PrincipledMom™

This time of year is always exciting to me. Like a yard full of fresh, untrodden snow, the year lays before me pristine and full of promise. So I get out my thinking cap and start in on my goals for the new year.

I heard someone offer an alternative to resolutions that really resonated with me. Instead of losing weight, saving money or other typical task-oriented resolutions, why not try a new angle. Decide how you can become a better person this year.

You are many people: mother, wife, neighbor, sister, etc. Why not decide to make these better people over the course of 2008. How can you be a better neighbor? Friend? Wife and mother? Church member? Christian? Even if you fall short of your ideal, you will still be better off than if you had never tried at all. And so will the people you touch in every day life.

To all my online and IRL friends

Merry Christmas!

Have a wonderful Christmas and a very very happy New year! I pray your home will be filled with love and laughter and the Spirit of Christmas. May your new year be filled with God's abundant blessings and the joy of serving the living God.

Believe it or not, I was nominated in the controversial but fun HSB blog awards. There are two I'm up for (best encourager and best curriculum/business).  I don't see myself winning against the stiff competition, but it's fun to be nominated all the same. Check out the categories by clicking the logo below:

And while you are there, make sure to vote for Dana of Principled Discovery ("Live what you believe" and "Current events") and Renae of Life Nurturing Education (Artistic content). The BPA community needs representation at these awards, so get over there and vote for these ladies!

This year for Christmas gift-giving many people are trying to stop the commercialism and go handmade. Giving a gift made by hand doesn't mean you have to make it with your own hands. Feel free to patronize artists and craftspeople and enjoy more of your precious holiday time, knowing you are helping artists and avoiding the commercialism trap.

I have added 5 new books to my Etsy store. Blank books make terrific gifts for almost anyone on your list. Some are made with handmade paste paper and hand-marbled paper. Enjoy!

Visit Anna Hawthorne Studios right now!

I am also available to make custom books. If you have someone on your list with a particular passion or interest, I can create a one-of-a-kind book that they will love. Contact me at anna at annahawthorne dot com for details and pricing and we can get started on it today!