I do like this shot; leaping into the new year, like…!

I do like this shot; leaping into the new year, like…!, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!

The new year is fast approaching

Well it’s not long now before this year is out and the new year is in. I’m amazed how quickly it comes around. This year has seen a reasonable amount of change, on the most part, it has introduced to me new friends, friendships that have grown into something I now value greatly.

I have disappointingly lost the odd friend too, for two very different reasons. One is just purely because values change and outlooks differ. In some cases, people just change, sometimes not for the better. The main thing is, I’ve glained more friends compared to the ones I’ve lost. To me, that’s what matters most. One friendship unfortunately ended abruptly due to their passing, their life taken away too early, this was a real shock and really adds a very different perspective to your life and outlook.

So as I reflect on this year and looking forward to what’s ahead in the new year, one thing is for sure, I will be bringing some amazing friendships with me into 2018. I look forward to the time I’ll spend with them and the adventures we’ll have together.

So for 2018, I want to continue to explore, grow my new friendships…let loose and be brave. I’m sure I can manage that! Now I need to come up with a new list of challenges for the coming year. I already have one in mind, I just need to consider some others. I’m hoping I’ll achieve them, just like the ones I’ve achieved this year. So to you all, set some goals, challenging and enjoyable ones. All the best for the New Year!

When you try to be clever with mirrors! © Mark Ovens

When you try to be clever with mirrors! © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!

A level of acceptance

I’m very much one of those who feels very disappointed when I’m let down, especially as I stick to every commitment I make, my word is my bond and I’m quite proud of that. I just wish there were more people out there who would see the importance of this. If you really knew me, you’d know this.

I guess it’s another sign of how society is changing, technology is allowing it too easy for people to cancel commitments, but in a way that enables a person to hide behind a text message rather than talking face to face or even picking up the phone. I would like to see less texting and more people talking again, a price of a call is very little these days or even free for many mobile users as part of their inclusive minutes. Technology is great, but it can have it’s downsides too, especially when it comes to human/social interactions.

Kiddo and I feeling all celeb-like backstage at the theatre, hanging out in the dressing room! © Mark Ovens

Kiddo and I feeling all celeb-like backstage at the theatre, hanging out in the dressing room! © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!

What amazing colours! © Mark Ovens

What amazing colours! © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!

If only ‘personalities’ could truly be dissected and analysed!?

Whilst I sit here drinking my elderflower cordial staring at the dual screens suffering from a slight writers block, and listening to Chainsmokers & Coldplay ‘Something just like this’, it makes me think, yea…I can relate to this track. It’s triggering so many thoughts in my head, it mentions my geeky side but at the same time, probably…and kind of highlighting my foibles. Ok, I might have some odd character traits and geekiness about me, but I’m analytical, I like detail and logic, I like retro and movies, the sensation of flying, freedom, sci-fi and the unusual…I find it hard to see why some people do what they do. As Spock from Star Trek would say, “it’s illogical”, why can’t some people come to my way of thinking, it frustrates the hell out of me when people don’t follow the simple order of things or just simply don’t do things properly.

Whilst I’m humming to the track, I can’t help but feel that there are very few people with the same character traits as me…I find it quite unusual for someone to have very similar thought patterns. I don’t know what to think of it, is there some hidden meaning somewhere in this universe, is there writing on the wall I’m unintentionally ignoring, am I in this instance missing the absolute obvious!? I think I lie to myself sometimes, I think and feel one thing, but the signals I send out can convey something very different, who am I protecting here and why do I do this!? Sending out all these mixed messages. I’m logical but I send out confusion. I’d love my personality to be dissected and to understand why I do what I do. Although I presume it’s the same for all of us!? Some individuals having a complex, anybody suffering from anxiety, all the different trigger points that can cause a sporadic reaction. I think many of us compartmentalise our lives due to this.

So, whilst I reflect on these anomalies in my life…I also think, ‘pizza’…ok, I’m easily distracted too, but I’m hungry and it’s just logical to go and feed my belly. Over and out!

Away with the fairies…lost in the toonz! © Mark Ovens

Away with the fairies…lost in the toonz! © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!

2017 has landed - it brings opportunity!

Well, the new year has come around very quickly, time to reflect and set the goals for 2017. Last year I managed to achieve all the things I wanted to do and I hope it will continue into this year too. It proves with a little focus and determination, whether breaking a couple of bones through the process, the grit and perseverance will get you there, bruises and injuries heal…just learn to prevent them from happening again. Don’t let the fear of picking up a few knocks along the way put you off.

I look forward to the new adventures and activities that 2017 will bring me. What we need to learn from 2016, is that we don’t live forever, don’t put off the things you’ve always wanted to do, make it your new year’s resolution to follow your dreams and face your challenges, get onto it right away!