Reflections for a new year...

The Christmas decorations have been put away - since Dec. 28th actually - and I am loving being back to my "normal" routine. Life is as it should be. The kids are back in school and I am back to quiet days contemplating life, studying the bible, praying and just loving being at home for now.

Life is good. Although the new year brings the temptation, or even "pressure" if you will, to downsize, organize and scale back, I realize that having a happy home, filled with the items that you love, is perfectly ok. Stuff is not the enemy, as I sometimes think it is. I think that as long as things are in control and manageable, having "stuff" is not all bad. A lovely friend and I were discussing our favorite blogs and she led me to look at several of her favorites. I'm so glad that I did. The doubt that I have felt recently about living with a collection of treasured "things" has been quieted as I have seen that I am not alone in my passions. I enjoy seeing how other people live, what they like, how they create and what inspires them. What I have learned is that creativity and a love for beauty are part of my personal makeup - and I need them in my life. I know that I am not alone when I see other "kindred spirits" like myself out there in cyber space. These women know how to live contentedly with what they love. They don't live for their stuff but they enjoy it - as it makes their homes personal and special and a place to enjoy and be nourished...a sanctuary for the family from the hard world outside.

That is what I long to make my home. A reflection of me - my interests, my history, my dreams, my passions and what makes me smile. My yellow walls, my crocheted doilies, my vintage stuff, my "granny" style. All of that makes me who I am, an individual - KayteeJane - and I wouldn't trade that for the world.

Thanks for coming along on my ride with me. I hope to share more of my life and the things that make me smile with you during the coming days, months and year.

Blessings,

KayteeJane