tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26970750226858648422024-03-15T18:13:07.649-07:00A Novel Creation www.WatersWords.comYou are invited to join me on the journey as I discover myself as a writer. Feel free to contact me at rebecca@waterswords.comA Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.comBlogger591125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-71943090682120272952024-03-12T21:30:00.000-07:002024-03-12T21:30:00.244-07:0020 Ways to Keep From Writing Your Blog<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Twenty Ways to Keep From Writing Your Blog</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Twenty ways to keep from writing a blog post on time while renovating your house… Since obviously, being totally distracted living in a house with plywood countertops, an almost finished fireplace, and a missing vanity, you still need to craft a blog post.<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/AVvXsEjOQFNhzhkNCrh_YeqOe2LlGLxygL4b8BbsDIl0uCw-a8ixZ0XCUghWcSyknEnxEELw864cJBySsotIDjkplV0wO_OwQCTdTYzA5evNxpR-MemGxhrdFrEgDT0pg1tl5KJ0iRJ1oGahCgcdz6KvglmrbTB54TjVER1D2l6ijvtS0TfpBzLoyKTp0denkAA/s4032/plywood%20coutertops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQFNhzhkNCrh_YeqOe2LlGLxygL4b8BbsDIl0uCw-a8ixZ0XCUghWcSyknEnxEELw864cJBySsotIDjkplV0wO_OwQCTdTYzA5evNxpR-MemGxhrdFrEgDT0pg1tl5KJ0iRJ1oGahCgcdz6KvglmrbTB54TjVER1D2l6ijvtS0TfpBzLoyKTp0denkAA/s320/plywood%20coutertops.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here’s the list:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1) Forget where you put your computer when the floor guys were installing your new floor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2) Find your computer and decide to play a game while you think about the blog.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3) Take a walk so you get a few steps in. Everyone knows exercise and fresh air helps you think. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4) While you are out, chat with a few neighbors. It</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <span> </span></span>is important to be neighborly.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">5) Go to the refrigerator…relocated on the porch during your renovation… for some cold water. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">6) Decide on sweet tea instead.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">7) With potato chips.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">8) Find something interesting on television.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">9) Wash your hands after eating way too many</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <span> </span></span> chips. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">10) Sit down at your computer, determined to write</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span> </span> </span>a stellar blog post. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">11) Stare at the computer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">12) Let the dog out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">13) Let the dog back in.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">14) Sit back down at your computer. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">15) Notice there is a bit of dust on the end table </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span> <span> </span></span> </span>by the couch. Dust <span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;">anything that doesn’t</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <span> </span></span>move.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">16) Meet the Habitat for Humanity truck so they</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <span> </span></span> can load up the<span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;">dishwasher, sinks, and ceiling</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span> <span> </span></span> </span>fans you no longer need.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">17) Watch your husband cook dinner on the grill.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <span> </span></span> Because… during<span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"> the construction mess you</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <span> </span></span> have no stove. (Well, you have one,</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <span> </span></span> but it is in the garage.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">18) Watch your husband wash dishes in the garage</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <span> </span></span> utility sink since <span style="text-indent: -0.5in;">your new kitchen sink isn’t </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span> <span> </span></span> </span>installed yet.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">19) Laugh when your husband comes up with a</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <span> </span></span>workable dish <span style="text-indent: -0.5in;">drainer system. Hey the tools</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"><span> <span> </span></span>weren’t using that pegboard </span><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;">anyway.