lurking by the roadside trees, otherwise known as distraction. I lost touch with new friends, of whom barely a handful kept in touch. Of the rest, like a man fallen overboard from a vast, great vessel mid ocean at night, I watched helplessly whilst treading water, as they carried on their merry journey oblivious to my absence. I resigned to my fate.

But of all, including the very few who have kept me company from time-to-time, there is one, only one, that has stayed and offered words of encouragement, taken time to read my tiny offerings and asked for nothing in return. She has been a point of light upon which I have focused and drawn inspiration and hope from. I am truly lucky to call her friend.

So this is for you, Elise Fallson, my one constant in my journey. Always there with a comment and encouraging word, an example of what friendship means: no expectations, no judgements, no conditions - a beautiful human being and talented writer. My friend. I present to you, more from Kate Bush. Enjoy  :)