I have many plans for this blog. Many ideas of themes and quotes, do's and don'ts.  Right now, my plan is to create a more outlined plan. A plans, plan if you will. That plans plan will require the few days of ringing in the new year, where I can be under a blanket with my keyboard and my ideas.

For now, though, before the plan goes into full, my style effect-I can only reflect.

Today, mid afternoon, at a much needed table outside with a favorite chocolately salted caramel goodness in hand, I was discussing with good company how near we are to another year. Last year, about this time, following a year that seemed to hold many changes with my grandaddys' passing and family relocation, I wished so badly for 2012 to arrive. Alas, it came, and brought with it challenges our family never imagined facing. With these challenges we've blossomed into stronger, more loving, more giving, better people. I am sure that at the close of 2012 that I have a much different perspective on life than at the close of 2011. Perhaps that has come with age, and new experiences or moving and beginning new adventures; but I can truthfully say, though the lessons we've been faced to learn over the year have been more tough than imaginable, those moments that hurt us most as they were happening, may be the most valuable in shaping who we are.

The beard sometimes looks at me, with his attorney-esque posed statement, and asks why I do not make things simple. Events, suppers, hosting company, holidays, birthdays-he is a keep it simple guy. Don't get me wrong, his simple is still incredibly special but hes going to cut the gift tags in squares instead of hearts, circles instead of a fully decorated stocking with a monogram. I like to make things special, whether it is for someone else, or supper for me that night. My most grand life lesson in 2012 was that we honestly never know which day will be our last, or if there will be a few burnt canapes or wilted tulips in the bunch. Not only do we need to make each day count, but why not throw a little glitter in there and make each day a party, an event and a little extra-ordinary?