New Year’s Eve always makes me reflective. When I first started thinking back over what 2016 has held for me, those I love and the world in general, I couldn’t wait to type ‘The End’ on it and place it firmly in the past.
On a personal level, it has been a year of unprecedented change and at times I wanted to go to bed and pull a duvet over my head for the rest of it, my energy depleted and my writing mojo deserting me. Bereavements, job changes (a bad experience in one), illness, GCSE’s and SAT’s for my kids at the same time (other parents will understand!), family members struggling with challenges, injury, money issues… Then add on celebrity deaths, awful acts of terrorism, Brexit, Trump; some things I never imagined I’d see happen in my lifetime. The world has never seemed such an odd and scary place.
But then I decided to do a round up of my year in pics for this blog post, and looking at all the photos captured, I realised there have been a lot of amazing memories made during 2016 as well. There are things I should be grateful for, unique people and events that have changed my life for the better. I also reminded myself that life is a journey, and that if nothing ever changed we would always stay the same – and how boring would that be?
My 2016 highlights were:-
- Colleagues at the Council gave me a lovely send off in January
- My daughter turned sweet sixteen
- I read out my grandma’s eulogy without crying (I would like to hope I did her proud)
- I spent a great Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend
- Got Picnics in Hyde Park (my #LoveLondon novel) in paperback
- Saw Ellie Goulding sing at O2 arena
- Welcomed a new arrival to the family (cousin’s daughter)
- Visited new places including beautiful Wales, where we stayed in a yurt!
- Spent time with friends, and welcomed a new addition to their family too (and my other best friend is currently expecting)
- Had my birthday dinner at Rick Stein’s new restaurant on Sandbanks
- Went on a family holiday to Malta – incredible
- Settled my son in at secondary school and my daughter at college
- Celebrated 2 year anniversary with my boyfriend
- Started a new job that I L.O.V.E
- Got the use of a McLaren supercar for the weekend and tried paint balling for the first time
- Went to the Romantic Novelists Association Winter Party (and it was like coming home)
- Celebrated my dad and aunt’s 60th birthdays
- Saw my other aunt Sue Moorcroft become a best selling author, The Christmas Promise reaching #1 on Amazon
- Got my writing mojo back (happily knee deep in revisions)
- Had a brilliant, family oriented Christmas and am looking forward to New Year’s Eve with friends tonight 🙂
There is a famous novel that goes something like this… ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.’ That’s how I now feel about 2016. It has been a year of highs and lows for everyone, but a new chapter is just beginning- the story isn’t over yet.
In 2017, I have plenty to look forward to, including at least two weddings (the number of engagements are currently rising), a house move, a new job, my friend having her second child, writing new books, reading more marvellous books, celebrating success with my family and friends… and I’m finally excited to see what else the year brings.
Happy New Year everyone, hope you have a great evening and a life changing 2017!
Until next time, Happy Reading & Writing.
Love, Nikki x
nikkimooreauthor.wordpress.com 