Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Invitation to Join in an Ongoing Thread of Celebration and Editor's Thoughts--By Karen O'Leary--United States

Dear Whispers’ Friends,

Our online journal/poetry community is about 15,000 away from the 200,000 view mark.  That is a tribute to our talented contributors and all of you that offer words of encouragement to others. This has been and is such an uplifting experience for me and hope it is for you, too.

     True Color

Encouragement is a white
tulip in spring.
It does not pretend
to boast vivid, rich hues.
In its simple beauty,
it displays what it is.

I feel it is fitting that we celebrate by sharing uplifting poems, words of encouragement and other thoughts that are uplifting and inspirational in an ongoing thread.  Please post what you would like to share in the comments section.  We are many parts joining together to make this poetry family that enriches the lives of others.  Thank you all so much!

Many blessings and best wishes,

Karen O’Leary
Whispers’ Editor

97 comments:

  1. lotsa love, Karen, as always. . .

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  2. Thank you so much, ayaz. I hope you will including a poem or two for this thread. Many blessings, my friend.

    Karen

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  3. Oh Karen,the poem says so much. Love to you always,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Mary Jo,

      Love to you, too, my friend. Thank you for your encouragement and for caring about me outside the poetry realm. May your words always speak of the light within you.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  4. I love your poem and all it implies.
    I adore this place as a second home.
    I could not say it better in a dozen tries;
    To those on the sidelines, come and get you some.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Michael. What a treasure you are. I appreciate your views and your encouraging voice. Enjoyed reading your poem. May you always be the light that you are.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
    2. Well put Michael; short but so to the point!

      Pam

      Delete
  5. Whispers is a home away from home indeed
    Other's hungry souls we want to feed.
    A big deal, but it's only half the fun
    Being fed a "full deal" is rarely done.

    Love coming here and being fed!

    Thank you Karen for all you do to make this a great place to be. It does feel like home.
    Love, Charlene



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    Replies
    1. Dear Charlene,

      What a joy to read your poem! Glad you feel Whispers is a home for you. I really like the last line. Nice use of rhyme, too. Thank you so much for your encouragement of me and others here at our poetry community.

      Blessings and love,
      Karen

      Delete
  6. Beautifully said Karen. It is always a pleasure to visit Whispers. Love and Aloha, Connie

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    Replies
    1. Hi Connie,

      Thank you so much. I like being a part of Poetry for Thought, also. It's people like you that make being a part of the writing community a real joy.

      Love and blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  7. I love the image of the pure white tulip. Since white contains all colors of the visible spectrum, it whispers to us that we here are all one. Warmest mahalo to you, Karen.

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    Replies
    1. Dear Molly,

      What a wonderful analogy! It is so good to have your here at Whispers, an encouraging voice and a wonderful writer, too. Thank you for your ongoing support.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  8. Yes, simplicity - fits my Quaker self!

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    Replies
    1. Dear Jim,

      And your Quaker self is appreciated by me and others here at Whispers. Keep your words coming, my friend. Best wishes always.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  9. Whispers is a great place to display
    Our spiritual writings or fun wordplay
    Karen the editor takes what we write
    And shares it with others -- what a great site!

    Thanks for all you do, Karen!
    Your friend,
    David Fox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my gosh, David. What a joy to read your poem today. You are such an encouraging voice here at Whispers. I really appreciate all you do for our writing family.

      Best wishes and blessings,
      Karen

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    2. Beautifully put, David. Loved reading your rhyme.

      Pam

      Delete
  10. Great piece, Karen, best to you! Peggy

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Peggy. It is such a pleasure to have you a part of our Whispers' family. I appreciate all your encouragement and support.

      Many blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  11. Dear Karen:
    The simple beauty of your poem highlights the welcoming feeling of Whispers.
    Such a joy to read and share thoughtful poetry with like- minded writers.
    Like coming into a quiet room and closing the door to be refreshed by beautiful thoughts.
    Hugs,
    SuZ

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  12. Dear Suz,

    What wonderful words to read today! It is part of my vision for Whispers so your kind comments mean a lot to me. Encouragement is a special gift. Thank you for your ongoing encouragement of me and others.

