Good Year

 "Eternal God, who makest all things new, and abidest for ever the same:  Grant us to begin this year in Thy faith, and to continue it in Thy favour; that, guided in all our doings, and guarded all our days, we may spend our lives in Thy service, and finally, by Thy grace, attain the glory of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord."
    ~ Order of Divine Service for Public Worship

 "But winter people are the best and there are few of them.  They are the friends who are deep and true, once you penetrate to the secret warmth.  The surface may not be as gay and charming but under the austere surface runs the living sap of loving-kindness."
          ~  Gladys Taber

 Happy New Year, Winter People!
I am reading The Last Child In The Woods:  Saving our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv.  THIS child is going to go outside more in 2012.  I may build a collection of toadstools inside AND outside!  I've  been thinking about walking through the neighborhood, down to the park where the creek is and hanging around there for while.  

I put this fine green pepper in our chili last night.  Isn't it incredible?  Doesn't the smell of green pepper shout FRESH?  Raw peppers give me heartburn. Drat.  

2012 = Flowers. Fresh vegetables. Fruits.  Herbs. Hanging around outdoors. Life.

This photo is a bit foggy (sorry!) but I like it because I took it two years ago, just before Easter.  I was fixating on the concept of an "Easter dress" and I drew this picture of one of my favorite childhood Easter dresses.  My mother made a yellow one for me and a blue one for my sister.  Bless her for her ambition and her follow-through.  This dress was soft, ladylike and fairy-like, too.  A gathering of tule made for a twirl.  Let's start thinking about our Easter dresses, do you want to?  I haven't had an Easter dress in MANY decades.  Even if we don't acquire one, we could draw one, make one for a doll, or write a poem about a past Easter dress.  Easter.  Glory Hallelujah!

Group hug, Winter People!

Happy New Year!