tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88620426215524364922024-02-06T22:12:22.700-06:00Color Me WellRannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-6777554440540962682018-10-21T03:05:00.001-05:002018-10-21T03:05:53.896-05:00Remembering Phil - my twin brother<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil - 27<br /></td></tr>
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<b><u>Philip Gregory Patterson</u></b></div>
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<b>March 9, 1957 to September 16, 2018</b></div>
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Some of you may not have known, but I was a twin!<br />
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I was always so proud to be one. It is a special place to find yourself in life. It’s thrilling and agonizing, sometimes at the same time. Phil and I turned 61 this year. My best years with him were our first five years in Birmingham, Alabama where we were born,<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 months - Birmingham, AL</td></tr>
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and then through elementary school where we were becoming more independent of each other, making new friends and experiencing new things like sports and other activities. Phil was more extroverted than me, and throughout his life never new a stranger, and made many friends. He was taught mechanics by our father’s dad as a very young boy about six. As years went on Phil could fix anything with almost nothing (a true McGuyver)!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil's already at the wheel...I'm not so sure. #sweet</td></tr>
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Phil always fixed my cars, and one of the last things he did for me was install a kitchen faucet, and he even helped me pick out curtains for the dining room. The ones I had picked matched in color but he didn’t like them, he said “takin’ us back to the 70s, are ya Tiss?” I laughed so hard, he had a beautiful sense of humor. He was right! So we headed off to the store to exchange them and he picked out the most perfect pair. They are a textured solid aquamarine blue with leaves and birds. I smile every time I look at them.<br />
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He was gorgeous all of his life, he made the Homecoming court in high school, not me! And he had a beautiful eye. He was fascinated with the way things worked. He not only loved cars, he liked timepieces, as he was very agile with his fingers on very tiny things. That gift came from his unique, gentle side. I called him the original “dog whisperer” because all dogs loved him, and he loved them back. He loved large dogs. He had an Irish Wolfhound in his 20s, and in his 40s he adopted two Great Danes from the Humane Society. One had been the victim of a bitter divorce. Yes, dogs get caught up in that stuff too.<br />
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Our lives were very different, we disagreed on many topics, but we worked well together on projects. It’s like Phil would think of the first half of the answer to a problem, and I would think of the rest. I remember once we had not seen each other for about a year and I drove home from out of town, pulled into the driveway and there he was, with friends, working on a car. He said “What are you doing wearing my sunglasses?!”<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our home. We loved that house-</td></tr>
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I did not have on his, they were mine. He must’ve lost his, but they were evidently identical. It was always like that. The twin bond is real in a mysterious kind of way that most people can’t see. It even baffled us! </div>
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Being a twin to Phil has been the most special blessing of my life. He made me laugh harder than anyone, and cry harder than anyone. Both of us had hard challenges throughout our lives and we worried each other senseless, but these last few years I’ve never seen him try so hard under such harsh circumstances. He was so strong inside and had a big heart...more than most people knew, because his gentle essence hid his true strengths, and vice versa. </div>
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In my funky, dreamy wishes, at his memorial service, if our classmates had been there, this is what I would have said (because all my girlfriends had a crush on him). I would’ve said “I’d like to crow a little...I was the first one to get lost in his beautiful blue eyes...the first one to sleep with him, and the first one to see him naked!”</div>
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My memories are in living color, and we are laughing, and doing dirty deeds as three-year old juvenile delinquents. Like the day the painters went on break and we painted a five year old silver! Our mother was inside, and we were left to our own self-expression. We found paint, and a canvas.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at apartments in Birmingham. Girl on right is one we painted...she lived.</td></tr>
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I heard a shriek and a puff of wind as she ran past me, grabbed the girl’s arm and literally drug her to the car and to the hospital. It took hours to get that outdoor faucet paint off her. We painted her from head to toe, she looked just like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz! Later, we were sitting with dad at the table and our mother came in looking drained, and daddy said “How’d it go?” She said, “Well, they didn’t press charges.” I laugh just thinking about that, I remember it so well. Yes, it will be the memories that will get me through. That, and God’s grace, which I know so well.<br />
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I have to laugh now, or I couldn’t go on. This is harder than I thought it would be. The stages of grief I’ve been through before, but not as Phil’s twin sister. I have gone from being numb to laughing, to recently, crying in my sleep. The pain is deep, but so are the memories. They are in living color, and we are laughing, and playing...together.<br />
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Take your rest now, Phil. Evidently God’s got more for me to do here on this earth, and then I’ll see you again. I miss you so much, but I know where you are, and there is no suffering there, and I find great peace in knowing that. </div>
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Til we meet again, one perfect day.</div>
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I love you forever,</div>
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Tissie<br />
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For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.<br />
Philippians 1:21<br />
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-4055546687470162172017-12-10T19:59:00.001-06:002017-12-10T21:14:21.408-06:00‘TisThe Season To Thrive!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Winter of Body and Soul...then comes hope</b></span><br />
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In 2015 I became sick and had to be hospitalized twice. Last year, on May 8, Mother's Day, I had to say goodbye to my beloved Shih Tzu "Bo". On New Year's Eve 2009 in freezing rain and sleet I rescued him out of the middle of the road. Someone had dropped him off and he had been running in a ditch of freezing water when I saw him, I thought he was a deer until I saw those big Shih Tzu eyes. My house is way too quiet these days, I sure miss him, he was the sweetest boy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet boy, Bo Shih Tzu<br />
Dec. 31, 2009-May 8, 2017</td></tr>
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This year I've been back in the hospital twice once again. The last time I met a urologist that found the root of my problems. So, since then, I've had to learn to catheterize myself because my bladder doesn't work. The nerves were cut during my first cancer surgery years ago. I also take an antiseptic for the lining of my bladder to keep bacteria out. Believe it or not, my illness has reversed. It did leave me very weak, so home health came out twice, and then I raised money on GoFundMe to pay the co-pay for hospital out-patient visits for six weeks. I finished on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Several weeks before that, a friend introduced me to a nutritional regimen that has given me a much needed "lift", if you will.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla shake</td></tr>
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I'm so impressed with it that I’ve started a new blog on Word Press to talk about it, and also talk about my personal health experiences. As you know, I was editor of the cancer site at BellaOnline for three years, but had to resign because of digital eye fatigue. I had also developed mental fatigue from so much online research.<br />
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I can confidently say that this Thrive Premium Lifestyle Nutrition has made such a difference.<br />
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It’s simple 3-steps:<br />
•capsules - vitamins, minerals, plus other potent extracts<br />
•shake - loaded with vitamins, minerals, trace minerals<br />
•DFT patch - Derma Fusion Techn<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusznsqGBJFnpHZxZBWBNgUOIFXkCoDMs1qDa98UYafcYwQyPn1tjHYLXFryMghf1QquQXz47Y5tioLASByN9-5RFzE5ye1c1IqY_uP6_adH4CInGJhJlX-Jbt1QRI4866SBW2_uPlbo8/s1600/Level-Thrive%2528R%2529+HolidayPatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusznsqGBJFnpHZxZBWBNgUOIFXkCoDMs1qDa98UYafcYwQyPn1tjHYLXFryMghf1QquQXz47Y5tioLASByN9-5RFzE5ye1c1IqY_uP6_adH4CInGJhJlX-Jbt1QRI4866SBW2_uPlbo8/s200/Level-Thrive%2528R%2529+HolidayPatch.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holiday DFT patch</td></tr>
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It's ultra-micronized to penetrate your system.<br />
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There are patches you place on your body each day to support the simple 3 step program, and the patches say they aid in "mental acuity" and I can attest to the fact that they indeed, do. I don't do "trends" on the market. I watched someone I knew do the program for a year, and after seeing photos of her appearance, not only did she look well, she was thinner and her overall visage had changed. I was impressed. So after asking a bunch of questions which she honestly answered, I decided to jump in with both feet, and I am so glad I did. I have written a blog about my last hospital experience, and the nutritional program both in different posts on my new blog on Word Press. The link is below.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thrive(c) shake nutritional ingredients</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thrive(c) DFT patch formula/ body placement</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuYrZ_CG29oSht_Vo0YgSKQFg4-LpRLrlnrnsBvuvJRFDObwyEFA4N7TP-pdw2tE9PRl1jHDpHTFNegTbQ-3Yb9uWwPOW1DiU4pLJPH3CS_Wm6lVnUbGl6VJBbeiKzxP6XpHhTVpdmdk/s1600/Thrive+shake+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuYrZ_CG29oSht_Vo0YgSKQFg4-LpRLrlnrnsBvuvJRFDObwyEFA4N7TP-pdw2tE9PRl1jHDpHTFNegTbQ-3Yb9uWwPOW1DiU4pLJPH3CS_Wm6lVnUbGl6VJBbeiKzxP6XpHhTVpdmdk/s1600/Thrive+shake+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuYrZ_CG29oSht_Vo0YgSKQFg4-LpRLrlnrnsBvuvJRFDObwyEFA4N7TP-pdw2tE9PRl1jHDpHTFNegTbQ-3Yb9uWwPOW1DiU4pLJPH3CS_Wm6lVnUbGl6VJBbeiKzxP6XpHhTVpdmdk/s1600/Thrive+shake+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuYrZ_CG29oSht_Vo0YgSKQFg4-LpRLrlnrnsBvuvJRFDObwyEFA4N7TP-pdw2tE9PRl1jHDpHTFNegTbQ-3Yb9uWwPOW1DiU4pLJPH3CS_Wm6lVnUbGl6VJBbeiKzxP6XpHhTVpdmdk/s1600/Thrive+shake+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuYrZ_CG29oSht_Vo0YgSKQFg4-LpRLrlnrnsBvuvJRFDObwyEFA4N7TP-pdw2tE9PRl1jHDpHTFNegTbQ-3Yb9uWwPOW1DiU4pLJPH3CS_Wm6lVnUbGl6VJBbeiKzxP6XpHhTVpdmdk/s1600/Thrive+shake+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuYrZ_CG29oSht_Vo0YgSKQFg4-LpRLrlnrnsBvuvJRFDObwyEFA4N7TP-pdw2tE9PRl1jHDpHTFNegTbQ-3Yb9uWwPOW1DiU4pLJPH3CS_Wm6lVnUbGl6VJBbeiKzxP6XpHhTVpdmdk/s1600/Thrive+shake+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuYrZ_CG29oSht_Vo0YgSKQFg4-LpRLrlnrnsBvuvJRFDObwyEFA4N7TP-pdw2tE9PRl1jHDpHTFNegTbQ-3Yb9uWwPOW1DiU4pLJPH3CS_Wm6lVnUbGl6VJBbeiKzxP6XpHhTVpdmdk/s1600/Thrive+shake+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuYrZ_CG29oSht_Vo0YgSKQFg4-LpRLrlnrnsBvuvJRFDObwyEFA4N7TP-pdw2tE9PRl1jHDpHTFNegTbQ-3Yb9uWwPOW1DiU4pLJPH3CS_Wm6lVnUbGl6VJBbeiKzxP6XpHhTVpdmdk/s1600/Thrive+shake+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuYrZ_CG29oSht_Vo0YgSKQFg4-LpRLrlnrnsBvuvJRFDObwyEFA4N7TP-pdw2tE9PRl1jHDpHTFNegTbQ-3Yb9uWwPOW1DiU4pLJPH3CS_Wm6lVnUbGl6VJBbeiKzxP6XpHhTVpdmdk/s1600/Thrive+shake+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuYrZ_CG29oSht_Vo0YgSKQFg4-LpRLrlnrnsBvuvJRFDObwyEFA4N7TP-pdw2tE9PRl1jHDpHTFNegTbQ-3Yb9uWwPOW1DiU4pLJPH3CS_Wm6lVnUbGl6VJBbeiKzxP6XpHhTVpdmdk/s1600/Thrive+shake+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuYrZ_CG29oSht_Vo0YgSKQFg4-LpRLrlnrnsBvuvJRFDObwyEFA4N7TP-pdw2tE9PRl1jHDpHTFNegTbQ-3Yb9uWwPOW1DiU4pLJPH3CS_Wm6lVnUbGl6VJBbeiKzxP6XpHhTVpdmdk/s1600/Thrive+shake+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuYrZ_CG29oSht_Vo0YgSKQFg4-LpRLrlnrnsBvuvJRFDObwyEFA4N7TP-pdw2tE9PRl1jHDpHTFNegTbQ-3Yb9uWwPOW1DiU4pLJPH3CS_Wm6lVnUbGl6VJBbeiKzxP6XpHhTVpdmdk/s1600/Thrive+shake+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a></div>
I believe that you can get better too!<br />
<br />
Visit me at <a href="http://cathrann.wordpress.com/">Rann Patterson | Patient - the view from here</a><span id="goog_546218204"></span><span id="goog_546218205"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
for keeping up with me as a patient, nutritional stuff, good food, recipes, and maybe some new medical trends that I might find interesting.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Week 5 - It's FA-LA-LA time!</span><br />
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<a href="https://cathrann.wordpress.com/2017/12/08/nutrition-tis-the-season-to-be-thriving-nutrient-mineral-dense-ultra-micronized-formula/">Time to Thrive®️!</a> Click here to read about the nutritional program. I’m on Week 5, and I’m feeling much better. It's an 8 week challenge, but most people stay on it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sponsorship is necessary! I will be glad to sponsor you.</span><br />
To get it you have to be sponsored. I'm not trying to sell it, but that's how it is set up. All you need to do is let me know you want to start, and I can give you my number. You do the rest. The landing page is user-friendly, as well as the ordering page. Couldn't be easier. If you get just two people under you on auto-ship, yours is free! And, so it goes. They can do the same thing. Be sure and let me know if you want to start it, or if you have any questions. I had many, trust me.<br />
<br />
It’s simple 3-steps:<br />
•capsules - vitamins, minerals, plus other potent extracts<br />
•shake - loaded with vitamins, minerals, trace minerals<br />
•DFT patch - Derma Fusion Technology, supports the other two<br />
<br />
It's ultra-micronized to penetrate your system and get to the <i>cellular</i> level. I’ve had no side effects, so I'm very happy with it so far! I knew after three days, I was going to be okay, and then when I hit the 21 day mark, where it is known that is the time addictions diminish, I knew it was going to work in my oh-so-complex metabolic system. Every person's body is different, so always approach things like this with optimistic caution, and check with your doctor too.<br />
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I’ll still blog here for inspiration, but I can’t think of anything more exciting than getting my health back! So, Yay!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGcdqscP-EdSdZXgXSQVmDqyOfbgjmObqI9defbbKJDpKPjhJexyiSrOdcALLqbS6pThHpUDanAr7seqk6A9SIrYtnbMfuRpeUeoQ_ckuZlWklzNUMZGhdOAQSHqbsvMzpmlAR-iMaS4/s1600/front+door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGcdqscP-EdSdZXgXSQVmDqyOfbgjmObqI9defbbKJDpKPjhJexyiSrOdcALLqbS6pThHpUDanAr7seqk6A9SIrYtnbMfuRpeUeoQ_ckuZlWklzNUMZGhdOAQSHqbsvMzpmlAR-iMaS4/s320/front+door.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My front door</td></tr>
