tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25893261837497525112024-03-14T14:50:19.321-04:00Delayed Reaction LoungeThe Place to Hang...... While Surviving the StormUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1831125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-41423049927451187142013-04-02T23:28:00.001-04:002013-04-03T00:35:20.664-04:00THE JOURNEY CONTINUES...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Barbara Ward-Finneran</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's National Autism Awareness Month. Today is "Light it Up Blue" day. I'm embarassed to say that I forgot to wear blue today, except for my blue jeans. I will admit that that was accidental. It didn't even dawn on me when my friend greeted me at her door in her 5K for Autism shirt. Days ago I remembered that April was approaching and that, among other things, meant Autism awareness month and I needed to get writing something for this recently neglected blog. Practically every day I want and hope to write and yet the days slip by and the posts happen less often then I'd like, and less often then they did not so long ago. That said, writings fill my head of so often and lately just don't get tapped out on the keyboard. But today cannot slip by without a post. Two years ago I wrote <a href="http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/04/journey-through-silence.html">Journey Through the Silence</a>. Every word still rings true today, for me, my family, my friends and so many on this journey - a journey with out and end. Awareness is a great step but ACCEPTANCE needs to be our destination. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I may not have remembered, but I didn't forget. I couldn't forget. My husband, sons and I walk this journey every day and we are so blessed to have dear friends who walk it with us as well as those who hold our hands along the way. Today was a day like most others. It's spring break in our neck of the woods and before my boys morning sleep over play date ended I was anxious to get the next activity planned. A few texts later and a group of us were meeting at Subway for lunch. Our adventure for the day. Five bicycles, two moms, three hungry adolescent boys (two of whom have ASD) and a mile or two between us and food. My dear friend greeted me at the door, (Autism shirt on), and we rallied the troops into helmets and were on our way. A bike ride with some teen and or almost teen boys, not a big deal to many. A great accomplishment for us. A new triumph for us and our kids. Another notch on our warrior belts. Another friend met us there... and now we were three moms and five kids. Three moms of spectrum kids... three moms who got each other as we slid through the chaos of the busy lunch line and order changes. Even with the best laid plans --- there was going to be a 15 minute wait for meatballs (Change in plans - OH NO, you ASD moms get it). Thankfully all rolled with that obstacle. We sat. The kids laughed and chattered. We ate. We talked. We shared. The journey never ends... Our friend who drove to meet us was leaving for an IEP meeting for her son. My heart ached for her anxious nerves as it was so easy to remember gearing up for similar meetings. There we sat, a group of moms like any other - blessed to have a decade of love and support between us. Years of shared victories and heartaches. Endless hours of advocating, supporting and at times venting. (Occasionally adding wine when needed.) We are just like other moms. Only sometimes... often, we were different, and we got it, got each other... our places on the spectrum vary, but we got it. And, out of the deal got priceless friendships. Having seen each other tears and held each others backs for years knowing there was strength in numbers and we give that to one another unconditionally. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To quote, Mazie La Bird, from Seussical the Musical, that all of children were in together, "How lucky, how lucky, how lucky you are". I wouldn't be where I am today with out the love and support of my family and friends. My sons wouldn't be where there are and who they are without that same support system. HOW LUCKY <i>"WE"</i> ARE... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">... A few minutes on Facebook this evening made me formally remember it was Light it Up Blue day. I scrambled to share and post a few things and also posted a link to <a href="http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/04/journey-through-silence.html">Journey through Silence</a>. Debated in my mind about a fresh post for today --- before today was over. I was leaning towards letting it go, when I was messaged, (Someone had read my Journey link, ironically by a friend I made through DRL when she wrote a guest post. Never underestimate the power of a post, lol.) Her words moved me to tears as she shared about young man in her life who lives with ASD and ending with: "God Bless you for setting the bar for parents who all too often do not advocate for their children. I 'm honored to have you as my friend".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All too often we may take for granted what our words mean. What it means when we wait in silence for those first words. Or when we speak words of encouragement and faith. Or when we share our journey so another doesn't feel alone. When we can translate the words our tears speak whether from joy or pain. When we speak words to advocate for our own and in doing so light the path for others. Our words have power, more so when spoken with kindness love and acceptance. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Be aware. Be welcoming. Be the voice with the words that someone needs to hear. Be accepting... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><b>Awareness is a great step but ACCEPTANCE needs to be our destination.</b></span> Isn't that every mother's greatest wish, that our children be accepted and loved. <b>We aren't different at all! </b> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To all who walk with me --- I LOVE YOU - you know who you are! XOXOX</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>-Barbara</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-90025676427757817982013-04-02T23:11:00.000-04:002013-04-02T23:11:23.621-04:00NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS DAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Awareness is a step...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Acceptance is the destination!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-40817623672523794142013-03-17T23:12:00.000-04:002013-03-17T23:12:47.316-04:00KISS ME I'M IRISH - PART II<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Jillian B. Hart</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">She found herself very melancholy and couldn't even explain why if she had been asked. Rather then give into the blues she fashioned on a casual <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD2" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Cambria !important; font-size: 18px !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">emerald green</span> dress and zipped up the knee length, spiked, black boots. Slipped into a <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD7" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Cambria !important; font-size: 18px !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">leather jacket</span> and headed out the door. People watching always lifted her spirits and gave her inspiration to write. What better night to gather in the sights. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">She sat at the bar, taking in the blur of faces <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD9" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Cambria !important; font-size: 18px !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">on the dance floor</span>. The festive holiday sounds emanated through the room mixed with dance tunes. Shiny plastic four leaf clovers and green beads dangled from necks and bounced across chests in erratic and off beat motions. Choirs of "Slainte" replaced the usual shouts of cheers followed by the clinks of beer mugs. Green beer overflowed, yet, not her drink of preference so she had ordered Bailey's straight up. Every one was Irish today. Yet her Irish eyes were far from smiling. Although she had never fancied this Irish pub in the city, perhaps this wasn't the right pub to observe the happy crowds, as something about the place reminded her of times gone by. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A finely manicured hand wrapped the glass. She sip the creamy drink and felt it flood her with warmth. The sensation of the alcohol filling her up with a <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD5" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Cambria !important; font-size: 18px !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">light</span> headiness. She was so lost in thought as she took in the deluge of dancers and drinkers, that she hadn't noticed him.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He did a double take when he saw her. He had missed everything about her. How many times had he seen her brown eyes when he closed his, remembering that night he never told her. The night he let her say goodbye and walk out of a bar, and in essence walk out of his life. He didn't tell her. Never told her what he should of said. He just held it in. How were you supposed to ask someone to stay when you couldn't make any promises? How do you ask that of a friend? Even a friend that you loved with more passion then you were willing to admit to at the time. That was night before she left to relocate across the country. It all flooded back, like it was days ago rather then over a decade into the past.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">His heartbeat quickened. As he took in the view across the bar. Tendrils of hair framed her face and the bodice of her dress dipping to reveal the curves of cleavage and hug her frame. His gaze danced over her taking in every inch that he could see, as his mind rushed to decide what action to take next. Desire twisted inside him making his mind fill with all kinds of wickedly wild images. A hotness flooded his groin and the blue jeans grew painfully tighter. He started towards her, watching her perched elegantly on a stool with sparkling eyes darting around the room.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He tapped her shoulder and she turned to face him while brushing the curls from her face. Astonishment initially flashed across her face, follow by recognition and anxious anticipation. She held his gaze letting out a sexy breath as she began to speak. He watched her pulse quicken at the base of her throat as he leaned in to take possession of her mouth before she could utter a word. She went absolutely still for an instant before closing her eyes and melting into the moment. Her lips parted more - as strong, gentle hands caressed her face. The touch so familiar in her memory that she went breathless as she tasted the sweetness of his kiss in her mouth. It inflamed a warmth in her that peaked between her crossed legs. With his lips over hers, he gently sucked small dotting pecks across her maroon painted lips until their mouths instinctively opened up. Tongues now danced in slow circular motions as he ran his fingers through her hair. Her body betraying her will to remain collected. Shivers electrified her and every emotion was released as she moaned. She was so responsive as their tongues tangled, that he thought he'd explode if he dared to imagine how she'd be when he got her alone. His blood pulsed so fast it echoed in his ears, as goosebumps danced over her flesh awaking every erogenous zone in each of them. Sparking a pool of moisture at the pinnacle where her thighs met. He pulled her closer and she slid off the stool pressing their bodies together. Her scent closed over him like the first pure snow white washes a landscape. The intensity growing until she eased away and gently broke the embrace. The sound of the crowd sobering them back to their senses. Leaning back on his heals he gazed into her eyes waiting for feedback or retort. Long lashes curtaining the feelings smoldering in the depths of her expressive eyes. The seemingly long pause made him toy with apologizing for ravishing her in public. But, he couldn't articulate the words, as he was only sorry that he couldn't finish what he started. She drew a deep steady breath before she spoke. Her voice low and sexy, a melody he'd never forgotten, sexual sparks hanging in the air, "Where have you been hiding? I've missed you..."