    Many blessings,
    Karen

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  13. Being true is a wonderful foundation. Long may Whispers stand! A wonderful poem Karen, for this thread.

    Over
    another hill
    the sound of the sea

    crescent moon
    a poet fills
    a void

    keep going Karen! Your dedication is an inspiration.

    Ralph

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    Replies
    1. Dear Ralph,

      You are a short verse talent, my friend. You say so much with with a few words. These poems are a pleasure to delve into today. Thank you so much for your dedication to Whispers and for your kind words. It is people like you who encourage and inspire others.

      Many blessings,
      Karen

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    2. I agree Ralph, Beautiful words that touched my soul too.

      Pam

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  14. Hi Karen, I want to thank you for all the encouragement you have given me from the day I joined Whispers. You made me welcome and treated me as a friend. Poetry brings us closer to each other. May you keep up your hard work! God bless.

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    Replies
    1. Dear Paul,

      What gifts your friendship and contributions are to our poetry community. I really appreciate all you do to encourage others. "Poetry brings us closer to each other." I totally agree. It is the friendships I've made in my writing journey that are the biggest treasures of the experience. Thank you, my friend, for being a light in our community.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  15. Tulips.
    On the steel table
    Of a hospital room
    Lend hope to the ill.

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  16. Dear Sunil,

    Wonderful use of contrast to share your message. Anything--like cards, a personal visit, etc. are the tulips that encourage those that are ill. It is the prayers and thoughtfulness of others that do bring hope. So much captured in your poem, Sunil. Thank you for sharing it for this thread.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  17. Dear Karen,

    Your poem is simply beautiful as you are. As I took a walk through your tulips they led me to an

    Unknown Destination

    the train whistle blew
    awakened
    I rode the rails

    back to you, my friend. Thank you for all that you do.

    Love Sandra



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  18. Dear Sandra,

    Thank you so much for your kind words and ongoing encouragement. "Unknown Destination" captures something that most have us have felt at one time or another. The depth of this poem is a mark of your talent, my friend. Thank you for sharing your words for this thread.

    Love,
    Karen

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  19. Wonderful poem Karen, and with the end of your poem, I\we hear ......

    Whispers

    Whisper softly in my ear
    share your dreams of a
    beautiful coolish spring
    where worms run in fear
    of Robins upon the lawn.

    Come to me in the scent
    of lovely lilacs and roses,
    musty leaves, renewed
    earth and blue skies with
    pink marshmallow clouds.

    Ride a lovely unicorn into
    the glorious sunset upon
    reddish twilight shadows.
    Whisper softly in my ear;
    I am yours, forevermore.

    Ken Allan Dronsfield
    Blanca Alicia Garza

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    Replies
    1. Dear Ken and Blanca,

      Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem for our celebration thread. You are both, so encouraging and supportive--a delight to work with. May your whispers lead to writing moments like this again.

      Blessings and best wishes,
      Karen

      Delete
    2. Ken and Blanca, this poem is absolutely breath taking and so perfect for the intent of this Thread.

      Pam

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    3. Thank you so much, Pam for your kind words. I agree with you. Ken and Blanca write so well together.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  20. Whispers is a wonderful resource for great poetry and a great venue where poets can share their work.

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    Replies
    1. Dear Constance,

      Your words mean a lot to me as I wanted a online journal/poetry community that writers of levels can share the gift of words. Contributors like you make that a reality at Whispers. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  21. Karen

    Whisper it short..
    whisper it long..v
    whisper forever..here..
    ....in little songs

    May each 'Whisperer' continue to be a 'poiema' (Ephesians 2:10 ) to each other... it is a natural necessity so to do.

    rgds Brian

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    Replies
    1. Dear Brian,

      Thank you so much for your for your poem and kind thoughts. Whispers is a venue for "little songs" but together we make a community that I am proud of. Thank you for all you do to make that possible.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  22. This is my offering to help celebrate your upcoming milestone of 200,000 views Karen. Your Whispers is a joy to visit and you are truly appreciated for all you do to help poetry prosper. Aloha and Congratulations my friend. Connie

    Seasons

    With a chill still in the wind, spring arrives
    Clutching her white coat that slowly melts
    In Sun's warmth, coaxing blossom's birth.