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">20) Look at your list. Decide that’s good enough for one day. Join your husband to watch the sunset over the water.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The truth? Our contractor is doing a stellar job. All is falling into place as planned. Yes, living in the house during the remodel has been a challenge, but well worth it. By next week’s post, we expect to be enjoying our home fully. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the meantime, Mike is good at making it all work!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><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/AVvXsEjbjNQTNb2nYlG396XuQdIJ4Z7rW-2fU-oZaRm-y0SUGkdi1aVKWtVJALIuWH4q1gswRAHzwJPQ7cMjSIpKbDwrDPe1cUypvPyu67V10OhR-Naq_FszjBC7OIsI5DxKEpcWZTV0ELCELQI2oytsICOUptVdjfoKh2jdQyDFjHzWktUT67zdz9Drfr9Hu7k/s4032/Mike's%20makeshift%20dish%20drainer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjNQTNb2nYlG396XuQdIJ4Z7rW-2fU-oZaRm-y0SUGkdi1aVKWtVJALIuWH4q1gswRAHzwJPQ7cMjSIpKbDwrDPe1cUypvPyu67V10OhR-Naq_FszjBC7OIsI5DxKEpcWZTV0ELCELQI2oytsICOUptVdjfoKh2jdQyDFjHzWktUT67zdz9Drfr9Hu7k/s320/Mike's%20makeshift%20dish%20drainer.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you wash dishes in the garage, <br />of course you drain them on your pegboard!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-22714779222231442742024-03-05T21:30:00.000-08:002024-03-05T21:30:00.169-08:00Cattle Dogs<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cattle Dogs, Readers, Writers, and Musicians</span></b></p><p> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">I had seen the sign “Cattle Dog” while walking around Inverness. But to be honest, I hadn’t explored that stretch of restaurants and stores since moving here last summer.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The only cattle dog I know is a beautiful Australian Blue Heeler named Honeybee. As it turns out, <i>Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters</i> was named after another beautiful Australian Blue Heeler named Barney.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></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/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenA4WoEqzIWXMluZxXGdEhzZN9Rm3bEy9s7ODItiF98dZP_AoDG9SnU-BLW3Q-78GABZNYQS0L8orTf3SI5o6CFiWSQVQSDyjPtnUjGaPYVGjABPLk7o_wWr76GaAbWDlHSriy5I9rfXgTR8mMhdRjKvb-Vg0dqlI808GJ1tIJircW9X4T5GUf21kPQg/s4032/Blog%20Coffee%20Bee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenA4WoEqzIWXMluZxXGdEhzZN9Rm3bEy9s7ODItiF98dZP_AoDG9SnU-BLW3Q-78GABZNYQS0L8orTf3SI5o6CFiWSQVQSDyjPtnUjGaPYVGjABPLk7o_wWr76GaAbWDlHSriy5I9rfXgTR8mMhdRjKvb-Vg0dqlI808GJ1tIJircW9X4T5GUf21kPQg/s320/Blog%20Coffee%20Bee.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Blue Heeler, Honeybee</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Facebook friend and I connected through one of our high school online groups. Stephanie and I were a year apart and had never met, though we had several high school friends in common. We discovered we now lived fairly close to each other in Citrus County. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After a bit of messaging, we decided to meet for a cup of coffee. Where? You guessed it, <i>Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters</i> in Inverness. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></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/AVvXsEjOR5OShU-0sv456oENAU9eDPRkUbKHm4ckiScIoFChZm8PQAeJJ3BBAdugsCfXVFgBt9iqiwfbiQ9fHP2JI1urTyuryjeKtj2OCBKKEU2YDeIHbKT8J4aaXHEwH_ZDkfXLChuZJNVqC4OdlsVi0vDCJGP7yBxQNCRat3jk9PPaDdSBVtZka-AYtOuYqtE/s3088/Blog%20Coffee%20Steph.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOR5OShU-0sv456oENAU9eDPRkUbKHm4ckiScIoFChZm8PQAeJJ3BBAdugsCfXVFgBt9iqiwfbiQ9fHP2JI1urTyuryjeKtj2OCBKKEU2YDeIHbKT8J4aaXHEwH_ZDkfXLChuZJNVqC4OdlsVi0vDCJGP7yBxQNCRat3jk9PPaDdSBVtZka-AYtOuYqtE/s320/Blog%20Coffee%20Steph.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chamberlain Grads:<br /> That's Stephanie in Pink</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stephanie let me know she liked my writing and followed my blog. She had read <i>Breathing on Her Own </i>and <i>Libby’s Cuppa Joe.</i> And, although I’ve published in several <i>Chicken Soup for the Soul</i> publications as well as other articles, my heart wasn’t in my writing after Tom died in 2014. I’ve often said that the day he died, the ink ran out of my pen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">But my life is on the mend. That is in a huge part due to my husband. Mike likes my writing and encourages me in it. Because of him, my interest in writing has found new life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In Ohio, I was connected to a couple of writing groups. I hadn’t made that connection in Florida. I know the power of participating in such a group. Before I married Mike last April, I kept my blog going, but writing another novel? No. I had a few “fits and starts,” as they say, but nothing sustainable. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I found renewed interest and starting churning out a couple of thousand words a day after Mike and I married and it feels good.