Monday, January 7, 2013

Celebrating January

photo by me--Alice Peterson
Please do not use it without my permission.

I love January. 
It's like a palette cleanser after the chaos of the holidays.
A fresh slate on which to record our new goals.
A blank canvas on which to paint our dreams.
No commitments.
No pressure, no expectations just yet.
Forgetting the failures of last year.
Brimming with ideas for the new year.
Starting over.
Trying new things.

I've never been one to make New Year resolutions because I know I can't keep them. Usually I just try to set a few goals, be a better person, exercise more etc.  And though I have casually chosen my Word for the year twice before, it never stays with me the entire year.
But I keep trying anyway because that's what January is for.

 
I don't remember all my goals for last year, but one I do remember was to get my jewelry in shops, which happened at the beginning of December.  I was very excited, and we'll see how that goes in the coming months.  I'm looking for more shops to carry my jewelry this year, and hope to have a few home shows as well. Another goal from 2012 was to open an etsy shop. My daughter started one for me, and I just need to fill it up and get it going. 

As for my Word for the year, I have chosen 'Brave'. I've always been very timid at trying new things for fear of failure or not being good enough.  This year I want to try new things despite the fear.  My first challenge was signing up for Sally Russick's Focusing on Life-52 photos. The first assignment was just that-a challenge. You can read about it in this post.  I seriously need to improve my photography skills for my etsy shop.  Also, I want to do more than just think about getting my jewelry in a magazine or two.  Again the fear of not being good enough stops me cold.

So tell me, how are you celebrating January?

Thanks  to Angie at Knick of Time for letting me show this lovely photo. It can be purchased as a download at  her etsy shop:  Knick of Time

6 comments:

TesoriTrovati said...

One way to have the word of the year stay with me is to surround myself with reminders of it. I have a goal of having a wall of art pieces that show off my words. I like to find different art to represent it. Last year I got a mosaic heart with the word EXPLORE from Sally Russick. Somehow I missed this challenge and I will be jumping in late. I need to use my camera for more than just jewelry shots! Good for you to open an Etsy shop! Be brave, Miss Alice. I believe in you. Enjoy the day. Erin

kim said...

Alice, I use January as my "refuel" month. I usually don't take many special orders and weekends are spent on a whim....this weekend we took a day trip to the Mississippi river to see eagles. I have a stack of magazines I have been pouring through. Lots of reading and browsing trying to learn new techniques...as for my word...
well looks like I better have one by next Saturday!

Unknown said...

Love your snowman picture. I like the word brave. I am sure it is going to lead you on many great adventures. I don't usually set resolutions either but i try to chose a word but it doesn't usually follow me for the whole year either. i look forward to seeing you pictures. Happy new year :-D

Mary Lamoray said...

Really enjoyed this post...your snowman scene is adorable!! :)

My Life Under the Bus said...

I love your word. One of my favorite phrases is 'Leap and the Net will Appear" so NOT me to take a leap without having a full plan in place but really it lays the road for a way better adventure! XO

VS said...

Hi Sweet Alice,
I love your photo of the tiny snowman in the dome & I love your word for 2013! Brave...always a goal I'm working on, sometimes succeeding, sometimes not so much.
Your description of January makes me want to like it more. If I could only think of it like you do, instead of just focusing on the cold & snow, I would have a much more positive being to my new year.
I hope ALL of your dreams for the New Year come true my friend, for no one deserves it more then you!
Big Hugs...
SusieQ