TA-DA!
THE 2nd ANNUAL #50PRECIOUSWORDS WRITING CHALLENGE IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!!!

I am so very excited to read all of the #50PreciousWords entries. For those of you who are visiting here the first time, please let me give you a sentence or two or three about how this all came about.

March 2nd is the birthday of the incredible Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Last year I put together a little contest based on Bennet Cerf’s challenge to Seuss to write a children’s book using only 50 words. And the classic Green Eggs and Ham was born. It’s true that the story has over 700 words…but only 50 unique words.
I thought it would be fun to try to write a story for kids with ONLY 50 words. With a beginning, a middle, and an end. I wondered if I could do it. And then I opened the challenge to everyone. Much to my surprise and amazement, there were 128 entries! Ayear has past…and it’s time to DO IT AGAIN.
Please put on your thinking caps and get busy writing. You have until March 6th at 11:59pm to post your story. Here are the guidelines:
#50 PRECIOUS WORDS WRITING CHALLENGE GUIDELINES
- Write a story appropriate for kids ages 12 or under, using only 50 words…they can all be different words, or you can use some of them over and over…just as long as the total word count of the story is 50 or less.
- It can be prose, rhyme, free verse, silly or serious…whatever works for you.
- Title is not included in the word count.
- No illustration notes please.
- Between March 2nd and March 6th, post your story on your blog if you have one and want to and put the link in the comments of this post. Or copy and paste the entire story in the comments of this post. I ask for the link so that people will visit each other and find new friends in the kid lit community. Please make sure you put your name in the post. If you have any trouble at all posting the link or the story, please email me and I will be happy to do it for you: viviankirkfield@gmail.com.
- Deadline for posting the story or the link in the comments is Monday, March 6, at 11:59pm.
- Winners will be announced in a special blog post on Thursday, March 9.
- Winners? Of course, there will be winners…and prizes, too!
21 winners…21 prizes…1st place takes whichever prize she/he wants, then 2nd place gets to pick, and so on. I will reach out to
- . A critique from my beloved agent, Essie White (some of you may remember that the winner of last year’s contest chose Essie’s critique as her prize…and she subsequently signed with Storm Literary Agency!)

- A seat in author and mentor Susanna Leonard Hill’s amazing Making Picture Book Magic online writing class (the first writing class I ever took and it set me on the path of writing wonderful picture book manuscripts).

3. A seat in author and nonfiction writing guru Kristen Fulton’s incredible Nonfiction Archaeology online writing class (that was the class that opened the door for me to discover the joy of writing nonfiction picture books).

4. Coupon for 50% off author Alayne Kay Christian’s ART OF THE ARC online writing class (this is the next class I would love to take).

5. Or, if you have already taken Alayne’s wonderful class, you can choose a coupon for 50% off an in-depth critique from her (when Alayne says it is an in-depth critique, she isn’t kidding. I had one of those…it is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious).
6. A seat in one of the KidLitCollege webinars (I’ve attended a few and they are FABULOUS!) OR $19.99 off a critique, donated by Jodell Sadler, JCLA Editorial Agent and Founder of KidLitCollege. Winner choses one and will get a special code.

7. A manuscript or query letter critique from author Rebecca Colby.

8. A picture book manuscript critique from author Lori Degman.

9. A picture book critique from author Anna Forrester.

10. A fiction picture book critique from author Ariel Bernstein

11. A picture book critique from author Rosie Pova

12. A book on the craft of writing from Rosie Pova.
13. A copy of Bunny’s Book Club from Annie Silvestro.

14. A book on the craft of writing from author Maria Marshall.

15. A copy of Hello, My Name is Tiger from author/illustrator Jennifer P. Goldfinger.

16. A copy of LIZZIE AND LOU SEAL plus an adorable SEAL NECKLACE from author/illustrator Patricia Keeler.

17. A copy of CLAMS ALL YEAR by author/illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler.

18. A SUPER HAPPY book prize package from author Marcie Colleen with copies of Super Happy Party Bears Gnawing Around and Super Happy Party Bears Knock Knock on Wood.

19. A copy of Mutt’s Promise, a middle grade dog adventure written by Julie Salomen…donated by author/illustrator Jill Weber.

20. A signed copy of Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite from author Stacy McAnulty.

21. A picture book critique from me and a signed copy of my parent-teacher book, Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking.

