On Saturday (14th January), I met up with my work colleague (and friend) for my belated birthday treat to her.

We met at Marble Arch tube station and decided to walk through Hyde Park to get to where we were meant to be going, sparkling afternoon tea in a lovely hotel.  There was certainly a chill in the air, my cheeks were rosy red and cold to the touch, but that aside, it was quite a beautiful day.

Squirrels were jumping around in the fallen leaves, searching for some nuts/food they had already buried and they were be quite brave, coming up pretty close to the people who were out for a walk.  The obviously assumed the humans had more food for them.  Crafty little things!

My friend and I were too busy chatting away and watching the squirrels and soaking up the scenery to realise we were veering off track, so leaving Hyde Park by one of the side gates along side of one of the gate-keeper houses, we were back on the main road and heading in the right direction.

Something caught my eye as we were walking. Very old tiny gravestones.  Upon getting a closer look, well as close as possible with an iron fence between us.  They were the gravestones of loved, departed pets.  The pet cemetery itself was only small, but you could read some of the names, unfortunately most of them were worn with age.  I never knew it was there, but it was so lovely to see and makes me feel glad that I am not the only one who is mad about their pet, who rightly are a member of the family.

We had almost reached our destination and just as we were about to cross the road, out of the corner of my eye, fountains and ponds jumped into my view.

Upon taking a closer look there were ducks happily swimming around and actually following each other across the ponds.  Now obviously I have hear of Kensington Gardens, but I had no idea we had actually walked there via Hyde Park.  It was a vision of beauty.

If you’re out and about for some reason, look out for the hidden treasures that you may have taken for granted on your journeys.  Drink it up.

Remember, always have something to record it, be it a phone with a camera or even a camera on its own.  You wont be disappointed when you look back and show others what you have seen.

I do try and make writing resolutions or goals every year.  Do I keep to them?  I do try.

I don’t write, “I will” do this or do that.  That is the quickest way to fail and break all resolutions.  (now I am mirroring what I wrote last year.  At least I am consistent.)  I normally write, “I will try…”, that way if I fail, I have still tried.  So in fairness, I haven’t failed at all.

So what are my goals for 2017? Pretty similar the previous year, if I am honest.

1. I will TRY to write more.  Whether it be everyday or only at weekends or even on the train to and from work, I will have my notebook and pen to hand for when the inspiration grabs me.
2. I will TRY to finish at least two of my unfinished pieces of work.  This will be anything from my novels (have about 5 unfinished) or my short stories.
3. I will TRY to enter writing competitions.  I know this is probably an easy one, but is it really?  Deadlines come and go.  It’s just the remembering to actually send the entries off on time.
4. I will TRY to read more.  Not just novels, but maybe a few non-fiction books as well.  Especially “How To…” books like “How to Write a Novella in 24 Hours”.  I got this as a Christmas present so I have actually started to read it already.
5. I will TRY to attend more writing events.  Well I have two written in the diary already. Go me!  The London Book Fair in March at London Olympia.  To show how serious I am with my writing and reading this year, I have become a member of the RSL (Royal Society of Literature) and I have signed up to attend one of their Masterclasses on the art of the Short Stories in February.
6. I will TRY and keep my website updated.  Unfortunately this is the one I normally fail on.

So did you set any writing resolutions or goals this year?  Have you broken any already?