Before I started this post, I looked back at my new year entry for 2012. The scary thing is, my sentiments have not changed one bit.
As with last year, I have no desire to go down the whole best of/worst of 2013. Too many bloggers are already doing it, and if I am honest, I don't know if I have tried enough new releases to have a massive opinion one way or the other. If this sounds cynical, so be it.
If I do have a comment in general, about perfume blogging, it would be that I sense a changing of the old guard, if there was one. Some of my favourite blogs have ceased, or become diluted, or sadly still in my opinion, become a mere stepping stone to what I sense is a desire to have a career in perfume. That's not so bad, on reflection, and all the best to them if they can accomplish this.
Moving on from perfume, 2013 was a year of ups and downs. Let's be honest, no matter what we wish, I think each year always brings its joys, sorrows, sadnesses and beautiful moments.
I leave 2013 grateful for my family, without whom I would be a lesser man, without a doubt. My children bring me great joy, and my wife is my bedrock, despite the challenges that any relationship presents. Regrets, I have a few, but I won't mention them here. That is too personal.
All that is left to say is to wish each of you the best in 2014. I hope that each of you finds the most joy and happiness within that constraint that is the weakness of our human condition.
Happy New Year, Michael, to you and your lovely family!
ReplyDeleteCarol, only about 10 days too late, but the same to you too!
DeleteAh, your "contemplative mood" writ large ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's one of the joys of my life to know you, and I wish a wonderful 2014 to you and your beautiful family
I'm far too contemplative these days, but wishing you all the same!
DeleteYou are absolutely right about the changing of the blogs. Even a year or so ago I think more were happy amateurs and the tone is different now.
ReplyDeleteI too didn't do a list of 2013 goods or bads, partially because what I smelled this year was not so stellar. Some things were good-ish but nothing really floored me.
Let's hope that 2014 is better-Happy New Year!
Blacknall, happy new year to you too. I wish us all the best both personally and perfume/blog wise!
DeleteHappy new year to you (much too late)! Of course, I'm dying to hear more about what blogs you think have changed in tone (and hoping mine isn't one of them - though how it could be, I don't know, since nothing could be further from my mind than a career in perfume), but I'll respect your privacy and not ask. :) All the best to you this year!
ReplyDeleteThanks Natalie, and the same to you. I'm afraid I would not divulge such a thing publicly! Of course, it may be that it is just me that has changed?
ReplyDelete