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Her Irish eyes smiling brightly as a mischievous grin flashed across her glossy lips. She grabbed his hand and said, "Let's get out of here".</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Post St. Patrick's Day!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">XOXOXO</span></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>REPRISE: KISS ME I'M IRISH - Mar Chuid Dá (Part II) </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Editors Note: Originally Posted 3-19-11</b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-35569170477086475932013-03-17T23:07:00.000-04:002013-03-17T23:07:37.565-04:00SHE SAID... KISS ME I'M IRISH<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Pháirt Amháin (Part I)</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6xlNgfpYwu-h8y920CXJXWS0xPy4kSfYUmu4ti3aD1kj1ebqIh8i_mmgNiYT7i_u7iVcT-0evBiVbJuTljv3DDRT-dO55XuZnl_GloxDwDbO2IrYQGqvRCO7d5cvArFSbljuM5DCG9I/s1600/he+said+she+said+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #888888; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6xlNgfpYwu-h8y920CXJXWS0xPy4kSfYUmu4ti3aD1kj1ebqIh8i_mmgNiYT7i_u7iVcT-0evBiVbJuTljv3DDRT-dO55XuZnl_GloxDwDbO2IrYQGqvRCO7d5cvArFSbljuM5DCG9I/s1600/he+said+she+said+2.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Jillian B. Hart</span></span></div>
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Kissing is one of the most sensual and sexy ways too express your passion for your partner. So many ways to get erotic with your lover but most often the starting point is a kiss. A lingering embrace of lips that leaves your mate longing for more and daydreaming about you long after the moment is gone.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrlOwPLCQKo7G_F1LCA6Bh6f-orU9HOicJfxIDKMLuJuZ3rYaOzdNkT_R5pJGDQWq_j_LlyKpOt5mngZ0AMyOgM1ocRD2bxo5EsDE3kuUAkT3dHVlZjhv5zC-GN06DKJOawO1fCLVTMcA/s1600/Sexy+Leprechan_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #888888; float: left; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrlOwPLCQKo7G_F1LCA6Bh6f-orU9HOicJfxIDKMLuJuZ3rYaOzdNkT_R5pJGDQWq_j_LlyKpOt5mngZ0AMyOgM1ocRD2bxo5EsDE3kuUAkT3dHVlZjhv5zC-GN06DKJOawO1fCLVTMcA/s1600/Sexy+Leprechan_2.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" /></a>In the chaos of life it is all too easy to forget the power of the kiss. All to easy to fall into the "smooch" and or "smack' syndrome. The quick peck that has become habit and essentially is so over used that it means nothing. This cordial interaction certainly doesn't raise a pulse. Day in and day out, reality gets in the way and these kisses have their place but to keep sparks from fizzling a couple must define time to include romantic passionate kisses in their daily love diet. These encounters need not be saved for "<span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD9" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Cambria !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">bedroom</span> time" but should rather be used often as prelude to escapades yet to come. What is more exciting then anticipation? You want your lover to desire you, then it is necessary to lay one on them that leaves them longing for more. Sexy kissing is all about a moment that makes your partner crazy for you. Kissing must not just be a <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD4" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Cambria !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">road map</span> to sex but rather an appreciated act of pleasure unto itself.</div>
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Take the time to add a sexy kiss into your day. If you have been dwelling in smooch-ville you may need to start slowly or risk the "what got into you suspicion". But start. As this might just be your ticket to <a href="http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/03/whats-so-complicated.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">"do it again in like, 72 hours or less"</a>. At least one of your hands must touch your partner. Don't stress about this or make it complicated. Put your hand in their hair. Caress the cheek. Lift and hold the chin. Rub the arm. Wrap the waist. Pull them closer a hug. Just initiate a simple yet intimate connection. Follow up with kiss. Not smooch or smack. Lips must linger together for at least 10 seconds. Or be a series of tiny butterfly pecks that elapse over the same length of time. Sound easy? Count slowly in your head to ten the next time you kiss. It's longer then you think! Once you master ten - go longer!</div>
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Want more sex? (Doesn't it always come down to that for some?!) More intimacy for the others? I challenge you to incorporate three ten second kisses into your day on a daily basis for a week. See what awakens in you and your lover. See if more sex develops. See if she's happy about it. We all know he will be. Sex makes men happy. Let's see where the kisses get you.....</div>
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So in honor of this day - where everyone is Irish! Celebrate the whole "Kiss Me I'm Irish" and unleash your inner sexy kissing leprechaun! Kiss your lover!!! Beats the hell out of kissing the blarney stone!</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy St. Patrick's Day!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">XOXOXO</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>REPRISE: KISS ME I'M IRISH - Pháirt Amháin (Part I) </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Editors Note: Originally Posted 3-17-11</b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-18068653894336692422013-03-17T22:57:00.003-04:002013-03-17T22:58:25.742-04:00IRISH EATERY & PUB<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large; line-height: 33px;">Marion Pellicano Ambrose</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; line-height: 1.4;">Being raised in a traditional Irish American home meant lots of potatoes, bread with</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; line-height: 1.4;">every meal, and of course Corned Beef and Cabbage for dinner on Saint Patrick’s Day!</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; line-height: 22px;">It’s a great meal to make because it all goes in one pot! When I was young, my mom </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; line-height: 22px;">cooked the meal in a pressure cooker. Today we have it much easier. Throw everything </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; line-height: 22px;">in a crockpot and the meal cooks itself! And for dessert – Irish Cream Chocolate </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; line-height: 22px;">Cheesecake! Follow the <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD1" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Cambria !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">simple recipes</span> below and have a wonderful Saint Patty’s Day </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; line-height: 22px;">from the Delayed Reaction Lounge!</span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 1.4;">Traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage</b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">3 pounds corned </span></span><span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD4" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Cambria !important; font-size: 13px !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; line-height: 1.4; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">beef brisket</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;"> with spice packet</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">1 quart </span></span><span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD11" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Cambria !important; font-size: 13px !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; line-height: 1.4; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">water</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">10 small red potatoes, wash thoroughly</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">5 carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch pieces</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">1 large head cabbage, cut into small wedges</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">Place corned beef in large crock pot, fat side up and cover with about 1 quart of water.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">Perforate the spice packet that came with the corned beef and place on top. Place potatoes</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">around the meat and top with cut cabbage. Make sure meat and potatoes are totally covered</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">with water.P Cook on LOW for 10 hours. When done, place vegetables in a bowl and</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">cover. Place meat on a platter and let sit for 5 minutes. Slice meat across the grain. Serve</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">with spicy mustard. 5 servings</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRChlJV9Xu37DwMFyOkfeS7HiS_ytYr7meNKDdA-_x_Ec4dKcvTKGmlQR5cGXm4h-MXB7CQmQYwY3Ah2saDYJp5WOZyrgbHYL3UnkY3qn45BxiJSK8xjZsSgZL68gZqceBReMuYUb9Vmnw/s1600/chocolateIrishcreamcheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #888888; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRChlJV9Xu37DwMFyOkfeS7HiS_ytYr7meNKDdA-_x_Ec4dKcvTKGmlQR5cGXm4h-MXB7CQmQYwY3Ah2saDYJp5WOZyrgbHYL3UnkY3qn45BxiJSK8xjZsSgZL68gZqceBReMuYUb9Vmnw/s200/chocolateIrishcreamcheesecake.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a></div>
<b style="line-height: 1.4;">Irish Cream Chocolate Cheesecake</b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">1/3 cup confectioners' sugar</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">1/4 cup butter</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">1 1/4 cups white sugar</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">3 tablespoons all-purpose flour</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">3 eggs</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">1/2 cup sour cream</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F . In a large bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">confectioners' sugar and 1/3 cup cocoa. Add melted butter and stir until well mixed. Pat</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes; set</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">aside. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, white sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa and flour. Beat at</span></span><br />
