Saturday 28 December 2013

A Dedication.

On Christmas day, my company, a loving dog, the ticking of a clock, the wild breeze blowing out yon window.  I was lost, lost in my thoughts, lost in hopeful thoughts that I could make a difference, for you, for me.

The phone doth ring.  That ring of love, of hope, from my mother, my family, so far away in Vancouver. A magical moment in a day of magical moments.

I dedicated Christmas Day to you.  I dedicated the day of peace to be here for those who might be feeling anything but peace.  Lost souls in a lost world.  I dedicated that day to be here for anybody who just wanted soothing words of comfort.  My destination of hope.  A journey well travelled.
I stayed online until three in the morning.  Boxing Day for me and still Christmas Day in North America. Exhausted and yet exhilarated, I switched off the computer.  Beyond the blank screen, humanity in all its wondrous diversity, its extremes of emotions, slept, smiled, cried and sang.

A dedication.  I dedicated that day with all my heart.  Alone, yet not alone, words of your support flow through my soul.   I stare at my beloved dog as she gently sleeps.  All is as it was meant to be.   Thank you. Bless you.

98 comments:

  1. Gary, you make a difference every day, not just on Christmas Day.
    Peace to you and your wonderful family, my friend.
    I love the picture you picked for this post.
    Have a peaceful weekend.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Julia,

      Thank you and I certainly try to. I also know that Christmas Day is more profoundly painful for many than other days of the year.

      And the gentle warmth of peace to you and your loved ones, Julia. I'm glad you liked the photo in my post. A photo from my garden.

      A restful, hopeful weekend to you, dear Julia.

      In kindness, Gary

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  2. It sounds like you had a peaceful holiday. :)

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    1. Hi JoJo,

      A hopeful, reflective holiday, dear friend. I hope your day was wonderful.

      In kindness, Gary

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  3. And a lot of people out there slept better for having had contact with you in their dark moments.....My folks always said 'your light shines brighter when you lift the bushel'.
    Lift it high my friend.

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    1. Hi Delores,

      Your words are cherished, dear Delores. Through the moments of darkness, came those moment of hopeful, inspirational light.

      The beacon shall glow ever brighter, my friend.

      A happy weekend to you and your loved ones.

      Gary

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  4. Happy Holidays to you and Penny!

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    1. Hi Pat,

      And the same to you, good sir.

      Enjoy the weekend.

      Penny's human,

      Gary

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  5. Giving is what the season is all about and you, Gary, carried that to its zenith! What a wonderful gift to the world!

    Wishing you all the best for the New Year!

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    1. Hi Yolanda,

      A gift of hope, I hope :) It gave me a positive focus towards others. Thank you, dear friend.

      A peaceful New Year to you and your loved ones.

      Gary :)

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  6. You do make a difference... everyday... I am learning more and more about you.

    My son and I were eating breakfast in New Orleans on Christmas Morning... and there was a woman sitting at a table... all alone... she was wiping tears from her eyes.

    I stepped outside my comfort zone and probably into that big area known as "None Of Your Business"... and asked her if she was ok... she assured me that it was only an allergy.

    Bless her heart...

    ~shoes~

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    Replies
    1. Hi Shoes,

      Thank you, kind friend, I like to think so. We are all learning about each other. That's powerful.

      Bless her and bless you. I find that most folks are approachable. Although it can really challenge your comfort zone. You are a good chap.

      Gary :)

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  7. You are a star, shining brightly in my world and my heart. Thank you for being yourself. Thank you so very much.

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    1. Hi Sue,

      You are most kind, dear lady. Thank you for being another part of the magic, the interaction we share. Thanking you for being YOU.

      In kindness,

      Gary :)

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  8. Sounds like a holiday where you got to relax and take count of much in life

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    Replies
    1. Hi Pat Hatt,

      My good sir, a holiday of gentle hope and reflection. Thank you.

      With respect and good wishes,

      Gary :)

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  9. My pups and I want to wish you and your pup a very peaceful holiday season. Always enjoy your blog posts, keep them coming in 2014.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Dizzy-Dick,

      On behalf of Penny, I her human, Gary, wish you and your pups, a positive holiday season and a peaceful 2014. I appreciate you encouraging words, good sir.

      Gary :)

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  10. Thinking of and helping others -- the true meaning of Christmas!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Debra,

      Indeed it is, my lovely friend. Everyday, a dedication of hope, of support.

      Gary :)

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  11. And bless you, as well.
    This time of year always brings out the introspective in me.
    I really do love it.

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    1. Hi Al,

      Thank you, kind sir. Ah yes, a time of the year to take stock of our lives. Peaceful wishes to you, brother.

