A new year means many different things to many different people. Resolutions, a fresh start, a renewed motivation to tackle those big projects….

Too me, the New Year is a day off of work (sort of) and the annual tradition of watching the Rose Parade. I can’t think of a better way for an artsy, horticulture nerd to bring in the new, especially living in a state where it’s literally the middle of winter. Since seasonal effective disorder is a big thing here so, there is nothing better, in my opinion, than watching floats full of flowers roll down the streets of sunny California.

This year, I got to not only see the sun on TV, but got to experience it in person. The entire first week of January was sunny and above average temperatures. Not quite like California, but I will take what I can get.

My flowers and I both took the time to bask in it’s beautiful, warm light.

New Year’s Day was especially a nice day for a walk.

The sun has been very elusive since, and I can tell by the moods and lack of motivation of myself and the people around me. When this happens, it’s now up to us to find our own light. Not just physical light but also the light inside each and every one of us.

Some of mine is found through hobbies like music, poetry and crafts. Living things like my indoor plants, my pets, and people I care about. Also from my Scandinavian ancestors and the traditions they instilled in the “dark of winter” by watching the fire light of the stove and lighting candles. Northern people in modern day have light boxes which I may actually break down and purchase this year.

Where do you find your light?