2023

Written for https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2023/12/14/reenas-xploration-challenge-311/

It hardly seems like months have passed. 2024, who knows what will happen? We choose the same old resolutions. Whether it is to quit smoking, lose weight, or find another job. I have achieved none in the past and because of this, to make changes in the moment, is more productive.

Seeing my poem in print in the Pride of Britain filled me with a sense of accomplishment. It was amazing to read the other poets and their contributions. I received a bursary from an agent to have the first few chapters of my book, “Orvieto,” professionally edited. All those red marks, will frighten me. Will it be hard work to improve? Yes, but that isn’t stopping me from being proud. With plenty of spare moments to work on other projects, I am editing my novel ‘‘In The Dark’’. I have got a invaluable app, for my grammar punctuation, repetition and lots more besides. It keeps me busy making all the changes.

My brother-in-law died in May. We expected it to happen. He hadn’t been well in a while, and was a resident in a care home. We found out about him when we were in Yorkshire. My daughter is sure he waited for his family to go away before he allowed himself to be at peace.

Nobody can take the precious memories of family and friends, who are no longer with us; especially my big sister. I miss her every day. Two years, and she was taken too soon.

We’ve had a lot of 0 birthdays. My niece was fifty, my husband sixty, my grandson turned sixteen and two eighteenth birthdays. I saw my family a lot more. Tomorrow I will be travelling to see my family to swap our Christmas gifts. We don’t see each other on Christmas, but share a mince pie, and mulled wine.