H I N D Q U A RT E R
PRIDEY’S NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Dear readers, It is my greatest hope that you had a wonderful Christmas. My mother excelled herself this year with a range of topquality products for yours truly, so I’m a happy camper for once. I don’t know what came over her, maybe a smidge too much champagne, but her generosity and appreciation were, for the very first time, of an acceptable standard. In return for her kindness, I have decided to make her next 12 months a little easier. Naturally, there are terms and conditions, and if she forgets to admire me sufficiently or the Woolworths carrots run out, I will revert to my old ways, but here are the three commitments I have made to her for the year ahead: 1. I will write a monthly column to ensure HQ Magazine remains in business. I am aware that I am the biggest attraction, and the magazine is nothing without me. While I have always delivered up to this point, I do tend to create a little stress each month by treating, as my mother would say, ‘deadlines as mere guidelines’. I shall endeavour to be ready promptly with my artistic masterpieces in 2022 (dependent on the aforementioned conditions). 2. I will be nice to the stable manager for at least six of the seven days each week. My mother will be pleased
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about this one, as she is called in at least weekly for a ‘chat’ about my behaviour. On the few occasions when she has pleaded with me to ‘hold it together,’ I have naturally taken my mischief to new heights. Still, for 12 months ONLY I shall refrain from doing this (again, provided the aforementioned conditions are met). I’m uncertain yet as to how I will occupy myself if I cannot escape, demolish and generally run riot, but I’m sure I’ll find something worthy of my attention. 3. I will offer one drama-free ride each week. I can’t guarantee how the others will pan out, but I will refrain from any skullduggery for one whole ride each week. Alas, I am not in a position to allow my mother to select the ride, as I am a free spirit and tend to go where the mood takes me. However, I shall endeavour to have at least one ride a week where my mother does not ‘bite the dust’ (again, dependent on the aforementioned conditions). I’m sure you’ll agree that I’ve been remarkably generous, and some of you may even be concerned as to what I will write about if my behaviour is restricted in this fashion… But, fear not, I have some plans up my sleeve for 2022 that I should hope will keep you all suitably entertained. Over and out, Pridey xxx
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