Fiction and life . . . from the desk of Gwen M. Plano
  • Home
  • Blog Reflections
  • REDEMPTION THRILLER
  • THE CONTRACT Series
  • My Memoir
  • Poetry
  • About

A glimpse of eternity . . .

4/3/2023

32 Comments

 
Hello, dear blog friends!

​I've a personal story to share. Last week my husband turned 81, and though that's not a milestone, it was a reminder to enjoy our beautiful world. My gift was a trip to the Grand Canyon via a train ride from Williams, AZ. It was an amazing journey, a bucket list adventure for sure.

One of the things we learned on this trip was that the Canyon is over two billion years old. That's not eternity, but from a human perspective, it's pretty close. Looking into the vast cavernous area, I couldn't help but reflect on our beautiful planet. I suspect every visitor at its rim does the same. 

While on this trip, I never heard one word about politics, the looming financial crisis, the embattled cities … nothing. Every person beamed, chatted about happy topics, took photos, and basked in the sunlight. I think nature calms the soul and redirects it to Love. And for that reason, I believe we need to retreat into nature's embrace now and then. Don't you agree?

Standing at the Canyon edge, I had the overwhelming thought that our universe pulses with Creator Love and somehow we are part of that creative effort. If love begets love, then by our actions we help shape our world. We're not bystanders, we're creators - with a small "c." What a humbling yet powerful thought. 😊
Picture

​​After a night in Flagstaff, we drove to Sedona. The road trip itself was majestic. We stopped many times just to take a photo or two or three. If you've visited the area, you know that it elicits awe and inspiration.

Our beautiful world has many special places where we can stretch, dream, and simply breathe. Sedona is one of those places for me. How about for you? Where is your special place?

My hope for all of us is that we regularly set aside time to allow ourselves to rest in our special place. We need the quiet it brings. And maybe, just maybe, we'll glimpse eternity. ❤️

​Have a wonderful week, dear friends!  
Picture
32 Comments
Dan Antion link
4/3/2023 04:49:07

What a wonderful gift and experience, Gwen. I think you're right about nature. It really does make you realize how petty some "hot topics" are.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 05:32:33

It was a wonderful experience and we're still smiling. I think it's the only way to deal with the "hot topics". 😊 Thank you, Dan.

Reply
CS Boyack
4/3/2023 05:05:30

I agree with you about visits to nature. I don’t get nearly enough of that these days. Looks like a wonderful trip.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 05:36:03

You live in such a beautiful area, Craig. Someday I plan to explore Idaho's grandeur. I hope you can escape into nature soon.

Reply
Harmony Kent link
4/3/2023 05:11:07

Beautiful pictures and thoughts, Gwen. I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for sharing this important reminder about nature and the significant things in a life. Hugs 🤗💕🙂

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/5/2023 11:54:55

Thank you so much, Harmony. I need to spend more time in nature's beauty. ❤️

Reply
Priscilla Bettis link
4/3/2023 05:34:53

I don't have a special place, just anywhere I'm outside in nature, especially if I'm with the sweet hubster.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 05:43:51

Ahh, such a heartwarming image -- you and hubster outside. So true -- anywhere in nature is a special place. 😊

Reply
JILL A WEATHERHOLT link
4/3/2023 05:37:16

I completely agree with your thoughts about nature, Gwen. Sometimes just looking out the window can fill a drained spirit. I'm happy you had a wonderful trip with your husband. Thanks so much for sharing with us! xo

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 05:42:35

So true, Jill, just looking out the window can fill my spirit. Thank you, for pointing that out. Sending hugs your way. 🤗

Reply
Staci Troilo link
4/3/2023 05:49:34

What an amazing trip. Happy birthday to your husband. The photos are lovely.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 06:45:14

Thank you, Staci. It's a trip I hope to repeat sooner rather than later. ❤️

Reply
Marcia Meara link
4/3/2023 07:10:29

I couldn't agree more with your entire post, Gwen, and I'm so glad you got to make this trip with your husband. How spectacular!! Your profound comments on retreating into nature's embrace certainly struck a chord with me.

As for my special place, I suspect you know I have two that never fail to make my heart sing: the wildlife-filled rivers of central Florida, and the ancient mountains of North Carolina (the oldest range in the world). Both have been restorative to my soul for many, many years, though I don't get to visit them as much these days. Still, I carry the memories in my heart, and celebrate the times I spent surrounded by nature's beauty. (And heck, I even write books set in those two locations, just to enjoy them even more.)