<span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD7" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Cambria !important; font-size: 13px !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; line-height: 1.4; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">medium</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;"> speed until well blended and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">each addition. Blend in the sour cream and Irish cream liqueur; mixing on low speed.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">Pour filling over baked crust.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">Bake at 450 degrees F for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees F, and</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">continue baking for 60 minutes.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">With a knife, loosen cake from rim of pan. Let cool, then remove the rim of pan. Chill</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">before serving. If your cake cracks, a helpful tip is to dampen a spatula and smooth the</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">top, then sprinkle with some chocolate wafer.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-86096524834951217852013-03-17T22:52:00.000-04:002013-03-17T22:52:57.225-04:00HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7duBgDjWuZyUVExyRtfYgs7lVCp7owAMw6n1fLtWL2ldqL8FxWYKrM-r4bRCQcrOiuORJobiJa4ityPFPNf1DeWkFRvWrYQ3avCHevDHiDoTd1xvLnxxHHOnunKvLzkQsbEVisOaCko3X/s1600/happy+st+pats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #888888; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7duBgDjWuZyUVExyRtfYgs7lVCp7owAMw6n1fLtWL2ldqL8FxWYKrM-r4bRCQcrOiuORJobiJa4ityPFPNf1DeWkFRvWrYQ3avCHevDHiDoTd1xvLnxxHHOnunKvLzkQsbEVisOaCko3X/s200/happy+st+pats.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="161" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">DID YOU KNOW...</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD11" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">Irish flag</span> is green, white and orange. Green symbolizes the people of the south, and orange the north. The white represents the peace that brought them together as a nation. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first St. <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD6" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">Patrick's Day</span> was celebrated in 1737 in Boston, Massachusetts. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St. Patrick was born around 385AD</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><a href="" name="more"></a>The first official St. Patrick' s day parade was held in New York City in 1766. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The harp is a symbol of Ireland.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The color of green is commonly associated with Ireland, also known as "the Emerald Isle". </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">According to the <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD4" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">Guinness Book of World Records</span>, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is fourteen!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is estimated that there are about 10,000 regular clovers for every four-leaf clover.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Legend says that each leaf of the four leaf clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck. </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy St. Paddy's Day from the DRL Crew!</span></span></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-46441791300991576742013-03-03T22:04:00.003-05:002013-03-17T23:02:13.110-04:00WHAT MATTERS<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Barbara Ward-Finneran</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgDCx_ecmkuIFXSTupjdk23VbGfMuJNH2AZnDksnVaeAKPw2SMOB1X4DRkiFI336UoU2zVkSYD18Wo3xzOtIE2BWzb2NV8R5eu_fTjtIt-fFO8iAHptXu0JjkokUmt82Vo51RhFfYosg/s1600/310349_135895876512635_100002766698778_127443_1419855721_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgDCx_ecmkuIFXSTupjdk23VbGfMuJNH2AZnDksnVaeAKPw2SMOB1X4DRkiFI336UoU2zVkSYD18Wo3xzOtIE2BWzb2NV8R5eu_fTjtIt-fFO8iAHptXu0JjkokUmt82Vo51RhFfYosg/s320/310349_135895876512635_100002766698778_127443_1419855721_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Taking one day, one moment, at a time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Laughing till it hurts and tears stream your cheeks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Having faith beyond reason.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Every little fantasy that can be a reality.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Caring for parents who always cared for you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Songs that make you smile and warm your heart with memories.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Saying "I love you" and meaning it with actions & deeds</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Being kind.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Praying when it's hardest to pray. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Hugging the kids, for no reason at all, just because you can.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Keeping the promises that you make to yourself!</b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-62441012133261772562013-02-14T22:05:00.002-05:002013-02-14T22:09:40.870-05:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY DRL!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The lounge is two years old today! <3</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Birthday Delayed Reaction Lounge and Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you to all of our writers and more importantly all of our fans who read our posts! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">So glad you've been hanging with us and surviving the "storm".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Know "What matters"... Love life! Be brave! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Keep the promises that you make to yourself... and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Please keep on reading! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It's been a fun ride the last two years. I'm looking forward to more!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love, Peace & Prayers,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Barbara</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-72234131052799721732013-02-14T21:21:00.000-05:002013-02-14T21:21:10.577-05:00ARE YOU HUNGRY?<br>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">“The greatest boundaries that we face in our lives are very often the ones </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">we ourselves create in our minds." — Ellyn Spragins</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>JILLIAN B. HART</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Can right and wrong get mixed up? Is there a time and place to blur the lines? Cross the line? Is life always as simple as black and white --- when you see endless shades of gray?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Is there a dream or a fantasy that you hide in your heart, that if opportunity presented itself you would act on it? Doesn't everyone have one or more of those tucked away somewhere? (Are you fooling yourself if you are shaking your head no as you read this post.) That secret - never shared, like some taboo topic that is avoided at all costs. An honesty perhaps not even obvious or admitted to yourself. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Honesty, integrity and self esteem weigh heavily on the success of many relationships. But, relationships change. People change. Passion fades. Distance grows. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sex can be an action without an emotional reaction. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lovers can become more like housemates. Life is not static. Yet so often the most important relationship in your life is. It stops growing. You stop dreaming. Would acting on a fantasy help or harbor the union? Does a happier "you", make for a better "we"? Do the rules change if there is an act of promiscuous nature involved?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> If it stays in your head and heart is it okay, is there no harm done? A one night stand can be written off and forgiven whereas something with a history or connection means game over. Is an emotional attachment a means to justify or make matters worse? What if no one ever knew? Acting on a fantasy could feed and fuel your libido, whereas the opposite may forever starve your soul. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Can carnal desires or something unfinished ever completely be snuffed out? Is sex ever really just sex? </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2013/02/are-you-hungry.html#more">Read more »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-82448008645520331262013-02-14T21:08:00.001-05:002013-03-17T23:02:43.982-04:00SOUL FOOD<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Barbara Ward-Finneran</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Transformation must be for yourself or it will not be valid. The new person who emerges gains freedom from their "demons". The process can be painful - but if done with faith in yourself, hope for all you want to achieve, and love of who you are and will become - success will be a given! Choose it. Choose yourself!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Keep the promises that you make to yourself!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Courtesy of Drawn 2 Designs, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">LLC</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-58745648828596429742013-02-14T00:56:00.003-05:002013-02-14T01:25:56.219-05:00WHAT IS LOVE???<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Barbara Ward-Finneran</b></span><br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"Love</span>: Noun,</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.</span></i></b></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- sexual passion or desire.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Verb,</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- to have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">love</span> or affection for</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- to have a profoundly tender, passionate affection for (another person).</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- to have a strong liking for; take great pleasure in: </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- to need or require; benefit greatly from: </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- to embrace and kiss (someone), as a lover."</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8acbHkm2_OL7QgLaK1CCx3cH1iEjR6wpx7hyluGA0BjdphM7d66jdBfbAe9J9uQ8vOad2WspGjJCwmaFUHfEujUXVZ3_7_EjbSKqEv1n8fuZfaq1DTFqhFhJLhGbm4pAhqQkw4h-2qNc/s1600/Who+Am+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8acbHkm2_OL7QgLaK1CCx3cH1iEjR6wpx7hyluGA0BjdphM7d66jdBfbAe9J9uQ8vOad2WspGjJCwmaFUHfEujUXVZ3_7_EjbSKqEv1n8fuZfaq1DTFqhFhJLhGbm4pAhqQkw4h-2qNc/s320/Who+Am+I.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is love? Can it be defined? I love you. Those words mean everything. Say so much, but they are not enough. Love really is all about the action. More about the giving then the receiving. Yet when we give and give we never seem to run out. Love multiplies. It should never divide. In essence love is the willful intent to serve the well being of another. The most profound and unconditional ways one puts another ahead of themselves. Do you love? Do you love enough? Do you love unconditionally? Do you get enough... give enough? Do you allow it to know no boundaries? Do you believe it can never be destroyed? Have you been addicted to it? Burned by it? Shut down to it? Have you given it at all costs? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's amazing how when someone tells you that they love you it is wonderful and good... but it does not compare to when you have lost that love. If someone takes it away, ends a friendship, says they don't love you anymore, or dies and leaves you knowing it's still there but in an unfathomable way that is torture... you are so overwhelmingly filled with pain and sorrow. Is that because we take love and all it's beauty for granted? Once you get love, you assume that it will always be there in the same comfortable capacity. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love takes work. In all areas and in all aspects. Work that is worth it. There is no price to put on it. There is not a greater treasure then to have gained love. We should treat and value it always like a priceless gift that could never be replaced. That should be done everyday. Can you imagine if everyone tried to love just a little bit harder and a little bit more and not let all the "mess" and "chaos" of life get in the way. Love more, worry less. Love life and be brave. Love yourself enough so that you can love others and love God above all things........</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's Valentines Day and everyone, or most people are all about the love today. As for me, not the biggest fan of Valentines Day... It's a fine day. Saint Valentine was a cool dude. I think we should remember to show our love everyday in constant and unending ways. Valentines may not be my "fav", yet, I am a hopeless romantic. I am a BIG BIG fan of LOVE in all it's many styles and flavors, from friendship to passion and every relation and connection with heart strings in between. Today doesn't have to be about cupids and arrows. (Athough, there better be chocolate!!! Oh, who am I kidding, I work chocolate in everyday. Lol) But it should be, like all days about L-O-V-E! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Enjoy your day! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I hope you all are blessed enough to feel the LOVE <3 <3 <3</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">If you are looking for some inspiration for how to say I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">love</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> you in a different way tonight or any other - borrow some inspiration from the <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD1" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">famous quotes</span> below and or find endless ideas with just few moments of time and a smatter of <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD7" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">key strokes</span> on Google.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” - Mark Twain</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence.” </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-<span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD10" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(204, 51, 102) !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-style: normal !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">Vincent Van Gogh</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“L’amor che move il sole e l’altre stelle.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">love</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that moves the sun and the other stars” -Elizabeth Gilbert</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day." - Nicholas Sparks</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Being deeply </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">loved</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by someone gives you strength,<br />While </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">loving</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> someone deeply gives you courage." - Lao Tzu</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"To </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">love</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is to receive a glimpse of heaven." - Karen Sunde</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“We can do no great things only small things with great <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">love</span>.” - Mother Teresa</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Maybe <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">love</span> is like luck. You have to go all the way to find it." - Robert Mitchum</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Thou art to me a delicious torment." - Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"And in the end, the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> love</span> you take<br />Is equal to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">love</span> you make." - John Lennon and Paul McCartney</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"The best proof of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">love</span> is trust." - Dr. Joyce Brothers</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, The last of life for which the first was made." </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Robert Browning</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“I want to live my life so that my nights are not full of regrets.” - D. H. Lawerence</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-49228943947613613082013-01-24T14:39:00.000-05:002013-03-17T22:59:38.192-04:00WARM UP WITH THIS REPRISE... ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAtuvtrMsmyA5WjkzAwu9JYWT8mF8YkDUL4WID43gq0STLbyH9mVDIQ7Rt5M5CwEDgV-V8tKFm1t1ef9YzgCluuQcpdzSEtI9F_z3o6uPS28Zw578c-unc_3X_HnaaZZrOhHIYWV0e6a3/s1600/DRL-Harts+Desire+Header+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAtuvtrMsmyA5WjkzAwu9JYWT8mF8YkDUL4WID43gq0STLbyH9mVDIQ7Rt5M5CwEDgV-V8tKFm1t1ef9YzgCluuQcpdzSEtI9F_z3o6uPS28Zw578c-unc_3X_HnaaZZrOhHIYWV0e6a3/s320/DRL-Harts+Desire+Header+2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="224" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Jillian B. Hart</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfGkMcw4otM-0HhdV8QJAukmnGTWDTx71ftKJnpBd4NtsR6L90XJpEJnnE9ScLWD82gaVoUj0o5WnFybLp6HK143x3LKFDW_eumvbWDj45ULlDKWm75zJUt4L67YrAsCtrJqjvjizpUQ/s1600/Snow+Sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfGkMcw4otM-0HhdV8QJAukmnGTWDTx71ftKJnpBd4NtsR6L90XJpEJnnE9ScLWD82gaVoUj0o5WnFybLp6HK143x3LKFDW_eumvbWDj45ULlDKWm75zJUt4L67YrAsCtrJqjvjizpUQ/s320/Snow+Sky.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">As twilight fell the light snow was still dancing in the cold northern wind. The clouds hung low and grey still threatening to once again devour the panorama before him in the depths of winter white. The cold wet, sweeping through his hair and chilling his skin as he heaved the shovel and tossed the heavy snow on the growing mound. The sparkling powder was packed and the enormity of excavating a path was exhausting. His muscles were pumped and aching as the winter wind blew bitter around him. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">His footsteps disappearing behind him in the new falling snow as he anxiously marched through the bone chilling air towards the warm light waning through the windows. Strong casual strides brought him quickly to the stoop steps and he climbed them two at a time reaching for the handle. As his fingers were about to grasp the knob, the door pulled away from him. The draft that flew in sent shivers skipping down her spine. The vision of his damp black pants molded to his muscular legs followed by a form fitting ski jacket, that accented linebacker like shoulders, enticed goose bumps to decorate her flesh, as his deep brown eyes met hers and a smile widened across his face. His eyes brighten while brows raised and his gaze drifted from seductive eyes, past soft curves, hugged by a sophisticatedly simple knit dress. It’s vertical line of buttons revealing a moderate peek of cleavage and stopping just high enough to expose a glimpse of tawny flesh before the over the knee stiletto boots wrapped her curvy calfs, like a wet tee shirt coheres to bare skin. A welcomed display that awakened his libido and cause the blood to rush between his legs. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">“Baby, it’s cold outside.” He jokingly stated, as he wrapped one arm around her and pushed the door closed behind him with the other. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Scooping her closer, as her sultry eyes held his glance, she let out a low sexy giggle and said, “Cold enough to catch your death. You’d better warm up.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Sucking in a shuddery breath as she linked her warm fingers around his neck and nestled them under his scarf on his cold skin. Internal desire twisted, warming him from the inside out and a burst of heat shot through his groin. Anticipation danced in her eyes. Her hands fell forward and tugged the zipper on his coat until it fell loose and she could slip her arms around his waist and nuzzle closer to him. Her soft lips brushed his jawline and dotted kisses down his neck leaving a warm wet trail, on his chilled skin, from his earlobe to his collarbone. Her hands glided up his strong back and help to free him from the restraints of his coat, which fell carelessly to the ground. Her leg pressed against him and she instantly knew his desires were as escalated as her own by the firm pressure against her hip as they embraced tighter. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">He pushed his body against hers and put his mouth near her ear and whispered, “I could use some help getting warm.” </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Her eyebrows raised playfully as she responded, “Think hot thoughts, baby”. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">His mind filled with wild and wicked images as hormones rocketed. Her innocent sensuality dripping with the sexiness of a siren aroused all of his senses and caused a pulsing between his legs, leaving him feeling slightly lightheaded. His handsome chisel features highlighted by the blush from the cold and rush of his blood melted her heart. Gently brushing the cinnamon tendrils from her cheeks he cupped her face and lifted her chin. Her tongue barely poked though parting her lips and ran around them leaving a glossy shine, as she felt his warm breath and intoxicating scent surround her. Desire flowed as their eyes met and his hands ran through her hair nudging her closer. Their lips brushed just delicately at first. Yet the barely there touch teased of what was to come and ignited heart pounding passion. Their lips blending as one, as soft pressure stole their breath. Sucking in air breathlessly, tongues touched and traced circles together. Her hands tightened around him and the excitement increased as the warmth of his kiss penetrated deeper and deeper within her. The kiss, making her weak in the knees and the heat of her desire peak at the apex between her thighs. Listening to her low moaning, he took possession of her mouth and sexily snaked and tangled her tongue with his ever more passionately, - with every moment tasting sweeter. Parting to draw a calming breath to fill his lungs with much needed air, her eyes fluttered open and longingly met his, raising the heat pumping through her veins from simmer to boil. She blew out a voluptuous pant, her dark chocolate eyes were full of want. Her lashes flickered, her mouth in a provoking pout, she thrust her pelvis forward pressing against him and urging him on. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">“Are you thinking hot thoughts, yet?”