Oh Fran! This is so you… to be able to wrap everything up so beautifully. I picked up on how your son is so proud of you. He knows your writing and encourages you. I loved reading about this trip and all the connections to the stories you’ve shared this month. A beautiful recap.
What a wonderful wrap to the SOL challenge. Thank you. I’ve so enjoyed the ride!
Thank you, Catherine – a pleasure to journey alongside you.
Look at you, weaving the threads of the month into a beautiful tapestry. I’ve missed reading your writing this month, Fran! Somehow I just haven’t been able to carve out enough time to visit all the blogs I love. This post reminds me what I most love about your writing–the sheer eloquence and the wonderful ability to pull all the pieces together into a magnificent whole. Congratulations on completing the month!
Beautifully written, Fran. This post weaves together not-so-distant past, present, and future so masterfully. Thanks for all you contribute to this community and the world.
Thank YOU, Lanny, for these words. for your time, for being so dedicated to this community. I wrote this to Kathleen also, on this venue that you all provide at TWT: It’s vitally important work – not just on a professional level, but for life. My growth because of it has been immense, partly as a writer but more so in connecting with other writers. I am ever-grateful to you all.
You do such a beautiful job here of tying together all of your blogs. I love the fact that your son is on this journey with you and encouraging you to write. you can almost hear the pride in his voice as he listens with rapt attention, asks about your writing, and tells you to “do all of it.” What a resounding endorsement!
I also picture you going together to visit your father’s grave Such a natural and healthy way to show your dad respect and instill the connection to his grandfather in your son, especially bringing your son closer by writing and sharing stories about your dad. How special that you have family on both sides all buried in the same historic place. I become further woven into the threads of history when I read your posts You bring historic moments alive for me the same way you undoubtedly do for your students.
Your three years of blogging are a gift to all of us reading you, and looking forward to what you will share next. I am in your son’s camp. Write all of it, and I hope I will have the opportunity to continue to read your slices on life, that fill the page with insight, inspiration and a model of what the exquisite use of language looks like.
As a first time blogger, you were my greatest inspiration.
Colleen: I do not even have words enough to thank you for yours, here. I almost didn’t take the challenge this year, knowing that sometimes it’s terribly hard to maintain the stamina, both with ideas and thoughtfully responding to others. But I decided I NEEDED to do it – and immediately landed in your inviting emerald island of joy. I was just celebrating the confirmation of my Irish roots and lo – came Irish Daybreak! 🙂 The shamrock – yes, that wasn’t lost on my when thinking of the symbolism of three.
I have loved your writing, your passion for leprechauns, your love of the children, your nurturing, ebullient spirit. You’ve added another layer of warmth and light to my world. I am grateful. That I inspired you so – that leaves me in awe.
Thank you for your kind words Fran. That means a lot coming from you. Looking forward to our Tuesdays.
How awesome to have your son as your writing cheerleader. You write to interpret life and because you are grateful for it – powerful reasons to write. Happy Blogversary!
This is such a beautiful post wrapping up all the words and thoughts you shared with this writing community. Our eyes are open wide to take in so much more with this challenge.
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt words with me and us this month. You leave this writing looking at things in new ways!
Fun read! Congratulations on three years!
Thank you, Rose, for bearing with me on this journey of “interpreting life” – that is honestly how I view writing. Much joy to you in your ongoing journey!
Thanks for taking us with you to Williamsburg, and into your thoughts and reflections. Your son sounds like such a supportive cheerleader as well as just plain fun to be around. I’m sad to see this month end. I hope you will keep going each week. I’ll be looking for you.
Kismet, indeed, your SOLSC wrapped up nicely in the neat little package of this vacation. Son, birds, father, memories, ghosts…even the lantern. It’s been a pleasure, Fran! See you on Tuesdays.
As always, you come up with a perfect word: kismet it is. Thanks, Chris, for all the joy you give. “See” you soon!
What a great post to wrap up the 31 day journey. I’ve certainly enjoyed following along in your journey.
These words were satisfying and inspirational. I’ve loved all of your writings (just like always). I’ll see you on Tuesdays!
Fantastic read! Thanks for sharing!
Some would think how serendipitous your moments were the other day. I’d say it takes quite the observer, analyzer, writer to notice and make these connections and to weave it all masterfully in this delightful piece. Kudos!