Image of open journal inviting me to write. 

What are your New Year’s Resolutions?

In 2025, I vow to use and enjoy without guilt things saved. 

My pristine collection of leather bound journals deserve attention. I run my hand across the smooth leather covers. Opening the oldest journal, I admire the heavy brown paper within and a ribbon marking my last written entry. The newer book features a stamped tree design on its cover and a leather strap bookmark. 

Every page is empty. Each journal intimidates and invites me to write at the same time. But what will I write? I feel pressure to produce profound and journal-worthy material.

Then I shake this worry off and laughing to myself. Profound thoughts, huh? Who am I?

Well, I’m not a philosopher. Call me a discovery writer who starts writing without knowing where she’ll end up. It’s like following an unknown trail in the woods, getting lost, and finding your way out again and again.

My mighty Waterman pen and I must begin somewhere. The pen, a treasured gift, feels heavy with the weight of our challenge. 

What matters is the act of thinking and the discipline of writing. The ideas will flow—slow or fast. Some days, serious words will build on each other. Other days, my words may swirl across the page in a flimsy, light, or whimsical way.

Maybe these words bond becoming a haiku, or my list becomes a prose poem, or I create complete nonsense. I’ve decided it’s time well spent.

I hope you make time for your resolutions and have fun achieving them.

***

            Here’s a poem I wrote inspired by an embroidered guest towel. 

If Only 

If onlys, small regrets, lost honor 
steal time, joy, and pride
before learning forgiveness. 

Guest towels, fancy soaps, bath bombs
lose softness, scent, and shape
before pampering family.      

Fine china, crystal goblets, real silver
collect chips, dust, and dullness
after serving only visitors.  

Fig jam, lemon curd, kumquat jelly
turn bitter, sour, and ugly
before spoiling anyone.

Knit mittens, patchwork quilts, wooly scarves   
become lost, worn, and forgotten
after warming no child.

Fine paper, fountain pens, custom seals
will fade, dry, and crack
after writing no words.

Diamond pendants, black pearls, gold rings 
define style, wealth, and love  
before adorning anyone.    

Little luxuries, prized objects, cherished gifts
forge customs, gratitude, and memories
every day and always.