![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sJ3VH_Nj4p3stiKKephJkhcK2T4g4BmgVve3mWrqW8-dR1_YpiWvI1i5yR1D8pvGT3_TwiSWmWa791ghvMGM6TsiaVU3W3WCWKSl4wNdK_uALuK3cdqPcDTLjJe-rOHvpFBIB3_frYxZ/s400/County+Kerry+5+%255Bresize%255D.jpg)
Thanks to everyone who visited my blog and left so many messages of support for Ma. I’m relieved to say that she had her stitches removed yesterday (eventually – but that’s another story and it’s Christmas and I’m weary).
The last three weeks have been a painful and difficult time, especially for my mum. Time has passed like a storm; a watchful silence in Ma’s small flat in Surrey, the cyclone of Christmas swirling around without a single card being written or gift wrapped. My apologies to everyone I should have visited or written to.
Ma’s sheer bravery, her capacity to draw on deep reserves of true grit and determination as she slowly reclaims her life, has really impressed me so I’m taking a leaf out of her book. Despite ending on a distinctly bum note, 2010 has been a fabulous year for me with the realisation of a long-cherished dream and the publication of my debut novel, Turning the Tide. Huge thanks to all of you who got behind it. But now, I have promises to keep and a novel to complete so I’m taking a short blogging break to do just that... unless, of course, something really exciting happens... and hopefully that won’t include Ma taking anymore tumbles.
Until February then, many thanks to all of you, for reading this blog and for all your comments, encouragement and support. May I wish you, belatedly, a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.
Nadolig Llawen i chi i gyd!
The painting is County Kerry (5) by Tom Tomos
Comments
I hope you get a bit of rest during the holidays and all the absolute best for next year. xx
Happy Christmas to you all and here's to a fabulous 2011.
Happy writing too. I can't wait to read your next book. x
Debs, thank you for the fantastic support of Turning the Tide and for interviewing me this year. All the best to you for 2011.
Look forward to reading you again - the blog and certainly the next novel.
x
Also glad to hear that you are going to give yourself a break. Enjoy it to the fullest.
May you and yours have a Happy Christmas celebration, and may 2011 bring you all wonderful days.
May I also send compliments on to Tom on this marvelous picture!
xo
Happy Christmas to you both and your families, particularly yr indomitable Ma!!
Have a peaceful and relaxing Christmas and all the very best for the New Year.
Look forward to your return in February!
Jeanne
xox
Milla, we should compare paintings! I love your dad's work and should like to see that for real too. And the same to you, m'dear!
Many thanks, Jeanne, that's kind of you.
Pondside, thanks for all.
Posie x
Fran, thank you - and to you.
Loads of love
J xxx
LBD, Ah, the same to you, dear heart, what a roller coast year it's been eh? Here's to our catching up early in 2011. Thanks for being such a star. Cx
Mags, ditto above, really. I was hoping to catch up before Christmas, but it's something to look forwards to for the New Year... except of course you've got new responsibilities now! Hope the latest addition to the family is behaving!
FP, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment at this time. You know that you're in my thoughts. Thank you for your good wishes - I hope for the same for you. Cx
So? Its time or me to utter that immortal phrase again.......get that bum on the seat and keeeeeeeep typing!
Take care
Take care x