tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12866069695986059582024-03-14T14:49:20.797-04:00Vivien... InterruptedA blog about parenting issues, my life, politics, funny stories, and everything else I feel like writing about.Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-37977634983122581282012-11-28T21:20:00.003-05:002012-11-28T21:20:27.596-05:00My New Blog<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi everyone!!!</div>
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I really appreciate your visit. My blog is in the process of moving- I would be so happy if you would stop by!</div>
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<a href="http://vivieninterrupted.com/">http://vivieninterrupted.com/</a></h2>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-85279918471423964532012-11-02T22:34:00.000-04:002012-11-02T22:34:53.364-04:00Nurture Photography Fall Challenge - Purple/ Halloween<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After missing last week’s challenge, I was so anxious to join in again. After all, the challenge </span><a href="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">Live and Love out Loud</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and </span><a href="http://www.bumblesandlight.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">Bumbles & Light</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> are hosting is so much fun and it’s such an inspiration!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week’s theme was Purple/ Halloween. Even though the past week brought us some temporarily cooler weather, Florida is still in almost full summer bloom. I didn’t have much trouble finding beautiful shades of purple in my environment. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We took a walk through our neighborhood in the hopes that I could capture some fun Halloween pics. I didn’t really think that through and found myself shying away from taking pictures of people’s decorations outside their houses. I wasn’t too fond of the idea of being arrested…</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZqnbSVjyxpXbN438QtpYqhJq6FqDDuKH9X9zrHacUGr-hdKmA41xQX8Fq4fPiBmmU7g9onmgH_jLZLuXlOtj79YilC_XcSBTpx4a-W-e7qoCJKaQehH-ezyLRPWdiOkI3ja0U3_s6Cdj/s1600/DSC_5850+O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZqnbSVjyxpXbN438QtpYqhJq6FqDDuKH9X9zrHacUGr-hdKmA41xQX8Fq4fPiBmmU7g9onmgH_jLZLuXlOtj79YilC_XcSBTpx4a-W-e7qoCJKaQehH-ezyLRPWdiOkI3ja0U3_s6Cdj/s400/DSC_5850+O.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/photography-challenge/" target="_blank"><img alt="Nurture Photography - Autumn 2012 Photo Challenge" border="0" src="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/button250.jpg" /> </a></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-52644108564700527142012-11-01T22:09:00.001-04:002012-11-01T22:10:14.200-04:00Monthly Writing Challenge 3/12: The Prettiest Thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TU3kIBE_2fg9xHfpN7_p2DxOvTaIvS9st4oXPKL5oQ9a_QT5fMGvOXvDnqavOu7LfoKrOudgWJg6zI7PygQ0EuWduoEbsWDPs7o27yIOERfZOSUaR6lXclcGvzd0V0iz6ZAqf2uV6doK/s1600/DSC_5842+O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TU3kIBE_2fg9xHfpN7_p2DxOvTaIvS9st4oXPKL5oQ9a_QT5fMGvOXvDnqavOu7LfoKrOudgWJg6zI7PygQ0EuWduoEbsWDPs7o27yIOERfZOSUaR6lXclcGvzd0V0iz6ZAqf2uV6doK/s400/DSC_5842+O.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tiffany Clutter’s submission:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wake up to giggles in my ear and a foot on my face, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: DE;">Baby the prettiest thing I see is you.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Soft skin, and a warm embrace,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby the prettiest thing I see is you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Marathon nursing sessions and long night hours,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby the prettiest thing I see is you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Through the ups and downs, smiles and frowns you make my every day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the bottom of my heart, till my breath stops,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby the prettiest thing is see is you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My submission: <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Initially, your looks deceive me. They trick my eyes and fool my heart. I am not the only one who falls for pretty things. The others, they gush over you and admire your beauty. The prettiest thing they have ever seen, they say.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My head knows better. Your beauty isn’t of substance. Your outer shell leaves me breathless with attraction, yet I know what lies beneath.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I avert my eyes from you and let my heart do the looking. Without your charming exterior the foulness that is at your core is screamingly obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that I have seen you- truly seen beyond your stunning and infatuation appearance- I can say that you are not the prettiest thing. I can tell my heart no to dwell. You’re hardly worth a second glance. My search for true beauty continues.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Please link up at the bottom with your take on 'The Prettiest Thing'.<br />
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Next month's <a href="http://vivieninterrupted.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-monthly-writing-challenge.html">writing challenge</a> topic will be: In Love. Please send submissions to <a href="mailto:tellvivien@yahoo.com">tellvivien@yahoo.com</a> by 01/12/2012 or link up at the beginning of next month. <!-- start InLinkz script --><script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=208203&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><!-- end InLinkz script -->Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-31853458868675137562012-10-25T22:06:00.002-04:002012-10-25T22:06:18.222-04:00On Becoming a Working Mom<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a long </span><a href="http://vivieninterrupted.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-effects-of-staying-home-with-my.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">period of searching and applying</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, I finally found a job! Tomorrow I will be completing my second work week and it’s incredible how different my life is from just two weeks ago. To be honest, I was terrified of the transition from stay-at-home mom to working mom. I think it has gone a lot better than anticipated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first few days were rough. The kids cried and didn’t want me to leave. I felt like crying myself most of the time. However, by Friday of last week my daughter was already anxious to get rid of me and carry on with her day, yelling at me to: “Get out of the car, Mummy! Go to work!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I miss the kids. I hate being away from them. Especially since it was never planned for me to go to work full time. But, as you know, sometimes life doesn’t care about what your plans were and things change. Right now, it is important for me to work full time and that is what I have to do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A lot of mothers have told me that I shouldn’t be sad, that I was so lucky to have been able to stay home for as long as I did. While they are right and I have been incredibly fortunate, I am still entitled to my feelings and I am still allowed to express my sadness at being away from my children. I believe it is always important to acknowledge your emotions and deal with them in the best way possible, no matter what others may think.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Truthfully, being back at work does have its perks. This is the most alone time I have had in over three and a half years! I get to eat by myself, in peace, without little people screaming at me, wanting food off my plate, talking my ear off, etc. It’s incredible- I just sit in silence and eat. After my lunch, I usually go for a nice walk around the beautiful park down the road and it is so soothing to my soul. I get to listen to music all by myself. Or read a book. My breaks are like little vacations.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTad3z2HQ4XeuMrMKuSjYZquMwol25hwbUk64Ne6tq6z3TZl9ZYXfB7IWv9ZmHRrbSu2pIomLedk3PwwcQxnRiqzAj27wSTeRw196BNqPgLdXyP5zgue2N3vOIiVO9O3K_YsIMI_HW86Ri/s1600/lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTad3z2HQ4XeuMrMKuSjYZquMwol25hwbUk64Ne6tq6z3TZl9ZYXfB7IWv9ZmHRrbSu2pIomLedk3PwwcQxnRiqzAj27wSTeRw196BNqPgLdXyP5zgue2N3vOIiVO9O3K_YsIMI_HW86Ri/s400/lunch.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The park by my office</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Suddenly I get to be around people who have nothing to do with my children, who are not even aware of their existence. They don’t see me as the mother of R and E- to them I’m just Vivien. It’s like I’ve been living in an alternate universe and have suddenly arrived back in the real world, where people talk about grown-up things rather than potty training and how to sneak vegetables into your child’s diet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course, there are other things about being back at work that suck. Like having to actually work. And using communal bathrooms. Somehow I had this idea in my head that I would finally get to go to the bathroom in peace, without children commenting on what I’m doing, fighting each other to determine who gets to flush, etc. What I forgot about was that you’re never alone in the bathrooms at work. You’re in a stall next to other women and there is really not much privacy. It doesn’t help that the toilets in our office building creak as if they have reached their maximum weight capacity and are about to rip out of the wall. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I still can’t quite believe it: I’m a working mother now. Going from stay-at-home mom to working mom has been easier than I thought so far, but it still isn't easy. I’ll keep you posted…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-91321593654726457942012-10-19T22:26:00.000-04:002012-10-19T22:26:34.052-04:00Nurture Photography Fall Challenge - Orange/Warmth<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After my first week back at work, I am exhausted and truly happy that it is the weekend. What better way to start it off than by joining </span><a href="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">Live and Love Out Loud</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and </span><a href="http://www.bumblesandlight.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bumbles & Light</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> for their weekly photography challenge?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unfortunately, after a high of 90°F here today, I can still say with certainty that fall has yet to arrive in Florida (if it ever actually does…) However, the Floridians are still trying to get in the autumn spirit by throwing together some pumpkins in a make-shift patch and hosting all kinds of other fun fall events.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I went hunting for the color orange. Honestly, with the heat still being almost at full strength every day, I wasn’t in the mood to capture much warmth. However, somehow I feel as though the color orange gives off so much warmth that it’s impossible not to have it shine through in the pictures.