Winter White & a Fresh Start

Why, in January, do we have the confidence that we can improve and attain a better life?

Why do we all practice this cycle every year, ambitiously seeking change, and steadfastly declaring our resolutions?

Most of us do this because, deep within, we want a chance to start over, to get a second chance.

We each truly want the best out of life and each of us has unique talent to offer this spinning world.

We all mess up constantly and are painfully aware of our highlighted mistakes.

We want a chance to BE AGAIN:
a new chance to be that gentle parent,
a new chance to be the exciting lover,
a new chance to try for that job promotion,
a new chance to win a race,
a new chance to make good grades,
a new chance to be the best we believe we are.

If we STOP trying again each January, we STOP believing in ourselves. As long as we boldly make an ambitious resolution then we still believe that WE CAN DO IT... we still believe that we can be the us we always wanted.

So if you make goals this year, if you're eager to strive for improvement, then you are alive, ready for 2010.

Because we all long for a "do over", a 2nd chance....or even a 10th chance. And January seems to offer us that.



Now, about that winter white...

This gorgeous photo shows the stunning talent of Tracey at French Larkspur. Every time I visit I feel motivated and peaceful...all at the same time! She has decorating talent that energizes me! I would love to imitate this photo in my own home sometime in 2010. I can't get enough of this picture!! It is PERFECT! Yes, it makes me giddy.

Since white represents new, clean, and fresh, I wanted to share some of the WHITE that is in my home sweet cozy home this season.

*Jack*Frost* visited our backyard

Dakotah (my middle son) and I gathered nature outside
and we spray-painted it all WHITE
for this winter centerpiece.

I actually used a winter SCARF for the table runner,
flannel and all.

Because cable knit sweaters can be worn by candles too!
White SWEATER candles (!!!!)
from the always inspiring Anthropologie.
...also one of my FAVORITE Christmas gifts this year!

Absolutely in love with these candles!
And in love STILL with these worn ruffles found on
etsy at the Shabby Chic Cottage.

Personally, I'm a big pen-to paper goal girl! Since our first year of marriage, my husband and I have a tradition of making a categorized WRITTEN LIST of goals for us with several different categories. We still have our lists from previous years. It's incredible how much making these lists have helped us reach our dreams!

We set aside a set time to meet together and discuss the goals of the New Year.
This year I have a white little **table for two** set
for a special dinner
and a "Goals Meeting" to follow.

Antiqued ice skates and
the trendy faux mercury
are used for the January centerpiece.

I started collecting a set of fine china when I got married.
It's rarely used but I pulled out 2 settings **just for fun**
for us to use with this dinner!

Having a meal from fine china is one of life's little delights....

My china is Noritake White Scapes Whitecliff Platinum
for all the tablescape buffs! ;)

The napkins are vintage whites
given to my by my extra kind neighbor.

And that's about all the white I have in my home right now!

Enjoy the white season and the newness of January
and press on to reach YOUR full potential.

This post is linked to DIY Day, Works for Me Wednesday, Show and Tell, Tablescape Thursday, Inspired Room