I’m sure you’ll agree that one of the best parts of blogging (if not the best part) are the connections we make.
In the two plus years I’ve been blogging this space has changed and it now feels so full of life, almost like a cosy cafe gathering with good friends.
I’ve met some amazing people here, a few of you have become real life friends and many more, who I’ve never met, I feel I’ve known forever.
What I do know is that, whether or not we’ve actually met, this blogging community is very real.
In the last year I’ve formed a wonderful online collaboration with the lovely Deb from Once Upon a Hot Flash who writes, aside from her daily gratitudes, beautiful poems and songs.
I’ve now put music to more than half a dozen of her poems. Three of them have appeared on my blog. Singing ‘Frisky’ on my Fearless at 52 post was a fun way to say to the world, life is great after 50!
In this post I’m sharing our fourth song. I’d say we’re well on our way to creating our first CD!
I’m thrilled that this creation is a three way collaboration with not just Deb but also with Rob from Friends without Borders who, with his musical mastery and savvy technical prowess, has taken our music to a new dimension.
I think you’ll agree he’s infused the song with a touch of moody magic.
So sit back, press ‘Listen in browser’, pour yourself a coffee or your preferred drink and enjoy Til You’re off My Mind, our song for you …
Til you’re off my Mind was written by Deb, originally as an ode to old man Winter. It’s simple and heartfelt, about a brutal winter, a season many of you may be in the midst of right now, while here in Australia it’s warming up.
You can read the words to it here.
However sink deeper into the melody, lose yourself in the haunting tone and the words beckon us to think … about the depths of a turbulent relationship perhaps or even those inner turmoils we often face with ourself.
There’s so much more, often just beneath the surface.
That’s the beauty of music. It has the ability to transcend words and become whatever we want it to become. Music can lift us to new heights, it can change our mood and evoke new perceptions.
That’s also the power of blogging. Our words and their messages of hope have the ability to touch the lives of so many. When I began this journey I had no idea of the impact it would have on me.
Blogging has changed me and I’d like to think for the better.
We all have a song inside us, a poem to tell, a story to inspire, a book just waiting to be written and unique art to gift the world.
It all tells a message, so don’t be afraid to share it with those who need it.
Life’s too short not to nurture your passion and live your dreams.
One of my favorite quotes from Wayne Dyer is ‘Don’t die with the music still inside of you’?
So keep shining your light into the world with a positive message.
Here’s to the journey and the music continuing. May 2018 be the year we follow our heart and go after our dreams.

Want to connect with me on Facebook?
Why not check out my new group for like minded travelers
Outanabout YOLO “You only live once”
Absolutely agree with you…most of my friends on FB are now bloggers (and the list keeps on growing, even though i don’t add everybody and anybody).
Good to see you growing by leaps and bounds. Have a happy year-end and 2018 🙂
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That’s interesting. Must admit I only have a hand full of bloggers as friends on FB but I can see how the list could grow. 🙂 Thanks for the well wishes Alok. I wish you a happy end of year too and all the best for 2018.
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Thank you
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you Aussie ladies look so young.
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Ah Jim, that’s cos we’re so happy! 😊
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That explains everything. 😍
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Indeed!
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wow – this is so beautiful, reflections brings joy, music and its collaborations, so powerful!!
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Thanks Mihran.
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Yes it is a beautiful wordpress family. Great sings and colabs
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Thanks Bella.
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I meant great song…so professional.. really great
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I know what you meant! You’re very kind 🙂
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Totally agree with you Miriam. I’ve been blogging for 18 months now and my site (and I) have changed too. It is so much more richer, full of life, fill with love and friendship. I’m addicted to the beautiful feelings that come from the WordPress community, no other way to put it. Now, about your music… Luuuv it so much. Your voice is beautiful, simply beautiful. Love Deb’s words too. Very inspiring! Can wait for the launch of your CD. Can I pre-order? Keep up the good work. Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!
