Well,  it’s been about six months since my last (and first) entry here but a lot has happened. I know, excuses, excuses, but, really! A lot has happened! All of that aside (separation, moved twice, health scares, etc.), let’s attempt to get back on track with some inspiration, some craft ideas and maybe a gardening idea or something.

This first day of the year is always a day that fills me with feelings of gratitude – much more so than Thanksgiving does for many people. I think it is because I am always somewhat surprised (pleasantly so) to make it through to another New Year’s Day. Having said that, what am I grateful for besides just another chance at another new year? I am grateful for a beautiful family, wonderful friends, what health I have and the opportunities that come my way to enjoy this life.

Something I’m trying for the first time this year, and invite you to do the same, is a “gratitude jar.” I’m sure many of you have seen this idea shared on Facebook and other sites throughout the year. It’s really very simple; take a pretty jar (something you won’t mind having sitting out) and throughout the year, write down those precious moments when you feel thankful, grateful, humbled, and put those slips of paper in the jar. At the end of the year, gather with your friends and family to share those moments again by reading the papers together. Of course, if you need reminders throughout the year of the good times, the precious moments, feel free to dig in and have a reading session anytime the need arises. Just grab the jar, a good cup of coffee or tea and settle back in your favorite chair with the best reading material in town – your very own gratitude journal, compiled one day at a time!

Before I get away for the day, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the garden. This time of the year is so often a time when we ignore the garden. In fact, many of us downright avoid going anywhere near it! Remember, though, the garden needs love all year around so here are just a few things to think about concerning the garden in January: check any stored bulbs for sprouting or mildew, check the mulch around tender plantings and replenish as needed, review seed catalogs and start planning now, clean houseplants thoroughly and feed with slow-release fertilizer, and water trees and hardy outdoor plants if the season has been dry.

Happy New Year!!!