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From my home to you and yours,<br />
Blessings for a wonderful holiday season! 🎄🎁❄️<br />
~ Rann xoxo<br />
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-20837129235392174282016-02-22T13:40:00.001-06:002016-05-10T17:22:36.203-05:00How to Make a Fabric Card: Color Dolly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>"Creativity is intelligence having fun" ~ </i>Albert Einstein</blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">My Inspiration</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My inspiration to make this lovely card came from two places.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First, my sweet furiend <b>Dolly The Boston Buddha, Pooch Editor-in-Chief </b>at <a href="http://taoofdolly.com/">TaoofDolly.com</a> asked me if I would be willing to take part in her (at that time) new interactive art space for kids, young and old. Since I love art, I was excited to do a project for her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But that was over a year ago. Sweet Dolly has been patiently waiting while I continue on my journey as a cancer survivor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Being a cancer survivor can be hard, and the past eighteen months have been trying while I have been coping with the same side-effects I've had since I was 26, except now I am just a few weeks shy of 59 -- (wow that looks scary on the screen...yikes ... ) and the 'ol bod ain't what it used to be, but I am a Baby Boomer and I grew up with Mickey Mouse and Cinderella so that means, at least inside, I get to be a kid forever! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The second reason that I did the project was not physical but relational. I was in a very tough place with a loved one and needed a distraction. Been there? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Life throws us curves just about every single day and some of those curves we can manage or change, but more often than not, there is absolutely <i>nothing </i>that we can do about the situation. And I've found out that accepting that fact, is very liberating. So I redirected my thoughts, and channeled my energy into the art project. And it worked!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Art has the power to heal and uplift you into a world of imagination, beauty, and creation, and is the very reason that I named this blog Color Me Well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So...while Dolly waited patiently on my contribution to her art gallery, two wonderful things happened.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The fabric card turned out so beautiful, way beyond my expectations, and I've never made a fabric card in my life. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> I guess my creativity genes were "mulching" during those unproductive months, think?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mentally diving into this project saved my mind.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Why did I use fabric? Because I can't paint! I'm certified in interior design so I naturally went to what I was familiar with. I love fabric and am familiar with it's personality and how it behaves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I documented the project with photos, and below you can see a box of colored markers. I couldn't use them because they were dried up. I just stared at the box for a while with glazed over eyes wondering what to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My pens were dried up. Time for Plan B</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then...my eyes turned to my fabric box. I opened it up and immediately had a light-bulb moment. My mind started thinking in 'pixels'. I wasn't seeing the print on the fabric anymore, I was seeing swirls and motion and curves and dots. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You will see that I used two pieces of substantial cardboard. I originally punched holes in them because in my mind I was going to make a card that would open and close, but I covered the holes up when I decided to go with fabric. It sort of evolved on its own and I just went with what idea came next, and, I'll admit a few things did not work, so I had to undo and start over. That is how the creative process works. Don't be afraid to admit something doesn't work because usually another idea will come to you that works better. Keep moving forward.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This pretty pink harlequin fabric remnant is from Jasmine's memory box. Jasmine was my Malti-Poo. You can read my tribute to her entitled 'Mine' on <a href="http://taoofdolly.com/">Dolly's site</a> in the <b>PawCircle</b> section. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The finished card is only 5" x 9" (about the size of a journal) which means all of the objects on it are quite small. Dolly by herself is made up of at least 50 very small pieces, and there are over 15 pieces just in her face and ears.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Contributions in fabric mostly came from:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Best In Show (cream background) by P. Kaufmann. Available at <a href="http://fabrics.com/">fabrics.com</a> or <a href="http://hobbylobby.com/">hobbylobby.com</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3 of Jasmine's (1992-2010) bandannas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">vintage fabric I inherited from my grandmother and great aunt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">every piece used was from what I had on hand</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Below you will see one page from a coloring book that can be downloaded from her site. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I chose the picture below from the <b>Color Dolly</b> coloring book for my project because I like the treasure chest and the way Dolly is looking at you. Her expression really got my imagination going. What do you see? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo: Copyright Tao of Dolly</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It appears summer is over and Dolly has carefully packed all her special toys in her treasure chest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dolly is in her bedroom looking in her chest of drawers. She has just received an invitation to a masquerade pawty, and I think she is ready to get all dolled up, but I wonder what she will wear? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Guess what? She's going to be disguised as her mom Suzanne! Her furiends will never know it is her. "Look out, here comes Glamour! (with a big slice of trickster) Dolly can't wait! Look at that face...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As you can see, I replaced the chest of drawers with a pretty stool. It was easier for me to pull off, and the colors blended beautifully. The stool was one piece, cut from the fabric Best In Show. Best In Show is an elegant fabric showing vignettes of different types of small dogs sitting on stools, chairs and beds. It is available in a light blue and china red. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here is a photo of a pillow I made in the cream color some years ago and I love it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here's the back: That's Bo! How did they know I would one day have him? If you look closely to the left you'll see the teddy bear I used beside the treasure chest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dolly's fur, and Suzanne's hair also came from Best In Show, where a Pomeranian, Shih-Tzu, and Pekingese gave their all for this art project (there is no limit to a dog's love).</span><br>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In so many ways, the Best In Show fabric truly pulled all of this together. </span><br>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And, of course, I had to finish it. Here's the back of the card. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I added one of my fabric labels to the back to give it a Hallmark<span style="font-size: xx-small;">TM</span> look! That label is at least 30 years old. I used to sew a lot when I was younger. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dolly's mama Suzanne loved the card so much I sent it to her from Alabama to Montreal, Canada! It took ten days, and we sat on pins and needles while it made it through Customs. It made it there without a hitch, and we were all so happy.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was grateful to the Lord for watching over the artwork while it went on its way. It is obvious that his hand was on the project the entire time.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Be sure to catch the next blog which will be mostly photos with my commentary of the project in process.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The card is featured in <b><a href="http://taoofdolly.com/">Dolly Art Gallery</a>, </b>so be sure to go over and check out her awesome site! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you like pets, animals, love and human compassion for all living things, you will fall in love with Dolly. She is one of mine and Bo Shih-Tzu's favorite furever furiends. (Bo is secretly in love with her. He calls her "Pwincess"). </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dolly says I'm "sweeter'n buttermilk biscuits dipped in honey!" <br>~ Bo<br><br><b><i>and he really, really was.<br></i></b>New Years Eve 2009 I stopped two lanes of traffic to rescue Bo. It was dark, freezing rain with thunder and lightning. I thought he was a deer, until I saw those Shih-Tzu eyes. The vet said he was around 5 years old, but, we don't truly know. <br></span><br><b>Update: <br>In loving Memory<br>Bo<br>my precious boy<br></b><br><b>12-31-09 <br>to <br>5-08-16<br></b><br><b><i>Run free with Jazzie now Bo!<br></i>I miss you so...<br>Love, Mom</b><br>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next up: <b><a href="http://color-me-well.blogspot.com/2016/02/color-dolly-fabric-card-in-process.html?m=0">Color Dolly: Fabric Card In-Process Photos</a></b></span></div>
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-6780300244696591912016-02-22T13:07:00.002-06:002016-02-29T21:28:06.037-06:00Color Dolly: Fabric Card In-Process Photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">~ William Blake</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is a photo post with comments, and a continuation of my last post where I introduce my fabric art project for <b>Color Dolly </b>and <b>Dolly Art Gallery </b>at </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://taoofdolly.com/">TaoofDolly.com</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just click back one post here, and take a look if you haven't seen the first one yet. It is called:<a href="http://color-me-well.blogspot.com/2016/02/how-to-make-fabric-card-color-dolly.html?m=0"> </a><b><a href="http://color-me-well.blogspot.com/2016/02/how-to-make-fabric-card-color-dolly.html?m=0">How To Make a Fabric Card: Color Dolly</a>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Believe it or not this is where the fun was for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had no idea where I was headed but each turn gave me an exhilarating idea, or a challenge that moved me up another level in creativity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Photo collage #1 - I begin</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcnG18D_wn-CF5O0lWvMnEeISjjALYZjfJxpch7Hcf7lv2EjFSZE7vSR98mlzQawl_5bBTHfl2kHsN_GdUb7WRQBHaghSR76GAVyjJEBD5X0hVSQZ6rlr4ZVLXan-ObRUUO5Pds-yi8A/s640/blogger-image--754250401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcnG18D_wn-CF5O0lWvMnEeISjjALYZjfJxpch7Hcf7lv2EjFSZE7vSR98mlzQawl_5bBTHfl2kHsN_GdUb7WRQBHaghSR76GAVyjJEBD5X0hVSQZ6rlr4ZVLXan-ObRUUO5Pds-yi8A/s640/blogger-image--754250401.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The brown fabric is a wood floor, and the cream is the wall to Dolly's bedroom. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Remember, the card is only 5" X 9", so I had to scale down the stool to make room for Dolly. I put a pleat in the middle </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">then quilted and embellished it. Notice the start of the mask. I used Elmer's-type glue (sparingly and gently) on everything. While one side dried, I began the treasure chest. It was like a paint-by-numbers, except here, it was cut and paste. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Photo collage #2</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCU9JZKG-vT4zcjn5xDG4QEhLNzwEEZGPJxR6TrFsgoPbompgAndh-iu3ardgFzH6DfVTJiaBMwZ15iZZetcjH2fRGUJMU3S4TbOQvyLvLJrg8PQ2ejw9fYUMTsrnh5gTbxMJDuA5KyCI/s640/blogger-image--1409386622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCU9JZKG-vT4zcjn5xDG4QEhLNzwEEZGPJxR6TrFsgoPbompgAndh-iu3ardgFzH6DfVTJiaBMwZ15iZZetcjH2fRGUJMU3S4TbOQvyLvLJrg8PQ2ejw9fYUMTsrnh5gTbxMJDuA5KyCI/s640/blogger-image--1409386622.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Clockwise: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Teddy bear is from Best In Show and works nicely, and I quilted it as well. The monkey's head, face, and body are all made from 1" vintage fabric samples from a brochure I found in my grandmother's sewing stool (ca.1954) three years before I was born. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Three of Jasmine's bandannas were used for the chest including the plaid bottom and the cute frog (you can see him in the photo of the finished treasure chest). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The baseball cap came from my old jeans, in four small gores, plus the cap bill, where I added thin cardboard underneath and bent it a little, to mimic a real baseball cap. The ballet shoes I crafted from satin that also came from my grandmother's fabric card. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Photo collage #3</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBMhaxfJiFo0Pbu0ABKmy0RE6x33Iv5-cwQTb-na-AqbqVAhxW3H-em2kJvx31BTwZZeAvwpYVBypinKZ4qQvnB_CgNf8KH_t_7lv2SIXLqOtRjIeQNnXXt67H3TvbDU4uc-uzBQAlZQ/s640/blogger-image-1170078136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBMhaxfJiFo0Pbu0ABKmy0RE6x33Iv5-cwQTb-na-AqbqVAhxW3H-em2kJvx31BTwZZeAvwpYVBypinKZ4qQvnB_CgNf8KH_t_7lv2SIXLqOtRjIeQNnXXt67H3TvbDU4uc-uzBQAlZQ/s640/blogger-image-1170078136.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here you can see where it gets messy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Clockwise, in the top two photos you can see Jasmine's bandannas. In the lower left photo are two of the scissors I used the most. The small ones are called "snips" and are used by professional seamstresses in the industry. They are for close clips to get a clean finish. The black handled scissors were my mothers and are quite old, however, they were very sharp, so I used them a lot (with a bundle of gentleness) as it is unwise to use large tools on such small projects. K</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">eep your scissors sharp! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Photo collage #4</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxaQjXw3_MnGzPfrs3MjCc34aNx-nYL6Lf6AT0TDiJVcOLzHv1yGBtzfgNyy3SSSez4ljWoJugvvG7gdUS9GDMTgbweQVNbOZkSEjzUuZr0Qz8JsPQrtjfkAknQMwN-WDgwink2cLUik/s640/blogger-image--1009923064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxaQjXw3_MnGzPfrs3MjCc34aNx-nYL6Lf6AT0TDiJVcOLzHv1yGBtzfgNyy3SSSez4ljWoJugvvG7gdUS9GDMTgbweQVNbOZkSEjzUuZr0Qz8JsPQrtjfkAknQMwN-WDgwink2cLUik/s640/blogger-image--1009923064.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I crafted Dolly first, and although it was very difficult, I've never been more challenged mentally, or felt more exhilarated emotionally. It was amazing how it all started falling into place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I quilted her, then cut her out (sounds painful doesn't it!) then placed her beside the stool. This is when it got exciting because I had to move her close to the inside and when I did, her feet fit <i>exactly </i>in line with the stool! It was spine-tingling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I added her lovely gold collar (the ribbon came from Hobby Lobby), and you will see it just added so much to the project. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The last frame is where I try the mask (which is actually Suzanne, Dolly's mom) on her, and it fit perfect. It is so cute! But, I had to leave all up to the imagination and place the mask separately on the card so we could be able to see Dolly's beautiful face. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You will see where I started on her dress. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The ribbon I adorned it with (along with the jester's hat) came from a rainbow of ribbons I saved from a beautifully wrapped gift. (do you save stuff like that?) </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm not a hoarder, but I save useful and beautiful things. It pays! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Photo collage #5</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m4uBOe3aXCABQE23TdEl4oTP2lSWtLJ2i41aXt2uexO6I1JhuTU0Hj7odk3E4zf0cG3cWGHKF7jljdQ3FaQVgwwEaIJIDvKDMOYatcDzg6O6yNVPsiAtBefQ2lgL8tlGdicsXykbQF0/s640/blogger-image--1888908738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m4uBOe3aXCABQE23TdEl4oTP2lSWtLJ2i41aXt2uexO6I1JhuTU0Hj7odk3E4zf0cG3cWGHKF7jljdQ3FaQVgwwEaIJIDvKDMOYatcDzg6O6yNVPsiAtBefQ2lgL8tlGdicsXykbQF0/s640/blogger-image--1888908738.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here I'm trying to figure out where I want everything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I added a metal hook to the top of her dress so her mom could hook it to her collar if she wanted to. She's so cute either way, but with the dress on, it would've covered up most of Dolly's body, and her cute legs with those bows! I felt like I was playing with my Barbie dolls, I was having so much fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As you can see in frame two the dress is on the stool, and Dolly with only bows on her feet. She's so adorable, and a tad risque in an innocent kind of way! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That idea for the ankle bows came from a floor ad in an old Traditional Home magazine, which was on a stool in my bathroom. I was going to take a photo of it to post here, but was in hospital in December and the EMS put Bo in the bathroom while they loaded me in the ambulance and he tore it to shreds! Poor Bo. It was a ballerina in fish-net hose in stilettos, standing in first-position with tulle bows around her ankles. I wish you could've seen it...I really wish you could have seen the bathroom when I got home (mattress explosion). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lesson: when an idea hits you, don't hesitate to act, you may miss an opportunity. Haha! That's Bo's fifteen minutes of fame. OK, back to Dolly...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In frame three you can see that I'm putting together her jester's hat. I had this idea in my head ever since I thought of the mask idea. I had to cut that 5/8" ribbon way down, stitch it, then twist the colorful ribbon and stitch it down. I added a "make-believe" bell with my gold thread, then glued the hat behind Dolly's head so her head would show. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Adding the jester's hat and adding the baby peacock feather to Suzanne's mask was another spine tingling moment, because not only did they match in color, they balanced each other out on the card. I was ecstatic at the results. Every step seemed to have a surprise in it. Oh, and I actually knew the peacock the feather came from, his name was Sam. He belonged to friends I used to house-sit for. He's been gone a long time, but he's not forgotten here! The animal kingdom does it once again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The feather didn't do well laying flat, so I propped it up by gluing a cotton ball behind the mask. That worked well in giving a 3D effect, and also served us well in shipping to Canada! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Photo collage #6</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdcz6fuDoTjKJ9UPnpNND1dYCXvGpfdZqlAx1zM_0-b6iXov0SVE2l3tb8fJsSTH7Qe41fDGCkLqh54Q6l-0jvAY9chOx8xP7DzI2NSt0Xzq7pIRwYvCEQBw3XzYcxnZJe4BX4HHG9t0/s640/blogger-image-989178864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdcz6fuDoTjKJ9UPnpNND1dYCXvGpfdZqlAx1zM_0-b6iXov0SVE2l3tb8fJsSTH7Qe41fDGCkLqh54Q6l-0jvAY9chOx8xP7DzI2NSt0Xzq7pIRwYvCEQBw3XzYcxnZJe4BX4HHG9t0/s640/blogger-image-989178864.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">his is my favorite set of photos. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In frame one, Dolly has on her cute ankle bows. Look at that pose! In frame two she has her dress on. The third frame shows the dress laying on the stool. Can you see how Dolly's arm rests across the top of the stool? I did not plan that, it fit perfect like a puzzle piece. It still blows my mind. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I think Dolly looks just like Audrey Hepburn in one of her big hats! What do you think?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The last frame is a close-up of the mask. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Suzanne's lips are plastic and came from a Christmas window decoration. They are so small...I think I should get an award for cutting those out, it's amazing, I did it first try. I used my fingernail scissors. Well, it was my second try. The fabric lips I tried fell apart they were so small, so I had to go to Plan B. Her hair is from Best In Show and is of 5 parts, cut to shape, and then I snipped the edges like a razor cut for it to look like hair actually does. Doesn't she look great? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So now you know how I went from this:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxKCclGLlO7UfqeeL8d9r0snIS93SX3TlUygXM6rgcjo_eg6a5kG2leRzIFGdmDEyrLeWQjP_m78-pOnnmr_Og4TBDZBJUQEjb9468BjeQkFivvayOWr7L2-Cbwf-VXOZmZ9DxBWlfDk/s640/blogger-image-887602518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxKCclGLlO7UfqeeL8d9r0snIS93SX3TlUygXM6rgcjo_eg6a5kG2leRzIFGdmDEyrLeWQjP_m78-pOnnmr_Og4TBDZBJUQEjb9468BjeQkFivvayOWr7L2-Cbwf-VXOZmZ9DxBWlfDk/s640/blogger-image-887602518.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Special Thank You</u></b>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I would like to give a shout-out to Stephanie at Observer Supply who helped me with browsing for masks and jester hats, photocopying size and scale. She is friendly, smart, and professional, and I couldn't have done this project without her help. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you Stephanie!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Observer Supply</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gadsden, AL</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bo and I love Dolly and appreciate all she does to promote pawsome love and compassion. Be sure and download her coloring book for your kids (or yourself). Her website is chock-full of pet stories. At <a href="http://taoofdolly.com/">Tao of Dolly</a> the animal kingdom rules!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04dKPX9BTOplRNuR_tve7oEXZoC_xUpK6zqQWPwCOncRawg4xYKRtw7EJnU2uth5hrJEMXf8JjuCpJTqJVfY3OG-U6WvC-5eNhEhbLA-kHnBYwG0pKTCLOTjwYQHtNeXdHx1132dUS8U/s640/blogger-image-276939058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04dKPX9BTOplRNuR_tve7oEXZoC_xUpK6zqQWPwCOncRawg4xYKRtw7EJnU2uth5hrJEMXf8JjuCpJTqJVfY3OG-U6WvC-5eNhEhbLA-kHnBYwG0pKTCLOTjwYQHtNeXdHx1132dUS8U/s640/blogger-image-276939058.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Dolly</b> is also on these social networking sites:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Pinterest</b>, <b>G+</b>, <b>Twitter</b>, <b>Instagram</b>, and <b>Facebook</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But <a href="http://taoofdolly.com/">her site</a> is amazing all by itself. You can see all of her latest social posts just while you're there from one place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope you enjoyed my project. It was pure joy to me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">See you next time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Rann</span></div>
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-70722514797689833032015-01-06T19:32:00.001-06:002015-01-15T23:44:46.890-06:00The Way: Lessons From a Sparrow<div><span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8Nha0FztBeWVMpxdGwn8LedbE8atf6iSD0XZ_LDi1cidLzsWOcZjoh_ENpWPkeUodf9DuQC_kq4Bwo9QQd1qh_CpSR6Ml2Wc8g1hnqPjFe9ej29rSTmgl1kLCUzpgzmpvGzj49FOgfI/s640/blogger-image-360293014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8Nha0FztBeWVMpxdGwn8LedbE8atf6iSD0XZ_LDi1cidLzsWOcZjoh_ENpWPkeUodf9DuQC_kq4Bwo9QQd1qh_CpSR6Ml2Wc8g1hnqPjFe9ej29rSTmgl1kLCUzpgzmpvGzj49FOgfI/s640/blogger-image-360293014.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div><span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>When I opened the screen door to go in, I heard a noise and realized a bird had somehow become trapped within the front porch.</span><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I had taken my dog Bo for a walk and in returning I found this scared creature fluttering around from screen to screen, here to there, trying to find a way out.</span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I quickly got the dog in the house and closed the door. The bird began to hop around on the floor, hiding coyly behind the wicker furniture. When I moved about it would begin sprinting from screen to screen. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I pushed the screen door open holding it, hoping the bird would fly out, but it wouldn't. Why not?</span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Knowing I couldn't stand there indefinitely, I grabbed a chair and fixed the lock at the top of the screen so it would stay open and the little bird could fly out when it got ready. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I no longer had done it and turned my back, when I heard a movement behind me and then a "whoosh" - out it went. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm not sure how it got in, unless it flew in just as we were going out. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This evening </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">as I was resting, I noticed a small book beside my chair. It had a robin on the cover tending her nest and eggs, and was titled "In The Shelter of His Wings: Resting in God's Tender Care. It is a small compilation of inspirational quotes and stories. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I took the book and it fell open to a page with a sparrow on it. It was the exact color and shape of the bird on my porch. Was this an odd coincidence, or was there perhaps a message lying within? </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXy_y5DV3_vwt5o2yc3IySnqkvpBaRpUjzqY4wPqCIBZXUKOFhv4f78Fpu0rgYbil3MilMeFiyXn5VWad_xP4mJvDKfT0eoDxqOqF1E_25RwEbNPt2lcuwV2aMiP9f50kkP5jABD8Muw/s640/blogger-image--1861777345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXy_y5DV3_vwt5o2yc3IySnqkvpBaRpUjzqY4wPqCIBZXUKOFhv4f78Fpu0rgYbil3MilMeFiyXn5VWad_xP4mJvDKfT0eoDxqOqF1E_25RwEbNPt2lcuwV2aMiP9f50kkP5jABD8Muw/s640/blogger-image--1861777345.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Below the drawing was this quote:</span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"God has ventured all in Jesus Christ to save us, now He wants us to venture our all in abandoned confidence in Him." ~ Oswald Chambers</span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On the facing side were these last words from Jesus himself:</span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"I am leaving you with a gift ~~ peace of mind and heart!</span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And the peace I give isn't fragile like the world gives. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So don't be troubled or afraid." ~ John -<a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">4:27</a> (NLT)</span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I began to wonder why the bird wouldn't fly out while I had the door wide open. I suppose it was afraid of me. And I'm sure it knew my dog was just inside. It had reason to be afraid. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It must have been the wind. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There was a small breeze blowing, and that's what birds know a lot about. They depend on the wind to move them from place to place. There are built for it. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I believe that when I opened the door with no hindrances, it wasn't that the bird could go out, but that the wind could come in. What I could not see, the sparrow knew all too well, and just as soon as it felt the wind, it flew out. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Isn't it amazing what nature can teach us? </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In just a few moments of time I learned a lesson from a sweet little bird. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sometimes the world gets too big for me and I'm afraid too. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Today, I was reminded that I know the One who knows the way, and he says that I am worth much more than many sparrows. </span></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div>Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-30109550639323976872014-05-13T00:29:00.000-05:002014-05-13T11:05:09.342-05:00Color Me Well Blog supports #FedUpChallenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Starting May 12, FedUpChallenge began, and Day 1 is done! The challenge is to go 10 days without any form of added sugar.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was watching the Katie Show late last week, and became interested in what she was talking about. America's obesity crisis is troubling, especially among the young. Kids and teenagers have always been the most energetic of all ages, by far.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our culture shift to computers causing a sedentary lifestyle has changed the way we do things. But enough is enough. As a patient for many years, I can personally tell you that if you don't have good health, you are not really living a good quality of life. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fresh food was usually cooked at our house by both my parents. Having lived through cancer two times, I believe that eating that way built my body up enough to endure the surgeries, the treatments, and the many side-effects that I've had for the past 31 years.</span><br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Katie and Coop - Day 1</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The challenge comes from a film, a type of documentary on the subject, which I admit I have not seen yet. The URL for the trailer is <a href="http://fedupthemovie.com/">FedUpTheMovie.com</a>.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although I'm not sure that this challenge will start a health revolution, I do believe in it's ability to start pushing the dominoes in the right direction. If nothing else, it will make people think about what they are eating, and how it affects them. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been so encouraged by the tweets I've seen on Twitter under the hashtag #FedUpChallenge on Day 1. People are asking questions about certain foods, fruits and vegetables, and even questions concerning sugar in wine and other alcoholic beverages. I've even had a few questions myself! I'm learning, too.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've noticed that some are perplexed at what few choices they have at home of foods that do NOT contain sugar. I went through my fridge today and read that processed wheat loaf bread was 2 grams of sugar, and cinnamon-raisin bagels was a whopping 13 grams. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The point is to help us realize how much sugar we are consuming. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For my first day I skipped the usual oatmeal (with brown sugar) and bagel that I usually have for breakfast, and instead substituted it at brunch-time with delicious Thai Jasmine rice and scrambled eggs, half a banana, coffee, and water. I cut bread, butter, and sweetener.