    Humidity heavy with the scent of Jasmine
    Announces summer's steamy footsteps
    As ripe strawberries share sweet savors.

    A harvest moon greets lovely autumn, smiling,
    When her frosty breath changes verdant leaves
    To glorious hues, drifting down, dancing to death.

    When winter white fleeces her snowy shawl,
    Maple trees share syrup from their vitreous veins.
    Hearth's smoke rises above naked trees at rest.

    Connie Marcum Wong

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    Replies
    1. Dear Connie,

      This poem is wonderful, so rich in imagery. Through our "Seasons" we share the gift of words. What a fitting poem to celebrate our poetry community. Thank you so much for your friendship and encouragement. Wishing you the best always.

      Love and blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
    2. Connie, I agree with Karen; this is wonderful.

      Pam

      Delete
  23. Some tulips here for everyone,
    plus friendship, smiles and lots of fun!

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    Replies
    1. Dear Jack,

      Thank you so much for your gift of humor. What a wonderful reflection of our poetry community! It's people like you that make it possible. Best wishes always, my friend.

      Love and blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  24. within the whispers
    musical notes bring delight
    inner mind transcends

    Alice & Mary Couch
    We are glad to be part of this great group.

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    Replies
    1. Dear Mary and Alice,

      What a beautiful poem! Thank you so much for sharing these words for readers to ponder on. It is great to have you both a part of Whispers.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  25. "Whispers" inspires many souls.
    On soft breezes, words drift
    above cloud-cushioned sky,
    mingling, and gracious music endures.

    Wonderful to be a part of this group,
    Marlene

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  26. Dear Marlene,

    What a lovely poem! We are a community, and I'm so glad you feel we inspire others. That gives our words purpose. Thank you for all you do for Whispers. Best wishes always.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  27. Encouragement Is

    A light touch given with love
    A rainbow in a stormy day
    A simple word, a miracle
    That helps us look beyond the grey.

    A smile that tells us we're worthwhile
    A calm acceptance of our fears
    As simply part of who we are;
    Encouragement lasts all through our years.

    Pam H. Murray

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    Replies
    1. Dear Pam,

      This is wonderful! What a beautiful way to capture the essence of encouragement. Thank you so much for sharing lovely poem for this thread.

      Blessings and best wishes,
      Karen

      Delete
  28. Thanks for sharing, Karen. Your poem is a reminder, to me, of the beauty within us that has the potential to become amazingly beautiful. Continued blessings to you and Whispers, and its contributors and readers.

    -MJ

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  29. Dear Maurice,

    What a blessing you are to our poetry community, encouraging others in their writing journeys. Wishing you the best, my friend. Thank you for all you do to support me and others.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  30. Thank you for this thread, Karen. It is truly a reminder to celebrate what we have while we have it.

    Sharing a poem that has been the lynchpin of my creative outlook:-

    The message is supreme;
    Born in the heart,
    and lilting itself
    from tongue to tongue,
    throwing its scent
    over wind and wave;
    travelling on dots
    or fingers
    when blindness
    or silence bar its way.

    It hews itself into stone
    or burns itself onto magnetic discs;
    it is the message that lives
    and I exist
    solely to pass it on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow Raamesh! This such an amazing view on writing. Words have the ability long past our time here on earth. If we can make a difference, it matters. Thank you for being a light here at Whispers.

      Many blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  31. What a delight this journey has been with Whispers. So many familiar names and old friends!! Thank you Karen for all the hard work you put in for each and every one of us--and thank you for telling me "how it is" when I need it.

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    Replies
    1. Dear Barbara,

      Thank you for your ongoing encouragement. People like you make our online journal a community. Wishing you the best.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  32. Thank you Karen for the invitation
    in an ongoing thread of celebration.
    Across the globe words take flight
    as poets share what they write.
    I hope others are blessed indeed
    by the wonderful poems they read.

