tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356395986210551272024-03-05T17:41:38.196-06:00The Bees’ RVCome along on our full-time RV journey. We sold the house, and will make a 2020 Coachmen Brookstone our home. I’m Denise and my husband is Chuck. We have 6 kids, 2 dogs, and our fourth grandbaby is on the way. We are leaving Chicagoland, and heading to Utah for boondocking adventures. Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.comBlogger898125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-36049772563350336972021-02-19T13:55:00.003-06:002021-02-19T13:55:46.949-06:00INTRODUCING: The Bees' RV<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPioltdTm6hwWyEYRUlwDp0Bx6I2WpFB0tKG38LjlhZcLPkiQkFYZIb2z7-Ho6QWaB4GGODRFsmpM8lOarLoLheDhYG8m9_pMhBK-f2FQBcBDkhCPvRT7TRsfCRx8uYRUiTC4RWMHk6Y/s2048/IMG_9766+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPioltdTm6hwWyEYRUlwDp0Bx6I2WpFB0tKG38LjlhZcLPkiQkFYZIb2z7-Ho6QWaB4GGODRFsmpM8lOarLoLheDhYG8m9_pMhBK-f2FQBcBDkhCPvRT7TRsfCRx8uYRUiTC4RWMHk6Y/w300-h400/IMG_9766+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bees' wearing our "Today Is Someday" shirts<br />from Stacy & Phil of <a href="https://todayissomeday.net/">You, Me, and the RV</a>. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We are Mr. & Mrs. B, but most folks know us as Denise & Chuck Bennorth. We are photographers who fell in love a few years back, and are looking forward to retirement, now that Chuck has given his notice at work. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Chuck has about a month left at his job as an IT business analyst, and I have been retired from teaching elementary school for six years now. Photography is our shared passion, and sometimes we get paid to do what we love. Mostly, we just have fun taking pictures of friends, family, flora, and fauna. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Chuck and I just sold our home, and nearly everything we own, to live full-time in an RV (a 2020 Coachmen Brookstone 310rl, to be specific). 2020/2021 have been interesting times to be trying to get a house on the market, and move into an RV. Between the global pandemic (COVID-19), quarantining at home, fixing up the house, working with our realtor, Chuck's working from home, and currently, experiencing a polar vortex, it's been stressful, to say the least. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1wus-zkaQ0ebTtXQwO2zxjKcLYIfwrYqTUC9BTvEHSN-Ple-YACJnMO9U_qIuimmeBy8lawgY7tiJPLCN9WoaRhwEslbE3Km_-ONbEy8QWiXajHt7Vit0K0vaSgHBe-yNIlZMFjAIe0/s1827/D0200D31-194A-469F-BB64-C0E56339C678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1827" data-original-width="1827" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1wus-zkaQ0ebTtXQwO2zxjKcLYIfwrYqTUC9BTvEHSN-Ple-YACJnMO9U_qIuimmeBy8lawgY7tiJPLCN9WoaRhwEslbE3Km_-ONbEy8QWiXajHt7Vit0K0vaSgHBe-yNIlZMFjAIe0/w640-h640/D0200D31-194A-469F-BB64-C0E56339C678.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Chuck and I met on Facebook, in one of those "silver singles" groups, and got married a couple of months after that. While living in Chicagoland, we've spent our time between Illinois and Utah because that's where our kids and grandkids are. Utah will be our home base, where we plan to boondock (camp in free areas, like Bureau of Land Management land), visit national parks (Utah boasts FIVE of them), and see our kids and family.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe7rptFp6KsyBWnJ7U0Y7HzNxaMnvHizhP46K98Q4gcRm7E8XvnirlpsG2S7TWbyAibXpsJ5DLrGsWfXcTeZPhc3l0Ms5nvg0juB0_fqIn7Vzv9N3TLw-fsDXsmrGF21TiRwUP-_EzE8/s2048/IMG_9790+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="2048" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe7rptFp6KsyBWnJ7U0Y7HzNxaMnvHizhP46K98Q4gcRm7E8XvnirlpsG2S7TWbyAibXpsJ5DLrGsWfXcTeZPhc3l0Ms5nvg0juB0_fqIn7Vzv9N3TLw-fsDXsmrGF21TiRwUP-_EzE8/w640-h346/IMG_9790+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck with Bumble & Bee, at General RV in Huntley, Illinois.<br />This was the bitter cold day Aunt Bee made her maiden journey home. </td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">My blog was known as Randomocity for a long time, but with this big change, I've rebranded it; <i>The Bees' RV</i>. </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We have a truck named Bumble, and our RV is Aunt Bee, and my dog is Bristol. Lots of bees buzzing around here! </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYxeZBxeWzu8FKcLYwMfupRzyCQvE2J9RKRIC0zpEeAGo9nYxl6KH6dfLXRKQDpc558vXEQlKrxXi_QLOQ_IZoQTqGTWZ6tZZV3w8o73uKMnjLKdb-pLFWbLwWO26ycIa0sGDdrcCp3I/s2048/IMG_7275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYxeZBxeWzu8FKcLYwMfupRzyCQvE2J9RKRIC0zpEeAGo9nYxl6KH6dfLXRKQDpc558vXEQlKrxXi_QLOQ_IZoQTqGTWZ6tZZV3w8o73uKMnjLKdb-pLFWbLwWO26ycIa0sGDdrcCp3I/w640-h480/IMG_7275.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the Bees: Chuck, Sami, Bristol, and Denise<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Are we crazy? The jury is still out, but if you are considering the full-time RV life, you may want to avoid doing it during a polar vortex, while trying to sell your house, and trying to work from home. Life is hectic and busy for everyone; there's just no sense in trying to set any records for making it any more crazy than it has to be. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">If you're interested in following us on our adventures, you can subscribe to my blog, or follow me on Facebook (Denise Beidler Bennorth), or on Instagram (TheBeesRV). </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></p>Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-80702532604151209572020-11-19T10:54:00.001-06:002020-11-19T11:10:27.377-06:00So, This Is Sixty<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqMiH6pIK-DLhX0Lgf8BaD1mbvZapbr8tladoYHcUl_Q34whPYB8aVJTcXZ3H8LIJAeO46yeeaIGBBbxBSFYRmVhXr0Y3LT3oSRgzZ_lBRL79HDsKSMVECVJ-mkuqzwXZ9jPkkJs_7-4/s2048/Hood+Bday-IMG_9474-+20201118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqMiH6pIK-DLhX0Lgf8BaD1mbvZapbr8tladoYHcUl_Q34whPYB8aVJTcXZ3H8LIJAeO46yeeaIGBBbxBSFYRmVhXr0Y3LT3oSRgzZ_lBRL79HDsKSMVECVJ-mkuqzwXZ9jPkkJs_7-4/w640-h640/Hood+Bday-IMG_9474-+20201118.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 60th Birthday to Me!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, this is sixty. This girl was born in 1960, which meant I would be turning 60 in 2020. Sounded like a magical mathematical happening. I had big dreams of turning 60 in 2020. There seemed to be a lot of good juju in all those even numbers. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">My only birthday wish was to spend this golden birthday with my children in Utah. No presents; no party; just my kids and Chuck.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">New Year's 2020 arrived with all its fanfare, and then the Coronavirus reared its ugly head. The last time I saw my kids in Utah was in March, just before most of the nation went into quarantine mode. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Chuck and I just knew this pandemic would all blow over by the time Memorial Day arrived. No? Then by Labor Day, for sure. Huh...well, for dang sure by my birthday in November. Oops. That was a big, fat <i>NO</i>, too.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXNtaVP1jHoVlhQss2Rt29qOTF9q5LE93udnm9fMLkHDTsWHCbnLUl2bAKgCCRkfAj4MxNukYQMiDA50werK1hIYINk2EfioIBqWNUpuOv66G47ks2T2I4tEyqcQwdoCqf99kPulhKq0/s600/124523687_10158667054215586_1899817611162763715_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXNtaVP1jHoVlhQss2Rt29qOTF9q5LE93udnm9fMLkHDTsWHCbnLUl2bAKgCCRkfAj4MxNukYQMiDA50werK1hIYINk2EfioIBqWNUpuOv66G47ks2T2I4tEyqcQwdoCqf99kPulhKq0/w334-h400/124523687_10158667054215586_1899817611162763715_n.jpg" width="334" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">After we told the kids we were staying home, I started to dread my birthday. I worried my Seasonal Affective Disorder would be raging without having contact with most of our kids for so long. I was so grateful that Chuck's boys who live nearby had made plans to celebrate with me, but then Illinois tightened visiting mandates, too. Those plans were dashed with the others. I couldn't win for losing.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Long story very short; I have an amazing circle of family and friends who love me too much to let me have a lousy birthday. You guys are the BEST. My birthday during this stinkin' pandemic may end up being one of the best in my whole entire life. I may have had to wear a mask with my friends, and I may not have been able to celebrate IN PERSON with our family, but thanks to my daughter, I received so many cards and birthday wishes. She had intended to have me open them in Utah at her house, and at the last minute, shipped them all to Illinois. I just cried when I saw so many envelopes, and recognized so many names. Later, I was able to read all of the emails that had been sent her way.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">It was a very, very good day, after all.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITY3QrhUL5FHfGWoWaszNXEajiMlg5r3FWDRoudHmnZ3QtiYMC4ilUI31D4WEd-cbQMKs7KjnZjR95iA5FuKsH4T0CTrlaK23mrmKA8nsYEt9WKqXRHN10K0E9lsJAokUR-2GO0NDmTE/s2048/Heinz-IMG_3991-+20201118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITY3QrhUL5FHfGWoWaszNXEajiMlg5r3FWDRoudHmnZ3QtiYMC4ilUI31D4WEd-cbQMKs7KjnZjR95iA5FuKsH4T0CTrlaK23mrmKA8nsYEt9WKqXRHN10K0E9lsJAokUR-2GO0NDmTE/w640-h640/Heinz-IMG_3991-+20201118.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>My BFF Susan and I took photos at Heinz Garden Center. She made a gift basket that contained SIXTY things in my favorite color, ORANGE. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiWnknZOllS3j1pA1nDj4qJB4yfcKkJ-EHxy5dGkTZ6OWsmPrrDdkqgMiGVpWIqMAv1dHnG4rZ9iDkR0R9TPRUqtDl4H6myV4GMZEEs9ATqkYoccgLPKsxYRIQnc-uTopSgVXWPGMI9w/s2048/Floral-IMG_4044-+20201118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiWnknZOllS3j1pA1nDj4qJB4yfcKkJ-EHxy5dGkTZ6OWsmPrrDdkqgMiGVpWIqMAv1dHnG4rZ9iDkR0R9TPRUqtDl4H6myV4GMZEEs9ATqkYoccgLPKsxYRIQnc-uTopSgVXWPGMI9w/w640-h640/Floral-IMG_4044-+20201118.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Family friends sent a gorgeous floral arrangement. <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63f7hv778KnYdAxYQURi-apQ2_14RU5oklPGx2RxBeehU3Gus5e6pQzm5fufn_JRxqlkwYsW5H1AHDMbgbeNUOH1zB9HaBRfeJjwf9JAkDxcrurrZ7NT5uIreFHzE6c9agPxlygs7VJY/s2048/Hood+Bday-IMG_9460-+20201118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63f7hv778KnYdAxYQURi-apQ2_14RU5oklPGx2RxBeehU3Gus5e6pQzm5fufn_JRxqlkwYsW5H1AHDMbgbeNUOH1zB9HaBRfeJjwf9JAkDxcrurrZ7NT5uIreFHzE6c9agPxlygs7VJY/w640-h426/Hood+Bday-IMG_9460-+20201118.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Neighbors gathered in front of our house, and sang Happy Birthday, and brought balloons and gifts. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82ycVsomncp1mmoTCyVw0LBRPF6aF2yezqMn_0uQMgvRcJLt4R-qU12H-TzFf2DoNt0ZwJCp0TJtzEj8fPTBsikFnsujf2r7ielaC3n4q4fxdmTSQ_k1Mhr-BgRlrsgi_r5-_MFrtElc/s1200/IMG_6528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82ycVsomncp1mmoTCyVw0LBRPF6aF2yezqMn_0uQMgvRcJLt4R-qU12H-TzFf2DoNt0ZwJCp0TJtzEj8fPTBsikFnsujf2r7ielaC3n4q4fxdmTSQ_k1Mhr-BgRlrsgi_r5-_MFrtElc/w640-h480/IMG_6528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">We Skyped with our Utah kids. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR1Q0_xpM1LlBMtzUM8faeHkODh1wQmY7Ow3dOesS6g0GUNmmft0CHPnUXD9gj0xqTxWLsm4aQhdtEmh7Vi9BRXbcpYnWu6WUJkA63A45QYWqfF3h9DjX1A0kQpzJe4tD-kFbdOwbqCo/s1412/IMG_6545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="1412" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR1Q0_xpM1LlBMtzUM8faeHkODh1wQmY7Ow3dOesS6g0GUNmmft0CHPnUXD9gj0xqTxWLsm4aQhdtEmh7Vi9BRXbcpYnWu6WUJkA63A45QYWqfF3h9DjX1A0kQpzJe4tD-kFbdOwbqCo/s320/IMG_6545.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;">My sweet daughter-in-law FaceTimed us with our three grandkids. CJ, who nicknamed me Grandma Poo, can't wait to bake cookies with me again. Aly, trying to copy CJ, called me Grandma Poop. They kept trying to correct her. Baby Caden is already smiling, and is such a big boy.</p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">My day began and ended with birds. I always think of my dad when I see cardinals, and the whole time Jackie and I were on the phone, I watched several cardinals flitting from tree to tree in my backyard. Was that a sign, Daddy? I like to think so.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLHQUlv40Fk8z6q3JbJyc1yvuiZqNJBTNMOtcNElDwPTqJDbdHINwqwWPyRBPQkcetmkpi7p_Debz7Nbx5QchCojSIiIiex1CMuEFF7fwjKHuhGGErSPJ5Hp5DeQhYUvVVr5EF4Gq5Ss/s2048/owl-IMG_4074-+20201118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1639" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLHQUlv40Fk8z6q3JbJyc1yvuiZqNJBTNMOtcNElDwPTqJDbdHINwqwWPyRBPQkcetmkpi7p_Debz7Nbx5QchCojSIiIiex1CMuEFF7fwjKHuhGGErSPJ5Hp5DeQhYUvVVr5EF4Gq5Ss/w512-h640/owl-IMG_4074-+20201118.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>And after our neighborhood celebration, I saw my owl in a nearby tree. He didn't talk to me this time, but just seeing him again was a beautiful gift. <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">My day was filled with phone calls, texts, and Facebook notifications. Wow. Just wow.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">I FEEL SO LOVED. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I will respond to all of those cards and letters in the coming days. 2020 doesn't have to suck, not if you have good friends and family who love you. Thanks so much.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF37YBj6CnQVN-B2ZdResdfWXUET72x5HEy3y8VVjaXWhp3MswJ4jrnWhdFrtHieBKRc3pFgu5f3Ex__h3ThtI2BzgChqXS2VOBn4QDdUR56vEBNcg_mzeES6JyMej3wlEBbFZrHenbFo/s1005/IMG_6536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1005" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF37YBj6CnQVN-B2ZdResdfWXUET72x5HEy3y8VVjaXWhp3MswJ4jrnWhdFrtHieBKRc3pFgu5f3Ex__h3ThtI2BzgChqXS2VOBn4QDdUR56vEBNcg_mzeES6JyMej3wlEBbFZrHenbFo/w640-h640/IMG_6536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-64145043842190703022020-07-25T10:58:00.000-05:002020-07-25T10:58:09.716-05:00Folks of Fall<div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5">Summer lovers, you may want to skip this one. If you love summer, I hope you enjoy every single moment. I'm glad you do. I won't yuck on your yum; please, don't yuck on mine. I like summer well enough; I just don't do well in the damp heat of Illinois.</font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="1880" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4J4U2cUTcr1t8svxtbH6k2BhSSOpZm29DdEknaq1eJZ09kls1ScNypQrXCMCnO3VevTaD8lB2XPgimKJlcFJpEkq_pbKSNH42qxoahmNBnlmowp36-e35Nc-29-Jn1uyPhyweoIL9mGY/w625-h524/I+know+it%2527s+July%252C+but+I+have+a+bad+case+of+AUTUMN+on+the+brain..png" style="text-align: left;" width="625" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5">For the folks focusing on fall, you are my people. We're already thinking about pumpkin spice recipes, and wanting to light some autumn candles.</font><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">We're eyeing those sweaters in the back of the drawer, and thinking about cooler weather and hot beverages. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5">Chuck just doesn't understand how I can like fall better than summer. </font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5">"What ACTIVITIES do you like better in the fall?" he wants to know. "What can you do in the fall that you can't do in the summer?"</font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5">It's not so much the activities, as it is the WEATHER.</font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2VIdJrElhmbQIMU51CnxNOy-a5vBk_fVaT_cuFY22tzszTxrywfI8mt4I38eJrLWIkzN-Ud_SzQ4DSceXQynaLYZLYm-sHhu7ZW9AvbG2EtsbE_g9IYEjWGKutFXdUjjWqAqtDnhTrg/s1024/And+into+the+forest+I+goto+lose+my+mindand+find+my+soul..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2VIdJrElhmbQIMU51CnxNOy-a5vBk_fVaT_cuFY22tzszTxrywfI8mt4I38eJrLWIkzN-Ud_SzQ4DSceXQynaLYZLYm-sHhu7ZW9AvbG2EtsbE_g9IYEjWGKutFXdUjjWqAqtDnhTrg/w625-h469/And+into+the+forest+I+goto+lose+my+mindand+find+my+soul..png" width="625" /></a></div><font face="georgia" size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5">Basically, I can enjoy ANY activity better in the fall because I'm not sweating, dehydrating, or feeling faint because of the heat and humidity. Walking and hiking and biking are all more fun, if I'm not feeling like I'm going to have heat stroke.</font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5">I have a weakness for pumpkin patches, fall leaves, and all things pumpkin spice. I'm also counting down the days until I don't have to mow the yard, and I can watch the leaves change. Mmm...I love me some fall. </font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAm-qyUWATp9TuvkA6-HH9DukX56E2_YCtxH213yG5rRuUYIlvEz1FrZGKhTMDlh27eFdpU10knDzlMihEsqCRHhOLGaDBKjHiKYFObVh8Xj5D2HNUGSMb7D0Ld62ZCmOgx59WpuW0o10/s1024/_She+breathed+in+the+crisp+autumn+air%252C+hoping+the+loveliness+of+nature+would+somehow+cleanse+her+soul+and+overshadow+her+sorrow._-+J.E.B.+Spredemann%252C+Amish+by+Accident.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAm-qyUWATp9TuvkA6-HH9DukX56E2_YCtxH213yG5rRuUYIlvEz1FrZGKhTMDlh27eFdpU10knDzlMihEsqCRHhOLGaDBKjHiKYFObVh8Xj5D2HNUGSMb7D0Ld62ZCmOgx59WpuW0o10/w625-h469/_She+breathed+in+the+crisp+autumn+air%252C+hoping+the+loveliness+of+nature+would+somehow+cleanse+her+soul+and+overshadow+her+sorrow._-+J.E.B.+Spredemann%252C+Amish+by+Accident.png" width="625" /></a></div><font face="georgia" size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5">Fall is coming; I felt a hint of cool last week when I was mowing my grass, and it was like a glimpse of heaven. I felt tingly all over, thinking that my super-hot summer days are numbered.