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Celebrate the moments . . .

4/24/2023

23 Comments

 
Hello blog friends,

It's another beautiful day in the Prescott, AZ area, and I'm prompted to share a story. Below are photos of the local pronghorn (sometimes referred to as antelopes) and Watson Lake. Almost every day I see both. If ever I feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, I go outside and hike. The splendor of the area never fails to calm whatever might be worrying me. 
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Photos of pronghorn and Watson Lake from Canva
Prescott is known for its outdoor enthusiasts - and artists. Photographers abound, as do painters, and writers. Since Sunday was World Book Day, the Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council invited its authors to share their work at the Thumb Butte Book Festival. I happily participated.

It's exciting to be among people who love what they do. I met many writers, came home with new books to read, and invitations to join local forums. It was a long but very heartwarming day.
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Most of us have sheltered since Covid reared its ugly head. It still haunts but less rigorously. This event was the first I've attended since the drama began. It was wonderful to be with fellow writers and share experiences. But, there was one encounter that remains unforgettable.

A group of four children wove in and out of the displays. I had chocolates on my table. They'd pause and stare, and I'd tell them to take as much as they wanted. The eldest child picked up Letting Go Into Perfect Love and studied it. I looked for parents but saw none. Later the children returned. Again, they stared at the chocolate, and I encouraged them to take as much as they wanted. Again, the eldest focused on Letting Go. Finally, I asked her how old she was.

"Thirteen," the young girl replied. I told her that her mother might like that book. "I don't have a mother!" She snapped. I explained that the book covered difficult topics. She straightened and said, "You have noooo idea what my life has been." And looking into her red-rimmed eyes, I offered the book as a gift, to her surprise and gratitude.

This child reminded me of a comment by writer Simon Van Booy. "Actually, years mean nothing. It's what's inside them." 

I hope "what's inside" your life brings you joy. Let's celebrate the moments and help others do the same. Certainly, you are a source of joy for me.❤️
23 Comments
Mae Clair link
4/24/2023 11:38:11

Gwen, what beautiful sights you get to see. Those photos are lovely.

Even lovelier is the story of the thirteen-year-old you shared your book with. I'm sure your kindess made an impression on her.

Great photo of you at the event as well. It sounds like you had a rewarding day in so many ways!

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Gwen M. Plano
4/24/2023 13:28:52

It was a wonderful experience, Mae. And BTW, I spoke about you to author Don Meyer. His book, The American War, has dual timelines. The Vietnam War (which he was in) and the Civil War. He had a table not far from mine. 😊

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Mae Clair link
4/25/2023 07:14:30

A kindred spirit fo dual timeline novels! :)

I would have enjoyed talking to him myself, Gwen. I'm also a bit of Civil War buff as well.

Staci Troilo link
4/25/2023 04:54:25

I seek nature when I need peace, too. How wonderful to have such beauty and wonder near you.

There's no doubt in my mind that you were put in that girl's path. I hope the words in your book impact her as much as your act of kindness and generosity did. 💕

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/25/2023 07:40:19

Thank you, Staci. The young girl and her sibs remain in my thoughts and prayers. Thank goodness for the calm nature offers us. ❤️

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Harmony Kent link
4/25/2023 06:09:27

That’s a beautiful thing to do, Gwen, and shows your kind and caring spirit! I’m sure you’re changing lives. Wonderful pictures of nature. Thanks for sharing and uplifting! Hugs 🤗 ❤️

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Gwen M. Plano
4/25/2023 07:42:11

Thank you, Harmony. The child gave me as much as I gave her. I'll never forget her, that is for sure. ❤️

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Vera Day link
4/25/2023 06:15:48

Oh, that poor child. You made her day, Gwen! She'll smile every time she thinks of you.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/25/2023 07:44:43

Sometimes hugs - real or invisible - carry us through the days. I hope this for her. ❤️

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Jan Sikes
4/25/2023 08:14:33

Oh, Gwen, your story about the 13 year-old brings tears to my eyes. It breaks my heart when children suffer and there is SO much we don't know. What a wonderful event and for you to attend. You were there for a reason. Hugs, dear lady!

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Gwen M. Plano
4/25/2023 13:52:02

Thank you, Jan. It's an encounter I'll never forget. ❤️

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Pete Springer link
4/25/2023 08:33:07

Your experience with the girl brought back a lot of memories of angry children I taught. You handled this situation perfectly and understood that the girl's anger was not directed at you, but merely at the painful past history that she has no doubt lived. I've seen instances of this many times where a child is suddenly triggered and their anger comes out in unexpected ways. Some people don't understand this and take these types of encounters personally and don't see it for what it truly is.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/25/2023 13:53:31

It's heartbreaking to realize that some children suffer their circumstances. Thank you, Pete, for sharing as you have. ❤️

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Liz Gauffreau link
4/25/2023 08:36:56

I was moved by story of your encounter with the girl at the book fair. I'll bet your simple act of kindness will make a difference in her life, and she will always remember it.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/25/2023 13:55:47

Thank you, Liz. This was an encounter I won't forget. BTW, the little ones took the candy, the 13-year-old did not. ❤️

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Yvette M Calleiro link
4/25/2023 09:24:03

I teared up at your interaction with the teen. How kind of you to give her a copy of that story! She was obviously meant to have it since she kept gravitating to it. I hope it brings her a sense of strength and promise for the future. Thanks for sharing these moments with us, Gwen!

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

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/25/2023 13:58:00

Thank you, dear Yvi. I suspect the kids are in a foster home, but I don't know. When kids are hurting, it really touches deep. ❤️

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John Howell link
4/25/2023 13:15:51

Sweet story about the 13 year old. Thanks for sharing it.

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Gwen M. Plano
4/25/2023 13:58:13

Thank you, John.

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Tim Dittmer link
4/25/2023 13:17:50

Amazing pictures, Gwen, and a heartwarming story of the interaction between you and the girl. <3

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Gwen M. Plano
4/25/2023 13:59:20

Thank you, Tim. This area of AZ is beautiful and offers great hiking opportunities. ❤️

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Joan Hall link
4/25/2023 17:01:31

The photos are lovely, Gwen. I'm kind of partial to the west. Glad you were able to attend the book festival, and I believe you were meant to be there to meet that girl. I hope the book touches her. <3

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
4/25/2023 19:53:39

I hope the same, Joan. Thank you very much. 😊

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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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