Growing through the Grey; Iain Clark.

Universe in a Forest.

Growth in Space.

At almost two weeks into the new year, I find myself musing on the nature of this month and the effect it often has on people. January prompts us to make a fresh start, make resolutions, and better ourselves. But it's also often quite a bleak time of year - a grey month to grow through before things can really begin to get better.

These paintings by UK artist Iain Clark encapsulate this feeling for me - skeletal trees striking out for the sky, and ghostly tendrils of growth in the gloom. I do think January can be a difficult and dark time of year. Maybe it's all a question of reconciling fear of the future with finding motivation.

Resolutions.

I think these coasters from Lucky Bee Press would be an awesome addition to a New Year's Eve dinner table.

Controversial comment: I am not a very big fan of big New Year's Eve parties. I prefer to celebrate in the relative calm of my home, among family and loved ones.

This year, I am making quite a concrete resolution: I am only going to eat meat when I can buy it from a local farmer, in person. I don't eat much meat anyway, but I reckon this amazing cookbook will make it easier.

Whatever you are choosing to do this New Year's Eve, and whatever resolutions you make, I wish you a wonderful 2012.