      Gary :)

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  12. Bless you, Gary - today and every day. And lots of treats for Penny :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kim,

      And bless you, dear Kim. May your new adventure become even better in 2014. Treats for CindyLu! :)

      Gary :)

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  13. What a beautiful dedication to the holiday and to life. Wishing you a Happy and Safe New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gossip_Grl,

      Very nice of you to say, dear friend. Here's wishing you and your loved ones, a most peaceful 2014.

      Gary :)

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  14. A very lovely dedication and how nice to hear from your mum. Take a break now, rest, eat, rest some more. you've earned it.

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    Replies
    1. Hi River,

      It's always so nice to chat with my mother. A phone call on Christmas Day and this dedication, such a positive outcome. I shall duly rest and rest a bit more. Thank you and I think I shall go back to sleep :)

      Gary :)

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  15. The sky is remarkably blue in that photo.
    Thank you, and bless you, dear Gary. You're a unique gift to the blogoverse and world.
    xoRobyn

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    Replies
    1. Hi Robyn,

      A remarkable blue, this be true :)

      And thank you, dear Robyn. A unique, blessed gift we all are.

      Gary :) x

      Delete
  16. Gary ~ I thought about you throughout the day on Christmas Day and wondered whether you were busy. I hope you had a good day.

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    1. Hi Carol,

      How very nice of you. Thank you. I kept busy with positive distractions and that made a quiet day, a day of soothing peace. I hope you had a good day, dear lady.

      Gary :)

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  17. Gary, you could have been doing anything else you wanted on this day, but you made a choice to be of help to others who needed it. You're a true blessing and don't ever forget that when you're feeling down or depressed.

    You don't know how many lives you may have saved, or how many more lives that you've put back on the right track. And I'm not just talking about Christmas Day. It's all the days that you make yourself available throughout the entire year.

    I'm just so glad that I've found someone like you who cares so much about real people. Happy New Year Gary. I pray 2014 will be full of special surprises, lots of precious love and all of your hearts desires will come true, providing it's legal :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rum-Punch Drunk,

      Indeed and this is one of my ways of counteracting my depression. I believe if I can be positively productive than I can make someone else and myself, feel that little bit better. I'm blessed and truly blessed that I can have such encouraging interaction with your good self.

      Indeed, if just one person felt that they didn't need to feel alone, that they are special, then that one life, or lives, may have found the catalyst to understand they are of value. Christmas Day can be painfully poignant for so many. And yes, I try and you try, to be there for others no matter the day.

      My sincerity, my empathy, gifts we share, my friend. You are a marvel. I just hope that the parades in my honour in 2014 are not too embarrassing. Legal things? Oops!

      All the best for you in the dawning of the New Year.

      Gary :)

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  18. Replies
    1. Hi Arleen,

      Thank you, dear friend. And bless your good soul.

      In kindness,

      Gary :)

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  19. just knowing you are out there, is a great feeling... we are not alone.
    happy day and happier days are coming.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jeremy,

      Indeed, good friend, we never need feel alone. We can make those happy days be times of great rejoicing.

      Be well, Jeremy.

      Gary :)

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  20. You were there, ready to give, and that is an amazing thing.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Alex,

      I did, with all my heart. My good friend, it's caring folks such as you that accentuate my inspiration. Thus, thank you.

      Gary :)

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  21. Hi Gary - I feel the phone did ring from many who so appreciate your outreach to them on an unloved day for them ... giving them just a little something of joy for their Christmas. I hope they all had some peace after your interconnecting with them - I feel your words will have comforted many.

    Enjoy some quiet and reflective time yourself, while being happy that Penny is there to accompany you on your walks .. and I hope you had that funny food for Christmas and Tristan enjoyed his ...??!! I expect the mices were happy too ...

    You're safe from the storms by the sound of it - enjoy those clear nights .. they seem few and far between at the moment - though Christmas Day was very warm and sunny ... to our delight.

    With thanks for all you do for others .. Hilary

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    Replies
    1. Hi Hilary,

      A telephone's line like a lifeline....Just a few words of comfort, the interaction, a moment of peace in perhaps a life of sad turmoil. I'm sure there will be those who now understand that they need not feel alone. That they have a unique validity.

      I managed a bit of reflective time on Boxing Day. A walk with Penny during these times is a bit of a ritual. We can walk for miles and see nobody. I consumed that strange concoction, Hilary. Tristan wont go near it.

      We escaped most of the storm. However, it was very windy up here on Christmas Day. Nothing to do with the food, I might add.

      Thank you and thanks for all you do, my dear friend.

