Resolved.

I don't make too many New Years resolutions anymore.  I made a crazy amount of them two years ago, and while they did serve me well, I've come to the realization that well-intending to-do lists don't lead to enduring life change.  But, the ideologies behind those to-do lists can effect positive change, I believe.  With that in mind, I here proclaim my New Year's Resolution:

I resolve to pursue happiness relentlessly, and to seek beauty every day.

And, that's about it.

Now, because good intentions mean nothing unless they are put into action, I have identified a couple particular to-do list items for the year.  One of these is to attempt to find something beautiful every day (as clearly stated in the resolution).  I've recently become one of the populous of smartphone owners, meaning that I always have a camera at my disposal.  So find beauty I will, photograph it I shall, and here post it for others to see.  My hope, then, is that by appreciating the little beautiful things of my life, I'll point myself on a path of greater thankfulness and appreciation for the everyday blessings that often get overrun by stress and anxiety.

Oh, and I'm going to try to write more.  Obviously.

So check back every day for something beautiful.  In the meantime, here are some beautiful things from the first week of 2013.

Lone Elk Park (St. Louis, MO)

Elk in Winter (St. Louis, MO)

Degas and Others (St. Louis Art Museum)

A Child, through the Eyes of Monet (St. Louis Art Museum)

Art Hill (St. Louis, MO)