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When Stephanie and I met at the coffee shop, she had copies of my books. She wanted my autograph. Though I was honored, I was also humbled by that request. As we talked, I shared with her how I was finally writing again. We were sitting at a little table for two near a small bookcase. We both had a brunch item and coffee and enjoyed quiet conversation about the journeys we had taken in life. Note: “quiet conversation.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></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/AVvXsEg6R8YulkxrC3pFOshcin-yenuedVIM075h1RhbiMu0bV9sfcQiU8DIdWKc1H4S80rzpFarGHrSOoavZ11jBbRDiqKcZ7CH5KYa90A9rsEAihYaPxRJfss5bcPBCM9cKQc9ap123s5xgkEx1O_fkPTJtE_o2V9I1PzuDsCEAyWo1-jjOioeOl2bkIBjHDA/s4032/Blog%20Coffee%20Cattle%20Dog.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6R8YulkxrC3pFOshcin-yenuedVIM075h1RhbiMu0bV9sfcQiU8DIdWKc1H4S80rzpFarGHrSOoavZ11jBbRDiqKcZ7CH5KYa90A9rsEAihYaPxRJfss5bcPBCM9cKQc9ap123s5xgkEx1O_fkPTJtE_o2V9I1PzuDsCEAyWo1-jjOioeOl2bkIBjHDA/s320/Blog%20Coffee%20Cattle%20Dog.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then a band started to assemble and people started pushing tables together right next to us. We could have moved, but the band was great. They are called “Grey Denim” and played songs from our era. Stephanie and I smiled at hearing songs of the seventies. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">We didn’t stop there. We kind of sang along. I’ll admit it. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We both pulled out our phones to catch some of the music. I mean these guys were great and... the band gave everyone present permission to take pictures and record their performance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></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/AVvXsEg5zWgVhhvMymj3E16-9Xqz9uhkm3In0kU1aOAAsjFuVrt3bjC4dRFYVtX4bz94mPTvA-w-xFzqmz5t-xYoAJptineScgerPQlY12Xg97iw4fUGru0Sa-xzocELrv0mrJZF7zz4loLYpQkvKJit1YvUMMbe0chViK2kMIDaGMd-K0tucXQPHERax8agIy4/s946/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-05%20at%205.31.22%20PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="946" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zWgVhhvMymj3E16-9Xqz9uhkm3In0kU1aOAAsjFuVrt3bjC4dRFYVtX4bz94mPTvA-w-xFzqmz5t-xYoAJptineScgerPQlY12Xg97iw4fUGru0Sa-xzocELrv0mrJZF7zz4loLYpQkvKJit1YvUMMbe0chViK2kMIDaGMd-K0tucXQPHERax8agIy4/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-05%20at%205.31.22%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grey Denim</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As it turns out, the sixteen people or so who assembled next to us were there to support one of their <i>group</i> members who played in the band. “What kind of group?” You ask. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A group of writers. Writers of varying genres. Writers supporting other writers. Writers who meet once a month…near me… and they call their group <b><i>Citrus Writers</i></b>. Their regular once-a-month meetings are on Wednesdays. This was a social event. There were men and women…writers of varying levels… all from my county in Florida gathering to enjoy a great lunch and listen to one of their own perform with the band.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I consider it an answer to prayer. I have wanted to connect with other writers in the area. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As for Stephanie? We had great conversation and enjoyed each other’s company. We will meet again. We hope to get our spouses together as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">And me? I am writing. Need I say more?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">*A big thank you to <b>Sheila</b> <b>McDonald</b> of Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters for sharing the coffee shop's story with me. Want to know more? Click <a href="https://www.cattledogcoffeeroasters.com/about-us">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-69974546017135263722024-02-27T21:30:00.000-08:002024-02-27T21:30:00.126-08:00Refurbish or Reimagine?<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Refurbish or Reimagine? </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Or is it Revise and Rewrite?</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike and I are in the midst of remodeling our house. The kitchen was gutted and now sports new cabinets. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">We've had to eat out a lot.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <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/AVvXsEiDcsfZiJHMmtu3qwP8sJGv9p9gNLirRJlAENmpGvRfm9Bq8h_7n-pWm4Wn5UoS3sEr1xOi49CL_iyW4aHJ8yq9TsE-O0fbP_Zeu39TIwipjdN8CLVCsWjJmAP4aflQAAGRFpU4l6vN43UgCRRx4TyaQ4t39TY2JFMa51meXhJgIMZ6sNZzq2yT8vLMgTY/s4032/remodel%20kitchen%20torn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcsfZiJHMmtu3qwP8sJGv9p9gNLirRJlAENmpGvRfm9Bq8h_7n-pWm4Wn5UoS3sEr1xOi49CL_iyW4aHJ8yq9TsE-O0fbP_Zeu39TIwipjdN8CLVCsWjJmAP4aflQAAGRFpU4l6vN43UgCRRx4TyaQ4t39TY2JFMa51meXhJgIMZ6sNZzq2yT8vLMgTY/s320/remodel%20kitchen%20torn.