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What a gorgeous comment Dominique, you’ve summed up my feelings for the WP community perfectly. And I love that you love our music too! Makes it all the more worthwhile to get such amazing feedback. We so enjoyed putting it together and ‘out there’. Yes, of course you can pre-order, haha. We’ll send you front row tickets to our first show too, lol. Thanks again and have a great week. Cheers xo 💕
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You should see my face right now: huge smile. 😜 So glad that my feedback speaks to you. I’m waiting for those front row tickets! Awesome week to you too. 💕
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Thanks. I’m still smiling here 😊
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Such beautiful lyrics and music. So many layers of meaning can be found there. Thank you for sharing this with us!
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You’re most welcome Donna. Thank you for a lovely comment. Have a great week. x
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I can’t get it to play on my phone but when I have my laptop on I’ll come and sing along with you Miriam. Wishing you much joy in the festive season and rolling on into the New Year xx
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Aww thanks Jo, I hope you can get it to play! And I wish you all the best too, for a very happy Christmas and lots of relaxing walking in 2018! Hugs 🙂
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Reblogged this on ONCE UPON A HOT FLASH and commented:
My sweet Miri has done it again….added her musical talent to one of my poems…both the melody and vocals are created by Miri. If that’s not exciting enough Rob from Friends Without Borders gave it that magic touch of added instrumentation…listen you’ll hear the strings and that hauntingly beautiful flute….I cannot even begin to express my thanks to both Miri and Rob and I certainly cannot contain my excitement over another song!!! We do have plans to make a CD so until then please continue to enjoy our creations here. xo
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Your excitement is contagious Deb. Thank you for your kind words here but thank you especially for getting this off the ground in the first place, with your beautiful poem. We make the best team don’t we? Here’s to the music and the magic continuing with the next one … xo
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It’s like giving birth…but not as painful…from what I hear! I get really giddy about it!! Aw thanks…guess we should thank Mother Nature for her bone-chilling weather…ha! Yes here’s to the music and magic continuing with the next one and the next one and the next one… 😉 xo
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Oh yes absolutely, like I said, we still have a CD to finish … 😊🎼 xo
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“A” CD or the first of many…hehe!! xo 😉
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Oh, it’s the first … this is just the beginning … 😏 xo
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I’m busy eating my ice cream now… 😉 xo
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Yum, enjoy. I’m just about to have a very late lunch … 🙂
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Well enjoy your lunch…I sent you an email so my ice cream comment will make you laugh once you read it!!
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Yep, it did. I just replied.
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You made me laugh right out loud with the Angel part…hehe!! Ohhh YouTube now there’s an idea…hmmm go ahead!! I’d love to see how many views it gets. Yes almost time for bed and I haven’t even done my post for tomorrow yet…been watching The Crown…I love that series…only have 1 episode left of Season 2…it took so long to get here and I’ve watched all 10 episodes in a matter of days!! Big YouTube Hugs xo 🙂
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Well, it was just a passing thought, (YouTube that is) but hey, I’ll keep you posted. You never know.
Sounds like you’ve done my trick and got yourself well and truly distracted. Post on and Sweet dreams. 😴 xo
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Lol…we’re so easily distracted aren’t we! Hey I say go for it with YouTube…do you know how to create it so it shows the lyrics as the song plays…with changing pics and stuff…that would be cool. If not guess we have something new to learn…Have a sweet day!! xo
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You’re right, that would be cool, but I have absolutely no idea, ha. Yeah, I think maybe something else to learn. Sleep well my musical co-conspirator! xo
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My sister-in-law knows how…I’ll ask her…or maybe I’ll google it…we’ll get it done…that would be cool. OK now I’m on a mission…but not til this weekend…I have 4 days off coming up with Christmas…maybe I’ll have some time then! Off to bed I go…have a happy day my musical co-conspirator too!! Hugs xo
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Sounds good to me. Let me know how you get on … a new mission, love it! 🙂
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Very beautiful Miri!
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Thanks so much PJ!
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I totally agree with your sentiment here…I have meant the nicest community of people…sincere, honest, caring, friendly, funny and talented people. You are so right…we all do have gifts and to share them or not we must embrace them and let them make ourselves happy and enjoy the bliss of them!! I know I’m very biased but that song is amazing…you and Rob have done a magnificent job to my words….look forward with eager anticipation to many many more!!! Love the picture you put behind the song…aren’t you clever…I don’t have a clue how you did that, I also love the one underneath that one of the ocean too! As always a very beautiful and inspirational post. Thank you my sweet friend…big cold as ice hugs…just to keep you cool in you summer….xo
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Yes, you’re biased Deb, ha, but I know you meant it. We’re an amazing team aren’t we and I can’t wait for the next one. Our CD is only half complete but we’re getting there! Thanks for your gorgeous words here, you know how to make a girl smile!! Big hugs and talk more very soon. xo 🙂
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Lol…well half the fun is getting to the completion…and this is so much fun! Making you smile makes me smile!!! Guess I better get working on those additional lyrics…hehe Big hugs and yes very soon!! xo 🙂
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Thanks to all three of you for creating and sharing this beautiful folk song.
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You’re very welcome Peggy. Hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed putting it together. 🙂
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You always get right to the heart of the matter, it just flows in your posts. You have a talent for words that touch people. I will listen to the song, just can’t do it now. Music is evocative, and there is a form for everyone, it really is universal.
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What a wonderful way to end 2017 miriam. This community is indeed a wonderful one with so much of positivity. I read the poem as you were singing it and it was a wonderful feeling. I will keep listening to it I am sure. Beautifully written by Deb and both you and Rob have done full justice to the beauty of the poem. Many congrats to the team and may this be just the beginning.
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Aww, thank you so much. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it, it was a lot of fun putting it all together with Deb and Rob and its great to be able to finally share it here. Yes, it’s just the beginning. Have a wonderful week ahead.
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Thank you Miriam . Wishing you a lot of accolades for the song 👍🏻
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You’re sweet. I’m just happy to have it out there. 💕
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We’ve met several bloggers and had some wonderful experiences thanks to my blog. I never expected to build such a friendly community. It’s wonderful, and so is your song. Happy Wednesday. ☺
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Thanks Carol and yes, it’s pretty amazing isn’t it? Who would have thought. Happy hump day to you too. 🙂
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This is a lovely song/ poem/ collaboration. Kudos to you Mirium, Deb, and Rob. I appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement for living fully. I hope I catch some this year. 🙂
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Thanks Brad, you’ll catch some I’m sure. 🙂
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beautiful….. the world is flat now and reaching the other end is just a click of a mouse…..we meet so many wonderful people through this wonderful medium……. amazing…..
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That’s so true Sudhir. We’re more connected than ever before. Thanks for your great comment.
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Haunting and lovely! Thanks for sharing your work! ~ Lynn
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You’re most welcome Lynn.
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Lovely Miriam. Congratulations to all of you. You are courageous as well as talented!
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That’s such a lovely thing to say. Thanks Denzil. It was definitely a team effort.
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That’s such a lovely thing to say. Thanks Denzil.
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(I didn’t mean to say it twice! I thought it got deleted. But it’s better to congratulate someone twice than not at all!)
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Haha, It’s okay, WP can be funny. I actually got rid of one and kept the ‘team’ one. But both comments were doubly appreciated! 💕
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Cuppa in hand, I enjoyed it! May 2018 be kind to you, Miriam. 🙂 🙂
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Thanks Jo. You too. Glad you got to enjoy it and with a cuppa to boot. 🙂
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I am immensely grateful to have met you through blogging. *hugs* ❤
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Me too Ness. Big hugs back ❤️
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That’s awesome, Miriam! I love everything about this! Yes, the blogging community is incredible. I’ve met so many wonderful people and kindred spirits, such as yourself. ❤
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I’m sure you have Niki. Thanks so much. Here’s to blogging and continued friendships. x 💕
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❤
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Beautiful
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Thanks Tosha.
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You’re welcome 💕
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Such a meaningful post. Here’s to a wonderful 2018, and hopefully a catch up for the two of us too!! 😉
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Absolutely. We’ll make it happen. 🙂
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👍🏼😊
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The beauty of blogging.
