new year thoughts...

i've read so many posts on new year's resolutions, theme words for the year, reflections on life, all very beautiful and all very inspiring.  and while i love the idea of ushering in a clean slate each january, i tend not to be big at making resolutions.  for the last couple of years or so, i've felt a real and genuine pull to live more simply. to be more conscientious of how i spend my time, our money and my energy.  to be more present and attentive to one another, to be a bit less connected to the virtual world and all it's addictive time zapping attractions, there are so many. i want to try  harder to make life special in simple ways for the people i love the most.  sometimes i fall short but there are a couple things that i think i do relatively well, one is cooking.   mealtime is one of my favorite times of the day. I honestly feel that it connects people.  i know i have said this before,  to me it is way more than just food and eating.  i love quiet intimate dinners and large loud dinner parties.  my favorite times are when the kids all stop by, we love to cook and hang out with them.  even if its just eating nachos around the football game.  it is my favorite family connection  i know meal planning and cooking will continue to be a main stay for 2014.