Happy 2010!

Whew! I can hardly believe that 2010 is here already! And that we're already almost a week into it. I apologize for not updating sooner. I've been sick the last couple of days, but I'm really behind the ball this year. I actually still have my Christmas tree up, which is very uncharacteristic of me. Usually I take it down on New Years Day, sometimes even before that. This is my first year of not having a real tree however. My husband finally talked me into purchasing a fake one, and although I greatly miss the friendly smell of pine, it has been nice not having to worry about those little needles poking into your socks and sap getting all over your hands every time you water a real one. Taking it down should be a breeze. Not like last years incident that finally got me to cave in to going fake -- dragging the tree out the porch and front doors led to a shower of razor-sharp needles flying everywhere. We were finding those things in the carpet well into March!

Anyhow, I'm looking forward to a fresh new year. It reminds me of the saying from Anne of Green Gables, "Tomorrow is always fresh -- with no mistakes in it." I like the idea of a clean slate. A chance to make changes toward a better, more positive life. Surprisingly, this is the first year that I didn't compose a list of resolutions. Maybe because I really have just one -- to strive to be better. A better Christian, a better wife, a better mother, a better friend, a better writer, a better artist, a better homemaker, a better human being. I just want to devote this year to living life to it's fullest. To being all that I can be. To happiness, both in my life, and the people around me. From the people nearest and dearest, to the stranger on the street.

Smile more. Stress less. Make messes. Make friends. Dream sweeter. Dream bigger. Press in. Press on. Hug tighter. Laugh louder. Pray harder. Listen closer. Get down on my knees. Get up on my feet. Sun on my shoulder. Wind at my back. Eyes wide open. Arms flung out.

Embracing life.