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Merry Christmas. . .

12/17/2020

39 Comments

 
Dear readers,

This year has been one of solitude and reflection. Much of the time, we worried on behalf of loved ones, our country, and ourselves. We listened, more than usual, to those who claimed to know or should have known about the virus, about threats, about injustice. Then many of us stopped listening. We retreated within ourselves and dug deep for truth. It was then that we discovered the others, the truth seekers. People like you and me.  

As Christmas approaches, I find myself immensely grateful for all who have reached out across the divides of COVID to say hello, to offer a hand. In particular, I'm grateful for the writers who have accompanied me this year. I may not have known you, were it not for the virus, for the solitude, for the desperate need to understand.

Through memoirs, like Kathleen Pooler's Just the Way He Walked, I realized that it's an illusion to think we walk alone with our sorrows. Her beautiful testimony opened doors within my heart. Jill Weatherholt's romance novel gave me hope in humanity, in innocent love. Sally Cronin's books made me feel as though I had a sister across the Atlantic Ocean. Marcia Meara introduced me to the angels' emissaries, and John Howell helped me see how they travel through time. Karen Ingalls took me through life's struggles and showed me the face of redemption. There are so many other authors I could mention, and I'm sure you could as well. 

This year I've read dozens of books, and without exception, each writer stretched my world wider. They helped me see the mysteries hidden behind smiles, the possibilities locked in hearts, the beauty in every person. I traveled with them to outer space, to countries never seen, to times long past or yet to be. 

To all the writers, Thank You. I'm immensely grateful for all that you've given me this year. Whether you sell volumes or not, whether your reviews are all 5-stars or not, you have made a difference in my life and so many others. May you and all have a very joy-full Christmas. 

Blessings,
Gwen
​ 
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39 Comments
Harmony Kent link
12/18/2020 02:21:00

Thank you for this lovely post, Gwen. It's been a pleasure getting to know you better this year. And may we have many more.

Wonderful Christmas tree! And thank you so much for hanging 'Oh Baubles' on there!

Hugs and best wishes xx :)

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Gwen M Plano
12/18/2020 04:22:12

Thank you, dear Harmony. I'm so pleased you like the tree, and I'm ever so grateful for our friendship. 💗

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Staci Troilo link
12/18/2020 04:06:38

What a lovely tree (thanks for including me on it) and what a lovely post. No surprise, coming from such a lovely person. It's been such a joy getting to know you better this year. I wish nothing but the best for you and yours in 2021. Happy holidays, Gwen.

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Gwen M Plano
12/18/2020 04:24:59

Thank you, Staci. The tree was fun to create, though not big enough for all the writers. It's a delight knowing you, and I look forward to reading all your books in 2021. Wow, what a wonderful prospect! 😊

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sally cronin link
12/18/2020 04:24:58

Thank you so much Qwen for your lovely post and the mention.. I look forward to sharing 2021 with you too..Merry Christmas.. ♥♥

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Gwen M Plano
12/18/2020 04:55:39

Thank you, Sally. I'm looking forward to that as well. I'm presently reading "Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries," and enjoying each story and poem. 💗

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Joan Hall link
12/18/2020 04:27:09

Beautiful tree, Gwen. Thanks for including The Stranger as a part of it. Many blessings to you and yours during this Christmas season.

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Gwen M Plano
12/18/2020 04:56:45

Thank you so much. I hope you and yours have a lovely, blessed Christmas. ✨🎄✨

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Karen Ingalls
12/18/2020 04:47:57

Your creativity, appreciation, and love shows so clearly in your Christmas message. Thank you for including me in your tree and especially your personal message.
Your friendship is one of the wonderful gifts I have received over the years. You are a blessing in my life.

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Gwen M Plano
12/18/2020 04:59:44

Thank you, dear Karen. Your sentiments are mine as well. I'm deeply grateful for your friendship and encouragement along life's journey. 💗

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CS Boyack
12/18/2020 06:24:10

I’m honored to make your tree. Hope you have a great Christmas and a wonderful 2021.

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Gwen M Plano
12/18/2020 07:26:54

Thank you, Craig. I hope the same for you. Merry Christmas!

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Marcia Meara link
12/18/2020 07:05:45

What a beautiful post, Gwen. I am so pleased to see The Emissary included on your Tree of Wonder, and I agree that books have made coping with this much, much easier. Our fellow authors have enriched our lives every single day, in many different ways.

YOU, in particular, have been a beacon of light for me this year. Your kind and loving heart shows in everything you do or write. And your grace under fire as you deal with your own trials has inspired me over and over again.

Thank you for being such a caring friend, and such an exceptional, amazing person!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Much, Much Love to You!

