baby, it's cold outside, and thank goodness for January (not because of New Year's resolutions)

Here in Ohio it's been pretty darn cold these past few days; nose hair freezing kind of cold. The line on everyone's lips seems to be, "but we've been so lucky," meaning that we had a really warm fall and these are are first cold days-so don't complain about it. I have a dear friend from Nashville arriving tomorrow who can't stand the cold. She already emailed to
ask about snow.  I love the cold and snow. Mabel, our Newfie and I prefer winter. I am happy
bundling up in my favorite sweaters and watching the kids sled down the tiny hill across the street.

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, kids home from college, visitors, parties, cookies-and for us-a new puppy in the mix, I'm very grateful that it's January. As much as I love all of the above, I am ready for some gathering in and
quiet time. My favorite January things are Downton Abbey (so sad it's the last season), starting a knitting project I rarely finish but enjoy tremendously while I watch Downton Abbey, ice skating, taking walks with my one of my best friends in the snow-only when it's the perfect temperature (warm enough to snow, not too cold to freeze my *&% off). Seeing the 
predicted Oscar nominated movies with Stuart, reading a juicy novel, and last, but not the very least, staying in my 
jammies on Sundays and reading the newspaper all morning.

I don't make new year's resolutions. I used to when I was younger, and then I learned that just because the day changed, and the year changed I was not going to change overnight. I believe change happens over time, and that we have to learn more about who we are before we can change (this is called The Paradoxical Theory of Change-one of the core concepts
of Gestalt Therapy).

So far, so good. The first episode of Downton was delightful, this week has been quiet so far, and I have not changed 
anything, except I put a little more mustard in my favorite chicken recipe. 

​Happy New Year, and stay warm.

Mustard Chicken Recipe:
I leave out the bacon,  use coconut milk instead of creme fraiche, and use chicken breasts  for a healthier alternative
Poulet a la Moutard: David Leibovitz




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