This is my first post of 2026!  I've been posting on my blog since living in Portland, Maine the first time back in January of 2011...fifteen years.  Not the longest blog but, also, not the shortest.  And I plan on continuing as long as I am able, including this year.

And speaking about this new year of 2026, you will find some new ideas, new projects, new daily (weekdays only) thoughts, new challenges, etc.  And I hope that you will find these helpful.  

After the holidays, during the 'twixmas' time (still can't believe I did not remember about the word) I suggested that you take lots of time to rest and relax.  And while doing that, maybe think about what you want to focus on this year but not make any decisions.

It's well known that most folks making New Year's Resolutions on New Year's Day seldom keep those resolutions longer than a couple months.  I have also discarded the use of the word 'goals' because there is a success or failure notion.  I like using the word 'intention' because that implies a direction to work for rather than an end.

So this month's challenge is to create a list of intentions that you want to work for this year.  Taking time to really think about, focus on and finally decide on your intentions will encourage your success.  This week take some time each day to really think about what you want for this year.  Jot down ideas as they come to mind.  Don't worry about how many intentions you may come up with...as a matter of fact, come up with as many as you can.  That will give you a broader sense of what you really want to focus on.

But this is not the only thing I will be focusing on during the month.  Each day will generally have different themes...Mondays will be concerned with the monthly challenge.  Tuesdays will focus on simplification, organization and even a bit of decoration.  Wednesdays will focus on cooking, reading or seasonal ideas.  Thursdays will be craft day and Friday, anything goes.  Well, that's at least how I intend to start the year off.  

Today, I plan on working on reorganizing my studio...once again!  The last organization is not working as I had hoped.  So, one more change with the daybed in the studio.  It this last time does not work, then the daybed will be moved out.

The weather is certainly going to be interesting...tomorrow the temperature will increase and be in the mid 40's for the next eight to ten days.  We still have snow, but I doubt that there will be much left after this week!

That's all for today.  Have an amazing day...

Talk with you tomorrow...