WOW! That is some list of prizes! What a generous Kid Lit community we have! I’m grateful to the prize donors…I hope you all visit their websites, buy their books, and review them on Amazon. Did you know that when a book gets 50 reviews, Amazon helps promote it?
And now, before I invite you to post your stories, I wanted to share my #50PreciousWords with you. Hopefully, my story is a good enough example…with a beginning, a middle, and an end (and what an end!)…that is kid-friendly (well, remember those Grimm’s Fairy Tales)…that is 50 words or less. I hope it makes you smile.
WHY PIGS LOVE THEIR LITTLE FEET (50 words)
Everyone made fun of Pig’s little feet.
An invitation arrived.
Please come to Coyote’s feast.
Rooster knew the invitation was for him.
Cow disagreed.
They hurried to Coyote’s den.
Pig followed.
By the time his little feet got him there, the feast was finished.
And so were Rooster and Cow.
I always loved Aesop’s Fables and folktale type stories when I was a kid…I guess I was inspired by those.
Dear friends, please share this around your social media…the more the merrier… #50PreciousWords.
If you have any questions or need clarification, just email me: viviankirkfield@gmail.com
.Are you excited? I am!
Remember…THE MAGIC HAPPENS WHEN YOU MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT!
And I just can’t wait to read all of your precious words.
Hello from Greece! That’s a fabulous challenge, Vivian! Here is my entry, Good Luck to all!
My entry was inspired by springtime and the colorful hats my students wear!
A striped fuschia hat!
Once it flew on a sycamore leaf,
The cool breeze sent it to a field,
A bunch of hens was after it.
A swallow grabbed it,
Now, on the almond tree,
The hat speaks of its travels,
”Come with me! There’re so many places to see!”
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I definitely want to wear that traveling hat, Agatha..maybe it is like a magic carpet and it will take me to Greece and I will see you. 🙂 I enjoyed hearing a story from the POV of a hat. I’m so glad you joined in the fun with your #50PreciousWords.
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Thank you Vivian, yeah! a travelling hat coming to Greece from different places, telling us about its travels while flying in the Greek countryside.Thanks for the opportunity, I loved the challenge!
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Something a little different inspired by “Du Iz Tak?” by Carson Ellis.
Ram ala Fickle by Cathy Stenquist
Ram ala Fickle,
a Snuggly Lou,
wen doo a boxmay
en quarter maloo.
“Pax abu Betty?,”
sneet Grulla Zamore.
“Wee… cali popko.”
stred Flow Ramalore
“Lolly Columba!”
dar Spickle Kurang.
“Es Vera Monjovi
traskitty bang?”
Noooo…
Kempa locks may,
a bay fal de mar.
Tu grummon parlosee.
Queech mowley bar.
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Hats off to you, Cathy! I just read Du Iz Tak? with my grandson this weekend…and now I am going to spend forever trying to figure out what your story is about. Because some silly person made a rule of no illustration notes for this challenge. 😉 😉 Thank you so much for stepping up to the #50PreciousWords challenge with such courage. 😉
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This was a fun challenge– not easy to do!! Thanks for the inspiration, Vivian 🙂
The Umbrella
by Lisa Goldberg
The umbrella rounds itself against the wind,
pushing upward and outward,
shielding valiantly,
but it’s no match for the storm.
Inside out with struts dangling,
it’s thrown to the soaked sidewalk,
twisted, crumpled, useless.
Soon though, in the newfound hands of an artist,
the umbrella discovers its dazzling new purpose.
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It might not have been an easy challenge, Lisa, but you rose to it valiently, just like your umbrella. How unique to have a story from the POV of an umbrella. Your language touched my heart and now I need to know the rest of umbrella’s journey! Thanks so much for playing along with your #50PreciousWords. 😉
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Wonderful imagery! Well done.
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Vivian your contest was a great success! You inspired so many wonderful, short stories.
Papa Pasta
by Amber M. Bouchard
Every night Papa and Stella ate together. Every night Papa cooked Papa pasta.
Linguini, tortellini, fettuccine, ziti.
“No more pasta,” said Stella.
So every night Stella made Stella salad.
Cesar, chef, garden, greek.
Until Papa said, “Enough!”
The next night Stella and Papa made dinner together and enjoyed…
Pasta Salad.
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Hurray for Pasta Salad…and hurray for father/daughter togetherness. Well done, Amber. I loved your word play…all the food names…lots of fun. And a happy ending. 😉 So glad you joined the challenge with your #50PreciousWords. 😉
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Nice work, Amber.
And you’ve got the perfect ending.
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https://thislittlebirdie.wordpress.com/ Angela Hawkins
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Angela…I hope everyone goes to your blog to read Giraffe’s Blue Sweater. Filled with humor and action…and I loved the ending. Thanks so much for having fun with the challenge and sharing your #50PreciousWords.
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Thanks again for such a wonderful challenge! Talk about getting out of your comfort zone! 🙂
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This was fun. I really liked the wording and the ending. 🙂
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Pingback: Writing Challenge 50 Precious Words
TRIP TO GRANDMA’S by Monica Dietrich
Don’t wanna go, can’t say no
Running late, long wait at gate
No food, bad mood
