New Years...

Finally feeling as if I might have the energy to write again....

How many new years do we get in our lifetime, and what do we do with them? I think a lot of the previous years were not new at all. I think I was given old years. Recycled years. Cleverly repackaged years. Anything but new years. This year has all the indications of being new. It's still got the creases on it, fresh out of the box.

I'm still living at my folks' house. They're in Arizona for a few more months. It's winter here on the island; the daylight is weak and watery and the birds are expectant at the feeders. I was in Seattle this week and brought home some fresh flowers in riotous colors to brighten the table. Fushia Gerbera daisies, lavender stocks, lime green spider mums, orange tulips... all in a bright yellow pitcher. Just looking at it warms the heart with an idea that spring is probably coming sooner than we think.

I am joining a writer's group and taking some workshops. I'm getting back into running and hoping to do the Whidbey half marathon in April. I'm trying to remember to eat. I want to read some good books and do some spiritual introspection with Lent approaching. There are two books I'm planning to use as guides: Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God and A Clearing Season, both from the Upper Room Ministries. Feel free to join me and we'll have discussions about what we're reading.

Work is very helpful to me right now. I have wonderful people who come through my checkstand and bring me friendship and bits of news. It's also a place to give that gift I love to give: my smile. I will be aging more gracefully now, since all my wrinkles will be smile lines. Who can fault a smile line?

I'm hoping to get to New Jersey next month to see my little grandson again. He's four months old now and making his parents so happy! In that way he is just like his daddy. Jordan was always the joyful element in our home.

I'm still knitting. A cabled scarf for a dear friend; a cardigan for nephew Elliott; a small runner for my therapist from recycled Sari silk. Little pieces of sanity in a world that is often without quiet.

Peace to each of you in the new year... I do pray that you received a new year this time around. If not, make the best of it and be thankful it's not wasting space in a landfill somewhere. You're doing your part and everyone here on South Whidbey would be proud.