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowzLvnNKRs5XK5B1V0FGR-Y-5I0dfgIpWUCgkd8JNIsv0hBS7zRo1Vey8aYcG4Tt9cFSIdhmpCAR3bgzVKav4nlTOJ4rpSBslzkNDZnYY5AOHhUIrSmLlrTII7DmnQ03nY5Kn27w9YXdP0q1wob8QJMz9bhxlsEazBU-m8Mvg_yErfQjHfQOtoAfGe74/s4032/remodel%20kitchen%20rewired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowzLvnNKRs5XK5B1V0FGR-Y-5I0dfgIpWUCgkd8JNIsv0hBS7zRo1Vey8aYcG4Tt9cFSIdhmpCAR3bgzVKav4nlTOJ4rpSBslzkNDZnYY5AOHhUIrSmLlrTII7DmnQ03nY5Kn27w9YXdP0q1wob8QJMz9bhxlsEazBU-m8Mvg_yErfQjHfQOtoAfGe74/s320/remodel%20kitchen%20rewired.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Step 1? Tear Everything Down</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Everything will soon be painted. Every ceiling. Every wall. Inside and out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">We’ll move out a few days for some of that.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The floors will be changed from the “almost looks like wood” linoleum to a durable manufactured "luxury vinyl" wood plank floor. The lights will be brighter and more up-to-date.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I could go on and on, but I won’t. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We’ve taken this on at the same time I am crafting a new novel. <b>I can’t help but note how the remodel of our house is like writing a book. </b>We have the core elements in place. Now that we’ve lived here for a bit, we are ready to revise.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In my current novel, my main character, Will, runs a growing business in a small town. He purchased an old house and engages a contractor by the name of Jess Torres to bring new life into the house. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Here’s the excerpt where the two meet:</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Will</span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">parked his car and walked up the three steps to the wide wrap around porch. He didn’t see a contractor, only a slim woman with long dark hair pulled up in in a ponytail. “I’m supposed to meet a contractor named Jess from Ace Construction.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">The brunette tossed her head causing her ponytail to swish around. “Hi, that’s me, Jess Torres.” She stuck her hand out and gave the stunned man a firm handshake.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">“I, uh, I…uh my assistant said you’re from the Ace Construction company. Uh, you’re Jess? I mean of course you are, it’s just that I expected…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">“Someone older?” Jess smiled at Will. “I’m very experienced, I assure you.” She shielded her eyes from the morning sun and studied the house. “My dad is Alex Torres. You’ve probably heard of him.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><i>Alex Torres? Never heard of the guy.</i> Will offered a slight nod. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Most people call him Ace. Hence the name Ace Construction. We specialize in older homes. Let’s see what you have here, shall we? I’ll take notes and pictures to help us plan, okay?”</span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>And here is an excerpt from later in the same chapter... once they’ve done a complete walk through: </i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Jess fell in step with him as they walked down the main staircase. “You know this really is a beautiful house.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">“That’s why I’m getting bids on restoring it.” <i>Good to let her know I’m keeping my options open. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">“Restore? What you described is more along the lines of refurbishing. What I’d like to do here is re-imagine.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">“Isn’t that just a matter of semantics?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">“Not really. Restoring takes it back to its original state. That’s good. It’s costly, but good. Refurbishing is a matter of making it work. Giving it an overhaul to make it functional, fresh, updated. Get it? That’s marketable. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“But reimagining is what this house calls out for. For example, that kitchen could be stellar." Jess walked toward the storage area. "We can open up this wall. The kitchen would be the place where people gather to enjoy each other’s company as well as cook and share meals." She walked to the other end of room into the outdated dining room. "The dining room could be opened up here and here, so you have wide doorways to what you call the living room. Making both doors wider makes both areas feel more open. Spacious.” </span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>A short excerpt, indeed. But, well, you get the idea.</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m close to completing the book. I wrote the above section long before Mike and I bought this house. I have to finish writing the book to see how Will’s house turns out. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>But our house?</b> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">With walls out, new cabinets in the kitchen, new floors and such? I guess we took Jess’s advice. We went beyond refurbishing. We are reimagining this space. