Happy New Year from the Napa Valley! We woke up on New Year’s Day to frost on the front lawn and 24-degrees on the thermometer. That is a very cold temperature in the wine country.
New Years is one of my favorite times of the year. It is not only an opportunity to “start fresh”, but also a chance to reflect on the past year. In a year that globally witnessed several severe natural disasters, heartbreaking violence, and a lot of hatred, I am reminded of the importance of gratitude. I feel so blessed in my life.
One of my resolutions each year has been to find happiness in the little things. I feel so fortunate to have found such happiness in my garden, and to be able to share it with you.
The current state of my garden is very much a reflection of this time of year: freshly cleaned, but at rest. There is something special about the silence and calm that comes with winter – it gives me a chance to catch up on outstanding tasks, and to plan for the coming year.
In life, just as in my garden, there are periods of frost, but every spring the buds still come out of the earth. These buds are the sign of resilience and that we all can find little bits of happiness in our lives.
Carolyn and I wish you all a very happy, healthy and peaceful 2016!
