41 Comments
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Anne Silver Mondinot's avatar

Thank so much for sharing your encounter with the deer. I loved seeing how they came closer and closer and can only imagine how filled with delight you were. I consider encounters like that to be moments of grace. Something magical just slips in and suddenly, everything changes. Thanks so much for taking the risks associated with sharing something true and authentic. I'm so grateful for you and your presence here. You inspire me. Sending love and wishes for a lovely new year.

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you, dear Anne. It was truly an amazing experience. Moments of grace for sure…

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Benjamin Fargen's avatar

🙌🖤

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Reylia's avatar

I love that line in the Mary Oliver poem you shared:

" I love this world,

but not for its answers."

The happiest of holidays your way Manuela, and I hope you have a wonderful New Year!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you!

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Alice Thames's avatar

So beautiful!!! Such a special gift to observe and be a part of!!!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

It certainly was.

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Ron White's avatar

Absolutely beautiful words and a video filled with grace, wonder and hope.

Bless you!

And, of course, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you so much! Same to you.

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Juliette's avatar

Beautiful message from the opening photo to the poem and your personal message...but you got me at the deer video - so you had an encounter with them this week too!! I know you probably have more where you live so it's likely more common than here but that we both connected with deer...kinda crazy Manuela! :) Wishing you a peaceful holiday as well and can't wait to see what you do in the coming year!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

I know. We seem to be in sync. :)

Enjoy the holidays!

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KewtieBird’s Photo Journey's avatar

Best for a great 2025!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thanks! For you, too.

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Xavi Buendia's avatar

Beautiful scenes Manuela, I've enjoyed reading your thoughts, thanks for sharing them. Wishing you happy holidays and the best for the coming year!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you so much! Sane to you!

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Susanne Helmert's avatar

Love those deers! Wishing you and your loved ones Happy Holidays too!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Right? It was such a special moment. Happy Holidays to you, too.

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Alicia Paley's avatar

Lovely

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you!

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Donn Dobkin's avatar

What a beautiful send-off

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thanks.

Happy Holidays!

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Manuela, Thank you for this beautiful Mary Oliver poem and the photos. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season. I am happy to have met you here!

P.S. I love that you teach at Maine Media! I looked into going there a few years ago for the story-telling certificate.

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you so much, Pamela! I am very happy that we met here as well.

Yes, Maine Media is such a great place. So many different programs!

Happy Holidays to you!

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

It looks like there are even more wonderful programs there now. Such a great asset to Maine!

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Sarah Keidel's avatar

Wishing joy and peace to you and your family this holiday season!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

To you as well, Sarah! Thank you!

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Sarah Keidel's avatar

Thanks for being willing to be vulnerable and sharing. So cool to see the deer.

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Manuela Thames's avatar

I know. It really was.

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Demetri Dourambeis's avatar

Long after our local owls have gone to sleep, I get to hear the almost silent cheeps of a local robin. In the depths of the night, it just marks uneven time, seemingly just for the joy of it in case something is listening.

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Thanks for sharing!

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Anne Walker's avatar

Wonderful images Manuela. Thank you for continuing to write and share these newsletters, I look forward to them every week. Happy Holidays xo Anne

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Happy Holidays, dear friend!

See you in January!

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