</font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHnSVArEi6eK2Ak5noaZ0V-Zhz3eKHJn7XnY1khL7Xh5HXhLlrv2D-Kjmhxhg2l56tDuMnw60D6NXrVpJhDOOC8m7tsXeCSupzqpsgCGAXO7R6ASZg6nsIFDsQ4bTw32WFcKTIZhRuk4/s1600/You%2527re+Not+Goingto+Master+the+rest+of+your+Life+in+One+day.Just+relax.Master+today.Then+just+keep+doing+that+each+New+day..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHnSVArEi6eK2Ak5noaZ0V-Zhz3eKHJn7XnY1khL7Xh5HXhLlrv2D-Kjmhxhg2l56tDuMnw60D6NXrVpJhDOOC8m7tsXeCSupzqpsgCGAXO7R6ASZg6nsIFDsQ4bTw32WFcKTIZhRuk4/w625-h625/You%2527re+Not+Goingto+Master+the+rest+of+your+Life+in+One+day.Just+relax.Master+today.Then+just+keep+doing+that+each+New+day..png" width="625" /></a></div><font face="georgia" size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><font face="georgia" size="5">Sure, we'll enjoy the rest of the summer, but in our hearts, the folks of fall are dreaming of the days to come. </font></div>Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-36794045764949336262020-02-26T20:22:00.001-06:002020-02-26T20:22:14.631-06:00The Lone Sledder<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Separating the room-darkening curtain panels that protect my bedroom from sunlight, I was pleased to see it had snowed during the night. This was no Snowmageddon, as had been predicted, but our lawn was covered in a blanket of white. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hmmm...fresh snow, on a school day, meant I could be <a href="https://denisebennorth.blogspot.com/2018/02/queen-of-hill.html">Queen of the Sledding Hill</a> once more. I needed to act fast. Any amount of sun and warmth would melt what little snow we had. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Making haste, I tugged on my clothes, located my ski gloves, hat, and coat. In our poorly lit front hall, I dug through our closet to find my winter boots. I tied the laces, and went gallumphing through the house, and out to the garage to grab my trusty orange sled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was it; I was really going to go sledding. Yes, it's true, I'm just a big kid at heart. This 59-year-old loves whooshing down a hill on a sled. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the loan of your right boot today, Chuck.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I arrived at the city park, there was only one car in the parking lot, and not a child in sight. So far, so good. When I swung my feet out of my Highlander, I had to laugh. I had grabbed two different boots; one of mine, and one of Chuck's. No wonder my right foot was sliding around so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As I trudged to the edge of the hill, I noticed that the grey skies were becoming more blue above me. And then I saw the sign. CLOSED. What? How in the world could the city close the sledding hill on a snow day?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ugh. I've been a goody-two-shoes all my life. I don't break laws. Was this a law? Probably not. I began splitting hairs as I was in the throes of my current moral dilemma. It was probably a strong suggestion; okay, maybe it was a rule for children, to keep them safe. Most of the time, I try to follow rules, but I've been known to push the envelope a little bit, when a rule seems silly or unnecessary. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ever the good girl, I tried to call the park district to ask for permission. After listening to all of the menu options, and selecting one, I was then presented with another set of menu options. I ended the call. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Who was it that said, "It's easier to ask forgiveness, than permission"? Today, that would be my motto. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What's the worst that could happen? A park city employee might say, "Hey, lady, didn't you see the sign?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Maybe a policeman would flash his lights, and park behind my car to give me a warning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Seriously, I'm pretty sure no one is going to arrest a 59-year-old grandma for sledding down a hill. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With a grunt, I landed ungracefully on top of my sled, and scooted it forward. I wanted to record my one and only sledding experience for this winter. I'm so glad I did. Nothing makes me feel more like a kid these days than flying down a hill of snow. I just couldn't help but giggle. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5bcjTkLdkaz8uMZN-jH2E759b9uFRhh84zDxTvu6JiGLXDoFikLAXtHcS8htjZtzwUaGlN6Muhbsqt4ZsuBePCCQEWfLjsNLMCveYWyup0M9BpqbcuxR2KjXULCo7y79IGLRJ1wpVhQ/s1600/IMG_6326+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5bcjTkLdkaz8uMZN-jH2E759b9uFRhh84zDxTvu6JiGLXDoFikLAXtHcS8htjZtzwUaGlN6Muhbsqt4ZsuBePCCQEWfLjsNLMCveYWyup0M9BpqbcuxR2KjXULCo7y79IGLRJ1wpVhQ/s640/IMG_6326+2.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I got to the bottom, I looked around to see if I'd drawn any attention to myself. Not a soul to observe my bold adventure. Seeing my single track on the hill made me feel pretty proud. I huffed and puffed back up the hill, and counted my blessings that I can still do this kind of thing. I didn't want to tempt fate with a second run, so I packed up my sled, and headed home. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaiWuvYrDbTYnOoV7uOeRClhcbS9HE2898jr6lFwA5CEwyz6HkczM8LTsFJO_87vlge2_k2s6bznp7sA1iDXK_aVlo_ddZZu4qXkOhkdhSX9pUDn6WOZiSIqVzJ5jwE-_6TdhDHJr2DA/s1600/IMG_6333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaiWuvYrDbTYnOoV7uOeRClhcbS9HE2898jr6lFwA5CEwyz6HkczM8LTsFJO_87vlge2_k2s6bznp7sA1iDXK_aVlo_ddZZu4qXkOhkdhSX9pUDn6WOZiSIqVzJ5jwE-_6TdhDHJr2DA/s640/IMG_6333.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With my feet propped up on my recliner, and Bristol by my side, I sent my video to my kids and a couple of friends. Dylan asked if I went on any sweet jumps. Gotta love his imagination.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyW43W7o-JPO7FLWSA5tWaBX2Z3oHjiIENsxcjmDZhso9IW02eMkzmK9GOLMNjO_tPy8JNas9a1Xfm_r15AzBppukpH7fRhs7eTuveDuEm0Pf_1vkq5C3IitUQcgoc73Djg8dkuo8Ze-o/s1600/IMG_6335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyW43W7o-JPO7FLWSA5tWaBX2Z3oHjiIENsxcjmDZhso9IW02eMkzmK9GOLMNjO_tPy8JNas9a1Xfm_r15AzBppukpH7fRhs7eTuveDuEm0Pf_1vkq5C3IitUQcgoc73Djg8dkuo8Ze-o/s640/IMG_6335.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"COPPERS???"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I watched out the window, as a few small snowflakes swirled to the ground. I don't think any coppers will be trying to track down the lone sledder today.</span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-9529615502696020692020-01-02T09:44:00.001-06:002020-01-02T17:40:36.707-06:00A Vision for 2020<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqz6-CzSEyw8ElA2vnPmA3pN7wf-W1WXsMhzde5EIFu1s5RTD2UJpoIfztPRXoJXYybd_TRzWCF16wGA2-0ZbIEiOQ5vE2CwK2Uo_0l1zIKFcAO2CfDcl2a2fMn2RMakj0Jt5RBPCEhOY/s1600/NEW+YEAR+SAME+ME.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqz6-CzSEyw8ElA2vnPmA3pN7wf-W1WXsMhzde5EIFu1s5RTD2UJpoIfztPRXoJXYybd_TRzWCF16wGA2-0ZbIEiOQ5vE2CwK2Uo_0l1zIKFcAO2CfDcl2a2fMn2RMakj0Jt5RBPCEhOY/s640/NEW+YEAR+SAME+ME.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See that wrinkled nose? When I'm smiling hard, my nose tends to do that. I was outside, in the snow, on a mountain,<br />
with all of my kids and Chuck. I could NOT have been happier in this moment of time.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2020. I love the way it sounds; the repetition of the twenties just rolls off the tongue. I like the way it looks; the alternating twos and zeroes has a tidy appearance. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmY3oOkjTalYn3lOT8rraHhw_SNlYhv-dhS0nBuMaMtp729rPGdElGuxXi59uSKo4CLm4Ra_uWH6gVZziKZmxUw6usrJVOMXIT0f4W0au-ak_qtEjFHiblAXl8mtsJnrH9DOiD6wFFhZg/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmY3oOkjTalYn3lOT8rraHhw_SNlYhv-dhS0nBuMaMtp729rPGdElGuxXi59uSKo4CLm4Ra_uWH6gVZziKZmxUw6usrJVOMXIT0f4W0au-ak_qtEjFHiblAXl8mtsJnrH9DOiD6wFFhZg/s640/IMG_0681.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Utah Kids</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2020 is going to be a big year for me. Maybe not a year of big changes, but I will celebrate my sixtieth birthday toward the end of the year. I think it's kind of cool that I was born in 1960, and will turn 60 in 2020. I like all of those even numbers. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrwDqO0Yy1RkMaFVcKkazlo2GvfWkWj8-zKLTHJHnFhaIzAmXI8n89cCwzeGbV9_C_HC6GzzC1yVk9t5Ee4y9Lmf-2_gtUPGJDBRJnC94Kq2ZvMQHhobwqMmvi5USrpQ_znxssdQGrks/s1600/IMG_3466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrwDqO0Yy1RkMaFVcKkazlo2GvfWkWj8-zKLTHJHnFhaIzAmXI8n89cCwzeGbV9_C_HC6GzzC1yVk9t5Ee4y9Lmf-2_gtUPGJDBRJnC94Kq2ZvMQHhobwqMmvi5USrpQ_znxssdQGrks/s640/IMG_3466.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a small representation of my side of the family; we are missing so many who live in Virginia.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2020 will be about PRIORITIES. For a few years, I've chosen a word for the year. As of yesterday, I only had vague thoughts about my word, but after hearing from two of my kids who had chosen their word, and their wanting to know what my word was, I decided to consider my choice thoughtfully. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-KpOjPXokRpEEdWVRtaukw7LdWhtOittBEsB1_uciw3eTN8-kwQhKldfyAjnS5k4WIJhZP_csG9FK-e0Rvdc2VySUDFritb5TBN_RQ_PuiCU8zj7f59slAOPEFqc9qrVRVHZRR8LFkA/s1600/IMG_2229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="959" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-KpOjPXokRpEEdWVRtaukw7LdWhtOittBEsB1_uciw3eTN8-kwQhKldfyAjnS5k4WIJhZP_csG9FK-e0Rvdc2VySUDFritb5TBN_RQ_PuiCU8zj7f59slAOPEFqc9qrVRVHZRR8LFkA/s640/IMG_2229.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome and me.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2020 will be filled with our family and friends. Relationships and connection are so important to me. Face-to-face time, and phone calls, and emails, and texts are ways to connect, and I hope I do a good job of telling people I love how important they are to me. I want my husband and our kids to know they are my number one priority because my family is everything to me. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2XxRtjv2zs74OQhC_UejjaN76JLf-g_HJV0ij81FwtHuJ0aPEAZ6ef-fnpgKrtgJ9Ubz8nEUU-GRKO1jnl_KUwSwumGLVHF1jSvfSDcsEVQDBCZIPaI-U0t9X1bhkYE1SuEhB6aqYTU/s1600/IMG_5888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1600" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2XxRtjv2zs74OQhC_UejjaN76JLf-g_HJV0ij81FwtHuJ0aPEAZ6ef-fnpgKrtgJ9Ubz8nEUU-GRKO1jnl_KUwSwumGLVHF1jSvfSDcsEVQDBCZIPaI-U0t9X1bhkYE1SuEhB6aqYTU/s640/IMG_5888.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've met so many creative people out here in Illinois. This particular group is an amazing group of poets and authors. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My circle of friends has grown since moving to Illinois. I want to deepen the relationships I have with my new friends, and stay connected with my faraway friends in Utah, Virginia, and various places around the world. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5RR1rec5peFq6OKcbX2XRDU4NpGYN8CWHGIGNQXu-LX7L_yYNqIjLvMtq0ayQhfNiaFOiTECg0CGufslad4AtfQdX-JAxwYsGAKa0pL8OHWSAEDbQTeBQVx3Xb6xgg_B_jKzOHh1L5g/s1600/IMG_5356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5RR1rec5peFq6OKcbX2XRDU4NpGYN8CWHGIGNQXu-LX7L_yYNqIjLvMtq0ayQhfNiaFOiTECg0CGufslad4AtfQdX-JAxwYsGAKa0pL8OHWSAEDbQTeBQVx3Xb6xgg_B_jKzOHh1L5g/s640/IMG_5356.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2020 will be about spiritual growth. This last year I feel like I lost my way for awhile. I want to experience reverence and spirituality. I want to honor God with my life, and with service to others. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLrRgWNr4skf7kbPKmc1QuA0BPbP3Kh0SPFIZReaS9937L8QfoEZMdgVrg6STinfnoruYp8kjOvkYueH4uGvcUS5GHMsCgmZFs6ud1FwFj5QCnGFIhGlLfwsDdYniqNMLOpMlEaP5K90/s1600/IMG_9183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLrRgWNr4skf7kbPKmc1QuA0BPbP3Kh0SPFIZReaS9937L8QfoEZMdgVrg6STinfnoruYp8kjOvkYueH4uGvcUS5GHMsCgmZFs6ud1FwFj5QCnGFIhGlLfwsDdYniqNMLOpMlEaP5K90/s640/IMG_9183.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They call me Grandma Poo.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2020 will be full of photographs and memories. I want to pursue my photography and my writing with more enthusiasm. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGL2ExwBazxsMTQFc7VGUYfgx_LJMW4J6thNczAA9zUKu7ei80lSyZ7D7hN6zGAOsajH9gPoEEAOizfg_QHGjTR_P4ljpuMsTKdXjefh80K7HT6lasd4v0jJvzTXYFGn4xfRVe39xbYuY/s1600/IMG_7166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGL2ExwBazxsMTQFc7VGUYfgx_LJMW4J6thNczAA9zUKu7ei80lSyZ7D7hN6zGAOsajH9gPoEEAOizfg_QHGjTR_P4ljpuMsTKdXjefh80K7HT6lasd4v0jJvzTXYFGn4xfRVe39xbYuY/s640/IMG_7166.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In November, I hiked in knee-deep snow in search of a Christmas tree while we were in Utah. I cannot wait to hike again!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2020 will be an active year for me. So much of 2019 was spent nursing my bum knees, and then rehabilitating the new knees after double knee replacement. I want to get back to my yoga practice, and walking outdoors. Hiking in Utah is something I want to do the rest of my life.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hdO0gzsct-bIWDpQHjtf9Wjs-xXLnBkdAL5xABmOD0JEiCLy4Eanf5KHjavnwVXeb5ji7JdBp8ll0-EufUzFjvN4Jm009Vay9bHlFNXMZY-jRIZ7oZYGl1MJIkbt7q6XrihIW1SCl0E/s1600/IMG_7301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hdO0gzsct-bIWDpQHjtf9Wjs-xXLnBkdAL5xABmOD0JEiCLy4Eanf5KHjavnwVXeb5ji7JdBp8ll0-EufUzFjvN4Jm009Vay9bHlFNXMZY-jRIZ7oZYGl1MJIkbt7q6XrihIW1SCl0E/s640/IMG_7301.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the kitchen with my loves. Again, the wrinkled nose is the tip-off; I'm super happy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2020 will be full of laughter because it will be full of my favorite people who make me laugh. I was going through some of Chuck's photos recently, and noticed he had not bothered to edit some of the photos of me. They may not be as flattering when I am laughing, but they remind me of happy moments I love to relive. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXME4rOcEMSlr3SuQNSI_MXvlMQZgMhRALMVn_InLpfnODujOZb2BwSdBD8jGZzrI5szYt4HbBZRIsOrak4b_1yKlMNXSjB277hc5_YeEt5dEcDLFFzN_LsHZOuua6eUXaJP3ARfNo4w/s1600/Bennorth-IMG_2901-+20191221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXME4rOcEMSlr3SuQNSI_MXvlMQZgMhRALMVn_InLpfnODujOZb2BwSdBD8jGZzrI5szYt4HbBZRIsOrak4b_1yKlMNXSjB277hc5_YeEt5dEcDLFFzN_LsHZOuua6eUXaJP3ARfNo4w/s640/Bennorth-IMG_2901-+20191221.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of our Illinois clan.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2020 will be full of adventurous eating. Our kids are all pretty adventurous when it comes to food. I want to try new restaurants and new recipes, and get better at making soups and nutritious dishes. I'm a pretty darn good baker, but I need to expand my culinary talents with veggies and meats!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6-s1E_tb9ML8iLW1O61_HjfUa_Fkx836prvmdK0bXkq7H7uCqlyQ4iQQsBO8XInEq_kXUWSZZnLZodLPPq408IVKs1eq2BleI6e1xNXS4LQEluqoi_OSBqvGh_-mKlTr-jW0DNyMYmw/s1600/IMG_B8D38495E2BA-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1242" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6-s1E_tb9ML8iLW1O61_HjfUa_Fkx836prvmdK0bXkq7H7uCqlyQ4iQQsBO8XInEq_kXUWSZZnLZodLPPq408IVKs1eq2BleI6e1xNXS4LQEluqoi_OSBqvGh_-mKlTr-jW0DNyMYmw/s640/IMG_B8D38495E2BA-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you were to look at my phone usage for last year, you would assume my sole priority was Facebook. While I comforted myself with thinking Facebook is a good way to make connections with others; the truth of the matter is, I spent hours and hours, going down one rabbit hole, then another, and before I'd know it, my day was nearly done, and I had not accomplished much of anything. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandson CJ with his awesome Dad, Chuck's middle son Chris.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The first thing I did this morning, after checking the weather, was delete my Facebook app from my phone. I will still use my computer to look at Facebook, but I want to be intentional about it, wishing friends happy birthday, checking on friends who are grieving or battling illnesses, and reaching out to faraway relatives. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL_xNyJOQax_HRLAiSyyMEQ-typV_bMFM2FEeUmqKvD3Nr1wSwA-X7m41TzhI2y8l_QFlPCAAZPNEYN1dD4p1keTHzEBlyuIY4ssxYhakEXoRjBIJHMEFCefEvI4TilVf8CeuZidT4o4/s1600/IMG_9438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL_xNyJOQax_HRLAiSyyMEQ-typV_bMFM2FEeUmqKvD3Nr1wSwA-X7m41TzhI2y8l_QFlPCAAZPNEYN1dD4p1keTHzEBlyuIY4ssxYhakEXoRjBIJHMEFCefEvI4TilVf8CeuZidT4o4/s640/IMG_9438.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter-in-law with her babies, our grandbabies.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's only 8:35, but I have not spent my two waking hours on social media. What I have done is meditate, take a bath, pick up my groceries and put them away, and I am roasting some vegetables while I WRITE!!! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIdXdkRt3n69nmHppnM2RQ6mPuCe6-Bfr0sbP3AOTrKz3tgDR5Vk8SO7Kw8iGr0VrEbqcine2l9hRVxKy4OpJ_8VzfiEzy1FyosV_hHkHMkq2GuRPcJAlIMspOeFsgBfE-OR_yd_VwRQ/s1600/IMG_0822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1382" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIdXdkRt3n69nmHppnM2RQ6mPuCe6-Bfr0sbP3AOTrKz3tgDR5Vk8SO7Kw8iGr0VrEbqcine2l9hRVxKy4OpJ_8VzfiEzy1FyosV_hHkHMkq2GuRPcJAlIMspOeFsgBfE-OR_yd_VwRQ/s640/IMG_0822.jpg" width="552" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My BFF Susan, my Coffee and Cameras Companion.