“Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy,

For good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence.”

 Proverbs 27:9-10

William Henry Channing was a preacher and editor, contemporary of Emerson, Thoreau, Ripley and other Transcendentalists, and Chaplain of the US House of Representatives from 1863-64.  While I don’t typically make New Year resolutions, I am going to let these words of Channing’s guide me through my days…

 “To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common -- this is my symphony.”

 W.H. Channing ~ “Symphony”

 My wish for you in the coming year is for good health, peace, prosperity, and a deep and happy heart! 

I sincerely appreciate your patronage and your friendship and eagerly look forward to the coming year.

 "Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay‚—
Stay till the good old year,
So long companion of our way,
Shakes hands, and leaves us here.

 Days brightly came and calmly went,
While yet he was our guest;
How cheerfully the week was spent!
How sweet the seventh day’s rest!

Even while we sing, he smiles his last,
And leaves our sphere behind.
The good old year is with the past;
Oh be the new as kind!"

 William Cullen Bryant (1859)

 Until next month, my friends, I wish you unparalleled joy in every lovely January day!

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