Persimmon is IN. Yes, Pantone, that persnickety arbiter of color, has decreed that persimmon is the accent color for 2024. It’s the color of pumpkin, saffron, and orange itself. In a sunny room, persimmon looks sorbet-like, which reminds me of the mushy fruit which became Persimmon Fool, a recipe I adapted from one posted by Jack Weiser, a constant reader here, and one of my classmates at Elizabethtown, (PA) High School.
Without the gift of five luscious persimmons from a generous neighbor, Mila Z., never would I have thought of concocting this dish. Thank you, Mila!
Words for a New Year
In 2023, Breakthrough was my word for the year. I consider publishing my second memoir, My Checkered Life as a breakthrough, so I reached that goal.
Authentic. According to Merriam-Webster, Authentic was word of the year for 2023. In an age of fake news, post-truth, along with the rise of A.I. (artificial intelligence), we have longed for the real, the genuine, the trustworthy. I’ll still vote for that.
Gratitude, another timeless word.
Determination. So what if you think you missed the mark in 2023. The calendar has flipped to a fresh page. You get to start over with new energy and resolve!
James Norbury is the author of Big Panda, Tiny Dragon, a book full of stunning artworks and thoughtful messages of hope, love, shared suffering and understanding …. (Amazon blurb)
Two Wishes for 2024
For myself: I wish to cultivate my creativity, illustrated exquisitely on the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo: the divine sparking the human.
Just as importantly, I aspire to be less judgmental and care more deeply. . . to see the best in people and be an encourager, affirming rather than criticizing (if only in my mind).
Acknowledging that each person I meet is created in the image of God, Imago Dei.
Imago Dei is a “theological term, applied uniquely to humans, which denotes the symbolical relationship between God and humanity. The term has its roots in Genesis 1:27, wherein “God created man in his own image. . .” This scriptural passage does not mean that God is in human form, but rather, that humans are in the image of God in their moral, spiritual, and intellectual nature. It is a concept common to both Judaism and Christianity suggesting that humans can reflect God’s divinity and aspire to express their creativity and free-will to love God, oneself, and others.
To see the best in others is a noble quest for me in 2024.
My wish for you: That you may c o n t i n u e, as Maya Angelou has inspired us to do.
Poem captured from Facebook page, First Presbyterian Church, New Castle, PA.
“My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart.”
To dare to love deeply…. And by doing so, you and your work will be able to continue eternally.
May you view 2024 through the aperture of hope.
What word would you add to the list here: authenticity, gratitude, determination . . .?
Your own wish for the coming year?
A poem or passage that inspires you to reach higher . . . and wider.
Good morning, Marian!
You have accomplished so much (with an authentic voice). 😊
I don’t think I can top Maya Angelou! To continue in all those varied ways sounds good to me.
I’m with you, Merril. I can’t top Maya Angelou. Her words to live by are good enough for me!
😊
MERRIL and LIZ, Thank you both for chiming in early. I do agree: Maya Angelou is a wise woman, always giving us words to live by. 😀
You’re welcome, Marian! 😊
We are taking a trip back to the 70s with the colour persimmon, I think . . . I started the new year with COVID, so I had no motivation at all to come up with a word, or even to care about it. I’m feeling a little better now, so I’ve been giving it some thought. I think I’ve landed on selective. This year I aim to keep around me those things the bring positivity to my life and leave less room for the things that detract from a positive life direction. You are definitely one of the people I select!
So sorry, Arlene! I’m glad you’re feeling better though. Hope you’re able to rest.
I am much better – able to rest? That’s a greater challenge!
I am honored by your selection, Arlene! I had COVID January 2021, so I know the disease is something to get through and not repeat. Thank you for commenting here. Wishing you a full recovery and renewed energy very soon! 😀
In Thailand, the Bhudist monks wear persimmon coloured robes. The word enough has inspired me. We have enough for our needs and we feel we’ve had enough of sadness, anger and war.
Darlene, I believe your word choice “enough” is broad enough (!) to cover both positive and negative aspects, of which we have had ENOUGH!
Safe travels!
🤗
Oh so lovely, friend Marian! Cheers and Sante!
Your recipe toward the end of 2023 provided the inspiration for this post, so grateful. 😀
By the way, today I booked a flight to PA for our class reunion in April.
Happy New Year, Marian! Persimmon doesn’t look that much different from the color of 2023. Hmmm.. Thank you for your wishes for 2024. I love the desire to cultivate your creativity so 🙏 for that.
What a wonderful desire to have! It is my desire as well.
Thank you! May our God, the Wellspring of Creativity, fill you cup full and running over. 😀
When we lived in north Florida, our house came with a persimmon tree or bush in the backyard. It was lovely, but we never got into eating from it. Or making a dish or drink like you did. Mom couldn’t figure out what to do with them, hated to see them go to waste.