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It’s powerful isn’t it?
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Definitely. I love blogging.
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Me too!
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Hello dear friend,
What a beautiful surprise to find our lovely day with Hayley in your post. Thank you so much for your kind words. The pleasure is mine too…
As for your music, I did as you suggested and stopped and closed my eyes to soak in your pretty notes and tunes.
You have some wonderful people to share your dream with so I say just go for it and reach for beyond the stars…
Much love from Di 💐💜💜
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Thank you my lovely friend for, as always, your wonderful support and good wishes. Means a lot to me. All the best to you too, as we head into a new year, may all your dreams over there be realised. Big hugs xo 💖
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Oh my goodness, Miriam. I am covered in goosebumps and just want to cry listening to this song. Wow! Her music struck such a deep chord within me. Thank you so much for posting this! As for blogging, I couldn’t agree with you more. Happy Blogging 2018! See you there! 🤗
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Hi Amy, I’m so glad you liked our song, thank you for your kind words. 💕 Yes, happy blogging into the new year we’ll definitely see each other there. Take care xo 🙂
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I love this song Miriam! It’s so melodic and relaxing. I agree with you about this blogging community. Everyone is so supportive. Sometimes I think that my family and most of my friends don’t understand why I’m blogging, but the blogging community does.
Keep making music. It’s beautiful….
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Thanks for your encouragement Toni, means a lot. As for the blogging, I feel the same way. I think only fellow bloggers truly understand the connection and passion that we share here.
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It was so much fun to help tweak the song with you and Deb. I look forward to future collaborations!!!
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Me too Rob. It was great to have you involved. Here’s to the next one!
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I enjoyed reading. It is true that one of the biggest things in blogging is the wonderful community and the building of friendships. This is a great inspirational post!
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Thanks so much. I’m glad you enjoyed this.
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Absolutely agree with you on the connections; that has been the best part of blogging these last several months. Even though I’d had a blog since early ’16, it was mostly shared with family and friends. But last summer, I reached out and started reading others – folks I had never known before. Happy to say that many of them have become online friends now, and I’m hoping to see that grow all the more. Great tune! So good to see you let your music out, Miriam!
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Thanks Tom, it’s interesting isn’t it how the whole world literally opens up when you start reaching out. I had no idea about this when I started and, like you, it was only when I began reading others, that everything changed. Happy blogging into the future and thanks for listening to our song!
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I love that you and your two blogging friends are getting into music as well! (And very good music at that.) I completely agree about blogging and its transformative power. Blogging has changed me, given me the courage to find my voice, brought me friends from all over the world and definitely expanded my horizons. Also, nothing is better than when someone takes the time to let us know that one of our posts really spoke to them. It makes us feel as if we are doing our part to make the world at least a slightly better place.
Thanks for showing so many of us how to do that, Miriam. Your blog is inspiring!
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Thanks so much Ann. You’ve summarised the joys and benefits of blogging so perfectly. I can’t imagine not doing it now, it’s become such a big part of my life. Have a wonderful Christmas and happy blogging into 2018. 🙂
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Another superb collaboration Miri. I love the additional depth with the background music.. it’s haunting and definitely sent a tingle down my spine! The connections that we bloggers are able to share, really are very special and I truly value the connection with you Miriam – thank you for a beautiful song which touches a place deep in my soul xx
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it Wendy. Thank you for your kind words. You’ve become one of my very special connections (as you know!) and I look forward to one day having you visit us here, the spare room should be all fixed and spick and span by then! 😏 xo
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I really did Miriam – it’s fabulous! I’m definitely looking forward to visiting… How’s the drying out coming along? xx
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Slowly. We had more flash flooding two nights ago but fortunately we got out of it relatively unscathed this time. Crazy weather. xo
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Thank goodness you weren’t hit badly again!! Gosh – yes – Crazy! Thinking about you xx
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This is beautiful, great song,well done. I hope 2018 is great for you. 👏
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Thanks so much Glenys. Hope it’s a great new year for you too. 🙂
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Stunning pictures! Greetings from Bhutan #visitbhutan #welcometobhutan Join us: http://www.bhutanhospitalitytravels.com
Cheers and have a great time ahead
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That’s a rare gift to click and connect with people! And I am happy to have found this incredible WordPress clan full of sensitive souls, too!