    Love to you Karen,
    Chris~

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    Replies
    1. Dear Chris,

      I know people are blessed when they read your words. Thank you for your lovely words as we move closer to our 200,000 view landmark. I appreciate all you do for our poetry community.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  33. Thank you to Gerald for the following--

    Just a few lines to say how wonderful Whispers truly is. This venue is a blessing for everyone involved from contributor to reader. Whispers expands the horizon of literature to an ever shrinking world in which we live. May this publication be in existence for a long time to come so that it may grow by leaps and bounds for the benefit regarding the realm of poetry!

    Sincerely,
    Gerald Heyder

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    Replies
    1. Dear Gerald,

      So good to receive your words today. What a blessing you are to our Whispers community. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. Best wishes, my friend.

      As always,
      Karen

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  34. Whispers is a family. Global family.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Ndongolera. It is people like you that make that family possible.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  35. Thank you, John Polselli, for the following--

    Congratulations on the growing success of Whispers. I'm sure you'll reach the 200,000 views landmark soon. It's truly a pleasure to be a part of this important and valuable labor of love and dedication. Poetry is a deep inner-calling of the soul, and, as such, as long as human beings exist, it shall never perish. Whispers is proof positive of this!

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    Replies
    1. Dear John,

      Wow! Thank you so much for these lovely thoughts. It is people like you that make our poetry journal possible. I agree that our words come from our souls and part of ourselves goes out with every poem we share. Good thing it is cup that never empties, not even through the "writer's block" times. It is such a pleasure to have you on this journey.

      Blessings and best wishes,
      Karen

      Delete
  36. Thank you, John W. Williams, for the following--

    Whispers is the voice of poets! It speaks heart to heart... I am grateful to be a part of its voice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear John,

      It is good to have talented writers like you that make up the voice of Whispers. Thank you for all your encouragement and support, my friend.

      Blessings always,
      Karen

      Delete
  37. Thank you, Gerald Heyder, for the following--

    Whispering Winds

    A cool whispering breeze
    teases and pleases
    the senses of our hearts
    and souls to show
    nature croons poetry
    in a blithe spiritual way.
    The whispering winds
    of words emblazon a fruitful
    meaning upon the screen
    of our subconscious mind
    for us to find kind
    feelings in our dealings
    with committing grace
    and beauty upon paper.
    Long may whispers
    flourish to nourish
    our hunger of the written
    word for the true posterity
    May God bless the vessel
    christened "Whispers"!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Gerald,

      Thank you for this beautiful poem in celebration of our upcoming milestone celebration, which we are closing in on. I appreciate all your support and encouragement.

      Many blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  38. Thank you, Eleanor Michael, for the following--

    Poetry. . .

    written work
    distilled
    into short forms.
    These threads
    bind us together
    in understanding
    common experiences
    of now living
    in an ever-trying
    world; sided, yes
    by those who hope,
    who help us all
    travel on -
    meet each new day
    each new challenge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Eleanor,

      Wow! So much of what you share here is a part of my heart, and the reason I began our Whispers' journey. It is gifted and uplifting people like you that have built this community of caring writers. Thank you so much my friend.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  39. Congratulations, Karen on the achievement of this tremendous milestone. Poetry is one of our most significant forces for good in this world. Through the words of the Poet, not only is life in all of its triumphs, tragedies, absurdities and humor presented as it is; the opportunity also exists to present to our world a vision of what life could be like, what more me might expect, and perhaps what steps we could begin to take now toward that better world. Congratulations Whispers! May the vision continue for another 200,000 views, and many more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear David,

      Thank you so much for this insightful thoughts on poetry and your kind words on Whispers. Congratulations go out to you and all the writers and readers that have been and are a part of this journey. I agree, poetry transcends borders and enriches our world.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  40. Congratulations dear Karen! May Whispers grow from strength to strength...numbers are good but what is more inspiring is that you are connecting sensitive souls who express their thoughts and emotions in poetry! Motivating some to write, some to inspire others, all yearning to make a difference.....God Bless you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Nina,

      Thank you so much for these beautiful words. When I opened Whispers, I had a dream that it would make a difference. It is the community as a whole that reaches out to others that is a joy worth celebrating. Thank you for being a part of it.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  41. Karen I am so humbled to be a part of such a wonderful community of poets. I am encouraged daily by the words of everyone who contributes. Thank you for all you do to continue to grow Whispers!!!

