a quiet, meditative new year's eve in my little corner. quiet feels just right, actually. a few weeks ago i finally put up this shelf above a 1940's vintage desk i inherited from my grandmother. i hung the shelf at mantle height and it's been a lovely, candle lit stage for the holiday season. a large mirror rests on it and reaches nearly to the ceiling, which really brings more light and the illusion of height to the room.

also on the mantle, a collection of bare wood christmas trees. a salmon-pink vintage wreath from ink & peat hangs on the mirror. below the shelf, a wonderfully quirky painting by sam tudyk, a local portland painter. on the wall opposite, a gorgeous vintage moroccan wedding blanket, from maryam. i am completely besotted with it and love the way the sequins wink and sparkle.

happy, happy new year, my dear readers. i hope your holiday season has been warm, peaceful and bright with laughter. may 2009 bring us all good health, increasing prosperity and the energy to help make our world a better place.