I was looking back on my previous new year’s message about how 2021 was going to “be the best year ever.” It turned out to not be such a great year after all, as we all know, the pandemic still very much here. So, this year for 2022, I’m simply going to simply say, I hope you’re all well and that things improve for us all. Wishing all Blantyre Project readers all over the world the best of health, good fortune and happiness in 2022.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, there were some 2021 highlights….
- New articles appeared faithfully throughout the year, every single day.
- There are now over 15,500 photos on Blantyre Project.
- “The Story of the National Memorial to David Livingstone“, a small Blantyre book was released.
- Book sales in general continue to do well with all proceeds having gone to local good causes.
- Many more personal stories of fallen WW1 soldiers and the miners who lost their lives in the 1877 disaster.
and a lowlight…..
- A growing health issue meant book deadlines unfortunately fell by the wayside. I still had time to write in evenings and weekends, but was unable to take things to publication. However, it does mean I have several “almost finished” book drafts.
So what about 2022?
Blantyre Project is ten years old in 2022, and whilst that’s cause for celebration, the forthcoming year holds some uncertainty for me personally. With an operation imminent and fairly lengthy recovery time, I won’t make the usual promises of book launches etc. I’m going to take 2022, one day at a time here, with no commitments, no pressure. If I miss a day or two online here and there, please don’t be disappointed (or alarmed). I’ll still be writing and scheduling new articles here on a daily basis and I assure you, there’s plenty more new photos and articles to come.
Who knows, perhaps I’ll even get some of these book drafts finally complete!
Meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy Blantyre Project, its daily stories and photos. Thank you sincerely for all your appreciated support and engaging comments and for keeping me so highly motivated. For now though, its time to celebrate, my glass is half full and family beckon me to closedown this laptop.
Wherever you are in the world, Happy New Year! Paul V
All the very best Paul to you and your family for 2022, and, yes, we did think 2021 was going to be better than 2020, and we were right to have hope, without that where would we be.
As you, I’m just wishing everyone a healthy, hopeful 2022, and sending every good wish for your surgery and recovery, as Mike said TAKE THE PAIN MEDICATION it really does work! The docs will let you know when to start coming off… and don’t be in too much of a hurry to get back to “us” your readers!
I can catch up with the ten years of content you have amassed, and my one book about Blantyre….. and write more family history stuff of my own. Take care, Linda
Hey Paul – again Happy and Healthy 2022 to you and your family. Please pamper yourself after the surgery, and don’t be a martyr thinking you don’t need the pain killers. TAKE THEM just like the docs prescribe, they will help you heal faster, so you can continue your daily postings that are read and enjoyed all around this earth, and especially here in New York. May St. Andrew send you his special healing powers. Regards, Mike McGovern.
Hello Paul,
Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy New Year. Sorry to hear that you are about to have surgery but I am sure you will face it head on and maybe you will enjoy some rest and relaxation along the way. Is Croftfoot one of your ‘almost finished’ book drafts? just to let you know (as I did last year) that I will be 82 in March and still live in hope. Take care, cheers to 2022
Thank you for providing a welcome daily lift ! All best to you in 2022.