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please click on any of the photos to enlargen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/photography-challenge/" target="_blank"><img alt="Nurture Photography Autumn 2012 Photo Challenge" border="0" src="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/button250.jpg" /></a></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-5178979943491871792012-10-16T21:59:00.000-04:002012-10-16T21:59:52.434-04:00I Wanna Quit the Newspaper!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Gqf0RSqgaOQiMqTkNYrqArlvUxexWKwr3b3zW4gdQGB0rEcZCg37YiwKLyTQrsxc12H40NYbLe0GQ_jC8P9n8oiTW0too3vMpJ-I1865k8Ky8C6MMcNhtsRoeLs4h9BVnrXA9JIuP0Nb/s1600/Newspaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Gqf0RSqgaOQiMqTkNYrqArlvUxexWKwr3b3zW4gdQGB0rEcZCg37YiwKLyTQrsxc12H40NYbLe0GQ_jC8P9n8oiTW0too3vMpJ-I1865k8Ky8C6MMcNhtsRoeLs4h9BVnrXA9JIuP0Nb/s400/Newspaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by helloyou, stock.xchng</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I generally can’t say ‘no’ to anything. I’ve been really trying to work on it, but I still suck badly. So when someone knocked on our door a few weeks ago and asked if we could please buy a weekend newspaper subscription for eight weeks at an incredibly low price of only $10, which would help him attend college and ultimately lead to a better life, there was no possible way I could refuse.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fast forward to last week. I receive a letter from the newspaper, including an invoice for the renewal of our subscription. Huh??? I didn’t renew it. I don’t even want the bloody newspaper! After reading the letter carefully, I find fine print that informs me of their convenient automatic renewal service. If we don’t want the paper anymore, all we have to do is call their special cancellation hotline.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beads of sweat start forming as I panic at the thought of speaking to the cancellation professionals. I immediately start remembering one of my favorite episodes of Friends- </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0583576/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">The One with the Ballroom Dancing</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">- in which Chandler is trying to quit the gym. I wanna quit the newspaper!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I call the number and start speaking to a very friendly woman. When she hears of my wish to cancel the subscription, she sounds terribly upset, as if I have hurt her feelings, and says: “I’m so sorry to hear that! Is there anything we could do to change your mind?” All I can think is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I wanna quit the newspaper; I wanna quit the newspaper</i>. “No, thank you, we really don’t read the paper.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course, this woman is a pro. She’s a lioness going straight for my sucker-esque throat: “You know, you could change your subscription to only receive the Sunday paper. That way, you still receive all the wonderful coupons that can save you hundreds of dollars every week.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I wanna quit the newspaper; I wanna quit the newspaper. </i>“No, thank you. Really, we aren’t able to use any of the coupons, so it’s just not worth it.” She gives it her best shot yet: “You know, this is the lowest offer we’ve ever had for our customers and I doubt we’ll have such a great price again. You wouldn’t want to miss such an opportunity.” I’m thinking: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She’s right. What an awesome price! And really, I <u>should</u> be reading the paper.</i> I picture myself at an imaginarily quiet house without interruptions in which I leasurely read the whole Sunday paper after having had a nice sleep in. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No, wait- that’s not how my life is. Children jump on me and animals want to be fed and the house is a disaster and anyway, the local paper is really not a good publication. I WANNA QUIT THE NEWSPAPER!!! </i>Out loud, I say: “I know it’s a wonderful offer, but it would really be a waste at this time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s it. She gives up! I’ve done it. I have managed to quit the newspaper. I am so proud of myself for staying strong and following through. That will really come in handy the next time I have to cancel my subscription after not being able to say ‘no’…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-32005601864350203322012-10-15T15:38:00.001-04:002012-10-15T15:38:30.173-04:00A Week Without Facebook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you know me, then you know that I am a complete and utter Facebook addict. I can’t help myself- I just love reading about others and feeling like I have someone other than my kids to communicate with. The only problem is that my addiction was starting to take on ridiculous proportions and I found myself checking my page every 15 minutes all day long. Not so cool. Especially since the companionship I was looking for was usually nowhere to be found.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Therefore, I bravely decided to go cold-turkey and disable my Facebook account for a week. One week without Facebook. I could have just logged off, but I know I would have cheated and secretly snuck a peek now and again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was rough. The first day felt really lonely and I didn’t quite know what to do with myself (sad, huh?) However, the week proved to be extremely productive. Here are some of the things that happened:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got </span><a href="http://www.blogher.com/snippets/effect-being-stay-home-mom-career?from=bhspinner"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">featured on BlogHer</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. Ok, this is not something I actively did, but it was still cool. And it was also horrible because I REALLY wanted to share the link on Facebook to get some support, but I stayed strong.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at my iPhone a lot, wondering what other purposes it might possibly serve.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hung out with my friend and watched Jersey Shore while eating gluten free cookies. It was fantastic!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I read half of a very interesting book.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I read up on things I have been trying to avoid, such as SEO, etc. and freelance work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was offered a job on Thursday, then another on Friday, and had to decide between the two. Tomorrow is my first day at my new job. I have to work 40 hours per week and leave the kids at home with daddy. It’s breaking my heart, but until we win the lottery (which is rather unlikely as we do not play) I have to bring in some extra $$$. At least until I start earning the big bucks writing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I went out for a wonderful dinner with my fabulous friend- just the two of us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I talked to almost all of my friends in Europe, which felt great.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I took part in the </span><a href="http://vivieninterrupted.blogspot.com/2012/10/nurture-photography-fall-challenge.html"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">Nurture Photography Fall Challenge</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I completed week eight of couch to 5k, which meant walking 5 minutes, then jogging 28 minutes, then walking 5 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gathered some writing ideas and creative ideas and just overall let my brain do its weird thing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There you have it. I missed Facebook a lot, but I also feel that being away helped me to refocus and be more creative. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-30486685596395722592012-10-12T15:11:00.000-04:002012-10-12T15:11:02.051-04:00Nurture Photography Fall Challenge - Yellow/Light<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is the second week </span><a href="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">Live and Love Out Loud</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and </span><a href="http://www.bumblesandlight.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">Bumbles & Light</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are hosting their Nurture Photography Fall Challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s wonderful to have a challenge to think about and work on throughout the week. It just gives the creative process a bit more of a direction and ideas can flow more easily (at least that is the case for me)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week’s challenge was yellow/light, which presented many opportunities here in Florida where summer is almost still in full strength. I had lots of yellow flowers to choose from and with the amount of sunshine we still get every day, it was easy to find very strong light. As I have mentioned before, I do miss a real fall. However, I am glad to be able to take autumn pictures that capture a different world from what people generally associate with the season. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please click on any picture to enlargen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“Before their supper they require<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A dragon field of yellow fire<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To light and toast them in the gloom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So much for old earth’s ashen doom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robert Fitzgerald, “Lightness in Autumn” from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spring Shade: Poems 1931-1970</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Please join us:</div>
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<a href="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/photography-challenge/" target="_blank"><img alt="Nurture Photography - Autumn 2012 Photo Challenge" border="0" src="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/button250.jpg" /> </a></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-21172668809717791832012-10-07T15:46:00.002-04:002012-10-07T15:46:56.000-04:00You Don't Have to Harden Your Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9LJMOheyklEUl-gipjaeXcATpw3bXvHkDqLZl7g5wrlzhEoTK4skwrbrWToavLnxyu8o45iEOSG1UYCFzdw0IZAg6ZxO6XpkucvrRovcFRDUIlVflCoI13-4NP4ThNcYGaf7HskZ-87d/s1600/Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9LJMOheyklEUl-gipjaeXcATpw3bXvHkDqLZl7g5wrlzhEoTK4skwrbrWToavLnxyu8o45iEOSG1UYCFzdw0IZAg6ZxO6XpkucvrRovcFRDUIlVflCoI13-4NP4ThNcYGaf7HskZ-87d/s400/Flower.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am such a softy. I cry watching sad movies, I cry reading sad news, I cry when I hear a sad song. Sometimes I cry when I look at my beautiful children because they make me so happy. I’m also terrible at hiding my feelings. People can read my mood like a book. I don’t carry my heart on my sleeve, I wear it smack in the middle of my face with spotlights illuminating it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my daughter started going to a mother’s morning out program almost two years ago, I couldn’t stand it. I felt guilty and everything about leaving my baby girl with someone else felt wrong. People told me I would have to harden my heart, that having children meant you had to toughen up and not get too soft about them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m so glad I didn’t listen. You can say whatever you want, but I am not going to harden my heart. I am going to continue feeling my feelings without any type of filter. Quite to the contrary, I am hoping in the future to trust my feelings more than I ever have.