Well 2015 is almost done – and what a year it has been!

I started 2015 much like everyone else – with a bucket full of hope that 2015 was going to be a better year than 2014.

As 2016 is set to appear tomorrow morning, I thought that now would be a good time to see whether that bucket managed to provide what it promised…

I’m not going to lie, that bucket leaked a lot in the first half of the year. Practically draining all hope of a positive outcome.

Things that should never have been challenges became ridonculously monstrous struggles and things that would normally slip past, stuck like chewing gum in hair.

So, how was I going to plug that hole in the bucket? I actually had no idea.

Many people had many ideas on what I should do. I don’t know whether you have noticed this though but no-one else’s cork can plug the hole in your own bucket – something which sounds simultaneously filthy but also quite philosophic.

It’s true though isn’t it? ‘They’ say (whoever they are) that we shape our own destinies – well, never more so has this been true. Whether you believe in fate, destiny or free-will let me say this to you – a match maker can make the match but they don’t strike it for you.

The same is true in life I guess.

It wasn’t until I decided to take a leap of faith that the flow began to subside and the bucket began to refill. The seeds of change had been sewn. It was up to me to tend to them, water them and feed them in order to make them grow.

Anybody else getting confused by the multiple metaphors yet? Lol :)

Well, I think that the point is that I am going to give myself a little pat on the back as these seedlings are now growing nicely and will be coming to fruition in the not to distant future. There are also more seeds in little cute (imaginary) packets waiting to be planted – a position that I haven’t been in for a long time.

So, all good so far I think we can say.

What has really stood out for me this year though is the pure selflessness that relative strangers (and by this I mean people that I have not yet met face to face) are willing to offer when things got a little rocky and I was facing a good deal of uncertainty and self doubt.

It doesn’t matter whether you clicked like on Facebook, commented on the blog, bought something from the shop, contributed to the All Counties Craft challenge or simply took the time to have a chat – you’ve all helped me find the metaphorical matchbox and even offered to open it for me so that I can get to the matches.

Although it was hard to tell during the year, now that I have the opportunity to look back, I think that it has actually been a good year.

I know that some of you have faced, and continue to face, your own difficulties so it means all the more to me that you have put those to one side however briefly and given me your time. If ever you need a metaphorical matchbox – get in touch.

Right, before this post gets covered in tears and snot, I’d best go and let you all guzzle the booze and make merry.

As a final thought for this last post of 2015, let me leave you with this amazing quote …

Crafting fills my heart,

My craft room,

My kitchen,

My lounge,

My bedroom …

Oh wait, not that one, this one …

A simple smile becomes a good mood,

Which becomes a great day,

Which grows into a wonderful week,

Which blossoms into a marvelous month,

Which swells into a fabulous year,

Which flourishes into an awesome life.

Smile now or else!

Lol ;)

See you in the new year!

J x