It’s time for a blog break. My hope is a short one – a week or two.
Visit the Lights tab to discover how you can participate in thoughts for a future beach walk. Thanks to those who have submitted ideas. Keep thinking!
Click the video above for 2 minutes of background waves while reading.
I like walking on the beach. It is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.
As I work toward the water, dark clouds are on the horizon. I am uncertain of the direction it is moving. I walk my normal trek with a watchful eye on the sea. Being aware of its presence – to stay alert. Maybe thinking about an appropriate keyword will help me maintain awareness.
Dark can be a noun or an adjective – plus its forms can be an adjective, verb, or adverb. Besides dark, think darkish, darken, darkly, darkness, darker, and darkest.

Dark is that shade or color that is much closer to black than white. Dark reflects very little. The darkest hues of blue, purple, green, gray, and red only expose traces of a color dark is attempting to hide.
Dark is a time of day as in night, nightfall, nighttime, and the midnight hour – all times of darkness – but “be home before dark” has a specific meaning for parents.
Dark is a place absent of light. A place one cannot see their hand waving in front of their face. Now that’s dark – pitch dark. To human sight, having only the faintest light is still dark – but not pitch dark. Even when walking around the neighborhood at night, the houses are shades of gray – but not the colors they display during midday.
Dark allows us to see the nighttime stars – maybe even the Milky Way. For stargazers, the darker the better – but they may also wonder about the dark side of the moon.
Dark is not only related to light, but dark is also a complex word about a time, place, or feeling. So, dark is a powerful metaphor.

Dark can be an expression such as angry, threatening, moody, brooding, sullen, dour, scowling, forbidding, ominous, sinister, evil, wicked, sinful, immoral, bad, ungodly, and unholy. All these can be seen on the dark side.
Dark is pessimistic, such as gloomy, dismal, negative, downbeat, grim, somber, and fatalistic. Maybe the dark clouds on the horizon are an omen for a storm, a fear, or a personal problem.
Dark is a time of tragedy, unhappiness, and unpleasantness, such as tragic, disastrous, calamitous, catastrophic, and cataclysmic.
Dark is a situation as grim and depressing – such as the darkest hour or dark times as they serve as an omen of an undesired outcome.
Dark is something we associate with a cellar or a dungeon – even death and a grave.
Dark is the lack of knowledge or understanding – a state of ignorance – a time of stagnation, no growth, without enlightenment – the Dark Ages or in the dark.
Dark is about the unknown, the seemingly unsolvable or even unexplored – yet when found, dark becomes the light of knowledge. After all, whistling in the dark also carries the hope of being found.

Dark can also be a playful word carrying a variety of meanings. The dark horse is synonymous with a shot in the dark. Human nature has a dark side, but hopefully one does not choose to be left in the dark, leap in the dark, and intentionally leave someone in the dark.
Dark is a closed theater – possibly a day without a production – therefore, a day off for the cast and crew.
Shadows are dark – and seemingly even darker is the outline of a dark figure in obscurity – yet Dark Shadows has a different meaning to those of a certain age.
Dark – the place where the one not mentioned resides.
Today is not a dark day. The sky is now bright. The earlier dark clouds offshore had either dissipated or moved on. Something good has come from the silver lining of those dark clouds – so today is a good day. Plus, I like walking on the beach because it is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.
See what other bloggers have posted about Dark
- A Dark Mist (a poem)
- Crawling Out of a Dark Void (a poem by an occasional visitor here)
- Star Gazing in Dark Sky Areas (essay and photos)
- Into the Dark (a poem)
- A Dark Memory (a personal essay)
- Light and Dark (a poem)
Next Post: ??? – TBA (a week or two, but on a Wednesday or a Saturday) @ 1 AM (Eastern US)
Hi Frank… I’m afraid these are dark times at the moment, the Ukrainian war situation has a dark cloud hanging over Europe .. here is a few words I posted to a friend a few minutes ago..