</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">He groaned and drew her in tighter while swooping her off her feet and helplessly into his embrace. With a triumphant smile he followed the sounds of the crackling fire and tenderly laid her down by the warmth of it’s heat, leaning in to mesmerize her with more kisses. Running hands over his back she tug the shirt free from his waist and glided it over his head. He surfed his tongue over her full fleshy lips and drew them in. Loving the way her mouth moved under his lead. Her purr vibrated quietly in his ear prompting his pulse to peak. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">She raked her fingers though his raven locks and encouraged his touch as her body seemed to liquefy against his. Pressure building in his tightening pants he sank deeper kisses into her mouth and felt her hip sway invitingly under his. Her arms around his neck she kissed him long and deep matching the intensity of his every move. His kisses broke from her lips and traced the landscape of her form. Her head tilting back as a quiet moan escaped her mouth. Her heartbeat racing as her dress fell to the floor and he continued to explore her soft flesh. Her warm breath coming fast heavy as he kissed and suckled the sensuous curves and valleys of her body. She indulged in working the waistband of his pants massaging the swelling bulge as she unfastened the button and tugged on the zipper. They writhed with excitement while wriggling free from their remaining clothes - hands stroking and petting each other with a storm of erotic awareness. He ran his fingers up her legs climbing slowly higher until he reached her heated core. Dark lashes fluttered around her expressive eyes, the breath stolen from her lungs, she moanfully managed to whisper, “Don’t stop, touch me more”. His hand slid higher and met warm wetness and stroked her inner fire as she completely surrendered to his touch...</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-15579033928774341272013-01-18T11:24:00.001-05:002013-03-17T23:02:58.511-04:00SOUL FOOD<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Barbara Ward-Finneran</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqgL6DkSvY4Y4s-Pd70DG97UyAO_y_6vLva6GdT-16p9BVxjVoh8g-CTMNeRo-wJRSzlHjYuC4qDl1THWKLc6DuOAx71ZMrrFSiXAA7n8HOeo1m7DCcjXGaqQoru9I6D9GFuaaYo0KwX1/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqgL6DkSvY4Y4s-Pd70DG97UyAO_y_6vLva6GdT-16p9BVxjVoh8g-CTMNeRo-wJRSzlHjYuC4qDl1THWKLc6DuOAx71ZMrrFSiXAA7n8HOeo1m7DCcjXGaqQoru9I6D9GFuaaYo0KwX1/s320/IMG_0100.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Never settle for a spark when your soul yearns for a roaring fire!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Find your passions. Intertwined with goals and dreams. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Feed them and you unlock all your endless potential. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Follow your passions. For without them, is there purpose? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Be alive in them. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let them drive you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Allow them to be the wings that give your spirit flight. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Only then... can all the rest follow!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Keep the promises that you make to yourself!</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px;">Photo Courtesy of Barbara Ward-Finneran and Drawn 2 Design, LLC</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Schoolbook';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">©</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>All Rights Reserved</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-31825945495486487362013-01-10T23:59:00.003-05:002013-01-11T01:23:47.311-05:00COMFORT ZONE - Part I<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Barbara Ward-Finneran</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5WidgKX-FSMcd8F3hn3Jx4U_bwN6lXkdDAFlVtWmAjceD0HXrqZrnxiyDhbzu8hdEanimx-LShFc-yXVQxuadjFcimgmvz3sqclxW83jNbO9cl9ATQipSb_YwhCKfP9gwV4ZwwGnO4I/s1600/snowglobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5WidgKX-FSMcd8F3hn3Jx4U_bwN6lXkdDAFlVtWmAjceD0HXrqZrnxiyDhbzu8hdEanimx-LShFc-yXVQxuadjFcimgmvz3sqclxW83jNbO9cl9ATQipSb_YwhCKfP9gwV4ZwwGnO4I/s320/snowglobe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The "Comfort Zone", usually a great place to be, a fine place to hang out. But, truth be told, one can become very complacent if they hang there too long. There is such a thing as being too comfortable. Dare I say, if you stay there too long it's boring. It's an easy place to be ---and in this fast paced, over scheduled life, who doesn't like easy? Aren't easy and boring very different? Which is worse? Can't either be a blessing or a curse? There are days I'd beg for boring. Usually in the desire for the not dramatic, non eventful, less then two hours of homework, and car breaking down for the 3rd time in 8 weeks kind of way <i>(Oh, yes, it did, UGH! Can't even get think about the bill - YIKES!)</i>. It's usually a more personal occurrence that transpires for us to realize that we are in a rut. To borrow a line from Oprah, an "ah-ha" moment, that thought, that makes you glow rather then imagine your reflection in the mirror with a hand in the shape of an "L" on your forehead. Knowing you have to break free from stuck in rut, doesn't mean that you aren't busy beyond words, or burning the candle at both ends <i>and</i> in the middle with a blow torch. Or working your bottom off to make ends meet, and doing a cracker -jack job at it --- but rather the root of this rut is when consistently everything is more of the same ol', same ol', day in and day out. Life needs a little shake up sometimes. I don't mean those unexpected and often un-welcomed "bumps" in the road that we are taught to embrace. Not the "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" stuff. Something you plan. A challenge. An adventure. Then even the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">same ol', same ol', </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">can seem fresh and new. It can be small or it can be big. But if you shake things up it'll make something in your life just a little bit prettier. Not certain about that theory? Look at that dollar store snow globe that you forgot to pack away with the holiday trims. Now shake it. Instant beauty. Isn't that what a challenge does for us? Shakes up our insides and gets the blood and adrenaline flowing. Whether it's because you are excited or terrified, the effect is often the same. As is that sense of accomplishment when the task is completed. When you exhale and smile with pride. Instant beauty! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-76168529486557124402013-01-09T23:17:00.000-05:002013-01-09T23:26:54.075-05:00SAY IT ISN'T SO DR. OZ!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Marion Pellicano Ambrose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><img height="179" id="il_fi" src="http://z6mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/red-palm-oil-vs-other-oils.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">While health food gurus and
cosmetic companies are pushing the benefits of palm oil, the demand for this
product is actually pushing wildlife and local communities out of their
tropical forest habitats. Even the famous Dr. Oz had recommended the use of
Palm Oil, though I’m sure he was unaware of the disastrous consequences to
wildlife and the environment. The use of palm oil as a biodiesel is on the
rise. In addition, it is significantly contributing to the release of climate
warming gases.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:country-region w:st="on"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Indonesia</span></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 14pt;">, the leading supplier of palm oil in the world, is
now emitting more greenhouse gases than any other country except <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="183" data-width="275" height="133" id="rg_hi" sb_id="ms__id4587" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRrIrbD0zaIf8WKUKiXg1oJkhnDk2bJN4KaksIklzgHDjogxVmaaw" style="height: 183px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 275px;" title="" width="200" /> <img height="132" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvSDSnXglYwmcQ9Lu40rZ5GaU0Hn2xgDdrw2i5kPaiSieEit4xWU30sVpFHH3Fcx863vhnIw5RZRGssGjD1WwZVQINlu3LcKHGXpu8nCVYymuH5bZRml0ocVIZBLl1HPtDUBN1Kj3D6c/s200/4kalim~1.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="left">
FROM THIS TO THIS</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Among the endangered species
affected by deforestation due to palm oil production are the Sumatran Tiger and
the Orangutan. As you may know, I have a special interest in the latter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you had the opportunity, as I have had, to
look into the eyes of this magnificent creature, you would never dream of using
palm oil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="248" id="il_fi" src="http://www.ect.coop/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pongors1.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PONGO</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Orangutans are divided into
two species, the Bornean and the Sumatran . Both are native inhabitants of <st1:place w:st="on">Asia</st1:place>. The redish-brown hair of the Orangutan is
absolutely striking, and the adult male cheek pads are impressive and give them
an attractive round face. One of the most heartwarming things about driving on
to the property at The Center For Great Apes in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Wachula</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Florida</st1:state></st1:place>,
is hearing the distinctive long calls of the males, attracting females or
intimidating rivals. It echoes through the forested compound like a song.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">As you walk down the pathways
around and under the system of overhead chutes that allow the orangutans and
chimpanzees to wander all over the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>acre
grounds, you feel their joy in being up in the trees or in their gigantic open
structures that mimic their natural habitat. What strikes me most is the
intelligence of these primates. They love to play with toys and show off for
passers by. Some do a special dance, while others seem to grin as they fill
their mouths up at their fountain and spit water at you. The seem to get the
humor in it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="188" data-width="240" height="188" id="rg_hi" sb_id="ms__id11241" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSmWnraVpON8nzhXc8tMw6O62jIRcOlxm3ehTK4SWLfXgN55cR20A" style="height: 188px; width: 240px;" width="240" /></o:p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I remember on my first visit,
a young female Orang followed me everywhere I walked. She seemed to be amused
and it was as if she wanted to play with me. On taking a closer look, I noticed
she had no arms. This was Mari. She was born in a drug research facility and
lost her arms as an infant. Here, at the CFGA, she lives a happy and fulfilling
life, learning to do everything she needs with her feet. At my last visit, she
was happily living with her mate, the HUGE, handsome Pongo. (By the way, a
docent later told me that the reason Mari followed me around was because of my
redish-brown hair. She thought I was another Orangutan!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> <img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="169" data-width="256" height="169" id="rg_hi" sb_id="ms__id11241" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcST_JPKpl8diZf9nQy2zMttWOnkH9pfnG5SkAzXTkZkgBtsWAVoOA" style="height: 169px; width: 256px;" width="256" /></o:p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I write about these amazing
