Facing a New Year

     Blessings to each and every one of you on this start of a new year! It's time to take a deep breath and face 2014 square on; embrace it. The ending of one and starting of another is quite a challenge- the past few weeks have been a bit of an internal struggle for balance around here.

     Our holiday gatherings were simple and so precious; parents and grandparents joined us as our girls returned home for the visit. Hearty, homegrown meals were served in simple homestead settings as we shared, remembered and rejoiced. This family is blossoming and growing with new family members (two wonderful men!) and a precious new gift- a grandbaby on the way. What a celebration as we reflect on the past and look toward the future.

     The decorations are packed away; the house all clean and quiet again. I managed to find a little time for canning, cutting a new quilt, and preparing the garden for some early planting. Through it all my thoughts kept wondering to this little space on the big old web and how it will 'look' this year. In the past I have chosen a 'focus' for the year; an attempt at focusing myself and really putting some boundaries on my own thoughts. I'm not sure how focused it really made me.

      This year I have decided to let it be; no direction, focus, or hard core planning. We are going to live the blog like we live our life, day by day one task at a time. I am not abandoning the homestead series, but instead, letting it flow from my own daily tasks- for example, tomorrow I am organizing my seeds and preparing the compost- so that aspect of life and homesteading will come naturally. The classroom section of the blog is going to be home to a new glimpse into the 'other side of me' as I share my wonderful and sometimes challenging experiences as "The Go Lady"- again, it will simply flow from daily life without limitations or restriction.

     Since I have been studying the amazing world of herbalism and natural health, we will dig the earth and marvel in the joys of what nature has to offer- sharing recipes, remedies and help along the way. With my daughter having moved away, the herbal garden is fully in my charge this year and I have great plans to get down deep and work the wonders and beauty found there.

     Finally, as I face this new year my hope is to slow down and be- just be. To take the time to breath, stitch, plant, and play in every way possible. Working outside the home changes the structure of our days, and with one teen still home and homeschooling time to just be is truly needed to aide in balance and calm.
     I hope you will join me as we face this new year full of wonder, a bit of hesitation, and a whole lot of Godly love as we ponder what wonders He has in store for us.