Happy New Year!

"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit."  This inspiring quote by Helen Keller is on the January page of the beautiful wall calender for 2012 I've put up in my study, designed by the wonderful American heart and home exponent, Susan Branch.  With the start of the year comes fresh beginings and where better to feel invigorated than at the coast.  The tang of salt air, keen wind and bright sun were a real tonic when I went to the Witterings in West Sussex for a walk on Monday, the last official working day off of the festive break.  Looking across to the Isle of Wight, I enjoyed the elemental beauty of the waves and sense of new horizons.  A few hardy kite surfers and wind surfers were out in their wetsuits slicing through the waves at great speed, being whipped along by strong gusts.  I'm sure the sensation must be exhilarating, but the cold water and fierce wind didn't appeal to me. So as a whole new year starts to unfurl, sieze the moment, go where your heart draws you and enjoy this gift of life.  An optimistic outlook achieves far more pleasure than may be imagined.