Life often looks wonderful on social media and I wonder that at times it doesn’t always show both sides. If I’m honest, December 2022 has been one of hardest months of my life with several unexpected losses and much challenge.
Then to top it off, after almost three years of careful avoidance, I received Covid for Christmas and the New Year (I was fully vaccinated) and have been very sick with every symptom. I’m stunned at just how terrible Covid can be and wouldn’t wish it on (or risk giving it to) anyone.
I’m still trying to get through it and have lost being able to taste and smell, (devastating to someone who loves cooking!) but I’m hoping these will return in time – fingers crossed. And I also still hold hope for this fresh, new year.
If anything, going through this past month makes me appreciate so much more and I’m grateful to have had those I’ve lost, for the pain means there was much love, and so it takes time to adjust and adapt.
In the meantime, I’m always amazed at how simply stepping out into the garden can help lift your spirits. Seeing what’s flowering right now, hearing the muffled beat of a bird flying across, feeling the warm, gentle summer breeze and thinking of the year ahead.
Knowing that yes, there will be more trials and griefs to come – that’s life – but there will also be many beautiful happenings too, even tiny ones. Buon anno, baci e auguri, Zoe xx
PS. Some pictures from my garden… (this morning’s lovely discovery – a self-sown pumpkin). I live on an ordinary-sized suburban block and am often happily surprised by just how much life is going on within it!
PPS. When I get back to being able to taste and smell, I have a feeling I’ll be cooking up a storm. 👀🙂
Our two birdbaths and various ground dishes about the place are being visited and almost emptied every day by both day and night visitors to the garden. 😊🐦🐝🐞🐾
Zoë Boccabella 