25 Comments
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Maureen C. Morin's avatar

New here! You're a beautiful writer and I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. PS - I also hate the trolls 😉

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Thanks for becoming a subscriber, Maureen. The trolls seem to have died off for me in the past week. Maybe they're on vacation? They're all MALE btw.

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Cathy Sogorka's avatar

Your newsletters are always right on the money!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and have a wonderful trip to Germany! I'll see you when I get back from Florida!

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

I appreciate your support, Cathy. Enjoy Florida and I'll catch up with you soon.

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Carol's avatar

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! My daughter will be giving us our first grandchild in late March 2025! According to my brother, having a grandchild is so much more fun than having kids lol. My question is, what do your grandkids call you?

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Aw! Congratulations, Carol! That is great news. You're gonna love it. My grandkids call me Gigi.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thank you for your 2024 "wrap-up" post. It's lovely and inspiring. Congratulations on those Baby Pringles and the steadfastness of your writing and adventures. On to 2025.

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Onward! Thanks Paulette for your friendshp this past year.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

And to you, my friend.

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Veronica (Niki) Fielding's avatar

Looking forward to 2025 and your POVs on what we experience, Ilona. Your sensitivities and writing are inspiring.

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Thanks Niki! I appreciate your POV as well. Happy Holidays to you and Mark 🤍

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Alexander Lovell, PhD's avatar

Thank you for sharing your year with us, Ilona. Your newsletter has been a wonderful reminder that, despite our differences, we all share similar joys, sorrows, and hopes for the future. I'm grateful for your voice and the community you've created.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy New Year! 🩵

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Thank you! I'm grateful for you and your newsletter. Your writings are a balm for the soul.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Wishing you a blessed holiday, Ilona! The grandbabies are precious!!! 🤍🤍🤍

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Thanks, Sue. I saw both yesterday and they keep me busy! Happy Holidays to you and your family 🤍

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Armand Beede's avatar

Ilona Goanos: Looking at the screen, wondering if I am doing it wrong . . .

You are doing it all quite right and joyfully . . .

You start with beautiful, loving pictures.

You continue with dual citizenship of one of the great countries in civilization, Germany.

You continue with more loving pictures and a worldview.

You are a grand, wonderful soul.

Yours is one of the first columns I read with interest and joy in the morning.

Beautiful pictures of loved ones that bring a smile go well with morning coffee!

All the blessings to you and your loved ones, and my wishes for strong health and vigor in 2025!

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Thank you, Armand. I appreciate your unwavering support—best wishes to you and your wife for the coming year.

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Corie Feiner's avatar

Yes and yes and keep going!

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Energy moves in all directions, am i right?

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Bill Alstrom (MAtoMainetoMA)'s avatar

You write a terrific letter. Good luck with the podcast!

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Thanks, Bill, and happy holidays to you and yours.

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Frederick Fullerton's avatar

Great uplifting post. Scandinavia AND Iceland are on my bucket list.

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

I'm headed to Germany soon to visit Berlin and some family. I will practice my German (thanks, Duolingo). Happy Holidays to you and yours.

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Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

Those grandkids are so adorable! Two little miracles! I forgot you found out you had dual citizenship, and I can't remember if we talked about how much of my genetic background is also German. It is a country I would love to visit. I think one of the hardest parts of losing our fur babies, and of course if we lose someone who lives with us in our homes, is that we "see" them everywhere. I'm sitting here looking across the room towards the stone entry and I can still see our "Emma," lying there...9 1/2 years later. I hope 2025 fills you with more blessings than sorrows, Ilona. So glad I "met" you on here. I have learned so much.

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Thanks, Linda. The dog and the grandbabies are the most important part of this post! Very glad to have met you as well, Linda.

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