"A new year is unfolding--like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within" (unknown)

Warmest wishes to everyone for a Very Happy New Year!

Doesn't it seem as if the first days of Christmas just arrived? They've surely taken wing and hastened us along. In the mere blink of an eye, here it is already time to herald in a New Year.

There were family and friends' celebrations, visits, lots of eating, merry-making and nostalgic reminiscences... The gift-wrapping is over, the presents were enjoyed...


...but now even the "Jingle Juice" is gone for another year...

and 2010 is upon us, bringing an anticipation all its own. I, for one, am anxious to get on with it and find the possibilities in the New Year.

So grab a chair, settle in, and let's get ready for another 365-day ride around the sun.

And in the meantime, enjoy this: I love this beautiful, haunting version of Auld Lang Syne...grandma would be proud...

"Christmas is a time when you get homesick--even when you're home." (-Carol Nelson)

It's Christmas, and all the little nooks and crannies of the house are festooned with holiday cheer.

My mother's to blame:
When we were growing up, she'd have us head up to the attic, to pull down a treasure trove of boxes just for that time of year. We'd watch in anticipation as all the objets d'art for the season would miraculously emerge on tabletops; festive curtains would replace the everyday fare; swags would grace the stairwells; wreaths and single candles lent their glow to windows and doorways.

The scents wafting through our home today are of cinnamon, cloves, ginger and chocolate. Baking is a ritual that carries with it the magic of the season. A fire's crackling in the fireplace, and we're snug inside on this chilly December night.

Some of the rituals are traditions every year. There's comfort in that, n'est ce pas?

Happiest of Holidays, all!

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." (-Norman Vincent Peale)