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall, I feel good - so far.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes when you change your eating patterns like this, cutting out anything the body has been highly dependent on (sugar, caffeine, etc.) might cause you to experience shakiness or weakness --at least in the beginning. This happens to me, so I am saying it in case there are other survivors, and complex patients out there who are taking part in the challenge. The arc of a lifestyle change always includes a little pain and suffering.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, realize that if you know that you normally consume a large amount of sugar (no guilt allowed!), you should probably cut back more moderately. Like with medicines, not all people will be able to do this at once. Cold-turkey is pretty much for the overall healthy, in my humble opinion. If you are cutting back at all, give yourself a lot of credit!</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If your blood sugar gets low, eating <span style="background-color: lime;">protein</span> will even you out. Eat smaller portions more often. And you shouldn't eat dense meat late at night. It takes too much for your liver to break it down. I have a Homemade Chicken Soup recipe from scratch here on my site: <a href="http://color-me-well.blogspot.com/2012/10/homemade-chicken-soup-and-dumplings.html?m=1">http://color-me-well.blogspot.com/2012/10/homemade-chicken-soup-and-dumplings.html?m=1</a>. It tastes great, it is light, and will give you the <span style="background-color: lime;">protein</span> that you need. The soup can be ready in less than an hour. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I realize that the temp is warm outside now, but it is a great dish and excellent stand-by just in case. When I diet using it, it completely satisfies me, and I have no taste for sweets at all. The broth is not store bought, everything in it is natural, and I use Sea Salt in it sparingly. So give it a try. (except don't try the dumplings until after the challenge is over!) </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember to eat food groups (meats, fruits, vegs, carbohydrates, etc.) together. Eating one thing will not fortify you much. Foods eaten together cause a synergy (combined action) that makes all kinds of positive things happen within your body. Eating this way makes your hair, skin, teeth, and bones healthier.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Katie Couric is taking a very bold stand, and I appreciate her for using her influence and platform for the cause.</span><br><br><font face="Verdana, sans-serif">Note: I'm not a registered dietician or healthcare professional. I've written this from my own experience. </font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font face="Verdana, sans-serif">If you are currently taking treatments for cancer, or are on new medications, check with your doctor first. You can always do the challenge later with a buddy! <br></font>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Luck! </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rann</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Twitter @RannPatterson</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Katie Couric - @katiecouric @KatieShow</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">#FedUpChallenge - Twitter hashtag</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">@FedUpMovie </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Facebook.com/FedUpMovie</span><br>
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-11740963793891542112013-09-26T19:12:00.001-05:002013-09-27T03:11:12.306-05:00Danea & Phillip Horn Kidney Transplants set for Oct. 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you saw my last post about the Chronic Resilience giveaway contest, you should recognize this beautiful young woman. It's Danea! She has been living with reduced kidney function for a long time, which is where her inspiration for her book came from. </div>
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Her blog <a href="http://www.chronicresilience.com/">Chronic Resilience - life + illness</a> is rich with inspiration and refreshingly candid openness about being an engaged patient. Danea speaks boldly what "hoops" some of us chronic patients must jump through in healthcare, and what we deal with oftentimes in the healthcare setting. Oftentimes (usually in an emergency situation) there is no access to our medical records or the one "on-call" is not our doctor and doesn't know us or have knowledge of our "unique" conditions. Danea gracefully addresses these issues with tact and finesse. </div>
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The very day her book launched publicly (and in the middle of her book tour!) she found out she was in full-blown kidney failure. I'm certain she wondered if her resilience would stay in tact, in fact she wrote about it on her blog. She openly knew she was facing "practicing what she preached!" to quote her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQSaZ04-afuFiM2h2QzzkO-o8cmCNTndRjh5qyHnl8tgK3S0XlCzOR0hfAthe8HVTX4Ah8-W82IVBuHr3IvilHiRbGpcWHZLJCu4dtDkD8sbrKZG6uJJRVv176IwOzq4fijFpoZ7ILzg/s640/blogger-image--1485695794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQSaZ04-afuFiM2h2QzzkO-o8cmCNTndRjh5qyHnl8tgK3S0XlCzOR0hfAthe8HVTX4Ah8-W82IVBuHr3IvilHiRbGpcWHZLJCu4dtDkD8sbrKZG6uJJRVv176IwOzq4fijFpoZ7ILzg/s640/blogger-image--1485695794.jpg"></a></div>
Phillip and Danea<br>
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The beautiful thing that has happened is that her husband Phillip has become her donor match! Is that not awesome? Her most recent blogpost is a very neat thing I think every patient should do (if able, of course) before a major surgery. </div>
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They have made a list of things to do to reduce stress for their homecoming from the hospital, since both of them will be recovering. It's so good it reminds me of a "Tornado Preparedness" list I was taught in junior high school (very important here in Alabama!). </div>
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As an added blessing (which many patients don't have), is that their mothers will be there to help in their recovery at home. They list cleaning out the refrigerator to getting their dogs groomed, to their own haircuts! The list is so true-to-life. I've always loved 'practical', in fact, preparation is hard, but well worth it. </div>
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This couple has it going on! Please keep them in your prayers as they quickly approach a day that is full of hope, love, change and challenge-- and more love.</div>
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On Danea's blog you can also download <b>101 Inspirational Thoughts</b> while you're there. </div>
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"You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11</div>
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Please remember them October 1st. Thank you.~ Rann</div>
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-39014744806244350892013-07-06T22:57:00.003-05:002013-07-23T22:46:17.036-05:00Essay Contest: Who Inspires Your Chronic Resilience?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkGfrWNvnokzF6KuXNorDt7CDGtITlHwdUnffbnA2XtpUI3o_NFvNCIfbmO0RewavBnO4pxRZX025TVIRmQX_tQJfdPDzuG-1FTDYN2DxXKETL7eeg38WMEwYWNd0se7RtiDAW2Pzc9c/s640/blogger-image-1767896106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkGfrWNvnokzF6KuXNorDt7CDGtITlHwdUnffbnA2XtpUI3o_NFvNCIfbmO0RewavBnO4pxRZX025TVIRmQX_tQJfdPDzuG-1FTDYN2DxXKETL7eeg38WMEwYWNd0se7RtiDAW2Pzc9c/s640/blogger-image-1767896106.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a great question! </div></div>
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Danea Horn suffers from kidney disease. She was born with just
one kidney that, as she says “has issues”, and is on the national
kidney transplant list. Her first book, <u>Chronic Resilience: 10 Sanity-Saving Strategies for Women Coping with the Stress of Illness</u>, is due out in August.</div>
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In honor of the release, an essay
contest has been launched for you to say why and/or who inspires you
to keep on going while living with <i>your</i> chronic condition or illness.
The winner will receive $250!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3DHX-aToUU/UdjHaf4pKVI/AAAAAAAAA34/nYHmwa3nj_Q/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3DHX-aToUU/UdjHaf4pKVI/AAAAAAAAA34/nYHmwa3nj_Q/s1600/13+-+2" height="214" width="320"></a></div>
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This is Ruby. </div>
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She was just 1 year old when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. When I met her on Twitter, she was 5, and in hospice. She spent most of her short, beautiful, and very hard life being shuttled back and forth to hospital for treatments and doctors appointments. She is now gone, but her loving parents keep her legacy alive. She has her own hashtag, it's #rememberingruby. Look at that face--humble yet strong. She inspired me then, she inspires me now. (tears) </div>
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ELIGIBILITY</div>
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Here are the main eligibility
requirements, but there are a few more (they're easy).</div>
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You must be a resident of the
U.S.A.</div>
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Live with a chronic illness or
condition.</div>
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1,000 word maximum.</div>
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Submit by 7/26<sup>th</sup> at
11:59pm PST (Pacific Standard Time)</div>
</li>
</ol>
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for more eligibility requirements, go to:
<a href="http://www.chronicresilience.com/essay-contest/">www.chronicresilience.com/essay-contest/</a></div>
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WRITE YOUR ESSAY!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ue0ALKTs81Q/UdjHah-Cl8I/AAAAAAAAA28/rJ9lOAOrxNE/s1600/13EAC183-0701-4CE3-A248-A4B7CA470AC8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ue0ALKTs81Q/UdjHah-Cl8I/AAAAAAAAA28/rJ9lOAOrxNE/s1600/13EAC183-0701-4CE3-A248-A4B7CA470AC8.JPG" height="150" width="200"></a></div>
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When you're finished with your essay
(make sure you meet the requirements), then send here:</div>
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SUBMIT TO:
<a href="mailto:contest@chronicresilience.com">contest@chronicresilience.com</a>
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Second and third place will receive a
Spa Gift, and all winners will be recognized and have their essay
posted on the these two websites: <a href="http://www.chronicresilience.com/">www.chronicresilience.com</a>
and <a href="http://www.creativeaffirmations.com/">www.creativeaffirmations.com</a></div>
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Danea is a blogger! Be sure and check
her out at <a href="http://www.chronicresilience.com/about/">www.chronicresilience.com/about/</a>
. You can also sign up to get her newsletter, she loves inspiring quotes!</div>
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So, get going! (I just may write one
myself...) Remember, the deadline is July 26<sup>th</sup>. It's
Pacific time so if you live on the east coast, you'll need to get it
in early that day.</div>
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Good Luck! </div>
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Rann</div>
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@RannPatterson - Twitter</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmv8Garl3DA3wsAFB2OmMvoSHquwkN6u668wHlByhC90-WGDgk6AUiA0FpzYniYvgN2gwg6NA9GsXK8IpBbCwDUuFsIEworotvlXgseOgi9T4J8cbBlDrVGSUX99VUE8AoJD_HimRNxE/s1600/Jasmine+-+Sweet+5+yrs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmv8Garl3DA3wsAFB2OmMvoSHquwkN6u668wHlByhC90-WGDgk6AUiA0FpzYniYvgN2gwg6NA9GsXK8IpBbCwDUuFsIEworotvlXgseOgi9T4J8cbBlDrVGSUX99VUE8AoJD_HimRNxE/s1600/Jasmine+-+Sweet+5+yrs.jpg" height="200" width="141"></a></div>
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My Forever Inspiration</div>
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Jasmine</div>
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1992-2010</div>
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You can read my tribute on <a href="http://www.planetesuzanne.com/">www.planetesuzanne.com</a> a wonderful pet site.</div>
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-75686781852563783452013-03-22T15:01:00.000-05:002013-06-09T01:14:53.056-05:00Layers of Inspiration!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6dZWOGd1kzJG1jG43TWSnkDCD2ix8urCLTj61XM6ijEKA5xfJrqvELz984BVa2EibV-vsI5frQYeD7JZM9wHYXmGU4fr2IsRCgAEqOruEGqEH0TVKLIMyUjO_S6rXSreVZrIDENvD-I/s1600/FieldofTulips.blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6dZWOGd1kzJG1jG43TWSnkDCD2ix8urCLTj61XM6ijEKA5xfJrqvELz984BVa2EibV-vsI5frQYeD7JZM9wHYXmGU4fr2IsRCgAEqOruEGqEH0TVKLIMyUjO_S6rXSreVZrIDENvD-I/s200/FieldofTulips.blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-size: large;">What Inspires Me</b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Give
me a writing tablet, favorite pen, good music (with earbuds) surround
me with a couple favorite paintings and soft pillows covered in soft,
colorful fabric, and I'm ready to write! I love textured fabric so I
decided to look up the word "texture" in the dictionary.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
list included fabric, substance, character, union, poetry, prose,
musical sound, schemes and structure.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
other words, these things sort of collaborate, in a way, to help me
be my best creative self. I believe this is what happens when people
get together and pool their different ideas together. It's like a
beautiful human symphony. When all of our thoughts and uniqueness
collide, the possibilities of outcomes are endless!</span></span></span></div>
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<b>Our Five Senses</b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
discovered, not surprisingly, that each of the things that I listed
as an inspiration of mine was there - the textures of our five
senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste!</span></span></span></div>
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<b>Sight</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOvkTEzvRhRMCe4bkb-lzJhUMlGes6CFDqjuBVNa7bmrYqn7q9ku_zrFYE1PvvvaaDxqPRmZEHf8ujHE-isKjsRLovEAq3-WrvIFLMzGE3aTvUtmjMjZ-7o4kbOP1kAnSx8-_DyM020Y/s1600/Aerial+View+of+Tulip+Flower+Fields%252C+Amsterdam%252C+The+Netherlands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOvkTEzvRhRMCe4bkb-lzJhUMlGes6CFDqjuBVNa7bmrYqn7q9ku_zrFYE1PvvvaaDxqPRmZEHf8ujHE-isKjsRLovEAq3-WrvIFLMzGE3aTvUtmjMjZ-7o4kbOP1kAnSx8-_DyM020Y/s320/Aerial+View+of+Tulip+Flower+Fields%252C+Amsterdam%252C+The+Netherlands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Look
at these fields of tulips! I'll have to admit I was wowed by these
photos. I know many of us are delighted to just be able to enjoy
flowers in a vase, but I think I would really enjoy going to work
every day if I could be surrounded by this rainbow of color. This
aerial photo shows an unbelievable work of art. I was in awe of how
the farmers (artists!) actually pulled this off. It's abstract but
truly beautiful. There must have been alot of planning and
coordination beforehand, and the farmers obviously have a great deal
of pride in their work! They know flowers make people feel happy, and
they plan to that end. This is one field trip I would love to go on!</span></span></span></div>
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<b>Touch</b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A
dream of mine is to visit Ireland one day. There are three things
that I would love to do. I would like to visit an Irish pub, taste
the cuisine; listen to the music, and I would love to have a sweater
custom-knit in my favorite color and weave, from local wool. Would
this take inspiration, artistic ability and teamwork? You bet! Just
