Re-setting the Resolutions

 I’ve felt a bit testy this last couple of days. Probably because we are in the week leading towards the next Full Moon, and if there is one thing I’ve learnt about moon living, it’s that I can feel out of kilter with an impending Full Moon. Of course, this knowledge means I can manage my testiness, mostly by locking away the kitchen knives, avoiding long car journeys where morons might be on the road, and keeping a stash of carb-heavy snacks near by, just in case. And I say to myself, ‘It’s just the Moon pulling, that’s all,’ and then I feel better. 

I’ve been walking a lot. Me and the Ginger Noblet, striding out and striding further than we’d normally go. Yesterday, we ventured beyond our usual stretch of the canal path through an area where the embankments rise like ravines and the locks rush with water, doing impressive impersonations of mini Niagara Falls. Nell the Poo did not like the very noisy rushing water but there were some magnificent trees along the way, like this one: 

Look at that! I mean, I love a tree, goes without saying, but to see its roots as part of the package was something special. I stood and looked at it for ages, to the point where Nell started tapping her watch and muttering something about having to get home to watch Bargain Hunt. What I was thinking, as I was admiring this tree, was that you see a lot on the surface of something but you are rarely party to what’s going on underneath. A metaphor for a lot of life, I reckon. 

There’s a massive aspen at the top of our garden and I know it has an equally massive root system because when I am trying to grow stuff in the raised beds, I often end up wrangling those roots. This is why next year I am going to raise the levels of the beds another foot at least and probably fill them all with herbs. Well, I’ve got my shepherd’s hut now - I’m feeling wild woman witchy herbal healing vibes and I rarely ignore a vibe these days. 

All this brings me in a circuitous way to 2026. There’s been a lot of chat in Blogland that 2025 has been a TERRIBLE year and EVERYONE will be jolly glad to see the back of it. Personally, I quite enjoyed 2025. I achieved a lot. I came through pockets of  shizzle relatively unscathed. I learned a lot. I thought the weather was excellent. Yup, 2025 gets a solid 8.5 out of 10 from me. But what of 2026? Time to dust off some resolutions maybe, make the most of the cosmic upswing that started in 2025?

Oh no, my friends - did you not know that the vibe is no longer for resolutions but for re-sets? That’s what the modern gal is doing. She isn’t loading herself up with resolutions; she is focusing on re-setting her life. It’s a thought, isn’t it? Getting the old ship back on course from where she’s been a bit knocked sideways? In the words of Bob Dylan, times they are a-changing. 

All the Christmas decorations came down today. The cottage feels tidy, spacious and ready for action now. The homestead energies are flowing freely again, instead of being ricocheted around by baubles, garlands and Christmas trees. I am feeling positive about my life. 

Best Christmas TV programme: Amandaland

Best Christmas food : joint winners in the Christmas Day plum duff and the posh chocolate panettone Andy received as a gift from his area manager

Best Christmas gifts : a copper bangle in the design of intertwining leaves, and an antique writing slope

Best Christmas scented candle : plum and sandalwood