Crowded seat, hard to sleep
Scary flight, prayed all night
Rent a car, drive far
Hours passed, there at last
Your big kiss, I would miss
And your love, if I didn’t come
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Great rhyme and rhythm, Monica…I felt like I was traveling with the kid. And a sweet ending. So glad you joined the fun with your #50PreciousWords. 🙂
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Wow, you’ve packed a lot of story into 50 words PLUS it has great rhythm and rhyme which makes it fun to read. Sweet ending, too.
Nice work.
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Silly Ghosts Go Tricking
By Sally Clark
http://sallyclark.info
Silly ghosts on Halloween night,
bounce through woods, give a fright.
Laugh and wake up all the dead,
scaring spiders in their webs.
Cackle with witches, mix up spells,
rattle chains in empty hotels.
When they find treats in a kind neighborhood,
Change their ways and decide to be good!
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So much fun in this Halloween rhyme, Sally. I’ll have to make sure I give good treats next Halloween…wouldn’t want to be the reason that little ghosties did not change their ways. I’m glad you played along with your #50PreciousWords. 🙂
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very nice work, Sally
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Thanks for this very fun challenge. Here’s the link to my entry:
http://afieldtriplife.com/writing-challenge-50-precious-words/
I’m also posting it:
THE GIFT
Ambrose chose a red, red rose. Willy found a pure white lily. Little Bea plucked a pink sweet pea. Cyrus picked a purple iris. Maisie carried a yellow daisy and Grace brought a pretty vase.
Each flower, one by one, made a beautiful bouquet.
“For you, Grandma. Happy Birthday!”
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What a perfect #50PreciousWords for that Grandma! This is lovely, Claire…I enjoyed your word play with the names of the kids and the flowers they picked. Thanks so much for joining in the fun. 😉
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great story, fun rhymes, sweet ending
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Margo Haren First Rights
439 Allenford Street Word Count: 48
Akron,OH 44314
330/745-6006
margocareer@att.net
Chippy Saves the Day
By Margo L. Haren
Chippy was a small hamster. He saw a cat and the cat saw him.
Chippy ran fast into a mouse hole in the wall.
Chippy was not afraid. The cat ran into the wall.
Then Chippy thought, “I knew I could be brave even if I was little.”
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Run Chippy, run! I’m glad Chippy escaped…my kids had gerbils and also a cat…hmmm…not the best of pet-mates. 😉 Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful #50PreciousWords, Margo.
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When Little One Awoke
By
Meli Glickman
The glowing wings revealed the angel, as Little One awoke and reached out a hand to touch the bright light.
Angel said, “Even when you cannot see me, feel me with your heart. My light will guide you till the end, just like now from your start.”
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You gave us #50PreciousWords full of hope and love, Meli…I thank you for that. So happy you joined us in the challenge and shared your sweet story. 😉
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I could feel the light of the angel. A beautiful story for little ones and us to know that angels are all around. Great job!
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Pingback: #50PreciousWords Writing Challenge | Thoughts on writing for children
Fun and challenging contest, Vivian! Here’s the link to my entry: https://writingtoconnect.wordpress.com/2017/03/06/50preciouswords-writing-challenge/
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Very imaginative! I don’t think I would be so daring as your swimmer!
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Gabi…your #50PreciousWords are full of imagination…hope your feisty swimmer is a match for those gators. So glad you played along with your story…great tension and word play. 😉
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Thanks for the fun challenge Vivian! I was inspired by the great entries to give it a try.
The Play
by Mary Warth
Pitcher Mikey threw a zinger,
But the hitter was a swinger.
Coach yelled, “Keep on running kid, they haven’t got the ball!”
As the fielder’s catch was fumbled,
Rounding third, the hitter stumbled.
The Ump ran down the third base line in time to make the call.
“You’re out!”
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This is exciting! Great story. 🙂
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I really enjoyed this! I fondly remember the thrill of a good play at a Little League game.
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I can feel the movement and see the story in my mind.
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Kudos, Mary…your #50PreciousWords have rhythm, rhyme, tension, and heart. your cadence was quite Poeish…kind of like The Raven. So glad you gave the challenge a try…well done!
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very nice, Mary
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Excellent job with this, Mary. Gave me a great imagine, and flashbacks to my own playing days.
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Mary…please email me…I don’t have your contact info and it is time to pick your prize…viviankirkfield@gmail.com
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KITTEN
by Ginger Rock Weddle
Kitten
slinks out
unseen.
Skittish,
she scampers up a tree.
Up,
at the top,
a new view
over rooftops.
Sunshine
warms her back.
Breezes
ruffle her fur.
Until…
raindrops.
Paws reaching,
searching.
Twigs snapping.
Twist,
