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An End-Of-The-Year Pause...

12/28/2022

25 Comments

 
Hello blog friends,

Winter is upon us in the northern hemisphere, and yet it seems like summer was just last week. How did the months fly past so quickly? Though I don't have the answer, I want to share a theory.

For much of this year, various threats populated our days. Breaking News warned us of dangers real and potential. Because of this, I think the miracles of life often slipped by unnoticed. If you check your calendar, I suspect you'll find all the must-dos that kept you busy. At least that is how my calendar looks. What you won't find, probably, are the miracles. I think it's time for us to claim them. 

I've walked back through my year and rescued some of the miracles. I'd like to share a few of them with you, and I'd love to know some of yours as well. Here goes...  
                                 *
My year began with the news of my daughter's marriage. She and her new husband arranged for a private ceremony in Connecticut. Their smiles tell a story of happiness that is now embraced throughout the family.

When I visited during the early summer, I spent time with the two lovers and my sons and my grandchildren. The week together was precious beyond description and brought back the blessings of life. 
​
                                 *
​Before and after the flight to New York, my husband and I visited 
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Sedona. It's just a little more than an hour from where we live and is one of my favorite places on this beautiful earth. 

In addition to being geographically breathtaking, the area is magical. The red rocks calm the soul and draw a person into reverence. The area is a mecca for hikers, for nature lovers, for all those who seek peace. For me, it feels like home.   

​                        *
Over the summer, my sisters and I met up at the Carlsbad beach near San Diego. We took long walks by the water's edge and also explored the nearby botanical gardens with our husbands. 

Truly, there's nothing quite like an ocean breeze to wash away the anxiety of the day. 

Larry's children and grandchildren live nearby, but because a few of them had tested positive for Covid, we visited from afar. Nevertheless, even seeing them from our car window was a joy.  

                               *
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In an earlier post, I mentioned that two of my sons traveled to Patagonia -- the tall one on the left and the middle one wearing shorts. They ventured south in November, joining a few friends along the way, and hiked over 75 miles into this vast area that most of us will never see.

This past Christmas week, I met up with one of my sons in Southern California. We talked about the trip and a new possibility -- a hike in the Pyrenees mountains. ​Oh to be young again! ​

​This simple exercise shifted my thoughts from the latest catastrophe to the beauty that surrounds us all. I hope you enjoyed the highlights, and I also hope you'll share some of yours. We all need to pause and consider the wonder of life. Let's do it together.

My simple New Year's resolution is to intentionally claim 2023 as the Year of Miracles.  ❤️
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25 Comments
Liz Gauffreau link
12/28/2022 05:57:49

Thank you for this end-of-the-year pause, Gwen. I could feel my body relaxing as I read it. One of the 2022 miracles for me was the fall foliage season. It was so stunning, my husband went on two leaf-peeping trips, not just the usual one. Even more miraculous, the landscape was just as beautiful after the foliage had faded. The other 2022 miracle was an ongoing flow of inspiration for my writing, from nature, the online writing community, and my own subconscious. Here's to a new year of small miracles! Again, thank you for this post; I needed it.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/28/2022 07:50:55

Wow, thank you for sharing these beautiful nature miracles, Liz. I'm with you on this -- a new year of small miracles. ❤️

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CS Boyack
12/28/2022 06:01:22

Sounds like a wonderful year at your house.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/28/2022 07:52:21

True -- after I stopped and really looked at the year. I'm determined to focus on these little miracles more in 2023. Thank you, Craig.

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Priscilla Bettis link
12/28/2022 06:01:46

What a lovely post! I've witnessed the first year of life of my grandchild, a miracle indeed!

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Gwen M. Plano
12/28/2022 07:53:36

Oh Priscilla, how wonderful. Congratulations! Enjoy every moment of your living miracle. Year two will be just as breathtaking. ❤️

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Jill Weatherholt link
12/28/2022 06:44:09

What a beautiful post, Gwen! Through the darkness of Alzheimer's, this past year, I've witnessed many miracles and special moments with my mother. Now that I've retired from my job, I'll have the privilege of spending more time with her. Happy New Year to you and your lovely family! xo

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Gwen M. Plano
12/28/2022 07:57:34

Thank you, Jill, for your lovely share. I walked that path with my father, years ago, and cherish the moments of clarity. God Bless you during all that lies ahead. May miracles abound. ❤️

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Joan Hall link
12/28/2022 06:51:06

We tend to overlook the good things in life. One of my biggest joys of this year was retirement. Not exactly a miracle, except I never thought I would make it.

