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Summer's fury

8/25/2026

27 Comments

 
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Hello blog friends, 

Summer is drawing to a close in our area, but it is not leaving quietly. While in beautiful Sedona, a violent storm hit our home area of Chino Valley with high winds and torrential rain. We decided to return earlier than planned and found neighbors dealing with downed trees and flooded streets. We were one of the fortunate households, as we had minimal damage. 

We've lived in this area for over five years, and this is the first time we've experienced a true Monsoon. It's a phenomenon that folks talk about, but until this happened, I didn't pay much attention. 

I had hoped to share photos with you, but I promise to do so when we return in another month or so. If you've never visited Sedona, put this beautiful area on your "to do" list. You'll be in awe of the red rocks, the sense of sacredness, and the peace the draws you into your heart. ❤️


Colleen Chesebro offers the prompt for his week's Tanka Tuesday, and she invites contributors to focus on color via metaphors. My simple poem attempts to capture my recent experience of summer's fury. I hope you like it.
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Have a wonderful week, dear friends -- hopefully void of monsoon fury. 😊
27 Comments
Priscilla Bettis link
8/26/2026 04:23:01

"Focus on color via metaphors," what an interesting prompt. I love your result. I pray your area recovers quickly from the monsoon damage.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
8/26/2026 10:45:01

Thank you, Priscilla. The chain saws are roaring in the neighborhood, but otherwise, the area is looking good. People are out and about, chatting about the storm. 😊

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D. L. Finn
8/26/2026 06:27:19

Glad you were okay after the monsoon, Gwen! Hope your neighbors damage wasn't too bad. Love the poem and I agree there is some special about Sedona. Xo

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Gwen M. Plano
8/26/2026 10:46:24

Thank you so much, Denise. In a way, the storm brought everyone together. Most of the damage has been cleared and all is well. 😊

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John W. Howell link
8/26/2026 06:28:43

Lovely poem, Gwen. I'm glad your place was spared damage. Sorry you had to return early.

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Gwen M. Plano
8/26/2026 10:48:08

Thank you, John. We were delighted to find out that all was well in and around our home. Even the little bunny who lives in our backyard is hopping around happily. 😊

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Dan Antion link
8/26/2026 07:00:50

I'm glad your home was spared any significant damage, Gwen. I hope your neighbors can recover quickly. Nature can be brutal, but I have to say, I never expected to read about these kinds of storms in your area. I hope no one was injured. Take care.

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Gwen M. Plano
8/26/2026 10:50:29

Thank you, Dan. I didn't expect this either, but I'm impressed how the neighborhood worked together to clear the debris. I guess all is well that ends well. 😊

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Liz Gauffreau link
8/26/2026 08:03:52

That monsoon sounds scary! I'm glad your place made it through the storm with minimal damage.

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Gwen M. Plano
8/26/2026 10:52:08

Thank you, Liz. We only saw the aftermath, but I suspect that those with children or pets must have had a scary experience. 😊

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Tim Dittmer link
8/26/2026 14:03:36

I've heard of the monsoons in Arizona from my brother-in-law and his wife who live in the northern outskirt of Tucson, Gwen. Your fantastic poetry describes the feelings created by the summer there wonderfully!

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Gwen M. Plano
8/26/2026 15:22:21

Thanks so much, Tim. I think Tucson might have even more monsoon challenges. Enjoy the rest of the summer. 😊

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Tim Dittmer link
8/26/2026 20:22:50

My pleasure, Gwen. 😍 I don't keep track of the weather there. It's cooling a bit here and the days are getting shorter. I hope you keep surviving the monsoon well. 🙏

Thomas Wikman link
8/26/2026 15:39:00

That is a very cool picture and a beautiful weather poem. I don't I've experienced a real monsoon. Here in north Texas we are having unusually dry and hot weather. A couple of days ago it was 108 degrees (109 according to the newspaper) for a few days. It is a bit cooler now but still 100+ every day. It has been 100+ for several weeks and now we have problems with wildfires. The ones who suffer most are dogs.

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Gwen M. Plano
8/27/2026 09:39:39

Wow, 109 is intense! I hope your area has cooled down, Thomas. It's not fun staying in the house all day (which is what we do when the temps climb in our area). Take good care of yourself and family -- both two-legged and four. 😊

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Annette Aben
8/26/2026 16:47:28

summer here has me making Christmas wishes (for weather that is not SO summery)

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Gwen M. Plano
8/27/2026 09:40:49

I'm all smiles, Annette. I think I'll steel your Christmas wish and add it to mine. 😊

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Balroop Singh link
8/27/2026 10:56:51

This is a wonderful tanka, Gwen. each line is loaded. Love it. The picture is stunning! Thanks for sharing it.

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Gwen M. Plano
8/28/2026 16:01:40

Thanks so much, Balroop. 😊

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Jan Sikes
8/28/2026 09:11:43

It seems there are extreme weather situations everywhere. I do believe Mother Earth is a bit upset with us and how we are destroying her beautiful eco-system. Thank you for sharing this lovely poem. Glad your home only suffered minimal damage.

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Gwen M. Plano
8/28/2026 16:02:52

Thank you, Jan. I share your insight and believe Mother Earth is showing us the consequences of so much turmoil. 😊

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Colleen link
8/29/2026 11:48:11

Gwen, I'm so thankful that you didn't have any damage from the storm. When we lived in Buckeye, AZ there was a violent storm that shattered our glass outdoor table into a million pieces. I'd never seen anything like it before. When in lived in Prescott Valley, the storms were minimal. I'm glad you're having fun on the road on vacation. ❤️

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Selma Martin
8/30/2026 04:39:18

Beautiful tanka dear Gwen. And may Autumn be what summer never could. Still enjoy what’s left of it. Blessings.

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Paul Cannon link
8/31/2026 08:42:15

This has energy, the power of nature in both summer and autumn, the colours potent.

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Freya Pickard link
9/1/2026 00:46:43

awesome tanka, Gwen, that reflects the image and your descriptions of the monsoon storm...!

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willow link
9/1/2026 07:13:27

Wow ... what a shock the monsoon must have been..so pleased you're all safe and that you got through with little damage... I hope everyone in your area were all safe too
I really love your glorious poem 💜💜💜

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Yvette M Calleiro link
9/1/2026 10:14:39

Gorgeous poem, Gwen! I'm happy your home was spared.

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Reply



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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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