“Black “lines” below dark clouds.
Dark clouds hang under sad skies
The sad sky decries
Children are our butterflies
Please stop the warring lies”
… Enjoy your break Frank ..
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Ivor,
Yes, dark times indeed regarding Ukraine. I’m afraid it is going to get worse. Multiple thanks to you – first for the poem in the links and for sharing one that is fresh off the press.
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You’re welcome Frank
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Interesting points on dark, Frank. I like the dark at night, but don’t like the dark times we are currently living in. I like the darker shades of the colours you mention but don’t like the dark sides of people.
Dark is one of those finely balanced words which can totally change the meaning of a sentence, and dark humour is still humour, but not everyone’s cup of tea. And then we have the darkness within; the dark mood that hangs around under our own dark clouds.
And then, without the dark we’d have no Light… that what keeps us all going!
Enjoy your break, Frank; see you when you return.
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Tom,
What a great explanation of dark! Thank you …. I wish I would have written “Dark is one of those finely balanced words which can totally change a sentence.” Well stated! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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On the plus side, the dark gives your eyes a break. Bon repos !
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Cristina,
Oh wow … such a simple thought and one that I wish I would have thought to use. 🙂 Thank you!
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I think we’re all of one mind and in distress in the situation we find ourselves, Frank. An escape to the stars or a dark volcanic sandy beach seems like a good idea. For those who can! We’ll go there in imagination. Yesterday evening we were watching a feature on Kilimanjaro , the hazards of the ascent and the thrill of standing on the top under the brightest most prolific stars in Africa. How can we juxtapose a world where this is possible with the war zone of Ukraine? Have a good break, Frank.
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Jo,
The contrast in your comments is perfect. Yes – how can it be and it doesn’t seem right. Well, we know it’s not right.
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Like others, I can’t help but note the dark times we’re living in. Yet, I’m also aware that on a dark, cloudy day, we still see shadows from the sunlight that does get through.
Enjoy your break, Frank!
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Merril,
Dark times indeed along, and all spearhead by a selfish person seeking more for his ego. The problems of many at the expense of the needs of one doesn’t seem right. Thanks for sharing!
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Yes, I wore my tourmaline yesterday and discussed with friends how the black embraces all colors. Ah! Always love your words…
❤️🦋🌀〰️
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Shelia,
Not only am I happy that you enjoyed this walk, thanks for the positive spin on dark. 🙂
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Sure, Frank. Just sharing from what I’ve learned/experienced. ❤️🦋🌀
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😀
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We’ve had more than our share of dark days lately, Frank. And last night, we had a thunderstorm. Therefore, I’m kind of ready to gloss over this “dark” stuff and concentrate on light again! Enjoy your sunny day, my friend.
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Debbie,
Some say that dark is the word that brings out the light. Besides, dark also has positive vibes – even in dark times. Thanks for walking along.
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Nice take on dark, which can be very soothing after too much bright light. Enjoy your break!
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Laurie,
That a way – I like your positive look at dark! Thank you!!! 🙂
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What is interesting : In the dark and in the black are translated in French by the same word “dans le noir “!
In friendship
Michel
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Michel,
Thanks for the interesting tidbit. I’m familiar with noir through a wonderful wine … pinot noir.
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Well done Frank.. every shade of dark is a sad reality now and we must continue on in light as you talked of last week. ❤️💕♥️😎
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Cindy,
Although we are in dark times now, there is not only plenty of light available, but there are also positives associated with dark (the word). Thanks for walking along.
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Yes so true Frank! Your words and insights are always ones that light our path and we can’t have one without the other. 💕
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🙂
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I think of the dark as womb-like: comforting and protecting and yet it has, well, a dark side. The unknown is hidden within the dark and it is waiting… waiting…. “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men . . .”
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Pam,
A great comment of weaving the positive and negative sides of dark into one. Brilliantly done!!!!! Thanks for sharing.
