Prospecting for gemstones
I never would have imagined I'd be ...29 total reviews
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
As a clever and effective writer, delivering stories that may be mundane and turning them into magical treasures is a talent that I think you have nurtured Wendy. You have had an interesting life and you have certainly stepped out of the box and your comfort zone, despite the fears you have. You present your stories and we always love reading them. I enjoyed this post, keep on telling your tales as we will always read them. Love Dolly x
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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As a clever and effective writer, delivering stories that may be mundane and turning them into magical treasures is a talent that I think you have nurtured Wendy. You have had an interesting life and you have certainly stepped out of the box and your comfort zone, despite the fears you have. You present your stories and we always love reading them. I enjoyed this post, keep on telling your tales as we will always read them. Love Dolly x
Comment Written 04-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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Thank you so much Dolly. This is a fantastic review, so supportive. Yes, I think that is my niche ... digging up unlikely gems and polishing them.
Wendy
Comment from karenina
You are more precious than any gem, Wendy. Truly exceptional people focus on each facet of life and give it their all.
From the start, I felt blessed to find your writing!
Mom, Wife, Grandmom, Teacher, Volunteer...Writer!
With humility and love you give all you have...
And you do it selflessly!
What would Jonathan's life had been without you?
You are much more exceptional than you ever imagined!
Through sharing your experiences, you have gently reminded us that we, too, by making our best effort, change our own little corner of the world.
I know I am a better person because of you.
Shine on, Wendy!
Karenina
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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You are more precious than any gem, Wendy. Truly exceptional people focus on each facet of life and give it their all.
From the start, I felt blessed to find your writing!
Mom, Wife, Grandmom, Teacher, Volunteer...Writer!
With humility and love you give all you have...
And you do it selflessly!
What would Jonathan's life had been without you?
You are much more exceptional than you ever imagined!
Through sharing your experiences, you have gently reminded us that we, too, by making our best effort, change our own little corner of the world.
I know I am a better person because of you.
Shine on, Wendy!
Karenina
Comment Written 04-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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Thank you Karenina! Yes, I have come to the happy conclusion that I'll never be a hero or a celebrity, and I will just continue to be me, doing my best to look after others and finding those little sparkling jewels which make an ordinary life a happy and rewarding life. You are always so kind and supportive, thank you so much for the encouragement, along with the six stars. I appreciate them, and you, a great deal.
Wendy
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You are someone who lives an ordinary life with extraordinary compassion!
Comment from Aussie
My Girl Guide leader told me, "Be yourself, simple, kind and understanding. The rest will follow." Just like our book writer Sandra. We started together, she said she would never add up to being a published author. 2010 was a long time ago, now look at her. I loved the honesty in your story. You were willing to share what you thought of yourself, not many do. Now, look at you go girl! K xx
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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My Girl Guide leader told me, "Be yourself, simple, kind and understanding. The rest will follow." Just like our book writer Sandra. We started together, she said she would never add up to being a published author. 2010 was a long time ago, now look at her. I loved the honesty in your story. You were willing to share what you thought of yourself, not many do. Now, look at you go girl! K xx
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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Your Girl Guide Leader was wise, and that is exactly the conclusion I have come to. Being a hero or a celebrity is very short term. It takes a lot more to try to make a difference every single day, and to find moments which sparkle, just in ordinary life. Thanks so much! Great review.
Wendy
Comment from jmdg1954
I never would have imagined me saying... Wendy are crazy? You have done and are doing so much more than the average person. What I've done could not hold a candle to your accomplishments! Don't ever sell yourself short on accomplishments.
I for one am jealous at what you have done compared to me resume!!
You have zero to be ashamed of!
Cheers
John
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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I never would have imagined me saying... Wendy are crazy? You have done and are doing so much more than the average person. What I've done could not hold a candle to your accomplishments! Don't ever sell yourself short on accomplishments.
I for one am jealous at what you have done compared to me resume!!
You have zero to be ashamed of!
Cheers
John
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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Thanks so much, John. I am sure that you with your wonderful personality and character are also just as impactful. It was also a reflection as to how ideas of what is noble and important change over time. Being a hero or a celebrity now seems meaningless, and hopefully the small differences I have made will have a longer and lasting impact. Many thanks for your great kindness and encouragement.
Wendy
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
A beautifully expressed story of self-affirmation! This love you have for writing has clearly given you the necessary confidence to share your thoughts and world and, in so doing, recognise the common thread that unites us all whilst discovering your own sense of fulfilment. We don't have to be celebrities as today's young seem to think they should be. We can just be ourselves but with integrity and kindness, doing the best we can to live peacefully together. It's always strange isn't it that so often, the moment people become something greater than ordinary, they want to reclaim their ordinariness again? As you say, it's as precious as gemstones (a great analogy). This is a well-chosen subject for this brief which is, of course, so relatable on this site. Well done, Wendy, and good luck! "Everyone has a story; everyone hides his past as a means of self-preservation. Some just do it better, and more thoroughly, than others." (Jodi Picoult)
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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A beautifully expressed story of self-affirmation! This love you have for writing has clearly given you the necessary confidence to share your thoughts and world and, in so doing, recognise the common thread that unites us all whilst discovering your own sense of fulfilment. We don't have to be celebrities as today's young seem to think they should be. We can just be ourselves but with integrity and kindness, doing the best we can to live peacefully together. It's always strange isn't it that so often, the moment people become something greater than ordinary, they want to reclaim their ordinariness again? As you say, it's as precious as gemstones (a great analogy). This is a well-chosen subject for this brief which is, of course, so relatable on this site. Well done, Wendy, and good luck! "Everyone has a story; everyone hides his past as a means of self-preservation. Some just do it better, and more thoroughly, than others." (Jodi Picoult)
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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You are right. Being a hero or a celebrity in the eyes of the world is by nature ephemeral. We can all do "little" things in a great way, to the very best of our ability, and thereby make a difference, hopefully much longer-lasting, Thank you for your very thoughtful, encouraging, and insightful words. Much valued.
Wendy
Comment from Rachelle Allen
I love this SO very much.
I do want to address a few things first, though, before I pour out my pitcher of praise about it.
1) A loving mom is NOT ordinary; she is EXtraordinary! All you have taught your family about LOVE and COMPASSION and ACCEPTANCE? That's "ordinary" to you?? It's EXCEPTIONAL as far as I'm concerned. And it touches GENERATIONS with goodness!!! That is a LEGACY of MERIT!!! (and awe)
2.) Ditto for your teaching prowess. 'Ordinary' is the LAST thing you are. And teaching touches HUNDREDS of students - and their families - and in ways that get passed down forever.
3) Jonathan. He might have been "just one child," but the impact you had upon his one life made his life sooo good!! Doing that is never a numbers game. Anyone who does it is the antithesis of ordinary!
But now onto this post. You're right that our collective ordinary-ness is very special because being relatable makes us all feel good about life. It provides a camaraderie. And a person who can take note of that and bring it cogently to everyone's attention in a way that makes us feel bonded is very special, indeed. And you DEFINITELY possess that gift in the biggest way.
In my opinion, Wendy - and I know you were NOT seeking any validation whatsoever, because you are a humble and understated soul, you are the writer and human being on here who I admire the most. You are honest and generous of heart, kind, compassionate and devoted to whatever you undertake. I have grown from knowing you because of how you're able to touch my heart and sensibilities with your writing. You are the LEAST ordinary of anyone on this site. I consider you the #1 standout in every way.
Signed-
Your #1 fan and admirer forever
Xoxoxo
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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I love this SO very much.
I do want to address a few things first, though, before I pour out my pitcher of praise about it.
1) A loving mom is NOT ordinary; she is EXtraordinary! All you have taught your family about LOVE and COMPASSION and ACCEPTANCE? That's "ordinary" to you?? It's EXCEPTIONAL as far as I'm concerned. And it touches GENERATIONS with goodness!!! That is a LEGACY of MERIT!!! (and awe)
2.) Ditto for your teaching prowess. 'Ordinary' is the LAST thing you are. And teaching touches HUNDREDS of students - and their families - and in ways that get passed down forever.
3) Jonathan. He might have been "just one child," but the impact you had upon his one life made his life sooo good!! Doing that is never a numbers game. Anyone who does it is the antithesis of ordinary!
But now onto this post. You're right that our collective ordinary-ness is very special because being relatable makes us all feel good about life. It provides a camaraderie. And a person who can take note of that and bring it cogently to everyone's attention in a way that makes us feel bonded is very special, indeed. And you DEFINITELY possess that gift in the biggest way.
In my opinion, Wendy - and I know you were NOT seeking any validation whatsoever, because you are a humble and understated soul, you are the writer and human being on here who I admire the most. You are honest and generous of heart, kind, compassionate and devoted to whatever you undertake. I have grown from knowing you because of how you're able to touch my heart and sensibilities with your writing. You are the LEAST ordinary of anyone on this site. I consider you the #1 standout in every way.
Signed-
Your #1 fan and admirer forever
Xoxoxo
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Whew! Now I am embarrassed. But also very appreciative of your wonderful support and encouragement. I think I reflected more AFTER I wrote this than before and I do really think we can all do our little ordinary things in an extraordinary way, and we can make more of an impact than we could by doing some amazing heroic act or something worthy of temporary acclaim in the eyes of the world. So yes every mother who does her best is extraordinary, because mothering has to be the hardest job in the world, and committed teachers are too, because that has to be the second hardest job. And I like to celebrate that us ordinary people can and do have an extraordinary role. We do need to notice and acknowledge these things for they are our life's precious and valuable gemstones, making life beautiful. Many thanks for this amazing and affirming review. I no longer want to be a "hero", and it is fulfilling to just be myself. MANY thanks for your kindness.
Wendy
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My complete and total pleasure! xoxox
Comment from Teri7
Wendy, This is a very well written piece you have penned about things you would have never imagined contest entry. In my eyes, you are a very beautiful lady that tells things from your great big heart and to me it makes you very special. I truly enjoy reading your work and I truly love your dog! Best wishes in the contest. love and blessings, but Jesus loves you so much more! Teri
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Wendy, This is a very well written piece you have penned about things you would have never imagined contest entry. In my eyes, you are a very beautiful lady that tells things from your great big heart and to me it makes you very special. I truly enjoy reading your work and I truly love your dog! Best wishes in the contest. love and blessings, but Jesus loves you so much more! Teri
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Thank you very much, Teri for your lovely and heartwarming review. You are very encouraging, and I greatly appreciate your support.
Wendy
Comment from LJbutterfly
I found your thoughts about being ordinary, satisfying and inspirational as you provided clear explanations and examples. I tried to stand out at various times in my life, and realized others did the same things I was doing. Now that I'm older, all of my special things that turned out to be ordinary, were in the past. Thank you for your insight and putting such thoughts in perspective. I will now be on the lookout for gemstones.
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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I found your thoughts about being ordinary, satisfying and inspirational as you provided clear explanations and examples. I tried to stand out at various times in my life, and realized others did the same things I was doing. Now that I'm older, all of my special things that turned out to be ordinary, were in the past. Thank you for your insight and putting such thoughts in perspective. I will now be on the lookout for gemstones.
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Thank you for this beautiful review, full of support and encouragement and insight.Yes, after writing and reflecting I think it is more important to do little things well and to our best ability. An act of heroism is after all just one moment of time, and receiving acclaim in the eyes of the world is onl temporary and of no lasting significance. Thank you so much for the honour of six stars. They mean a lot.
Wendy
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for sharing this writing prompt entry with us. I do want to say that in my opinion you're an incredibly special person and have touched my heart in ways you'll never know, and I bet other's people's hearts.
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Thank you for sharing this writing prompt entry with us. I do want to say that in my opinion you're an incredibly special person and have touched my heart in ways you'll never know, and I bet other's people's hearts.
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Thank you Barbara!! That means so much. After writing and thinking about my story, I think it is probably more important to do small things well than to do a single act of heroism or achieve some acclaim that won't last. Many thanks for your great encouragement.
Wendy
Comment from Marilyn Hamilton
An excellent entry for the I Never Would Have Imagined writing prompt. Just awesome. We sometimes forget what a blessing it can be to have a normal life and perform our small miracles in the lives of our friends and loved ones. The footprints you leave don't have to be embedded in concrete. Most of them will just leave tracks on the hearts of the ones you love and that's really something to imagine.
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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An excellent entry for the I Never Would Have Imagined writing prompt. Just awesome. We sometimes forget what a blessing it can be to have a normal life and perform our small miracles in the lives of our friends and loved ones. The footprints you leave don't have to be embedded in concrete. Most of them will just leave tracks on the hearts of the ones you love and that's really something to imagine.
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Ah that's a lovely thought!! Yes, we can all do little things well even if we never achieve greatness. Thanks so much for your insightful comments. Appreciated!
Wendy