The End of a WILD Year

When I selected WILD as my One Little Word for 2015, I had in mind that this word would guide me in my "return to a natural state." I cut way back on public appearances this year, learned better how to say "no" and to be more mindful of how I am spending my days/hours/minutes. I've really focused on being present -- here, now. (How wild is that? For a human, I mean. Wild creatures live their whole lives that way!)

As I reflect now on my experiences, I am thrilled with what I've learned about myself and where this word has brought me. I love my quiet life. I love spending time with my family and writing what I want to write and taking naps and cooking (or not) and creating and reading and walking -- focusing on the moment, not what may or may not come after. That's the WILD element I want to preserve in my life as I move into a new year with a new word and two new books to deliver to the world.

Before I say a final goodbye to WILD, I'm delighted to share with you a WILD poem written by Laura Shovan, my wonderful Winter Poem Swap partner (whose debut is coming very soon)! The poem was inspired in part by Monet's "Train in the Snow," which was thoughtfully shared by the Poem Swap Queen herself, Tabatha Yeatts:

Triolet with Train and Tiger
For Irene's Wild Year

by Laura Shovan

I came to watch the circus train
plunge through the snow-filled night.
Its steam white as the cold terrain.
I came to watch the circus train.
Inside, a tiger pulls her chain
to peer at fields moon-bright.
I came to watch the circus train
plunge through the snow-filled night.

*Shared with permission from the author.

Thanks, Laura! What a lovely keepsake. I love that idea of the tiger pulling a chain to glimpse outdoors. Of course she would! And thanks, Tabatha, for this meaningful and fun tradition.