bullet journal seasons

Fresh year, fresh start

January 07, 2026

I have always loved January. When I was a young girl, it was a wonderful time to hang onto the warmth and good memories of Christmas. But also to look forward to a fresh new year, and all the possibilities it held. I've always been an inveterate list maker, and January is perfect for making lists - for projects you want to start or finish, homekeeping ideas, gardening ideas and plans, lists of books to read - I could go on and on.

As I've gotten older, I have loved having January as a month of coziness and hibernation. Making plans and dreams, yes, but also for recharging the creative juices and energy levels. It's always nice to do some cleaning out, clear away the clutter and make room for fresh ideas, fresh projects or just fresh flowers. It's also nice to give yourself the gift of rest.

For the last several years, January is usually ALL about preparing for the Nashville Needlework Market at the beginning of March. But there’s still some time for planning, recharging and reflecting. A new calendar or planner is a great gift to yourself for the new year. A new sketchbook doesn't hurt either :)

We've got new things in the works around here and you'll start seeing those in the next few weeks. We'll be wrapping up the last two months of The Shepherd's Year with April & May.

And believe it or not, it will only be a few more weeks before sneak peeks of Nashville Needlework Market will be everywhere. (Actually, I've already seen a few from other designers - wow!)