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No dark without light… even in the darkest times!
Oh, Frank here’s to your swift return so that light returns! 😉 Yamas, my friend!
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Marina,
Cheers to the positive aspect of dark … 🙂 .. My plan is for a short break, but time will tell. Yamas!
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Will be looking forward to your return. Meantine enjoy, my friend!
Yamas and clink! 🍷
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Odds are I will be around – just not posting. Have a good Monday. Yamas!
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😉…and week ahead!
Yamas!!!!
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Dark chocolate is a good thing. Have a great break, Frank.
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John,
Dark chocolate is a great example of a positive aspect of dark! … Thanks for sharing!
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😊
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A great post to follow posts on light. Enjoy the break, Frank. We’ll be here when you return.
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Dan,
Thank you for the kind words. Initially, I had another topic in this slot. I don’t know what triggered the change, but the reason is a no-brainer.
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Excellent post, Frank.
Dark does have many meanings, uses, iterations.
The dark I’m thinking about now, is Ukraine. Hopefully, the dark cloud over the country will have a silver lining. I can’t see it right now, but I hope!
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Resa.
I’m sure Ukraine has influenced many comments on this post, but as you stated, let’s hope for the silver lining. Then again, not all aspects of dark are negative. After all, I’m sure you have designed some gorgeous dark gowns. 🙂
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Ohhhh yes! Velvet Tango – for Holly!
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…. and I had that black dress with the red on my mind when I responded! Cheers to our serondipitiousness.
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Cheers! Clink!
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Clink!
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I have always found darkness curiously irresistible; a kind of myriad beauty that I want to introduce light into at the cost of the darkness itself . . .
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Jaya,
Cheers to your joy for darkness. After a long string of thoughts focusing on the negative side of dark, thanks for providing another positive view of dark! :
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For a small four-letter word, dark sure conveys an almost endless variety of definitions, Frank. You picked a great one on which to think! You mentioned dark in terms of the theater. This week hubby and I are going to see the Broadway musical, Wicked, (my second time). I recently re-read the book and it is DARK. The musical was lightend up quite a bit or no one would pay money to see it. Thanks for the dark but enlightening beach walk!
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Terri,
Right on! Dark means many things other than dismal, a downer, or evil. Cheers to your thoughts! Interesting how we associate the terms wicked and dark – yete Wicked (as you know) is fabulous theater. Thanks for walking along and sharing.
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Great share Frank! Thank you, hope you enjoy your break, keep well.
Have a wonderful time!
Elvira
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Elvira,
Thank you. Writing this one was fun because dark isn’t always dismal. I’m hoping the break will be short. Nothing really planned – just a break.
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You are welcome, great work!
Enjoy and relax, keep well Franks.
Thank´s.
Elvira
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I imagine I will be doing a bit of prep to try to get ahead. 🙂 I see blog breaks as being good – and necessary!
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I agree with you Frank.
Have a great break! 😊
Take care
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Thanks. 🙂
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You are welcome, Frank 😊
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So interesting to see “Dark” as the topic of your beachwalk and I enjoyed reading through the different aspects of it. There is a undeniable beauty in all things darkness too, I think. Enjoy your break to the fullest!!
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PD,
Glad you enjoyed this walk. Thank you. An interesting tidbit. The first string of comments looked at the negative side of dark – especially in relationship to Ukraine. However, there is a current string of different aspects of positives! Thanks for part of that!
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:)))
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Hi, Frank – I’m glad to read that something good has come from the silver lining of your dark clouds. I hope this happens to all of us soon — especially those in the Ukraine.
Enjoy your blogging break. You will be missed!
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Donna,
Ukraine is one aspect of dark – and it definitely weighs on many of us. However, dark is much more than dark – so look at the bright side of dark. 🙂 Thanks for walking along and sharing.
