 A sweet Christmas gift from my cermacist daughter with a favorite saying. I've learned to let go of other's expectations at this stage of my life and be who I am, not who others think I should be. Phenomenal! Except for being stirred by a couple of texts alerting me that the new year had begun, I rang it in the same way I do most years...sawing logs! Now, I love the idea of staying up till the ball drops and kissing the hubs at midnight, but I realize about 11:00 p.m. that I love my sleep way more than I love ringing in the new year. After all, can't I kiss my hubs any evening (and indeed I do!)? I mean, the year's gonna change whether I'm up or not, but the lack of a good night's sleep lingers on, starting the new year off on a very bad note. But that's not to say I don't love a new year -- I do! As the old year winds down with all the activities of the holidays, I look forward to rest and newness...new opportunities, new experiences, new endeavors, and a new fresh perspective. Have you solemnly and with great contemplation made your New Year's resolutions? Nope, me neither! I actually don't believe in them. Many years over the last decades I've resolved to lose weight in the new year, only to fail miserably on day 3. I think we can all remember resolutions we've made over the years that lasted no longer than a New York minute, only to feel defeated when we were not able (or willing) to keep them. Unfortunately for me, food is not always solely a means of sustenance and, if I'm truly honest about it, I'm probably one of those who live to eat more than I eat to live. I've pretty much always been this way, and it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks, so I'm at peace with it. Food is one of my best friends. I invite her to pretty much anything and everything I do: When I get together with friends and family, when I travel, when I go to the movies (or watch a movie at home), when I'm working, when there's a celebration or a stressful time, or just when I need the comfort of an old familiar friend. I'm not saying this is necessarily a good thing, but just trying to keep it real. Oh, yeah, I eat when I'm hungry too. I love good food and I cannot lie! I've read some articles and inspiration lately that have brought a new perspective to me on the whole New Year's resolutions thing, and I thought you might enjoy them as well (in my own words, of course). Here goes... 1. Instead of trying to lose a boat load of weight (or even 10 lbs.), by starting a regimen no one can keep, resolve to get healthier. This might include more movement of the ol' body, even if it's taking a walk or making better choices with food, like choosing a healthier option at least once a day (even I can do that!). 2. Instead of reflecting on all the things you want to do differently in the new year (though not a bad thing), reflect on all you did right last year and continue it into the next 12 months and beyond. 3. Instead of dwelling on how much more you want and think you need in the coming year, be truly grateful for what you already have. 4. Instead of worrying what others are always thinking of you, relinquish to be the kind of person you want to be, almost immediately filling your cup to overflowing with this one. We could all use a little more self-love (God don't make no junk, right?). 5. Show kindness every single day. This one is easier than you think. It might be a genuine smile to a stranger, a word of hope to someone in distress, a listening ear for someone who needs to talk. There you have it...simple things we all can do in the new year ahead -- resolutions we can keep! Sometimes I think we complicate things waaaay too much. When we put such pressure on ourselves, we set ourselves up for failure. But if we start small and acknowledge that even small achievements and changes count, we can find more fulfillment and happiness, and who couldn't use more of that, right? All that being said, I wish you the best, most happy and content year in 2019. May you enjoy good health, more love than your heart can hold, and at least a few pieces of fruit with a carrot stick or two in place of that brownie you know you want! Blessings! Going into the new year with a few comfort measures for the winter ahead...
 Gallery walls are always a good idea for family photographs! Even though we'll only be in this house a short time, it's not home for me without family photos...and they always, hands-down, brighten the long winter days ahead better than anything I know of! ***Update on the sale of #our1892adventure: We are moving forward into the new year with high hopes of a sale being finalized in the very near future. We have learned so much from this endeavor and look forward to starting a new renovation soon (working on that one as I write)! Sometimes it takes really reflecting on the previous year and seeing how far you've come to be able to appreciate what you've been able to achieve. The sky is the limit, guys! "If you asked me for my New Year Resolution, it would be to find out who I am."
- Cyril Cusack
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