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Honestly, I think this is one of the world’s biggest problems- the lack of feeling. If we all let ourselves feel the compassion, empathy, and love we have inside of us, how much better life would be for everyone. If we didn’t expect people from childhood on to be able to ‘control’ their emotions, maybe more people would be interested in fixing the problems we have in this world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to yell at people ‘Don’t look away anymore! Acknowledge your feelings and act upon them!’ We should all listen to our hearts more and change the things that make us and others unhappy. Feel your feelings and acknowledge them- we were given our inner voice for a reason.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-42727389367748045442012-10-05T15:48:00.000-04:002012-10-05T15:48:14.815-04:00Nurture Photography Fall Challenge - Green<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I’ve mentioned before, I love fall! Too bad we moved somewhere where there doesn’t seem to be such a season… I know many of you envy us, but I would really love to have some cooler weather (it’s still 90°F every day), crisp air, and some fall colors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, when I read about the Nurture Photography fall challenge that </span><a href="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">Live and Love Out Loud</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and </span><a href="http://www.bumblesandlight.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">Bumbles & Light</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> are hosting, I still got excited about participating. When I saw today’s theme, which is ‘green’, I actually felt lucky to be in Florida where all the plants are still in full summer mode and luscious green can be found all around. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here are the shots I came up with today - I hope you like them (please click on any picture to enlarge):</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvqxk589QzzwDLaEowL3QC9ZqTWSs7Y24vuhUIPH5Uo1as9ODLqF6YNJjOF9d6zPZekb0NYwQ0yrh9EyWSKjVo-4b5trR1y2nWu5W_-90oZXHmLNPpX_q7wGVk71AOaCqxLz25XqrAKRc/s1600/Raindrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvqxk589QzzwDLaEowL3QC9ZqTWSs7Y24vuhUIPH5Uo1as9ODLqF6YNJjOF9d6zPZekb0NYwQ0yrh9EyWSKjVo-4b5trR1y2nWu5W_-90oZXHmLNPpX_q7wGVk71AOaCqxLz25XqrAKRc/s400/Raindrop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dewdrop on spring-like flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life in our birth bath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYUF6oEQOm9pQpT-gN7EvZmEC4s3hgyVzpp4v7ndPM-hlxJduHIRM_nCP41gJi8sMJWH9bQibTuQskwn4Kw_H_Ei6u2akEzMHqB_d9VcyJ9-ii_koJN1AAW5iaqz6oClA7NuslBluqOej/s1600/Birdb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYUF6oEQOm9pQpT-gN7EvZmEC4s3hgyVzpp4v7ndPM-hlxJduHIRM_nCP41gJi8sMJWH9bQibTuQskwn4Kw_H_Ei6u2akEzMHqB_d9VcyJ9-ii_koJN1AAW5iaqz6oClA7NuslBluqOej/s400/Birdb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birdbath growth (my kids play in it, which makes me want to vomit...)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtA7G2b8PZOoQstXq5tz8hsv6YziqGbDFHd69WOOB0rwP52eR6R3Q0113nZzusxwG9ct1OkWwDl_2EJRaa2Z38PjfnPXp4zrI29XP2qHgoSNVgj3ZS8tbtnVrDcH-2PH6ViF_eoNseTBy9/s1600/Moss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtA7G2b8PZOoQstXq5tz8hsv6YziqGbDFHd69WOOB0rwP52eR6R3Q0113nZzusxwG9ct1OkWwDl_2EJRaa2Z38PjfnPXp4zrI29XP2qHgoSNVgj3ZS8tbtnVrDcH-2PH6ViF_eoNseTBy9/s400/Moss.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A paler green </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZy36b0FZ7ySFMXgw0AeIoEqAM_IIUhTbhhgzZHdBhrRWfeSx9lLQt4G6wpnPQNJR_7f4mHi19S_1cPgDRuFhv5S9DTIXpgXgt_u9YY468rv_E0bRa2572oGJpXA_410uClnzStLnGMI_/s1600/Nuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZy36b0FZ7ySFMXgw0AeIoEqAM_IIUhTbhhgzZHdBhrRWfeSx9lLQt4G6wpnPQNJR_7f4mHi19S_1cPgDRuFhv5S9DTIXpgXgt_u9YY468rv_E0bRa2572oGJpXA_410uClnzStLnGMI_/s400/Nuts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R loves to collect 'nuts'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6gwfta6z0ipEXTsVD8rqeF20xSbzW-VyirpGfuY9YnJGn7TySVqFYBhOtlCFNADALdBxk5f7y78mJHQoWM4Z12SCL6hUS6fmHMChH1aBSj_xRwHo6q8nJDBo7mQO_XEmZ-eMeXwc_mRz/s1600/Nut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6gwfta6z0ipEXTsVD8rqeF20xSbzW-VyirpGfuY9YnJGn7TySVqFYBhOtlCFNADALdBxk5f7y78mJHQoWM4Z12SCL6hUS6fmHMChH1aBSj_xRwHo6q8nJDBo7mQO_XEmZ-eMeXwc_mRz/s400/Nut.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A green 'nut'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe79hoUTLaZwbXesSuYOmeTBoi0hLc5O4pvSiE4EKcn7kn4PZRZ0JlfTIzlF8N80xLnB3oGlk44_t1SxzVk0ui_fE1L75HlGYc5f4QtvTM32RtEs59wZHXn5nOgBS_FW_GqrzbsrxSwf1/s1600/Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe79hoUTLaZwbXesSuYOmeTBoi0hLc5O4pvSiE4EKcn7kn4PZRZ0JlfTIzlF8N80xLnB3oGlk44_t1SxzVk0ui_fE1L75HlGYc5f4QtvTM32RtEs59wZHXn5nOgBS_FW_GqrzbsrxSwf1/s400/Flower.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite picture. Actually kind of proud of this one.</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you like photography, please join the challenge and share your pictures. I’d love to see what fall looks like in your part of the world!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/photography-challenge/" target="_blank"><img alt="Nurture Photography - Autumn 2012 Photo Challenge" border="0" src="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/button250.jpg" /> </a></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-80108742584510817642012-10-02T15:49:00.000-04:002012-10-02T15:49:56.537-04:00Candy Corn Bark<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s fall!!! Well, not really in Florida, but I can certainly pretend because it’s my favorite season. Fall means beautiful colors, cooler weather, cozy evenings (again, I’m pretending…), Halloween, Thanksgiving, pumpkin patches, and so many more wonderful things. And, of course, candy corn.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJLhYy_uqerJ4pEpVDOY6l2D29Higc27R16_YzSZwGmw8Ugb5onDvNLDIcd6aAl9TcNPFZoYCj9wbb5qPZKKQWavnRsoQHh8j7D84iewl5QBYLDFN1Weqy631VdvxD4EoJQle42SIvTTA/s1600/Candy+Corn+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJLhYy_uqerJ4pEpVDOY6l2D29Higc27R16_YzSZwGmw8Ugb5onDvNLDIcd6aAl9TcNPFZoYCj9wbb5qPZKKQWavnRsoQHh8j7D84iewl5QBYLDFN1Weqy631VdvxD4EoJQle42SIvTTA/s400/Candy+Corn+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When my friend Beth posted a recipe for Candy Corn Bark, I just had to try it. I had a feeling that the color combination would be lovely and it did not disappoint. Moreover, it turned out to be absolutely delicious! It’s a great treat to keep at home for the whole family to enjoy, but it’s pretty enough to give away to friends, etc. as little gifts. AND it’s super easy to make.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGRwMGTCGz4azUZTmIviEtMukzQ7V1Pn_Bp695iuACXHDobYg21Irpa4ex2Fz6dwQQN76E9PNDI_0BpOjXXbutCkrT7FE6LR6Oz5jamybmc_GNJJvz5SaPkt0ubUuwQxWfrehO-BI8N0V/s1600/Candy+Corn+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGRwMGTCGz4azUZTmIviEtMukzQ7V1Pn_Bp695iuACXHDobYg21Irpa4ex2Fz6dwQQN76E9PNDI_0BpOjXXbutCkrT7FE6LR6Oz5jamybmc_GNJJvz5SaPkt0ubUuwQxWfrehO-BI8N0V/s400/Candy+Corn+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">24 oz vanilla-flavored candy coating, chopped<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cups broken, thin pretzel sticks (I used gluten free thin pretzels instead)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 ½ cups candy corn<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You will also need cooking spray and waxed paper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The instructions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spray a 15x10x1 Inch pan with cooking spray. Line with waxed paper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a large microwave safe bowl, microwave the candy coating on high for 1 minute 15 seconds. Stir. Continue microwaving and stirring in 15 second intervals until completely melted and smooth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stir in pretzel pieces and 2 cups of the candy corn.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCmVFSDMLO5y1SOYqhmXsSdqdbSblb7Ir3_vX818M8Dw6yESbGlxm81QZ40lz4JvAI4oIiG5EwjP1JiQ2ZI2WHvxD1ZDKHs02VA7k2-Kv1obYVs4x4GKQ09FwZ3b6165fNtHV9j2qzXFW/s1600/Candy+Corn+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCmVFSDMLO5y1SOYqhmXsSdqdbSblb7Ir3_vX818M8Dw6yESbGlxm81QZ40lz4JvAI4oIiG5EwjP1JiQ2ZI2WHvxD1ZDKHs02VA7k2-Kv1obYVs4x4GKQ09FwZ3b6165fNtHV9j2qzXFW/s400/Candy+Corn+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of candy corn evenly over the top; press in lightly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let stand one hour or until completely cooled and set. (After it had cooled, I had to stick it in the fridge because it is so warm in our house that it was still a little melty)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Break into irregular 2 to 3 Inch pieces (or whatever shape you want) and store at room temperature (or in the fridge if your house is really warm)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s it. Isn’t that amazingly simple? You should really give it a try. My whole family is addicted. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-51509986444401422772012-10-01T21:04:00.000-04:002012-10-04T15:24:08.542-04:00Monthly Writing Challenge 2/12: A Feminist Fairytale<strong><em>Megan Douthitt's submission:</em></strong><br />
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<span id="internal-source-marker_0.06915232542355248" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Feminist Fairytale - Cinderella</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I assume we’re all familiar with Cinderella...overworked and underappreciated by her evil stepmother and stepsisters, surprisingly cheerful, soft spot for rodents. Instead of retelling the entire tale, let’s jump to the end for a reimagined, less gag-inducing version. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Upon arriving at the ball, Cinderella descended the grand staircase into the ballroom, where she was greeted by the backsides of hundreds of other eligible maidens all vying for the attention of the prince. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Well, they can have him</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, she thought. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’m finally out of that dreadful house and preening for the attention of a pompous, soft-handed royal is not my idea of fun.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> As she skirted the edges of the ballroom, she noticed a group of young men off to the side, openly staring at the maidens and choosing which of the prince’s cast-offs to approach. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Barbaric ritual</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, she inwardly muttered. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Finally, she spotted the man she was seeking. He was short, rotund, balding, and stank of stale wine. He was an unforgettable man, to be sure. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> “Excuse me, sir. I believe we’ve met.” </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> The Grand Duke was so astonished at being approached by a lovely young lady that it took him a few minutes to place her. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> “Cinderella?”</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“One and the same, Duke.