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I’m throwing away my thesaurus. I only need to consult your beach walk posts!😉 Dark side of the moon is an interesting phrase. The darkness (and daylight) move around the moon, much like on earth, albeit much slower.
Darkness is a good time to rest our eyes. So much to see and do in the light!
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Eilene,
LOL … Oh please – don’t do that! Your examples help show that dark is actually a deep subject Your last line is a good one! Wish I would have thought of it. 🙂 Thanks for walking along and sharing.
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The comfort of velvety darkness – that wraps us up and calms the agitation of the day. The sleep in darkness that gives rest and refreshment… dark can be frightening and it can be welcoming. The difference is how you choose to see it!
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Murisopsis,
My first reply of a new day comes with a smile because your answer focuses on the positive side of dark. The thoughts are simple and the wording is perfect! Thank you for sharing! …. PS: I think you are a Valerie – correct?
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Coming late to post on this one – busy weekend! But I love all the thoughts people have had about the dark. Others have already said what came to my mind first – without dark there would be no light. One of my favorite times when at the beach is the last moments before the sun sets and you go from the “hot light” to the “cool dark” in a matter of moments…….knowing the light will be back soon gets all of us through the DARKEST of nights.
Hugs, Pam
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Pam,
Sunset over water is a special time. Plus, it seems to serve as the official transition of light to dark – and those dark skies of night can provide a wonderful show os twinkling lights! Busy times happen in the blogging world – which will cause me to miss class tomorrow. 😦
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This was a great post, especially right after Light. Enjoy your blogging break, Frank.
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Jennie,
Thank you. Interestingly, I originally had a different walk ready to go. I happened to be looking at some drafts, spotted Dark – then the Duh moment! Glad you enjoyed the contrast.
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See, meant to be. 🙂
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Dark has so many meanings… Through dark we find light! How nice to find you again Frank through the post on Resa’s blog x I’ve missed you since A Frank Angle
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Christy!!!!
Great to see you hear. It’s been a long time! I stopped aFa in early Feb 2020 as I knew the time was right. But, instead of just walking away, I had a long celebrated closing. Even at that time, I had the idea that I would reappear here – and even mentioned the possibility in the last post. I opened here in Oct 2020. I’ve settled into posting twice a week – Wed & Sat. But as you may have noticed, I just started a blog break – hopefully a short one. I invite you to see the Topics List tab/page because past walks are linked – so you may find something intriguing there. I’ll be over to visit soon!
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How wonderful ~ Enjoy your blogging break, Frank!
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Beautiful post, Frank! I’d add that it’s in the dark that we see the stars and the moon, and sometimes we need the dark to see the light. Hope everything is OK, and you have a great break!
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Elizabeth,
Thank you for the kind words. There is something about clear, dark skies and seeing the stars. I’ve never seen the Milky Way – but want to – so hopefully I will get myself into a remote location someday to take it the beauty – and I’m sure be awed. All is OK at this end, so the break was planned. 🙂
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This left me thinking about the Dark Ages, so called for the lack of documentation. Yet people assume when Rome *fell* (which it didn’t) that the lights of learning, & of faith, went out in Europe. Did not.
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Crispina,
Good points, You point out how generalizing a generalization leads to misconceptions. Well done!
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Oh Frank, I love that phrase: Generalising a Generalization. That appeals to the poet in me
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Crispina,
Cheers to you liking that phrase. To me, that is one way people get a misconception about something … especially when trying to make a conclusion from a generalized generalization. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
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The origin of factoids, I’d say: those supposed facts so often heard in documentaries, that when checked turn out not to be true. “But everyone knows it…”
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The facts lie in the details.
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Sometimes.
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I’m in the dark about what I could possibly add. But I’m with John on the dark chocolate. Bring it on!
Have a nice break, Frank.
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Dale,
Dark chocolate is good stuff. Then again, I have a difficult time finding not-good chocolate!
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Haha!