think of shearing the sheep part, which is an art in and of
itself...how much we take for granted in life, ha!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Taste</b></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeu3m9LkhsyCYYPHwq5ntd-aVy4tKg7r9UiwvoL5O0sVRi-eqXc5_XlmLs6SU-y3eHdlrKsgWXdxawKiTaeytcLaZwxT3VyLKINXD77LME54stT0ZmlTMGTIN4204dlUE0WuVuol3j5U/s1600/spices.+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeu3m9LkhsyCYYPHwq5ntd-aVy4tKg7r9UiwvoL5O0sVRi-eqXc5_XlmLs6SU-y3eHdlrKsgWXdxawKiTaeytcLaZwxT3VyLKINXD77LME54stT0ZmlTMGTIN4204dlUE0WuVuol3j5U/s200/spices.+blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
you may know already, I enjoy cooking and I'm still learning about
spices. Look at these spices - they can be used whole, or ground from
course to fine, depending on what taste you're looking for. And look
at the colors! Chefs often use layers of herbs and spices as "rubs"
for meats and they leave it on for a few hours or overnight to allow
the flavors to "marry".</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
don't forget dessert!</span></span></span></div>
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<b>People as Texture!</b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As I
thought more about the word "texture", I couldn't help but
think of collaboration between different kinds of people, and the
great results that can come from the different personalities, and the
variety of their talents and gifts. A great example are vocal or
orchestra Flash Mobs, some of them on YouTube are just terrific! How
they pull those together is nothing short of amazing. Look at this
one at the Copenhagen Station:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/X1g6Y9cp88E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">If
you need some lifting up, write down what makes you feel good and surround yourself with it. I
believe you'll be feel better!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-center;"> Here's to inspiration</span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-center;"> - It's</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-center;"> EVERYWHERE!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">(Note: The Copenhagen flash mob video shows uploaded on my template, but not on my mobile device. Hopefully, it shows up on full website. My apologies for tech difficulties. View on YouTube, if you want. It's great. ~ Rann)</span></div>
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-77180538959219309732013-01-07T02:13:00.000-06:002013-09-27T03:06:19.891-05:00Winds of Change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8mfP3QeLT9cRHLrHvQPWwIr74sJQ91tew3G7IsX5BUlhIbKX5f5MYIzzlAv40ISSYpO3elh_GtA9tv_VIKOS70gQqC-P4w73r76ZRNwhXCPC82mxt-N0RLRYHN-KlfVI00rkwoL-asY/s640/blogger-image-1350521625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8mfP3QeLT9cRHLrHvQPWwIr74sJQ91tew3G7IsX5BUlhIbKX5f5MYIzzlAv40ISSYpO3elh_GtA9tv_VIKOS70gQqC-P4w73r76ZRNwhXCPC82mxt-N0RLRYHN-KlfVI00rkwoL-asY/s640/blogger-image-1350521625.jpg"></a></div></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Leadership and Relationships</b><br>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">As intricate and important the rigging is on a sailing ship, there would be no success without a competent and reliable crew.</span><br>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PZ7kx8z5M2Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I just finished watching the movie Master And Commander (Russell Crowe) again and there are several things that stand out to me that we can learn from it that can be very useful in the days that we are living in. The movie is set in 1805, however if you will think about it, some things in life just don't ever change. Cultures change, and governments change, but I see two things that don't:<br>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br></span>
1. Is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">the wind. It still blows!</span><br>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">2. Relationships between people.</span><br>
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<b>Challenges Can Help Us Grow</b><br>
That battleship could not be effective without the sails, period. And it is the wind that drives them. In the movie, there is a time when the wind stops, and the Commander is called upon to make a decision about how to proceed. He says in aggravation, "I can navigate the wind, but I'm not it's (expletive) Creator!" Even leaders are limited sometimes. Give them something to work with and they're good to go.<br>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RvgTUhpV96YzjGfcPRIHMmGxjS20rkn_2AC9NYhH_XX13vZjlT0U31xTa1VBfqsER8dBxclDXxjg2aw6KQ4u8x4mXQC784jKvNjvEbaHYaI1h44ZBCYKt6me8oaZgDoVDRYePcwRFMY/s640/blogger-image-2093590201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RvgTUhpV96YzjGfcPRIHMmGxjS20rkn_2AC9NYhH_XX13vZjlT0U31xTa1VBfqsER8dBxclDXxjg2aw6KQ4u8x4mXQC784jKvNjvEbaHYaI1h44ZBCYKt6me8oaZgDoVDRYePcwRFMY/s640/blogger-image-2093590201.jpg"></a></div><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><b>Ties That Bind</b></span><br>
The most<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"> interesting and beloved part of the movie to me, are the relationships. The Commander is a great leader. He is firm with resolve, yet it is evident that he is well respected. For the most part, the crew gets along famously, and when they don't, the doctor steps in. I love this relationship, too. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckEfU-ykzL7XQaaLhdjVI5OqBvaAW-CJDSAWbWmlpvhWckpn83Y47NzcmiUIkejn7Y0R1mL-23E-3DJw5Tmwoliu9GFfK_dNGyruOq54R8SpIL1tfYYylweFZ3xMMTtdiK09yuH3j1_Q/s640/blogger-image-673432054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckEfU-ykzL7XQaaLhdjVI5OqBvaAW-CJDSAWbWmlpvhWckpn83Y47NzcmiUIkejn7Y0R1mL-23E-3DJw5Tmwoliu9GFfK_dNGyruOq54R8SpIL1tfYYylweFZ3xMMTtdiK09yuH3j1_Q/s640/blogger-image-673432054.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">The doctor plays a pivotal role. He is a close friend and confidant of the captain, yet he also attends to the physical and emotional needs of the shipmates. The commander needs help in this area- with all the decisions he must make, he needs help with the ones involving feelings and emotions. They just don't come easy for him. So the doctor is more than just a physician. He is the voice of wisdom and compassion, and he helps keep his old friend grounded in times of stress.</span><br>
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<b>Mentoring That Calms</b><br>
I also love the Commander's relationship with the younger shipmates. Some are very young- teenagers, and some of the older shipmates help guide and mentor the young men. The pendulum of "getting along well" seems to swing sweetly at every age in this movie. Their love and loyalty to one another is palpable and very touching. They do go through thick and thin while doing their job, but they always seem to manage to get through the tough spots. They talk it out. Decisions are made.<br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhE-lXaes0jH3aRgWeZhmzo2hJ9GBOrnVP72-A8xrr9CJ2-91WjN1_MqJMQegZKDEO_B7725DUVbOzKyn8gZxD_YmOEZz-ZOfHDNYW5meEho8_sCrworaxIHjRjU5UeZ_8prgPwSvcVA/s640/blogger-image--816260002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhE-lXaes0jH3aRgWeZhmzo2hJ9GBOrnVP72-A8xrr9CJ2-91WjN1_MqJMQegZKDEO_B7725DUVbOzKyn8gZxD_YmOEZz-ZOfHDNYW5meEho8_sCrworaxIHjRjU5UeZ_8prgPwSvcVA/s640/blogger-image--816260002.jpg"></a></div><br>
<b>"Hold Fast"</b><br>
In the end, it is obvious that the Commander has much feeling. He was once young himself, and has never forgotten his own mentors. He knows he would not be where he is had it not been for their invested time, energy and care. Integrity begets integrity, and so it goes....<br>
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Times are changing, and we must move along with it. It is not going to stand still for us to adjust to it. Whether you are a leader or you work for one, now is the time to remember that investing in people will be the single most important thing you can do. Because, like it or not, we're surrounded by one another!<br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqbmlOZbdsA90pn0Z6aihe_LyPMuxyQFthApUc-93dMhQkhUIQjJwlGgMyvtU8Wg2_wO0goJfozv36UW_yxvpuVAWyQlrKlCes9isKX0q6CtgzLMJ9u9jHc1YDBWhsLlmg0qVXAc-dqU/s640/blogger-image-2124556767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqbmlOZbdsA90pn0Z6aihe_LyPMuxyQFthApUc-93dMhQkhUIQjJwlGgMyvtU8Wg2_wO0goJfozv36UW_yxvpuVAWyQlrKlCes9isKX0q6CtgzLMJ9u9jHc1YDBWhsLlmg0qVXAc-dqU/s640/blogger-image-2124556767.jpg"></a></div><br>
If you've never watched Master and Commander, I highly recommend it, and if you have, maybe it's time to revisit it and view it from another perspective. I think you'll see what I have. We can learn so much from one another, whether we look above us, beside or below- there is always someone there who can teach us something new.<br>
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Note: I uploaded the Official Trailer to the movie because it features most of what I talked about. (sorry about the legal stuff at the beginning- you know how it is. Hope you watch and enjoy!)<br>
~ Rann<br>
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-38886070641731860272012-10-03T16:54:00.001-05:002013-09-27T02:40:57.867-05:00Homemade Chicken Soup (and Dumplings!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilItKQubeJKk5uOGjXEcAKIST2CO-yQrcEvnEN1CVlbfMS5lBiztS5Ym22Zh8Ura2YkNhgDcJrZp9Kx4en_fRw8IP8cUTOPlNzuDrLdNtF0msRNYzljjd_CCFE9hcNeCD9uk7oI4dtGUQ/s640/blogger-image--933355924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilItKQubeJKk5uOGjXEcAKIST2CO-yQrcEvnEN1CVlbfMS5lBiztS5Ym22Zh8Ura2YkNhgDcJrZp9Kx4en_fRw8IP8cUTOPlNzuDrLdNtF0msRNYzljjd_CCFE9hcNeCD9uk7oI4dtGUQ/s640/blogger-image--933355924.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; "><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; ">Homemade Soup - Making Broth</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; "><br></span></div>
I'm going to teach you one basic lesson for broth (soup base) and list a few add-ins.<br>
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Easy and Fast<br>
It's fast too and even though most foods are better when they simmer a while (to let the flavors "marry" as the chefs say), this soup can be done in 45 minutes. <br>
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What I use:<br>
Chicken breasts WITH bone and WITH skin. <br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-udoU1nEx-TflDfp3zlDd1s92cqQWjym6ZiO4J_tihhyphenhyphenAaIuca_wy3H-SIcRBud8exZt6IOE7tukjNfBqypQ_0xMbJCxq7rC53fkH-XIDEzEF3PTI5r2vy721oFADTo_EMl-W4E7oo1M/s640/blogger-image-2099470019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-udoU1nEx-TflDfp3zlDd1s92cqQWjym6ZiO4J_tihhyphenhyphenAaIuca_wy3H-SIcRBud8exZt6IOE7tukjNfBqypQ_0xMbJCxq7rC53fkH-XIDEzEF3PTI5r2vy721oFADTo_EMl-W4E7oo1M/s640/blogger-image-2099470019.jpg"></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Chicken breasts bone-in, with skin</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div>(Bamboo board-I suggest you always use one special board for the chicken meat and always only use it for that. Clean thoroughly after use).</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br>
Why: <br><b>Bone marrow </b>has <b>nutrients </b>in it that heals, and breast skin has the perfect amount of fat to make a good soup. <br>
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Since breasts are lean to begin with they are my choice. On the meat end you will get the tenderest part of the chicken which is the succulent filet deep within which lays right on the breast bone. <br>
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(dark meat is good baked or fried as it contains more fat, making it juicy and tender. However, it would not make a good soup- it would be too fatty and would not taste as good. But if that's all you have- by all means use it, it won't hurt you! In times like these I won't throw common sense out the window.) <br>
<br>You'll need:<br>
Large pot (4 quart)<br>
Fill1/2 water (cover chicken)<br>
Med-High heat<br>
<br>
2-4 medium breasts, rinsed<br>
1 large onion (1/4 slices) any onion even scallions (about 3) add the green stems-even better! <br>
4-6 garlic cloves, peeled & sliced<br>
Sea salt (to taste)<br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaQ44oL04l5UsVASXm0Nn8jWWkZfgLvpc6d_dYLOt5l8-WBLFqw_vYAAk0T0vIEWcQRr91Z7dz563jKDCkq4JBAhVkpawamM4JRkP8YhzVX6sHLs3covUe-Kj97fUDdChgWkxsKyvEhA/s640/blogger-image--616555825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaQ44oL04l5UsVASXm0Nn8jWWkZfgLvpc6d_dYLOt5l8-WBLFqw_vYAAk0T0vIEWcQRr91Z7dz563jKDCkq4JBAhVkpawamM4JRkP8YhzVX6sHLs3covUe-Kj97fUDdChgWkxsKyvEhA/s640/blogger-image--616555825.jpg"></a></div><br>
Place in Pot<br>
You can put the rinsed chicken in while the water is warming up meat side down. Cover for about 8-10 minutes until you see steam and the water start to "roil" (what I call it-its right before boil!) As soon as this happens, tilt the lid sideways so that some heat can escape. If you don't it could boil over in no time! <br>
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Turn to Med-Low<br>
At this point, you will need to turn down the med-high to just medium or even med-low. This is a good time to add onion, garlic & sea salt. Since sea salt grains are generally larger, give them time to dissolve before deciding to add more just yet. It will surprise you. <br>
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Cover & Let Simmer<br>
Next, on Med-Low heat, cover and let simmer. Covering at this point will help tenderize the meat. After about 30 minutes, use a fork or knife and pierce the thickest part. It should not have any pink at all inside. Normally by this time if it's close to done, the chicken will almost fall off of the bone. <br>
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Turn to Low & De-Bone<br>
When done, turn heat to Low.<br>
Lift chicken out and place on platter. Remove skin & de-bone. <br>
I usually use two forks, one in each hand - hold down with one, and peel away with other. <br>
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To <b>Discard:</b><br>
Place skin, bones, etc. in a container to throw away-or dispose of according to your normal routine. <b>Alert:</b>These bones are small and can be a choking hazard for children and pets! <br>
<br><b>No bones to dogs </b><br><b>Warning: </b>Small dogs will beg for these. I do not advise giving bones. A pinch of chicken shouldn't hurt but that's all I would do. (you know best).<br>
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Slice meat (against grain) and set aside. Some people just pull it apart. I find this makes it stringy and hard to chew. <br>
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Broth only:<br>
If your stomach can't handle the onion & garlic, just run broth through a sieve (similar to a coffee filter).<br>
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I'm being elementary here in case someone is new to cooking! <br>
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If you are ok with garlic & onions, leave it in, just add the chicken you have set aside, stir once and you're done.<br>
<br><b>Tip: </b>You may need to add some water depending on fat content and how it has boiled down. If you do, add slowly and add sea salt to compensate for added water! <br>
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All of this is very <b>low-salt. </b>Add <b>sea salt </b>as desired. <br>
<br><b>Recipe Variations:</b><br>
1) Leave out meat for broth only.<br>
2) Add cooked rice, barley, noodles.<br>
3) Add other vegetables such as carrot, cabbage, celery, banana pepper, red pepper (your choice). <br>
4) Fresh Dill<br>
5) Ground pepper of your choice. Ground fine white pepper is a good substitute if you cannot handle coarse black pepper. <br>
6)Add homemade Dumplings (below)<br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LhnE9B6IqwYSimil3Dh3d4yQ68LwvXljLLd_p8TvbJNls5N0BUCoUy7Zs0Kr4VUfSrAmQSjR0UZvn0v5SdVREB3BOlrp1QRwO2vVCz6gXUWciICaiGmnEP-MrxYfEYFuH6RAdedy0Gc/s640/blogger-image--353823388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LhnE9B6IqwYSimil3Dh3d4yQ68LwvXljLLd_p8TvbJNls5N0BUCoUy7Zs0Kr4VUfSrAmQSjR0UZvn0v5SdVREB3BOlrp1QRwO2vVCz6gXUWciICaiGmnEP-MrxYfEYFuH6RAdedy0Gc/s640/blogger-image--353823388.jpg"></a></div>They plump up then shrink! </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br>