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“My goodness, I don’t believe I’ve seen you since your father’s funeral, years ago. What a lovely surprise. You know, as I was leaving the graveyard that day, your stepmother told me of your decision to stay with your aunt overseas. What brings you back?” </span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> “Well, sir, my stepmother lied. Actually, I am here tonight under extremely lucky circumstances after my stepmother made it quite impossible for me to attend otherwise. I never went overseas; I’ve been here all along, forced to act as servant to my stepmother and her wretched daughters. To be honest, I have been essentially enslaved and haven’t left that awful house in years.” </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> “My dear, how dreadful! What can I do to help?”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> “There are two things I’d like to ask of you, if it isn’t too much trouble. I have written a letter to the magistrate requesting an opportunity to present my case and lay claim to my rightful inheritance. I would like you deliver it for me, and I would also ask that you bear witness to my identity as my stepmother has destroyed my personal documents,” said Cinderella. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> “Why, those requests won’t be any trouble at all, dear. But, really, you needn't go to all that trouble. My wife and I would be happy to offer you our home. That is, until you find a husband. Now that you’ll be back in society, I’m sure it won’t be long at all until some lad takes you to wife!” </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> “If it is all the same to you sir, I’d like to proceed with the magistrate. I have sorely missed my independence these past few years, so I have no intention of marrying any time soon. In fact, I have one thing to thank my stepmother for, believe it or not. I have become quite an accomplished seamstress trying to meet her insatiable desire for new gowns, and I’ve found that I quite enjoy the work.” </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> “A seamstress? You must be joking, Cinderella!” </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> “I assure you, Duke, I am not. I intend to use my inheritance to set up my own shop. Should I decide to marry, it will be to a man who is comfortable with an entrepreneur as a wife. I simply cannot imagine going back to a life of vanity, idleness, and tedium after experiencing the satisfaction of accomplishing something each day. Though I thank you very much for your kind offer, all the same.” </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> The Grand Duke was surprised, but rather impressed with his old friend’s daughter. He had never met a girl quite like her before, and it was a refreshing change from the simpering gossip-parrots his son paraded around town. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> The clock began to strike midnight and Cinderella realized her time at the ball was ending. She quickly handed the Grand Duke her letter for the magistrate, thanked him, and dashed for the stairs. In her haste to return to return to her carriage, she lost a glass slipper on the staircase, but paid it no mind as she fully expected it to disappear along with the beautiful gown, just as her fairy godmother said they would. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Cinderella returned home full of excitement for her future. She finally had a way to fulfill her dreams, and she was going to achieve them on her own. She settled back into her servant routine with a new spring in her step, knowing that it was only a matter of days until the Grand Duke would arrive to escort her to the magistrate for her appointment. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I cannot wait to see the look on Stepmother’s face when I walk out the front door</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, she thought. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> It turned out that she was wrong about the glass slipper. Though the rest of the magic vanished at the last stroke of midnight, the glass slipper remained, and Cinderella cherished it as a reminder of the night she chose her own path. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><em>Carrie Gaiuque's submission:</em></strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The Three Little Pigs</strong></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once upon a time, there were three little girl pigs. Now these three little pigs were tormented by a Big Bad Wolf. Every day the Big Bad Wolf would come and huff, and puff and try to blow their self-esteem down. He would wolf whistle as they walked by and make derogatory comments. The three little pigs decided to defend themselves against the attacks of the Big Bad Wolf. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The first little piggy hadn’t been taught by her mother to believe in herself, and instead she saw everyone around her trying to gain the attention of the Big Bad Wolf to try to make themselves feel pretty. The first little piggy made herself a dress of straw colored material which was very revealing and left nothing to the imagination. As she walked by the Big Bad Wolf, he huffed and he puffed and he whistled and hooted, and blew down her self-esteem. The first little piggy ran home crying.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The second little piggy had been taught by her mother that you must prove your worth to others, and so the second little piggy believed she had to win awards to make herself feel smart. She made a car of sticks, which was a unique material and very eco-conscious and entered her design into the science fair. As she drove by the Big Bad Wolf, he huffed and he puffed and he called her design crap, and he blew down her self-esteem. The second little piggy ran home crying.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now the third little piggy had been taught by her mother that she was important and special, but that her actions toward others are what truly made her a good person. So the third little piggy built a community center out of brick where everyone could gather to do service for others or meet as groups and build their confidence. The Big Bad Wolf walked by and he huffed and he puffed, he whistled and hooted, and he called everything crap. But no one heard him inside and the little piggies never went home crying again.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><em>My submission: </em></strong></span><br />
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<strong>Rapunzel</strong></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHn9lEKAba7PTPujsFPqLBKB8iRUWCeDdunqQN1qPJI3X0A4GPvd0gHF7ozaijApP8fMorKy7mKu5HHggYEHLMh0gLsKtZXqSsulT0j7sgVhentAmWBIWVs7Iftr4D1XoHnqymKlEPhIcf/s1600/Herbs+by+Dydydada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHn9lEKAba7PTPujsFPqLBKB8iRUWCeDdunqQN1qPJI3X0A4GPvd0gHF7ozaijApP8fMorKy7mKu5HHggYEHLMh0gLsKtZXqSsulT0j7sgVhentAmWBIWVs7Iftr4D1XoHnqymKlEPhIcf/s400/Herbs+by+Dydydada.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture by Dydydada, stock.xchng</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once upon a time, there was a married couple who wished with all their hearts that they may be blessed with a baby. They hoped and prayed and after many years the wife finally became pregnant. She often looked out of their window into the adjacent garden because it was full of the most beautiful flowers, herbs, and vegetables. One day she started developing a strong craving for the Rapuzel lettuce that grew next door.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But the garden belonged to a very powerful witch. She was renowned for her might and feared the world over. The witch treasured her garden, which was surrounded by a very high wall to protect it from unwanted guests.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wife’s longing for the Rapunzel became so strong that she stopped eating everything else and slowly started withering away. One evening, the husband noticed how pale and sickly his wife looked. He asked: “My dear, is everything alright? You look terrible! Is there anything I can do?” The wife replied: “Oh, I have such a terrible desire to eat the witch’s Rapunzel. It is keeping me from eating anything else and has been occupying my thoughts for weeks.” The husband thought for a while, then replied: “I hate to see you so ill. I will get you some of the Rapunzel tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The husband waited until night had fallen and dressed himself in black clothing, so that he would not be seen. Just as he was about to climb out of their window into the garden, the wife caught sight of what he was doing. “What on earth are you doing?” she exclaimed. The husband explained his plan to sneak into the garden and steal some of the witch’s Rapunzel. Though the wife greatly feared the mighty witch, she also had a high respect of her neighbor. She said: “My dearest husband, I am so happy that you love me so much that you would steal for me. However, I would never forgive myself for such a crime and must ask you to please abort your plan.” The husband was relieved, yet worried about his wife, and asked: “But darling, how else will you eat the Rapunzel your body so desperately wants? I am worried for you and our baby.” The wife replied: “Do not worry, my dear. I will find a way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The following day, the wife gathered all her courage and knocked on the witch’s door. Though they had been neighbors for over a decade, they had never spoken to each other. The witch opened the door with a surprised look on her face: “Yes, may I help you?” The wife smiled and said: “I am so sorry to bother you. I am your next door neighbor, Emily. My husband Joshua and I are expecting a baby. Unfortunately, I have been fighting a terrible pregnancy craving for your beautiful Rapunzel lettuce. Would it be at all possible for me to have some, please? I understand if you say ‘no’, but I had to ask.” The witch, who was about the same age as the wife, stood in silence for a minute. Finally, she replied: “It is so nice to meet you, Emily. I have had terrible trouble with people stealing from my garden. I am so glad you came to ask instead of just taking- I swore that the next person I caught would be very sorry indeed! Won’t you come in?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The witch and Emily sat together and chatted for a long time. Being a very wise and knowledgeable woman, the witch suspected that Emily’s craving was triggered by a mineral deficiency. Before the wife returned home, the witch mixed her a potion to restore the mineral balance in her pregnant body and picked her enough Rapunzel to last her at least a week. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The cravings soon subsided and Emily had a joy filled pregnancy. She visited her neighbor daily and they became good friends. The witch had always longed for a real friend and was so happy to have someone to talk to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the wife went into labor, the husband finally overcame his fear and ran next door to get the witch. He hoped that she would be able to assist them during the birth of their baby. The witch was a great help and the couple had a wonderful birth experience. Emily gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, whom they named Rapunzel in honor of the wonderful friendship that had grown thanks to the craving for lettuce. The witch became Rapunzel’s godmother and protected her with all that she had. Rapunzel learned many wonderful things from her godmother and grew into a confident, empowered young woman.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And they all lived happily ever after.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The End.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please link up at the bottom with your take on 'a feminist fairytale'. <br /><br />Next month's </span><a href="http://vivieninterrupted.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-monthly-writing-challenge.html"><span style="color: #de8787; font-family: inherit;">Writing Challenge</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> topic will be: <strong>the prettiest thing</strong>. Please send submissions to </span><a href="mailto:tellvivien@yahoo.com"><span style="color: #de8787; font-family: inherit;">tellvivien@yahoo.com</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> by 11/01/2012 or link up at the beginning of next month. </span><br />