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There is so much to ponder about even words like “dark”. I was going to think of something illuminating to say but got stuck with the dark chocolate theme. We have been buying 85% dark chocolate lately and it certainly isn’t sweet. But it does taste good sprinkled on bananas with pecans for an afternoon treat. I hope you’re enjoying your break!
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Kathy,
The fact that I provided enough for you to ponder is a good feeling. Thank you. Seems dark chocolate has a spell on you. Then again, that can be a good thing. Enjoy!
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LOL for Dark shadows Frank – I remember rushing home from school to catch the latest episode! Quite the rage “back in the day”. As always, excellent exploration of the many meanings of dark. I was trying to think of some more positive phrases with dark but honestly couldn’t come up with anything!
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Tina,
Glad you enjoyed the Dark Shadows reference. I was hoping someone would mention it – but you are the first … so thank you! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed this walk. Did you notice the references below the video?
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I went back to the post but wasn’t sure what you were referring to Frank – what ??
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Oh crap … My mistake … Actually thinking 2 posts ago … Light v1 … Under closing video I linked to the photo challenges
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I wondered what had become of you. I just wanted to check in and now I see you’re on break. Enjoy!
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Ally,
Thanks for checking in on me. Although the break was planned, but unexpected events during the break has filled our plate. Nevertheless, I still plan to return next Wednesday (subject to change).
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I’ve only just discovered you and you’re taking a break? How dark! 😁 Will wait for your return to the light. ☀️
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Alegria,
Welcome first-time commenter to my personal beach. I appreciate you walking along. This is a typical walk here, but topics change. In this case, a positive feeling from a dark topic. You mentioned light (although in a different way), but light was the topic in the previous two walks. I invite you to read them. Here’s the first one – then work your way forward. https://beachwalkreflections.wordpress.com/2022/02/26/117-light/ …. and if all goes as planned, the next walk will go live next Wednesday at 1 AM (US Eastern). Loved you Tuscan village posted. 😀
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Thank you Frank. I will take a look at your post on light. ☀️
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🙂
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See you when you return from the blog break, Frank.
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Amanda,
Thank you and thanks for checking in. I’m hoping to return next Wednesday. 🙂
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Great! Looking forward to that.
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Hi frank
You do such a great job with your posts!
The depth and detail is just so well done – and I know I say that often – but can’t help saying it!
The dark theme covered a lot and is worth another read or two !
Enjoy your break –
They seem to come at good times and then it gives readers a chance to get caught up here or reread some posts!
😉
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Yvette,
Many thanks for the kind words. I take my time creating each walk. Although each topic is different, I try to maintain a common style and feeling. I know that you were not alone with your thoughts about this walk. Knowing that I took a walk that many thought would be negative, then turn it into a positive is a good thing – and I thrilled that you told me so. Simply thank you! 😀 Life is unexpectedly hectic here, but I’ll return on Wednesday.
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Sorry things are hectic right now…
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Thanks … Things happen to all of us.
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Yes indeed
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As someone with “gothic” sensibilities, I’ve always have a taste for dark humor, death/black metal, horror films, gothic literature, and dystopian sci fi. The lure of the macabre and the morbid is a fascinating one.
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Steve,
Ah ha … seems I unexpectedly took a journey into a bit of your dark side. I hope this met your approval. Thanks for sharing.
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What a beautiful video, Frank! I love how you took us on your walk, exploring the more negative sides of darkness. But you didn’t leave us there. You wound your thoughts back to a more positive side, ending with the lovely video of the stars. 💙⭐✨ Great Beach Walk!
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Lisa,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. In general, staying on the positive side is me, but taking a positive view on this word was a trick – but also relatively easy to do. Glad you enjoyed the video. Picking out one wasn’t easy, bit the dark sjow has a way of capturing me.
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Yes, to your brilliant words in this post and yes, to light the that shines on the other side of dark. I know you’re back so I hope you had a peacefully restful time.
Isadora 😎
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