Beginning again, observations from around the spaces I hang out, mostly at home or on the island these days, one happy place is the deck where I’ve thrown one of the beautiful bright Aari embroidery tablecloths on a table that sits 6-10 people, depending  on who’s in the hood that weekend, it’s been lovely to sit around with close friends, chat and reconnect, all experiencing new things at the moment shift in jobs, relationships, travel, positive news for 2022.

A happy tablecloth can make lots of giggles happen, one night when I had a full table of friends over, we were laughing about our music choices, I like mellow music that isn’t overpowering the conversations, some other friends like loud party music that gets the party started it got down to who can suggest the most random song from a playlist and we went around the table throwing ideas at the one who had control over Spotify and the speaker.

Getting into the Xmas spirit, I had a go at making a real pine needle wreath for the table that circled the Aari mandala, with a candle burning in the middle it turned out quite good and is now left to dry out on the deck. I’m still using it because there’s been a casual dinner every Friday night for most of December for whoever can make it.

In the search for something new to cook,  I’ve made friends with the local butcher, he has the collest dreadlocks under a butchers hat, I’ve relied on new tips of what to throw on the BBQ, a tip which he said don't tell anyone was this special sauce. Mixing Sweet Baby Rays, BBQ sauce with mustard, oh it is amazing, try it on your friends they’ll be like wow love this sauce. It takes 2 minutes to make.

Then last Friday night, a new group of friends came over, last minute is how I entertain, I quickly dropped into the bottle shop, I didn’t know what to make for a welcome drink and owner pointed me in the direction of this new gin, he said, I work at a club in the valley and we can’t keep this on the shelves, its flying off the shelves, I now understand why, Red Gin Shiraz with Spicy Tonic and a slice of orange, amazing, looks like Xmas in a glass, be careful, I had 2 in succession and boom let's put the party music on.

Wherever you are and whoever you’re with, cheers from me, have some fun this weekend with your gang, let your hair down, dance, laugh, play your favourite song, pull out the favourite tablecloth, invite those friends over, enjoy the now. What are you going to get up to over the Xmas season?

Joyful Reminder Checklist

You can't just sit and think I want to be more joyful, you have to get out and do it.

Show up to friends place for a cup of tea,

Go for that walk

Sit and have a picnic if you can't get into that café because of obvious reasons,

Speak to the locals and hear their story

Come up with new ideas and share them

Say thank to the people you care about

Good food makes people feel good, have a last minute dinner with friends

Bring out the best dress for no real reason

Book that time off

Walk and swim,

Buy the local produce

Perseverance is key

Doing small things consistently leads to more of the same positive feeling.

Merry Christmas