THOUGHTS ON JANUARY

Sometimes I look back through my blog posts  from other years, focusing on this week's date. Sometimes I get a light bulb moment (remember that? Cartoon character has a "bright idea" so the artist drew a light bulb suddenly lighting up over the character's head?) Other times I recognize that I've used the same idea every few years. Conclusion: January just doesn't have much to say for itself.

That wasn't always true for me. I've gone on vacations to warmer climes in January--the farther south/southwest, the better. Certainly warmer and brighter than northeast Indiana.

Or, I've started something new--teaching a new class; taking a new class; starting an art challenge (5 days, 9 days, 1 month--whatever).

Or, I've re-started something that had to be left behind--a manuscript that didn't get finished; a knitting project that had to be put aside because of the holidays or other commitments.

Then there's the previous commitment I made to myself--start a new diet; read the rest of that series I started a year or two ago; follow up on letters I've received, start answering sooner, or just email to see if that person is still doing well (or not).

Since January is--or can be--such a cold/snowy/icy/windy/forbidding month for getting out of the house (one of the perks about retirement: nothing has to be done this instant), it's easy for me to "put it off," whatever "it" is.

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One way to get January to move along is to schedule appointments. This month I've already had my hair cut and styled; visited with my primary care doc; prepped birthday cards and checks for 5 relatives; sent birthday greetings by email to people who used to go to my church but have moved on now.

Another one of my techniques is to check out how-to/demo tutorials online for my art, quilting, knitting, and writing interests. Somebody, somewhere, always has something to say. And there's always the chance I'll learn something new--or be reminded of something I once knew but that got lost in the minutae of life.

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So now we're at the end of January. Looks like a short break in the forbidding weather next week, which may mean I can get out for a time or two. No playing in the snow or shoveling or quick-step walks in the open air. But I will get outside my four cabin walls.

In a few more days I'll be writing to you from February. More birthdays to celebrate (via USPS). Books to put on hold at the library and pick up one of these days.

Looks to me like a matter of keeping the momentum going--may not be fast, but so long as it continues to keep on keeping on . . . .

If all else fails, I'll start sorting my over-stuffed book shelves, see if I can find something to donate to the Friends of the Library for their regular sale. Already been through the clothes closets and some of the drawers. And--one achievement for which I pat myself on the back--I filled a large cardboard box with yarn/unfinished projects/and miscellaneous notions for working with yarn. Once the box is delivered to my Ohio daughter and her co-workers, I'll be truly free of that part of my stuff.

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If you're a January traveler, I wish you a safe journey and a wonderful time somewhere else! See you next month!

Blessings,

Thursday's Child