Bonne année! Happy New Year!!

Wishing you–our readers, friends, community arts partners and members–a joyful, creative, adventurous and wonderful new year!

The New Year promises great things! Over the holidays, don’t we often step back from the endless to-do lists, commitments and pressures, to take time to let our minds and hearts process things–and then envision the New Year as a place of great new possibilities? All the things we can do, be, see, give and learn!

Over the holidays, I put on a pair of new skis and went up to the top of a mountain in the Eastern Townships of Québec. Dressed for minus 17 and standing in the wind atop the mountain, I gazed out at the expansive view then pointed my skis downward. Knees bent, body braced, all attention on the terrain immediately in front. Then quick negotiations around moguls and icy patches, and the sweet meditative rhythm of long stretches of just swooshing back and forth down the mountain. Stopping from time to time, checking on my family–are they coming? Are they okay? Or are they far ahead of me? Feeling the presence of others zipping up beside me, crossing in front and hearing the scraping of blades just behind me. Listening, focusing and then paying attention just enough so that my mind could wander.

Back at the desk in the ArtBridges’ office. First day back. Waiting for staff to come in. Reminders on notes about the big and little things to get started on in January. Notes with heartfelt Seasons’ Greetings and New Year’s wishes. Re-engaging. Will just point my “skis downward” and let go and get into all that the New Year brings. Letting gravity pull me and move me gently or–not so gently–forward. …Enough of the reflection!…Hey everyone, Happy New Year!! We look forward to connecting and ‘ArtBridging’!!

-Seanna Connell, Project Director