Let there be light.

We have nothing so crass as streetlights. Instead, there are these lovely lanterns perched atop posts of moderate height before each house on the street.

After moving my loveseat against the opposite wall, I can look out the back door and see a single lamp across the street, lending a gentle glow to its surroundings. Garish holiday lights glitter next door, but my gaze drifts unerringly to that single point of illumination when I glance over to see my pets travel in and out the dog door.

My typical very-end-of-December melancholy is rather gentle this year. There are tugs of dismay when I think of life and goals, progress and, well, lack thereof. I spent the day rather quietly, doing a bit of shopping and cleaning early on and then selecting books from my pretty shelves. Chienne and I lay downstairs, curled on the soft, old couch under a fluffy blanket while I patted her head and turned pages. I moved back upstairs to make a sandwich, tossing bits of turkey to dog and cat while I stood between them, attempting to give Sprout a fighting chance to nibble at his share of the treat.

I’m sipping water rather than champagne, considering a bath rather than a party. But the quiet is nice.

I have a single resolution, for I don’t tend to make them. I will be more faithful this year. While there are any number of action items and tasks to complete that are associated with increased focus on my beliefs, I feel that tonight merits a simple statement of purpose while fixed upon the single point of illumination.

Whether you're spending your evening surrounded by bright lights and loud noises, quietly curled under a lamp with a book or surrounded by candlelight with someone who thinks you're wonderful, I wish you the very best - love, productivity, success, laughter, lasting happiness and health - tonight and always.