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Today is off to a great start. It feels good to be intentional about my plans.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVq662Ri-WblwwoDwf8s8z0d79Cf9ahBEvhwqrSgEWs9oCxSTOKIdvb6v3zVQ2y8tEALBm1Kk2cAdr8u5DfIXSz3KbgAmvZIOq5dKrp9SRux3dPGtcxxpEIQ7KG5OXl9aq8fo1Scc52s/s1600/IMG_2827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="960" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVq662Ri-WblwwoDwf8s8z0d79Cf9ahBEvhwqrSgEWs9oCxSTOKIdvb6v3zVQ2y8tEALBm1Kk2cAdr8u5DfIXSz3KbgAmvZIOq5dKrp9SRux3dPGtcxxpEIQ7KG5OXl9aq8fo1Scc52s/s640/IMG_2827.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Do you choose a word for the year? I'd love to know what yours is!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM9jsAOpX30vcncpnOjPckI6kCONz-yQanM9BFdYlbM7Vo9NrjxRLa696NMTBEI4PqfPQ_ogXlDndL_dhBBYMuTxeNFEAPqH03c-VbAvFO6wUNYX8GsQGqfy6kiBImvnrRvIamq3g2xQ/s1600/IMG_7311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM9jsAOpX30vcncpnOjPckI6kCONz-yQanM9BFdYlbM7Vo9NrjxRLa696NMTBEI4PqfPQ_ogXlDndL_dhBBYMuTxeNFEAPqH03c-VbAvFO6wUNYX8GsQGqfy6kiBImvnrRvIamq3g2xQ/s640/IMG_7311.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My firstborn Dylan.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzX-ED-X_5iAzwRJEz6qN2_nPUN1ShCNnDMakR5Tcj_CEv8mp9GniuhQ27GJZKt6NUsmahyphenhyphenk7e-tdoGMgYOc2lvYrsn6Q0-fBZW3CnilL_Q7Ln-Vg_w_PXfpsVERFOOCqDKtCLqoRxbM/s1600/IMG_6942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzX-ED-X_5iAzwRJEz6qN2_nPUN1ShCNnDMakR5Tcj_CEv8mp9GniuhQ27GJZKt6NUsmahyphenhyphenk7e-tdoGMgYOc2lvYrsn6Q0-fBZW3CnilL_Q7Ln-Vg_w_PXfpsVERFOOCqDKtCLqoRxbM/s640/IMG_6942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet Sierra on her wedding day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16tXaQjLjB6y-pXTIH5JLg2SU23cGp2YxJDwXmxPiCFSxoPSDsJg9QGvbB-YCH4XBRugIuU4xkcNrbZd87oTRDNDaS-qcinxRCJ4ZqUM84aETO1Jvhq1Pj34TNLTXYlsRGOjTdPa-hqA/s1600/IMG_7294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16tXaQjLjB6y-pXTIH5JLg2SU23cGp2YxJDwXmxPiCFSxoPSDsJg9QGvbB-YCH4XBRugIuU4xkcNrbZd87oTRDNDaS-qcinxRCJ4ZqUM84aETO1Jvhq1Pj34TNLTXYlsRGOjTdPa-hqA/s640/IMG_7294.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My baby boy Bridger.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJvUCdTFE5qJtHD7fDNutFiyYg9s9PlbStDYcDgGoUyohkr3CmOx9ZSgMn31ZWI97B-PhwNEGqdmaGR9JcqtWrJAclENWx2E9ByaB4C3gVTui72IaDKfbYqywGOjs1RogndBpH75wppE/s1600/IMG_4649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJvUCdTFE5qJtHD7fDNutFiyYg9s9PlbStDYcDgGoUyohkr3CmOx9ZSgMn31ZWI97B-PhwNEGqdmaGR9JcqtWrJAclENWx2E9ByaB4C3gVTui72IaDKfbYqywGOjs1RogndBpH75wppE/s640/IMG_4649.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these boys.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-JZ_IonZ_aygueyY-UV-vFgrLz8CeRbPT07G5Lint9_Ja3W5ZcwUAr0fGnP0lizCURRoEit1JJDPcXfOLfpNTv1KW_FxTPPN-X0XMZGYT5cM7FvZzkEfRewStp3-E0B2o13NTJQugw4/s1600/Bremer+Family-+IMG_3082+-+20190608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-JZ_IonZ_aygueyY-UV-vFgrLz8CeRbPT07G5Lint9_Ja3W5ZcwUAr0fGnP0lizCURRoEit1JJDPcXfOLfpNTv1KW_FxTPPN-X0XMZGYT5cM7FvZzkEfRewStp3-E0B2o13NTJQugw4/s640/Bremer+Family-+IMG_3082+-+20190608.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When your therapist becomes a good friend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rhL_L1aig-NQsZymFgbmpfNJkhq5vjzRpo9TeaDLmUBxJ1DztubawvkcQgfnYGU5FjC8pgrWmtH9Vk1P6CnG2R86hPpdm6Ltuu8N8AD7yoOrFbM6r__6dvqPwDriDnA74UuyQljLSUs/s1600/IMG_2795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rhL_L1aig-NQsZymFgbmpfNJkhq5vjzRpo9TeaDLmUBxJ1DztubawvkcQgfnYGU5FjC8pgrWmtH9Vk1P6CnG2R86hPpdm6Ltuu8N8AD7yoOrFbM6r__6dvqPwDriDnA74UuyQljLSUs/s640/IMG_2795.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love when extended family become friends. Meet Karen, my daughter-in-law's mom. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjsXTmvo3X_fLcThGP8J6qhSWECOfnNgx4VCivmYvFBBPa52n5vlEE6XRbIkTMwj_RyoIXH11M4zZoeni8bbP8lpnN0mXDV1WcAe6VKjDgY-TocRhl8CRdK47YYUblZZyQwTHNSEeGeI/s1600/IMG_3468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjsXTmvo3X_fLcThGP8J6qhSWECOfnNgx4VCivmYvFBBPa52n5vlEE6XRbIkTMwj_RyoIXH11M4zZoeni8bbP8lpnN0mXDV1WcAe6VKjDgY-TocRhl8CRdK47YYUblZZyQwTHNSEeGeI/s640/IMG_3468.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mama.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1kgMCOBjVLv2RSH6ZEYyolju8AhHTqI5Xst3UlsGUMtY40b6DPZ2Ekt-X3v3JsW45AJ1jQqugexwuRQlE2j0vPjWh4-LEAAw7oWFSiGthqbme6vj_T8DFv8TD90ffJteg3PQQeYN60I/s1600/IMG_8665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1kgMCOBjVLv2RSH6ZEYyolju8AhHTqI5Xst3UlsGUMtY40b6DPZ2Ekt-X3v3JsW45AJ1jQqugexwuRQlE2j0vPjWh4-LEAAw7oWFSiGthqbme6vj_T8DFv8TD90ffJteg3PQQeYN60I/s640/IMG_8665.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Natalie and Jackie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My best friend since junior high, Lynn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayxX6NA7Vx2g1IetaD5ZCePubWhIhO1Ei4wL_R_RcHquMTlEsIQ173sGn94Lr6oNCIJXt6I15FrURzzJ-YVey5ios_lI2GShp-Y87T2GAWBtibXTlNgIfmit9O9TlvsOVQRJMjfBJQXE/s1600/IMG_5296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayxX6NA7Vx2g1IetaD5ZCePubWhIhO1Ei4wL_R_RcHquMTlEsIQ173sGn94Lr6oNCIJXt6I15FrURzzJ-YVey5ios_lI2GShp-Y87T2GAWBtibXTlNgIfmit9O9TlvsOVQRJMjfBJQXE/s640/IMG_5296.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie time with some of our Illinois family.</td></tr>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-25698944599576685992020-01-01T20:08:00.005-06:002020-01-01T20:08:36.200-06:00Who Put Jesus in a Burrito?<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas trees fascinate me; I am drawn to them, like a moth to flame. I study them, deciding what it is that I love, and figuring out if it's something I could copy at home. We bought a new tree this year, and I am in love. It was "half off," if I can believe that. Seriously, weeks before Thanksgiving, the store marked EVERY Christmas item half off, which probably means they jacked the prices up so they could reduce the prices to something less horrifying. Okay, that was my inner Scrooge emerging; sorry.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOsKMZadQ79y3ApSXyqTzEchdiz9U5eGexAd-odmnHqY5DlF3MScJApslvwEZVJzVRU5IcFIF5Z-vwDF6UvAek0RZNazUdCJNFntG-jYMbHGhBzleM6OojaEc6xwJnrmh5McX2iz0a1o/s1600/IMG_3942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOsKMZadQ79y3ApSXyqTzEchdiz9U5eGexAd-odmnHqY5DlF3MScJApslvwEZVJzVRU5IcFIF5Z-vwDF6UvAek0RZNazUdCJNFntG-jYMbHGhBzleM6OojaEc6xwJnrmh5McX2iz0a1o/s320/IMG_3942.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year I decided to drape a gauzy, shimmering garland that must be about two feet wide around the tree. What a beautiful product THAT is. And what a pain in the butt to get it wrapped around the tree. It's like trying to put on nylon stockings with fancy rings on every finger. That fabric catches on every little thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">After snagging the ribbon all over the top few branches, I got smart. I stuffed the garland in part of a gift wrap tube I'd snipped to shorten it, and then I could bypass all of the snafus which dangling ribbons create. I just fed the tube through the branches, allowing the ribbon to fall out as I threaded the tube through the branches. I know; my brilliance surprises me, too. I expect MENSA will be contacting me after the holidays to see if I'm interested in joining their illustrious group.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDu6yI_trWhSdmLxP_sutuJGwsvO-hPF1POL-LkshamtgxwgyxnQuznY16ycJBz-wsbP6Jm6Zrtbn1AlXBza9VAOGY9VxnvDj94KXiq9dP3RUxyJeyEm6EjIpqTJgumaz4oOEwmquXSM/s1600/a6d3e861d3c3f1e171b70ec577151226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDu6yI_trWhSdmLxP_sutuJGwsvO-hPF1POL-LkshamtgxwgyxnQuznY16ycJBz-wsbP6Jm6Zrtbn1AlXBza9VAOGY9VxnvDj94KXiq9dP3RUxyJeyEm6EjIpqTJgumaz4oOEwmquXSM/s320/a6d3e861d3c3f1e171b70ec577151226.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Look closely, and you will notice the lace valance is being pulled over by a guide wire. This is<br />the Christmas tree that fell over several times before we got smart, and used a wire and hooks<br />to keep the tree upright.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the years, I've tried just about every tree there is: real (that one became a serious fire hazard because I like my tree up for about a month and a half); real, ultra large (fell over about five times before we wired it to the window frames); artificial (that one smacked of fake-ness); and flocked (that one left a crumbly, white mess for me to clean for the next several weeks).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of our ornaments is my very favorite, a small handmade clay ornament of Jesus in the manger that I purchased at a holiday boutique when Sierra was born.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many years later, when my youngest was old enough to talk, the children and I were in the living room decorating our large live tree. Bridger tapped me on the back as I was unpacking the Christmas ornaments.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">"Mama, look, somebody put Jesus in a burrito!" </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy79sUIF9XmNTjH7m_7mJDeAKcpFJu6cq-MF75khax1T1qFm9QI0As80OaMl0pgm8Tkhq-BR_xlVHS1TCtJoxM72zLwOBvqLGBrGPSPKAMSy9wzcbO3-tmxgmiY8aPgxfcwlkwwkJWRRg/s1600/IMG_2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1239" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy79sUIF9XmNTjH7m_7mJDeAKcpFJu6cq-MF75khax1T1qFm9QI0As80OaMl0pgm8Tkhq-BR_xlVHS1TCtJoxM72zLwOBvqLGBrGPSPKAMSy9wzcbO3-tmxgmiY8aPgxfcwlkwwkJWRRg/s640/IMG_2910.JPG" width="524" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">That is exactly what it looked like. No wonder I love that ornament so much; it combines my favorite holiday with my favorite cuisine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every year, he smiles as we retell the story of Jesus in the burrito. One day, I'll give my favorite ornament to him, so he can tell HIS children the story from his childhood Christmas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Feliz Navidad!</span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-5242056931217092062019-12-03T11:28:00.001-06:002022-11-22T21:22:56.304-06:00Hunting for a Christmas Tree, LITERALLY <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eN8g03P075TYF7zXfO-rGxXsdPrH3qewfzQna9igGZF5YH4x_xJCTuhGgtg3pDr7GO78xPInxXLt3P8GqPTYj10Ggbj1BKdGZN6hsHEiirNEy-adRTIIhpDECEUbskfpQfd8SWpq_rU/s1600/Wedding-+IMG_4692+-+20191130.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eN8g03P075TYF7zXfO-rGxXsdPrH3qewfzQna9igGZF5YH4x_xJCTuhGgtg3pDr7GO78xPInxXLt3P8GqPTYj10Ggbj1BKdGZN6hsHEiirNEy-adRTIIhpDECEUbskfpQfd8SWpq_rU/s640/Wedding-+IMG_4692+-+20191130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes family traditions are borne out of necessity. Take Christmas tree hunting with a shotgun, for example. (See the picture above. Chuck captured this awesome image last weekend in Pine Valley, Utah. Bridger is carrying on a three decades' long tradition of shooting the Christmas tree with a shotgun. Look at the tree shuddering the snow off its branches, and the red shotgun shell flying out of the gun. PERFECTION!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Waaay back in 1989, when Dylan was nearly three, and Sierra was a brand-new baby, their dad took our family up in the hills above Annabella, Utah, in search of a Christmas tree. We finally found the tree we wanted, but soon realized we had forgotten anything to chop down the tree. Not an axe, or a hatchet, or a saw. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No worries. A quick inventory of the old pickup revealed another option; a shotgun. A shotgun, you say? Well, sure. It works pretty well, if you shoot the gun enough times at the base of the tree. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Little Dylan hoisted the gun up to his little shoulder with the help of his dad, and they blasted away at the tree. Once the tree was on the ground, Dylan "tagged" the tree with the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) tree permit, just like hunters do with their deer. He was so proud that he "shooted" his first Christmas tree when we were hunting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That week, he shared his exciting hunting adventure during show and tell at preschool. No one believed him. I picked up a very distraught little boy after work that day. "The kids said I lied, Mom, but it's true, isn't it? I DID go Christmas tree hunting, and I did shoot that tree, didn't I?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I smoothed his soft, blonde hair, and wrapped him in a big hug. "Yes, you really did, Dylsy. You shot that tree and tagged it, too. We really did go Christmas tree hunting. Your friends don't understand because we are probably the only family who shoot down trees with a gun. But <i>we</i> know; you DID shoot down that tree with a gun, and you DID tag it. You are a good Christmas tree hunter."</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYIksmmdNxSw0vbJJ1j5r376lMG9VwCmIkcn060UzcI4E5oAQ4SojcLyoh1J4l5FY1hgOldl3if9YConq0ht3a-mTLkcSsvN0fn3TcKsA4g7EeBTXh7_MJCrPPIZR7lNUAFST4D3VcjM/s1600/Christmas+Tree+Hunting-IMG_7369-+20191130.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYIksmmdNxSw0vbJJ1j5r376lMG9VwCmIkcn060UzcI4E5oAQ4SojcLyoh1J4l5FY1hgOldl3if9YConq0ht3a-mTLkcSsvN0fn3TcKsA4g7EeBTXh7_MJCrPPIZR7lNUAFST4D3VcjM/s640/Christmas+Tree+Hunting-IMG_7369-+20191130.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dylan, the first Christmas tree hunter, with his wife Jamie.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year, Dylan and his wife Jamie, invited us to go tree hunting with them. I was so excited for Chuck to experience this first-hand. He'd heard the family stories; he wanted to document it for himself. We're so glad he did. That first picture at the top of the page is incredible!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrwc_f9EvfxvroHJp37fMslCt2r5dnG-xMhVpUgyLNvbs0lg6rru5eMELm2ud0yf0m8OFGTylT9FImYJ4Eoh2alALRDUg9xachCq-3ScryeTi6OSZpcqTETInNwnUnGY61eO-5luqS0k/s1600/Christmas+Tree+Hunting-IMG_7471-+20191130.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrwc_f9EvfxvroHJp37fMslCt2r5dnG-xMhVpUgyLNvbs0lg6rru5eMELm2ud0yf0m8OFGTylT9FImYJ4Eoh2alALRDUg9xachCq-3ScryeTi6OSZpcqTETInNwnUnGY61eO-5luqS0k/s640/Christmas+Tree+Hunting-IMG_7471-+20191130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After a beautiful drive to Grass Valley, near Saint George, Utah, we tromped through the snow in search of the perfect tree. It all sounds so idyllic, doesn't it? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MhBRCs1CKZLbiYJ5e-zohZYIlAHO9MJRZOsekeTk_8wgXeBeLo6s_Mi0eizOyx_q_ixstYQsF5bqmBpi5iR7lKZ_1KOXaCe35Rj2XYfEYbZZ4gi16iavNRx3gySDcy96P6BShyphenhyphenhyphenhyphenNwg/s1600/IMG_1904.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MhBRCs1CKZLbiYJ5e-zohZYIlAHO9MJRZOsekeTk_8wgXeBeLo6s_Mi0eizOyx_q_ixstYQsF5bqmBpi5iR7lKZ_1KOXaCe35Rj2XYfEYbZZ4gi16iavNRx3gySDcy96P6BShyphenhyphenhyphenhyphenNwg/s640/IMG_1904.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, like most family outings, this one wasn't without its problems. The pickup got stuck in the snow, and Dylan had to shovel to get his truck out of the rut. Jamie lost her cell phone in a huge snowdrift, and didn't realize right away. Lucky for her, she found it pretty quickly. Sierra ended up injuring her knee when she fell on a big rock hidden under the fluffy snow. I'm happy to report that my knees held up wonderfully hiking through the deep snow, but during the 27 hour car ride back to Illinois, they reminded me every time I tried to relax that they'd had a big workout.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our time in Utah was full of family time, and my heart is overflowing with the good memories. We celebrated Thanksgiving with our Utah kids, and had a little Christmas while we were all together. We ate so much good food every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My big accomplishment today? I overcame my fear of writing in my blog. It has been a long time since I've written here. I've wanted to tell this story for a few years; I'm glad I finally did. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7n-OoWEZmoqA-dZEHqTpeplmbb8weq5na45Ybi1jvgpG-71bMdiYhXA15V27Qkj0czebbWr54vyLKq2jwhJWTfJlSj9nANsMoQyA4K4sZ_TkCo5hBhTV4l-GlnTzyZtBrbKyNoiGrtAI/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7n-OoWEZmoqA-dZEHqTpeplmbb8weq5na45Ybi1jvgpG-71bMdiYhXA15V27Qkj0czebbWr54vyLKq2jwhJWTfJlSj9nANsMoQyA4K4sZ_TkCo5hBhTV4l-GlnTzyZtBrbKyNoiGrtAI/s640/IMG_1903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Holidays, friends. I hope you spend your special days with your special people, enjoying your traditions, and maybe creating some new ones. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0ZoloP-yQPmXFIl6Ph9wRXd-8_bAg5-fvCxm6Y5x84NyKW6WTdo2iPNbLNNuOmhIsH0WP3ztLUMwZm-jPb4_587ChYpVAiDFTndNLj04AJE-oHqsO6wTjtyK-JEbXuHa755DQID9jYc/s1600/Christmas+Tree+Hunting-IMG_7452-+20191130.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0ZoloP-yQPmXFIl6Ph9wRXd-8_bAg5-fvCxm6Y5x84NyKW6WTdo2iPNbLNNuOmhIsH0WP3ztLUMwZm-jPb4_587ChYpVAiDFTndNLj04AJE-oHqsO6wTjtyK-JEbXuHa755DQID9jYc/s640/Christmas+Tree+Hunting-IMG_7452-+20191130.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck and Dylan got to go shooting together. Hmmm...maybe they should have clarified what exactly they'd be shooting. 