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document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=198085&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><!-- end InLinkz script -->Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-80381043810682381192012-09-30T15:44:00.005-04:002012-09-30T15:45:18.386-04:00ClickinWalk 2012 Winter Park/Orlando, FL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-16689180610611404492012-09-25T23:32:00.002-04:002012-09-25T23:32:35.486-04:00On Running and Judging<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve started running. I saw that everyone was doing the couch to 5K program and I thought it might be a good idea to do it myself. I’m into week six and I love it. Not only do I feel as though I’m getting physically stronger, I also get half an hour to myself in which I can clear my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On some days, like today, I have great moments of clarity. While I was walking and was breathing heavily because I had just stopped running I met someone on the street. Being very self-conscious, I felt as though I needed to justify why I was breathing heavily. I felt like telling that person that I had in fact been running and I wasn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> terribly out of shape, it just looked like it then.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Suddenly, I had a realization: We encounter so many people in our lives and even though we often only see little snippets of their existence, we pass judgment. We don’t know what has brought a person to that particular point in their lives. We don’t know how hard he/she has worked to achieve what they have at that moment. We don’t know at what point they are in their life's processes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More importantly, it’s ok to be breathless. We should never feel as though we have to justify who we are.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-22658676779379333932012-09-23T22:23:00.000-04:002012-09-23T22:23:33.838-04:00The Effects of Staying Home with My Kids on My Career<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter in 2008, my husband and I decided that I would stay home with her for at least the first year. Even though I had never even met my little one, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to stand being separated from her. Honestly, I never thought twice about this decision and how it might later affect my career.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has been three and a half years since I have worked full-time. Unfortunately, now I am in a position where I need to get back into the workforce in order to financially support our family. It is proving incredibly difficult. As one lady told me: “It doesn’t matter if you’ve been staying home with your kids. With the high unemployment rate, companies are looking to hire those who were employed most recently.” I’m just another unemployed person.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, probably every reader is going to feel offended by something. To clear some things up: I think working mothers are incredible. I was very fortunate to be able to stay home and I know that a lot of families don’t have that option. Some women have the option and just don’t want to, which is absolutely fine. For <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i>, I couldn’t picture any other way. I know for a fact that I would have been a complete mess. I wouldn’t have breastfed as long as I did if I had to feed every hour at night and then be at work the next morning. All of you working mothers are incredible!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Also: I am not trying to judge unemployed people. Unfortunately, situations like that happen in life and they can happen to anyone. I am the last person to say anything negative about people who are unable to find work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All of that being said, I was a full time mother. I wasn’t unemployed- quite the contrary, I was employed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (and still am) To imply that my time has been spent in an idle way is such an insult to the extremely hard work I have done and that stay-at-home-parents everywhere do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I went to an interview several weeks ago where I was asked a list of questions regarding my judgment in certain professional situations. I was asked to describe a situation in which I had been faced with many issues at the same time and how I handled it. The interviewer stressed that they wanted a recent example, within the past year. I answered honestly- I told him about the shopping trip that morning that required me to purchase every item on the list, while entertaining two children, meeting their constant needs, staying within the budget, etc. when it started raining and I had to come up with a plan that allowed the family as well as the groceries to make it into the car safely and as dryly as possible. I saw by the look on his face that he thought my answer was less than satisfactory.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The truth is, being a mother is the hardest job I have ever had. And I’ve had some pretty shitty jobs in my working life… Any other job ends- you have a break, you get to go to the bathroom. You can eat a meal. You can sit in the car or on the train and gather yourself. You get to clock out and do your own thing for a while. As a stay at home parent, you get nothing. You’re on your own, responsible for another life (or more than one) without any pointers and without any breaks. It’s rough. It has taken me to stress levels I never knew before; getting an airplane ready to take off at the given slot time so the company doesn’t lose any money while one passenger is missing is a joke compared to a rough day with kids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not mad that I’m having a hard time finding a job. I have lots of qualifications, lots of experience and I am confident something will come along. Also, I haven’t ‘just’ been a SAHM- I have had two contracting jobs and two volunteer positions during my time at home. What really upsets me is the way society sees mothers and fathers. What we do- all of us parents, whether working or not- is THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT JOB in the world! We are making the next generation of people. We are making and shaping new human beings. And here, it counts for nothing. Just another unemployed person.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I guess I might not be as upset if I didn’t know the alternative. Unfortunately, I am well familiar with societies in which parents are protected and encouraged. I grew up in Germany where I (or my husband) would have been able to take a full year of paid maternity leave. In addition to that, I could have stayed home two more years (for a total of three) unpaid, with my job being preserved for me until my return. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t regret the road I chose to take. I worked very hard in corporate jobs until I was 30 and felt as though my child needed me more. Had someone told me that it would negatively affect my career later on, I would have chosen the exact same path. However, I feel that society is doing mothers and fathers wrong- we don’t do nothing. We are not unemployed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-71526045895735426372012-09-21T12:17:00.000-04:002012-09-21T12:17:26.617-04:00I Suck at Photography!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been trying to get the hang of my DSLR camera for ages now. I feel like I’m getting nowhere and it’s soooooooo frustrating! To be honest, if something frustrates me too much I usually just quit. However, I love photography so much that I am determined to get better at it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I especially suck at getting the shutter speed right. My pictures are almost always underexposed, which makes them look dull and dark. It’s a special kind of disappointment when you pull up photos that you thought would be fantastic only to find that they are all too dark…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will keep working at it, though. I have received some wonderful advice, especially from the fabulous </span><a href="http://veronicaarmstrong.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">Veronica Armstrong</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, on how to improve my shots. I will keep reading and practicing until I hopefully some day produce pictures that I actually like. I want vibrancy you can’t look away from.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What are your tips for achieving the ideal exposure?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some pictures I took yesterday at a beautiful location in Orlando, the Harry P. Leu Gardens. I have lightened them up as much as possible without washing them out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-9417309209916748892012-09-20T18:54:00.001-04:002012-09-20T18:54:41.779-04:00BlogHer Book Club: Daring Greatly Review and Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Admittedly, I am not a big fan of non-fiction books. I wouldn’t usually seek out a self-help kind of book for myself to read. However, I am so grateful that I read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.blogher.com/bookclub/now-reading-daring-greatly">Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead</a> </i>by Brené Brown, Ph.D. It came at exactly the right moment in my life and has taught me so much about myself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dr. Brown is a researcher of vulnerability, courage, shame, and worthiness at the University of Houston, TX. However, the book is written in such a light and unintimidating way that it can truly be understood by anyone. Brown doesn’t teach the reader lessons in form of lectures, but rather takes the reader on a journey she herself has undertaken.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In essence, the book shows us how accepting and embracing our own vulnerability rather than viewing it as weakness is the true way to achieving greater goals. Shame, fear, etc. cause us to underestimate our worth and hinders creativity and innovation. Brown doesn’t offer these realizations as universal truths, but rather shows the reader how the information can be applied to better one’s own life. In fact, Brown mentions her personal therapy sessions frequently throughout the book, which demonstrates her own imperfections as well as the fact that even with great theoretical knowledge, our lives are still less than perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not only are readers introduced to concepts that can improve their own sense of worth, they are also given guidelines on how to apply these ideas in the most important areas of their lives, including the workforce and parenting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As someone who never views herself as good enough, these words were important and healing to read. It took me quite a while to get through the book, as I had to pause every so often to ponder the ideas that were being presented to me. I hope that I can be more fearless in the future and let myself be more vulnerable. I really do want to dare greatly. You will want to, too. Just read the book!