What is it about New Year's Day that inspires so many people to start over, to set goals, and to make personal commitments to finally stick to them? It's the blank slate. The fresh start. The clean house. The brand new. The unopened. The untarnished. The unwritten. It's all of those things and more. But really? It's hope. It's hope for a better tomorrow. For a second chance. For forgiveness. For freedom from chains. For sunlight on a rainy day-or in some cases? Life. So m

The finches bright yellow shouts "find happiness!" The morning dove coos, "breathe deep, smell this fresh new day!" Chitter, chatter and the squirrels' tail pulses in excitement over seeds dropped and shared by the birds overhead. Blue Jays swoop, cardinals sing. The dog basks in the sun. "Thank you for the cool drink", bobs the head of the sparrow in the bird bath. "Let's play chase!" screeches the robin as he chases after another. Close your eyes human.