The perfect introvert day stretches out ahead. Snow lies thick in the garden I overlook from my desk at the window. A few small birds hop and flutter around the food I've placed for them. A flood of opportunities, but no commitments, a day of quiet exploring, of disappearing into the warmth of imagination and possibility, without the need for explanation or justification. Peace. Music, or no music, Coffee, no dead-lines, drink it and think, slow time down, simple things today.

2012 ahead

I stand on the edge of the year in which I will be sixty years old. It seems ridiculous really but is also hugely challenging, not so much in stopping and reflecting on the past but thinking about what will important in this coming year in prioritisation, in time spent, in attitudes adopted. Recognising the need for deeper relationship and trust in God leading to more meaningful and deeper trusting relationships with others.

Today I will attend my cousin's funeral. He was one year older than me. It's certainly a day for reflection, and a line from a traditional Irish Prayer of blessing comes to mind - "May God hold you in the hollow of his hand." On a day like this the realisation comes that there is nowhere else.