Opening the Door to 2024

Can you feel it? Can you hear it knocking? A new year is testing the latch and looking for gaps in the weatherstripping. In a few hours' time, we'll open that door and let it in, each at our own specific time and in our own way. Well, those of us who live on Earth, use the Gregorian calendar, and consider the beginning of the year to be January 1.

A host of various traditions are about to be followed. Tomorrow morning, some won't remember everything that's going to transpire tonight, thanks to some of those traditions. Some will remember it, all or in part, and may or may not have regrets. I've been one of those people many times in the past, but he won't be here this year.

Don't get me wrong; those of you who will "cut loose" tonight have my full support and my sincere wishes for a good time. I haven't forgotten how to have one. I also sincerely hope you stay safe.

Tonight, Pam and I will enjoy the evening quietly, at home, reclined on the love seat. No party favors. No booze. Maybe a good movie or two. Maybe we'll watch the ball drop. Maybe we'll fall asleep and wake up in 2024. Tomorrow evening, we'll have a simple, informal dinner (spelled "p-i-z-z-a") with friends who are family.

Why the low-key celebration? No particular reason. We haven't sworn off alcohol or parties. We just want to relax, be grateful for what 2023 has brought us and get ready to follow through with our plans for the New Year. And the plans are big ones.

First and foremost, in terms of importance, is the move. "Goodbye, Texas. Hello again, Wyoming." I've written enough about that so I don't feel the need to explain it, but I think you'll be able to read more about it before and as it happens and I assure you, there will be plenty to write about once we're back there.

Meanwhile, I need to publish at least three titles and that's at the top of my "resolution" list. Thanks to the amazing community of writers I've been hanging out with this year, it's finally going to happen.

I've helped other authors complete and publish their books. I've been published in several magazines and written a library of content that's put a lot of money in other people's pockets. It's time for me to put my own work out there, tangibly, with my own name on it, and see what comes next.

I have no grand illusions. Just getting it done will be enough. It's the next logical step on the journey to wherever I'm going. It's also the motivation for more stories and poems to fill those publications and any more that might come.

So, I'll be here in 2024. I've tested the waters. I'm finally doing what I should be doing. I've found encouragement and support. I've had the opportunity to encourage and support amazing creators. I've made some good friends. And I've published more stories on Vocal than I ever expected to when I came back this year.

I've said it many times this year, but I can't put 2023 to bed without saying, again, that I'm on this path because of an incredible group of creators and supporters on this platform. There are too many names to link if I'm going to publish this today, but those names will come up in my work next year. Any writing accomplishments to come will have a little of each of you embedded. Thank you all.

So, my friends, fellow creators, and any foes who may be reading this, please enjoy your celebrations and please, keep creating. I've come to realize that what we create can make a difference. Let's change the world in 2024.

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Thanks, as always, for reading my ramblings!