Yesterday, the 6th of January was Epiphany – the Christian feast celebrating the wise men meeting baby Jesus, but also informally recognised as the date by which (certainly in Europe) all Christmas decorations have to be down.  Which really seems a far better date to make New Year Resolutions – far away from hangovers, chaos and tinsel – and when there’s a general sense of cleansing and moving on.  There’s been time to think about what really matters and mull over plans.   For instance, I’m taking on this idea..a thought jar..a place for one captivating thought or quote a day which can be put away for a rainy moment…it’s by my computer now.

Charlie and I have also started on our Epiphany Tablecloth..an idea adapted from the lovely Kerry from Love Those Hands at Home (who also sells vintage linen at her etsy shop)…she re-blogged a special story about a family Christmas cloth, with little messages embroidered on every year by members of the family, of love, of happiness, of major events.  I recognise my limitations and before Christmas is too much..but now? I want to reminisce about Christmas and year gone by, and I so appreciate these treasures created out of nothing but time and love till they have a magical, talismanic quality created by and just for the family.

Each family member writes their name and something on the cloth with pencil (We want it to be special so we’re using a vintage irish linen tablecloth) then it’s simply embroidered.  The original cloth was made with red and green embroidery thread for alternate odd and even years…we’ve gone for white and creams, just to be a bit different., to be able to use it at different times of the year…and keep people looking closer..

There was another post that hit a chord.. Rachel Olsen wrote on the Huffington post about not having a list of resolutions that will inevitably get broken, but rather have a single word that encapsulates the whole year.  I’ve thought about what my word would be..fitter? tighter? creative?

But the one I’m going to go with is ‘Zone’.  If I can zone my mind to all the things I really want to do…then they’ll all happen.

Well..that’s the plan!

Laters, Zoning already…Kate x