Happy New Year.

It’s begun with much snow and ice in New England, and as tough as than can be (especially when I’m walking Buddy the Schnauzer first thing in the morning) I’ve been struck by one of the true gifts of living in a climate like this: things change before your very eyes.

The world is transformed.

My neighborhood in January looks nothing like my neighborhood in June.

The Charles River, a few blocks from my home, is not the same from week to week.

The blanket of snow and exposed architecture of the trees wake me up to new appreciations. Even when it’s miserable (and today, folks, it’s pretty miserable) I remember that this too shall pass.

On my desk, I’ve got a purple post-it up: Cultivate cheerfulness.

I just don’t see any alternative.