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My favorite quote: “What’s worth doing even if I fail?” p.42 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.blogher.com/bookclub/now-reading-daring-greatly">Daring Greatly</a></i>. Especially when it comes to creativity, people risk being vulnerable. But aren’t those risks worth taking? I now believe they are.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you would like to win a copy of this book, please visit my </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VivienInterrupted"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">Facebook page</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, become a fan and leave me a comment telling me what you think of when you hear the word ‘vulnerability’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please check out the </span><a href="http://www.blogher.com/bookclub/now-reading-daring-greatly"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">BlogHer Book Club pages</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> for a great discussion of this book.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club, but the opinions expressed are my own.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-20782762399421600102012-09-19T17:04:00.000-04:002012-09-19T17:04:20.834-04:00Gluten Free No-Boil Lasagna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a huge fan of cooking once, eating two nights in a row. Lasagna is definitely one of my favorites- not exactly simple, but well worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I first found out I had Celiac Disease, giving up pasta was the hardest part for me. I love pasta in all shapes and sizes and my new diet had me depressed. Naturally, I quickly learned how to replicate most recipes I loved. One thing that gave me a hard time was making lasagna. All noodles I was able to find required pre-boiling, which took a crazy amount of time and never really worked out the way I wanted (picture me trying to separate big lumps of pasta that formed because I was too lazy to cook the noodles separately; it was not pretty…)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And then, one fine day, I stumbled upon a gluten free no-boil lasagna noodle. I was so happy! However, knowing that gluten free noodles don’t act the same as their wheaty counterparts, I had to find a recipe that was relatively simple and delicious. I think I was able to do just that by experimenting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You do not have to make this recipe gluten free- it works just as well with semolina pasta. I sometimes make it as a meat lasagna and sometimes a veggie one, depending on my mood and what’s available. I will mostly be referencing the meat in this recipe- just replace it with whatever veggies you prefer. I’ve tried making gluten free béchamel sauce, which I will post the recipe for in the near future, but I also like this simpler method of adding creaminess to the dish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 box of no boil lasagna noodles (I used the </span><a href="http://www.deboles.com/products/product.php?prod_id=793&cat_name=gluten_free"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">De Boles</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> brand ones)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 lb ground beef and/or veggies of your choice (I like zucchini, bell pepper, mushrooms, and tomatoes)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tablespoon olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ an onion, chopped<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cloves of garlic<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/2 – 2 jars of pasta sauce of your choice, depending on how saucy you like it<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ cup water<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 15oz container of ricotta<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2-3 cups of shredded Italian cheese blend<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ cup grated parmesan cheese<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 egg<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Salt & pepper (and any other herbs you like) to taste<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The instructions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When hot, add the onion and garlic until they soften<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add the meat and brown thoroughly (or add veggies and sauté), adding salt and pepper to taste (in the lasagna I took the pictures of, I used meat <u>and</u> mushrooms- delish!)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Drain any excess fat, then add pasta sauce and water; let simmer<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1 cup of the Italian cheese and parmesan; if the mixture seems too thick to spread, add a little of the sauce and stir it in<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take the sauce off the heat; in a 13x9x2 dish, spread ¼ of the sauce<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Make one noodle layer with the uncooked noodles ( I usually do three next to each other- they expand when they cook)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spread ½ of the ricotta mixture onto the pasta<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add ¼ of the sauce<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Make another noodle layer<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spread the remainder of the ricotta mixture<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add ¼ of the sauce<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Make the final pasta layer<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add the remaining sauce; be sure to cover all of the pasta so that it cooks evenly<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Top with 1 – 2 cups of Italian cheese, depending on how cheesy you like it (I like it <u>very</u> cheesy)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cover the dish with aluminum foil and cook for 50 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remove the foil; turn on the broiler and cook until cheese is golden brown</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_o4GGku1l1dwWuLaraXq7-6DGqaiNxbQ-iDRsIl8KW804t8Fcaol3LZq63T5dvFdh8VjlI0eavbJ80coG7PQW8yyfl06k9EdyCYDz9hQHUFxoCb8dzzE7_i9A7Z28B12C5asLGpzwmsFs/s1600/Lasagna+O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_o4GGku1l1dwWuLaraXq7-6DGqaiNxbQ-iDRsIl8KW804t8Fcaol3LZq63T5dvFdh8VjlI0eavbJ80coG7PQW8yyfl06k9EdyCYDz9hQHUFxoCb8dzzE7_i9A7Z28B12C5asLGpzwmsFs/s400/Lasagna+O.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope you enjoy! Please excuse my terrible attempts at taking nice pictures of the food- I still have lots to learn…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-27656457642591810422012-09-17T15:56:00.000-04:002012-09-17T15:56:18.520-04:00Feminist Fairytales: Little Red Riding Hood<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fairytales irritate me terribly. Most of the classics portray women as naïve idiots, not worth mentioning unless they are beautiful or evil. I would love my daughter to grow up with stories that feature powerful, intelligent women, so she can have role models that have actually achieved something besides looking pretty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My goal is to re-write some of the classics and change the story around to what it would be if the heroines were smart and strong. Unfortunately, a lot of the stories would be incredibly short, but I’ll do my best to make them a little humorous. And if you feel like writing your own little feminist fairytale, please join me for my </span><a href="http://vivieninterrupted.blogspot.com/2012/09/writing-challenge-112-something-green.html"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">Monthly Writing Challenge</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">!</span></span></i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAARSsL2-fc5bQPvne2yeud6ZvCWh_lSECDXvyt3z8dj8ea1CWqXLJxckIeZbHhqVnKhpiXF1EdKpCna5tsE838BoTm-ayr2CT7yVC2K8idcVXRd95J8xZPCIgZJuYrPjOY3f8t_nxswwK/s1600/Wolf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAARSsL2-fc5bQPvne2yeud6ZvCWh_lSECDXvyt3z8dj8ea1CWqXLJxckIeZbHhqVnKhpiXF1EdKpCna5tsE838BoTm-ayr2CT7yVC2K8idcVXRd95J8xZPCIgZJuYrPjOY3f8t_nxswwK/s400/Wolf.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by jkettn, stock.xchng</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once upon a time, there was a sweet little girl who lived with her mother on the edge of a forest. Her name was Little Red Riding Hood. Hood’s grandmother was very ill, so she and her mother decided to bake a cake for the poor granny. After they finished the cake, they gathered some other treats together- wine, chocolate, and some sandwiches- so Hood could deliver them to her granny who lived a couple of miles away in the woods.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Now, sweetie, don’t forget to stay on the path. You never want to get off the path when you’re in the forest! And watch out for the Big Bad Wolf. Remember what I told you about him- he’s a tricky one with big ears and a big nose, etc. Just overall big with lots of hair. If he bothers you, you know what to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Mother, I wish you didn’t worry so much. I will go straight to granny’s house.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Off went Little Hood into the deep, dark forest. She was enjoying the exercise, singing to herself and admiring the scenery. Suddenly, she saw the shape of someone up ahead on the path. She prepared herself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Hello, little girl! Where are you going to all by yourself?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I am going to visit my grandmother to bring her some goodies. She hasn’t been feeling well.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Ah, how interesting. Where exactly does your grandmother live?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“She lives right down this path in the clearing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Little girl, I think you should take your time on this beautiful day and enjoy the forest. Look down there, off the path: there are so many beautiful flowers to pick. Maybe you could even make a bouquet for your grandmother”, suggested the wolf, who was coming up with a plan that would allow him to eat the grandmother as well as Little Hood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m sorry, Mr. Wolf, but I have no time to lose. I do not wish to go off the path and really must continue my journey now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wolf sneered at her: “Well, in that case, I’m just going to have to gobble you up!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Little Red Riding Hood, without batting an eye, put down the basket of goodies, pulled out her sword and chopped the wolf’s head off. Hood’s mother had taught her how to defend herself from an early age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She continued down the path to her granny’s house, who was overjoyed to see her lovely granddaughter. They enjoyed cake together while they chatted. After granny had had some wine and chocolate, she felt much better and went out to find the wolf’s corpse. She skinned him and made a nice rug for her sitting room.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And they all lived happily ever after.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The End.