jacki long: Day 4877: Goodbye 2025! & France

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Day 4877: Goodbye 2025! & France - Open Pantries.

"Wise one": ballpoint sketch, junk collage, digital.

Want music?

Click: Phoebe Snow, Poetry Man

2GN2S

Farewell 2025

I don't do resolutions. I have, and probably should, but this way I don't let myself down. I will have goals, but not etched in stone. Over the years it seems best to be flexible, go with the flow as the youngin's say.

My cousin Donna used to have lists, pleural, little lists that she kept close and referred or added to as the day went on. I used to tease her about her lists, but I have to admit she got more done than most of us. I always think I will remember, but even I know better. My point is I have goals. They might not get done when planned, but maybe eventually? Just for me, I thought I would list some of the things that I did get done in 2025, eventually, hoping to feel less sloth-like.

1. I completed 365 days of consecutive blog posts in 2025, Day 4511 on January 1, 2025, here to today, Day 4877, this. Few were gems, but I did show up. And, I truly thank you who tag along and visit when time allows. I am always amazed by the numbers when I check? Who are you guys? I am at 1, 866,877 views, but 155 followers?

(TMI warning, feel free to skip)

2. Within the last year, 5x dr. apps. 4x dentist apps, 9x ear dr. apps. 12x gas fill-ups, 12x hair apps, 12x house cleaning, 2 carpet-cleans, 11x Eastside Art Group meetings, 23 Karate events, 36 meals w/friends, 2 shows, 1 art demo for SBLW, watched 60x Sumo basho, and in the purging department, I emptied 2- 4 drawer file cabinets & 2 storage cabinets to trash, shred and donate, with more to do in 2026. Oh my!

In France, some city parks now feature “open pantries” — small, unlocked cabinets where neighbors quietly leave what they can. Each morning, you might find jars of jam, sealed packets of rice, baby food, or fresh fruit tucked inside. These pantries aren’t managed by any organization — they’re filled and used entirely by the community.

The idea is simple: give when you have extra, take when you’re short. It removes the formality and hesitation that often surrounds asking for help. There are no locks, no registration forms, no staff — just shelves, a door, and a lot of mutual care.

Many of these pantries were originally placed near benches or walking paths, making them easy to spot. Over time, locals began personalizing them — painting flowers on the doors, adding handwritten signs, or installing small hooks for reusable bags. Some even include a notebook where people write messages, thanks, or small recipes using pantry items.

City officials in towns like Nantes and Lyon have praised the initiative but largely leave it in the hands of residents. The goal isn't to replace food programs, but to offer another thread in the social safety net — one woven by neighbors.

These “open pantries” turn public space into shared space, blending greenery with generosity. A walk in the park becomes more than exercise — it becomes a quiet exchange of care.

Yesterday, here, I mentioned food traditions for the new year, here, and my Cousin Michelle wrote : My parents were from southern Indiana and every New Year's Day my mom made a pot of black eyed peas and cabbage for health and wealth. She didn't actually believe in the connection but it was a family tradition each year she had grown up with.

Michelle's husband, Cousin Scott tells the story about a time when he was little and his family was traveling somewhere (maybe California?) and they arrived at their hotel late in the evening on New Year's Day. Before they could go to bed, Donna had the kitchen re-open and serve them bowls of cabbage so they would not miss that on New Year's, so they took it seriously!