The end, of the year that is, is nigh.

As one year closes it’s always good to look back on the passing year and note its highlights and low points. I have listed a few and they are as follows;

In the news, the words subprime mortgage and Credit Crunch have been added to all of our dictionaries with the buzzword of the moment, recession. However, economic downturns have always created brilliant art movements. For instance, Punk in the late 1970s produced great bands like Sham 69, The Clash & The Sex Pistols. I am looking forward to what will come out creatively from this period in 2009.

In performance, my artistic highlight was the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. The precision of large scale human movement, beautiful costumes and the creative vision and breathtaking execution of set pieces to open a sporting event is without peer. The lighting of the Olympic torch was ridiculously brilliant!

In politics, I found watching the US electoral process as a non-American fascinating. From Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama's brutal struggle to win their Party Nomination onto Barack Obama (Democrat) and John F McCain ( Republican) choosing their running mates. McCain’s was Sarah Palin. Wow! What a woman. Election night on November 5 ended with the historic moment of Barack Obama becoming the States first African-American President.

As for the low point of the year it was the weather, as in the summer in the UK that never showed up. It was rain, rain and more rain. Pah!

Anyways, it so happens that I like the weather at this time of year. It’s cold, wet and dark outside. So I have the perfect excuse to stay in and watch old black and white movies. I also get to create without feeling I should be out somewhere that’s happening.

Also, although I’m not a big fan of the commercial materialism of Christmas I do like the artistic creativity of shop window displays, the lit up High Streets and general enthusiasm of people around this time of year (Check out the attached photos below with this blog).

In ending, I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the Bedroom Genius team to send festive greetings to all of our members and wish you all a creatively prosperous New Year.

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All photos taken by Mr Man