     I am highly grateful for the sense of a "new journey" provided by the beginning of a New Year. In spite of having given up Resolutions many years ago, I do like to take the first couple of weeks in the New Year to 'set the tone' for the year ahead. Whether that means establishing new habits or clearing away the dregs of the year just passed, it seems planning ahead is an ideal activity for the longer, colder nights of winter.
     Like a yard covered in a fresh coat of snow, a new Calendar is a book of promise – full of open boxes with which we fill the year ahead of us. I have become much more particular about what I fill those boxes with in recent years – whether as an act of self-care or self-preservation.
     The road is long, and we may not know what awaits us – but we plan as best we can, and hope that we are ready for whatever lurks around the next bend. On this, the 4th day of 2018, I already have much to look forward to in the coming year – not the least of which is the very event that provides the impetus for this series. Even when we are not bending your ear here on the blog, or on Facebook, or on Pinterest, or Instagram: things are going on! We have much to share with you, and even more in the works – all the better for you to make plans to join us in October!
     How do you embrace the New Year? What rituals outline your journey for the coming year? We’d love to hear from you!

…and now, back to work!
- PLA