45 Comments

Congratulations! How do I pARTICIPATE ON FRIDAYTHE 22? is it a zoom thang? if so, how do i getthe numbers?

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Just write a 50-word story on Justin's winter theme Ernie. On Friday you will get a post from Justin. And you simply go to the comments section and paste your story in the comment box. Easy!

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Thank you, Sharron!

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Thanks so much, Ernie! Please see Sharron’s response below! And if you have any more questions, feel free to give me a shout! Hope to see you there. 😀

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Man, this was so warming. Thank you, I want to see this in a short film!

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Thanks so much, Marc! Ahh, now that would be fun! I appreciate you reading. Happy Holidays to you, Myles, and the rest of your family!

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Same to you and yours!❤️

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Thank you, Justin. Have a great Christmas.

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Thank you, Colin. You as well!

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Happy Holidays, Justin. Hope I can muster something heartwarming for the fire on Friday. I'm usually such a brooder at those things. 😂 My copy of 50 Fifties is en route to my house as we speak!!

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Hahaha! I’m the same way, Meg. I tend to go dark and dreary. 🤣 It will be a challenge for both of us. And hooray!! I’m so excited for you to see it. (And I’m a bit nervous, too...why am I nervous?!) Thank you so much. I hope you like the finished product. 😊

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Another wonderful story Justin - Please do take the time off now so you can keep the juices flowing in the new year - Have a great holiday sir!

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Thank you, Mark! I appreciate you reading. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

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Heartwarming. Delightful

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Thank you so much, Barrie!

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Perfect for the season!

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Such a sweet, sweet story, Justin. Perfect for ending the year. Happy holidays to you and to all those who love you, my friend. I look forward to seeing you in January. Well.... and this Friday by the fire.

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Thank you, Sharron! I’m happy I was able to dig it up from the archives, and even happier you enjoyed it! (Between you and me, digging up these “oldies but goodies” is such a great way to give myself a breather sometimes. I may aim to share a story from the archives once every couple of months.)

Happy Holidays to you and yours as well, Sharron! 2023 has been a ton of fun, and thank you for being such an important part of that here on Substack. See you Friday! 😊

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A beautiful, goosepimpling story, Justin - absolutely wonderful words. I'm so glad you posted it again, because I hadn't seen it before. Thank you. ☺️

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Thank you so much for your kind words, Rebecca! I’m always thankful to hear from you. I appreciate you reading my story, and I’m happy you enjoyed it. 😊

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What a heartwarming tale and something we all need a little extra of these days. Merry Christmas, Justin! I'm off from work now and there are no distractions to keep me from Friday's 50s. 😁

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Merry Christmas, Brian!! 🎄It would be great to see you there, but no pressure at all, my friend. (But if you do show, I plan on serving eggnog...virtually. Hmm. I may need to rethink this.) 😄

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Even though you're the host, I won't make you bring eggnog... I'll be sipping on some spiced cider while I write, and we'll celebrate together from a distance. 😁🎅🤶🎄❄️

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Haha! Deal. 😄

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Thank you for sharing "Old Tom Klapp" again, Justin. It was the first time for me. Kindness creates ripples. And in this story kindness was a boomerang.

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I’m elated you enjoyed the story, Heather! Thank you so much for reading. I’m a firm believer in being kind to others. The universe has a funny way of bringing it full circle sometimes! 😊

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You know what's really cool about this story, Justin? There's kindness within the story....and there are the kindnesses you have created by sharing it with all of us. Everyone who read your story got a boost of serotonin and, as they are thinking about the blue bird, are likely to do something kind for someone else. You're magic!!

Merry Christmas.

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Aww. That’s incredibly kind of you to say. Well, thanks for making my day. 😊

Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!

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I love this! What a wonderful story and so beautiful told. It’s perfect for the season. Thank you for sharing, Justin! Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year! I’m looking forward to your stories in 2024!!!

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Thank you so much for reading, Uncle Scott! It’s been a blast having this continued dialogue with you. Can’t wait to write and share more in 2024. Merry Christmas to you and the rest of the family! Hope to see you all soon!

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Just as beautiful and heartwarming the second time. Merry Christmas, Justin. 🎄🤓

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I appreciate you reading it then and now! Thank you, Mark. Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🎄

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Thank you for sharing your imagination with us. You had me thinking about a local bookstore owned by a couple who have a few years on me. They’ve brought toys into the store to supplement book sales. I don’t know how they stay in business, but they do.

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They sound like absolutely wonderful people! Thank you for reading my work, 3M. It’s always a pleasure reading your comments. 🙏

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A lovely, heart warming story, Justin. Thanks for all your stories this year. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

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Thank you for reading, Daniel. I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed my work! It really means a lot. Thanks for the warm wishes, and Happy Holidays to you and yours as well!

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A story not only with a twist but a powerful message! Very touching writing!

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That’s very kind of you to say. Thank you so much! 🙏

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🙏

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Hi Justin. Great story. Congratulations. As for your challenge, I'll try to take part. I hope I have time. Wish you happy holidays

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I appreciate the kind words, Rolando. Thanks a bunch! It would be great to see you there, but no pressure if you can’t this time around. 😀

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Hello, Justin. I'll try, but if I don't succeed, I'm sure there'll be plenty of opportunities

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