Happy 2014!

Wishing you 

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LIFE

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LOVE

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FREEDOM

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JOY

Happy 2014!

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.  -Jesus  (John 10:10)

Candleboats and New Year’s Eve

My family and I enjoyed a quiet, comfortable New Year’s Eve at home. I made an Israeli inspired dinner influenced by The Frugal Gourmet Keeps The Feast. Before we began eating we lit our little walnut shell candleboats. In turn we each said our wish/prayer for the coming year then we set our boats floating. It went off so well that I think I will make this little ritual a yearly tradition. I got the idea for the floating walnut candles from one of my favorite books on seasonal celebrations All Year Round. The candles and their reflections gave off a really nice luminous glow throughout the meal.
Our peaceful family dinner on New Year’s Eve was the complete opposite of the New Year’s Day festivities. We entertained a houseful of our boisterous friends and ate way too much food of the decadent variety. Two celebrations couldn’t have been more different but at the very heart of them they were just the same. Ringing in the unknown new year with those we love. Being thankful just because you are doing it together.