      Gary :)

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  22. Although I wasn't online on Christmas Day I thought about the many friends I have made in blogland including you, Gary and dear Penny. I am sure your presence was a great source of comfort to many. My blessings to you for the New Year.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Suzanne,

      Penny and I are glad that we share this friendship in blogland. The resonance of the thoughts of the posting, rang out and that was heartening.

      A peaceful New Year to you and your loved ones, Suzanne.

      Gary :)

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  23. God Bless you and Penny. We all know that you are a dedicated blogger. You are indeed an awesome blogger who has inspired a lot of people. Thanks for being there for all of us.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Munir,

      Thank you, dear lady. I dedicate my blog to go beyond and reach out with the positive ripples we share. Inspiration breeds inspiration. I embrace your thoughtful words, Munir. Thank you for being here.

      Gary :)

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  24. Replies
    1. Hi John

      And a peaceful New Year to you, my wise friend.

      Gary :)

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  25. If you dedicated it with your heart, then you were not alone.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Diane,

      My heart speaks of the friends I know are on the other side of my screen. Thank you, dear friend.

      Gary :)

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  26. Merry Christmas to you Gary - I'm glad you had contact with your family in Canada. Happy New Year.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Annalisa,

      Thank you and I hope you had a lovely Christmas, Annalisa. It's always such a wonderful moment when I speak to my family, my friends in Canada.

      A peaceful 2014 to you and your loved ones.

      Gary :)

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  27. Rest now. You've done so much, just wrap yourself around Penny and take a few hours well needed chilling. Great photo too :) x

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    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle,

      I did have a bit of a rest, thank you :) I do need some more chilling time. Penny is such a comfort :) Glad you liked the photo.

      Gary :) x

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  28. What beautiful words, Gary. You are such a generous soul. I truly believe that whatever you send out into the world comes back to you in one way or another. God bless you.
    Writer In Transit

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    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle Wallace,

      Thank you for that, dear lady. Indeed, you send out positivity and positivity comes your way. Even when there are times it can be difficult to realise just how good it can be. Bless you, Michelle.

      Gary :)

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  29. You're awesome! As a teacher I see lots of kids who don't want to be at home for holidays - school is their safe place. We try to give them skills and strategies and ways to cope, but it's hard! I'm so glad there are people like you who make this world a better place just by being you. *hugs*

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jemi,

      Thank you and what you do as a teacher is awesome!:) I've no doubt that the coping strategies you try to enhance in those children are greatly appreciated. Let's hope those children had a stress-free Christmas. You are very kind, dear Jemi. Thank you for being YOU and the difference you make in the lives of the children.

      Hugs and smiles,

      Gary :)

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  30. What a wonderful way to spend your Christmas!!! I am sure you touched so many with your heart.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Robin,

      A Christmas well spent in such a positive way. I hope that we all touched each others' hearts, dear Robin.

      Gary :)

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  31. What a meaningful and fulfilling way to spend Christmas. I hope all the good you did returns to you tenfold. I'm wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2014!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lexa,

      Thank you, dear Lexa. My goal was to reach out. I know that it has been accomplished. May the good we all do, emanate in positive ripples.

      And a happy, healthy, hopeful 2014 to you and your loved ones.

      Gary :)

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  32. I love the peacefulness you instilled in your words. As I read them, the world slowed down for a moment and I could picture Penny snoozing beside you, not a doggy care in the world. Everything as it should be. Thank you for that moment of peace, Gary. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi River Fairchild,

      I'm heartened by your thoughtful comment, River. Thank you. I'm most pleased that the words could paint the picture of gentle peace within my home. A blessed dog who can fall asleep so cosy. Thank you for being part of this moment of peace.

      Gary :)

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  33. Your post has such a nice tone and lyrical way about it. I read each word and could feel your emotions. The picture you chose to go with it is perfect for the mood of the poem. So glad you have Penny with you and that your holidays were filled with purpose and good things!

    Thanks for the post filled with peace and hope.
    ~Jess

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jess,

      I'm delighted you could sense the ambience. The photo of a gentle early morn taken from my garden. Penny, such non-judgemental love. A holiday with a sense of positive purpose.

      Thank you for your lovely comment, Jess.

      Gary :)

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  34. Gary.
    you. are. beautiful.

    that's all. xx

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kim,

      And your beauty doth resonate here. Thank you.

      Gary :) xx

      Delete
  35. Hugs and chocolate to you!

    Shelly

    May 2014 be great for you, Gary.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Shelly,

      Thank you for the hugs and chocolate.

