TWO THOUSAND AND NINE

Credit to Tom Price.

Dearest 2009,
As Dickens wrote, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

You've been turbulent, but joyous. You've been love-filled, but heart-wrenching. You've been beautiful, but imperfect.

You began where I end, in a nice 4 bedroom house in North Dorset, filled with objects and possessions that remind us of times gone by, yet they reside in a place relatively new to memories. They are slowly building though, and 2009 has added to these significantly.

There have been some births, and though all deaths are significant, I am thankful and grateful that you spared me heartache this year. There have been some especially noteable friendships that have developed, changed, been re-born and continue to astound and amaze. There have been new people within your period of time which have crept upon me and left me wondering what I did to deserve them. There have been holidays, hard graft, endless train journeys, failures, hope, despair, endless photos, tears, uncountable laughs and a new favourite thing; falling in love.

You, 2009 have been a good one. I remember saying good bye to 2008 in a somewhat drunken state, dressed as a clown, standing with friends and ready for a fresh start. In this readiness, I lifted a glass and said something along the lines of 'good riddance 2008'. You were supposed to be filled with a bullet point list of hopes and now I realise it... demands. Some have been fulfilled, some have cropped up time and time again and remain an ongoing struggle, but like 2008, you too have been a steep learning curve.

I am a small percentage but a percentage nonetheless wiser, and consider the journey that little bit lighter given the events of the last year. Specific details aren't needed, you and I know both the pitfalls and blessings you have bestowed upon me, but let's just say that I hope by the end of this new friend of mine 2010, I have the same bursting heart of hope, faith and above all love that is beating in my chest right now.

It remains trite when people say a new year a new start but there are so little opportunities to begin again in this life that I would like to embrace the ceremony of goodbye to you 2009, and say bring on 2010.

In this year, resolutions will most likely be untouched or discarded within the first week so I shan't make them. Instead I will continue to seek the kingdom, and all the rest I am guaranteed will follow.

Yours in accepting old beginnings and looking forward to the new,
Emmah xo

The Best Thing About Today #34

Happy Christmas!

Happy Christmas!

Today we celebrate something wonderful, the birth of a small baby. And just like the joy that surrounds any birth of new life, it is an exciting thing to remember and share with the world. But this birth was so different from any other baby born in our world today, yesterday and in the future. From humble beginnings lying in simply a pile of straw, this baby would go on to challenge love and create a whole new level of love for the world that He so desperately wanted to save. With His whole being He lead a life purely for you. For you, and for me and ultimately for love. Little did those parents, shepherds and wise men know just what or who they were witnessing. Jesus Christ, the saviour of the world and my saviour and best friend, was born to show a furious and unstoppable love.

So I hope you all have a wonderful time with your friends and family, unwrapping your presents, eating too much and watching the inevitable BBC Christmas movie and double bill of Eastenders, but take this day as a gift. Enjoy time with those you are with no matter what the circumstances, be thankful (whoever you end up thanking) for what you have and above all, just love. Love today, love Christmas and love those who need it.

Amen.

2009.

I've got a feeling my review of the year is going to be pretty analytical.

Coming soon.

Personification: Self Esteem.

Hi Self Esteem,
Hey mate! How are you? What do you mean you're awful? I was counting on you being really brilliant. Wow, that's sad news.
I have been meaning to write for a while to bring up a few things that have been troubling me, probably not best that we talk about it whilst you're in such a fragile state. I don't want to be accused of kicking you when you're down but there are some annoyances that cannot be kept silent for much longer.
I've been finding it quite difficult lately to juggle your moods. One minute you're up, the next you're down, and I'm not finding that it's very helpful for our relationship. It is a relationship we have, somewhat of a friendship, and like all good friendships they do have their ups and downs but I find it's useful if most of those times are ups. This has not been the case of late.
I've got some helpful advice I hope you don't mind me sharing... you shouldn't need a constant reassurance to be up. It's not healthy for you to resemble a fuel tank that needs refilling by nice comments and reassurance. Obviously these things are great, but they should be more of a bonus that compliment your already strong existence. No one likes a whiner.
Anyway, I hope I haven't come across brash, I know how difficult it must be for you to move with the moods of your owners and especially if that owner is a) female b) mid twenties c) me. But you're doing okay, just work on being okay most of the time, it makes it much easier for me and many others around me.
Great. Glad that's sorted.
Yours in worry, woe and empathy,
Emmah xo

The Best Thing About Today #33

Earth is bloody amazing:

More incredible images!

Women of Win #5

Jessica Stevenson

Jessica Stevenson (now Jessica Hynes) starred in the great British comedy Spaced. She was amazing. She was also in the great British film Confetti. She was great. She is an incredibly witty lady who also happens to be quite beautiful. She also once wrestled Simon Amstell on the telly.