It's a new year and I'm taking a fresh look at all the things in my life. I’m fine-tuning goals, developing strategies to reach them, and cultivating my own voice and style.
Part of that ‘fresh’ start is my blog. I’ve deleted all the old posts and am working on a new approach… It’s not all finished…but I’m almost there…

Squirrels are playing chase across the forest floor. Birds are beginning work on their nests. Trees are sprouting buds, and my daughter and I are watching and waiting for sun-filled days...days with warm breezes and soft white clouds strolling lazy across a perfect blue sky. Spring is on the way. Spring, with its soft fragrance of flowers in bloom. My favorite time.

Winter's cold breath circles across the landscape, leaving a white residue. I used to call it the work of frost fairies--sometimes I still do. Their intricate etchings cover glass ornaments left outside and the entire meadow glistens like diamonds in the sunshine. There's a beauty in winter...even among the cold days and seeming barrenness. I love the way the sun strikes against a white stone wall, enhancing watercolor hues. The way the cold, smoke filled air vanishes distant trees in a misty haze. These are moments my soul appreciates….

Warm fires in a cozy country cottage. Friends that stick together through thick and thin. Family that reaches out and shows us the way home.

I love the sights and smells of Autumn,…damp leaves that gather on the forest floor,…smoke encircling chimneys in the early mornings, as our neighbors chase away the chill...the way the sun slants in the southern sky, making long shadows…leaves dancing across the ground, whirling, swirling, and scattering into multicolored chaos...and Thanksgiving plans are made with family and friends…..a time when we snuggle a little closer in the evenings, and remember the things that matter most.

My daughter loves to climb her favorite tree. She sits and imagines while I peek out the window to make sure she hasn't fallen. The Mom in me wants to tell her to come back down to earth where it's safe, but I let her stay and play...and I‘m reminded again how we all have to dream our dreams and reach for the stars, and tune out those voices that tell us to just stay where it‘s safe. My daughter playing in her tree inspires me to push past limitations and climb my own trees.