A Sedona Celebration

8/18/2026

Hello, blog friends...

It's hard for me to believe, but I'm celebrating my 80th birthday this week. And to make the occasion memorable, hubby and I are heading to Sedona -- one of my favorite places on this beautiful planet. The mountain town is only an hour from us, and the drive is quite pleasant.

I'll be hiking and taking in the sights for the rest of the week. The red rocks and the blue skies fill my heart - and soul. If you've not visited, I hope you'll have a chance to follow my lead soon.

This week's Tanka Tuesday is hosted by Yvette. She invites us to write a syllabic poem about treading slowly. Well, I'll be doing plenty of that. These days, I'm careful about my climbs and adventures, but the pure pleasure of being in such majesty keeps me moving. Life is a rare gift, don't you agree? Let's enjoy the moments.❤️

Take good care of yourself and have a wonderful week. I'll be in touch soon! 😊

44 Comments

Cressida link

8/18/2026 18:57:56

Happy 80th birthday. You are indeed blessed to be able to go hiking at your age in the mountains
Enjoy and tread carefully. Excellent tankas.....Rall

Gwen M. Plano

8/19/2026 09:33:38

Thank you, Rall. I'm very grateful for each day in nature. 😊

Selma Martin

8/19/2026 04:06:34

Gwen. What joy to be celebrating such a beautiful birthday. Omedeto,, Gwen. And hiking... please watch your steps. Lightly please. And the place is gorgeous. As is your poem for this week. All the best.

Gwen M. Plano

8/19/2026 09:32:31

Thank you, dear Selma. I will be careful and will send joy your way as I bask in the wonder of the area. 😊

Priscilla Bettis link

8/19/2026 05:53:43

Have a wonderful trip to Sedona! Maybe you'll gather some poetry or story ideas! And happy birthday.❤

Gwen M. Plano

8/19/2026 09:31:13

Thank you, dear Priscilla. I suspect inspiration will flow. 😊

John W. Howell link

8/19/2026 06:29:42

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Gwen. Eighty is a great year that warrants celebration. I hope you have a wonderful time.

Gwen M. Plano

8/19/2026 09:30:27

Thank you, John. I'm looking forward to being in this sacred area. 😊

Joy Neal Kidney link

8/19/2026 08:55:42

Ooh, my little sister just turned 80 last month. Thank God every day for your robust energy! And enjoy a beautiful celebration. . . .

Gwen M. Plano

8/19/2026 09:29:18

Thank you, dear Joy. I walk with thanksgiving -- oh, what a gift it is. ❤️

Balroop Singh link

8/19/2026 12:01:15

Happy Birthday Gwen. Wishing you good health and many more adventurous trips. Yes, life is an artist -- beautifully said!

Gwen M. Plano

8/19/2026 16:28:57

Thanks so much, Balroop. 😊

Liz Gauffreau link

8/19/2026 12:32:28

Happy Birthday, Gwen! Enjoy your trip to Sedona!! I particularly like the last two lines of your poem.

Gwen M. Plano

8/19/2026 16:29:40

Thank you, Liz. I'm so glad you liked those lines. 😊

Tim Dittmer link

8/19/2026 12:42:36

I hope you have a happy birthday and grand time in Sedona, Gwen! Your poetry is wonderful!

Gwen M. Plano

8/19/2026 16:30:04

Thank you, Tim. So kind of you to say. 😊

Tim Dittmer link

8/19/2026 23:45:19

My pleasure, Gwen. 😍

dan antion link

8/19/2026 14:43:15

Beautiful poetry. Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoy your time in Sedona.

Gwen M. Plano

8/19/2026 16:30:38

Thank you, Dan. I'll be sure to take several pictures. 😊

Annette Aben link

8/19/2026 17:21:40

Celebrating a birthday in Sedona with someone you love? winner/winner life is good dinner! <3

Gwen M. Plano

8/25/2026 16:12:27

Thanks so much, Annette. ❤️

Thomas Wikman link

8/19/2026 18:23:13

That sounds like a wonderful adventure. I've never been to Sedona but I know about it. Have a wonderful trip and Happy 80th birthday. I loved your beautiful poem.

Gwen M. Plano

8/25/2026 16:13:07

Thank you, Thomas. Very kind of you. And, I'm so glad you liked the poem. 😊

smitha link

8/19/2026 21:09:53

Happy Birthday, Gwen. You're an inspiration. Here's wishing you a wonderful and safe trip to Sedona and an amazing birthday celebration. X

Gwen M. Plano

8/25/2026 16:13:53

Thank you, dear Smitha. Your kind words are a lovely birthday present. 💕

Smitha link

8/26/2026 00:59:21

Hope you had a great day :). Hugs

Pete Springer link

8/19/2026 23:23:10

Happy birthday, Gwen! You're looking great! One thing about aging is learning not to take anything for granted. I hope you and your hubby have a great time in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Gwen M. Plano

8/25/2026 16:14:34

Thank you so much, Pete. We enjoyed every moment. 😊

Robbie Cheadle

8/22/2026 00:10:03

Hi Gwen, I can't believe you are 80. Time passes so quickly. This is a most beautiful poem. I hope you had a lovely birthday and celebration.

Gwen M. Plano

8/25/2026 16:15:22

Thank you, dear Robbie. Time does pass much too quickly. We all need to enjoy the moments...wherever we might be. 😊

willow link

8/23/2026 15:37:54

Gwen Happy Birthday have a wonderful time. I love poem and your outlook on life is fantastic... you are an inspiration to us all....a Guiding light.

https://youtu.be/OfJeQDkz4JU?is=dkXq1pt8dV7LcFGY

Gwen M. Plano

8/25/2026 16:16:23

Thank you, dear Willow. We all need to remember to embrace life's many gifts. ❤️

Colleen link

8/23/2026 16:51:45

Happy Birthday, Gwen. I'm so glad you're celebrating by doing something you love. Take good care of yourself. Sending lots of love your way! 💖

Gwen M. Plano

8/25/2026 16:17:07

Thank you, dear Colleen. We had a wonderful, but too short, stay in lovely Sedona. ❤️

Jan Sikes

8/23/2026 18:59:02

Happy 80th birthday, Gwen! I can't think of anyplace better to celebrate the milestone than Sedona! I just turned 75 and feel so very lucky. You look fantastic and I know you are grateful for every day! Hugs!

Gwen M. Plano

8/25/2026 16:17:46

Thank you, dear Jan. Yes, I'm grateful for each and every day. ❤️

Paul Cannon link

8/24/2026 07:56:51

Ah, Gwen, that last line especially!

Gwen M. Plano

8/25/2026 16:18:35

Thank you, Paul. The last line is my favorite as well. 😊

Yvette M Calleiro link

8/24/2026 16:33:35

This poem is absolutely beautiful, Gwen! Happy birthday! Sedona is beautiful, and it's definitely a place to visit. Thanks for participating this week!

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Gwen M. Plano

8/25/2026 16:19:18

Thank you so much, Yvette. My heart is full. ❤️

David Bogomolny link

8/25/2026 03:07:58

Gwen, your poem reminds me that while I cannot control where life leads, I can choose wonder as my compass and carry its beauty in my heart. A belated happy birthday to you!

Much love,
David

Gwen M. Plano

8/25/2026 16:20:09

Thank you, David, for your greeting and share. I'm over-the-top happy. ❤️

Freya Pickard link

8/25/2026 08:21:12

Congratulations on your 80th, Gwen! Happy walking!

Gwen M. Plano

8/25/2026 16:21:00

Thank you, Freya. I love being in nature and walking/hiking is its beauty. 😊

A Sedona Celebration

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