But, I agree the poem by Maya Angelou is perfect for all of us, and especially a person I know who is struggling with her purpose in life. Nice to see you here again! Happy 2024 .
Grandma Longenecker had a tall persimmon tree in her backyard. I don’t recall exactly what she did with the fruit, probably made jam.
I did discover you have to let the fruit get over-ripe, mushy even, before you can use it in a recipe. Thanks for chiming in again, Melodie! 😀
Marian —
We use Fiestaware dishes at our home. All of the pieces are different colors. The one plate I seek out is the persimmon-colored one. It’s my favorite.
I love the CONTINUE poem you shared by Maya Angelou. She was such an encourager.
My focus word for 2024 is persistence. I’m on it!
Laurie
Persimmon is such a warm color, I can understand why it appeals to you.
By the way, I’ve known you at least 10 years and you’ve always, always been persistent, a role model for all writers, that’s for sure. 😀
I’ve read many quotes from Maya Angelou that I love, but I’d never seen this Continue poem before. She really nails it. By lifting others up, we lift ourselves up. Inspire others through our actions. I hope 2024 treats you and Cliff well, Marian.
“Continue” is a new one for me too. It popped up on Facebook but I couldn’t trace it to the original. Thanks for the good wishes. I hope the same for you and Debbie! 😀
I’m not familiar with persimmon fruit, so I assume it’s semi tropical since we didn’t have it in Paraguay or the Congo. I love the color and would enjoy sitting with you and having a taste of your recipe, Marian.!
Oh, would I ever: love to share some persimmon delight and a cuppa something warm. 😀
My Grandma Longenecker had a persimmon tree in her back yard in Pennsylvania, so I think the fruit does well in the mid-Atlantic states. Beyond that, I don’t know.
Blessings to you, Elfrieda!
My wish for 2024 and ever year thereafter is universal peace, in every sense of the word.
Universal peace sounds like a tall order these days. At least we can aim to create it in our corner of the world. Thanks for offering that wonderful wish, Liz! 😀
Hello Marian, this is a wonderful post. You and I share the exact same ambitious for this year. To expand our creativity and to support our fellow humans in a better and more complete way. I adore the cartoon, it is fabulous.
The cartoon is truly wonderful. I’ve had the clipping a long, long time, so I guess I saved it because of the phrase “Grandma Marian”–haha!
Blessings to you, Robbie, in 2024. 😀
And to you, Marian 💜
Such an inspirational post. Thank you, Marian. I also resolved to look for the good this year.
All we can do is let our little lights shine this year, good enough for me.
I always appreciate you reading and commenting, Lorrie! 😀
Such a wonderful post, Marian. Versatile and yet inspiring and universal. I love the cartoon and the poem. I hope you achieve your words and goals for 2024 as well. You’re on the right track with all of it. My wish is that we (and the entire world) can slow down, breathe, and enjoy Mother Nature and each other.
A happy, healthy, and creative year to you and Cliff.
You are the first to mention “slowing down,” a noble goal. To my other goals, I’ll add: “to slow down, breathe, and enjoy Mother Nature and each other” more.
You mentioned also: Happiness, good health, and creativity: I wish the same for you and Mark in 2024. 😀
I love this post so much, Marian, I shared it on my blog. LOVE: that’s my word for 2024. <3
Thank you so very much, Linda Lee. I visited your blog and subscribed, so you should “see” more of me this year. 😀
Marian – I have taken these words with me into 2024: “May you view 2024 through the aperture of hope.”
True confession: I found the phrase “aperture of hope” somewhere, but can’t remember where in order to give credit. . . so you can adopt it too! Words I’ve also liked are “live under the roof of hope,” displayed for college students to see in my office. This phrase suggests both shelter and protection. Still does! 😀
Like you, Marian, I resolved to look for the good. My way of saying it this year is looking for, and sharing, stories of peace.
Our shared heritage, a caring way of life, and deep commitment to brotherhood have all prepared you to be an effective ambassador for peace. . . in 2024 and beyond.
My aspiration too! 😀
Like “For Better or for Worse” and “Continue: A Poem” count your blessings and and be a harbinger of joy. 🙂
I just visited your blog, Nancy: https://5secondsmiles.com/
Who wouldn’t want to read a story about a nice Christian woman confronting a mob hitman. Count me IN!
Thanks for leaving a comment here. You are welcome any time. 😀
My wish for 2024 is universal peace…I hope you find yours, Marian and hope I find mine..I wish for more kindness in the world and hope we can live in peace regardless of creed ..I love the cartoon 🙂
Peace, hope and kindness: We couldn’t wish for more. I’m glad you liked the cartoon as well, Carol.
