As I open up a pristine, shrink-wrapped calendar, 2011 is a fresh start. Flipping through the unmarked pages, the year before me beckons to be written. Complying, I usually start by adding in all the dates to remember, monthly birthdays and anniversaries, special events I can quickly recall like tiny post-it notes in my brain. If not deliberately written down, there is the strong probability it will become a distant memory, I'm reluctant to admit. After all the necessaries, it is time to take a few minutes to envision the larger picture...

What will I set out to accomplish in this year ahead?
The new year is traditionally a time to make resolutions, lists of what we will do and what we vow not to for betterment of our lives. Goals and priorities are set as we embark on "new and improved" ways of dealing with our health, home and the workplace. "Out with the old" can mean different things to each of us whether in regards to negligent eating habits, simplifying our environment or decluttering our spiritual space. As I glance through the slim January issues of my subscribed magazines, pages are saturated with white images, tips on how to "free up space and bring cool, calm order to your rooms", suggested charitable venues and ads for storage in various sizes.

OK, so the first item on my list will be to pack up the holiday decorations for next year. But that is on your list every year, Sonya...
I know... get back to reading at least one book a month would be the next since my craving for literature has been prodding me with a vengeance! Must set time aside for that each day...
Painting and redecorating the family room will take priority on the list too. Where should we put the couch? Do we want to pick a slightly brighter color for the walls this time around?
But after that I will need a quieting hot cup of tea, some uninterrupted time and my trusty purple pen and pad. Now is the time to get serious and set the new intentions... 

Ah, at the very top of the list will be to continually enjoy every day. Nurture peace within so that it can radiate out to all...
After all, a new year lets us begin again with a clean slate to write new chapters, filling each page with heart and soul... xoxo-Sonya

"If there is righteousness in the heart,

there will be beauty in the character.

If there is beauty in the character,

there will be harmony in the home.

If there is harmony in the home,

there will be order in the nation.

If there is order in the nation,

there will be peace in the world."

~Scottish Peace Blessing

My wish for everyone...

Be filled with wonder...

Be touched by peace...

Believe in the miracle...

May the holidays refresh your spirit and bring you new inspiration and happiness.

Enjoy this Blessed Holiday!

Merry Christmas to all...

xoxo-Sonya

Time to hit the road again...

Browsing through the local paper, I came across an ad for an open house this weekend, Home for the Holidays it read. So I clipped it to pin up on the calendar. Each year on the day after Thanksgiving, I pull out numerous plastic containers of holiday decorations, years of accumulated Christmas finery to adorn our home with the spirit of the season. My daughter is enthusiastically coaxing me to begin the tradition promptly as not to waste a single moment's enjoyment of the kaleidoscope lights and thought-provoking keepsakes. But today, we wanted to see something special, somewhere new and different. So the three of us hopped in the car and took a drive to Ringwood, New Jersey.

Now in their twenty second year, the Skylands Manor House opens its doors to a celebration of the hope and joy of the season by hosting tours of the elaborately decorated interior. Sponsored by volunteers and friends of the Skylands Association, proceeds of the event are used to provide improvements, services and other educational programs throughout the year. All of the decorated rooms are the result of endless hours and ingredients generously donated by dedicated individuals for public enjoyment. Have a look for yourself...