Good morning to you! And Happy New Year!
It's January, and everything is sunshine and roses at my end of the universe!
January is that one and only month of the year that feels open to me. I mean, I actually have free time.
I spend time with my kids (as much as they'll take of me). I read novels. I peruse design, landscape and decorating books. I day dream about the garden to be planted in spring. I sit by the fire with a cup of chai tea, and just watch the dancing flames. I make candy, a thing I always want to do in December, but haven't the time. I craft like a crafting fiend (seriously, beading is addictive. I can stay up half the night working on a bracelet.) I cook those meals that take all day to prepare, like boeuf bourginon. I organize every closet that I'm allowed to touch. And I delight in the lengthening of days, each and every one of them, longer than the one before. Two extra minutes per day are supremely important to me.
There is a feeling of luxury of time that seems almost decadent to me in January. I slurp every minute up, dribbling a wasted moment with abandon on my chin. I am swimming in this abundance of free time. So many opportunities at hand, and finally the time to pursue some of them.
So far this month, I have spent oodles of time with my 3 kids, read one novel, emptied out one entire closet, made myself a bracelet, made a batch of candy (please don't tell my dentist). And in just a couple of nights, the new season of Downton Abbey premieres on my local PBS station. Oh, decadence, here I come!
The novel. I have two absolutely favorite authors, Jane Austin and Agatha Christie. I am a frequent patron of our library's large print section. I'd rather read the large print than put on glasses! Every time I go in to the library, I check for available novels by my fav authors, in large print. Anyways, the novel I read was an Agatha Christie.
My empty closet is in preparation for redoing all the organization in there. Our house has rather small closets. Go figure. It's a full-figured home, yet all the closet space is petite. Our home was built in the 70s. Perhaps they thought we were stepping into the future, when we'd all wear disposable clothing.
Making the most of our closet space really matters. I've allowed too many non-essentials to hang out in my tiny bedroom closet. As much as possible, I'd like to use what we have here (some shelving in the garage and attic), for increasing storage space. But I'd also like it to be attractive. I guess what I'm saying is, I don't want the stacked, cardboard milk boxes as my storage for blankets and sweaters any more. Sooooo, I'm trying my hand at very simple hammer-nail-wood thingy stuff. I keep telling myself, I can do this!
I spent one morning at the local closet and storage store, picking the brain of one of the employees. With pen and paper in hand, and a drawing of my available space, I was able to get some really great organizational ideas, for nothing more than the cost of time.
Candy -- why make candy in January? Aren't we all trying to lighten up after the holidays? Yes, I know. But it was just one batch. And the air is much drier here in January than December, which is better for most candy-making. And, and, and, you got me, no more logical explanations on why THIS was the time to make some candy. I just wanted some candy, without spending much money! So there, I blame my gluttonous side.
I have also been reading summaries online, of the plots and characters in Downton Abbey, so I won't be lost for a moment when the new season begins. This is one of my favorite shows. It's the best of all worlds for me -- soap opera-like character stories, beautiful costuming, and fantastic architectural sets.
2013 has come in with a bang for me! I am excited as ever for this new year. New hope, new possibilities, new design projects, a new garden, and new friendships and conversations.
Tell me, what are you most looking forward to in this new year? What's at the top of your list?
