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Ramona Grigg's avatar

What a lovely encounter, Joan. I'm so glad you thought to share it with us. We writers are people-gatherers, interested in everything and everyone. We never stop looking for our partners in wonder, no matter where in the world we are!

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Joanie Madsen's avatar

Joanie, YOU know NO strangers. You are a seed scatterer. I adore hearing about your travels and encounters no matter how they come in, or are presented. Have you unpacked your bags yet? LOL! Happy Spring you seed scatterer, YOU! 💚🌱

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Joan Stommen's avatar

Oh my dear Joanie sister… you say the sweetest things! Seed scatterer…I love it! 😘🫶I’m finally unpacked and delighting our spring is here to stay! Much love, Hawaiian girl…barefoot through the sand after grandkids are you? 😍😎☀️⛱️

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Denyse Whelan Writes Here's avatar

I know the spot well from living at Empire Bay for a year in 2015.

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Joan Stommen's avatar

Thanks for this, Denyse… for reading me and being my Aussie friend! Hope you’re feeling well today, I see your autumn leaves are turning as ours begin their spring time blooms. Much love and gratitude to know you, friend! ☺️🩷🥰

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Simone Senisin's avatar

Love those clouds, in your photo of Ben — from Woy Woy. 🙌

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Joan Stommen's avatar

I had to lighten the photo… cloudy with trees around and sun peeking in and out. I confessed I’d taken the pic and showed him; he asked may I take your photo… like an 81 year old just wandering along was worthy! 😁I think he was raised so well, so kind to engage and make conversation with me. 😊 Thanks for reading and commenting… appreciate you! 😍🫶🩷

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Simone Senisin's avatar

Appreciate you too, and an 81 year old is worthy 😊🙏❤️. I have always loved older women, had many mentors through out my life who are 12-20 years older than me and still do … despite getting old myself 😊😊😊

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Graciewilde's avatar

I love this! I also enjoy those random encounters with strangers who then become friends. I was in Ireland in 2018 and spent five hours on a tour with a local tour person. He was delightful in so many ways and we still exchange regular messages! I love that about traveling.

On another note, I admire you, Joan, for your ability to get out there and travel. I have been thinking lately how vulnerable I often now feel when not in familiar places . I don't like that but it's real. Although I exercise daily and practice stretching and all that, I still do not feel as fluid on my feet as I used to. My hearing and vision are good but not as good as they once were. I know my reflexes are not as strong or rapid as they once were. It all adds up to being more anxious about travel. You give me confidence!

Oh, and thank you for the shout out! That was so kind of you!

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just mud by Ron's avatar

It's hard to convey to persons (or friends) what a unique world Substack is. But you would have that ability, Joanie!

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Amy Gabrielle's avatar

Joan, so eager to hear about your travels more! This Ben from Woy Woy sounds intriguing. I'll be on the lookout for his photos - hopefully he will find his way to Substack, if he already hasn't done so.

Summer is approaching quickly and I still haven't made any definite plans. I've been plagued by indecision which has me going around in circles. What are you doing this summer? Do you have any more adventures lined up?

I'm glad you're back! Love you 🥰❤️

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Deborah T. Hewitt's avatar

Love this story and these encounters. What a sweet young man. Hope Ben achieves his dreams. Have a lovely weekend reflecting and writing 🙌🏻😘

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