Season's Greetings

It is a different kind of festive season this year...certainly less hugging but hopefully still a good dose of laughter and warmth even if it has to be at a distance. And there will be folk whom we love who will no longer be with us and we will be remembering them.

I've been reflecting on that when revisiting a diary entry by Cathleen, the Irish matriarch in my novel The Housemaid's Daughter. She records her thoughts on loneliness; on the pain of leaving her family and her homeland, and settling in a strange country with no chance to change her mind if the new life proves to be too hard. I think she puts into words what many of us are realising this year.

I remind myself that wherever one finds oneself, home and love is lent to each of us only for a while. We must care for it while it's ours, and cherish its memory once it's gone. 

For those of us locked down, whether it be in deep snow or warm sunshine, let's try to find some gratitude in our circumstances - even if they are challenging - while simultaneously hoping for a better and brighter 2021. 

Best wishes to you all!