More fun coming right up!

Happy New Year to all of my friends out there in Blogland! I hope you all know how much you all mean to me- how much I look forward to "talking" to you, to being inspired by your work, to having little glimpses into your creative process. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

My friend Diane, over at My Art Journal, http://dianesalter.blogspot.com/ did a post about her blog book- what a wonderful gift from her children! Thank you for sharing that, Diane- I am looking to tie up loose ends and print my various blogs too- though they will all have to end at the beginning of January since we are not done celebrating yet! Here's the web site: http://blog2print.sharedbook.com/blogworld/printmyblog/index.html

We had our first Christmas on Christmas Day- me, my hubby, my two daughters who live with us, and my two stepsons who live on their own. We had a lovely, albeit very quiet few days.

New Year's Eve was even quieter, with the older of my daughters (living at home) out at a friend's for a good portion of the evening. None of the kids really get too excited about the holidays or anything else here at home anymore. Sigh.

Today, New Year's Day, we joined the neighbors for a little afternoon tea and it was great. Being relatively new here in the neighborhood, I really enjoy getting to know the people who live around us a little better.

Today I re-met a retired high school English teacher who has offered to take on my girls and their various essays/college applications/writing assignments (She needs to keep in practice YAY!), and her daughter, who is a professional photographer who teaches photography and even has some of her work in the Smithsonian!

I have been cooking most of yesterday and today in preparation for our next round of Christmas! My eldest daughter (21), and my son (20) arrive tomorrow and will stay till Thursday morning. Short, but I intend to make it as sweet as possible! I like to have tasty meals cooked ahead of time so that we can eat well without my being chained to the stove while we have company. Mission accomplished- bring it on!

I for one, plan on making this my best year yet, and my plate is already filled with wonderful things: The Sketchbook Challenge which began today and runs all year (click on the box top right); Brave Girls Soul Restoration which begins January 11th (also click on the box top right), the Yoga Journal 21 Day Challenge (http://www.yogajournal.com/), and a number of things on the back burner that will not stay there for another year because of my fear...

Hope you all enjoy the rest of whatever holidays you have with your loved ones, and are gearing up for a fantastic year!