    Whispering Haiku

    A community
    Here we are all uplifted
    Together we speak

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Langley,

      Your poem is the essence of the Whispers' community. It is writers like you that have made this milestone possible. Thank you for your beautiful poem and thoughts.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  42. Karen

    In your environs
    I can inhale
    purity of Whispers.

    God Bless!

    Sanjeev Sethi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Sanjeev,

      It is writers like you that are the heart and soul of Whispers. Thank you for these beautiful thoughts. It is so good to have you a part of this journey.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  43. Many congratulations to you and your lovely white tulip called "Whispers.

    Luncheon by the lake...
    how lucky we are to have
    such a large finger bowl!

    @Joan McNerney

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Joan,

      I love this poem! It is writers like you that have made our Whispers' community possible. Thank you for these beautiful thoughts.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  44. Be sure your white tulip radiates so many warm feelings through our particular world what it would never be expected from simply whispers. And this is because they are reunited and leaded by the kindness and love of you, dear Karen. We wish you all happiness and joy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Edilson,

      Thank you for your beautiful thoughts. The wonderful contributors like you are the ones that share the kindness. With so much division in the world, we are reach out and touching the lives of others.

      Many blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  45. Thanks, Karen! It is great to be part of this community!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Arthur,

      So good to have you! It is people like you that make our online journal, a community. Thank you for being a part of the journey.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  46. Each time I read poems on this site it makes me realise how many wonderful poets there are scattered over the world. We can't takes over the world but we can make it a more beautiful and peaceful place. Grateful to be part of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Maralee,

      What a blessing to have you a part of our growing community. It is talented writers like you that have made Whispers possible.

      Best wishes,
      Karen

      Delete
  47. An edited version of the one sent earlier in the day/night.

    Karen

    In your environ
    I inhale
    purity of Whispers.

    God Bless!
    Sanjeev Sethi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Sanjeev,

      I will use this one in the celebration column. Thank you for your insight and for being a part of our poetry community.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  48. this space is an opening
    like the closures of dawns,
    we write to end a beginning
    to mend what's torn. This is
    the full circle of hazes
    where we wade through fogs,
    the peaks of our spirits
    find paths of dreams to trod.

    - Sheikha A.



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Sheikha,

      Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem for our milestone celebration. The last line is special, leaving the reader something to ponder about. It is a joy to have you a part of this journey.

      Many blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  49. Thank you, Nila Webster, for the following--

    We are all part of the fabric of God's universal love, and part of the fabric of each other's lives. Whispers is a living manifestation of this fabric and spirals around the world, radiating hope and giving inspiration. To be part of this is to make a difference, and this venue to share is gift and a way to shine our light.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Congratulations Karen, for the milestone and for gathering such a wonderful community.

    Here's a haiku in celebration of the site ...


    lost in its beauty
    a song of many voices
    whispers in the wind


    David

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a beautiful poem, David! It really encompasses much of what Whispers is about. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of words and for your ongoing encouragement.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  51. Thank you, Nila Webster for sharing her Mom's words for this thread--

    it is a gift / this day

    By jani johe webster

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Nila,

      Your Mom's words, above, mean so much to both of us. She always shares her hope for a new day. Thank you so much for sharing them for this celebration.

      Love,
      Karen

      Delete
  52. Thank you, Maricris Cabrera, for the following--

    Rushing water rolling down to the sea makes music to my ears.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Dear Maricris,

    It is through experiences like this, become part of a writer's voice. Thank you for sharing your words for our celebrations thread.

    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete