This morning there was a Baptism in our Church – a little boy named Gilbert in honor of his great-grandfather. He grabbed the minister’s hand and held on when the water was placed on his forehead. He seemed to want to let us all know who was in charge. As the parents and minister walked around the church, so that he could meet his new community for the first time, he looked at all of us and was quite taken by our smiling, welcoming faces. It was a breath of hope in yet, another week marked by violence here in the United States; two more young black men shot and then, ten policemen gunned down in Texas.
I told my blogging friend, Robyn, I was not going to do a post this week, but her most recent post changed my mind. Another friend, Reiko, sent me an email today with this lovely attachment. I thought I would share it with you.
The words are those of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Have a peaceful week. Clare
Clare, glad you did decide to post. The goodness in life must also be allowed to have its voice. Thank you for the fantastic video and letter from Gabriel Garcia Marquez – one of my favourite writers and I had no idea he was ill. Wow, im floored by these words of wisdom – very powerful,
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Annika, The post you read was published before the final corrections were made. I’ve given it a title, now, and have put in the corrections, so the new post is up. But you are right, the main point of the post was Marquez’s beautiful words, and the video, at least, was put in correctly. Thank you for coming by today and sharing with me. Clare
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I looked him up after reading your post and realised then it was two years since he passed. Still I’m so glad I have seen this now.
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I’m so happy you saw the video. Due to some tech problems, the post was a mess. I hope I got it fixed properly. I think I may re-read some of his books. Thanks, Annika, Clare
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My dear friend Maggi died this morning. I have been in such a state of disbelief that my world will never contain her friendship again that I haven’t been able to feel anything. This has broken open the dam and helped release my feelings of sadness.
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Oh, Bernadette, I am so sorry about Maggi. The post you read was published by mistake before the final draft. But the video is the main point of it all. I think the reason I pushed “publish” by mistake is because I was crying at the time and really couldn’t see very well. So, we must have been crying together. t just posted the final draft, now without all the mistakes and with a title. I’ll make sure the corrected one is posted to your site on Wednesday.Love, Clare
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I am so happy you made the mistake. I needed it.
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🌹
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Thank you Clare and a peaceful week to you as well! 🙂
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Terry, The post you read was a rough draft and I posted that draft by mistake and had to edit and update and repost. What a mess! But the final update is now posted. Clare
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Thank you Clare! 🙂
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🌹
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First of all I must remark that Gilbert is a splendid name for that little boy to wear through his life. And may it be a peaceful life, in a world that has grasped the futility of facing violence with violence. Peace be with you and all whom your life touches and who in turn are important to you, Clare.
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Thank you, Osyth. I published the first draft version of this post by mistake and then republished the corrected draft. I’m wondering which version is now out there on the emails. Probably both. And I’m not sure the Marquez video “A Genius Say Goodbye” was included in the email and that was the most important part. His words are timeless. People who go right to my site would find the corrected version, but I’m not sure about the email version. I hope you had a chance to see the video with his words and the scenes of Paris we both love. Your friend, Clare
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I did see it and I blessed you for posting it, dear Clare
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I thought you would like it – the photos and the music and the beautiful letter, itself.Lovely, like you.
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Clare IOU a longer note but I am still nursing this wretched leg. We are off back to Europe next week and the plan is that I will return mid-August and then we absolutely have to plot a meeting …. til then, mon ami – I wish you sunshine, laughter and love 🙂
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Osyth, I need to catch up on what is happening with your leg. Have a very safe trip and I will put aside the entire last two weeks of August, so that we can find a date to share some time together. 💝 Clare
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Wonderful – something extra special to look forward to! The Bean sends special love to you all 🐾🐾
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Thank you for once again sharing such beauty and wisdom, Clare. “Nice and lovely words” indeed.
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Russ, I need to find out if you received the updated version of the post. The first draft that was published had no title and uncorrected errors. Did your version have a title and the Marquez video or just a picture and my text? Thanks for your help with this tech problem. Clare
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We had a baptism this morning as well — always a beautiful and hopeful part of any service, but especially so today. The video was lovely, thank you for sharing it.
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You’re welcome. It made me cry. I’m glad you were able to see it. I’ve been having some tech problems that I hope are ironed out. Since you saw the video, I know some of the problems have been fixed. Thanks, Clare
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Hi dear Clare! Love the pictures and post
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Hello, Lynn, I think you received the first draft in your email. Tech problems! If you check on my blog site, you’ll find the shortened, corrected draft. I hope you saw the video, as I think it would mean a lot to you. Clare
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I will go back! thanks Clare!
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Lynn, I’m glad I mentioned it. Take care 🌹
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🙂
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Very moving.
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Yes, It made me cry as it said all that I’ve been thinking lately.
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Sooo beautiful! Thanks for sharing Clare. Now I must go and find some kleenex 🤗
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You’re welcome. It made that kind of impact on me, too – and I’m a tough old broad!
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Dear Clare, the world is a better place for having Gabriel Garcia Marques – and you, in it. Like you, I was brought to tears. Your story of little Gilbert brings hope. Without it, we are lost. The post title is so right. Hope rises with the morning – the sun is shining above the clouds. Thank you for deciding to post after all, and for giving me a reference. Best always, Robyn
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You’re welcome, Robyn. I’m glad the link was successful. I would like everyone to enjoy your posts which to me exemplify what Marques is speaking of in his letter – expressing yourself and sharing the beauty of the world with everyone. 💐 Clare
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🙏 bless you Clare. 🙏
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Thank you, Robyn. A woman once told me I was living a blessed life as a reward for a sacrifice I’d made in another life.
I began to notice that indeed, I do live a blessed life. And I wish the same for you, too. Clare
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I feel very blessed Clare. I suppose its incumbent on those of us who are blessed to appreciate every day. While there are many days I feel despondent, gratitude is the salve. Not always an instantaneous fix but a fix nevertheless.
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We really do need to be aware of how lucky we are. Charley and I always say what a good life we have and we never take a good day for granted.
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Wow 😉
Beautiful sunrise photo ❤
Sabrina 🐝🌻🍉
http://www.OrganicIsBeautiful.com
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🌤☀️🙂
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wonderful stuff. Always important to stop and reflect. Thanks, I liked the link very much
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Thank you.My life seems to be filled with reflections, lately. I think it’s time for Roxie to take over the blog. 😼Clare
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Beautiful pose, Claire. I think we have to keep talking about the good and kind things in life. The video was powerful and full of wisdom. Incredibly touching. Thanks for sharing 🙂 ❤
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We both enjoyed each other’s video posts and so, a friendship begins. My art teacher was the one who sent the video to me and I will share your video with her. Thank you and You are very welcome. 🎨
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What a lovely thoughtful message of hope. These are the things we need to focus on in troubled times.
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Thank you, Marie. I just sat down at my lap top to write this weekend’s post and saw your message. I hope all is peaceful with you in Ireland. Clare
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This was so beautiful, Clare. I read it in my email of your post last week, and showed the slideshow to Doug as he prepared to preach in the ongoing face of so much hatred. Our favorite was the line that they only acceptable way to look down on someone was when you were lifting them up. Doug said that will appear in one of his sermons in the near future. I didn’t get back then to your site to respond, but the slideshow came just when I needed it…and brought me peace. Thank you, my friend. Jo
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Jo, this was mailed to me by a friend as a tribute upon the recent death of her friend. I had so much trouble with this short post because I was crying and I pushed “publish” by mistake – No title, no spelling and grammar corrections, the wrong link for Rachel – what a nightmare! And, of course, I made it worse trying to correct it. I almost just took it right down. I’m glad I just kept working at it, because I really do treasure and am trying to live by the messages in that video. I’m happy you shared it with Doug. You’re so welcome. Love, Clare
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I actually cried through the slideshow, but it really helped. We have been going through such a violent and mean time. The lack of respect, demeaning, and blame are so disheartening. I really needed the uplifting message. 😊
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Yes, the tears helped me. (Obviously, not technically) The message was healing and much needed last week for me, too. Sleep tight.
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The baptism was like a renewal ceremony to help the healing process for everyone, in the aftermath of these events. Bless you guys!
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Yes, it was a lovely event and the little boy truly enjoyed being the center of attention. When the congregation applauded in the end, I really thought he was going to leap from the pastor’s arms to take a bow!
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Dear, dear Claremary,
Never mind the mistake the video is simply beautiful, the music heartbreakingly so, the words forever.
I have come late to this post, as I have been obsessively busy with my book.
Thank you so much for this. I am sharing it immediately with my fellow poet, my son, who knows Marquez’ work.
Bless you forever.
Thank you.
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