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-75333641170532449852012-09-12T15:51:00.001-04:002012-09-12T15:51:28.062-04:00What Would You Do if You Had One Month to Live?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6RzXz_zRjY_kT_1K5fV2bQx9snCk9Ct1tDHC4Sw226NMbdaRxTm3DooVv2nAPggWjlnKp_llph3926hI73bTaqfe582l79cyVQWN3gzhKbw0_EyZ6vVmRril2XQoZQntXM4QZl9TMynl/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6RzXz_zRjY_kT_1K5fV2bQx9snCk9Ct1tDHC4Sw226NMbdaRxTm3DooVv2nAPggWjlnKp_llph3926hI73bTaqfe582l79cyVQWN3gzhKbw0_EyZ6vVmRril2XQoZQntXM4QZl9TMynl/s400/Blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been visiting an Episcopal church lately and I just love the priest! (sorry, I’m Catholic and I have no idea if that is the correct term; Protestantism tends to confuse me…) He’s funny and entertaining and genuine. This past Sunday, he started a four week series called ‘One Month to Live’. He asked all of us what we would do if we knew we only had one more month to live.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has kept me thinking ever since. What would I do? Honestly, I don’t have too many classic bucket list items. I’ve done pretty much everything I’ve wanted to, except maybe some travel that I haven’t gotten around to yet. Things like bungee jumping or climbing mountains don’t really interest me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think the first thing I would do is buy some cigarettes and start smoking again. I quit four years ago, but I would definitely not have quit if there weren’t bad consequences to my health. If I only had a month left, it wouldn’t matter whether smoking is bad for me or not. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On my very last day, I would try heroin. You’re probably all shocked now, but I hear that it’s the best drug-induced feeling you can have and I would give it a try if I knew it was my last day on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would write a book. Something I have always wanted to do, something that I have many ideas for, but have so far not been able to get myself to start. It would be hand-written because I actually much prefer that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would sleep in just one more time. I wouldn’t want to waste much of my numbered hours sleeping, but since I haven’t really slept a full night in about three and a half years, I would just love the luxury of one night of fantastically restful sleep. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every last day would be spent with my children. I would take them with me and travel around the world to visit every single person I love so I could say my good-byes. Of course, my priority would be to see all my family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most importantly, I would be completely honest about who I am. No more social anxieties, no more holding back my beliefs or emotions. I would spend my last energy on loving everyone with all my might and to make sure that they knew how much they were loved. Nobody would have any doubts about who I really was or how I felt about them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The priest didn’t ask his congregation to do this little exercise just for fun. Life is short. We should all be living life as if we only had one month left. Because none of us know how much time we still have here- it could be a century, a decade, a year, a month, a day, or even just one more minute. We so easily get distracted by every day life that we lose sight of what is really important.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Naturally, I can’t go nuts and start smoking and doing heroin because I might *possibly* die soon. And I can’t afford to fly around the world with the kids just in case. Those kinds of things are reserved for true end of life scenarios. However, what is stopping me from being who I really am? Why can’t I be the most loving I can possibly be right now? The answer is simple: nothing is stopping me but myself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Time doesn’t fly, but it steadily ticks away.”</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>What would you do if you had only one more month to live?</strong></span></span></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-87996368295066285152012-09-09T12:13:00.000-04:002012-09-09T12:13:36.525-04:00How to Get Gum out of Hair<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My daughter (who is three and a half) chews her nails. Bites them right off to the flesh. It’s horrible and today I thought ‘Maybe if I give her some gum to chew on, her mouth will be occupied enough and she’ll leave her nails alone’. So, I gave her half a stick of sugar free strawberry gum to experiment with. She didn’t like it and threw it in the trash. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I didn’t think any more about it until I went to brush her hair. In the bottom layers I just couldn’t get the brush through. I checked for what I thought was one horrifically huge knot only to find this:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyGl8_knOePP__MdmHHRKWTjBghY5l-kySjJfymVE26olWqbQ4J6K95FeksjTpFZ8LyC7bvHoI4QNuyoUMkpn8BJDdQf0qh0fZgf5veqB5H5GgDb0UGeg_i72k1g-2_LQgUPV4KW25qSh/s1600/Gum+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyGl8_knOePP__MdmHHRKWTjBghY5l-kySjJfymVE26olWqbQ4J6K95FeksjTpFZ8LyC7bvHoI4QNuyoUMkpn8BJDdQf0qh0fZgf5veqB5H5GgDb0UGeg_i72k1g-2_LQgUPV4KW25qSh/s320/Gum+1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I panicked a little bit. I remember from childhood that girls who got gum stuck in their hair got huge chunks cut off. I separated as many strands of hair as I could from the gooey mass, but the big clump wouldn’t budge. Then a faint memory popped into my head- my mother-in-law once told me that you can get gum out of hair with peanut butter. Since I had peanut butter in my fridge, I figured I’d give it a go. I took a glob of it on my finger and rubbed it into the hair right around the gum. Like so (yes, I am aware that it looks like diarrhea in her hair):</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cdV14E6zOTZ6NxsOdShaWVxf_C5KVWloNHr6S-O0UtWX4flBCOZGCC5wH9JHD1HFeMuaONjLfReC5lfLdRkaGd_wvnCjFa_6hPtJqi9qVDEIPYsy4dKbo_z-JI3Xomvn2XwzlvFiza7Y/s1600/Gum+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cdV14E6zOTZ6NxsOdShaWVxf_C5KVWloNHr6S-O0UtWX4flBCOZGCC5wH9JHD1HFeMuaONjLfReC5lfLdRkaGd_wvnCjFa_6hPtJqi9qVDEIPYsy4dKbo_z-JI3Xomvn2XwzlvFiza7Y/s320/Gum+3.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I carefully pulled the gum out- it slid right down! I was really excited at how easily it came off. Here is her peanut-buttery hair:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF88bPwlmMiBVkQzuam-HO2LTftjjIiqgSwkxBSUaYrho-YNVxz9J2WBGaW7zwkD4s-N4YcTR5wp0JYX057TXUGCCzc1zRTLjEeEoyrAFtg-YFolNsUHX3vpAUSGHa3PzyGTZQXcxE4Yr/s1600/Gum4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF88bPwlmMiBVkQzuam-HO2LTftjjIiqgSwkxBSUaYrho-YNVxz9J2WBGaW7zwkD4s-N4YcTR5wp0JYX057TXUGCCzc1zRTLjEeEoyrAFtg-YFolNsUHX3vpAUSGHa3PzyGTZQXcxE4Yr/s320/Gum4.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And here the remains of the evil-doer gum:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTkqOzZRfhyphenhyphenm0sfdZLbIHH7FLpQvj8SoeO8QXcfklnnrrmIBGaR7aGFI3y0hv1TeCn5UA-OH39yU31wny97mL7_HIOFgO0iT92mj4remvGF6u1n7s4Q2ATl-OQHdkUWR27obnJAIB-Oin/s1600/Gum+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTkqOzZRfhyphenhyphenm0sfdZLbIHH7FLpQvj8SoeO8QXcfklnnrrmIBGaR7aGFI3y0hv1TeCn5UA-OH39yU31wny97mL7_HIOFgO0iT92mj4remvGF6u1n7s4Q2ATl-OQHdkUWR27obnJAIB-Oin/s320/Gum+5.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wet a cloth and wiped the peanut butter off, then dried and brushed the strand. The gum is completely out and I am so happy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After reading up on it a little, I discovered that the oil in the peanut butter is what does the magic with the gum. Therefore I recommend using all natural peanut butter that doesn’t contain any sugar, etc.- just peanuts. </span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">(Please excuse the poor picture quality- I had peanut butter all over my hands. Also, I’m not putting the gum back in her hair to take better photos…)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</o:p></span></span>Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-39737595234452216972012-09-06T09:19:00.000-04:002012-09-10T12:19:47.432-04:00BlogHer Book Club: Trust Your Eyes Review and Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjw0pjx50L5jKHFKMQ5LvBmaMe4QO24xp2TWvEZ_7yYC32YvhfBkfOZRmENV4aaQitDfTQQ9pdcx59tpFb86qRaa_P2SWs-T4oX8j0pVXm3Nc1RCa5B1CBuKVGHcWbYV3QiA6t7szL4rG/s1600/Trust-Your-Eyes-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjw0pjx50L5jKHFKMQ5LvBmaMe4QO24xp2TWvEZ_7yYC32YvhfBkfOZRmENV4aaQitDfTQQ9pdcx59tpFb86qRaa_P2SWs-T4oX8j0pVXm3Nc1RCa5B1CBuKVGHcWbYV3QiA6t7szL4rG/s320/Trust-Your-Eyes-cover.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was really excited to be reviewing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.blogher.com/bookclub/now-reading-trust-your-eyes"><span style="color: purple;">Trust Your Eyes</span></a></i> by Linwood Barclay. The premise of this thriller sounded like it was right up my alley- a man with schizophrenia sees what he believes to be a murder online and his brother starts to investigate for him. Definitely not a story I had read before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This book will have you hooked in no time! It’s the kind of novel that makes you turn on the TV to distract the kids so you can keep reading for just a bit longer. The characters are likeable and appealing; the story is addicting, always leaving you hungry for more information. There are several twists and turns- some of the book’s mysteries aren’t solved until the very last page. It is exciting and thrilling, with lots of murders along the way to keep things moving for the crime lovers amongst us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I finished <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.blogher.com/bookclub/now-reading-trust-your-eyes"><span style="color: purple;">Trust Your Eyes</span></a></i> in two days. Despite all mysteries being solved by the end of the book, I still couldn’t get it out of my head. The role the Internet plays in this novel has had me thinking about our Big Brother society in which we have all become so transparent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.blogher.com/bookclub/now-reading-trust-your-eyes"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">Trust Your Eyes</span></a></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> is a compelling read. Despite already knowing the story, I would read it again. I highly recommend checking it out!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you would like to <strong>win a copy of the book</strong>, please visit my </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VivienInterrupted"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Facebook page</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, become a fan </span>and leave me a comment about why you like thrillers. Submissions close at noon EST on 09/14/2012.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please check out the </span><a href="http://www.blogher.com/bookclub/now-reading-trust-your-eyes"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">BlogHer Book Club pages</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> for a great discussion of this novel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club, but the opinions expressed are my own.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span>Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-24118982681146708612012-09-05T19:01:00.002-04:002012-09-05T19:01:15.126-04:00Potty Training Success!