Keep cooking those tasty dishes from around the world! 😀
Like my mother Marian I will cook until I can’t 🙂
I do usually pick a personal goal word (or words) for the year, but I haven’t yet. To see the best in others is noble…and inspirational. Please write about what you saw or learned by the end of the year; or sooner! 🙂 It could be a thoughtful and interesting journey for all of us. And I have a soft spot for that Tiny Dragon and Big Panda. The illustration is beautiful and I know I have “met” them before, but I can’t remember where!
Thanks for offering your thoughts, Melanie.
What I also meant when I said “See the best in others” included forsaking the condemning thoughts I have about a seemingly able young man holding a cardboard sign that says, “Out of work–need help.” In my mind I think, “Well, why doesn’t he get a job, even a menial job, instead of begging.” I have to prod myself to remember that he is one of God’s creation and perhaps I can’t see the psychological shackles that are holding him captive. Still working through this. . . 😀
Well, that is an incredible point-of-view. With your example, you are clearly well on your way. I’m afraid I’m in your wake, but as Big Panda says “I can always start now.”
I love reading Maya A’s wisdom and my friend from the Dominican Republic taught me how to use a less than perfect persimmon (the kind we often get in the grocery store in the north) as a salad vegetable with a texture reminiscent of a seedless tomato. I love the color. My word has to be “health” I’ve had a “mild” bronchial infection since the weather became erratic and we had wild winds around Christmas and it doesn’t let go. I have medical appointments coming this week, but since I have no fever, I think it’s mostly a matter of time, humidifying the dry winter air, sleeping a lot, and eating soft easy to digest foods. And once I return to health, I’ll enjoy returning to writing and a more orderly schedule. Yes, “health” and “forgiveness” will be my words this year. Sending you beautiful FL flowers.
I like the idea of using an un-mushy persimmon in a salad. I had to wait such a long time to make the fool recipe in this post because the fruit wasn’t ripe enough.
Above all, I wish you health. I’ve long believed that our bodies want to heal themselves, but it never seems to be in a hurry. Healing takes time–breathing good quality air, sleeping deeply and slowly eating soft foods sound like a good recipe for recovery, Elaine.
Sending hugs! ((( )))
I’m fond of the word perspicacity. It means having deeper than normal insight or understanding. I believe that is a good thing.
My wish for the coming year is to not paint any of our walls Persimmon.
My favorite passage that centers and inspires me is from Ram Dass: “We’re all just walking each other home.”
As one English major to another: I think the word “perspicacity” sounds almost onomatopoetic. (I like to hear what’s behind the actual words people say, perhaps a good example of the echo I hear.)
Recently, I saw a garage on HGTV painted persimmon. It was truly ghastly.
And I love the Ram Dass quote, one I heard for the first time just a few months ago.
Thanks for the reminder, Ally! 😀
Beautiful post Marian. I hadn’t heard that beautiful poem by Angelou before, so thank you. And I do love the color (not taste) of persimmon, so yay! 🙂 <3
Debby, I tried to find the origin of this stellar poem by Maya Angelou, but with “poemhunter” and “poetryfoundation” I came up short. Thanks for checking in again, my friend! 😀
Wow, now that is curious. 🙂
How much I enjoy this post and all the comments that warm my soul. My word for 2024 is HUMMING. It reminds me daily how my body loves the vibrations of sound and singing and also how much life is happening all around me, even in things that my materialistic mind thinks are ‘dead.’ My spiritual mind especially remembers how much activity is going on in the soil and in the heavens. Many blessings to you and your family.
You always provide a unique way of looking at things. You see in both our spiritual and physical worlds things that I/we would otherwise miss. This one in particular encouraged me on a day when things seem bleak, even in Florida. You have a special gift–thank you, Dolores! 😀
What a beautiful post, Marian. I love your words – all of them – and I hope to spend my days using them as well as “continue, continue, continue” (hopefully humming – great comment above) and mostly Love Love Love. Gratitude is what keeps me continuing, for sure. GREAT comic with your name in there. So sweet. On that note, one of my prayers is that I will make a difference in my grandkids’ lives, and that they will make a difference in mine.
Pam, I join you in the same prayer. My grandkids’ are certainly making a difference in MY life. I don’t know why, but I assumed that I was going to be the teacher to those grands. . . not always so. Happily surprised.
Thanks for chiming in on all the right notes! 😀
What a lovely reflection on some words that might guide us every year. I would find it hard to pick one. And persimmon is an awesome substitution for the simple word – orange. I’m sure persimmons will end up in my prose, if not in my home. <3
Thanks for stopping by with a comment, Diana. I visited your blog and left a message: “Wow, so many books! You are a spectacularly prolific author. Congratulations, Diana.”
I mean it! 😀
Thanks, Marian. <3 <3 <3
You have some good wishes for the new year, Marian. As for 2023, I’m a big supporter of being authentic and was pleased to see that on last year’s list.