      And here's wishing you and your loved ones, a peaceful New Year.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  36. Hi Gary. I got an email from Sir Tom Eagerly; he is upset because he can't post here anonymously any more. I told him he should contact your Christmas help line.
    He thinks he has his saintliness in common with you!
    All the best for the New Year and congratulations on yet another fine year of Blogging.
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi bazza,

      Would you please tell good old Sir Tom that I had to change the settings because I was getting bombarded with junk comments. No, not his. Well, maybe his. Sadly, I was getting so much crap that I had to change the darned settings. Sir Tom, in between the finest malt whisky, would, no doubt, be wonderful on my Christmas help line. Saint Tom.

      Thank you for your thoughtful words, good sir. And here's to another fine year of dogging, um blogging.

      Gary :)

      Delete
    2. Maybe I'll try the dogging this time!

      Delete
    3. Hey bazza,

      Ah yes, once upon a time in a darkened car park....

      Delete
  37. You have the heart of a poet, Gary. I hope your Christmas was one of peace and love. <3

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    Replies
    1. Hi Shannon,

      Why, thank you, Shannon. Penny the pawet showed me how. My Christmas was as you described, dear lady. I hope you had a magical Christmas with your loved ones.

      Gary :)

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  38. Happy New Year, Gary! I wish you all the best in 2014!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sherry,

      Thank you and a happy gardening New Year to you :)

      Gary :)

      Delete
  39. I loved this post Gary. The words sounded poetic.
    Rick

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rick,

      Thank you, good sir. And from one whose articulation doth flow with gentle ease, I'm honoured.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  40. Oh it's like Christmas around here! I just read three wonderful posts in one visit. How lucky I am...and I love those little marshmallows--you'd think I was a field mouse. Can't you just imagine him lining his little bed with marshmallows? Pillow soft comfort thanks to Gary and Penny! Just like Christmas!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Eve,

      Ah yes, the spirit of Christmas is alive and well. Delighted you read the other posts. The little field mouse all snuggled up against some pink and white marshmallow pillows. Bless its little heart. An all round comforting thought. Thank you, Eve.

      Have a wonderful 2014.

      Gary :)

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  41. No better way to spend the day than with a sweetly sleeping humble internet super star. :)

    Peace and friendship to you, friend!

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    Replies
    1. Hi I.B. Nosey,

      I was truly thankful that Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar, allowed me to keep her company :)

      In peace and friendship to you,

      Gary :)

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  42. God bless you too!

    Just wanted to stop by and wish you a blessed 2014.

    Lots of love!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Misha,

      God bless you and all you do. I hope you had a lovely birthday, Misha :)

      Here's to a wonderful 2014 to you and your loved ones.

      Hugs,

      Gary :)

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  43. Replies
    1. Hi Lady Lilith,

      Thank you. All the best with your cereal, sorry, serial killer. A good 2014 to you.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  44. Such a beautiful post. I had a peaceful two weeks, one with relaxation and reflection, as well as the busyness of writing before I go back to work to next week. Happiest of New Years to you.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Medeia,

      You are most kind. Thank you. It seems you had a nice, healthy balance over the holiday season. Delighted to know that. A positive outcome.

      An awesome New Year to you, Medeia.

      Gary :)

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  45. What wonderful thoughts, and to think they were coming my way too! Thank you Gary. This was my first Christmas without my father and I missed him very much. I made a decision to really appreciate the family I have, that I was with them and so though I missed my father, I also knew he was with us even if I couldn't hug him and see his smile. I dreamed twice of him during the holidays and that helped. Guess your wishes worked!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lisa,

      That worked to a beautiful result. You cherished those moments and appreciated the family, even more poignantly. Your beloved father was there with you and the dreams told you this. Bless you, dear Lisa.

      Here's to a peaceful, fulfilling 2014.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  46. Thank you for this. I'm glad you got a call from family, and the blogging world thanks you for dedicating Christmas to those in need.
    In gratitude,
    Tina @ Life is Good

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  47. Hi Tina,

    Thank you for backtracking to this posting. Telephone calls from my family are a source of positive energy for me. Just as you are a source of positive interaction. You are a marvel, Tina.

    In gratitude to you,

    Gary :)

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  48. 2013 was a sad Christmas for me. Very, very sad. The Desert Rocks up above is me blathering about field mice, perhaps as a way to hide under the Christmas tree or a rock. Thank you then, and again. Blessings,Eve

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Eve,

      Thanking you for commenting on this archived post. And now we be five years on. I'm wishing that this Christmas be a wondrous and magical time for you, for your loved ones, for all of us.

      Bless you, my kind, thoughtful friend.

      Gary

      Delete

I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.