Circles.

Well. I guess I'm supposed to wish you a generic, 'Happy New Year.'

However, I don't actually recognize this ball-dropping, number-changing, drink-fest as the new year. That may sound strange coming from me, as I am usually ALL for having a good time. I don't make new year's resolutions, either. To me, they are merely an invitation to break promises to the most important person in your life. That would be YOU, my friends. A resolution is nothing more than a sacred promise to one's self. We can make them on New Year's Eve, or next Tuesday. What's important is that we don't forget them. They are not gym memberships. A resolution (aka, a promise) that has been unfulfilled, can only be a future regret. I don't do regrets. They get in the way of hope, and undying love. The things the truly matter in the end. If there is 'an end' at all...

I guess I should tell you why I feel this way. It has nothing to do with the lunar year vs. the numerical calendar, which was allegedly invented during the dark ages. It has more the do with *circles*

Like this one:

'The Orange Tree.'

I just sold it. I also like to tell stories, as some of you may already know. Here is part of it's story... "Try not thinking of peeling an orange. Try not imagining the juice running down your fingers, the soft inner part of the peel. The smell. Try and you can't. The brain doesn't process negatives." There is more to the tale than that, but only the new owner of the piece knows what that is. I prefer it that way.

'Columbines.'

Interestingly enough, I also sold the earrings above, chock-full o' circular imagery, "So did the maidens with their various flowers
Deck up their windows and make neat their bowers:
Using such cunning as they did dispose
The ruddy peony with the lighter rose.
The monkshood with the bugloss, and entwine
The white, the blue, the flesh-like columbine
With pinks, sweet-williams; that far off the eye
Could not the maimer of tfadr mixtures spy."
 

It is *my* belief (and perhaps yours, as well) that life is actually a circle. Death, too. Therefore, the idea of linear time being our measurement of existence is baseless. Yet I also understand that in terms of things like deadlines, birthdays, weddings, and taxes, this straightforward acknowledgment of time and the 'new year' is sometimes necessary.

But... if for just one moment, we were each to take a breath. And listen...

I hope you clicked on the link above and really FELT the music. The band's name is Travis. They are an alternative band from the U.K. and I have loved them for many years. The three songs I've chosen to share with you are my wishes and *blessings* for you in this circle that we call life. 

May you always sing, see all sides of the story, and most of all feel safe. Make your resolutions if you wish. Just remember to keep them. Count down the years, the weeks, the minutes, and the seconds if you must. Just try to savor each and every one. Be safe. Not just for one night, but for the rest of your life. This is MY resolution. It can be yours, too. 

Oh, yes. One more thing... Happy New Year.

xoxo