😄</td></tr>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-85950527078922858052019-06-24T10:30:00.001-05:002019-06-25T13:49:51.981-05:00Fear of Missing Out: Family Edition<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our whirlwind weekend road trips are becoming our thing. Chuck and I just returned from a three day trip in Virginia. My sweetheart helps me optimize our time with my family by driving all night long to arrive early enough on a Friday to spend the whole day at our destination, and driving all night back home so we can squeeze every possible moment out of our Sunday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I drove about 10 hours on our way to Virginia, supplementing my non-stop snacking with coffee and Pepsi, just trying to stay awake while at the wheel. Whenever it was my time to rest, I would lie back momentarily, and then I would just sit up, and talk Chuck's ear off, because I was too excited to sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After fourteen hours in the car, Chuck and I met my brother Danny at the Waffle House in Waynesboro, Virginia at seven in the morning. That is Chuck's all-time favorite breakfast spot. Danny and I jokingly call it Awful House, but we both enjoyed our time together while we ate with Chuck. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then we got back in the car to drive to Mom and Richard's. Mom kept saying, "You need to take a nap; I can see it in your eyes." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"No-ooo. I don't want to miss a thing while I'm here. I'll sleep when I get back to Illinois." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out is a real thing when I visit my family. I force myself to stay awake as long as I can, just so I can take advantage of every moment we have together. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuscatube, LLC, Waynesboro, VA</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While Chuck caught up on sleep, Mom, Richard, and I went to Tuscatube to visit my brother Danny at his business. Wow. He is doing so well; I know Daddy would have been so very proud of his boy who is an international businessman. We toured Danny's shop, and saw his ovens that can burn off paint and debris off of large iron items. It was fun to meet his work crew, and see our niece Michaela while we were there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mom treated us to a fun dinner at Golden Corral with my sister Kathy's family. There was so much good-natured teasing and laughter while we were together. Chuck was in heaven; two of his favorite restaurants in one day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After dinner, we headed down Afton Mountain to visit Jackie and Natalie in Amherst for the rest of the weekend. Even though I'd only slept about three hours the night before, we girls stayed up until 11:30, talking and laughing until we had to admit we were too tired to keep going.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bz1hhkmP965IWS6wwh8V_yQI55jaTHcEYK5-l0y6_HUxyQvu7MZtKmLQHKoS6CQvgFuSgezx_pzTIqVF4tzEk-YAxqDUgbo4S4aLoVY8ZdGT_mrif6ZcGsULAvhyphenhyphenOX9JWA0Hlwal7oY/s1600/IMG_6466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bz1hhkmP965IWS6wwh8V_yQI55jaTHcEYK5-l0y6_HUxyQvu7MZtKmLQHKoS6CQvgFuSgezx_pzTIqVF4tzEk-YAxqDUgbo4S4aLoVY8ZdGT_mrif6ZcGsULAvhyphenhyphenOX9JWA0Hlwal7oY/s640/IMG_6466.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jackie and I enjoyed the cool breeze on the screened-in porch, sipping our hot tea and coffee, while we talked quietly, until Chuck and Natalie joined us for breakfast. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4erDZagvVunjf0gdLc7ixZuIs-3aTMwFeiRUpafcsQ6mJH3MeSNtEZUe0JkyOo9noXziDKgVLa7IiWCr0qmhd0qD8qvS46qV-A9CrZu2btZyqovbYx0zyMVpMvgBvUzCcfCL7M3NJ4Q/s1600/IMG_6453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4erDZagvVunjf0gdLc7ixZuIs-3aTMwFeiRUpafcsQ6mJH3MeSNtEZUe0JkyOo9noXziDKgVLa7IiWCr0qmhd0qD8qvS46qV-A9CrZu2btZyqovbYx0zyMVpMvgBvUzCcfCL7M3NJ4Q/s640/IMG_6453.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A caricature of Daddy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Danny and Becky came to Amherst for supper. After we ate, we went through boxes of Daddy's mementos. We reminisced about some of our favorite memories, and we learned new things as we looked through the papers and photos Dad had saved during his lifetime. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There may have been many yawns coming from my corner of the room, but I couldn't bear to leave the group's conversation and laughter, so I just hung in there as long as I could. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sunday, we went to Jackie's church in Clifford, and stayed afterwards to take photos for the congregation's reception during coffee hour. I love old churches with their stained glass windows, and it was nice to see some of Jackie's dearest friends. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9TyE-0kx87jItgI1M9GMHRNuR9gQwzvLny41SSgSii16h2IHo61wr1rmReOw2POKESVtE9lQkBqbLUY6eUHb65mevFKZ4446_e1Ehtkh4siAIKvu4oWJxIKb9UHzaVj0xf4vdePB3Ow/s1600/Amherst+Nelson+Counties-IMG_8699-+20190623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9TyE-0kx87jItgI1M9GMHRNuR9gQwzvLny41SSgSii16h2IHo61wr1rmReOw2POKESVtE9lQkBqbLUY6eUHb65mevFKZ4446_e1Ehtkh4siAIKvu4oWJxIKb9UHzaVj0xf4vdePB3Ow/s640/Amherst+Nelson+Counties-IMG_8699-+20190623.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bennett & Lynn</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Having four brothers, four sisters, and two moms spreads me pretty thin when it comes to visiting my family, but no trip to Virginia is complete without a visit to my friends Lynn and Bennett. They have been two of my dearest friends most of my life, and it thrills me to see my friends so happily married. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We sat on the front porch, enjoying a sweet breeze and ice-cold drinks. The conversation flowed easily, as we caught up on each other's lives, and reminisced together. The beagles and old Labrador enjoyed the extra attention from the visiting dog lovers. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhWagoW4_XMQI6M7Lqc7B2RIwL28UgQeONHrfrqh_WcgucYm9LmYQ4rSmQU38hshivENLEufJPSr7MAmVmvNFlkkU1nA5bmXbOhq0wOMEMJIFq6v1hGVkUTCVtlBaVgUFUJPhNSt_hT8/s1600/Amherst+Nelson+Counties-IMG_8694-+20190623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhWagoW4_XMQI6M7Lqc7B2RIwL28UgQeONHrfrqh_WcgucYm9LmYQ4rSmQU38hshivENLEufJPSr7MAmVmvNFlkkU1nA5bmXbOhq0wOMEMJIFq6v1hGVkUTCVtlBaVgUFUJPhNSt_hT8/s640/Amherst+Nelson+Counties-IMG_8694-+20190623.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite place to sit and visit.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When Chuck and I finally said our goodbyes, I offered to drive first. It's a good thing I did; I only made it a couple of hours, and then Chuck had to take over. I drove another couple of hours after midnight to give Chuck a break. Then I just crashed in the passenger seat for the rest of our trip home. Chuck was such a trouper, listening to his book on Audible, and cheerfully did the lion's share of driving last night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As soon as we got home, I started laundry, and then set myself at the computer to revisit the memories we made in Virginia. Scattered throughout this post are some of my favorite shots from the weekend. I'll treasure the memories of these smiles and the laughter for months to come. </span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-71857872675121284632019-06-09T23:19:00.000-05:002019-06-09T23:19:56.239-05:00Smiling with Pride<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjS1UF1ftGrPlZdQYLbkgAIbL2fEvxt6-b272M-oo8f5OHHoN3Hrqh1rkZGT5OucXTIhIRQ-gNN0h-lmnn59j5ucOK0GFCFMynb_-mmCXu8IZxT18tHV_Nk84fAT1jRkrMWh4j5Mmrjc/s1600/Pride-IMG_7752-+20190609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjS1UF1ftGrPlZdQYLbkgAIbL2fEvxt6-b272M-oo8f5OHHoN3Hrqh1rkZGT5OucXTIhIRQ-gNN0h-lmnn59j5ucOK0GFCFMynb_-mmCXu8IZxT18tHV_Nk84fAT1jRkrMWh4j5Mmrjc/s640/Pride-IMG_7752-+20190609.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin and Pride Parade participants</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Aurora Pride Parade in Illinois was today. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My husband and I had the privilege of witnessing so much love and happiness as we photographed the beautiful people there. The</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> positive energy was contagious, and even though it was very warm and muggy, I hardly noticed the weather. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2J53sTQSQGFJi-u_hbRBdfwTvthcaFbNVXf_DnphzPh4Q43NjeoWk77jslmJDMyw0XQL9Pu2P1rtyg28QC7hNxNmOL2MqQiHMf1vfmYmTUX3iNQWwUufb8KkiAsRAkmG5EG2vSv4m5x0/s1600/Pride+Mom-IMG_7917-+20190609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2J53sTQSQGFJi-u_hbRBdfwTvthcaFbNVXf_DnphzPh4Q43NjeoWk77jslmJDMyw0XQL9Pu2P1rtyg28QC7hNxNmOL2MqQiHMf1vfmYmTUX3iNQWwUufb8KkiAsRAkmG5EG2vSv4m5x0/s640/Pride+Mom-IMG_7917-+20190609.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FREE MOM HUGS</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There were so many mamas wearing their "Free Mom Hugs" t-shirts, and dads wearing corresponding "Dads Hug, Too" shirts. There were couples, families, politicians, churches, and businesses marching to show their love and support. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was my first Pride parade, and I completely underestimated how well-attended the event would be. We had to walk quite a distance from the place we finally parked our car. The sidewalks were packed with people, and the streets were full of parade participants. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicago Pride Guard</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Everyone we met was happy to pose for the camera. When Chuck asked the Chicago Pride Guard if they would perform for us while they were waiting their turn to march, they obliged us with an energetic, and well-executed routine!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By the time the parade was over, my cheeks actually hurt from smiling so much. I can't wait until next year. I'm going to have to get me one of those "Free Mom Hugs" shirts. If you know me, you know I'm a hugger. Right now, I'm still smiling, thinking about all of the smiles we captured with our cameras. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here are some of my favorite images from today. My husband and I will be posting all of our edited photos to our Facebook page soon. Look for Bennorth Images to see if your photo is there!</span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-4373777637833064372019-06-08T09:15:00.003-05:002019-06-08T09:15:59.219-05:00Cut from the Same Cloth<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v3FAjlRW3I0G2dJgNzOiHNpI_ZbBO7sJFaTKwWTDSq38xNovd_bb29l_EoO4SGa05dOO5ZqlYLWqVGqLwnU7sryqpz_qITupfd6CoNFbWJd34QcQudRGzP3BlAdxtMvY751DcYcwP6M/s1600/d+and+b-+IMG_4805+-+20190323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v3FAjlRW3I0G2dJgNzOiHNpI_ZbBO7sJFaTKwWTDSq38xNovd_bb29l_EoO4SGa05dOO5ZqlYLWqVGqLwnU7sryqpz_qITupfd6CoNFbWJd34QcQudRGzP3BlAdxtMvY751DcYcwP6M/s640/d+and+b-+IMG_4805+-+20190323.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Chuck Bennorth</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bristol and I were cut from the same cloth. We would rather be home than anywhere else. Both of us enjoy watermelon and taking naps. We're a little stubborn, and we are happy when we get our own way. We like meeting new people, and probably overwhelm them at first with our outgoing personalities. I like to think we have a good connection.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizS8OChW_q-95laQLvkomUUwmAEhmkpfmMkqviOgiocARhuuM_c9UtXXZisXWxbE7m4fcQQb2ZLlKPuQMh74TgdkLBvTt_2p4UEw1sD_0T_rrWdwsgZdo_LIWaP74iLqY52mgxbeinkWg/s1600/Bristol-IMG_0204-+20190115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizS8OChW_q-95laQLvkomUUwmAEhmkpfmMkqviOgiocARhuuM_c9UtXXZisXWxbE7m4fcQQb2ZLlKPuQMh74TgdkLBvTt_2p4UEw1sD_0T_rrWdwsgZdo_LIWaP74iLqY52mgxbeinkWg/s640/Bristol-IMG_0204-+20190115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A few months ago, Dr. Kelly told Bristol he had to lose some weight. She thought 77 pounds was a little too much for his frame; he's shorter than you might suspect. We were to cut back on his meal portions, and snacks, too. She encouraged me to walk him more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Since my knee injury in November, I haven't done much walking, and have exercised at the pool mostly. My knee has not gotten better despite cortisone and gel injections, so I'm waiting to get two new knees in September. My knee surgeon informed me a couple weeks ago that yes, my knees will hurt, but, yes, I need to walk anyway. I have a few pounds of my own to lose before my surgery. (Thirty, to be exact.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These last three months have been hard for Bristol. He has whined even more than he did before, usually sitting in front the tote where we store the dog food. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28jj4k8H9UxlAEkYSRuLrFdFxJY0ywhrKYqyOFjxRlYXAlcArbuNuMN2vpC48QJOWSP5yF1UgZHDNWFzjVuxZe4pi7SJoawQUo71y_VQ-xaLVfsGGeniJGVtQImihnLUHZ_2rojIzZ7Q/s1600/Bristol-IMG_0225-+20190115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1535" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28jj4k8H9UxlAEkYSRuLrFdFxJY0ywhrKYqyOFjxRlYXAlcArbuNuMN2vpC48QJOWSP5yF1UgZHDNWFzjVuxZe4pi7SJoawQUo71y_VQ-xaLVfsGGeniJGVtQImihnLUHZ_2rojIzZ7Q/s640/Bristol-IMG_0225-+20190115.jpg" width="612" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Bristol's kibble portions were cut back, and peanut butter in his Kong toy became a thing of the past. When I fed him snacks, I gave him watermelon and green beans. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Just this week, I looked at Bristol's wide, wide back, and told Chuck, "I don't think Bristol has lost much weight, but his harness seems looser, so I'm hoping that's a good sign!"</span></div>
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This morning while my sweet husband was sleeping in, I decided it would be a good time to weigh Bristol at the vet. Since the dogs have yet to master jumping into the back of the Highlander, and I was not up to the task of hoisting the two of them into the car, I decided to walk them. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I finally got Bristol on the doctor's scale, I stared in disbelief. "That can't be right!" I told the technician. I dragged Bristol back to the scale to see if I could get a different number. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No, there was no denying it. My big galoot had gained 10 pounds. My heart fell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Buddy, you and I are more alike than I care to admit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">We won't give up, though. We're stubborn like that.</span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-88126174737063302282019-06-04T15:50:00.002-05:002019-06-04T15:50:18.732-05:00Out of Towners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In our marriage, there are times when one of us is out of town without the other. Typically, I'm the one traveling because my kids all live in Utah, and the rest of our kids live in Illinois.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Days before I leave, Chuck starts making his plans. "I'm going to watch <insert gory/war/action movie title here>. I'm going to get Lou Malnati's sausage pizza. And I'm going to run the dishwasher every day, if I feel like it." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Give that man a little freedom, and he goes crazy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We don't watch a lot of TV or movies; most of our time together is spent TAKING pictures, and EDITING pictures. When I watch a movie, I want to feel good, and if possible, I want to laugh out loud. I don't share Chuck's enthusiasm for the classic American action film. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLFO0A4rmrtARuPm41mN-Di6VknZTPSZIWyXZa8nuXuHfkX1BgubpNcHT-uOHGR8cPx6f5Es5tLwvZUlRqm8DN_jKMtN0RxZyqixJZjyGdytFUwqRcWUc2hyphenhyphenkYMpoWz2IXaSU8OFeBew/s1600/IMG_8873.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLFO0A4rmrtARuPm41mN-Di6VknZTPSZIWyXZa8nuXuHfkX1BgubpNcHT-uOHGR8cPx6f5Es5tLwvZUlRqm8DN_jKMtN0RxZyqixJZjyGdytFUwqRcWUc2hyphenhyphenkYMpoWz2IXaSU8OFeBew/s320/IMG_8873.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We could eat pizza every night, and it wouldn't be too often for Chuck. For the first couple of years we were married, I was the one ordering pineapple or veggies on my half of the pizza. I'm slowly converting to eating sausage; it's a preferred Bennorth topping, and it's just easier to not be the odd girl out every time the family orders pizza. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Poor Chuck; he hates that I would rather wash a couple of things by hand than run a nearly empty dishwasher when his favorite spoons are dirty. I pack the dishwasher until it is at fully capacity before I run it. Yes, we both believe our own way it is the right way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tonight, the tables are turned; Chuck is the out of towner, and I'm staying home with the dogs. All afternoon, I have pondered how I want to spend our time apart. You can bet I'm not running the dishwasher, and probably won't until Chuck gets back home! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The TV remote is mine alone, so I can watch anything I want; a romantic comedy, or Queer Eye, or Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Who am I kidding? I'll probably just watch Gilmore Girls again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What about dinner, though? Should I get a Portillo's Chicago-style dog? Oh, I do like those, and Chuck is not a fan at all. I also considered picking up a cauliflower pizza from the next town over, but they're pretty pricey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hah! I just found a recipe for <a href="https://ifoodreal.com/cauliflower-pizza-crust/">CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST</a> on the iFOODreal website. I love to bake, and I'm trying to find other ways to entertain myself that don't include flour, sugar, and chocolate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My evening is coming together nicely. I'll find something to watch on TV while the pizza is baking. Then my crazy night of pizza and TV will be spent with Bristol and Sami. We Bennorths know how to party.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Come home soon, Honey. I'll try not to go too crazy. </span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-13210563853804586062019-04-04T11:09:00.001-05:002019-04-04T22:38:20.779-05:00More than a Makeover<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b4jq6" data-offset-key="9fiug-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Netflix</td></tr>
