Travel and Memories

6/11/2026

Hello, dear friends.

I just returned home last night from the East Coast. It feels like I've been traveling forever, but that's just my old bones squawking. I'll be catching up for a while, I suspect.

Yvette provides this week's Tanka Tuesday prompt, and it's perfect for the season. She invites us to write of something related to a vacation, including a favorite place. Well...growing up in a desert, and now living in the high desert, I have a special love for the ocean. A couple times a year, hubby and I travel to California's coast and bask in the water and salty air. I love every minute of it!

My poem is a simple tanka related to my special vacation site. Hope you like it. 😊

To shift gears a bit, my trip to the beautiful state of Connecticut was a solemn one, even though there was plenty of laughter and family time. I traveled there to help celebrate the life of my beautiful daughter-in-law and be with my kids and grandkids.

My son created this video for the Memorial. Just 58 years young, Kathy was an angel to all who knew her. Kathy Memorial Video | Videos & Movies on Vimeo

Have a wonderful week, dear friends. Each of us is blessed beyond measure, so let's enjoy those blessings. ❤️

26 Comments

Ange

6/11/2026 15:29:39

So sorry your trip was under such sad circumstances Gwen ❤️

Gwen M. Plano

6/12/2026 06:13:33

Thank you, Ange. Tears were abundant, but there was also much love. 💕

John W. Howell link

6/12/2026 05:56:15

A beautiful tribute to the love of Kathy, Gwen. Thank you for sharing it. My heart goes out to you and your family, and I am sorry for your loss. Memories can replace pain over time. My prayer is for peace for you and your family.

Gwen M. Plano

6/12/2026 06:20:16

Thank you, John. My son feels the weight of silence right now, but he treasures the memories, his children, and their little dog. His four-legged friend softens the sorrow and never leaves his side.

Priscilla Bettis link

6/12/2026 06:11:33

May Kathy rest in peace. It was a sad trip, I'm sure, but it sounds like you also had a loving time spent with family.

I enjoyed your tanka, Gwen!

Gwen M. Plano

6/12/2026 06:22:56

Blessings abound. It was a sad journey indeed, but being with loved ones during this time of sorrow was a deep blessing. Thank you, Priscilla, and I'm glad you enjoyed the tanka.

Tim Dittmer link

6/12/2026 07:16:05

That's a very nice poem and picture, Gwen. I hope being back home is nice for you.

Gwen M. Plano

6/12/2026 08:41:08

I'm so pleased you liked it, Tim. Yes -- it's nice being home.

Liz Gauffreau link

6/12/2026 07:23:43

Thank you for sharing the loving tribute to Kathy. My heart goes out to you and your family. It's good that you were able to spend some time at the ocean.

Gwen M. Plano

6/12/2026 08:43:14

Thank you, Liz. It was wonderful being with family, even though the circumstance was sorrowful. 💙

Daniel Antion link

6/12/2026 07:35:53

I'm sorry your visit included a sad event. The video is heartwarming. IT looks like you escaped CT before the heat wave rolled in. I hope you enjoy the weekend.

Gwen M. Plano

6/12/2026 08:45:10

Driving through Hartford, I thought of you and your photos, Dan. It's a lovely area. And, you are right, I escaped before the heat wave rolled in. Hope you have a great weekend as well.

Thomas Wikman link

6/12/2026 12:18:09

I love visiting the ocean too, as well as the mountains. You wrote a beautiful poem. The video was very beautiful and a great tribute to Kathy. I am so sorry for your loss.

Gwen M. Plano

6/12/2026 15:01:30

I love the mountains as well, Thomas. Both settings are exhilarating. Thank you for the kind words.

Teagan Geneviene link

6/13/2026 11:40:34

Ah...I'm sorry, Gwen. Even when we know something like that is coming, when the loss happens, it doesn't seem to make it any easier. Big hugs.

Gwen M. Plano

6/14/2026 16:07:43

Thank you, Teagan. She was a lovely woman, a great soul. Hugs back to you. 💕

Yvette M Calleiro link

6/13/2026 12:57:44

My heart hurts for you and your family's loss. I'm sure it was comforting for your son for you to be there.

I love your poem. You know the beach is my favorite place. Each line is beautiful! Thanks for participating this week!

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Gwen M. Plano

6/14/2026 16:09:11

Thank you, dear Yvette. Kathy was an extraordinary woman in all ways.

suzanne link

6/14/2026 08:16:39

Beautiful tanka Gwen, may you all find peace 💞

Gwen M. Plano

6/14/2026 16:10:08

Thank you for the kind words, Suzanne. 💕

Colleen link

6/14/2026 16:52:08

Dear Gwen, I'm so sorry about your daughter-in-law. Such a loss and so young. Some vacations are harder than others. Sending you huge hugs and love. 💜

Gwen M. Plano

6/17/2026 13:37:38

Thank you, dear Colleen. She was a beautiful soul and radiated love wherever she went. 💕

Balroop Singh link

6/14/2026 22:25:51

My condolences. Wishing you and your family members peace and strength to bear the loss, Gwen. May Kathy's soul rest in peace.

Gwen M. Plano

6/17/2026 13:38:40

Thank you, Balroop, for the kind words. 💕

Paul Cannon link

6/15/2026 08:42:26

O what a beautiful testimonial to her life, thank you for sharing the video.

The tanka is glorious Gwen, especially that last line.

Gwen M. Plano

6/17/2026 13:40:23

Thank you, Paul. She was a beautiful loving soul. I'm glad you enjoyed the tanka. 😊

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