A New Year's Meditation
New Year's resolutions are a funny thing. They seem designed only to make us feel guilty and deprived: spend less, drink less, weigh less. So how about resolutions to have more, to feel more, to do more and see more? Resolutions like: at least once a day, close your eyes and absorb the world's details through touch. Feel the cool rasp of a rock, the soft tickle of a feather.
Keep fresh flowers in the house at all times, be it a bountiful bouquet...
...or a single blossom.
Bring fewer throwaway items into your home. Invest instead in pieces that you'll have forever: a chair whose every spring squeaks a story...
...a blanket that only gets softer with each passing year.
Get courageous in the kitchen. Try a daring new recipe once a week...
...and eat it at the table, not in front of the television.
Treat every journey like a grand adventure, whether you're going across the street...
...or across the ocean.
Eat more vegetables.
Eat more fruit.
Listen to your doctor, and get more calcium. But let it be a vehicle for more cookie dunking...
...a means to more milkshake making, more french fry munching.
Go to the beach more, even when the weather isn't perfect...
...and while you're there make s'mores.
Celebrate more. Raise a toast to even your smallest accomplishments. Throw a party and be your own guest of honour.
Here's to the tears and triumphs of 2008, and to the challenges and joys that 2009 will surely bring. Happy New Year!
All images courtesy of Con Poulos.
Lovely sentiments. Happy New Year to you.
Posted by: Pittsy | December 31, 2008 at 07:55 AM
Good words to live by, Anne. Thank you. :)
Posted by: Martha B. | December 31, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Lovely pictures. And the feeling is just right - calm, contemplative, slow. I usually don't make resolutions, but I'm thinking I'll do something along these lines.
Posted by: Rachel | December 31, 2008 at 08:17 AM
What a wonderful list! I love this. Wishing you all the best in 2009. XO
Posted by: Paloma of La Dolce Vita | December 31, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Anne-what an absolute perfect New Years post and definitley wonderful words of wisdom to live by. You are so right about resolutions, at least the typical ones, just make you feel bad about yourself and I have never been able to keep one. I especially like the idea of experiencing the world around you once a day by touch. I hope you have a wonderful new year! Happy (almost) 2009. Blair
Posted by: blair | December 31, 2008 at 08:33 AM
So perfect and true!
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Lisa | December 31, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Nothing to add, well said Anne. Wishing you a most wondrous New Year!- nkp
Posted by: nkp | December 31, 2008 at 08:55 AM
What a beautiful list you have! Loving it all and wish you a perfect 2009!
Happy NYE!
Posted by: Miss Aimee | December 31, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Great post. I'm writing something similar for tomorrow. I think it's a good thing (new years) because people are generally hopeful about things to come, whereas at this point in the year, things can be bleak, tired, and old, you know?
Happy new year! It's been great being blogging buddies with you :)
Posted by: Chris | December 31, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Love the images, love the words behind them. I couldn't agree more (especially with the s'mores on the beach)! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Joanna | December 31, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Great post! I think you are on to something... Happy New Year!
Posted by: jess@thehomebound | December 31, 2008 at 09:29 AM
So perfect in every way...I love the reminder of the fresh flowers every day in some form. Another one to add to my mental "want to do" list. Thank you Anne, it's been so wonderful dropping by here this year!
Posted by: mary jo | December 31, 2008 at 10:03 AM
here's a toast to all things above! glad to have met you even if only in blogland and i feel very lucky to have come accross your blog and all that you offer as a designer and as a person! :) have a safe night, but fun!!!!
Posted by: robin pulsifer | December 31, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Sounds amazing - Happy New Year!!
Posted by: please sir | December 31, 2008 at 10:53 AM
i could not have said it better! truly. what fabulous resolutions. i agree with each and every one, and will do my best to stick to them. thank you!
hope you have a fabulous time tonight, whatever you're doing, and an even better 2009!
Posted by: the sassy kathy | December 31, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Oh, darling, I adore your new year's resolutions!
Hope all your dreams come true!
Happy, happy, happy New Year 2009, dearest Anne!
xoxo
Caroline
Posted by: Caroline - Patagonia Gifts | December 31, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Fabulous post, my dear. I'm hoping to get one up by tonight, but I don't know if I'll have a chance.
Have a fantastic evening/night, and I'll "see" you in the new year!
Posted by: Kristy | December 31, 2008 at 01:01 PM
beautiful post. happy new year!
Posted by: tiffany | December 31, 2008 at 01:14 PM
What lovely words, very beautiful.
Posted by: chaitanya | December 31, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Have a wonderful new year!
Posted by: Sarah's Fab Day | December 31, 2008 at 02:58 PM
What a beautiful post to wrap up a year of inspiringly beautiful posts! I'm so glad I found your blog this year -- it's a daily treat. Thank you for all your kind words and comments on my blog!
Best wishes for a magical and happy New Year. xoxo.
Posted by: Leigh Pennebaker | December 31, 2008 at 04:01 PM
wonderful pics and such a lovely post!
Posted by: kasey | December 31, 2008 at 04:38 PM
You have such a wonderful way with words and this post is no exception. Very profound and moving and makes one rethink how life should be! Happy New Year to you and your hubby! Looking forward to getting together with you in 2009!
Posted by: Rebecca @ Harmony and Home | December 31, 2008 at 04:59 PM
quite possibly the prettiest and most insightful new year post I have seen..happy, happy, my dear...xo
Posted by: mrs. french | December 31, 2008 at 05:12 PM
this is one good post, Anne. you knocked it out of the ball park for this New Year's post!
i love your thoughts for change. you make change sound so easy and appealing. thanks for the inspiration and lovely images.
i sincerely wish you a happy and healthy 2009—and beyond!
big blog hugs.
g.
Posted by: Georgia | December 31, 2008 at 05:39 PM