Chicken and Dumplings<br><b>Tip: </b>dumplings are NOT fast unless you're a pro, so leave for when you have time to enjoy the process! Ha!)<br>
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Use same broth recipe above: <br>
After you have your broth ready, turn heat back up to Med-High to "roiling". <br>
Dumplings will cook in the hot broth! <br>
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So while you're waiting, you can prepare the homemade dumplings! <br>
<br>To start you'll need:<br>Large bread board (wood/bamboo best)<br>
Large bowl <br>
<br>
Dumplings pantry list<br>
1 cup self-rising flour <br>
1 teaspoon sea salt <br>
1/4 stick butter cut-in until form little "rocklets"; stir<br>
1/2 cup whole buttermilk +/- <br>
<br>
Mix dry ingredients first. Cut-in the cold butter, stir. SLOWLY add buttermilk and stir until dry mixture is wet-it will become harder to stir. <br>
If it looks too "wet", sift or sprinkle flour-a little at a time & mix. Done right, the dough will come loose from the sides of the bowl. <br>
<br><b>Tip: </b>Same as Biscuits-without a couple steps <br>
<br>
I know this sounds backwards (dry/wet/dry) but what you're really doing is just "encasing" the dumpling-it's the same technique (same recipe really) as biscuits, except less flouring and kneading at the end. You can do that, it just makes the dumplings more dense (& tough). I like them light & tender. <br>
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Some people use canned biscuits, but the point here is: homemade=very little preservatives=health; not to mention lighter on the pocket book! <br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdZBHIN8Tfm2yVnRIOAV2tPy7K0EU5gEl7YTuouGC0Hm3wNSbDeEVAwu3490GrVJWWovreTKW32x5f5D9YPjyUhA7bUh21Xz19A9x_LtdWVTnofSWp76YXOlSc0w7vwYalm0os5VEUx8/s640/blogger-image--377511107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdZBHIN8Tfm2yVnRIOAV2tPy7K0EU5gEl7YTuouGC0Hm3wNSbDeEVAwu3490GrVJWWovreTKW32x5f5D9YPjyUhA7bUh21Xz19A9x_LtdWVTnofSWp76YXOlSc0w7vwYalm0os5VEUx8/s640/blogger-image--377511107.jpg"></a></div><br>
Flour your bread board & Turn out<br>
Sprinkle board generously with flour, use a sifter or just your hands, and roll out dough onto board. Lightly sift some flour over wet dough. <br>
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Keep your Hands Well-floured:<br><b>Tip:</b> Flour your hands well while handling wet dough. Keep a bowl of flour handy to "powder up" sort of like gymnasts do, so that wet dough doesn't start clinging to your hands. If it does- stop- thoroughly clean your hands, make sure they are completely dry- then re-flour them. <br>
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Prepare Dough<br>Again, If you feel "wet "spots" on the dough, throw a little flour on there and pat the dough and move around. When it slides freely, fold over once, pat down and spread out about 1/4" high. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Tip: The success of handling of wet-to-powdered dough is largely in the "feel".</b><br>
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Take a floured knife and cut 1" strips. Cut those 1-2" and roll into ball. <br>
Carefully drop each ball into "roiling" broth. They will immediate get <b>larger</b><br>
Stir, <b>cut down heat</b> to <b>med-low </b>to <b>simmer </b>until dumplings are done. They will begin to <b>shrink </b>when close to being done-about 20 minutes. <br>
<br>
Test <br>
Remove one with a large spoon, let cool, or cut open. If done, turn heat to warm and serve. They should be quite tasty! <br>Alert: <b>Hot! </b>Dumplings can get very hot! Eat slowly. Serve with crusty bread and a cool drink! <br><b>Great for the infirm, or just coming in from the snow! </b><br>
<br>This is low-salt, homemade, and nutritious. This recipe would be a great gift for a <b>new bride</b> <b>with lots of patience! </b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">With a few times practice you'll be a pro! </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br>
See, there's so much you can do with just these two recipes. Enjoy! <br>
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-89258964962701727482012-08-19T04:43:00.000-05:002012-08-19T05:07:08.597-05:00Waiting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq9GEgDSe8AMkZRbbThqxYmFI1hxMhsrEoDxnigC4tlEDH23km5xXS-_3O4UDCTQHMir2b5wzQDVTytAF2PfrTNmrlRp5xev7Ibg0tafwpON9UvNVDrJx4zU2uD0XKWf3sgJfUK4DMTI/s1600/thCAF9NSRLstreetclock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq9GEgDSe8AMkZRbbThqxYmFI1hxMhsrEoDxnigC4tlEDH23km5xXS-_3O4UDCTQHMir2b5wzQDVTytAF2PfrTNmrlRp5xev7Ibg0tafwpON9UvNVDrJx4zU2uD0XKWf3sgJfUK4DMTI/s1600/thCAF9NSRLstreetclock.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">E</span>veryone is waiting for
something. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oftentimes it’s not the
outcome that is the hardest, but the time in between that gets us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waiting is distracting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It disrupts our routines and messes with our
momentum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while it seems like it,
waiting is not passive - which is what makes it so hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s often nothing we can do, and as
humans we always want to be able to do something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is not one single person that is
equipped to do this alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a
few tips to help you cope while you wait:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seek the counsel and love of a friend.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> “<em>A friend loves at all times."</em> – Proverbs 17:17</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meditate or pray. Talk to God…he’s waiting on you!</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<em>In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, give God your requests."</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> – Philippians 4:6</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Earnestly believe in God’s promises for you. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<em>Blessed be the Lord who daily loads us with benefits." </em> – Psalms 68:19</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Listen to uplifting music.</span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<em>Make a joyful noise unto the Lord- everyone!"</em>
- Psalm 100</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep the company of those who will lift you up.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“<em>Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly...when he delights in me he will be like a tree planted by rivers of water...and whatever he does will prosper."</em> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Psalm 1:1-3</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep your mind pure.</span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> "<em>He will keep you in perfect peace when your mind is </em>stayed<em> on him." </em></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Isaiah 26:3</span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remain still and trust.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<em>Be still and know that I am God." </em> – Psalm 46:10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This way, you’re hemmed in by positive forces and even if
you tilt over or fall down, someone will be there to help you up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just dust yourself off and keep on steppin’!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As my mom always used to say in a trial, “This too, shall
pass.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be blessed by this music/video:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (song from movie FIREPROOF)</span><br />
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"While I'm Waiting" by John Waller</div>
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-27033592878961137892012-07-09T01:31:00.001-05:002016-02-26T00:33:56.138-06:00Cancer and Faith<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This is an updated and revised post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Editor’s Note: This links with my article at the <a href="http://cancer.bellaonline.com/articles/art41375.asp">Cancer site - BellaOnline.com</a> .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The article name is Cancer – Branding, Coping and Faith.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu9K4XCjlgR6aYKrb3F6kg-BbgCqLH28xP4VDwxKjIFxbibHFptXPOAjPeQTLxqWxlrsnh3KugKP4pvVPP5fkJYgI68ooSCuqFVXnbo6y-n6k8w38zXVPFH5POqyFtyAUlxw8MJWNwes/s1600/thumbnailCA7WWP74_bak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu9K4XCjlgR6aYKrb3F6kg-BbgCqLH28xP4VDwxKjIFxbibHFptXPOAjPeQTLxqWxlrsnh3KugKP4pvVPP5fkJYgI68ooSCuqFVXnbo6y-n6k8w38zXVPFH5POqyFtyAUlxw8MJWNwes/s200/thumbnailCA7WWP74_bak.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As I said in my article on the cancer site page, I am a born-again Christian, and have been since I was nine years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was raised Protestant in a Presbyterian church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother was a musician there and I enjoyed most all of it during my youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew weary of the “religious” part of it in my teen and young adult years,but my faith in God was real, and it has carried me through the cancer I had, many life crisis situations, emotional breakdowns, death, divorce and much loss.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I wanted to write about my faith because so many people when they become very sick get “fixated” on the healthcare system and their doctors as the cure-all, and when that doesn’t happen, they become jaded and if they had any faith at all, it gets thrown away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me, I’ve been tested myself with this issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a real issue when you have, or have had, a life-threatening illness, or someone you love has. And, it is not wrong at all to question it. It's a very human worry to think about death, and a valid reality to question faith. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The simple truth is, is that you can't have hope without having faith. <b>Faith is where hope comes from. </b>Otherwise it's just wishful thinking. You can wish all day for a new car but until you earn the money to buy it, or if someone gives you one (I've given away two), it's just not going to happen. When you are in trouble, you need a solid foundation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Now faith is the <i>substance </i>of things <i>hoped for, </i>the <b>evidence</b> of things <i>not seen</i>." ~ Hebrews 11:1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It's interesting that the word <b>substance </b>is used there. (Webster's: matter, or essence) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hebrews 11 is what's known as "the <b>faith </b>chapter" to those who believe. Verse after verse tells of those who have gone before us, who experienced horrible and unimaginable trials, but their <b><i>faith </i></b>anchored them to the last. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You see, no one leaves this world alive. Jesus promises eternal life after we die. I <i>want </i>that life. (<b>John 3;16)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I now know from experience that we are all in the same boat, and when it comes down to it, a few people may try to help me, but none can save me at the last. But Jesus promises he will. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These are his words:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"I am the resurrection, and the life; that one (you) who believes in me though that one (you) were dead, yet shall that one (you) live. And that one (you) who lives and believes in me shall never die."~ <b>John 11:25,26</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The one who has <i>faith </i>in the redemption of the work of Jesus Christ, death is nothing but a shadow, and your last breath here is your first breath there, in a body that cannot die. We will be ourselves but the curse of death will be gone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"For when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, "<b>Death is swallowed up in victory</b>." ~ I Corinthians 15:54</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The name of Jesus is powerful all by itself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I realize his name is not popular right now. But frankly, I don't follow the systems of this world and age. They do not love me, nor do they control my destiny - God does.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have no time left and don't understand any of this, he promised if you just call on his <b>name, </b> you will be delivered. <b>Joel 2:32 - (</b>this chapter alone describes the times we are living in; Joel is a prophetic book written in the Old Testament regarding today.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The scripture below is comforting. These are the recorded words of Jesus:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>"Let not your heart be troubled</b>, you believe in God, believe also in me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I shall come again and receive you unto myself; <i>so that </i><b>where I am YOU may be ALSO." ~ John 14:1-3 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The scripture below will comfort you if you wonder why you're even here. You may have been let down by people, even your parents, and betrayed by friends; but God loves you, and knows you better than you do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You will feel <b>loved </b>and <b>validated </b>after reading it. </span></div>
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<b>Psalm 139</b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> the whole thing is so beautiful…this is only a part:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">"Lord, you have searched me and known me, you know my sitting down and my rising up, and <b>are acquainted with all my ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There is not a word in my mouth that you do not know…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">v7)Where can I go to hide from you? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If I ascend into Heaven, you are there; </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">if I make my bed in hell, you are there (in other words, God encompasses everything), </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">v.11)darkness and light are both alike unto you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">v.13-14 You possessed my reins, you covered me in my mother's womb. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">15) My substance was not hid fromyou…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">16) Your eyes did see me, although being imperfect, and in your book, all my members are written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet, there was none of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Psalms 139 reminds me of an architect’s blueprints.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In other words, <b>God knew you </b>before you were ever formed in your mother’s womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t try to figure that out, just believe it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is <b>Love</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is God’s Son, the one slain for you and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great Exchange of our brokenness for his wholeness, and there is an invitation given, and at age 9, with child-like <i>faith</i>, I just said <b>yes.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There’s plenty of room for your RSVP! <b>Love Himself </b>is knocking on your heart's door. Just let love in....</span></div>