animals so you will feel the personal connection that I do. They are SO smart
and feel love, sadness, joy and anger. They like to play, be with their
families, learn and enjoy life, just as we do. These particular primates have
suffered much in their lifetimes, in circuses, show business, and research
labs. Some were bought as exotic pets and when their owners found out what we
all should know, wildlife belongs in the wild, they were sold or caged to
contain them. The happiest day for each of these creatures was when they were
brought to the CFGA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Unfortunately, the story does
not have a happy ending for all Orangutans. Those living in the forests of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Indonesia</st1:place></st1:country-region> are
forces out of their habitat. Some Palm Farmers, in an attempt to protect their
new palm oil plantations form the animals returning, shoot, burn and beat the
creatures. Others die from lack of food and water. They don’t have a beautiful
compound waiting for them. They are destined to die a miserable death. Such a
tragedy for so noble and intelligent a being- and so unnecessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">What can you do? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">*STOP buying products
containing Palm Oil. Look closely at labels. Palm Oil is in cosmetics, candy,
soap and pastry dough , among other things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">*Educate yourself and others
about endangered species, such as the Orangutan and Sumatran Tiger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">*Support organizations that
protect and defend endangered animals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://animals.about.com/od/wildlifeconservation/p/natureconservancy.htm">http://animals.about.com/od/wildlifeconservation/p/natureconservancy.htm</a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> <a href="http://animals.about.com/od/wildlifeconservation/p/worldwildlifefund.htm">http://animals.about.com/od/wildlifeconservation/p/worldwildlifefund.htm</a></o:p></span><br />
<a href="http://www.centerforgreatapes.org/">http://www.centerforgreatapes.org/</a><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">*Support organizations that
rescue these animals and give them back their dignity and lifestyle as much as
possible. (Such as the Center For Great Apes)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://www.centerforgreatapes.org/">http://www.centerforgreatapes.org/</a><br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">*Follow the advise of these
two sages:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">"Live
simply so that others may simply live." Mother Elizabeth Seton<br />
<br />
"Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or
actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities - always see them, for
they're always there. " ~Norman Vincent Peale</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img id="il_fi" src="http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2012/03/23/10009769/chimprs.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-1726027096945380352013-01-07T23:36:00.000-05:002013-01-07T23:37:30.171-05:00CASEY'S BACK IN COURT,OR IS SHE?<div style="text-align: center;">
Marion Pellicano Ambrose</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="225" data-width="225" height="225" id="rg_hi" sb_id="ms__id3038" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcScKAwmJ4Yj_vcHiyWQ3T4RvCKyAdU7EGhiePjjl6X6twTD2KCglA" style="height: 225px; width: 225px;" width="225" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Casey Anthony was tried for the murder of her 2 year old daughter, Caylee in 2012. Caylee disappeared in 2008. Her body was found dumped in the woods near the Antony home.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
While Casey was aquitted of the murder charge, she was sentenced to 3 years for lying to Yuri Melich, the lead detective. Anthony stated that she had left Casey with a babysitter named Zanaida Fernandez Gonzalez claiming that she, Gonzalez, was responsible for the child's disappearance. Gonzales is suing for defamationof character,saying Casey's accusations have ruined her life.<br />
<br />
Casey is due to appear in court today, but one her attorney claims she will not be present and he will accept the subpoena in her place. She has been in hiding since her release from jail last year. WIth the 3 years served and time off for good behavior, Anthony is scheduled to finish her sentence on Sunday , after having served one year probation.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-38032884491892071172013-01-04T03:08:00.000-05:002013-01-04T03:15:11.954-05:00THE NIGHTMARE'S NOT OVER!<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Marion Pellicano Ambrose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> <img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="183" data-width="276" height="265" id="rg_hi" sb_id="ms__id984" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQlB5n20UfveR2n5M77Ml62vveuBcQ5rCyautIiEtnINKgKp6qsBA" width="400" /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">The nightmare
that was Hurricane Sandy is not over for many east coast residents. Can I even
call them residents? Scores of people are still homeless and living in shelters
and some are actually living on the streets. It’s January 2013 and there are
fellow Americans still without power, living in what’s left of their home with
mold and refuse all around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
Americans and organizations have been kind and generous in their response to
the disaster, but what about our own government? As <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sandy</st1:place></st1:city> struck, politicians got up and promised
quick response, relief and assistance. And then there was the House of
Representatives!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tuesday night, House Speaker John Boehner,
allowed the house to adjourn after 'fiscal cliff' talks, but, before taking up
a much broader $51 billion aid package for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sandy</st1:city></st1:place> victims.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was "disappointing and disgusting to
watch," said New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, blaming "the toxic
internal politics of the House majority."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">"<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">New Jersey</st1:state></st1:place> deserves
better than the duplicity we saw on display," he said, adding, "Shame
on Congress."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christie said he had
tried to reach Boehner on Tuesday night after the latter canceled a vote on the
aid bill, which had already been approved by the Senate. "He did not take
my calls," said Christie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a news conference, Christie said he
joined people of his state in feeling "betrayed" and added that the
move summarizes "why the American people hate Congress."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">In a statement,
Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo wrote: "This failure to come to
the aid of Americans following a severe and devastating natural disaster is
unprecedented. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The fact that days
continue to go by while people suffer, families are out of their homes, and men
and women remain jobless and struggling during these harsh winter months is a
dereliction of duty. "</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plan being considered by the House
Friday would send $9 billion in immediate assistance for floor insurance for <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sandy</st1:place></st1:city> victims. The other,
broader, $51 billion aid package will be tackled by lawmakers on January 15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My question is, why does it have to wait?
These people are suffering and in immediate need. Take a look at how conditions
in some of the affected areas look NOW!<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><img height="355" id="il_fi" src="http://agbeat.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/superstorm-sandy.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="640" /></span></div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQp61kLaZ-2UzH0hXPV5Sk0Be-3mud7PwZJo7QfqDeHfRsiM9--" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="168" data-width="300" height="168" id="rg_hi" sb_id="ms__id3678" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQp61kLaZ-2UzH0hXPV5Sk0Be-3mud7PwZJo7QfqDeHfRsiM9--" style="height: 168px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></a></div>
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</a><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="159" data-width="318" height="159" id="rg_hi" sb_id="ms__id3678" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQhnYIO8NKt-5N8tB8ITGGQlgtJzhqYIC0S1oEqJdYC_DncW-WJ" style="height: 159px; width: 318px;" width="318" /><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Many of us come
from these east coast areas and have family and friends still living in
deplorable conditions. Members of our own DRL staff have suffered great damage
and hardship due to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sandy</st1:place></st1:city>.
My sister still lives in <st1:place w:st="on">Brooklyn</st1:place>. Luckily,
she lives in what was Zone 2 and sustained little damage. She drove to our
childhood home in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sheepshead</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place> and called me almost
in tears. The home we grew up in was gutted and had a bright orange paper taped
to the front. Most of the houses were destroyed or so damaged they were
uninhabitable. Our childhood friends’ homes in what we called “the courts” were
demolished. The beautiful, historic <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Emmons
Avenue</st1:address></st1:street>, the heart of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sheepshead</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place>
had boats up on the street. The footbridge was under destroyed and large
deposits of sludge formed on the sides. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">The story is </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">even worse in
Long Island, Breezy Point, the <st1:placename w:st="on">Jersey</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Shore</st1:placetype>, parts of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Connecticut</st1:state></st1:place>, and other northeaster areas.
And now they deal with dirt, filth, rubble, and on top of that – snow and cold.
How can members of the House go home to their comfortable air conditioned or
heated homes with their electricity, food, and family intact when they know so
many are going without all these things?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what about FEMA? Don’t even get me
started! </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">An untold number of storm victims have been rejected for aid by FEMA for a
host of reasons that range from the ridiculous to the confounding. One engaged couple
happens to have the same last name and date of birth, though not related at
all. FEMA denied them saying they must be related, even though they had proof
that it was not true. It seems that FEMA started just sending our form rejections
without even finding out what insurance was covering or not.<br />
</span><span lang="EN" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">WHAT CAN WE DO?
