My wise friends, Corrine and Elvin Heiberg, are firm believers in “the birthday month”, deeming the whole month in which someone’s birthday falls as special. My own birthday falls in January. The Heibergs have converted me to this celebratory view of January, helping me enjoy the austere pleasures of the spare colors and quiet, solitary moments after all the sparkle and excitement of the holidays.

This year of 2016 is a special one for me as I am anticipating the publication of my first book-length collection of poems. (I shall be posting more details on that closer to the publication date.) For now, I have decided to post one poem inspired by Northfield and its people each week, beginning on Tuesday, January 5. Some of these poems are part of the new book, some not. I hope that you will enjoy them. Today, I offer a few January photos from past years taken near my Northfield home.

Wishing you peace and quiet contentment,

Leslie