Welcome January. Hello winter

     "If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant." 

— Anne Bradstreet     

     We ended our year and began our new one on a cold note. Yet, we Westerners have been so blessed with acceptable winter weather, thus far. I've been told pussy willows are already showing their fuzzy, wee heads in the Vancouver area, so eager to usher in spring. 
     

     Meanwhile, our friends in northern Alberta through to the Maritimes have been inundated with major ice storms, freezing temperatures and piles of snow.

     I learned that some of my relatives — like so many others, during the power outages — spent Christmas in a hotel. That meant unopened gifts at home under the tree, and Christmas dinner and party foods spoiling in the refrigerator. 

     In spite of the downside, many are enjoying the gifts that winter brings — ice skating and hockey on outdoor rinks, getting out onto the ski slopes or, just having fun tobogganing and making a snowman. 
     
          Remember Frosty, the magical snowman? Consider his advice:  

"Everything I Need to Know About Life, 

I Learned from a Snowman."  

... It's OK to be flaky once in awhile. 
... It's OK if you're a little bottom heavy.  
... Wearing white year-round is acceptable.  
... There's no stopping you once you're on a roll.  
... When life dumps snow on you, make snowballs.  
... Just like snowflakes, each person is unique.  
... You've made it when they write a song about you.  
... It's OK to have an occasional meltdown.  
... You always lose weight in the summer.  
... You can weather any storm.  
... Don't get too much sun.  
... The key to life is to be a jolly, happy soul!    

     

     January is always a good time to consider a fresh start, perhaps in the form of New Year resolutions. Losing weight and eating healthier is often at the top of most lists. Staying fit, getting better organized, spending less money, or enjoying life more, are all worthy goals. 
     It's been said, only 46 per cent of the resolutions made will be maintained beyond six months. At the end of the year, 8 per cent of those will have achieved them. 

     Periodically, taking inventory of our lives while keeping worthwhile aims in mind, is being smart. 

     Someone wisely said, "The new year lies before us like a fresh tract of snow. We must be careful how we tread, for every mark will show."  
     

     January also brings the unwelcome flu season — a time to review those health rules that help to keep unwanted germs at bay. 
     I've been thinking about other germs. Just what kind of germs am I spreading to those around me? I know I can spread germs of hope and encouragement that could infect others with optimism and joy. I'd also like to be a carrier of gratitude this year. A goal I am considering, is to cultivate a heartthrob of more interest in my fellow strugglers. 
     Perhaps, by modest acts of kindness, I can help others bear the burden of life's load. 

     As you begin another year, which stage of life do you find yourself in?   

The Five Stages of Life  

1. To grow up. 

2. To fill out.  

3. To slim down.  

4. To hold it in.  

5. To heck with it.       

     "I was planning to get a flu shot until I found out it isn't a kind of drink."   
     

     "When you have the urge to exercise, lay down until it goes away."  

— Mark Twain  

       

     As I began this new year, I am inspired to continue my blogging with the encouragement of my son David, who gives of his time to this joyful effort we share. 
     His monitoring, posting and adding great pictures, certainly gives "zing" to my musings. 
     Thanks, son, for willingly sharing your gifts! 

— beulah