The year 2013 in review.

             What an amazing and wonderful year this has been! It isn't over yet but the next few weeks should be a bit less dramatic and more low key. So I figured this would be a grand time to type up how the year went. It truly was one of the best years of my life. In fact, the last five have been monumental for me and this year proved to be exceptional.

              I started the year with high hopes of learning an instrument that still gives me shivers and joy every time I hear it: the Great Highland Bagpipes. So I set out to give this instrument a shot. At the same time , the Irish tin whistle also attracted to me as did a more detailed study of Celtic music and how it influenced the lands from which my ancestors came...Wales,Scotland and England.
               The bagpipe study didn't go too well though. Not only was it a bit more difficult to play for me and these wee hands but it was quite loud for an apartment. The tin whistle on the other hand has proven to be a delightful instrument that I've stuck with and enjoyed.

                  Many who know me well understand I have a rather short attention span when hobbies and projects are concerned. No sooner than I have started one thing, I want to pursue another. So back to shakuhachi I went. This flute has been with me for years now and I just come and go with it, learning new things along the way. Again, I went devouring all I could and then settling into practice and enjoyment.

                   In March I started to wear the kilt. This was a new revelation to me and a grand way to get in touch with my Scottish heritage and be proud!! After a few months I had four kilts in my wardrobe and continue to wear them at least once,sometimes twice or three times a week. Another kilt is on it's way,one that celebrates my Welsh heritage and will be worn proudly out and about.

                  This past year I tried to keep myself running the best I could. Due to a different schedule from the previous year, I was not able to run as many miles. But I DID run well at many races and placed a few times in my age group. Hopefully 2014 will see me back to 2012 race form. Part of the problem with my running was due to increased activity in my own body, that of arthritis and sciatica.
Both have proved to be worse this year than any previous in my short lifetime. They both are very painful and make running,sometimes walking even, a real chore. Some days I cannot run and it is really difficult for me as I LOVE to run. It is a part of my life and I shall always do my best to keep doing so.

                    The year 2013 saw quite a number of tattoos inked to my canvas and these have been a wonderful and colourful addition. For photos,check back earlier in the year.

                    Towards the end of the year I was able to re-start learning Welsh again.I shall give it a try again although now I have some online resources not available last time. Perhaps 2014 will have me speaking and writing a bit of the language used by my great great grandfather, who lived in Montgomery, Wales.

                     Finally, I decided to give the beard a try. This time I wanted to start it in November and keep it until the Super Bowl, in February of 2014. Today marks 30 days, one month, of growth. It is actually something I'm enjoying and fortunately I don't look all that bad in it. There were a few major reasons I didn't grow a beard until my 47th year, but they don't matter now. All that matters is how it looks and feels in a few months and if I keep it.

                                                              This first pic is day 4

                                                           Then here is day 16.

                                                              
                                                                 Then day number 23

                                          
                                             I shall post a new photo on January 1st,2014.
                                                        

                     As I end 2013 on a very high note, I cannot be any happier. Surrounded by the love of the ladies in my life, I cannot help but be !! They get me through life, every day making me proud of who I am and what I do. Add to this the mindfulness and education in matters of awakening and inner journeys and I see the next year being an even greater one.

                                                                         Day 20
                          (Out shopping with the ladies who make me the happiest guy on earth!!)

                      I shall change up this blog for 2014 and begin with a new theme. What goals will I set for myself?          Check back just after the first of the year and see!!!!