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Gwen M Plano
12/18/2020 07:28:05

Thank you, dear Marcia. I'm so happy we met and then traveled this year together. Blessings and love, Gwen

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Marcia Meara link
12/18/2020 09:02:21

As am I, Gwen. As am I! 😊 ♥

John Howell link
12/18/2020 08:11:13

A lovely post, Gwen. Thank you for placing Eternal Road on your tree and for the mention as well. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. ❤️

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Gwen M Plano
12/18/2020 08:42:05

Thank you, John. I enjoyed creating the tree and thinking about each of the writers. Hope you have a very blessed Christmas. 💗

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Jan Sikes
12/18/2020 09:05:31

What a beautiful tree, Gwen! And your heartfelt post uplifted me in such a good way! Amidst the chaos, you've found your peace and so it is for each of us. Love you, soul sister! Merry Christmas!

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Gwen M Plano
12/18/2020 09:19:44

Thank you so much, Jan. How wonderful to be called a soul sister! I think there are many of us scattered about, carrying torches of tenderness. Merry Christmas to you and yours. 💗

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Vashti Quiroz-Vega link
12/18/2020 09:49:48

I'm so touched by this post, Gwen. Thank you for reaching out to me via email. I enjoyed our conversations. There's nothing better for me as an author than for readers to get me, to understand where I'm trying to take them with my writing. I enjoyed getting to know you better. I'm honored to be added to your tree. Thank you for this post. Happy Holidays!

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Gwen M Plano
12/18/2020 10:36:26

Thank you, dear Vashti. You are a blessing. Happy Holidays! 💗

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Jill Weatherholt link
12/18/2020 10:09:06

It's a good thing I'm still working from home, otherwise my co-workers would be concerned about the tears. Thank you for this beautiful Christmas message. We are blessed to have such a wonderful writing community. I'm so please my stories provide hope. That's my intention when writing a new book. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Gwen. xo

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Gwen M Plano
12/18/2020 10:37:50

Thank you, dear Jill. You bring hope to many. Merry Christmas and abundant blessings... 💗

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D.L. Finn
12/18/2020 10:39:43

This is a beautifully said sentiment that we've all felt on some level this year. I'm equally grateful to all the words I've read this year that have affected me and helped me through troubling times. We are very lucky to be a part of this community. Thank you for including "Things" on your tree! Merry Christmas and thank you for your amazing words this year. Xo

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Gwen M Plano
12/18/2020 10:48:27

Thank you, dear Denise. Our extended writing community is an amazing gift, and you are a bright light in the community. Merry Christmas my friend. 💗

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Kathleen Pooler link
12/19/2020 06:14:04

Thank you for this beautiful tribute,Gwen. I am honored to to included in your list and on your tree. Merry Christmas to you!💞

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Gwen M Plano
12/19/2020 07:23:09

You are most welcome, Kathy. I hope you have a blessed Christmas. 💗

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Miriam Hurdle link
12/20/2020 15:23:19

Your beautiful post touched on the true caring and supportive spirit in this writing community, Gwen. What a wonderful idea to display the heart touching books on your Christmas tree. I also find extraordinary support from this community which is closer to me than any of my friends in the nearby city. It's here where I could share on a daily basis. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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Gwen M Plano
12/21/2020 06:17:02

Thank you for your lovely comment, Miriam. I always am heartened by your posts and your beautiful writing. Blessings, dear friend, and Merry Christmas. 💗

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Jacquie Biggar link
12/20/2020 16:57:31

Now those are the types of Christmas balls every reader wants on their tree!
This is a lovely post, Gwen.
Happy holidays!

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Gwen M Plano
12/21/2020 06:17:55

Thank you so much, Jacquie! Happy holidays to you and yours. 💗

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GP Cox link
12/21/2020 05:13:18

From: Pacific Paratrooper...
https://pacificparatrooper.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/airborne-christmas-e1608381418322.jpg

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Gwen M Plano
12/21/2020 06:19:24

Thank you, GP, for your Christmas good wishes. Merry Christmas to you and yours. ✨🎄✨

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Mark Bierman link
12/22/2020 03:11:12

A wonderful tribute to those who've made your life better through their written words and friendship. Merry Christmas Gwen!

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Gwen M Plano
12/23/2020 08:34:00

And that includes you, Mark. You're a fantastic writer. Merry Christmas!

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Teagan R. Geneviene link
12/23/2020 19:32:12

What a lovely book tree you made, Gwen. Merry Christmas.
Hugs on the wing!

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Gwen M Plano
12/24/2020 10:37:29

Thank you so much, Teagan. Merry Christmas to you as well. May blessings abound. ✨

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Robbie Cheadle
12/24/2020 04:00:37

A lovely message, Gwen. Merry Christmas 💐

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Gwen M Plano
12/24/2020 10:38:12

Thank you, dear Robbie. Merry Christmas to you as well. 💗

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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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