A new year's way forward

A few hours later and I have managed to put my oar in the mix, figured out what was wrong with the sky and roof and we've sorted it out. The jigsaw is finished and Helena is delighted.

The picture's subject reminds her of the big house in Dublin that she grew up in before her family moved back to Scotland, to be near her mother's roots. I also remember very fondly the large house my Granny lived overlooking the sea, where we also lived while my Dad was fighting in the army during the Korean war. The idea of a billiards room seems so enviable now.

This year is going to see changes, to match circumstances. I do wish that I could get my teeth into some paid creative projects, rather than always having to work for nothing on the projects which I find have personal value; usually always those for the greater good. I don't want a lot of money, just a fair wage, but I think nearly everyone is going to find that hard to come by from now on, unless you want to take advantage of others.

I am encouraged to have recently rediscovered the work I did with permaculture. Viewing the DVD of the interview I did with Bill Mollison, the instigator of permaculture, all those years ago (1994 to be exact), has made me focus again and think about 'coming out fighting', as he always advocates. This is not fighting in the destructive sense but in the commitment to changes that I believe in. But to be effective we need to work with others. On our own we are likely to be ground into the dust. Being motivated and activated, like those who are fighting for their rights around the world, is so much more effective and creative when everyone commits together. Who else wants to join in?