My highlights of 2013

It is a while since I wrote anything here, mainly because I have had little to write about, no major inspirations... I still don't but I have decided to look back on 2013 and as much as I feel it has not been great, I have had some good experiences and feelings on occasion.

Highlight of the Year

It seems sad that my highlight of the year goes right back to the beginning, NYE was spent at the Magic Kingdom in Florida, there is really nothing that can ever top a Disney experience. The whole holiday spent with my family in Florida was amazing, but NYE is full of such hope, so much to look forward to... so spending it in such a magical place increases the hope, increases the dreams and increases the happiness. 

Most Exciting Moment

For this I return to the Magic Kingdom, not on New Years Eve but later in the week when all of us in the family did something we have been wanting to do for a while... and that was meet Mickey Mouse. Crazy as it may seem, it is still a very special moment whether you are 5 or 50, just ask anyone who has been there. 

As a music lover some of my special moments were spent at gigs. so the next few "moments and memories" are music related. 

Best Large Live Gig

It is always very difficult to choose special moments especially when music is such a part of life that you enjoy all of the shows. The many I had to choose from this year included Green Day, Reading Festival, The Killers, Avenged Sevenfold and Bullet For My Valentine, For me however there was nothing to beat Green Day at The Emirates even though it is a horrible stadium, the show itself was fantastic. To have The Kaiser Chiefs playing was an added bonus. But Green Day never let anyone down and their shows are always incredible, exciting and something that creates an atmosphere that is never forgotten. To choose just one picture to sum this day up was impossible, as there were 3 hours in which to take pictures! 
So instead I have added a link to a video I took during one of my favourite songs..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcYS4tppVTM

Best Small Gig

This was a tricky choice for so many reasons... But I finally went for Young Guns at the Louisiana in Bristol. The venue is wonderful and the show cheap!! For a band as big as Young Guns it was awesome... it brought back some great memories seeing them in places like Moles in Bath, and the atmosphere was fantastic making it a really intense show with some great company... oh and add the signing at the Vans shop earlier... and it was a great day all round...





My song of the year

Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

My album of the year

Its those guys again, Night Vision by Imagine Dragons, I just cannot stop listening to it, I love every song. 

Classical Event of the year

I went to several classical events and many musical shows as well, but seeing Maksim live again for only the second time was something I will not forget. The man is such a talented pianist, and has magic fingers, I have never seen anyone play like him. Just in case anyone wants to know how good he is... click on the link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgTPQMg1VfM    

Moment of Peace

 Although there have been some great times, there have been many not so great times too and the only way I survive these is by being able to take myself away from reality even for an hour or so and immerse myself in nature..It quite often involves water... be it by the sea or by a River. Many will already know one of my favourite places in the whole world is Cardiff Bay and many hours have been spent just sitting on the waters edge allowing my troubles to be literally washed away... ok maybe not, but I always feel calmer and able to face my traumas after a while here.

But my major moment was at 11am on 11th November (Remembrance Sunday). I know the time and place because it is such an important day in the calendar, and I know clearly how I felt at the moment. Remembering all those fallen and disabled as a result of war... whilst watching and listening to this...

This was taken at Swallow Falls at Betws Y Coed... Snowdonia... such a peaceful place in the winter, for the summer if I want peace, another place I go is the cliff top at Penarth.. the view from there is stunning.. and in the sunshine there is no where better... 

Other moments worth mentioning for me are all the times with my family, there is nothing better than time spent with them. I also had a wonderful festive moment at St Fagans Museum singing carols in the beautiful chapel there, and a tearful moment watching Gary Barlow out in Afghanistan.

For 2014, I am hoping for a little luck... a period of time when things do actually go well... 
I hope too that all my friends and family have a wonderful year... 

HAPPY 2014!!!