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<span data-offset-key="9fiug-0-0"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thanks to the Netflix series <i><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80160037">Queer Eye</a></i>, I am stepping up my game. Now, if you know me, I love to score a deal shopping; yeah, I'm cheap. So I take mental notes while watching <i>Queer Eye</i>, and try to figure out how I can copy what they're doing without breaking the bank. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="9obgo-0-0"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jonathan Van Ness, with his long-flowing mane, has me using moisturizer regularly. My poor face seemed to go from oily T-zone to scaly and dry overnight. (Anyone have a suggestion for the best way to exfoliate, that's frugal, too?) While Jonathan's moisturizer is $48, mine was only $4.00 at Aldi's, and I'm pretty happy with my results. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3rhcg-0-0"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In one episode, Tan France put a woman in a pair of Madewell jeans, and she just gushed over how comfortable they were. I haven't been in a comfortable pair of jeans for a couple of years. I've been wearing bootcut (Tan says that's a big no) yoga pants for the last couple of years. I love my yoga pants; they are so forgiving, and have been kind enough to grow with me. (Yikes; I know.) So I looked up Madewell's skinny jeans online. At $100 a pair, I just can't justify the expense. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Luckily, I was able to score a pair of Kut from the Kloth skinny jeans at the thrift shop yesterday for $4.99 ($89 retail from Amazon). They have some stretch to them, and feel great! Bonus; they're not so tight around my swollen knees that they cut off my circulation!
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Antoni Porowsk has great ideas for recipes, potlucks, and comfort food. Karamo Brown helps people find their niche in their communities. Bobby Berk has a wonderful knack for helping others discover their decorating style.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Even more important than the physical makeovers the Fab Five do so beautifully are the emotional and spiritual makeovers. Each episode is full of hope, inspiration, and unconditional love. These guys have gone from hoping for tolerance to earning acceptance in the most unusual places.
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you haven't watched <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80160037">Queer Eye (More than a Makeover) </a>lately, you might want to try it out. I'm so glad they're not just helping straight guys. We could all benefit from their expertise and loving inclusion.</span></span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-64240354332298540182019-03-23T14:08:00.002-05:002019-03-23T14:08:11.335-05:00The Battle Ensues<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">When I say I'm battling depression, I don't mean it's beating me down; I mean I am fighting it with every resource I have. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Talk therapy has helped me rediscover my voice, and my passion. I found a counselor who feels like a wise confidant, and a dear friend. She helps me question my habits, and the way I have always done things. She encourages me to take care of myself, and to be honest about my feelings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Each morning I make sure I use my light therapy box. Even though spring was officially beginning the week Amazon delivered my light box, I knew that the forecasted rainy days would take a toll on me, and I'm so glad to have my artificial sunshine on the days when the Illinois sky is covered in rain clouds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You may wonder if I'm medicated. I am. I take my meds for depression and anxiety. (Yeah, I tried experimenting with tapering off of them. After two sleepless nights, I realized they really are helping me.) Melatonin helps me sleep well beyond three in the morning, and often I wake after Chuck has left for work these days. (WHAT?!? I know. I tell you; I really am enjoying not feeling anxiety in the middle of the night that I need to get up, and start the coffee maker, and get my day going.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When my physical therapist recommended I join the gym to continue my knee rehabilitation, I jumped at the chance. I've missed working out, and I'm finding the time spent there makes my knee hurt less, and my body feel stronger. Being in the water reminds me of happy childhood memories at the pool and beach, and the aquatics classes make the time pass quickly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The CALM app has been a great resource that I use just about every single day. I have utilized the masters classes on mindful eating, gratitude, and breaking bad habits and overcoming addictions (don't be too worried; my addiction is food (bingeing in response to emotions). I enjoy the daily meditations, and the bedtime stories. (You've never heard a bedtime story until you've heard Matthew McConaughey's soft southern drawl lull you to sleep.) The nature sounds, and ambient music are helpful in relieving my anxiety. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Being intentional with social media is something I'm attempting to do. The first thing I did was delete my photography app, Guru Shots. I was spending 3-4 hours a day with my photos, and viewing other photographers' work. While I was seeing positive results in my photography, I decided I needed to better utilize my time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Deleting the Facebook app for a week was an eye-opener. My screen time (measured by an app on my iPhone) went down by 40%. I'm experimenting with managing our business pages on social media. I re-installed it, and suspended receiving notifications, and put it on a back page on my screen. I deleted the app again today. It's hard for me to find a happy balance. I tend to be an "all or none" kind of person. I'll keep working at this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With my phone becoming less of a priority, I have more time available to work out at the pool, take exercise classes, and walk the dogs. I'm reading more, and listening to podcasts while I do housework, and organize things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Stressful days and emotional moments still happen, but I'm finding new ways to cope. With these blue sky days, I've been known to open the sun roof of my car, and blast country music while I'm driving. At home, I'll turn up the music, and dance my heart out, after an emotional afternoon with my mother-in-law at her assisted living center. I listen to meditations on the Calm app, and lie down with Bristol by my side. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And sometimes, I still eat a little more than I should, or indulge myself with a chocolate bar, but then I pick up where I left off, and try to make better choices later.<br /><br />My confidence grows, believing there will be more good days than bad; more successes than failures. I will win this war; one small battle and triumph at a time. </span></div>
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<br />Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-52735373242743308412019-03-04T10:04:00.000-06:002019-03-04T10:53:30.963-06:00Just STOP It!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Last year, I was hoping to lose about 30 pounds. You remember how I was all gung-ho about my miracle mornings, and my workouts? Yeah, well, here we are a little more than a year later, and I only have FORTY-FIVE pounds to go. Let that sink in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sad, isn't it? What the heck happened, you may be wondering?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Life. Life happened. I've had insomnia all my life, but it got worse. I was dragging through each day. I didn't have the energy to make the bed, or cook healthy meals, let alone tackle monumental goals that require persistence and stamina. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This week I will fly to Utah to see these amazing people and puppies.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Living 1400 miles away from my kids is hard on my heart. I live for their texts, phone calls, and video chats, and seeing them every couple of months. I just miss their dropping by on a Friday night, you know? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My mother-in-law's dementia is getting progressively worse, and she and I were spending several afternoons a week together. There were days I cried in the parking lot of the assisted living center. Many days I ate in the car on the way home, emotionally spent. I would crawl into bed, and sleep until Chuck got home from work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Talking about how I really feel is not something that comes naturally for me. It's so uncomfortable. Basically, I am a woman who desires PERPETUAL PLEASURE. No drama for me, please. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Basically, if you had asked me how I was, I would have had one of two answers. I was either fine, or I was tired. Fine meant well enough; not sick; barely managing to keep my head above water, but not drowning. Tired meant everything else: sad, irritable, upset, depressed, hungry, anxious, lonely, homesick, and/or angry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Tired got me off the hook. I didn't have to stick around and analyze how I was feeling; I could lose myself in a carton of ice cream, go take a nap, and avoid dealing with my emotions a little longer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fast forward to last month. When I described my go-to method of dealing with uncomfortable feelings to my counselor, her eyes went wide. (To be honest, Susan had told me up front that eating disorders are not her specialty, but she would be happy to help me work on setting boundaries, and dealing with emotional issues. She promised to help me find healthy ways to handle anxiety and depression.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So here we were, getting down to the nitty-gritty of my issues, and she was rather surprised to hear me say that whenever I have to deal with anything uncomfortable, I eat until I'm numb. I eat and eat and eat. It soothes me, and gives me pleasurable sensations until I finally forget whatever it was that was bothering me. Perpetual pleasure. Yup. That had been my mantra. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"If I'm sad, I eat. If I'm nervous, I eat. If I'm lonely, I eat. If I'm upset, I eat. If I am hurt, or angry, or embarrassed, I eat."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Denise, it sounds to me like bingeing is a bad habit with you. You just need to STOP IT!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For a moment, I think I just stared at her with my mouth wide open. And then we both laughed, and laughed. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Engelbreit and Susan have things in common. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />It couldn't be that easy, could it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Well, it's been three weeks since she said that to me, and I have to admit, I am doing so much better. There is a calmness that is so welcome in my life. The numbers on the scales are going the other way, which is nice, but there is something so much more important. I'm learning to trust myself again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Admittedly, I've been reading and listening to everything I can about mindfulness and intuitive eating. It's serendipitous how answers come to us when we begin searching for them. (I'll be happy to share resources with you, if you're interested.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Chuck has been so loving and supportive. My kids and I have been talking about talking, and realizing it's hard work, but necessary. I wasn't the best example for them when they were little, and learning how life works. I've apologized, and they've reassured me they'll be okay. I know if we all learn how to talk about the important things, we will be more than okay; we'll be happier and healthier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You want to know the best thing that has come about since I've started going to counseling? I'm having tough conversations, and living to tell about them. I'm finally beating down the imposter syndrome that lied to me, and told me no one wanted to hear what I had to say any more. Sitting down at my computer and writing feels so good this morning. I've missed my blog, and interacting with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"JUST STOP IT" is just what I needed to hear that day. I share this, in case maybe you needed to hear it, too. Or maybe for you, you just need to start something. Whatever you're going through, I hope you know you're not alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's easy to think we're the only one who knows what it's like to feel helpless, and that we're the only one who turns to our bad habits when life gets hard. It's not easy, but we can learn and we can grow. Show that habit who's the boss. Just stop it.</span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-13340892561034615602019-01-18T04:42:00.001-06:002019-01-18T04:46:05.223-06:00In Honor of Mary Oliver: The Journey<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
This blog post was first published in August of 2013.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The Journey</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">One day you finally knew</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">what you had to do, and began,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">though the voices around you</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">kept shouting</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">their bad advice–</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">though the whole house</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">began to tremble</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and you felt the old tug</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">at your ankles.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">“Mend my life!”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">each voice cried.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">But you didn’t stop.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">You knew what you had to do,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">though the wind pried</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">with its stiff fingers</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">at the very foundations,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">though their melancholy</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">was terrible.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">It was already late</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">enough, and a wild night,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and the road full of fallen</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">branches and stones.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">But little by little,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">as you left their voices behind,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the stars began to burn</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">through the sheets of clouds,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and there was a new voice</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">which you slowly</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">recognized as your own,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">that kept you company</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">as you strode deeper and deeper</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">into the world,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">determined to do</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the only thing you could do–</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">determined to save</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the only life you could save.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">–Mary Oliver</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This poem shook me alive as I read it. I felt someone had peered into my very soul, and had written my feelings down for me. There were some who were hurt by my decision to end my 22 year marriage a few years ago, but I have never known the depth of inner peace and happiness I have had in my heart since that time.