We need to keep reminding <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Washington</st1:place></st1:state>
that we want quick action and no excuses. Haven’t they had enough practice with
the major hurricanes in <st1:state w:st="on">Florida</st1:state> and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Orleans</st1:place></st1:city> to have
legislation in place to allow for quick and decisive action to provide
emergency relief as well as long term assistance?????<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Here is a link to
help you find your representative.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Send them a
message saying you want immediate action taken. When a vote is taken on January
15<sup>th</sup> for a relief bill for the northeast,(as promised)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>let’s tell them to make sure there is no red
tape that will keep the money from being distributed immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Also- keep all
those affected by this storm in your thoughts and prayers, as well as these
politicians that have the power to help them. Pray that our leaders will choose
people over profit, Americans over avarice, and assistance over ambition.</span><span style="color: black;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><span style="font-size: small;">
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Information for this post was
taken from:<br />
</span><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/video/boos-house-adjourns-hurricane-sandy-relief-18112801"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/video/boos-house-adjourns-hurricane-sandy-relief-18112801</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/new-yorkers-denied-aid-fema-bureaucracy-article-1.1211634#ixzz2GzOzmdFY"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/new-yorkers-denied-aid-fema-bureaucracy-article-1.1211634#ixzz2GzOzmdFY</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/01/in-congress-something-old-and-something-new-the-note/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/01/in-congress-something-old-and-something-new-the-note/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-20185554918260470512013-01-04T01:07:00.002-05:002013-03-17T23:03:13.385-04:00SOUL FOOD<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Barbara Ward-Finneran</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHe3-HQ-SHJTzgZMKwAWGjg3aoIrw_UwGKTO1hDXFqoxCtIa5S8gqeeOcNDwMqQNVB5ViCGjYxNBjsJjYiv1obI8Pmxo1oCDAStmmcnS3SVaiu5HsjWBjCPxPxsXkeD9m3tuiX32RUAHo/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHe3-HQ-SHJTzgZMKwAWGjg3aoIrw_UwGKTO1hDXFqoxCtIa5S8gqeeOcNDwMqQNVB5ViCGjYxNBjsJjYiv1obI8Pmxo1oCDAStmmcnS3SVaiu5HsjWBjCPxPxsXkeD9m3tuiX32RUAHo/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'arial black', sans-serif;">Dream big dreams, but relish all the small goals along the way. Those small steps change things. You'll only catch flight on your dreams if your desires and actions push you to soar.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Keep the promises that you make to yourself!</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px;">Photo Courtesy of Barbara Ward-Finneran and Drawn 2 Design, LLC</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Schoolbook';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">©</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>All Rights Reserved</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-28131364374938389542013-01-02T02:08:00.000-05:002013-01-02T02:10:44.629-05:00AVOIDING THE FISCAL CLIFF,ONE STEP at a TIME<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Marion Pellicano Ambrose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXdyNkEl4JzPpWpdBRjhwsgdRhPhZ_aOSqse03pag39d2h60X5cMCWanGWr23TFpDNPOJUeYkvsfynFPIDnrG_MpIgI3py8xf7CjLFu-5gyUQwC2Ibg-IngXScgFgw6haxNPWoeLDZEI/s1600/senate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXdyNkEl4JzPpWpdBRjhwsgdRhPhZ_aOSqse03pag39d2h60X5cMCWanGWr23TFpDNPOJUeYkvsfynFPIDnrG_MpIgI3py8xf7CjLFu-5gyUQwC2Ibg-IngXScgFgw6haxNPWoeLDZEI/s400/senate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The
US House has voted on a bill to avoid the “fiscal cliff” that we’ve all been
dreading. In a late night vote on Tuesday, the bill was approved with a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>257-167 vote. Most Democrats approved while
many Republicans did not, stating that there weren’t enough tax cuts in the
bill. The bill will now go to President Obama’s desk for approval.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I’m
no political analyst, but I do know that this would prevent middle-class taxes
from going up but would raise rates on higher incomes. It would also block
spending cuts for two months, extend unemployment benefits for the long-term
jobless, prevent a 27 percent cut in fees for doctors who treat Medicare
patients and prevent a spike in milk prices. I think all this is good for A
START, but there is much more work to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I
think our lawmakers need to get themselves busy finding ways to cut spending
starting with their own salaries, bonuses, insurance plans, “expense accounts”
and other ways. I believe the salary of a president or any politician should
not be for life, nor should we pay for traveling expenses unless they are
directly related to the business of running this country. Vacations,
campaigning, and personal events should have to be paid for out of pocket just
like the rest of us. If we have to pay for our medical, dental and life
insurance, so should all politicians. I would also like to see a nice,
reasonable “cap” put on presidential libraries. In my opinion, there are SO
many ways to make cuts that won’t hurt the American people and really isn’t
unreasonable to ask of our politicians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As
I said, I’m no expert, so here is some data from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the Associated Press</i> and <em>Channel
13 News</em> explaining some of the details of the bill. (picture is from CSPAN)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">- Income tax rates:</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Extends decade-old tax cuts on incomes
up to $400,000 for individuals, $450,000 for couples. Earnings above those
amounts would be taxed at a rate of 39.6 percent, up from the current 35
percent. Extends Clinton-era caps on itemized deductions and the phase-out of
the personal exemption for individuals making more than $250,000 and couples
earning more than $300,000.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">- Estate tax:</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Estates would be taxed at a top rate of
40 percent, with the first $5 million in value exempted for individual estates
and $10 million for family estates. In 2012, such estates were subject to a top
rate of 35 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">- Capital gains, dividends:</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Taxes on
capital gains and dividend income exceeding $400,000 for individuals and
$450,000 for families would increase from 15 percent to 20 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">- Alternative minimum tax:</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Permanently
addresses the alternative minimum tax and indexes it for inflation to prevent
nearly 30 million middle- and upper-middle income taxpayers from being hit with
higher tax bills averaging almost $3,000. The tax was originally designed to
ensure that the wealthy did not avoid owing taxes by using loopholes.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">- Other tax changes:</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Extends for
five years Obama-sought expansions of the child tax credit, the earned income
tax credit, and an up-to-$2,500 tax credit for college tuition. Also extends
for one year accelerated "bonus" depreciation of business investments
in new property and equipment, a tax credit for research and development costs
and a tax credit for renewable energy such as wind-generated electricity.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">- Unemployment benefits:</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Extends
jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed for one year.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">- Cuts in Medicare reimbursements to doctors:</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Blocks a 27
percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors for one year. The cut is the
product of an obsolete 1997 budget formula.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">- Social Security payroll tax cut:</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Allows a
2-percentage-point cut in the payroll tax first enacted two years ago to lapse,
which restores the payroll tax to 6.2 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">- Across-the-board cuts:</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Delays for
two months $109 billion worth of across-the-board spending cuts set to start
striking the Pentagon and domestic agencies this week. Cost of $24 billion is
divided between spending cuts and new revenues from</span> rule changes on
converting traditional individual retirement accounts into Roth IRAs.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-92111113767274160652013-01-01T23:39:00.004-05:002013-01-01T23:39:50.553-05:00OUT WITH THE OLD & IN WITH THE NEW!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9odpRZ7vETalw4pg_hvuDEsJ7IyBarelOi-YIg-w6x4ky3lK__UKrzMmZ9Hka6d8BMNnauFNPgdWx8x0rlK63BJMZQSLXWDJ0aNV3Fi1ox5JHtZoURfvYT4x62acBU_W4bYBSgl_ZRM/s1600/2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9odpRZ7vETalw4pg_hvuDEsJ7IyBarelOi-YIg-w6x4ky3lK__UKrzMmZ9Hka6d8BMNnauFNPgdWx8x0rlK63BJMZQSLXWDJ0aNV3Fi1ox5JHtZoURfvYT4x62acBU_W4bYBSgl_ZRM/s1600/2013.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Write it on your heart that everyday is the best day in the year. " </span>- Ralph Waldo Emerson<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!</b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Many blessings to all of our family, friends and fans... Looking forward to good things together. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The best is yet to come!</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-35939117423166836612012-12-31T01:06:00.000-05:002013-01-02T00:43:12.610-05:00NEW YEAR WITH THE GOOD GIRL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndmdrVSzqtpMwGAfzJgWp5zQrA61ALQu_jDsfbjCOPFyvPMTtKZq4dK0hkSONs7sOhtVwfl51iZtTF7yC57kIXRrLjRAvqgkDloNWxpesP0lEFhBn78IOaWVfnhW9gQ7tPaMz_Qxf4FM/s1600/Happy+New+Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndmdrVSzqtpMwGAfzJgWp5zQrA61ALQu_jDsfbjCOPFyvPMTtKZq4dK0hkSONs7sOhtVwfl51iZtTF7yC57kIXRrLjRAvqgkDloNWxpesP0lEFhBn78IOaWVfnhW9gQ7tPaMz_Qxf4FM/s400/Happy+New+Year.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At the brink of another New Year there's the reoccurring theme
from many of my friends that it's a big deal. I hear their
resolutions and promises that they swear they'll keep. Their
insistence that this year, it will be different. They are more
committed. It's going to happen. 2013 is THE year. And New Year's
is all about the promise of a new start. A clean slate.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But on January 1st, 2013, won't it just feel the same as always?
