A clean slate. A fresh start. A new beginning. The tree will be down this afternoon, and I can’t wait! It was a wonderful relaxing Christmas filled with our little family, friends, music and lots of food. No wine for me, and even that felt good too. But while the decorations get taken down to the basement today and school starts back tomorrow, I have to admit that there is a small part of me that welcomes the bareness and scarcity of a cold, quiet January. December’s excesses fade away, and things seem slower and easier again. My mind ponders new possibilities and new resolutions for this year. Two words come to mind: thankful and hopeful. Happy New Year friends!!
A Simple Sincere Serene Life 
Susan–that picture is awesome!! Could not agree with you more. Can’t wait to get out of excess mode and into solitude. Our decorations came down yesterday! Happy new year!!