This much I know: the very night I moved out of the big farmhouse where I had raised my children, and into my own little house, I was blessed with a confirmation I had made the right choice for me. Insomnia has been my demon through most of my adult life. How would I be able to sleep all alone in that unfamiliar place? Without so much as a sleeping pill, that night I fell into a deep, peaceful sleep. I didn't awake until daylight was peeking through the windows. The bulging knots of tension in my shoulders were gone; the upset stomach and pounding headache had disappeared; I had slept through that whole night. The peace that entered that little home were signs to me that for all the things I may or may not have done well, I had done this one thing right. Heaven had blessed me with the knowledge that I had made the best decision for me at that time.
Last night, I was haunted in my dreams the uncomfortable ghosts of my past; feeling the harsh judgement of others; trying to appear happy when I was not; experiencing the loneliness all over again. Confusion and conflicting emotions were the overriding themes in my dream that are still with me as I try to wake up, and live in this moment.
Living in the now continues to challenge me. I feel irritable and somewhat angry that I would allow something that isn't even real to overshadow the reality, which today is better than that dream. My head is pounding. It is so hard to convince my brain that not only was all of that in the past and it is OVER, it was JUST A DREAM.</span></span></div>
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My journey continues. Of course, there are challenges. I am just grateful for the lessons I've learned along the way. I am finding my voice. I am learning that in order to truly love and be of service to others, I have to love and take care of myself first. That is a tricky thing for most women. We put everyone else first, to the detriment of ourselves at times.
Dwelling in THIS moment, I am grateful for many things. My children bless me by living their lives independently, and making this world a better place with their values, strength, and laughter. My friends continue to buoy me up when I falter, and need support. My cup runneth over.</span></span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am grateful for another sunrise that will help me erase the troubling thoughts from the night. Routines will begin anew, and before I know it, that old dream will be a fading memory. The prayer in my heart will be that I will have learned enough from my past that I won't repeat the same mistakes, and that I will control my thoughts to the point that I will fully immerse myself in the peace that this moment in time offers me. Mmmm...it's there, just waiting for me to come back into it.</span></div>
Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-27396563622906546082018-12-31T15:41:00.001-06:002019-01-24T06:03:40.310-06:00Seeking Silver Linings<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What is wrong with me? There is a dark cloud hanging over me, and I can't quite outrun it. Outrun it? What am I saying? I can barely walk. Almost four weeks ago my right knee gave out on me, and I won't see the knee specialist until later this week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Am I just experiencing the annual post-holiday letdown? Is it that I have been fighting bronchitis and/or a sinus infection for about six weeks? Am I missing all of our kids and the grandchildren? Is it the lack of sleep I've been having because my knee hurts so much? Could it be these grey rainy days that have washed away the little bit of snow we had?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Chuck reminded me yesterday just how wonderful our holidays were. It's true. They were wonderful. We saw ALL of our kids and grandkids within the last three weeks. We made some great memories. I KNOW I don't have much to complain about; I am just experiencing a bit of a funk this week, and I would really like to just get past it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">At this moment, I'm trying to think of three things for which I'm grateful, my silver linings, so to speak. I have my standard three; my default response I've memorized by heart: my husband, our kids, our dogs. That was easy! But today, right now, while my bum knee feels like it is on fire, and lethargy has me watching the minutes whiz by on the clock, and the drizzly rain of the last two days has turned our backyard into a mud derby pit for the dogs, I'm having a harder time getting beyond my pat answers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Do I tell you that I am thankful that things aren't any worse than they are? That's the truth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My Silver Linings Today</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1. I'm grateful I only have one knee that isn't functioning, and that my left knee is pain-free. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2. I'm glad I have this afternoon to myself without any responsibilities, and can rest without too much guilt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3. And I'm thankful that it's raining enough that the dogs only stay out long enough to do their business, and then they hurry back in, which doesn't give their paws enough time to collect much in the way of mud. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What do you do when that dark cloud settles over your head? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yesterday, I slept in, and then I went back to bed. I could feel that familiar yuckiness settling in around me when I woke up in my darkened bedroom, and I finally pushed myself out of bed to try to do some damage control. If there were something I could do to get feeling better, I wanted to try it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After I took a warm bath, I found a healthy snack. Just peeling a little tangerine sent a revitalizing citrus-y scent into the kitchen, and I smiled to myself. I have always loved the smell of oranges. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One of my gifts at Christmas was a vial of essential oils called Smiles for Miles, an uplifting blend. It smells like lemon and orange orchards, and fresh air. I added a few drops of the oil into my diffuser, and hoped the fragrance would lift my mood. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Next I sought out Chuck. I wrapped my arms around his waist under his flannel jacket, and laid my head on chest. "I just need one of your hugs," I told him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"There is no shortage of hugs here," he reminded me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our house was pretty quiet while Chuck was working on his photos, so I asked Alexa to play a favorite album of mine, <i>True North</i> by Jim Green. That is my go-to music when I need a lift or want to relax. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I tried to write, but I couldn't. When my emotions are on the surface, or feel too fresh, it's hard for me to express myself. See, it's easier for me to write about yesterday than today...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Browsing through self-care lists on Pinterest, I felt that most of them smacked of self-indulgence: buy this; buy that (our Christmas bill from VISA will arrive any day), braid your hair (my hair?), get a massage or manicure (again, we've spent plenty this month). The "treat yo'self" motto is fun to say, and </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I used to enjoy retail therapy myself, but that bill that shows up after the new wears off takes most of the fun out of it for me. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'd done some of the other things already: take a bath, eat something healthy...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One suggestion was to cook or bake something. Eating something that wasn't a holiday cookie or candy might be a good idea for this old gal. So I picked a recipe I'd never made before: Swedish Meatballs. They were a little labor-intensive, but a very good comfort food. My husband said he looked forward to eating the leftovers, and the ones I put in the freezer for later. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Another self-care suggestion that I liked was to revisit favorite memories. Chuck and I had just celebrated our fourth anniversary, and I asked him to find our Smash book I made of our first full year together. We sat on the sofa, looking at the pictures, and reading the letters and cards we had sent each other. We're pretty lucky, really.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Today I spent a few hours with Elise, and that helped take my mind off my worries for the morning. Listening to her chatter about preschool and Sunday school made me feel happier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I've cuddled with our dogs. And now I'm writing. And I'm reaching out to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What do you do when you are feeling blue? I'm hoping you have some tried and true things that make a difference that hopefully don't cost a cent. Or maybe you'd like to tell us your silver linings. Please share. I'm all ears. </span></div>
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<br />Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-91514000499942739342018-12-18T20:21:00.001-06:002018-12-18T20:30:53.589-06:00I Love You More: A Game to Play with Your Littles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60R1QROp-54CkLsh22v4PdCImY1uAElrDWXQCJw-CADe8RjuqcMORrj0OwnMcu02Nq_Et9hZKz8jKkBYf1ELwg692mK94I2aT8AGo6xHtDHTcKRNJnemfI1WOlj3JPSu2ntVFSpCLTLw/s1600/I+LOVE+YOU+MORE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60R1QROp-54CkLsh22v4PdCImY1uAElrDWXQCJw-CADe8RjuqcMORrj0OwnMcu02Nq_Et9hZKz8jKkBYf1ELwg692mK94I2aT8AGo6xHtDHTcKRNJnemfI1WOlj3JPSu2ntVFSpCLTLw/s640/I+LOVE+YOU+MORE.png" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While driving my neighbor Elise to preschool, I sing ridiculous lyrics to familiar tunes that seem to entertain my young charge. Old childhood melodies come to me, like "Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush" and "The Hokey Pokey," and I customize the lyrics to include Elise, and her dog Penzey, and preschool, and anything else that comes to mind. It makes her laugh, and I hear her clear voice from the carseat behind me as soon as I finish a stanza, "AGAIN." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Elise has been extra affectionate with her inner circle of family, and I count myself lucky to be numbered as one of her grandmas. I am Grandma Nece. "I love you, Grandma Nece," she will tell me. Those words just melt me. I wanted to play a game with her that I used to play with my own children, and I play it with my grandson. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I Love You More" is an activity that encourages brainstorming, and creative thinking. Elise is so clever and quick, I knew she would come up with some pretty interesting responses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As we were heading to preschool in her family's minivan, Elise said, "I love you!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Oh, yeah? Well, I love YOU more than puppies."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She caught on fast. "Well, I love YOU more than ice cream." We went through a quick list of things we liked, but didn't love as much as each other; things like monkeys, dogs, clouds in the sky, and sunshine. We were both having fun all the way to school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After preschool, we were headed home when Elise piped up:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I love you more than books." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I love you more than broccoli," was my ridiculous comeback.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I love you more than carrot pie," she said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"What in the heck is carrot pie? Is it sweet?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"No," Elise said, "It's crunchy and spicy."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Well, that sounds disgusting, so you better love me more than carrot pie." She laughed and laughed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After we put away her backpack, and I poured her a sippy cup of milk, we went to my house to have a snack, and check on the dogs. Our game resumed as soon as I put her plate in front of her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I love you more than muffins," which she happened to be eating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I love you more than cookies with chocolate frosting." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I love you more than the sprinkles on cookies with frosting."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"WOW, you must love me a lot. I love you more than crocodiles!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I love you more than alligators."</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1JtIeGO4eTWWxWO4Jga96sV0CyFBe1hBK5gPjjs9KPmIpYriHjy_RarRsv9N9uZRjqzWWj52W9Q1Bjy0aOIqtIlzEaxfH8RtELG9NeSjeJxz0zXZDAKQQH7TtESRydhyY4xHHCBWdF8/s1600/Elise-IMG_1656-+20181218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1JtIeGO4eTWWxWO4Jga96sV0CyFBe1hBK5gPjjs9KPmIpYriHjy_RarRsv9N9uZRjqzWWj52W9Q1Bjy0aOIqtIlzEaxfH8RtELG9NeSjeJxz0zXZDAKQQH7TtESRydhyY4xHHCBWdF8/s640/Elise-IMG_1656-+20181218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Elise's creativity came shining through when she said, "I love you more than princess crowns." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Coming from the little princess herself, that's a whole lot of love. I am one lucky Grandma.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeXyPGyRcw8_GBTBnzqGIKogOZFKeqvegyHXPh48QD5y3Bgepm8N-l5ZuaXAESvXf5yH7n7Sy1iDAEbTj-vOzlxBGCFbu98khTIW9va33LmqPwAkNQMUP87OQQGuKTtJBH8xo461iKrs/s1600/Elise-IMG_1698-+20181218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeXyPGyRcw8_GBTBnzqGIKogOZFKeqvegyHXPh48QD5y3Bgepm8N-l5ZuaXAESvXf5yH7n7Sy1iDAEbTj-vOzlxBGCFbu98khTIW9va33LmqPwAkNQMUP87OQQGuKTtJBH8xo461iKrs/s640/Elise-IMG_1698-+20181218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Maybe during the upcoming school vacation, you will have an opportunity to spend some time with your favorite littles. Who couldn't use a little more laughter, and a lot more love in their lives? Everyone wins in the I LOVE YOU MORE game.<br /></span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-8260320500071748392018-12-15T07:50:00.000-06:002018-12-15T07:50:00.790-06:00A Foggy Winter's Night<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After we saw A Christmas Carol at the Albright Community Theatre, Chuck and I walked out into the chill of the night, and were impressed with the heavy fog that gave all of the lights in downtown Batavia a soft glow. Perhaps, like me, you dream of a white Christmas, but the fog does have a certain magical quality of its own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Silhouettes of trees offered a dark contrast to the soft illumination of the holiday lights in the distance. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArpUSwqy9gaA8QH8hM9lHxmJjO6D8bfEZ2xgBPNbsaHmwWCVfH8aKhjdMMiZnIxc7gcdu9WHWeC1JaQsUy0cf4Nos4AzzKR2-3D-wQJ3xPjbcvlmu3Gy-DghdawVT793PhWS-Wxcv57o/s1600/Foggy+Christmas+Batavia-IMG_6366-+20181214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArpUSwqy9gaA8QH8hM9lHxmJjO6D8bfEZ2xgBPNbsaHmwWCVfH8aKhjdMMiZnIxc7gcdu9WHWeC1JaQsUy0cf4Nos4AzzKR2-3D-wQJ3xPjbcvlmu3Gy-DghdawVT793PhWS-Wxcv57o/s640/Foggy+Christmas+Batavia-IMG_6366-+20181214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Headlights and tail lights pierced through the darkness, adding more color and illumination to the holiday scene.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Green wreaths wrapped in old-fashioned colored lights were hung on the lamp posts along the streets of Geneva. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Colored lights resembling pine cones made me think of Daddy's favorite strands of lights; big, fat bulbs of color strung around our Christmas tree we bought from the Lions' Club lot every year when I was growing up in Virginia. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC0CkwdH4Ex4eRVk1B-pEeA2cWenwH7pFTxE3Up5WtLCDAfiYtLD21Vw_LdQBbgNNyyClYSZc0oa-k5cIkUAtj4nqJhtjEbaSRa4B0_15M5lsDZfFijlUkcxbcbvg5ZGz7RDgwmnpXe8/s1600/Foggy+Christmas+Batavia-IMG_6387-+20181214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC0CkwdH4Ex4eRVk1B-pEeA2cWenwH7pFTxE3Up5WtLCDAfiYtLD21Vw_LdQBbgNNyyClYSZc0oa-k5cIkUAtj4nqJhtjEbaSRa4B0_15M5lsDZfFijlUkcxbcbvg5ZGz7RDgwmnpXe8/s640/Foggy+Christmas+Batavia-IMG_6387-+20181214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even the traffic lights were shrouded with fog, and I was reminded to stop to enjoy the beauty of this season. It's everywhere, when we take the time to look, even on a foggy, winter's night. </span></div>