<b>Then the crescendo- it can't get any better than this...</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">"And God shall wipeaway all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there any more pain; for the former things are passed away…<b>Behold, I (Jesus) make all things new….I am Alpha and Omega,the beginning and the end, I will give unto him/her that is thirsty of the fountain of the water of life <i>freely</i>.” Revelation 21:4</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Time is the only thing we’ve lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will get that back one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love will ALWAYS exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So get your <b><i>faith on!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rann</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Update:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Lisa Bonchek Adams</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>In Memorium - March 6, 2015</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsFitGtmfXFRaUEZCmBgXJEHldYuwIEDEzKg102V_RXjslFJSafudgdQGJBUimt37nqlypY21l9V2MHL2lYptUpvKTqVdJFXO46cr8KVffla9iTfI41545RmW_Xl-Dk9Ny8L3KbW76WY/s640/blogger-image--1414035532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsFitGtmfXFRaUEZCmBgXJEHldYuwIEDEzKg102V_RXjslFJSafudgdQGJBUimt37nqlypY21l9V2MHL2lYptUpvKTqVdJFXO46cr8KVffla9iTfI41545RmW_Xl-Dk9Ny8L3KbW76WY/s640/blogger-image--1414035532.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Six months after myself, Anne Marie, and Lisa wrote our separate blogs, (which this blog is a continuation of my cancer article, link above), Lisa Bonchek Adams was diagnosed as metastatic. She continued to blog, and tweeted about her experience until she died. Some people, even the media, thought it was inappropriate, but she was no-nonsense, and ignored her critics. I will always respect her quest for truth in science and medicine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Her family has left both her blog and tweet feed up for anyone who wants to, to read them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Her memorial video is there, as well as very touching photos. She leaves behind a husband and her three children. </span></div>
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-60978093970938536362012-06-10T05:28:00.001-05:002013-08-14T16:38:25.342-05:00The Lemon Theory<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf6COHw6SLt3ypTgMd5WtzD_pfX1LUlZFQZfIx0qj818a0unrBR9Qi2PcHLMGuNVh4MROb8NSQD2gKSeGuqLj2by-hD0Hof0VQzDO-ExILNwOqoBJyOscIWyYmY4sRZi-I-1rHSbbl4g/s1600/thCALCIK20+glassicedtealemon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf6COHw6SLt3ypTgMd5WtzD_pfX1LUlZFQZfIx0qj818a0unrBR9Qi2PcHLMGuNVh4MROb8NSQD2gKSeGuqLj2by-hD0Hof0VQzDO-ExILNwOqoBJyOscIWyYmY4sRZi-I-1rHSbbl4g/s200/thCALCIK20+glassicedtealemon.jpg" width="149"></a></div>
Here in the Deep South during the hot and humid summer months you will see almost everyone with a cold drink, and always with ice! Usually it's iced tea - the best kind is very sweet with a wedge of freshly squeezed lemon mixed in. There is nothing better to refresh or to rehydrate with, than that treasured, old-fashioned favorite.<br>
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Since I spent so much time in the kitchen growing up, cutting up fresh lemons was a normal routine. And during my last year of high school I was a waitress, and part of my job was to prepare batches of lemon wedges for the day. Lemons aren't grown here, but we sure use alot of them!<br>
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Did you know that there is actually a certain way to "squeeze" a fresh wedge of lemon? Here in the South, I consider it an art form! Bartenders twist lemon wedges- they get the goodie out of them fast! It's almost like a love affair, and falls somewhere between watching ballet to watching a tire being changed with precision during a pit stop at a NASCAR event. I guess it just depends on how you look at it. <br>
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What most people may not know is that almost every single bit of a lemon is usable. The only part that is not is right below the firm and dimpled surface. It's called the "bitter". The dimpled outside is called the "essence." When lightly peeled, a powerful and fresh aroma is released. Chefs often use it on top of desserts for a beautiful garnish. Just below the bitter the pulp is filled with wonderful juice. The thing is this: to get a great tasting glass of iced tea, you must squeeze the wedge of lemon hard, then kind of sideways until you feel a slick feeling. That is when you really have the art down pat! You see, lemons must be literally crushed before they can deliver the wonderful essential oil that is hidden within before it can release the bountiful aromatics and healing properties that it possesses. Lemon oil is used in lots of consumer products such as cleaners and furniture polish, as well as men's colognes and women's perfumes, a favorite of many because of it's light and uplifting scent.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkff4dB9zd2BerwrH4k50tjc7eo9-_auPwsNiqOZSAtpP6wS1i0O8v9ZCqgDeqW53UGNFLj4KUY-2GTyDcr0ySka_RQMmMC7Z6Xvv_daiAhcu9ka8eWpr6SCSDmkkXkJnXaElHLyETxFA/s1600/thCA377CN7+squeezedallwayout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkff4dB9zd2BerwrH4k50tjc7eo9-_auPwsNiqOZSAtpP6wS1i0O8v9ZCqgDeqW53UGNFLj4KUY-2GTyDcr0ySka_RQMmMC7Z6Xvv_daiAhcu9ka8eWpr6SCSDmkkXkJnXaElHLyETxFA/s1600/thCA377CN7+squeezedallwayout.jpg"></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Have you ever felt like you've being squeezed or crushed? I have. The feeling of having your back against the wall because of the seemingly relentless pressures of daily life, or the pain of heartache?</div>
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In looking back though, I realize it was in those intensely hard times that I grew the most. Unless I had been pushed to the brink where I had to push back, maybe I would have given up. Being squeezed by fear only made me pray harder to find the way out of my situation. Quitting would have been easy, but there was no future in it. Who wants a life with no future?<br>
<br><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">You may be thick-skinned with a soft interior, and although you may not realize it at the time you have something wonderful beneath the surface. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You may be the answer to somebody's prayer. Maybe</span> someone is thirsty for company and you're a great listener. Or, you may have the gift of understanding. It is possible that you will become the healing balm to someone through their roughest moments. Your loving deed will leave behind an beautiful aroma that will never be forgotten by the benefactor.</div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br>Just think how valuable you really are. Allow yourself to be squeezed!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
And, per chance you have been squeezed til there's nothing left, here is a promise for you from Matthew 11:28-30</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">"Come unto me, all you that work hard and are heavy with burdens, and I will give you rest.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: you will find rest for your souls.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Now, take a slow, deep breath--and as you let it out, in your mind think of all your troubles leaving too! </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br>
Bits of Trivia.....<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can grow lemons in a pot!</td></tr>
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the Lemon Tree song!</div>
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I did not know that the day I posted this originally June 10, was National Iced Tea Day! </div>
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How cool is that? A.ma.zing!</div>
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</div>Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-44418844611192448992012-05-29T06:36:00.000-05:002012-05-29T18:58:33.740-05:00Launch Out<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I just can't get my breast cancer friends off my mind. Recently, a favorite movie has not only reminded me of their bond, but the song at the end of the movie does too. The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants is the story of four young girls who find themselves at a crossroads in their lives. A simple pair of jeans helps them keep in touch through several years after they graduate high school, while they experience independence both in life - and from each other. In the process, as is said in the movie "we had to learn how to be ourselves-without losing each other."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Breast Cancer Sisterhood was shaken to the core several months ago. In one day, two of their blogging friends died. Also during that time Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was having internal and political problems causing anxiety on a global level. Since 1982, they had been the brightest beacon of hope for the fight against breast cancer. I could sense that this tight-knit community was reeling from grief, and the foundation of their great expectations from Komen had been cracked. I'm not sure that trust will ever be regained. Time will tell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">But what I have witnessed lately is quite remarkable. This fall-out has given these women a precious gift. Just recently several have made incredible milestones in their journey, and have celebrated their "ahhh" moments! And yesterday, which was Memorial Day, one went up, up and away in a plane flying high and so free, sending back beautiful photos from her excursion! Another posted on Twitter that she had "purged" a bunch of cancer information from a ring binder, which she declared would now be used for her kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What am I seeing? These women are turning back again to "life". They have rallied for each other through thick and thin, and I know they will continue to. I am so proud of them for pushing onward. The weakness that brought them together has given them strength to let go and continue forward. I didn't have social media to lean on when I started out - it didn't exist. My faith in God was all I had, and that got me through. And then He led me to these amazing women. I have faith in my faith, but I also have faith in them. I believe they will continue to get better and better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">There is something extraordinary that happens when the rug is pulled out from under us. We are forced to find our own strength, and to go in directions that are unfamiliar. We go with fear and trepidation, but we go. And that is a gift. The gift of moving and progressing. When one has good news, another has hope, and hope leads to life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So, here's to the sisterhood...(me included!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"These Days" - theme song "Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants" by Chantal Kreviazuk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">If you want to listen...</span><br />
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or just read:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What's this life anyway</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">what's it to you and me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">what's it to anyone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">who are we supposed to be</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Make me a storybook and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">write me away from here</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">I need a different now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Chorus:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Where we can</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">wear each other </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">for a while</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">and I'll lend you my tears</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">if I could borrow a smile</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">And we'll get through tomorrow</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">somehow today</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Happy after, Once upon these days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">It's for roads to anywhere</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">and ways to everything</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">we were unbreakable</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">we spoke our destiny</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Let's take a moment now</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">and go where we've never gone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">let's make a new world now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Chorus:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Where we can</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">wear each other for a while</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">and I'll lend you my tears</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">If I could borrow a smile</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">And we'll get through tomorrow</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">somehow today</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Happy after, Once upon these days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">And then one day we'll find looking back on</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">this time wonderin' how we've come so far</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">from this and when we close our eyes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">What's this life anyway</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">what's it to you and me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">what are we doin' here</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">and who are we supposed to be</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">I'll take a better world</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Oh, I'll take anything</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">I'll take a new world now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Where we can</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">wear each other </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">for a while</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">and I'll lend you my tears</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">if I could borrow a smile</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">And we'll get through tomorrow</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">somehow today</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Happy after, Once upon these days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I love you girls! @chemobrainfog @chemo_babe @LovlyKatieLumps @regrounding @xeni @Bethlgainer @RachelPappas @jackiefox12 @stales @itsthebunk @cancerHAWK @MOONorganics and so many more...You are an inspiration to me, thank you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now, to Faith: Here's Alvin Slaughter singing "Launch Out"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And when there's none to help, trust me I've found out, God can. Put your whole trust in Him.</span></div>Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-79167525280599449322012-03-29T04:46:00.001-05:002012-05-29T19:29:31.971-05:00"Whistle and Dance"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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...or let the birds do it for you! If you're having a hard day, let these "angels with wings" lift your spirits! I was inspired by a particular songbird that was singing at 3am in my yard yesterday.<br />
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3am - a Spring visitor in my front yard <br />
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I've never been able to whistle, and I don't rap...but not to worry. Be refreshed with awe and laughter as you watch these birds cut up!<br />
