Oh, 2015. You were a little bittersweet, weren't you? But you certainly delivered on your promise of simplicity. For good and for bad. But we'll get to that.

I love the enthusiasm of looking forward to a new year and a fresh start. It gives us an opportunity to be intentional and refocus, when it's so easy to get caught up in the pace of life the rest of the year. But we shouldn't be so quick to jump in that we don't reflect on the past year -- our important accomplishments (be proud!) and the valuable lessons we learned from the things that didn't go so well.

Is there a word that’s resonating with you as 2015 begins? I remember considering this last year, but was never really able to settle on anything. I watched others declare theirs, and wished I could join along, but just couldn’t find the inspiration. 2014 was a great year, don’t get me wrong, but there wasn’t necessarily a core theme.

This year, though, feels different already. I couldn’t have more clarity about my word for the year: simplicity. And, oh, am I so excited to see what this year brings.

It’s gotten almost comical, really. Each year, I wait to see how my best-laid birthday plans will go awry. This year is turning out pretty good! That is, in terms of upended plans. :) I’m visiting dear friends in Nashville, and had planned a fun day of solo sightseeing, while my friends’ jobs held them captive. Breakfast, local landmarks, lunch and boot shopping (!!) with my friend who was going to be able to steal away from work for a couple of hours.