Monday 31 December 2012

Happy New year!

I suppose remembering New Years Eves past is normal when you become old!  This morning I'm remembering with awe what I did every year  when I was still in the north.
I threw a party every New Years Eve...Cooking started in the morning until by  evening we had fully loaded tables.
Guests came from the school I taught at, the various dramatic groups I belonged to and all the neighbours in the small close we lived in.  Over the years they had all got to know each other quite well...friendships were formed and renewed at every party.
We danced until well past midnight but then as some people left a smaller group would sit around, guitars were produced like magic and we sang, everything from  Joan Baez, to Dylan plus some carols thrown in for good measure....
A quiet period was followed by the potato pies. You have to be a Lancastrian to appreciate these!
Anyone left then inevitably fell asleep whilst guitars were strummed and songs were hummed.
Now I am astounded by my energy......we left the clearing up till the morning .
New Years day was always through a haze of exhaustion.....but we were happy....
Couldn't do it now!
I am sure I have posted this before but it still hold good!

I want to leave you with a  poem by Minnie Haskins,

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'

And he replied, 'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'

So I went forth and finding the Hand of God
Trod gladly into the night

I hope we all are able to face the New Year safely holding God's hand.  Happy New Year to you all!




4 comments:

Ray Barnes said...

No wonder your memories of New Years past can keep you warm, they are pretty spectacular.
Oddly, I have never given a New Year's party, and only been to a few.
Not a tradition in my family, and like my mother, if anyone says to me, "You didn't see the New Year in?" I would reply, "it will get in whether I see it or not".
Not a Scrooge, just not really a party person.
The poem I know well and have heard it used on numerous occasions.
It is beautiful isn't it?
Blessings and a Happy New Year to you and yours.X

Revjeanrolt said...

Thank you ......like you I am now a spectator rather than a player in the festivities....from our windows we see wonderful fireworks displays from Falmouth....but I bet they don't happen tonight!
All blessings for the coming year Ray!

jante said...

I remember many a spectacular New Years party while we lived in Scotland, and have been to a few at my sisters since returning to England, but have never held one myself. Perhpas I should start! Thanks for the memories Jean- and may the coming New Year be a happy one.

Revjeanrolt said...

Thank you. I hope your new year will be a good one too!