I continue to benefit from your positvity, and vow to return the blessing, Wonderfuls…I’m still heading toward the light at the end of a familiar, yet unfamiliar tunnel…and, I’m excited to see where I land once I clear this hurdle…but, it is really taking it out of me lately…

Context: What follows are links/thank-you’s/my comments I’m sharing in a post rather than attaching them to each person who left me a comment on my post ( (Feb 19/17) “Thanks To The Friend Who Told Me I Had Spinach In My Teeth”.

With the exception of Gary, I submitted these comments according to the order they occurred to me this morning…but, somewhere along the line, I simply followed the order of the comments posted in response to my post.

I read Gary’s comment last, and I’m feeling much better by this point…hence the levity…it just goes to show what focusing on one’s blessings can do.

(Feb 18/17) “The Versatile Blogger Award”

https://fictionisfood.wordpress.com/

Hi, Gary…I started/ended this list with you because you are my cherished Scarecrow (metaphorically speaking)…my first friend in this new world I made my way to a little over a year ago….you know that I believe, with every fiber of my being, that you are destined for greatness (as is each person found below)…but, given how much you have written/completed, you are going to explode on the literary scene…and I can’t wait to tell you “I told you so!” haha  Thank you for being such a loyal, caring, and trustworthy friend. 🙂

(Feb. 20/17) “Count Your Blessings”

https://michellemalone.org/2017/02/20/count-your-blessings/

Hi, Michelle…I read many of your posts first thing/very early this morning…I sought you out because you inspire and encourage me…your faith is something I really need right now (and always…but, now, especially)…each message is so wonderfully communicated, and infused with love and warmth and light…thank you…

(Feb. 17/17) “The Fifth Turning”

https://anotetohuguette.wordpress.com/

Dear, dear Kim…You are one of the best writers I know…Caught up in a mixture of awe and relatability, I seek to find a perch from which to gaze upon/bask in the profoundly-moving beauty of your post…I want to drink your words in—and those of your mother—and have them quench my thirst for peace and rest…but my whirling mind is impatient (again) today…vulnerability is resisting comprehension….it’s a runaway cheetah that, spooked and spurred on by anxieties, is convinced that reincarnated torments will overtake me unless I flee…but, I know that I will come to a place of peace, re-read your offering, and it will fill my heart…you are such a blessing…thank you…

(Jan. 17/17) “I Lost My Friend”

https://coffeeflavoredink.wordpress.com/2017/01/17/i-lost-my-friend/

Dwight, I cried all the way through your beautiful post…I am so sorry for all who are impacted to Dave’s departure from this earth…it is so beautiful that you have the grace to know that he could not be denied heaven at this time…and, yes, it is so important for us to tell our loved ones that they are…thanks for the inspiration and the “follow”: it led me to you and I know that was God’s doing…you’re in my thoughts…

https://weirdweekendsblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/17/three-question-interegation/

Do you remember the Seinfeld episode when Jerry couldn’t remember the name of the woman he’d been on a date with (her name escapes me, even though I’ve seen the episode several times…hmm, that’s odd…)?  Anyway, I digre….stall….

It’s awkward to say this, but as much as I’m your (self-titled) biggest fan, I’m not sure that you ever told me your name…and, if you did, I can’t explain how I ever forgot it…and, if you didn’t, I am at a loss as to why I didn’t ask…

Anyway, as I shared this with you yesterday, your comment about how much you appreciate my comments made my cry—and, not to pile awkward on top of awkward—I cried because I’ve been feeling demoralized of late…and, I was so relieved to know that my goodness is being received in the spirit in which its intended…thank you for encouraging me and for believing that my kindness is genuine and to be celebrated…

(Feb 22/17) New Series: Tales From The Dark Side (Part 1)

https://puttingmyfeetinthedirt.com/

As you know, Michelle, we “met” and bonded yesterday….and became instant friends….I just want to thank you for sharing you heart and your amazing writings…and, to let you know that you meeting me where I am (spiritually) is such a gift…a much-needed one given how sensitive I am to rebuffs and disappointments right now…thank you….