Awesome that from virtual it’s become reality for you! 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
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So happy that you’re part of it too. “Click and connect”, that’s kinda cute and yes, it’s definitely become so much more than virtual. 🙂
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You’re very welcome and thank you for your lovely words in reply.
Big hugs to you, kind friend, from me 🙋🏻💜💜🦋
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What a great collaboration – congratulations to each of you! And yes, blogging leads to all sorts of new discoveries and new friendships. Didn’t know that, starting off, but that’s the real fun of it all…
Thanks, Miriam!
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What a talented person you are Miriam, for writing, singing, photography – making friends all over the world. You’re simply amazing and I’m so honoured to feature in this post with this photo of us meeting up earlier in the year. Fabulous post and great collaboration effort between you all 😊😊
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I’m blushing! And I don’t blush easily. But seriously, thanks Deb, I appreciate your kind words here. Stay tuned for another similar photo in my next post! 🙂
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I loved this collaboration Miriam.Winter is just beginning here and it captures so many of my thoughts about winter. But you are right, there are so many layers that can be thought of as you listen to the song. Just beautiful! xo-Amy
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I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this song Amy, it was a lot of fun putting it together. Stay warm! xo
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Hi…I was reading your posts and r real related to reality..
I m too a new blogger plz have a look at my blog..themuskrose.wordpress.com
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I’m so glad I explored Deb’s site today and stumbled upon this amazing collaboration. I’ll have to check out the other songs as well. Beautiful!!!
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Hi Steph, I’m so glad you found us too. Look forward to seeing you here again. There’s plenty of music still to come.
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Awesome.
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I was finally able to have a listen and the song is gorgeous. How cool that the words were written about winter but apply to a relationship so well. Great collaboration!
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How lovely to hear from you Diane. And thank you! I’m glad you liked it. Happy new year.
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Loved it. I’ve been off the grid kind of for awhile but determined to do better this year!
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Sometimes it’s good to be off the grid, which reminds me, I heard from Ridge today again, unexpectedly, after almost a year of nothing. Have you? I always worry about him.
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Nope, he was on blogging for a brief time, then nothing. Yes, I worry, too… Did he seem okay to you?
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All he said was Happy new year. Popped in then popped out. And his blog’s now disappeared from my Reader.
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I do worry that he’s okay…
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Me too
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Agree with you! I’ve been starting to write last november 2017 and i can say it’s changed my life already . From being sad, now i can express my feelings through writings. It can helps me a lot to relief my feelings… 😊😊😊
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I’m so glad that writing has helped you. It’s a wonderful way to express our feelings. 🙂💖
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Yes! Gotta Luv Music. 🙂 I like 50-60s rock, kinda bluesy-jazz and some verrrry mellow new age music. Here’s a good “tap yer finger” tune, for background music.. “Blues for Del” by Stanley Turrentine, thanks to Youtube. You also mentioned the power of Blogging. Have you ever tried any other Blogging platforms such as Wix or Weebly? I like it here, but other than your blog, I am quite surprised that soooo many other people’s blogs have less than 20 followers. Anywaqy…keep on Blogging! -theOwl30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iLEpHFp1tk
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Hi, the music you mention sounds pretty cool, I’ll have to check it out. And no, I’ve not tried any other blogging platforms, I’m happy with the community here. There are actually lots of bloggers with big followings. Thanks so much for dropping by. Happy blogging to you 🙂
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we are a Local Tous, Trekking and Hiking operator in Nepal. we welcome you for incredible himalayas trekking and tours throughout Nepal, Tibet and bhutan. http://www.nepalholidaytreksandtours.com
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I love this! I’m reblogging…
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Thank you kindly
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