Wonderful post, my friend, and here's to a happy week ahead! 🤗💖🤗

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 07:14:04

Thanks so much, Marcia. Because of your love of nature, all who read your books fall in love with it as well. Have a wonderful week, dear friend. ❤️🤗❤️

Reply
Timothy Dittmer link
4/3/2023 07:31:10

Fantastic, Gwen! I'm glad you were able to make this trip and get away from the lunacy for a while.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 09:02:05

Thank you, Tim. It was an amazing journey. 😊

Reply
Pete Springer link
4/3/2023 08:20:49

Terrific post! Nature does have a way of putting things into perspective. I share your perspective on the slippery slope of making all things politics. More talk about kindness, empathy, and family—things all humans should focus on.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 09:03:14

Thank you, Pete. Your last line sums it up beautifully -- more talk about kindness, empathy, and family. ❤️

Reply
D.L. Finn
4/3/2023 09:34:15

Gorgeous pictures, Gwen. It looks like a happy celebration. I agree nature is the healing place. I was awestruck at the Grand Canyon and Sedona too. Magical!

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 09:42:17

You would love it, Denise. Thank you for your kind words. 🤗

Reply
Teagan Riordain Geneviene link
4/3/2023 10:50:31

What a magical journey, Gwen! I loved how you said "nature calms the soul and redirects it to Love." Hugs, Teagan

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 12:54:13

I'm so glad you enjoyed the post, Teagan. Thank you for sharing. Nature is a miraculous gift, often ignored. ❤️

Reply
Yvette M Calleiro link
4/3/2023 11:55:31

I agree with you completely on everything you've said. Those two places are majestic and filled with earthly energy. Spending time in nature soothes the soul and helps ground us. Great post, Gwen! I'm so happy you had a wonderful mini-vacation.

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 12:56:31

I remember your photos of your trip, Yvi, and I thought of you at the Canyon's edge. Definitely the "two places are majestic and filled with earthly energy." 🤗

Reply
Jan Sikes
4/3/2023 12:21:09

I love your observation standing at the edge of the canyon. It's overwhelming to absorb the magnificent beauty. I love that everyone you had contact with on this journey was happy and sharing. It is what we need more of! Thank you for giving us a glimpse of the beauty. Sedona is one of my favorite places on the planet and I have a longing to see it again soon! Have a great week and thank you for sharing this beautiful post!

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 12:58:02

If you head to Sedona, please let me know. Who knows, maybe we can meet up for lunch or a hike. 🤗

Reply
John Howell link
4/3/2023 12:44:13

What a wonderful trip, Gwen. I'm glad you had a connection to the Earth that moved you.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 12:58:39

Thank you, John, it was a wonderful, heart-filling trip. 😊

Reply
Liz Gauffreau link
4/3/2023 17:36:42

Thank you for this uplifting and life-affirming post. As I was reading, my immediate thought was that my husband and I have been doing the same thing to get away from "politics, the looming financial crisis, the embattled cities" with our day trips, albeit on a smaller scale. For the truly awe-inspiring experience, I'd love to go back to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/3/2023 18:07:43

I've never been on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but I've seen photos -- incredibly beautiful. Thank you, Liz, for sharing and inspiring. 🤗

Reply
Pamela link
4/5/2023 12:12:11

Happy birthday to your husband - at 81 every day is a "big" day and a celebration. Your sentiment about Mother Nature showing us the real power of life - not politics or bickering or money problems - but LIFE, which is empowering for us. Reminding us that LOVE and living a grateful life is the best.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/5/2023 12:16:25

Thank you for your kind words, Pamela. Living a grateful life is best. ❤️

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    For blog updates, please subscribe below. 
    * indicates required

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    June 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


Plano Enterprises, LLC
Photos from Kevin M. Gill, Joel Bedford, qthomasbower, crosescribe, Juho Holmi, diana_robinson, W Presley & B Kunce Photography......WI. USA, U.S. Geological Survey, Ian Sane, florianric, NikoMC, van Van Es, Yen Chao 趙彥, MissMessie, Yuriy Kuzin, Ben Zvan, Bichuas (E. Carton), Nina Matthews Photography, hehaden, alexdecarvalho, Tim RT, Kurdistan Photo كوردستان, Candida.Performa, peddhapati (Thanks for 1M Views!!!), Jhong Dizon | Photography, Waheed Akhtar Photography, lawmurray, USFWS Pacific, JalilArfaoui, SurFeRGiRL30, Lauren Finkel Photography, maf04, SantaRosa OLD SKOOL, Dakiny, vauvau, Zanastardust, Monica's Dad, timpeartrice, marumeganechan, Rafael Acorsi, seyed mostafa zamani, Jorge Franganillo, Irene Grassi (sun sand & sea), The National Guard, D.Fletcher, nada abdalla, Ted LaBar, alison.mckellar, Infomastern, Elvert Barnes, m01229, theglobalpanorama, Sumarie Slabber, denisbin, Go-tea 郭天