(Mar. 22/16) “The Man In The Mirror”

https://vineetpandeystories.wordpress.com/

Thank you so much for your compassion….and, I just read your post, today, and I’m blown away by how articulate and brave you are…what an awesome telling….you are a gifted writer/communicator…thanks for sharing….

(Feb 13/17) “Why We Hate To Change Our Minds”

https://addandsomuchmore.com/2017/02/13/why-we-hate-to-change-our-minds/

Oh, Madelyn, as I’ve said before, your blog is strikingly brilliant and generous…I can’t believe all that you include—and for free!!!  As for this post, in particular, I can’t thank you enough…cognitive dissonance…it’s no coincidence that I am at home and had the time/energy to come across this very post…what a relief it’s given me…context, perspective…that much closer to coming into a sustained clearing where I can breath and move freely…I’ll probably write a post on the weekend, using cognitive dissonance to frame my angst….you are amazing and I can’t thank you enough for your generosity…

https://jilywily.wordpress.com/2017/02/21/im-officially-off-the-sauce-again/

Oh, Judy….I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this post…it is so charming and amusing and– reading between the lines of your loss/panic attack/relapse–moving and relatable…thanks for sharing  🙂

https://nostalgiadiaries.com/2017/02/20/the-domestic-musician-3-songs-that-make-me-relive-my-teenage-years/#more-9419

Hi, Corey, I’ve already told you I loved your blog from the moment I discovered it…and, as discussed yesterday, reintroduced to the song, neither of us can get Ace Of Base – “I Saw The Sign” out of our heads.  Well, today took it to another level…I watched the video and was struck by the following lyrics …

“I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign

Life is demanding without understanding

I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign

No one’s gonna drag you up to get into the light where you belong

But where do you belong”

And, they transformed my initial frame of reference (that of a catchy tune) to one of gratitude and wonder that everything is coming to me in an encouraging way meant to assure me that bigger and brighter things are on the way….”no one’s gonna drag me up…” and I’ve got to stop letting people drag me down….this made me cry (with relief?) after my brief smile respite triggered by reading Judy’s post (the one above yours…)

(Feb 18/17) “23 Words Or Phrases To Eliminate From Your Writing Today”

https://thethoughtsandlifeofme.com/

Masgausten, you know I think your blog is awesome (as are you J ) and it’s ironic that I read your post after I posted my too-wordy one…I could have seen it as a sign, but I ignored it in my determination to post and get it over with (rather than sleep on it some more and edit in the morning).  Anyway, I just want you to know that I took mental note, and was really gratified by what you shared…very helpful.   🙂

(Feb 13/17) “My Past My Present, My Future”

https://maanasaafangirl.wordpress.com/

I’m torn between empathy and awe….my heart hurts for you, and I’m also elated by your depth and brilliance….this is amazing…I fell in love with it right away…I get it…I get the fear of not rebounding from one rejection too many…although I can’t say I fear becoming hardened and cold, I see how someone could get to that point…the wishing for it…but, you are too kind and good and sweet and sensitive to survive in an environment such as that…so, the only solution is to face the pain,–then, rise above, stronger and less vulnerable in time…that’s what I tell myself as well…thanks for sharing…

I also loved/related to (Feb 23/17) “The New Clarity”

(Feb 12/17) Spreading the Love—Liebster Award and Blogger Recognition Award

https://somuchtotellu.wordpress.com/

Hi, Jolene…your kindness and encouragement is as wonderful and appreciated as your fantastic blog…I’ve chosen to include this particular post of yours because it will give readers a lovely snippet of the wonder that is you 🙂

(Dec. 25/15) “Slavery”

https://arousedblog.wordpress.com/about-2/

Again…no such thing as coincidence…I saw this perfectly-timed post for the first time today (although we have been connected for a long time) and it is so you…introspective, deep, thoughtful, sensitive and compassionate…you are so appreciated and I continue to adore your posts/blog 🙂

As always, Amazers…thanks for being here, and for being you….God bless you and your loves 🙂