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><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/AVvXsEi4OH-w_fMhnxiN_Wr5kryJWXbWOiSXfSYnqS6I9-bS_9n7VOJUUDca15dCESVM64UIDnwWyMAs9QlNpWc6LRxazf8zGNRpAoc6540OTcByfW7sKgk4cAqAWO1MljrbBcuSxLNV_T0Id1OIWLhwgZm9IFt3zDHflWBFrgFrdBTI2CvD7_znRR80JNrXoNY/s4032/New%20Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OH-w_fMhnxiN_Wr5kryJWXbWOiSXfSYnqS6I9-bS_9n7VOJUUDca15dCESVM64UIDnwWyMAs9QlNpWc6LRxazf8zGNRpAoc6540OTcByfW7sKgk4cAqAWO1MljrbBcuSxLNV_T0Id1OIWLhwgZm9IFt3zDHflWBFrgFrdBTI2CvD7_znRR80JNrXoNY/s320/New%20Kitchen.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We're getting there...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-91092715334508346722024-02-20T21:30:00.000-08:002024-02-25T16:27:09.262-08:00Weather or Not...Here We Come!<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Weather or Not...Here We Come</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">I generally pray for sunny days whenever company comes our way from up north. They expect it. And, we generally have great weather during the winter months here in Florida. February in Florida rarely disappoints.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My youngest daughter and her two little girls planned a short trip to see us over President’s Day. Mike and I watched the weather. It was not looking good. Though February is normally a mild month with plenty of sunshine, forecasters were predicting an onslaught of rain over the holiday weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rain it did… <i>and it was cold</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We picked up the girls from the Orlando airport late Saturday evening and made our way through the rain back to our home on the Nature Coast. (Yep, the Nature Coast was last week’s blog topic.) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our house is in total disarray as we are remodeling. No kitchen with lots of drywall work and such. The fireplace front is gone and we have new lights and outlets in or going in…you get the idea. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I wasn’t worried about any of that. My daughter, Kendall, and her two little girls have lived through their own remodel recently. They are flexible on that front.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What <i>did</i> concern me was the weather. Mike and I prayed for good weather. Saturday night was obviously wet. I hoped it would change. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It didn’t. Sunday morning was rainy and cold. And it lingered. We planned to take the girls to Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River. The springs are known for hosting a bevy of manatees. Crystal River isn’t far from where we live. The girls had been there one other time, but it was during warmer weather and they only saw one manatee the whole time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The benefit of a chilly rain? Manatees <i>love </i>to stay near the Springs in cooler temperatures. The water in the Springs stays between 72 and 74 degrees. We saw dozens of the large, graceful creatures. We were bundled and warm. We had umbrellas and a rain poncho. And… we had phones with cameras. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmuN-AW6bxp5J1RTBTC0PZcXGHXbe2xsykEmPDkDlXvQHoKjNMX5OOgW3Ez1QLPIopZCCXXKYcMQUOXwv9Omu7OhJNoOjmyCrjy2ie1qXTnt41HgeLWs0oLmv0xPJ8OxUTOjeTmiKMeVA0jD0EkmA25cO44erGiVFq-ZutrEGqNCNDzexT2cv5LYRaZ0/s4032/manatees.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmuN-AW6bxp5J1RTBTC0PZcXGHXbe2xsykEmPDkDlXvQHoKjNMX5OOgW3Ez1QLPIopZCCXXKYcMQUOXwv9Omu7OhJNoOjmyCrjy2ie1qXTnt41HgeLWs0oLmv0xPJ8OxUTOjeTmiKMeVA0jD0EkmA25cO44erGiVFq-ZutrEGqNCNDzexT2cv5LYRaZ0/w308-h411/manatees.jpg" width="308" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Manatees are fun to watch. They are gentle. God created them with a “do no harm” attitude. They are more of a "live and let live" mammal and their only enemy? Humans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;">On the way home, we talked about how the chilly rain proved to be beneficial. We were able to see the beautiful creatures up <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;">close and active.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The other “must do” on the girls’ list was to go to <i>The Cove</i>. <i>The Cove</i> is a restaurant located on our lake. The notion that we are able to climb in our boat to go out to eat intrigued the girls. But though the chilling rain was perfect for viewing manatees swimming in the warm spring water, it wasn’t looking good for taking the boat out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then Monday dawned. It was sunny. Warm. Calm. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></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/AVvXsEjEDdkz4Ej-TOWv0_Pp7-70cVmMeiQfOjn-EjCDphHSZk7bUUPJRqYYBDYR6Bn1Ww1PUYD6RLbn4tp2bcTcOpO1H1EAHv679iWWPoLmKjBQT7QVdh8ThkUwcfR9GcPQiQYKchgGIqSgUNWrsMiswxtXdMwVXmdXpxJ5rn22NggNzbgnkOsdDFb1PSB4l9Y/s4032/Boating%20to%20the%20cove%20for%20lunch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDdkz4Ej-TOWv0_Pp7-70cVmMeiQfOjn-EjCDphHSZk7bUUPJRqYYBDYR6Bn1Ww1PUYD6RLbn4tp2bcTcOpO1H1EAHv679iWWPoLmKjBQT7QVdh8ThkUwcfR9GcPQiQYKchgGIqSgUNWrsMiswxtXdMwVXmdXpxJ5rn22NggNzbgnkOsdDFb1PSB4l9Y/s320/Boating%20to%20the%20cove%20for%20lunch.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Get in the Boat...We're Going Out to Eat!"