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<br />Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-22066550854247699222018-11-21T13:03:00.004-06:002018-11-21T13:03:43.135-06:00It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhSCt6ertesEf8dcdxTH6ArhB6R_VmXn_Lu00JfOK4H6aGasUTomkSUty7azaIyrsy-LLoMOVM-rrJWfgzD5qQ1VD2mV6rkZ36B-BqlmEAxE805b2QaTsOKoh5C-h_xeN9YD_RgIgM4s/s1600/Shady+Hills-P1020174-+20181121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhSCt6ertesEf8dcdxTH6ArhB6R_VmXn_Lu00JfOK4H6aGasUTomkSUty7azaIyrsy-LLoMOVM-rrJWfgzD5qQ1VD2mV6rkZ36B-BqlmEAxE805b2QaTsOKoh5C-h_xeN9YD_RgIgM4s/s640/Shady+Hills-P1020174-+20181121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I know. I know. We haven't even had our turkey dinner yet, but as soon as we do, I'm all about pulling out my Christmas boxes, and putting up my tree. If I hadn't been sick this last couple of weeks, I would have done it earlier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Coffee and Cameras days have been few and far between for Susan and me. She has such a busy teaching schedule this semester. Thank goodness college professors have holiday breaks, and we were able to have a great morning at the Luau coffee shop in Wasco before driving out to Shady Hills Gardens to explore the poinsettias and holiday decor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It has been such a long time since I felt well, and had energy to go shoot just for fun. Sometimes Chuck and I have commitments for local theaters or the arts council, and while I enjoy those opportunities, I really like to have time to compose a shot, and think about what I want to capture. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaQh5VfYb20zvVf5FnyxNx8f95Lm2hWis_hWXCeXs_mEyWl8n0K2cTbEqgrGhWfNZgaHys1jC7YGVF46xUfQarlmdtO-7-MPty8UbS3sO2EkjxGBPAmA9yxb_wkgaRguHrRHHNasJWQo/s1600/Shady+Hills-P1020221-+20181121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaQh5VfYb20zvVf5FnyxNx8f95Lm2hWis_hWXCeXs_mEyWl8n0K2cTbEqgrGhWfNZgaHys1jC7YGVF46xUfQarlmdtO-7-MPty8UbS3sO2EkjxGBPAmA9yxb_wkgaRguHrRHHNasJWQo/s640/Shady+Hills-P1020221-+20181121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today was so good for my soul. Creating takes energy, but it energizes, too. Have you noticed that? Maybe you bake, or knit, or paint, or act, or sing, or anything that involves producing something you enjoy. I hope as the holiday season gets in full swing, you'll be able to find some time to do the things that make you happy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays, friends. I know sometimes the logistics and planning can overwhelm us, but when it comes right down to it, the opportunities to be with family and friends is what it's all about. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDks81Gglkcu1fs8Sgn3cfE3h-NX1r9GVVeoaAMqMeljly_3ntGSItHk7xuWcGzHwoY7jU1OuItiquYls4rdndfbB_9pbQyeyt6CLaBiu3tT4XkrKdhWBq3s3sfLvOxRa4grNS_4TErw8/s1600/Shady+Hills-P1020208-+20181121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDks81Gglkcu1fs8Sgn3cfE3h-NX1r9GVVeoaAMqMeljly_3ntGSItHk7xuWcGzHwoY7jU1OuItiquYls4rdndfbB_9pbQyeyt6CLaBiu3tT4XkrKdhWBq3s3sfLvOxRa4grNS_4TErw8/s640/Shady+Hills-P1020208-+20181121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Simplify the things you can, and seriously, eliminate the unnecessary. Adopt new traditions that allow everyone, including you, to rest and relax, and just enjoy the special days on your terms. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">However you celebrate the special days in November and December, I hope you take time to enjoy making new memories, as you savor the sweet ones from the past. </span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-59335784791114317602018-11-15T11:12:00.002-06:002018-11-15T11:12:36.976-06:00The Fairest Feet of Faire<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tnuT-U9bVOaxFZVrICXcfCLVPU-9veXIAcyKXaAhT2OagApqhrxASaTlr8-qJsr0HFcQSUtJDPj_Ni_Xcfra_-Veo-y0n_PMan9ZLM6zc3zd0It26wyD9uKX0X2lgvx8WCyvZGDKdRE/s1600/Faire+Footwear-IMG_7664-+20160903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tnuT-U9bVOaxFZVrICXcfCLVPU-9veXIAcyKXaAhT2OagApqhrxASaTlr8-qJsr0HFcQSUtJDPj_Ni_Xcfra_-Veo-y0n_PMan9ZLM6zc3zd0It26wyD9uKX0X2lgvx8WCyvZGDKdRE/s640/Faire+Footwear-IMG_7664-+20160903.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonie the Magnif'cent</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">During the last couple of weeks, I've been working with my photographs, more than my writing. It has been fun to find common themes in my work, and one that has surfaced quite often is FEET, and more specifically, SHOES. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijia8ktkSzSLTZofN_QAX_Jk-yVgXeEhjkSZFNmHOmFRxYwRr_cRdDuhv5SErTYRyvBAUyFkWmn2eir5BrVN49vdg01idE5Jt0jpeprWJ6impmaycX4qcJtWsSGWSBGDYs1HKBkoAa2l0/s1600/Faire+Footwear-IMG_1414-+20170904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijia8ktkSzSLTZofN_QAX_Jk-yVgXeEhjkSZFNmHOmFRxYwRr_cRdDuhv5SErTYRyvBAUyFkWmn2eir5BrVN49vdg01idE5Jt0jpeprWJ6impmaycX4qcJtWsSGWSBGDYs1HKBkoAa2l0/s640/Faire+Footwear-IMG_1414-+20170904.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large of Barely Balanced</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You might find it odd that I take so many pictures of feet, both bare and dressed, but they say so much about a person. Going barefoot, or choosing a particular pair of shoes is a form of expression. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwAG7xhf_bZk_-6A_Uhzb71DKb1P3e86oeuGKYp6lkDxGOObzm6N_Y6eibyjh6qAbWBJ8DxduH03RCDYu2WyOghyphenhyphenE4szxG28ywZgWoIRbVD7zXXxocCgFJ6EKvrKVvTiXSei_wcxnJfE/s1600/Shoes-IMG_8544-+20160905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwAG7xhf_bZk_-6A_Uhzb71DKb1P3e86oeuGKYp6lkDxGOObzm6N_Y6eibyjh6qAbWBJ8DxduH03RCDYu2WyOghyphenhyphenE4szxG28ywZgWoIRbVD7zXXxocCgFJ6EKvrKVvTiXSei_wcxnJfE/s640/Shoes-IMG_8544-+20160905.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Humphrey of the Dirty Duck</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Each summer as I edit my photos from the Bristol Renaissance Faire, there are always a few shots of fashionable footwear featured in my favorite photos. The shoes are as unique as the people who wear them, and tell a lot about the characters. Bristol boots and shoes have a magical quality regular shoes just don't have. For one thing, they're covered in Bristol dust, which is a little like faerie dust, if you ask me. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandmother Cobweb of the Fantastikals</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">At Bristol, I am fascinated with the shoes and boots the actors wear. Most footwear is made of leather. Many have curled up toes, just like the genie shoes I used to make out of Play Doh in kindergarten. Some have ornate buttons. Others are fanciful with decorations or colors. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guild Master Dandy Goodwill</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboeZU2I8bJKkSJ9lyNal9AZVuzC9HpKZWGR350qvaFpVreXpb2wi0jfkoa4u7bA6daYNMnD3_kWwsC4cIeNaa4L31KHpUAhnoGngTy8DdMNRM7SHIbItN3wRcZWsgOYC4YcUmGX5IT20/s1600/Faire+Footwear-IMG_7301-+20160730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So today, I am sharing some of my favorite footwear photographs from the Ren faire. Don't these pictures make you want to get to know the owners of these feet a little better? Or maybe like me, you long to wear fun shoes like these, too. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I think we can agree; these fun foot coverings evoke happy feelings with their whimsical and fanciful touches. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdC1DRJgXMXhT1GGfp2pqNiLiYMglwEB1GVIqyIXfmtcDYHOmDvyxGx0nNJUyySIHTq4ydl8D5ocWor5IGGARYzn7A4aKJvpXl3IyYpKATLRwm8JwBoMHPxbEod_-IMJYhC9ndAy0FeI/s1600/Shoes-IMG_8603-+20170716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdC1DRJgXMXhT1GGfp2pqNiLiYMglwEB1GVIqyIXfmtcDYHOmDvyxGx0nNJUyySIHTq4ydl8D5ocWor5IGGARYzn7A4aKJvpXl3IyYpKATLRwm8JwBoMHPxbEod_-IMJYhC9ndAy0FeI/s400/Shoes-IMG_8603-+20170716.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you had to choose a favorite, which pair would you vote the fairest feet of the faire? </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewQrUKtWB7n_6IUdVn_UZMKiAj8qZEvrhXGPVSdONcCTBBisz2-RWmcwxa-ka6Yz4rnA5ZRjovGFkLqkQ0XB3WdSQVaULMyurKiaxwrZaeD7LKNck6UmTM2hHZNoDm6-44ON3QHikOd8/s1600/Faire+Footwear-IMG_2017-+20150726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewQrUKtWB7n_6IUdVn_UZMKiAj8qZEvrhXGPVSdONcCTBBisz2-RWmcwxa-ka6Yz4rnA5ZRjovGFkLqkQ0XB3WdSQVaULMyurKiaxwrZaeD7LKNck6UmTM2hHZNoDm6-44ON3QHikOd8/s640/Faire+Footwear-IMG_2017-+20150726.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandmother Cobweb</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwGdjwKy1eRxFPnTJzvC51Q_2xv_jk7RP884QZ4jPffrZk2thvBMF3DdVLA3Gk5HqxTtzXWOQ2WBDJvNcppQ8YaSIsAK41rRsq1cPWHOBXVugnPxZkUDi9pcslfQ4TgL9kuufr-xkYvk/s1600/Faire+Footwear-IMG_7640-+20160903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwGdjwKy1eRxFPnTJzvC51Q_2xv_jk7RP884QZ4jPffrZk2thvBMF3DdVLA3Gk5HqxTtzXWOQ2WBDJvNcppQ8YaSIsAK41rRsq1cPWHOBXVugnPxZkUDi9pcslfQ4TgL9kuufr-xkYvk/s640/Faire+Footwear-IMG_7640-+20160903.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandmother Cobweb</td></tr>
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<br />Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-69154862446083520342018-11-13T09:25:00.000-06:002018-11-13T10:01:56.852-06:00Facing the Truth<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Do you think you're codependent?" my therapist asked. I winced as I tried to disappear into her big, purple sofa. I'd been called that before, by someone I did not respect, and who did not respect me. <i>Am</i> I codependent? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The first thing I did when I got home after my counseling session was Google "codependent." I found a check list, of sorts, on <a href="https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/do-you-have-a-codependent-personality.aspx">Everyday Living</a>, and scanned the signs:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Signs of codependency include:</span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; list-style-image: url("https://c-6rtwjumjzx7877x24nrfljx78x2efltwfrjinfx2ehtr.g00.everydayhealth.com/g00/3_c-6bbb.jajwdifdmjfqym.htr_/c-6RTWJUMJZX77x24myyux78x3ax2fx2fnrfljx78.fltwfrjinf.htrx2fjajwdifdmjfqymx2ffwynhqjx2ffwynhqj_gzqqjy_74c4.x78alx3fn65h.rfwpx3dstyMYRQ_$/$/$/$"); list-style-position: outside; margin: 20px 0px 30px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Having difficulty making decisions in a relationship</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Having difficulty identifying your feelings</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Having difficulty communicating in a relationship</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Valuing the approval of others more than valuing yourself</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lacking trust in yourself and having poor self-esteem</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Having fears of abandonment or an obsessive need for approval</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Having an unhealthy dependence on relationships, even at your own cost</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Having an exaggerated sense of responsibility for the actions of others</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whoa. Nothing like reading a list that seems like looking into a mirror. I related to every single item. Don't worry, I won't elaborate on each of the signs, but in an effort to be transparent, I want to tell you a little bit about my struggle, and also, about the baby steps I'm taking to feel better about myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Relationships require a lot of work, and many decisions have to be made. You can imagine how challenging it can be for my husband when I can't even decide on a restaurant, when given a choice. When we are going out to eat, I usually defer to Chuck. When my friend Susan and I go out for coffee, I let her order for me; she always chooses such good combinations, and it's one less decision I have to make. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On a good day, when all is well, and I'm healthy, and I've had enough sleep, people who know me don't even ask how I'm doing. It's obvious. I'm doing GREAT.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But on a less than stellar day, when my mood raises suspicion of something being not quite right, I generally have two responses. "Fine," means "Well enough. I'd rather not</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> elaborate." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My other response is "I'm tired," which could mean a myriad of things depending on the day: "I'm angry. I'm sad. I'm annoyed. I'm grumpy. I'm disappointed. I'm depressed." "I'm tired" can also mean "I'm exhausted." I would just rather not talk about my feelings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Rest assured, if you had to ask me how I'm doing, I'm hoping the conversation will turn to something else because the last thing I want to do is analyze how I'm feeling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After a couple of counseling sessions, I realized being codependent isn't <i>all</i> bad. I love being a caretaker, and I'm happiest when I'm helping someone else. I'm learning it's totally okay for me to ask for what I want, and I've decided to try speaking up with one of the kindest, safest people I know: my husband. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Recently, Chuck and I had a wonderful getaway to Door County, Wisconsin, where we photographed the fall colors for two days. The scenery was breathtaking around every turn. As we were driving home, Chuck asked if there were anything that would make my day special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Gulp. This is where I typically say, "No, I'm good. What about you? Anything you want or need?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You may think I am the weirdest duck in the pond, but asking for what I want is really, really hard for me. And I didn't even want something big. I just wanted a decaf coffee, preferably from a locally-owned, non-chain coffee shop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But you see, we had just moments before pulled off the interstate to get gas, and when Chuck saw it was a mile down the road, and not by the exit, he pulled back onto the road to find one that was conveniently located. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As we were looking for another gas station, I mustered up my courage. "I thought of something I would really like."<br /><br />"What is it? Anything! I want to get if for you."<br /><br />"Well, it might require driving more than a mile off the interstate."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />"That's fine. I don't mind at all, if it's something that would make you happy. What is it?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"A decaf coffee. But not from Starbucks. And not at a gas station. It might be hard to find. And it's okay if you don't want to..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I want to do that for you! Thank you for asking. Just find a coffee shop on your phone, and tell me how to get there."</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We drove three whole miles off the freeway, and as luck would have it, there was a gas station across the street from the Copper Rock Coffee shop in Green Bay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whew. That wasn't so bad. I was able to sip on a steaming cup of coffee during our trip home, and Chuck seemed legitimately happy to be doing something special for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Why did I even mention all of this? I'm admitting life isn't always easy, and I have my share of baggage. I'm letting you know I'm working on my stuff, just like you are working on yours in your own way, and on your own schedule.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This summer, I worked with my doctor to find a medication that will help me deal with my depression without making me feel like a zombie. Then early this fall, I found a counselor I like. It's not her job to tell me what to do; she simply helps me sort out my thoughts so I know what it is I want to do.<br /><br />Facing the truth is hard, but getting to know who we are, and understanding our limitations, and being challenged to become our authentic selves is a good thing. It's not always comfortable, and it sure isn't easy, but it is going to be worth it. We're all in this together. Thanks for cheering me on from the sidelines. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm rooting for you, too. </span></div>
