Friday, January 1, 2021

Sharing Our Stories and #52Stories 52/52: Leave the Light On for Beauty!

#52Stories is my attempt to write 52 stories from my life during the year 2020. At least one story a week, in no particular order, to remember and document some of the memories and moments of my life. And today on the last day of 2020, I'm celebrating all 52 stories!

 Sometimes it takes awhile to figure out how I stumble onto words I love. My meandering path began this morning when I opened up a Choice Literacy newsletter from December 18. First I checked out a a post from fellow blogger, Margaret Simon, about her process for using One Little Word in the classroom and I shared it to Facebook for friends who are interested in choosing a word for 2021. Next I read Annie Campbell's big idea post on the same topic and wondered if Annie had written anything recently. So I clicked on the title of her blog and that's when I found her December 30th post, 20 Something Reasons 2020 Doesn't Suck. It's writing that spoke to my soul.There are three sentences that became the seed for this post.

"Some years are really hard. Every year matters. Leave the light on for beauty."

My OLW for 2020 was light. I rarely walk without snapping photos. My frequent walks have brought light to 2020. For my final story of #52Stories, I'm offering twenty favorite pictures from a year that was hard. December has been particularly rough as we have faced two deaths in our family. But when I look at these pics, I'm led to offer gratitude and praise to God for the gift and beauty and light of this world, even during dark times. Hopefully, they will bring some light to your day too!











 



 
To savor the magic of story, link your post at Sharing Our Stories.

9 comments:

  1. Ooh congratulations on completing your writing goal this year... Are all the stories on your blog? I'm wanting to check them out. The photos— gorgeous, every last one! Thank you for bringing the light to this grey January 1 in Illinois. XO

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  2. I just commented and it disappeared....trying again. Love that you took writing risks and joys this year. Love the flowers... and trees XO

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  3. You have a gift for finding all that light--these pictures are so beautiful. Praying for you after this difficult month.

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  4. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and for the reminder of the Light all around us.

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  5. You wrote weekly. I wonder what your writing project for next year is going to be. Nature's beauty can nurture the soul. Wishing you light and color in 2021!

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  6. Breathtaking photos, Ramona. You captured and shared much light in 2020 - how it was needed! Congratulations on your 52 stories!

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  7. Congratulations on collecting 52 stories! I hope you celebrated.

    I love the web of inspiration and the way you found Annie's recent post.

    Your pictures are beautiful, Ramona. I almost feel like I'm on the walk with you.
    xo,
    ruth

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  8. Beautiful photos, and wishes for light in our lives as well. Thank you for that! Condolences and prayers on your loss. I'm thankful even so, God has brought light to you ... and to us.

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  9. Thanks so much for sharing your photos, Ramona! They are beautiful and gave me a picture book idea. And congratulations on completing 52 stories. That is certainly an accomplishment to be proud of.

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