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It was perfect weather for jumping in the boat and heading across the lake to <i>The Cove</i>. We sat outside and ordered our food. Although the girls loved the manatee excursion, I think taking a boat out to eat was the highlight of their stay with us. I should note here that <i>The Cove’s</i> food is amazingly good. After lunch we toured some of the lake before docking back at our house. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The visit for them? Sweet memories. Memories of rain and manatees. Memories of water and sunshine. Memories of a boat ride and lunch on the lake. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The visit was short, but for me? It was a time to treasure.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny2CeutoHr2_MJ_hcDyYKlxEUQl-Ksxmi4aQU9J_7PqpXUk5LiE6IT5EOlUWKd-vrAZPwCitqN6WvJv7dh7pwGoGeg90LI8jLAzdo4EETdk8xNZQ5kYEwhlFahZMeJAFvQwzp-FdieYfLgP4jB9iW8bnRB50PydW43JNPEx8wSzfnNaLCLhejAalHwzg/s4032/mike%20parked%20at%20cove.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny2CeutoHr2_MJ_hcDyYKlxEUQl-Ksxmi4aQU9J_7PqpXUk5LiE6IT5EOlUWKd-vrAZPwCitqN6WvJv7dh7pwGoGeg90LI8jLAzdo4EETdk8xNZQ5kYEwhlFahZMeJAFvQwzp-FdieYfLgP4jB9iW8bnRB50PydW43JNPEx8wSzfnNaLCLhejAalHwzg/s320/mike%20parked%20at%20cove.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Right: Parking at the Cove </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Below: The Youngest Granddaughter Looking Over </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">the Menu Wearing Mike's Sunglasses<br /></span><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAC2FdR47aFFSNULaUYOwghF951B2NB4uf-Ey1IanmqcVPxmTqxq6SKcBYGD9WY_aD7yrdtmdiHbRrOSVWXe2Ub_awEsmcwsFjjTGuBIco0MLMaIzrrLSjsDnau4rbd47uwi_9cHcA5A77rBkpDHQjm-566-_YATO5j6c0op0nixH9eLSZ3zvpl85OLc/s4032/Jo%20at%20cove.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAC2FdR47aFFSNULaUYOwghF951B2NB4uf-Ey1IanmqcVPxmTqxq6SKcBYGD9WY_aD7yrdtmdiHbRrOSVWXe2Ub_awEsmcwsFjjTGuBIco0MLMaIzrrLSjsDnau4rbd47uwi_9cHcA5A77rBkpDHQjm-566-_YATO5j6c0op0nixH9eLSZ3zvpl85OLc/s320/Jo%20at%20cove.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="https://rebeccaawaters.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-nature-coast.html">Missed the Post </a></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://rebeccaawaters.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-nature-coast.html"><span> On the Nature Coast?</span><br /></a></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><a href="https://rebeccaawaters.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-nature-coast.html"> Click Here to Read...</a></span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-64507024118219972302024-02-13T21:30:00.000-08:002024-02-13T21:30:00.128-08:00The Nature Coast<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: Cambria;">The Nature Coast</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When I was growing up in Florida, geography was easy. Our part of Florida was defined as the West Coast (meaning on the Gulf of Mexico) with the Panhandle to the north. There was the East Coast (all along the Atlantic Ocean), and the Florida Keys to the south. Large regions in the middle were labeled North Florida, Central Florida, and South Florida. And of course, we had the Everglades, which were a separate entity altogether. </span></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/AVvXsEg2W7_6pSq6dolNDcoc2Ubtm252ltrP4RL7XLUNJcFj_vQ9CJPfvXsMpaPYPc2NFOKFS71pmPhFxYyn7I1tbOIsdUhqxC2mCYlmZB-sGWyafbGpJOwuAc0vwledQe_GhpGLARvfTD0iy8JyTsRu_8evTShI06Aw0NtT0I5I2Xgk5EQGoA5q-0tlS9cNOcA/s4032/dock%20at%20sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2W7_6pSq6dolNDcoc2Ubtm252ltrP4RL7XLUNJcFj_vQ9CJPfvXsMpaPYPc2NFOKFS71pmPhFxYyn7I1tbOIsdUhqxC2mCYlmZB-sGWyafbGpJOwuAc0vwledQe_GhpGLARvfTD0iy8JyTsRu_8evTShI06Aw0NtT0I5I2Xgk5EQGoA5q-0tlS9cNOcA/s320/dock%20at%20sunset.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sunset on the Nature Coast</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the early 1970’s Florida added “Disney World,” or as my husband calls it, “The House of the Mouse” as a Central Florida landmark. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Weather forecasters would say, “We’re expecting some rain this afternoon here on the West Coast, but folks at Disney should have clear skies all day long.“<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I moved to Ohio in 1978. I’m now back in Florida and trying to figure out what happened to the state I knew in my youth. Yes, it has grown in population, with houses and condos seemingly sprouting up everywhere, but I’m talking about the <u>geography</u> of the place.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now, the weather is defined by the <b>Space Coast</b>, the <b>Treasure Coast</b>, and the <b>Gold Coast</b>…all on the Atlantic side... while on the Gulf side, we have areas such as the <b>Sun</b> <b>Coast, Emerald</b> <b>Coast</b>, and <b>Nature Coast</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There’s even an area known as the <b>Forgotten Coast</b>…but don’t ask me where it is. I don’t remember.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike and I live in that area known as the Nature Coast. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkiZfP-kN1LGF9pt9I5mEJPDOpGft-QhDu3-e9Fa2b7EfWLhv4N5EOjlidrSQ2fNN5TJDfWv90Iw4NCDusfP_gD8BzegJsDQjyrzxY4d7WIdcUMPJd4GTr0ro2q2M-vMDnENE2Z2grt23YZVRFiablEv9CV1lZ00VPh6FxnIXsN6yr8u1g3WDJbLXq_U/s1600/Heron.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkiZfP-kN1LGF9pt9I5mEJPDOpGft-QhDu3-e9Fa2b7EfWLhv4N5EOjlidrSQ2fNN5TJDfWv90Iw4NCDusfP_gD8BzegJsDQjyrzxY4d7WIdcUMPJd4GTr0ro2q2M-vMDnENE2Z2grt23YZVRFiablEv9CV1lZ00VPh6FxnIXsN6yr8u1g3WDJbLXq_U/s320/Heron.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Aptly named, by the way. We see deer on our way to church, critters like rabbits and squirrels in our yard, Great Blue Herons on our beach, and fish, turtles, and gators in the lake. There are birds in the trees, dragonflies and beautiful butterflies in the green grass and flowers. The Three Sister’s spring in nearby Crystal River is home to manatee seeking warmth in winter. We love our neck of the woods here on the Nature Coast.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is filled with surprises. <br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For example, this past week, Mike went out early one morning with the dogs before I was even out of bed. He rushed back inside, calling my name. He had something to show me. I threw a light jacket over my pajamas and followed him to the dock.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Up there,” he pointed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A beautiful owl was perched in the rafters of the roof covering our boat lift. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“I walked out on the dock and he was perched on that first post,” Mike said. “I walked right past him and didn’t see him! Then he flew up there.” </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5qxb97GFKSSMNOQ66O3JG3EckFLoELQy2iC08amguWLtFiprYhvjSbASUqHoI9o1LAXqrK9_Lc8gReuhUo-aYmpckeojDn6fooPPAFqK5Z6K-NgpQjRTpHTfBWOKw3i9TVfzBIVB-2WxFwxVSWC6TyOM1gc7DFJe2LloL6wtogboM2JRlyPvURxbb_Y/s1600/Owl%20on%20post.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5qxb97GFKSSMNOQ66O3JG3EckFLoELQy2iC08amguWLtFiprYhvjSbASUqHoI9o1LAXqrK9_Lc8gReuhUo-aYmpckeojDn6fooPPAFqK5Z6K-NgpQjRTpHTfBWOKw3i9TVfzBIVB-2WxFwxVSWC6TyOM1gc7DFJe2LloL6wtogboM2JRlyPvURxbb_Y/s320/Owl%20on%20post.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We stood there a few minutes staring at the beautiful creature. He stared back.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We didn’t have a clue why an owl, a nocturnal animal, would take refuge on our dock. We wanted to make sure the creature was okay. We called the fish and game commission. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5Q_hC9GEFCrY69x0lOjzpZoo4njLP1EFFSv3SWwIlen1HlnTpK-6kgmm4CzYJjPzPB1IB-XadxKMWmobZEQ_K3MZPDawkIbyMfS3GwyyrC4uvoxlHYCsScN00I5BZG4bp_NVh07EP-1vUq620fwIV3DXsoHHQszolt3xIRCbIHWLWKuTZjsaeWwWQ1Q/s4032/Owl%20in%20rafters.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5Q_hC9GEFCrY69x0lOjzpZoo4njLP1EFFSv3SWwIlen1HlnTpK-6kgmm4CzYJjPzPB1IB-XadxKMWmobZEQ_K3MZPDawkIbyMfS3GwyyrC4uvoxlHYCsScN00I5BZG4bp_NVh07EP-1vUq620fwIV3DXsoHHQszolt3xIRCbIHWLWKuTZjsaeWwWQ1Q/s320/Owl%20in%20rafters.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />“He’s probably exhausted,” the man on the end of the line told us. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The bird wasn’t aggressive. He wasn’t hurting anyone. We told him he was welcome to stay and kept watch on him. He slept through most of the day, but would open one eye whenever we were near.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When night fell, I guess he had regained his strength. The next morning he was gone. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope he marked us on his travel log as a safe and restful retreat. Time will tell.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">See why I love the Nature Coast? It's full of more <b><i>Treasure</i></b> than anyone could imagine on the Atlantic side; as many interesting flights worth watching as the <b><i>Space Coast</i></b> could offer. No wonder my mother has always called this region her favorite part of Florida…never to be <b><i>Forgotten</i></b>! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And if you read my post in August of 2023….you’ll know that right here in Citrus County is indeed the <b><i>Gold</i></b> at the end of the rainbow!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you missed that post: Here You Go! It’s pretty amazing how a person’s life is so richly connected…when you take the time to look for the treasure.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Click here: <a href="https://rebeccaawaters.blogspot.com/2023/08/pot-of-gold.html">Here is our Pot of Gold!</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;">And a couple of pictures from our yard...</span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SofGxCKH4EDZdyaYEiGoUy0TwaAEaq3KERQyBpCHiDqUI_oSiVOsH44FF2Y5Qk3HJ_9mwZMNNn8tLzzPqg7qyX-nWLsLC3Kp59BfiTgV-OAL_216u3LZamUUwji9Ce7ii2l89bwMwxeEkvP5wyp4uGsXQTHUHK6_bmBVJeuRQUn9EvY_TWFZSSXp30M/s1600/flower%20in%20January.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SofGxCKH4EDZdyaYEiGoUy0TwaAEaq3KERQyBpCHiDqUI_oSiVOsH44FF2Y5Qk3HJ_9mwZMNNn8tLzzPqg7qyX-nWLsLC3Kp59BfiTgV-OAL_216u3LZamUUwji9Ce7ii2l89bwMwxeEkvP5wyp4uGsXQTHUHK6_bmBVJeuRQUn9EvY_TWFZSSXp30M/w204-h272/flower%20in%20January.