In this weird old year, there’s so much I feel grateful for

Working w/ @LoredanaFyffe @simoneziaziaris @naomicsteer @zoe_ghani @LynnDangAU @carinahoang @KateLDundas (& non tweeps) to raise $$ for refugees as covid disrupted plans, pivoting events online, launching new partnerships, stories & even a prodigal https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-01/prickles-the-sheep-fleeced-of-seven-years-of-wool/12207358

thanks to so many passionate and talented people around the world for your support and collaboration @juniageisler @markus_mac @jnbeuze @kellytclements @martaduss @fabienfaivre @bm_brett @astridstort @redhourben @loudmind @amayi @CarlottaWolf_ @AdrianEdwrds @SallyWrench

it’s been a gift to work with exceptional and committed UNHCR colleagues through so much this yr @gisellalomax @sylviebfrancis @cococampbell @abeinny @alisoncassells @LaSchlotterbeck @SybellaWilkes @jadeherron @LouiseAubinUN @nhialgd @MimiZarinaAzmin @LillyCarlisle @And_Harper

working with generous, courageous and committed colleagues made our work so much easier, thanks so much @JessicaGulhane @alfredobotti @lieneveide @LOFUNHCR @KarolinaBilling @dimplevjk @RulaAmin @joelleeid @PHolburn @clairerowanlewi @KampiotisK @yaxle @MysaKhalaf

Hard to believe I was in Ethiopia in March as COVID took off - my first time in Africa - in Addis Ababa and up to the border w Eritrea to refugee settlements there - deeply inspiring & troubling, especially with fighting in recent months (oh but the food, the music, the coffee!)

With so many things cancelled, there was so much more space for time with fam and friends, for stepping back from the race, and that has been magical actually

Reading so much I smashed my target. Lots of speculative fiction (it’s the year for it!), inspired by @bluejowalton’s What Makes This Book Great. Lots of hiking books (dreaming of Tasmania and NZ).

Reading books was such a solace this year. I’ve always been an inveterate reader, and this year it’s been all the much more crucial - my goodreads list for 2020 is here https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/19927090

I was really just listening to jazz this year, triggered by amazing shows I was lucky enough to catch at #wearejazz @londonjazzfest last year, esp @ejthackray @theoncross. Wild free jazz, spiritual blissed out stuff, bits of blues & club music. Can’t get enough.

I didn’t get out hiking as much as I’d have liked this year, but loved getting out on part of the Great North Walk and in the Royal National Park. More next year!

Not to say there haven’t been difficult bits but they pale in comparison w the heavy loads so many friends, fam & colleagues have been forced to shoulder. Getting thru it all has been oddly reinvigorating / resetting, & I’m looking forward to facing whatever 2021 brings with you.