peek down.
How to return?
A few steps to
her human’s
outstretched hands.
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I really like your entry I can imagine Kitten at the top of the tree and I can feel her anguish when it starts to drizzle.
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Very nice, Ginger! I can feel the kitten’s anxiety about how to climb down.
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I love Kitten. Excellent story.
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Great pacing and tension, Ginger. You took us on a journey with Kitten…I really enjoyed it. Thanks for joining in the #50PreciousWords fun. 😉
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very nice. I can see the scenes play out in my mind.
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So many awesome prizes and talented writers! At first, I didn’t think I’d submit my piece but here is my 47-word entry:
Wendell’s Adventure
Breathless, Wendell said, “I just flew in a flying saucer. We ate pizza!”
I laughed and said, “No way.”
“It’s true!” Wendell said, running outside.
Later, I saw a flying saucer soar over the house. Wendell waved from a porthole.
“Come back!” I yelled, “It’s trash night!”
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Haha, this was cute! I especially liked the image of Wendell waving from the porthole of the flying saucer.
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Full of humor, Sally…and I’m so glad you decided to join in the fun with your #50PreciousWords. Now I want to find out what happens to Wendell…and WHO is going to take out the trash? 😉 😉
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Thank you for the contest, Vivian. I’m a bit intimidated after reading such worthy entries, but I’m delighted to be a part of the fun.
It was a task to whittle my story down to 50 words, but here is my entry.
SLED PARADE by Lisa Morgan
Monster Hill grinned threateningly.
You first?
Nope!
You?
OK.
Jordan climbed.
Z
Z
Z Z Z
Z Z
Z
Z Z Z
Z Z
Z
Z Z Z
Z Z Z Z
Z O O M- BOOM!
Peyton Climbed.
Z
Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z
Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z
Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z I P
FLIP!
Dylan Climbed.
Z
Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z
Z
Z Z Z
Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z Z Z
ZING!
FLING!
OUCH!
I have an Idea.
Gather
Fasten
Twist
Tie
Decorate!
Ready?
The fancy sleds paraded to Monster Hill.
Monster’s grin changed.
Up the hill.
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
O
O
M !
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
I
P !
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
I
N
G !
All afternoon!
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^^^By Lisa Morgan
Well, the formatting didn’t quite turn out the way I set it before I pressed post comment. The ZZZZZZ’s are supposed to form a hill as they cascade down. Treacherous at the beginning and then a nice and smooth descent at the end. Hoping you get the idea. Thanks again!
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I definitely get the z’s. Very clever and this made me laugh.
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What fun, Morgan! I can just see the illustrations…lots of great imagery here! And awesome use of sound words that also give us motion. Thanks for sharing your #50PreciousWords. 😉
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here’s a real short one:
The Race
sun falls
night calls
owl hoots
mouse scoots
snake hisses
strikes
misses
mouse flees
owl sees
WHOOOOSH!
faint squeak
mouse in beak
GULP!
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Oh dear…I feel like I’ve led you down the path of darkness with my slightly on the edge sample, Linda. But I LOVE this…great rhyme and movement…mouse just wasn’t quick enough. 😉 Well done…and thank you so much for joining in the #50PreciousWord fun. 🙂
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LOL. the idea of you leading me down “the path of darkness” made me laugh. You’d never lead me astray. Right?
oh, and this one is only 23 words long. I wanted to expand it but didn’t come up with anything. And since it has a beginning, middle, and end, I just left it this way.
Thanks for challenging me.
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Mommy? What Will I Be?
50 Precious Words
By Ingrid Boydston
“Mommy? What will I be when I grow up?”
“You can be anything!”
“Anything?”
“A doctor,
a chef,
a teacher,
maybe a great leader!”
“Thanks Mommy, I know what I’ll be!”
“What?”
“All those things!”
“I’m afraid you can’t be ALL of them.”
“Sure I can. I’ll be a mommy!”
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WOW…what a tribute to every mother, Ingrid…thank you for joining in with your #50PreciousWords. A real mighty girl story!
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So happy you enjoyed it! ☺️
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Ingrid, this was so sweet! Smart little girl! She knows moms wear many different hats, and being a mommy is a wonderful aspiration! Well done!
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Thanks you Sandy!
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Aww, what a beautiful little story. It gave me chills. So happy to be a mother!! Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks so much Hope!
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I found you! It’s so hard to finally press the post button! I’m glad we critiqued each others entries. Good luck!
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Your #50PreciousWords are just that, Shirin…precious! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful inner journey with us. I’m so glad you joined the challenge.
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