Snowdrops, happenstance, and a new calendar

Happy New Year

The month of January is hobby month, and I decided to share my paper snowdrops because they're cheerful ... especially when photographed in the sunlight.

Turns out, snowdrops are also the flower of the month for January and, not surprising, they represent hope and rebirth. Excellent!

The flowers I make are the ones that capture my attention. It's that simple, really. There are no ulterior motives ... other than hoping I have the paper and supplies I need on hand ... and finding the instructions and tips I need to create them.

When I did the research on snowdrops, I held my breath, worried that the flower might symbolize something unfavorable. What then?

I was glad that the snowdrop represents hope and rebirth, but maybe I don't need to worry so much about it. Every flower I've researched has multiple meanings. Each one, in some way, symbolizes hope, love, and sorrow ... the very things life embodies.

Symbolism ... is it helpful or a hindrance?

Like flowers, the new year is full of symbolism ... endings and new beginnings, a fresh start.

Have you made resolutions? Yes. No?

Either way, maybe the best we can do is focus and apply ourselves to the things we want to create, do, or change; work at accepting what can't be changed; and in the meantime, pause to see the wonder that surrounds us.

The remarkable petals of a flower, the sound of the wind through the trees, the tears that come when you chop an onion, or the comfort found in a spoonful of warm soup when there's a chill in the air.

But most of all ... remember that starting or staying with something new is never easy, but persistence is key.

Happy New Year!

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