Happy Holidays!

12/19/2023

Dear blog friends,

The holidays are upon us, and there's excitement in the air. Snow flurries swirl in our area, as shoppers rush from one store to another. Whatever your plans might be for this season, I wish you much good health and abundant joy. Don't we crave both these days?

Author Colleen Chesebro invites us to write a seasonal poem and include key words associated with this time of the year. My words are gingerbread, hot cocoa, and The Nutcracker.

A personal story. My daughter began taking ballet lessons around five years old and eventually danced professionally. I mention this because I've watched dozens of Nutcracker performances over the Christmas season and now live with the memories of those busy and beautiful years.

Here's my Tanka, and with it, I send my good wishes for a blessed Holiday season.

AND, if you're interested in a good book to read by the fireside, I have a long list of stories I can recommend. A few came to mind immediately for this post and so I'm sharing them. Each of these special reads linger and invite precious attention. Maybe they will do the same for you. I've listed their Amazon links -- just in case.

Creston Mapes: I AM IN HERE Mae Clair: THE PRICE OF ATONEMENT

Sally Cronin: VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE T. W. Dittmer: FIVE-TOED TIGRESS

Harmony Kent: SORROWFUL SOUL Jacquie Bigger: LETTING GO

Staci Troilo: FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW Jacqui Murray: A TREACHEROUS TIME

43 Comments

[email protected] link

12/19/2023 10:27:28

Love your cozy poem, Gwen. Best Wishes this Holiday Season. Raising a mug of hot cocoa to you, Cheers!

Gwen M. Plano

12/19/2023 13:51:38

Thank you so much, Ms. Jade. I hope your holidays are filled with laughter and love. ❤️

[email protected] link

12/22/2023 18:19:57

Ange link

12/19/2023 10:45:19

The Nutcracker is definitely a Christmas must 💞

Gwen M. Plano

12/19/2023 13:52:07

I couldn't agree more, Ange. Thank you! ❤️

Mae Clair link

12/19/2023 12:25:34

That poem is so festive, Gwen! And how inspiring about your daughter eventually dancing professionally. You must be so proud!

Thank you for including The Price of Atonement in your book recommendations. I'm honored to be included.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, my friend!

Gwen M. Plano

12/19/2023 13:53:02

Thank you, dear Mae. I hope your Christmas is especially blessed. ❤️

sally cronin link

12/19/2023 15:36:13

Thanks so much Gwen for including me in this amazing selection of writers with their wonderful books... so appreciated as is your support throughout the year. Have a lovely Christmas ♥♥

Gwen M. Plano

12/19/2023 15:41:27

Thanks so much, Sally. I hope your Christmas is especially blessed with delight. ❤️

sally cronin

12/20/2023 11:32:01

I haven't been able to get the smell of gingerbread out of my head since reading your poem this morning....shows how powerful a few words can be ♥

Liz Gauffreau link

12/20/2023 03:50:37

Your poem is perfect for the season. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

Gwen M. Plano

12/20/2023 06:31:58

Thanks, Liz. I hope the same for you. Merry Christmas!

Karen Ingalls

12/20/2023 05:06:55

Gwen, your poem captures the activities, smells, sights, and traditions of the Christmas season. Wonderfully done!
Wishing you a blessed Christmas!

Gwen M. Plano

12/20/2023 06:32:43

Thank you, Karen. I hope your Christmas is especially blessed. ❤️

Jill link

12/20/2023 05:49:52

You must be so proud of your daughter, Gwen. So many wonderful memories, I'm sure. Your poem is beautiful. You've displayed a great collection of books. I've read and enjoyed several. Merry Christmas to you and your family. xo

Gwen M. Plano

12/20/2023 06:34:44

Thank you, Jill. I suspect Christmas brings all of us back to precious memories. I hope you and yours have a very blessed Christmas. ❤️

Daniel Antion link

12/20/2023 07:24:00

The Nutcracker is a wonderful holiday tradition, Gwen. I have fond memories of being with people to enjoy the performance. It must be very special for you. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Gwen M. Plano

12/20/2023 08:49:02

Thank you so much, Dan. I hope the same for you and yours. 😊

Tim Dittmer link

12/20/2023 07:32:30

Beautiful poem, Gwen, absolutely fitting for the season. Thank you so much for sharing my book, and for your positive review.

