end of Januarypalooooza!

I doubt it shows, but I am none to heartbroken to give a big ole kiss goodbye to the month of January.  No offense to the January birthdays of my kith and kin, because your birthdays are part of what give this old month some very lovely moments.  But, I am ready to step into a new month and try it on for size.  See if the pinks and reds of February fit a little better than the (sometimes) grays and browns of January.  

over and out january blahs--hello pink february love

In all fairness, January had more than one beautiful day.  Days warmer than I would have dared to hope for during an East Coast winter month.  Days that gave us the soft whisper of heavenly powdered sugar flakes, and April sunshine and new friends called snowdrops.  We are blessed.

So, without further adieu, I present to you the newest featurette of my little blog.  Drum roll please (feel free to do it aloud or in your head-either works).  

The photo of the month.  Exciting, I know.  That’s why I bolded and italicized that sucker.  Try to contain your joy.

So, here is my favorite photo from January:

January 2012

I chose this photo, because this day was filled with a big unexpected gift from the Beloved.  It was one of the younger days in January, and it was in the 60s outside.  If you know me, it doesn’t get much better in my life book than warm weather in the winter. Ella and I celebrated with chalk rainbows, and I breathed in the joy of the sunshine and springtime of the new year.  It encouraged me in my soul that this year would be filled with even more glorious fragrances of love and more surprisingly unexpected joys from Heaven.  

So, there you have it.  Some pre-Feb lovin’.  

On Sunday my dear friend Sarah came over for dinner, and we took a vote--3 Texans and 1 Californian--and decided that we are a leetle sick of the leafless world we currently dwell.  I know, I know, poor pitiful pearls.  But, this weekend I did my best to bring some Spring colors into a Winter world.  

Coupled with the glorious sunshine from Heaven, and lovely flowers dear Christina gave me for being sick, I felt pretty successful.  

Exibit A:

Exibits B-G:

And for an end of January present, God gave me 3 days off of work this week.  Oh baby, am I going to do some serious crafting, cleaning, and general frolickings.  It feels good, this end of Januaryish vibe.  Have yourself a party.  Or have a coffee and doughnut in a room turned golden by the sunshine next to some very friendly flowers. Or use (possibly excessive amounts) of food coloring to decorate a strawberry cake. Whichever manner of celebrating you choose, make it colorful and happy. This is a worthy occasion, my friends.

here are some end of January (not my) words of wisdom:

"Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if He wants anything of you,

He will fit you for the work and give you strength." -St Philip Neri