I actually really like January. Not only is it my birthday month (we all acknowledge that we have birthday months, not just days, right?), but it is the beginning of the year, full of hope and promise. The time for New Year's Resolutions.
   This year we will lose those extra pounds, exercise more, get organized. I start to crave plastic storage bins, shelves of books that are grouped by subject, shoes and purses in full view, neatly placed on shelves or on hooks.
   I always say my Capricorn self gets itchy, ready to go and organize. But somehow there is not enough time, or when there is time, not the inclination. I have tried to learn in the last few years, to savor small victories - one shelf in the cupboard, one drawer. I have a tendency to think "big project", but now realize we seldom have the opportunity. I put blinders on, give myself a limited time, say 45 minutes, and tackle one thing. I don't look over the whole project, just focus on that little piece of it.
   And it's amazing what you can get done in that small amount of time! And how much pleasure I can get from opening the cupboard door to savor one organized shelf, or let my gaze rest upon one area in the garden.
    January is a great time to get yourself organized!


  
    A new calendar - see our Tintin wall calendars and agendas, the fun Naos desk calendars you can re-arrange each month, or one featuring local artist Diana Aurigemmas's watercolors - is a must.
  
    A handmade album to hold your precious photos from last year, a new journal pretty enough to encourage you to write, or record your plants in the garden, your passwords, is a great choice, and we have some beauties to choose from.

   Maybe you need to change how you're storing your jewelry. We have several options, from various sizes of wood boxes, to racks for the wall or dresser.

   Small steps, little victories!