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Late last week, I was sitting in a Santa Cruz motel room, trying to breathe life back into my Gateway laptop, and failing miserably. The hard drive was fried, and no reboot sequence or restore CD was going to bring it back to life.
I’d been working on an article that was fairly involved and intense, and wondering how I could at least salvage that when the phone rang. It was a friend of mine, calling with what she said was “good news”.
NO WAY! NO WAY! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? REALLY? OH MY GOD, REALLY?!?!?!
It wasn’t good news. It was fantastic, amazing, jaw dropping, life-altering news. The kind that made me scream into the phone with glee. A donor who wishes to remain anonymous was sending me a MacBook Pro. As readers from my previous site know, I have written about, lusted over, and dreamt of having an Apple computer for years. Good news? No, this goes way beyond good. Fed-Ex delivered the MacBook just a couple of hours ago, and I have not stopped smiling. I am ecstatic!
Thank you, Mr. K! Thank you to the person who asked Mr. K, and the person who helped load up the Mac and ship it to my host’s home in California. I am immensely grateful. Every time I write a story, I will think of the faith and generosity behind this gift — and the faith and generosity expressed by my readers, hosts, sponsors, and interview subjects.
Right now, I’m on my way to Reno. I spent several years there, as a child and later as an adult, and it’s a place that always opens floodgates for me. Before I headed out, though, I needed to say thank you. Thank you to Mr. K, and to everyone who is supporting this adventure and offering their encouragement. It means so much to me, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
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Yay; great news! Glad to see you’re back in the fast lane.
The photo is one of those trick questions like ‘How many apples are on this table’ right?
Bruce Nunnally´s last blog ..Congrats Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon!
Mr. K, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Every good thing that happens to Jane affects all of us and helps us keep faith in the goodness and generosity of people even when news headlines reflect only the worst moments of humankind.
The support you gave her is as inspiring as the stories she shares. Cheers to Not-So-Random Acts of Kindness!
V-Grrrl @ Compost Studios´s last blog ..The story behind the story of our trip to NYC
How wonderful! It looks divine.
But do you have a backup hard-drive or are you signed up for a backup program like Mozy? So that you don’t lose your data?
Pop and Ice´s last blog ..The Secret Drawer
Ha. This is really living the dream. I have never seen it so completely
manifest itself. And to the most deserving of people. Keep inspiring our timid souls.
Love
Wow! So happy for you!
Sandi Keene´s last blog ..
So the picture I sent was right ! There is a light. I’m very happy for you. You deserve it.
It’s indeed fantastic news Jane! Keep on telling your story of “Finding My America” and sharing it with us!
Every step you take, every move you make…what a treat for us to hear it, see it, live it. My Pollyanna self wants to shout “Blessings abound!”
And to the generous Mac-fairy — hope you’re feeling the love.
Kim Nelson´s last blog ..Evolving to Acceptance
The best dream come true is when you least expect it Jane. You’re on a mission with faith that “it will work out” although I wondered the day you were using tape to try and keep your computer plugged in.
I was nervous. You, however, stayed true to yourself and your purpose.
This is turning into quite the adventure!
I marvel at your, sorry to repeat but must, “it will work out” attitude. I don’t know many people, if any except you, that created a new purpose, put it into action and haven’t looked back once or said, “oh no what have I done?” That coupled with your passionate stories; we are indeed on the receiving end of your great adventures.
I’m with Kim. Thank you oh generous Mac-fairy!
Looking forward to reading what came next.
Suzi Kressler´s last blog ..Front Page, Part two
It was so fun seeing Jane get her MacBook Pro today! For two days it was like watching a 9 year old waiting for Santa to come down the chimney. I have no doubt that she will write amazing stories that will continue to inspire us on this Mac. Having the right tools will make this experience far more enjoyable, and successful, I am sure. I think we should all remember that in order for her to keep gas in the car, be able to eat, and have an occasional stay in a motel as needed, we need to continue to support her in any way we can. Her journey has become our journey, and I am so grateful to everybody whom encourages her and supports her so that she can fulfill this dream that we are all so fortunate to be a part of. Love you Jane! Oh and BTW… riding in Lola was awesome! What a beautiful car.
Julia Janzen´s last blog ..Bloggers Uniting Against Child Internet Pornography
How wonderful! A dear friend of mine always tells me that good things come to those who live in gratitude – you are a shining example of that.
Dear Jane – It’s great to see you so happy! A writer needs her tools.
To the generous Mr. K and those that helped make this generous gift come true –
THANK YOU!
For making our little Janie so happy; for the anonymous generosity and for the many future writings that Devin readers will continue to enjoy for the duration of this journey and beyond.
The best kind of pain in the world is the kind that comes from smiling all day, all night long.
I have the best friends and readers on this blog, bar none. That you are all so happy for me says something wonderful about the spirits of people who gather here. I know I’ve said this before, but it’s something I wake up every day feeling — you all make me want to be a better writer — to stretch myself in new ways, to discover new things, and make the most out of every day on this journey.
I could not have even imagined this several months ago. “Jump and grow wings on your way down” was what my friend Rod told me (a Ray Bradbury quote). I did, but the wings that came were provided by people generous enough to share their words, home, stories and more.
I have just never felt such gratitude. It’s a wonderful feeling.
Thank you all!
Dear Jane,
The Universe is smiling on all of us on this journey. You are never alone.
I couldn’t be more happy for you if I tried! Wish you were here so we could all celebrate together. But, you know, I feel like myself and all of your bloggers are united in sharing the energy of joy you/we are experiencing.
Whoever gifted this Mac to you—-BIG thanks to you. What a beautiful gift you have shared, to one and many.
Heartwarming! I’m thrilled for you, Jane. I think everyone who admires you, roots for you, hurts for you and loves you, is standing behind you saying, “Thank you, Mr. K!”
Will be thinking of you as you process your memories in Reno…
Chris´s last blog ..Resourceful
Thank you Mr. K whoever you are. You did what all of us wish we could have done. Jane, your writing deserves the best.
Oh no, now you are going to be a Mac snob like the rest of them.
Neil… just walk toward the light….
Julia Janzen´s last blog ..Bloggers Uniting Against Child Internet Pornography
Wow, Jane, that is fantastic! And welcome to your new life as a MacFanatic. (Neil, you know you want one!) I’m sorry you didn’t have it when you were here so I could covet it–it’s so much nicer than my dinosaur MacBook!
Danny´s last blog ..In Defense of Betty Draper
Hi Jane! Some of us looking in and following along on this trip you’re on may be wishing, like I am, that we were travelling with you. A writer on the road. I’m looking forward to the words this journey will produce.
Jane I googled you today and was just giddy when I found your new blog!
I can’t wait to dive in, and you will love love love your mac!
Write on sister, and Right On!
Allison
Congrats! That’s awesome! I love my MacBook!
Twenty Four At Heart´s last blog ..Please Excuse This Interruption …
Thank you Mr K! We look forward to reading Jane’s heartfelt stories – we all relate to them in some way.
Jean – I LOVE my Mac !!!! Enjoy!!!!!
I meant Jane! No coffe eyet
Write on, my dear friend, write on!
Jane, I have been the reciepient of several wonderful gestures like this. The generousity of peoples spirit continues to amaze me. You deserve it. Best part we all get to keep enjoying your writings. Isn’t Thanksgiving wonderful!!!
GO APPLE!!! Nothing but the best for you girl!! Enjoy your MacBook.
Oh for the kindness of others. I’m sure you are seeing a great deal of kindness on your journey.
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal
Di´s last blog ..Hives Alive For Gosh Sakes