You will wake up with a groan and feel those same aches. You will
complain about the weather. You will tell your children not to
wipe their hands on their clothes. You will get caught in the
rain. Like the holidays that come at the end of the year, with all
that preparation and effort, the New Year brings so much
expectation building momentum as it draws closer. Midnight
strikes! The year lies ahead. The fresh start. Then it's gone. All
that excitement falling to the ground like a deflated balloon. Not
with a bang. Soundlessly. Drifting off into a corner, found days
later.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2013 will be like every year we’ve ever known. It is the year of:
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Getting too much sun even though you know you shouldn't.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A squeeze of your hand that makes everything better.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Drifting away from a long-time friend.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A great haircut.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Losing those few pounds.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A hug when you need it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Watching a sunset.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Gaining back the weight.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A crayon drawing from your child that you tuck away.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Forgetting your umbrella.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Coming across the right pair of shoes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wasting too much time online.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Laughing with your children.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Crying in the shower.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sleepless nights.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A book that you'll treasure.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The right words when you need to hear them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A final good-bye.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The same old.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Last year was so good...and so bad. For me, 2012 was the year I
watched my dad struggle with cancer. The year my boyfriend put so
much at stake with a new business. The year of too many financial
worries and too few professional gains. The year of my friends going
through the loss of a parent. Finally acknowledging the anger I have
towards my ex's family. Having my purse stolen. Visiting family.
Having two summers. Spending time with dear friends and having our
children play together. A sunset cruise to the Statue of Liberty.
Riding every roller coaster. Another birthday. Another Valentine's
Day. Another first day of school. Another Christmas.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOOMsPOwc5cIrqlbUwyp_W0r0U_Natm68NL4qTJEhAmqY-cG3s3K06ZtRgQy-keNT8w4r_0-0w-ES23J2OijM7DY0TWe51NavjZup77J7fv9M6nv46eMVdAN_sQHES6lNZozPYi3grwY/s1600/toast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOOMsPOwc5cIrqlbUwyp_W0r0U_Natm68NL4qTJEhAmqY-cG3s3K06ZtRgQy-keNT8w4r_0-0w-ES23J2OijM7DY0TWe51NavjZup77J7fv9M6nv46eMVdAN_sQHES6lNZozPYi3grwY/s400/toast.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This coming year is just like every year, isn't it? With it's
struggles and it's triumphs. The joy. The heartbreak.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So I raise a toast to this New Year because it’s the same as it
always has been—
<em><b>One where anything could happen. </b></em></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><em><br /></em>
See you in 2013,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Good Girl</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-57310946176520130482012-12-30T23:56:00.001-05:002013-01-02T00:48:17.847-05:00LET GO TO HOLD ON<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Barbara Ward-Finneran</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-mw2cgXNDhM176X1PQjOLcShAcGiqT_M4AgkeNf-h2rYt2EKmE3_JPL-9Zlh5J9gpiq5yZL1YAUpVrUb_2Iis4PEwAhJkYW_InHaZ8ltx-jOzsB0IzeYODnKHT2P0ZG2oUJAwAS8NZ4/s1600/tears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-mw2cgXNDhM176X1PQjOLcShAcGiqT_M4AgkeNf-h2rYt2EKmE3_JPL-9Zlh5J9gpiq5yZL1YAUpVrUb_2Iis4PEwAhJkYW_InHaZ8ltx-jOzsB0IzeYODnKHT2P0ZG2oUJAwAS8NZ4/s1600/tears.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Two days ago I lost myself in a few glasses of wine. Not something I often do. Just three. Three small glasses. Way more then enough for me. It was enough to push the tears. To allow my guard to go down and the tears to silently slide shinny paths across my cheeks. Sometimes you cry for nothing. Sometimes you cry for everything. Sometimes you don't even know exactly why. Sometimes your heart aches for everything that is and everything that isn't. Sometimes you are just plain overwhelmed by every little thing. Keeping yourself together can be exhausting at times and it's only when you pause, that the inertia breaks and the dam busts. When you keep going, going, going and it's all "good". Stop and you might melt in a puddle. Might stall. Might not be able to start again. It takes more effort to keep it all together then to fall apart. Yet, so rarely do we allow ourselves to fall... the pieces scatter where they may... and sometimes amazingly, if you actually allow them to fall... then the pieces fit back together again. Then you feel lighter, freer, better.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Doesn't matter what your tears are for and where they come from; anger, sadness, loss, despair, missing an old friend, or even when they are joyfully happy - you deserve to take the time to feel them. Slow down. Breathe, just breathe. Sometimes before you can move forward you have to stop and catch you balance. Take care of the moment, take care of yourself. Be authentic and true to yourself and your feelings. Sometimes you have to let go to once again be in control. If you allow your tears to cleanse your heart and free your soul... wash away the worries and the what ifs... Then you can look with fresh eyes and once again find your wine glass half full. Find the beauty in every situation. Focusing on those things that rejuvenate you and give you hope amid all the other "stuff" that life deals you. Remind yourself to never stop believing that you can always have a new beginning. A few tears, a new moment, a new day, a new week, or new year --- All bring a fresh start and infinite possibilities. Choose between turning the page or closing the book. You are the author of what comes next. Let go, to hold on. Find your footing on this amazing journey before you called life. The best is yet unwritten... Feel it, live it, love it! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-34965952047373710402012-12-30T15:47:00.002-05:002013-03-17T23:03:30.378-04:00WHAT MATTERS<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Barbara Ward-Finneran</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Hugs from your kids.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Sleeping in during christmas break.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Leftovers that you like to nibble on.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Remembering it's never to late to dreaming BIG.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Sharing a smile with a stranger. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">The ache in your heart because you love someone enough to miss them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">When you fall down, get up laughing.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Hearing your son's voice crack and change and bursting with pride at the young man he is becoming.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Memories that warm your heart.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">A glass a wine with time for you and it to breathe.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Family. Especially the family that you choose. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Giving tears their time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Friends, the once that will forever be there - ALWAYS BE THERE!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Keeping the promises that you make to yourself!</b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-29112902288423145332012-12-26T15:06:00.001-05:002012-12-26T15:42:22.228-05:00MERRY & BRIGHT... and filed with love and faith<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Vnt7euRF5Pg&vq=medium">Christmas Singing Flash Mob</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589326183749752511.post-10021446563139610182012-12-25T23:36:00.002-05:002012-12-25T23:40:35.188-05:00CHARLES DURNING: HE DID A LITTLE SIDESTEP<div style="text-align: center;">
Marion Pellicano Ambrose</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite character actors passed away on Christmas Eve. Charles Durning, 89, whose film credits include "The Sting", "Tootsie","Dick Tracy," "Home for the Holidays," "The Muppet Movie," "North Dallas Forty" and "O Brother Where Art Thou?", and my personal favorite : Best Little Whorehouse in Texas", leaves behind more than just a legacy of film and TV roles. Durning appeared in almost 200 movies, countless television shows and dozens of plays, portraying a range of characters from Shakespearean fools to crooked cops to military veterans and even a priest. He was nominated for two Academy Awards and nine Emmy Awards and won a Tony Award for his performance as Big Daddy in a 1990 Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams’s “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> But the thing I found most admirable about this man was not his acting career . The fact is,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Durning was a true, blue, WWII hero. According to Yahoo News: Durning was part of the U.S. force that landed at Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion in June 1944. A few days later he was shot in the hip - he said he carried the bullet in his body thereafter - and after six months of recovery was sent to the Battle of the Bulge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Durning, who was wounded twice more, was captured and was one of the few survivors of the Malmedy massacre when German troops opened fire on dozens of American prisoners. In addition to three Purple Heart medals for his wounds, Durning was presented the Silver Star for valor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> At an observation of the 60th anniversary of D-Day in Washington, Durning told of the terror he felt and carnage he saw when hitting the beach on D-Day. He said he had to jettison his weapon and gear in order to swim ashore and saw mortally wounded comrades offering themselves as human shields.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "I forget a lot of stuff now but I still wake up once in a while and it's still there," he said. "I can't count how many of my buddies are in the cemetery at Normandy."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before his acting career, Durning worked as a professional ballroom dancer and teacher.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His other jobs included working as a comedian, night watchman, dishwasher, sightseeing guide, bridge painter, bricklayer, plumber’s helper, bartender and cabdriver. At 30, he was delivering telegrams, while appearing in plays where his payment came from the passing of a hat. With all these life experiences, it's no wonder he became such an amazing character actor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The world has lost a great actor and an outstanding human being. Rest in Peace Charles, you've earned it! </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20