Hello, dear friends. How have you been? I can't believe that all of January went by with just one post from me. Not my intention at all -- it just sort of happened. Part of it was feeling a little bit depressed (as I get from time to time) about materialism and whatnot that can be part of the loveliness of the blog world. Part of it has been a very real lack of computer time. And a huge part of it was a difficult struggle with writer's block. I know the general advice for writer's block is to try to work through it, but that's also a challenge. I once read an interview with Heather B. Armstrong where she said that she sometimes has such horribly painful writer's block that it is actually crippling. Of course, a big difference between me and Heather is that I don't make a dime off my blog, much less support my whole family with it! Anyway, I'm going to try harder.

I do have a few things in mind, although the writer's block is still naggingly present.

I haven't been good about getting my 365 photos uploaded to flickr, either -- that is not for lack of taking them (I've missed just a few times times -- I think 3 or so -- still some misses, but not too bad for my first attempt at something like this), but really because of the very reduced time I've had for the computer. Anyway, my goal is to do this! So here's to a better effort.

Here are some photo highlights from January:

Home comforts and simple pleasures kept our sometimes hectic days in check.

Many different, delicious beverages were enjoyed.

I ripped out an entire sweater.

And started it over.

Our world was a beautiful place.

If you visit my 365 set, you can see each photo from the month and read some reflections on nearly each of the days. Some are funny, some are sweet, one includes a recipe ... they will help you get a better idea of what has been going on with me for the last, quiet, month.

uncommon grace