Two Guidebooks for the New Year

As we are on the brink of 2012, I wanted to share a two books I plan to use as guides into the new year.  The first, I am so excited about.  I actually started reading Organized Simplicity last October during my last 20 Bags in 20 Days challenge.  It actually took the wind out of my sails a bit, as I saw that this book was asking me to take my humble attempts at organizing and purging to a whole other glorious level.

I read all the wonderfully laid out theory and vision part and then stopped at the halfway point - the point where the real work began - and put it aside for the new year...which is now HERE!  I'm tired of the disorder and the time I waste taking care of things that are not useful, necessary, or beautiful.  I'm so excited to begin the Big Purge and give my family a fresh start at clutter-free, intentional living.  So you'll be hearing more about my progress and what I learn in the next couple months especially, and I'd love to have you join me!  You know you won't regret it. : )

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My second book is one I'm sure most of you have heard of.  Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts. I also started this one a couple months ago and then reluctantly gave my copy it away as a gift.  It is so strongly stirring and uniquely beautiful, after the first few chapters you feel desperate to share this treasure of a book with someone else quick-quick.

So I will start this year rereading in earnest, accompanied by a little journal to record my own list of one thousand gifts.  It will be a lovely compliment to my Organizing venture, and encourage you with all my heart to get your copy today.

As the new year hasn't started yet, I've been indulging in an old favorite. Though I've read Little Women nearly half a dozen times - about every two or three winters - it always feels fresh and never fails to encourage my heart and inspire me for vigorous home living.  I've already had a good cry over it and sweet Beth hasn't even died yet. 

Oh my, I am looking forward to the new year.  

Life is not picture perfect and change along with the great unknowns can seem threatening, but after all there is great cause to be hopeful and merry.

So once again, Happy New Year to you, friend!