Dear Readers,
There are some days that will always stick with you; today was one such for me.
My short story won Spillwords’ Publication of the Year award. I didn’t think much of it, it was just a story to go with one of Kevin’s No Theme Thursday challenges.

But apparently it touched many people and I am humbled and thankful that so many enjoyed it. Any gift or ability I have is from God, and I’m grateful to Him.
Thank you to all who read, commented, and voted on Dusty. I’ve met the most amazing, creative and kind people in this community, and I’m continually inspired and encouraged by stories, poems, photographs, paintings. Truly, everyone here is exceptionally talented in their own way.
Thanks again for being my friends… very grateful 😎
Well deserved! Congrats!
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Thank you! Much appreciated 😎
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This is so awesome! CONGRATULATIONS!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
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Thanks, Kiki! I read my email twice 😉 What a day brightener! Thanks for reading and the kind words 😎🏄🏻♂️
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I’m such a fan! Keep going!
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Congratulations! That’s awesome.
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Thanks, Tracie! Much appreciated 😎
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Congrats, Darryl! I’m not one bit surprised. Right from the time I started reading you, I’ve thought (and commented) that you could publish a compilation of your short stories and be very successful.
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Terry, thanks. I know you’re always one of the first to like and comment on my stuff and your encouragement means more than I can say. I’ve got the idea for a book in my head and I’m slowly learning from published authors here on WP what’s required. I’m glad that readers find my stuff interesting. Thanks again, my friend, much appreciated 😎🙏
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Congratulations! How exciting! You deserve it! 😃🏆
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Thank you, my friend! I was really stoked when I opened their email. Thanks much for the kind words and encouragement 😎🙏
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Congratulations, Darryl! This call for a party.🎊
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Thanks, Hazel! I would love to one day get 2-3 dozen of my fav WP peeps together for a few cold ones. I think we’d talk and laugh until the sun came up 😎🙏
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I wish I’m included in the group.🤩
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Of course! 😉😎
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Oh, thanks, Darryl.🤩
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Congratulations. I can only imagine. I also appreciate your humility.
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Thanks, Charli! Really appreciate the kind words and encouragement 😎🙏
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congratulations Darryl! Mike
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Thanks, Mike! Much appreciated 😎🙏
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That’s excellent, Darryl: well done you! Time to celebrate! 🥳 🎉 🎊
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Thank you, my friend! I think you’d be proud of my afternoon. A spot of tea and cookies around four-ish; a good book and a quick nap; then a pint or two at Doherty’s 😎🇬🇧 But seriously, thanks Laura, glad we met in WP land 🙂
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Very glad, Darryl. Sounds like a spiffing afternoon you had. May the rest of the week be as good. 😊
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keep the stories coming!
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Will do! Thanks much for reading and the encouraging words! 😎🙏
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Congrats!
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Thanks, Wiwohka! 😎
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Big Congrats!
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Thanks, Jean! 😎
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Congratulations! It’s an award truly deserved.
And I know what you mean about this community. It is a bonus that I did not expect when I started blogging. I am very grateful for the friends that I have made through this endeavor, and feel privileged to call you friend.
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Aww! Me too, my friend. Never gets old swapping stories about FL’s giant palmetto bugs or cold snaps in the 50s 😉😎🙏
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Congratulations for that well deserved award, Darryl! Be happy!
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Thanks, Tim! I’m stoked! 😎
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My pleasure, Darryl. 😊 It’s great that you’re stoked.
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Congratulations!
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Thank you! Much appreciated 😎
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Congratulations, well deserved!!
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Thanks, CJ! Much appreciated 😎
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🎉🎉🎉
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Thanks, CM! Much appreciated. Hope you made out OK in the storm. We were supposed to get 6-8”, ended up maybe 2. But no ice this time! 😎
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No ice this time! 👌🏼
We had about 5 inches of snow. The kids loved it. ☃️
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That’s great! We’re supposed to get more of a “wintry mix” this weekend 🌧️❄️
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Oh no! Another frozen weekend! 🥶
I am looking forward for some sunny days. Can’t look out the window/stay home all weekend anymore.
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It is a bit sad but a very good story. Now when I’ve read again I remember reading it before. I do not see that I left a comment, which surprises since I think I would have left a comment on a story like this. Anyway, congratulations. That is an awesome and well deserved award.
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Thomas, thanks much for reading. I thought I remembered a comment as well ? 🤷♂️ Maybe the original story? But anyway, thank you for THIS comment, very much appreciated 😎
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Yes maybe it was the original story. Again congratulations 🏆🏆🏆
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Congratulations! I’m happy for you!
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Thanks, Amber! Appreciate the kind words 😎❤️
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congratulations!! i knew you’d win!
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Thanks, my friend! Appreciate you always reading my stuff and leaving kind/funny comments 😎🙏😂
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Congratulations, Darryl. 😎
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Thanks, John! Sorry, just seeing this now… Somehow it ended up in my spam folder. Thanks for reading and the kind words.
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No problem at all, Darryl. I’m glad it surfaced. It happens to all of us — we have to check our spam folders from time to time as well. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I hope you have a great night and day ahead. 😎
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Absolutely well- deserved and earned! Congratulations!
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Thank you, my friend! Much appreciated 😎🙏
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Congratualtions!!!
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Thank you! Much appreciated 😎
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Congrats, Darryl. It was a clear winner with me!
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Thanks, my friend. Much appreciated 😎
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That is wonderful!! Congratulations!!! 🎉
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Thanks! Appreciate the kind words 😎
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Wow, congratulations- that’s wonderful and very deserved!
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Thanks, Pooja! I’m glad you liked it. Thanks much for reading and the kind words 😎
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You’re most welcome! 😊
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Congratulations 👏👏
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Thanks! Much appreciated! 😎
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I was so happy when I saw that you won! A well-deserved win. Congratulations, Darryl! 🥳
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Aww! Thank you, my friend. Really appreciate you reading my stuff and the kind comments! 😎❤️🙏
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Congratulations!
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Thanks, Dawn! 😎
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Congratulations, that’s great news!
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Thanks, James! Much appreciated! 😎
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Holy smokes! Congrats!
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Thanks, my friend 😎 I was floored! 🏄🏻♂️
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Well done Darryl – these victories spur us on to do even greater things.
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Thanks, Graham! Much appreciated 😎
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Congratulations, Darryl! Well deserved.
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Thanks, Edward! Much appreciated 😎
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You’re so welcome.
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Congratulations, Darryl! That’s fabulous to be recognized by peers. Great work, my friend.
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Mary, thank you so much! I was flabbergasted when I got their email. I’m just thankful to be part of such a great community.
Thanks for the kind words 😎❤️🙏
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Darryl, this story is incredible. Wow. We are in the presence of greatness!
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Dee, 😂🤣 Thanks so much for the very kind words. I was flabbergasted when I got the email… I thought there were some mistake at first. I’m glad so many people found it an enjoyable read and I’m honored to be recognized by Spillwords.
Thanks again for your lovely comment. Have a great weekend! 😎
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