Sounds like you had a wonderful year, Gwen. Thanks for sharing the highlights. And yes, let's make 2023 a year of miracles.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/28/2022 07:59:36

Thank you, Joan, for sharing. Retirement is momentous, definitely a miracle of sorts. Congratulations! I suspect we'll see the fruit of your decision soon -- in new publications. Can't wait! 😊

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john howell link
12/28/2022 08:44:17

A peaceful and meaningful pause, Gwen. Thank you for sharing what was an eventful year for you. Happy New Year.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/28/2022 08:51:37

Thank you, John. I'm pleased you liked the reflection. These days, we need to claim miracles. ❤️

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Pete Springer link
12/28/2022 09:30:19

I especially like your theory and mindset for the year. Approaching life from a healthy perspective and focusing on the miracles rather than the things that didn't happen for one reason or another is wise.

Miracles are all around us. We were caught in the jumble of families coming from different directions (some flying and some driving) who dealt with weather-related events over the holidays. Miraculously, everyone was able to rendezvous . If we couldn't appreciate that, then there is no such thing as gratitude.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/28/2022 09:53:15

Amazing story, Pete. A true miracle, given the travel hazards this holiday season. Thank you for sharing. 😊

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Staci Troilo link
12/29/2022 06:09:49

I love that you've found so many magical moments in the year. Wishing you a lot more of them in 2023.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/29/2022 12:39:46

Thank you for the good wishes, Staci. I hope the same for you. 🤗

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Dan Antion link
12/29/2022 08:25:28

I'm glad you took the time to search for the good things in the year that is ending, Gwen. That is so important. I wish you a year of miracles to celebrate and share with your lovely family.

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Gwen M. Plano
12/29/2022 12:46:04

Thank you so much, Dan. I wish the same for you and your beautiful family. 😊

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Jan Sikes
12/29/2022 11:16:35

What a beautiful and timely reminder, Gwen. We often spend too much time focusing on what is wrong with the world to see what is right. Our lives are filled with miracles if we only look. Thank you for this wonderful uplifting post! I wish you and yours a new year filled with blessings galore!

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Gwen M. Plano
12/29/2022 12:41:57

Thank you so much, Jan. Life's too short to let it pass without enjoying the moments. Wishing you and yours a very blessed 2023. ❤️

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Mae Clair link
12/29/2022 11:43:39

Those are wonderful photos of wonderful memories, Gwen. Thank you for sharing them. BTW, I also agree that Sedona is truly magical. I was only able to visit once, but I would love to go back again. What an incredible place!

Much of the reading and daily devotions I've been doing this past week focus on gratitude, and how important it is to focus on the positive even among the negative---not just for our mental health but physical as well. I'm carrying that with me into 2023. Happy New Year!

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Gwen M. Plano
12/29/2022 12:45:02

Thank you so much for sharing this, Mae. Yesterday I purchased a daily devotional for my Kindle. It makes me smile knowing we think alike. 🤗 May you and yours have a truly blessed New Year.

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Luanne link
12/30/2022 13:23:26

Thank you for suggesting I look back over the past year and rescue the miracles. My year, too, began with my daughter's wedding. And I live close to Sedona (in the Phoenix area), where it is lovely. So though I didn't go this year, I can remember when I did :). Happy New Year

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Gwen M. Plano
12/30/2022 14:57:08

Wonderful, Luanne. Maybe someday we'll meet in the high desert. Happy New Year to you. 😊

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Jacquie Biggar
1/4/2023 17:20:36

Your idea of looking at the miracles surrounding us is wonderful, Gwen. Your daughter looks radiant, and your sons are an inspiration {{hugs}}

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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


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