To 2014

Last year I dedicated my year to a happy, frivolous word that bubbles up inside us, that spills over, effervescent, and lights up the world for ourselves and those we love...  I chose sparkle as my word of the year.  I think I failed.  Thinking back, sparkle is not a word that even makes sense for me.  Sparkling requires lots of light, lots of energy...  Lots of pretty pep.  No wonder.  I'm glad I chose it.  I think I added a smidge more fun to my life because of that word.

Hello, 2014.  You've been asking for a new word.   Lucky you.  You barely escaped the choosing of a truly busy word.  I want to accomplish many things and reintroduce crafting, projects, art, and creativity.  I thought maybe "diligent, industrious, work."

Later I considered the word, "glow."  A more steady, warm, sustainable form of sparkling.

Contentment...  Inner harmony.  I want to restore the portions of lost heart to my friends, family...  And myself.  Nurture...  Kindness...  Hope...

My friend Alison, suggested no word, just being.  Another friend seemed to indicate the wisdom of keeping the word a secret between you and the universe.

Beauty.  Commitment.  Composure.  I could revisit an old one, Authenticity.

 “You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself.” —Galileo Galilei  ....  So I return to the inner fires of beauty, contentment, ambition... To share an inner glow with the ones I love.  I choose ......

Creativity and Kindness...  Who says we can't choose two.