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<br />Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-91323932517283868672018-10-29T12:30:00.000-05:002018-10-29T12:34:11.355-05:00Blessing of the Hands (Daniel L. Harris)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsB_L64feQ0-SDOBZVDlKAuE6euD0I1_HFKJ5c1Uo2RzYPc0ivypNAity_IRBZJXXACMEl5GoFZcPqvarWNDk1YBQnbY-H7lDvD3xFawLLTlg2ApI2qrnIQ6lwjHlKhHUPVlrVDTzKQ0/s1600/Bridger-IMG_4902-+20180707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsB_L64feQ0-SDOBZVDlKAuE6euD0I1_HFKJ5c1Uo2RzYPc0ivypNAity_IRBZJXXACMEl5GoFZcPqvarWNDk1YBQnbY-H7lDvD3xFawLLTlg2ApI2qrnIQ6lwjHlKhHUPVlrVDTzKQ0/s640/Bridger-IMG_4902-+20180707.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Blessing of the Hands</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Revised by Rev. Daniel L. Harris</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxATEPPlVRaotKm9eqXuljp2z-cD8_i4wyw9Ys1QTzNgtOEp5UaMwO7J0ucHQ-RHEuiXcTN1NMV_ozyakuG3eEQeuFvUHlE2jn6N7qf0ABycsAa5YNj1T6BB6jB6JOPBrhwyRCb70lq8/s1600/Temple-+IMG_1302+-+20180710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxATEPPlVRaotKm9eqXuljp2z-cD8_i4wyw9Ys1QTzNgtOEp5UaMwO7J0ucHQ-RHEuiXcTN1NMV_ozyakuG3eEQeuFvUHlE2jn6N7qf0ABycsAa5YNj1T6BB6jB6JOPBrhwyRCb70lq8/s640/Temple-+IMG_1302+-+20180710.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Chuck Bennorth</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrasjhzmlM-RXQDjEwB_fQM8qV1EewW9Aue7v0bvOVSGBLAVnUCEKn9Fg89nAR2r8fT4CKOgKa8C-k-Ow5H3Ft3sW7EJUq5W6HUeAbUjVkNmS6kOyzKkhW10vLx3vYbEGizQ1aWQ472A/s1600/Temple-+IMG_1305+-+20180710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrasjhzmlM-RXQDjEwB_fQM8qV1EewW9Aue7v0bvOVSGBLAVnUCEKn9Fg89nAR2r8fT4CKOgKa8C-k-Ow5H3Ft3sW7EJUq5W6HUeAbUjVkNmS6kOyzKkhW10vLx3vYbEGizQ1aWQ472A/s640/Temple-+IMG_1305+-+20180710.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Chuck Bennorth</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbX30Ez2D_kNJOSn0lLtsqnZYhEf2adt47_aSxDfqTJP0VvhtoOUz4Fe-3C0cx9A1aazBLnVSAqJVrz2ccZijUctP31Oaiy0TteLICaW_BIe-nYLzUs3iNEUJm3dIZndf1KcnOjWqUsE/s1600/Bridger-IMG_5810-+20171119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbX30Ez2D_kNJOSn0lLtsqnZYhEf2adt47_aSxDfqTJP0VvhtoOUz4Fe-3C0cx9A1aazBLnVSAqJVrz2ccZijUctP31Oaiy0TteLICaW_BIe-nYLzUs3iNEUJm3dIZndf1KcnOjWqUsE/s640/Bridger-IMG_5810-+20171119.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZrF86IPBWQWkzt6tbZmTsfHCDhUjk65KHJxxJMNCLGBI6z7dxc9aPtE9SPefYRQ6sxjCVcWehXu11Qv-LVywX9H7lx3Kfxr92icZkIUWO-Z_3Nv7x4_SbKE22hleI1SSFartM1Vhy7E/s1600/Bridger-IMG_4762-+20180707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZrF86IPBWQWkzt6tbZmTsfHCDhUjk65KHJxxJMNCLGBI6z7dxc9aPtE9SPefYRQ6sxjCVcWehXu11Qv-LVywX9H7lx3Kfxr92icZkIUWO-Z_3Nv7x4_SbKE22hleI1SSFartM1Vhy7E/s640/Bridger-IMG_4762-+20180707.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MMzkh1x9Jb84z-KXAQlnW9NPORM0fFGjNid2jAgelJl5D5BYGnhZd3FMZi00XWtjEfLinKysbre8aM5JGkJMf21U2mbvNREfnfZIqkZGJ2e9gdU6h5xBqTtm-BBgjq9HTVYoJ-ZAyO8/s1600/Bridger-IMG_4384-+20180224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MMzkh1x9Jb84z-KXAQlnW9NPORM0fFGjNid2jAgelJl5D5BYGnhZd3FMZi00XWtjEfLinKysbre8aM5JGkJMf21U2mbvNREfnfZIqkZGJ2e9gdU6h5xBqTtm-BBgjq9HTVYoJ-ZAyO8/s640/Bridger-IMG_4384-+20180224.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82Iky3GtAHmD2CeIJRNRazW6YotxLgbwxg-v1SfYzSn8FepygmQi9hZyVCG1uHigIPB02Iol9tW7n5fQKv7q57jh8ur10KO0lQsWZP1BMPutYbVELbvKtP3LRKMxcFi7xw5235iCdZGw/s1600/Bridger-IMG_0705-+20180224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82Iky3GtAHmD2CeIJRNRazW6YotxLgbwxg-v1SfYzSn8FepygmQi9hZyVCG1uHigIPB02Iol9tW7n5fQKv7q57jh8ur10KO0lQsWZP1BMPutYbVELbvKtP3LRKMxcFi7xw5235iCdZGw/s640/Bridger-IMG_0705-+20180224.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.</span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-49738321596987909152018-10-25T07:44:00.002-05:002018-10-25T07:55:37.573-05:00Nothing Lasts Forever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpIKQJxGkYGTVHGbbUgj0YM3eSakNtj1E-TOcvHJHFwmXXsbUG-GIdpO2eOmwLlKBeXbYvKF3a_TztIcbmhyphenhyphenOVYAdRR35lwWNJdROyMZja5kJJTWrAN3NedEVHX4d6wrPr9mDiOIGTGU/s1600/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5665-+20181020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpIKQJxGkYGTVHGbbUgj0YM3eSakNtj1E-TOcvHJHFwmXXsbUG-GIdpO2eOmwLlKBeXbYvKF3a_TztIcbmhyphenhyphenOVYAdRR35lwWNJdROyMZja5kJJTWrAN3NedEVHX4d6wrPr9mDiOIGTGU/s640/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5665-+20181020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And then there are moments that become days that become weeks, and we wonder how we will ever get back to the goodness that is our life. We just go through the motions, and try to enjoy the small blessings that tide us over until positive energy finally returns, and brings us back to that coveted place we felt was missing that was really there all along. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8NCeI83PmLDUrkvPMa8AUCp3gLBBEWdUIEoLifpAgJMGk_gERJH5pqZzZwjaEh61u5xdifgyW7FQ76VUu6QTSgjvEVm0e48sMqnrIBMvmljiu5tAyNfw06C3ZgnAQ7RO9hjgZbhwD0M/s1600/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5802-+20181020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8NCeI83PmLDUrkvPMa8AUCp3gLBBEWdUIEoLifpAgJMGk_gERJH5pqZzZwjaEh61u5xdifgyW7FQ76VUu6QTSgjvEVm0e48sMqnrIBMvmljiu5tAyNfw06C3ZgnAQ7RO9hjgZbhwD0M/s640/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5802-+20181020.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">At one time in my life, after a particularly long dry spell, I felt like a reset button had finally been pushed, and I was able to enjoy my life fully again. Sometimes we just have to hang on a little longer, have more faith, and trust in something bigger than ourselves to overcome the mental adversity that besets us. Long-term stress is rarely eternal; it just feels that way at the time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRt5b610U7M88dH75QEA9ktrZxvgmKfM9wvsSTD1bk4-dZgfHBPmTgLXCAz9zDXu0TWrX9PjrqSNS37nbhDNx535oCzH-swyirsT3l7DzstGd_50l8hAEHGAmRoU7OOlafAALjsfEc3c/s1600/-She+breathed+in+the+crisp+autumn+air%252C+hoping+the+loveliness+of+nature+would+somehow+cleanse+her+soul+and+overshadow+her+sorrow.--+J.E.B.+Spredemann%252C+Amish+by+Accident+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRt5b610U7M88dH75QEA9ktrZxvgmKfM9wvsSTD1bk4-dZgfHBPmTgLXCAz9zDXu0TWrX9PjrqSNS37nbhDNx535oCzH-swyirsT3l7DzstGd_50l8hAEHGAmRoU7OOlafAALjsfEc3c/s640/-She+breathed+in+the+crisp+autumn+air%252C+hoping+the+loveliness+of+nature+would+somehow+cleanse+her+soul+and+overshadow+her+sorrow.--+J.E.B.+Spredemann%252C+Amish+by+Accident+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Insomnia has taken some of the wind out of my sails lately, and I am trying to remember there are so many good things each day; I just have to make myself find them. Each day, I'm challenging myself to find three things that make me smile. Yesterday it was eating a tomato sandwich with a tomato I grew myself, and snuggling with my Velvet Hippo Bristol, and decaf coffee that tastes good to get me through this withdrawal from all of the caffeine my body thinks it needs. My headaches won't last forever, and I actually had 8 hours of sleep last night. Pretty soon, maybe these 2 hour napping sessions will be a thing of the past.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZmCsxWrT3TKQeZNx-_yqmXUgjjKSnNk5x5ImCTx9CstdK447dUJTuhLv5z2h8YErOvTc5p4iF4VvMzQzXLtc64WKapacvbEkj9LoWOky3BXyN96nw73FKDKjhPgSr9p17zyK1I_OwXU/s1600/Door+County-IMG_5616-+20181019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZmCsxWrT3TKQeZNx-_yqmXUgjjKSnNk5x5ImCTx9CstdK447dUJTuhLv5z2h8YErOvTc5p4iF4VvMzQzXLtc64WKapacvbEkj9LoWOky3BXyN96nw73FKDKjhPgSr9p17zyK1I_OwXU/s640/Door+County-IMG_5616-+20181019.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Take comfort in the fact that nothing lasts forever; sadly, not the good stuff, but especially not the bad stuff either. The rough patches we go through help us the good times that are sure to come, if we'll just be patient. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hwGWSPIzsn8Omip_tGGOxcbxQ6VoMzpI4lSn3PBSwpMFWsHyHgxACArxs9Yy2LO9fosTya3ac1BKRkPsgj2q8sfGFnyLh2WePxPdWjQ7OzcAgg_rMsdupdfBf35CL6hYL5NuiU8b2JA/s1600/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5722-+20181020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hwGWSPIzsn8Omip_tGGOxcbxQ6VoMzpI4lSn3PBSwpMFWsHyHgxACArxs9Yy2LO9fosTya3ac1BKRkPsgj2q8sfGFnyLh2WePxPdWjQ7OzcAgg_rMsdupdfBf35CL6hYL5NuiU8b2JA/s640/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5722-+20181020.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chin up, friends!</span></div>
Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-8745716919563993322018-10-24T10:16:00.000-05:002018-10-24T10:16:47.697-05:00Taking the Road Less Traveled<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7G5ZRr7XgFc8mOTaAhJY9vG4V4z_o9eTqUJSWRQ-6UcroqWntTYXRJUjVwPRKyzD8ihKP4OOeLgvt7MMo-Yr2Ji2X0f-NCxpODQlp4LnOohwdLUCVGjGk_Vmi6CpcT084fCXRLW1XZ0/s1600/The+Road+Less+Traveled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7G5ZRr7XgFc8mOTaAhJY9vG4V4z_o9eTqUJSWRQ-6UcroqWntTYXRJUjVwPRKyzD8ihKP4OOeLgvt7MMo-Yr2Ji2X0f-NCxpODQlp4LnOohwdLUCVGjGk_Vmi6CpcT084fCXRLW1XZ0/s640/The+Road+Less+Traveled.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Photo Safari of Door County in Autumn</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chuck and I just celebrated our fourth anniversary of meeting each other by getting away for the weekend to Door County, Wisconsin. Oh, yes, we had already celebrated the day we NOTICED each other, and on the 18th of October was the day we MET in person, and we have more anniversaries coming up. The day we got engaged, our first Thanksgiving together, our first Christmas together, AND the day we actually got married. We do like to celebrate. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakNEhddSXTt6xXVejgOP25dT7GTYElsJKlRmZeuuDNWioVPRi0dqsaNfe6GtskgXR4otHTrwy4k1zkJ4fXhfgfTXE7ADDk0d5WAz-Jo6oTCXFICO_hNvKnk9jtodE7kgDddpE9Yqga_o/s1600/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5697-+20181020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakNEhddSXTt6xXVejgOP25dT7GTYElsJKlRmZeuuDNWioVPRi0dqsaNfe6GtskgXR4otHTrwy4k1zkJ4fXhfgfTXE7ADDk0d5WAz-Jo6oTCXFICO_hNvKnk9jtodE7kgDddpE9Yqga_o/s640/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5697-+20181020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rather than give you a blow-by-blow description of where we ate, what we saw, and where we went in Wisconsin, I am going to let my pictures do most of the talking. A picture is worth a thousand words, after all. Suffice it to say visiting Door County while the fall colors were still vibrant was just what my soul needed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7b4JlOjRm_Jq3dzpJTmJOUyAg8VhXCvkYTCKtlanbg4J2sHTXuobynnV3g7cOwAt_IVkh59YkLzTFZ3pDusQi-utZbxhmM3ehda00rAFrZNkjjpB8V07ncNNA4gsUT4JPvGZifxPEuU/s1600/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5701-+20181020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7b4JlOjRm_Jq3dzpJTmJOUyAg8VhXCvkYTCKtlanbg4J2sHTXuobynnV3g7cOwAt_IVkh59YkLzTFZ3pDusQi-utZbxhmM3ehda00rAFrZNkjjpB8V07ncNNA4gsUT4JPvGZifxPEuU/s640/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5701-+20181020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Friday we drove all the way up to Gill's Rock, and be-bopped back and forth on the smaller, less-crowded county roads between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9yO22zp17TmHzHQvcWk1WURsiPNKc2okRi0Ikj8IiLVP6ftRzt3cl4rxb56c0bymBauMZZ0aAh2OjsJedwEG_jfudvYxiNYSLDm3t4ttE1Xh9r3LlhXuiFZqLYt1rVRfZNlUGFn6QgM/s1600/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5716-+20181020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9yO22zp17TmHzHQvcWk1WURsiPNKc2okRi0Ikj8IiLVP6ftRzt3cl4rxb56c0bymBauMZZ0aAh2OjsJedwEG_jfudvYxiNYSLDm3t4ttE1Xh9r3LlhXuiFZqLYt1rVRfZNlUGFn6QgM/s640/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5716-+20181020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Saturday was a funny weather day where we experienced everything from rain to sleet to snow to sun. We were grateful the rain waited until after sunrise to begin, so we were able to watch the sun come up over Lake Michigan in Sturgeon Bay. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOtum49Qd6SOkoQRSILC4E_mn8g2DbS6AWfps4BvNmgedIDwJSMF1NhoIYpaWQ0WmFNamVAhVd6lkk4PSTPf8L2Yo-ew3sebmRuQUUxDUu_Bu0bejCTSvvzlpeSgxNek_OCxLmnq3oEQ/s1600/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5678-+20181020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOtum49Qd6SOkoQRSILC4E_mn8g2DbS6AWfps4BvNmgedIDwJSMF1NhoIYpaWQ0WmFNamVAhVd6lkk4PSTPf8L2Yo-ew3sebmRuQUUxDUu_Bu0bejCTSvvzlpeSgxNek_OCxLmnq3oEQ/s640/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5678-+20181020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Throughout the drizzly day, we stuck to the back roads, and were rewarded with glorious landscapes at every turn. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMr_55GZEFEQslOyD_0c_w4IWHKXaaAWUhXdu6rUKmWT64Xaalf6ajxfayAQYX9AtwBN51szA0Voz4_8ZCLUcgn9olbSrcMxTGWoCRHpxHUTv56CZlHc_nUNPWOQHeZ1TTcbZBtKhg7s/s1600/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5707-+20181020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMr_55GZEFEQslOyD_0c_w4IWHKXaaAWUhXdu6rUKmWT64Xaalf6ajxfayAQYX9AtwBN51szA0Voz4_8ZCLUcgn9olbSrcMxTGWoCRHpxHUTv56CZlHc_nUNPWOQHeZ1TTcbZBtKhg7s/s640/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5707-+20181020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As Chuck said again and again, each time we put our cameras back in the car, "Blessings of taking the road less traveled." </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q2AGOHHZmFu1Nku75ZCpFsPpTDQJVsWih44gbhC4fzpvwXZb8fFi4SqYa_vfEyHlMKeBde5Hxm4aHrpT1FqGv4P_dxRKK6V0iZQDTVLk_RYFLXEEkECR8BoWnsVdlwHYIsTfKAJGGdY/s1600/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5743-+20181020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q2AGOHHZmFu1Nku75ZCpFsPpTDQJVsWih44gbhC4fzpvwXZb8fFi4SqYa_vfEyHlMKeBde5Hxm4aHrpT1FqGv4P_dxRKK6V0iZQDTVLk_RYFLXEEkECR8BoWnsVdlwHYIsTfKAJGGdY/s640/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5743-+20181020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We poked around the art galleries, and enjoyed so much talking with the artists who owned them. Much to our surprise there was a furious wind bringing snow with it when we left one of the galleries.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgVUC6K252p_w7xo4_9w8lDpGfdCM2qX54rnMzU1GjHLYw2LUfZKIUsdQZEXdxzWUeQohvDD6LpGhTMe5zSQnvKHphyphenhyphen5S4aHx83t5FZWQ3YAeMVrOzE0JcZO85DmCBhy0LBoNu_GbZjM/s1600/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5778-+20181020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgVUC6K252p_w7xo4_9w8lDpGfdCM2qX54rnMzU1GjHLYw2LUfZKIUsdQZEXdxzWUeQohvDD6LpGhTMe5zSQnvKHphyphenhyphen5S4aHx83t5FZWQ3YAeMVrOzE0JcZO85DmCBhy0LBoNu_GbZjM/s640/Door+County+Day+2-IMG_5778-+20181020.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sunday we met new friends with whom we bonded immediately. I wish we had taken pictures of Jyoti and her husband Sriram, but I have a feeling we'll get to do that soon enough. We're already making plans to get together for Indian food and pizza. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwZ8M7aejAQ6uaSI7pqVTxVVQJjjM1Oa8NkKOW6Ebedg07ezoOIpJb5bXrPyjRfy9zt3y9QKcxZqQQJwO4kel35R41AcHrukm0YVdq9ww1lWeZhnIAPDSoXlCkjNs_p3ExX0w6_P4L70/s1600/Door+County-IMG_5569-+20181019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwZ8M7aejAQ6uaSI7pqVTxVVQJjjM1Oa8NkKOW6Ebedg07ezoOIpJb5bXrPyjRfy9zt3y9QKcxZqQQJwO4kel35R41AcHrukm0YVdq9ww1lWeZhnIAPDSoXlCkjNs_p3ExX0w6_P4L70/s640/Door+County-IMG_5569-+20181019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were in Door County until Sunday mid-morning, and then it was time to head home. I'm so glad we took the extra time to take the road less traveled. It really did make all the difference.</span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435639598621055127.post-42703464872071036922018-10-22T15:46:00.004-05:002018-10-22T15:46:38.823-05:00I Had It All Along<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBb3HecXzOInTDZ8Rl9h6Ock8pFc0ns5fc_8cerKxpT_NyLy-iIX2LkgO9mnESJyUrQU25TSgq4fYgNgaOE6FQJqhcSYO9NLQjY0X7luYZT3LV2ToD9JXO22N7GyGLmIjqhjbwA58wCJ4/s1600/Fall+leaves-P1010909-+20181018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBb3HecXzOInTDZ8Rl9h6Ock8pFc0ns5fc_8cerKxpT_NyLy-iIX2LkgO9mnESJyUrQU25TSgq4fYgNgaOE6FQJqhcSYO9NLQjY0X7luYZT3LV2ToD9JXO22N7GyGLmIjqhjbwA58wCJ4/s640/Fall+leaves-P1010909-+20181018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever searched and searched for something, only to discover you had it all along? This has happened to me literally, and metaphorically.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Remember my blog post appropriately named <a href="https://denisebennorth.blogspot.com/2016/08/losing-my-marbles.html">Losing My Marbles</a>? I had looked high and low for my reading glasses, only to discover they were right where I left them, on top of my head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And this fruitless seeking has happened metaphorically, like searching for happiness in all the wrong places. When will I learn happiness isn't found outside myself? It's not in ice cream, or shopping, or cookies, or any self-indulgent behavior that can lead to regret. Happiness really is an inside job. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was reminded of these life lessons just a few moments ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today has been a busy, busy one; my choice. I am trying to restrict my time on social media, so I've tackled little jobs that sometimes end up being procrastinated until some faraway day. After doing laundry, dishes, and vacuuming, and removing all of the dog hair off the basement steps with a squeegee (try not to be jealous of my glamorous life), I rewarded myself with editing my photos from the weekend. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Door County was a golden treasure. (Canon Rebel T7i)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chuck and I celebrated our fourth year anniversary of meeting in person on October 18. We had a romantic getaway to Door County, Wisconsin last weekend. We laughed, and talked, and met new friends at the White Birch Inn. We ate good food and made good memories, taking lots of pictures despite the rain and snow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The only thing missing from our awesome autumn in Door County seemed to be red maple leaves. There were so many yellow trees, and plenty of orange ones, and still some green ones; just the red ones were scarce. I'm not saying there aren't any there; I'm just saying we didn't see many. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXlJtZEH6sRXiOzjujksdr1xmGXKxnF4h4ZpHOqc77q0MrqM_Li7_UGcwIx7OpNCbiD8l-MseXp_G6zsw9TgLLeNNsh0_odEjl2EOOwmAT0rU2jx5SIH03FDzovkplYYIAM-bYQqLWgU/s1600/Fall+leaves-P1010842-+20181018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As I opened up my Lightroom editing software on my computer, I realized I hadn't edited pictures from the day before we left. I've been getting to know my new mirrorless camera, and as it turned out, there were plenty of colorful maple leaves the last time I took my Lumix out for a spin. Right out my front door. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes we have the things for which we're searching all along. All of these pictures, except for the yellow leaves from Door County, were all in my neighborhood. I hadn't even realized why I expected to see so many in Wisconsin. We have an abundance of colorful maples in Illinois. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">We just have to be aware enough to recognize the gifts we already have. Like</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> my beautiful maple leaves, right here at home.</span></div>
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Randomocityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11871574168607613060noreply@blogger.com0