ring out, wild bells

A tip of the hat to Alfred Lord Tennyson. Ring out the old, ring in the new. Whether it is a human construct or not, the opportunity to leave old burdens behind and start afresh is a gift.

It is very possible that I, in my house whose population has dwindled to two (plus dogs) this evening, will not ring in the new year at midnight, but at the first light of the new year. There is so much sense in this. Take a look at this link to an article by Simon Winchester about New Year traditions. Great food for thought.

Here is a toast to high hopes for 2010.