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I never thought the day would come. My daughter is three and a half years old and has never shown any interest whatsoever in potty training. It even went so far that she flat out refused to even try on any underwear. We decided to take her lead in this process and just wait till she was ready. Secretly, I was terrified she would still be in diapers by the time she was ready for college. However, a week ago, she suddenly announced she was ready to wear big girl panties and that was that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first couple of days were a little rocky, as she was still discovering the need to control her bladder, and I cleaned up a few accidents. After that, it went swimmingly. I don’t want to jinx us here, but she has been doing fantastic- no accidents and even doing her bigger business in the toilet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was never in a hurry to have my children out of diapers- I find them so convenient. Now I see why parents are so eager to say good-bye to changing soiled pants. This is great! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course, we’ve had some comical instances in the process and I am soooo grateful to have tile floors, but overall there was really no “training” involved. She decided she was ready and now she uses the toilet (not a little potty that needs emptying and cleaning, but the actual toilet) like a big girl. I’m very happy that we chose to go this route, especially with our spirited daughter. Everything else would have involved a battle I had no interest in fighting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, if you’re like me and don’t want to bother with the agony that is potty training, try the relaxed approach. It may take a little longer, but it will be a lot easier on your nerves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Just to test things out, we let our son, who is 22 months, try pottying; he did well a few times. He also just splashed around in a pee puddle with his feet and then sat in it. Not quite ready yet…)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-36447249748664539232012-09-01T18:06:00.001-04:002012-09-04T10:44:53.372-04:00Writing Challenge 1/12: Something Green<em><strong>Tiffany Clutter's submission:</strong></em><br />
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When I was a child I walked through a park with an older cousin in NJ. I don't remember where this park was. All I remember is being surrounded by dense green plant life. I have never experienced anything like it before or since. The vegetation smelled green and damp. It was so strong I could barely breathe. I find this very ironic. We breathe out CO2 that the plants breathe in to create oxygen for us to breathe. Was I being smothered by oxygen? A green child's fantasy.<br />
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<strong><em>Carrie Giauque's submission: </em></strong><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As long as Sandra could remember she had one view of the world. It never seemed weird or unusual to her that her whole world was colored green. When she would describe pictures she would describe them down to the most amazing detail because she only saw them in shades of green. It took years for someone to realize her predicament and many more before someone came up with a solution.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dr. Stance was the Chief Osteopathic Surgeon at Providence Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Stance specialized in laser surgery and reconstruction of the retinas. When Stance met Sandra, he immediately was drawn to the challenge of reconstructing Sandra’s cones so she could see in full color. Rather than being interested in helping Sandra, Stance saw the opportunity as another piece of research that would lead to yet another award. He was your classic work-aholic physician with no hobbies, no real friends, and whose wife sought the attentions of other men because he never had time for her. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On their first appointment, Dr. Stance conducted the standard eye exam and took detailed photos of Sandra’s eyes. He watched how the pupils dilated and measured the distance between the lens and the cornea. He never noticed the color of Sandra’s eyes, which were emerald green. He never noticed how nervous she was or how uncomfortable she was as he poked one of the most sensitive parts of the body. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sandra, however, with nowhere else to draw her attention, examined Dr. Stance. She noticed the small scab on his left jaw where he had cut himself shaving that morning. His watch was of some expensive brand that she had never heard of, but she saw his watch was five minutes fast, and surmised he was one of those people who hated to be late. Stance was wearing a pink pinstriped shirt with a thin purple tie with a subtle complimentary pattern. Sandra only saw the clothes in green, but what she noticed was the lack of ironing and the small faded stain on the shirt from a hastily eaten hotdog. Sandra saw the unhappy home life in those clothes. It was obvious to her that while Stance’s wife enjoyed spending his money and had purchased the ensemble, his wife had no intention of doing his laundry or running his clothes to the cleaner. It saddened Sandra to see such unhappiness.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the day of the surgery everything went smoothly and early indications led Dr. Stance to believe it would be a huge success. Sandra was left to recover alone in a room with her eyes completely bandaged. She thought of all the songs that talked about the colors of the rainbow and wondered what it would be like the first time she saw one. Nervousness was replaced with excitement as the doctors all filed in to see the results of such a pioneering procedure. Dr. Stance removed the bandages and the whole scene seemed so cliché to Sandra. When all the bandages were removed, she opened her eyes, letting them readjust to the light.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Can you see?” asked Dr. Stance.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sandra looked around, “Yes.” It was all in brilliant color with rich hues that Sandra had never before seen. It was almost overwhelming to her senses with the bright blue hospital walls, the blinding white curtains and sheets, and the rainbow of colors on the shirts of the physicians. Sandra took it all in and studied each person from head to toe trying to get a reading in the same way she always had. She started to get teary eyed.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dr. Stance interpreted her moist eyes as pure joy and so asked her, “Describe what you see.”</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I see…nothing.”</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
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<em><strong>Here is my own (a bit morbid):</strong></em><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green is the color of life. <br />Vivid. <br />Vibrant. <br />Luscious. <br />Fresh. <br />The symbol of hope.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beneath the green carpet that covers the earth lies all we fear. We remove the carpet of green to reveal the dark soil. This is where we keep the dead. Every one of us will end up underneath the green some day. Pushing up the daisies from below, the color of life only a distant memory of a different world. Until the parts that made our bodies, the molecules and atoms, rise back up to the surface to become part of the green. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alive again. Hope once more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Please link up at the bottom with your take on 'something green'. <br />
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Next month's <a href="http://vivieninterrupted.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-monthly-writing-challenge.html">Writing Challenge</a> topic will be: <strong>a feminist fairytale</strong>. Please send submissions to <a href="mailto:tellvivien@yahoo.com">tellvivien@yahoo.com</a> by 10/01/2012 or link up at the beginning of next month. <!-- start InLinkz script --><script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=188058&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><!-- end InLinkz script -->Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286606969598605958.post-22541539209055127192012-08-31T18:37:00.002-04:002012-08-31T18:37:57.182-04:00Foreigner Friday: At the Post Office<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I used to hate going to the post office. In fact, if I could avoid it in any way, I would! You see, in Germany, things are a bit different than in the southern US (can’t speak for other areas) Germans, especially those in Frankfurt, are more impatient and generally a little on the pissed off side.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A typical visit to the post office would go like this: Circle around, trying to find somewhere to park. Enter the PO, hoping there won’t be a million people in there. Bump the line of people with the door because it is just that long. Argue with the person you bumped because he/she feels you really should have known that he/ she was standing there. Somehow find a way to squeeze into the line. Wait for about a thousand hours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the wait, EVERYONE in line is grumbling and complaining. The people are like an angry mob. People are shaking their heads in disapproval, clicking their tongues, tapping their feet, etc. You can feel it getting hotter in there. Someone speaks out: “I can’t believe this is taking so long! What an impertinence! Why do they only have two people working? TWO!?!” General agreement from the rest of the people in line. The mob grows angry…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally, the next person gets their turn. Unfortunately, he didn’t fill out the right form and has to do so now while everyone shoots hateful stares at him. “He could have filled that out when he was in line! Now we have to wait even longer!” “Why don’t you mind your own business!” And an argument develops. If you’re lucky, you get to see some pushing, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s finally your turn in line. The person behind the counter won’t even greet you or look at you to acknowledge your existence. He/ she complains about something or other while serving you, such as having a headache, being burdened with too much work, or something else you really aren’t interested in hearing as a customer. The specific stamps you came to purchase have been sold out, but you can come back another day and check back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you try to make your way back out into freedom, the line of people behaves more like a wall, reluctant to move even the slightest to let other people through. You finally make it through the door and swear to never come back again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I moved to the US, I was scared to go into the post office, but there came the day when it was no longer avoidable. I entered after comfortably parking my car in the parking lot and nervously took in the line of people, preparing myself for the bickering and complaining. And then came the surprise: there was none! Nobody said a word about having to wait. Nobody became pissed off. There were no bad words said. In fact, people in line made pleasant conversation with each other to pass the time. It was almost fun.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course, they also didn’t have the specific product I came to buy. But I hadn’t expected them to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vivienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12111914856323307691noreply@blogger.com0