The house always feels so bare once the Christmas decorations come down.  I'm always a little shocked at how sparse things appear.  But I'm not ready for more excess. My eyes need a rest.  I need simplicity.  I need white flowers.

Simple or sumptuous, solitary or stunningly massed, they are always satisfying. Somehow that lack of  competing hues lets the true essence of the blossom shine. Pared down to perfection, they are almost zen like in the tranquility they give me.

Paper white narcissus 

Casablanca lilies

Phalaenopsis orchids

Cyclamen

So why not treat yourself to a little preview of coming attractions. Enjoy.

It's that time of year again when folks take a long look in the mirror and come up with a list of what in their lives needs "fixing".  The lists alway contains many don'ts and won'ts and puritanical does and shoulds.

What a depressing way to start a new year.

I abandoned the idea years ago. I've reached a stage in my life where I can be pretty honest with myself.

1. I am not going to get up at 6:00 am, pack my work clothes and a healthy lunch and go to the gym everyday.
2. I am not going to eliminate 80% of the carbohydrate from my diet.
3. My house will not be spotless. I will still have a few closets and drawers that are "places of mystery". I like mysteries.
4. I will not study French every day for 30 minutes. Nor will I practice the piano regularly.
5. And I most definitely will not be giving up wine. 

I'm capable of introspection and think it's not a bad idea to go a little deeper this time of year.
Last year I came across a great exercise for setting the intention of your year. (sorry I can't remember the original source)

1. Spend a few minutes and make a quick list of  your major accomplishment  last year.​
2. Make a list of some major things you'd like to accomplish this year. 
3. Now go back and write down the feelings those events have or will engender.
4. Pick a few of those key feelings and write them down.  Last year my list include  

                   Challenged,  Creative, Healthy, Connected
    5.  Keep the list somewhere you'll see it often.  I have mine as a screensaver on my phone.
     6.   Use those words as a guide when planning your days and  year.  Ask yourself, does this behavior                 make me  feel  (fill in the blank)?
​     7.  Set your course accordingly.

I can't guarantee you will be able to check off an impressive list of accomplishments by year's end, but you will definitely have a head start on the happiness trail. 
​