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Good Thursday Morning, Friends!
I have been out in hiking shoes exploring a new-to-me part of the world.
My husband and I escaped to New Mexico, Land of Enchantment, this week between Christmas and New Year. I loved every second of our travel (even the delays) and am just getting back and settled.
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| Thumbnails of several great travel moments. Dec. '24. Linda Mitchell |
Thank you, Margaret at Reflections on the Teche, for managing Spiritual Journey Thursday and hosting our first post of 2025.
Thank you, Mary Lee at A(noth)er Year of Reading for managing our Poetry Friday schedule and hosting our first round-up of this new year.
I had quite a time choosing One-Little-Word for 2025. There were several contenders and, I even started idea banks for a few. But frankly, after the election of '24, some of the words lost their sparkle.
More than serious thought, my spirit needs a bit of whimsy and play in 2025. Between November and December 30th, I narrowed my choices down to two and without explanation presented both words to two family members. They both chose the same word. If it had been a coin-toss this word would have won.
My word for 2025 is...
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| Barefoot Young Girl Wearing Dress and Hat; Fake Beach Scenery in Background. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2002711742/>. |
Barefoot and I are just getting to know each other. I look forward to the fun we'll have. And, I'm excited to see what words other poets and friends have chosen.
2025 Arrives
Barefoot Cinderella after midnight. On tiptoes in the threshold humming a tune not yet ready for sleep.
I pad to the kitchen,
light a flame under the kettle.
Pull cups from the cupboard,
make space at my table
for whatever fairy tales
stories or poetry New Year brings.
Linda Mitchell--draft
As it turns out, barefoot and the poem above also fits the bill for this month's inkling challenge from Heidi to select a Yuletide prompt to respond to.
To see other Inkling responses to this challenge, please visit:
Heidi @my juicy little universe
Molly @Nix the Comfort Zone
Margaret @Reflections on the Teche
Catherine is taking this week off. Hugs to her!
Linda, barefoot is a great word. Being barefoot allows us to feel the earth beneath our feet and to connect with it. It reminds me of the carefree days of being a child running around barefoot without a care in the world. It is a word of happiness and joy. Hope your year is filled with both. Bob
ReplyDeleteLinda, this is a lovely choice of whimsy for 2025. I can imagine you in your kitchen, barefoot Cinderella, seeing how to "make space at [your] table" for all the good that will come from this new word. A blessed 2025 to you!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love it! So many possible meanings for that word. I've been feeling the need for joy this year - silliness, simplicity, and joy. May 2025 bring all that your heart desires, and more!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful post Linda! I 💙 your OLW and especially the pic and poem, offering so many smiles–thanks for this lovely scene you painted, can I join you there… ps I was thinking about a painting with mermaids or fairies-perhaps I'll dream about it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great word! And making space for fairy tales, stories and poetry while barefoot. Love it!
ReplyDeleteHa! This is a word I can get behind, baby! You always choose good ones, actually, but I love a OLW that seems too small and specific to lead much of anywhere until someone wide-open starts playing with it--and you have already begun. Let the toe-twinkling commence!
ReplyDeleteThat word entices, Linda. I love your poem and the invitation of that second line, "On tiptoes in the threshold"! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteBarefoot! What a perfect choice! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteLove this! What a great word and a fun poem.
ReplyDeleteI never would have guessed this word. You seem to choose challenging words. Barefoot for me is a challenge now with plantar fasciitis. My doctor advises against it, so I'm living in Hokas. Nevertheless, I love the playfulness of this word and know you will take it into many different creative directions.
ReplyDeleteSanta Fe is one of our favorite places. I love your photo collage. I want to hear more about your discoveries there.
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely fun word! I'll picture you at your table, barefoot and making room for fairy tales, stories, and poetry. Somehow, I think we may need them more than ever this year!
ReplyDeleteBarefoot is the perfect word to "heel" your "sole", Linda. Happy 2025 ❤
ReplyDeleteOh, how I love this version of Cinderella AND the idea of barefoot as your OLW!!
ReplyDeleteOh! I love everything about this post, especially the playful nature of your chosen word and the wonderful accompanying photo! I can't to hear more about your trip out west and to follow along on your barefooted adventures in this new year.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun word to walk with this coming year, Linda! I love the idea of making space by removing shoes and socks and letting our toes delight in the poems and stories to come. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteNew Mexico, especially northern NM. And your word is brilliant. I am an OG barefoot girl (should have been a hobbit) I love it and your poem, can hear the water kettle.
ReplyDeleteLinda, your 2025 one word is full of playful delight. I love the thought that barefoot is going to guide you to a whimsical time of your life. I look forward to barefoot's Padlet. I am glad that you enjoyed your holiday. Your first poem shines with a Barefoot Cinderella as the main character. Fairytale poem-that's a new one.
ReplyDeleteWhat a playful word to guide you through the year, Linda! May your year be filled with whimsy and wonder and lots of poems and stories.
ReplyDeleteBarefoot just brings all sorts of things to mind...childhood, of course...texture...temperature...summer! And those photos of the feet of indigenous tribemembers in the Australian outback...a barefoot life! xo
ReplyDelete