Two months into the New Year and this is my first blog entry for the New Year.

Hey, it’s been a Herculean labour to make time for my novel, keep the drum licks up and slogg through this winter. It’s been a cold, snowy one and damper than usual,

and no trips to warmer climes either.

Well enough about that,

I’m starting off this year’s first posting with some positive ponderings. And to help usher in these Positive thoughts I've enlisted the aid of

Senge Dongma (see Pic) She's a powerful entity who removes obstacles and negative thoughts wither before her gaze.

So here we go...

1. New Years’s Eve found me back at the Zen Temple as I was badly in need of some karmic mental flushing. The ceremony they do for the forthcoming year is always good and I did have something of a revelation.

Part of the ceremony has us carrying a small candle in our hands. Looking down at it I realized what a powerful metaphor it is for our lives. It shines brightly in the darkness, yet could be extinguished so easily and there it is, right in YOUR HANDS. It really IS IN YOUR HANDS so look after yourselves, be kind to yourself as well as to others and start moving on that “Bucket List,” now!

Regret is not an option, DO IT!

2. Not all of us do what we love to pay the bills and that in itself is something I’m sure you’ve tussled with. Well, have a look at my friend’s blog : “Showing and Knowing,” you will find yourself both inspired and entertained.

3. Further thoughts on getting things done: Looks at what consumes your time and productivity and KILL IT! It’ll probably be a social activity with no real friends in particular and it’s also been eating the contents of your wallet. LOSE IT. It will not miss you. Stick with friends who care about you and inspire you.

4. 90% of my IPod’s content is Middle Eastern music and lots of percussion. But the odd scrap of western groove will sneak on to it from time to time, and in this instance it’s The Black Keys’ “Howlin’ For You.” I’m lovin’ Patrick Carney’s drum groove on this song.

So I’ll say goodnight with that playing on your ears and grey cells

Happy 2011!