The New Year Has Arrived, Full of Things that Have Never Been

And now let us welcome the New Year; Full of things that have never been.

~~Rainer Maria Rilke

Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Simple Abundance begins with this January thought:

“January, the month of new beginnings and cherished memories, beckons. Come, let winter weave her wondrous spell: cold, crisp, woolen-muffler days, long dark evenings of savory suppers, lively conversations, or solitary joys. Outside the temperature drops as the snow falls softly. All of nature is at peace. We should be, too. Draw hearthside. This is the month to dream, to look forward to the year, and to journey within.”

“All of nature is at peace. We should be, too.” What a lovely, lovely thought, and how I need that peace. After the utter chaos of 2020, I pray that 2021 will bring peace to our collective souls.

I confess to having a bit of a knot in my stomach over what this month will bring to our country politically, but you know, I’ve done what I can do–I voted. And as far as the pandemic is concerned, I’m protecting myself and others by staying home, masking up when I need to go out and helping Son and DIL with Grandboy’s virtual school. Time will take care of the rest, so I will continue to be patient.

This year, I’m going to try to do Simple Abundance and journal, something I’m not great at. But I will do my best to sort through my thoughts and write them down. I’ll work, I’ll write my novels, I’ll keep in touch with my friends virtually, and this year, I’ll do a new thing–Liz and I are going to teach a virtual workshop for the Indiana Writer’s Center. That will be fun and different.

Hey, If you’re looking for something to read, I recommend my fellow Tule author, Nola Cross’s novel, The Cowboy Comes Undone, which is currently on sale for just 99 cents. Nola passed away earlier this year and we all miss her so very much, but her sweet voice lives on in her novels. Enjoy!

So, Happy New Year. Stay well, stay safe, and most of all, mes amies, stay grateful.