Gwen M. Plano

12/20/2023 08:49:57

Thank you, Tim. And the review was easy to write. Great story. 😊

Priscilla Bettis link

12/20/2023 07:40:30

Your poem sets the mood, Gwen. Merry Christmas!

Gwen M. Plano

12/20/2023 08:50:19

Thanks so much, Priscilla. 🤗

Staci Troilo link

12/20/2023 07:57:31

I love the Nutcracker! I try to watch it on television every year. (I've only been able to see it live once.) My living room Christmas theme is nutcrackers (tree, mantle, table decor). I love that you have those memories of your daughter.

Thank you for including one of my stories in your list. It means a lot.

Merry Christmas, my friend. Wishing you and yours many blessings, good health, and infinite happiness.

Gwen M. Plano

12/20/2023 08:52:35

Thank you, dear Staci. In a hour or so, I head to Sedona to meet up with my daughter and two grandsons. They've escaped from CT to enjoy some magical time out West. Maybe it was your prayers that enticed them to fly to AZ. ❤️

Staci Troilo link

12/20/2023 12:53:11

That's wonderful! Enjoy! ❤️

john howell link

12/20/2023 08:52:59

A lovely poem, Gwen

Gwen M. Plano

12/20/2023 11:00:33

Thanks so much, John. 😊

Teagan Riordain Geneviene link

12/20/2023 11:51:15

It's a lovely poem, Gwen -- and what wonderful memories to have.
Merry Christmas -- and hugs.

Gwen M. Plano

12/21/2023 11:09:53

Thanks so much, Teagan. ❤️

annette rochelle aben

12/20/2023 12:28:12

Inviting!

Gwen M. Plano

12/21/2023 11:10:11

Thank you, Annette. 😊

Yvette M Calleiro link

12/21/2023 16:04:11

How wonderful to have so many memories connected to this season, Gwen! Great poem!

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

Gwen M. Plano

12/22/2023 13:36:35

Thank you, Yvette, and you are right about the memories. ❤️

Luanne link

12/23/2023 17:22:07

Gwen, your choice kigos are a delight to me! The poem really brings home the season!

Gwen M. Plano

12/23/2023 18:36:22

Thanks so much, Luanne. ❤️

Marcia Meara

12/24/2023 07:05:51

I'm running late on all my blog reading, but wanted to be sure to wish you the Merriest Christmas ever, Gwen! And here's to a very happy 2024, too! Sending loads of love and holiday cheer your way!
🤗🎄🤗

Gwen M. Plano

12/24/2023 13:07:44

Thank you so much, dear Marcia. I'm sending much love as well. Love you! ❄️🎄❄️

Colleen Chesebro link

12/24/2023 11:30:55

Merry Christmas, Gwen. Thanks so much for writing poetry with me this year. xx

Gwen M. Plano

12/24/2023 13:08:40

You've taught me so much, Colleen. Thank you for the opportunity to join you and others on this poetry adventure. Merry Christmas! ❤️

Jules link

12/25/2023 14:38:18

You reminded me of a talent show my one grand was in last year...
A unique solo performance from the musical "Matilda"...

It is always a joy to see our loved ones excell.

Best to you this season, and a happy and healthy New Year.

David 'ben Alexander' Bogomolny link

12/26/2023 00:54:13

Gwen, your blog post radiates holiday warmth and cheer! Your Tanka beautifully captures the essence of the season, and your personal touch with the Nutcracker adds a special, nostalgic layer. Wishing you a wonderful holiday filled with the joy you've so beautifully shared!

~David

mark bierman link

12/26/2023 09:47:18

Beautiful poem, Gwen. I hope you're enjoying the holiday season. I wish you all the best in 2024!

Annette Rochelle Aben link

12/27/2023 05:03:29

Embracing the mood of your lovely abhanga, and celebrating the energy of your wishes for the coming year! <3

Happy Holidays!

Leave a Reply.

Archives