Happy Poetry Friday!
I live outside Philadelphia along a regional rail line into the city with stops at many small towns on what’s known as The Main Line. Even though my husband has lived in this area all of his life, and I for most of my life, there are some towns we haven’t visited in a long time and others we have never been to. As seniors we have free access to the rail line and have used it to travel into the city. When we do, invariably one of us will comment on how we should use the train to explore more of our area. What new restaurants or shops have cropped up in some of these small towns? What might we discover on a train adventure? So, I did some investigating, purchased a few gift cards, and for Christmas gave him a box of suggestions of places to go and things to see using the train as our transportation. I tell you all this because I think it was the origin of my One Little Word for 2024…explore.
I’ve been choosing a OLW for about ten years now. Sometimes they are soon forgotten or turn out to be not exactly the right word, but sometimes they serve me well, especially when they can extend beyond my writing life. I’m hoping to explore more about the area where I live, myself, and my writing in 2024 and see just where it leads.
In 2024…
discover
how curiosity
fosters new ideas
fills mind and heart
explore
Draft, 2024RoseCappelli
____________________________
On the Eve of a New Writing Year
looking forward like a bride
at the threshold of possibility
preparing the way
anticipating the light
inviting courage to explore my heart
and confidence to share it
Draft, 2024RoseCappelli
By the way, Allan and I had our first “exploring by train” this week. We decided to use one of the gift cards for lunch at a restaurant in Wynnewood. When we got there the restaurant was closed because of an electrical outage, but thanks to some exploring (and a little help from Google) we found another spot. I’ll keep you posted on our adventures.
Marcie has the round up today here. Be sure to stop by for news on her one word for 2024 and what adventures she has planned, plus a look back at 2023. And of course, lots more poetry goodness.
Image from Pixabay
Imagine the Possibilities 
Wheeeee! Explore is a fun word. I look forward to what you share from explorations. Happy New Year to you.
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Thanks, Linda! Happy New Year to you, too.
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I haven’t officially picked a word for a long time, but I sure do like going along for the ride with others’ words…LITERALLY with yours! What a fun word/goal/use of resources!! Oh, if only we had train service in Columbus!!!
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I have a vague remembrance of choosing Explore one year. I love how you are applying your OLW to a specific activity, exploring the world around you by train. What a great idea for a gift!
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Rose, what a fun gift idea! Exploring small town Alabama is one of my and DH’s favorite things to do…lunch, museums, parks, preserves, little junk shops…we have a special place in our hearts for gas stations that are also restaurants (some of the best east in rural Alabama!). Happy exploring! xo
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Thanks, Irene!
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Rose, what a wonderful choice! I am looking forward to reading about your explorations in 2024! I hope to get out of my comfort zone and explore more this year as well, so I eagerly await hearing about your journeys!
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“like a bride on the threshold of possibility” – wow! Rose, I am ever-grateful to be at this threshold with you. Here’s to courage and poetry friends!
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Thanks, Patricia. Yes – to courage and poetry friends!
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Oh, the threshold of possibility–I love that! And what a great gift idea, Rose! xo
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I love your word and the places to explore! This sounds like so much fun!
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Explore is a great word full of possibilities. Your poem “On the Eve of a New Writing Year” really hit home for me. I’m trying to do the same. It really does take courage for me to share my writing even in this very supportive community. xo
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It helps to keep in mind that others feel the same way. This community is so supportive and encouraging. Thank you for being part of it.
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So much in your post to ponder:
-a wonderful word for 2024
-lovely poems
-fantastic gift for your husband (andyou!)
Enjoy all your exploring this year.
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Thanks, Bev.
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Rose, what a great idea to explore via train! I would love getting on that train and checking out those stops. Seeing new things will inspire lots of new poems and I look forward to reading them.
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Rose, explore sounds like it will be a suitable traveling word for 2024. It will guide you well as you navigate your area in search of adventure. May you enjoy EXPLORE and what it brings to you.
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Like Laura, I also like, “the threshold of possibility” so much in there waiting… Wishing you many new adventures and treasures with explore this year, thanks Rose!
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