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Cockatiel sings Theme from Chocobo <br />
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Snowball (Dancing Cockatoo) this one will crack you up!<br />
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Dan Fogelberg (1970) sings "To The Morning"<br />
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He was a pianist who sang ballads that I enjoyed during my highschool years. He died in 2007 of cancer, but he left a beautiful legacy for us to enjoy. This particular video is accompanied by a wonderful photo montage throughout.<br />
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"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." - Psalm 98:4<br />
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Somehow, I believe when this says 'all the earth', that includes cockatiels & cockatoos, too! Nature can sing when we can't, and oh, how they help us out!</div>Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-27251846674090238532012-03-21T02:57:00.001-05:002012-03-21T02:57:15.196-05:00"It's Gonna Be Alright"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Some days just wring you out like a sponge. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia;">Yesterday was one of those days. My aunt Ann (81) was having a heart cath. Hospital tests like that are nothing new for her, but because of her age and health problems, I was beside myself. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia;">From the moment my brother and I were born, she and my grandmother took us everywhere. She was an excellent seamstress, and made all of our clothes. They loved to take us out to restaurants, and people would give Phil and I quarters to put into the jukebox because we would dance to the music and it entertained everybody. We loved it - and after the first quarter, donations were the norm! It was so much fun, and through the years I've loved hearing her tales of how much fun they had with us!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia;">During the afternoon, while waiting to hear any news, I found myself wondering what I would do if I lost her. She had loved me as a little girl, and helped me in recent years cope with middle age. I've talked with her about any topic, and the times anyone else would have given up, she's patiently listened to my complaints. To add to the obvious, the date was the 20th anniversary of my own mother's death. I found myself having a hard time coping with the coincidence. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia;">Later that evening a call came in from the hospital. It was her! I've never been so happy to hear her voice in my whole life! No knew problems, no stent- she was just fine.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia;">Some years back, during another hard spell of waves of adversity, I wondered if could I hang on for another minute. As I pondered life and it's hardships, I realized that the roof was still on the house, and that the sun had never let me down once. It had risen every single day of my life. Those two certainties have become my mantra when times get bad. I just have to keep telling myself that "it's gonna be alright." </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia;">Spring is here, with it's beauty. The azaleas have bloomed on-que, just like they did last year. The robins have been busy building their nests, and the purple wisteria vine is "showing out" in it's splendor. Worry is unncessary. Someone is holding everything together.</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Springtime in Alabama</span></span><br />
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pink azalea<br />
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butterfly in hollyhock<br />
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my grandmother's white iris<br />
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white jonquil<br />
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purple clematis (above) wisteria & bumblebee (below)<br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia;">The next time you have a bad day, I'll bet there is at least one person - like my aunt Ann - who has been a rock-solid blessing in your life. Pull out the "wild card" of hope, and just know that everything's gonna be alright.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia;">Listen as Dennis Jernigan sings "It's Gonna Be Alright":</span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia;">"Consider the lilies...if God so clothe them...how much more will he take care of you?" - </span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia;"> Matthew 6:28-30</span><br />
</div>Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-51280301310513291812012-03-02T21:49:00.002-06:002012-03-02T23:01:38.090-06:00Eat Dessert First<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes you just gotta celebrate- and for no good reason.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Life is uncertain...eat dessert first."- Unknown</div>
<br />
Have you ever heard that phrase? Well, today I took it's advice. In the midst of tornadic weather here in North Alabama, I had to get out in the blustery wind and threatening skies to runs errands. Normally I would have just stayed in, but I had to make a bank transaction inside the bank-not the ATM, and my cubbard was literally bare. <br />
<br />
On my last stop while in the grocery store, I came across the Deli section with it's usual display of delicacies. I almost always stop there, the cookies and breads alone smell wonderful. Sometimes I buy something, most times I don't. Today however, I became enamoured with one particular birthday cake. It had the most beautiful colored icing decorating the rim. You know, the "rim" where they pile on the icing (which is not usually good for anyone in a health sense), but it was speaking to me.<br />
<br />
The color was my favorite- similar to that of a Morning Glory blue. It was white with yellow cake inside and three lovely rosettes on the top (surrounded by more rim icing). I wondered if it was the lighting that made it that color, so I moved it out and picked the entire plastic container up to see. I was right! It was my favorite color after all. It was mesmerizing as the color changed to a deep magenta, then to just plain light blue, as if the color was a mistake which made it even more appealing. Going against all common health sensibility (and price) I placed my prize in the cart just like I had won the lottery, and made a pit-stop at the ice cream section on my way to check out.<br />
<br />
On the way home I kept a keen eye on the low, moving clouds. I had heard weather reports at every stop- schools closing early (which is only in emergency situations), runs on items at the grocery store and pharmacy. But somehow, I wasn't frightened. I had said a prayer before I left home, and knew I could not let fear get in the way of my life. As I pulled into the driveway and got out of the car, the atmosphere had changed. The air was cooler and there was very little wind. In these situations, cooler air is good news. I got everything quickly unpacked so I could get settled and dig in!<br />
<br />
This is not unsual for me-going out in inclement weather or buying the bad-for-you purchase at an inconvenient time. Many times in my life I've done this, and actually it's alot of fun. I don't leave caution at home, but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do-or, maybe- want to do, for a change. You know, go against the grain- do things that aren't on "the list". <br />
<br />
As irony would have it, in exactly seven days I will celebrate my birthday (Phil's too), and I don't know why, but I felt like that cake was my special gift. As I pondered my life I thanked the Lord for it, and decided to take communion remembering Him giving his life for me, which made the evening even more special. My week was rough and I had developed a bad attitude. This was my opportunity to make a change of heart. These are the times that I make sure I stay grateful, not taking anything for granted, because even though life is a gift, no day is certain.<br />
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The alerts are still out, the rain and clouds have passed for now, but just in case...I ate dessert first!</div>Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-37164796812158980012012-02-21T22:56:00.000-06:002012-08-19T04:38:21.315-05:00Show Dog: The Charmed Life and Trying Times of a Near-Perfect Purebred by Josh Dean<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
By spending a year alongside rising star Jack, a champion Australian shepherd, and his canine and human friends, magazine journalist Josh Dean yanks back the curtain on the dog show world, providing not just a hilarious and often touching portrait of a colorful subculture only slightly exaggerated in the film Best in Show, but also a revealing look at our love affair with the world's most doted-upon and tinkered-with animal species, examining the colossal array of dog types and humans who love them. <br />
<br />
The book follows Jack as he matures over the course of a year, from still-improving adolescent to seasoned adult show dog. We get to know him and the people around him—his owner, his handler, his breeder—to experience what it's like to own a show dog and to train one. And we come to appreciate him for what he is, a lovable and intelligent house pet—albeit one with a highly unusual occupation. <br />
<br />
Along the way, Dean takes a close look at the eccentric and fascinating world of breeders and dog show fanciers—exploring the history and science of purebred dog breeding and the evolution of canine perfection via dog show culture, with that pursuit's many related peculiarities: judging, training, naming, promoting, hairstyling, kennel-owning, RV-driving, hotel-finding, treat-selecting, and more.~<br />
<br />
About the Author~<br />
Josh Dean is a former deputy editor of <i>Men's Journal</i> as well as a contributor, and was one of the founding editors of <i>PLAY</i>, the <i>New York Times</i> sports magazine. His work has appeared in <i>Rolling Stone, Outside, GQ, Popular Science, Fast Company, Inc., Travel + Leisure,</i> and many others. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, son, and imaginary pet dog. <br />
<div class="timesHead">
Critical Praise for <i>Show Dog </i></div>
<hr class="hr" />
“A wonderful, charming look at the sport of dogs and dog shows and an absolute must read for anyone looking to get involved.” <br />
<div class="quoteBy">
— Pat Hastings, AKC Judge and author of Tricks of the Trade </div>
<span id="moreBookCriticalPraise" style="display: none;">“A hilarious chronicle of blow-dried poodles, diva trainers and egregious canine puns. Above all, though, this is an irresistible story about the wondrous bond between humans and animals.” </span><br />
<div class="quoteBy">
— Mark Adams, author of Turn Right at Machu Picchu </div>
“Filled with heart and humor, bringing to life extravagant characters, pampered pooches, and over-the-top humans without falling prey to tired stereotypes. That’s because it’s not really about animal beauty pageants; it’s about the unyielding bond between people and dogs and what they’ll do to make each other happy.” <br />
<br />
<div class="quoteBy">
— Jim Gorant, author of The Lost Dogs </div>
“Fascinating and funny...as I was sucked into the story of Jack the show dog, I began to understand the subtleties of the sport, the amazing talents of these animals, and the affecting human-and canine-drama behind the show.” <br />
<div class="quoteBy">
— John Hodgman, author of That is All </div>
<br />
Promoted by Facebook Ad (HarperCollinsPublishers.com)<br />
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Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-67170648151866868152012-02-20T18:07:00.000-06:002012-03-02T23:34:13.014-06:00"Jasmine My Joy"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">February 20, 2012</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia;">Suzanne Shugar who co-writes PlaneteSuzanne.com with Dolly the Boston Buddha, her dawgeous Pooch-Editor in Chief, asked me to write a tribute about my precious dog Jasmine. It was published on Valentine's Day on her site, and it turned out so beautiful! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia;">Suzanne and Dolly have a wonderful pet site, devoted to all kinds of animals, not just dogs. It is now published in English, Spanish and French, so that more people of the world can enjoy the site in their own language, which is a lovely thing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia;">We found out yesterday (Sunday), that we all made "front page" news on The Delightfully Dog.com Daily! I'm so proud of us - we're famous (just kidding)! I was so proud to see my Jazzie in the spotlight-again! Now she is making the whole world happy, just like she did me. </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia;">I am so proud of this, I just had to share it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia;">You can read the tribute in full, in whichever language works for you, at Planete Suzanne.com. You can click her site at the bottom of this page. I love my furrever loving furriends, Suzanne and Dolly!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia;">Enjoy!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia;">Rann</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia;"> Jasmine</span></div>
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<em><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c;"> My Beautiful Girl at 5 yrs</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c;"> ~always happy~</span></em></div>
<img height="77" src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 589px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1177px;" width="96" /><br />
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<br />
I'm proud to introduce Rachel Pappas to you - a cancer survivor. Her site <a href="http://www.1uponcancer.com/">www.1UpOnCancer.com</a><br />
has a humorous page called "Neither Here nor There" where I found this cute video. It's uncommon love...so sweet.</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ikm3o5hDks?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"An Unlikely Love Affair"</td></tr>
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</div>Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862042621552436492.post-91806527252623473072012-02-16T22:54:00.000-06:002012-03-02T23:44:40.530-06:00"Words"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia;">In trying to decide what to write for my very first <em>ever</em> blog post, I decided I would just start where I am - a writer. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia;">When I thought about writing a blog, I thought myself somewhat insane because I am already editor of a cancer site <a href="http://www.cancer.bellaonline.com/Site.asp">BellaOnline.com - The Voice of Women</a> , and I stay on Twitter way too much (but I <em>love</em> Twitter). Usually my articles have a max of 1,000 words (they are generally that or more), and on the far end of that spectrum we have Twitter, where 140 characters - not words - are the max.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia;">I found this quite amusing, because it reminded me of my personality. I can be very quiet most of the time, although my mind is always contemplating the next breaking news, or what my Doggie Twitter friends are up to. On the other hand, if I find a topic interesting, I can express myself with quick and deep emotion, which shocks most people.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia;">Back to the blog...I decided that 140 to 1,000 was just too much of a stretch, and, in a word - it is just <em>unbalanced. </em>Research is easy because I love it. Pushing out 140 on Twitter is easy, and sometimes, it's very frustrating - especially when what you read brings out passion or well - anger. But that's what I love about Twitter. There is no room for meaningless banter.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia;">I think I'm making progress. </span><br />
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</div>Rannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155815072285999075noreply@blogger.com0