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Gotta love the blooms in February!</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;">Even the Magnolia is blooming! </span></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJdr0GzfI_K5q9iI36ELxBmaSKkL43bGfQzEL4msBFyZqbaSte4V8gjBY-HMzP73b_bDEdXOYBdwz-aMSyqFh6BR2u-6rz8JeDY83dFbgrpJoXt2RncZfI-9ld3I0HOyOyi77OxHYfp8WUk-9yWkwYZEYu7UO5x6bAFSnjikqX1wCdIE0QdE0leFz98Y/w209-h278/magnolia.jpg" width="209" /></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-45860509776238119142024-02-06T21:30:00.000-08:002024-02-12T09:16:04.458-08:00Soup Night...Spanish Style<p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Soup Night...Spanish Style</b></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">If you follow my blog, you know I am once again “a new bride.” Our first anniversary is coming up in April, but until then? We are still Newlyweds!</span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></span></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">As Mike and I have both been widowed and we are both past our, uh, …let’s say “past our fifties…uh…okay…past our sixties.” I’m not exactly learning my way around the kitchen as I did as an eighteen-year-old bride to Tom Waters. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Still, I am learning …or at least trying new recipes for foods Mike likes. A few have been new to me. (If you missed my blog on making picadillo, I’ll put a link at the bottom for you.) Picadillo is now one of our favorites. I don’t always make it with rice. We like it with mashed potatoes as well. It is quick and easy and remains one of Mike’s favorites.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Another favorite food he mentioned to me recently, now that our Florida weather has cooled a bit, is Spanish Bean Soup. (By the way, if you live in the north, don’t ask what “cooled a bit” means unless you are a glutton for punishment.) <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I looked up Spanish Bean Soup on the internet and realized it is what we used to call Garbanzo Bean Soup. It is warm and delicious. And easy. Life doesn’t get much better than that. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So…Here You Go! Grab the ingredients and when the day looks to be a bit chilly, make a pot of Spanish Bean Soup.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEiwPIKRbp7j6pnfXdFK9s4ei_syX0sSEm1_AOY9HSxaWzTK8mUoRqE-ToXDlB-F4XxJG3UOem1xWfUiKXZp-c_8iRgxpmMNpaFaCLS9SeSlWg7q35Z_hyphenhyphend21ioQirHcCqh046Pm03Qatb3rhh4m29phDAIBc2Xanq-mn2f7oGLIKweODLryz-4W-W56Tuc/s4032/Spanish%20Bean%20Soup%20Ingredients.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPIKRbp7j6pnfXdFK9s4ei_syX0sSEm1_AOY9HSxaWzTK8mUoRqE-ToXDlB-F4XxJG3UOem1xWfUiKXZp-c_8iRgxpmMNpaFaCLS9SeSlWg7q35Z_hyphenhyphend21ioQirHcCqh046Pm03Qatb3rhh4m29phDAIBc2Xanq-mn2f7oGLIKweODLryz-4W-W56Tuc/s320/Spanish%20Bean%20Soup%20Ingredients.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Ingredients? Easy.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fair warning: Soak the beans in salted water overnight <i>and</i> plan your day so you can cook your soup on low for a few hours before dinnertime. I allowed 3 ½ hours cook time. That is “on the stove cook time.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Dried Garbanzo Beans (Also known as Chick Peas) My grocer had one option: a 12 ounce package of beans<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Three packs of Spanish seasoning. (I used Sazon Goya but there are others out there. It will have garlic, cumin, and saffron in it.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Minced garlic. I used one large clove. You could probably use garlic powder or even dried garlic from the spice rack.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Red potatoes, cubed (How many? Hmmm...)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Ham and/or sliced beef sausage or sliced beef kielbasa. I used both sliced beef sausage and, because I couldn’t find the ham I wanted, I found a small piece of pork at the meat counter that proved to be perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Chicken stock and water<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Salt and pepper<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pour your beans in a large kettle. I drained mine first and saved the water. Add the Spanish seasoning, minced garlic, cubed red potatoes, and ham and/or sliced beef sausage. Pour liquids over the ingredients (I used about half chicken stock and half water) until the meat, beans, and all are covered.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As for the salt and pepper…I just put some in. Remember, <u>you can always add</u> some after if you need it, <u>but you can’t take it out</u>! I’ve also learned through years of cooking, (See second paragraph) that it takes less salt when you put it in the cooking water than it does if you add it after cooking.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bring the soup to boil then turn the heat to low or simmer and cook for at least three and a half hours.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></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/AVvXsEhvPCqQxUBmkr32Jy7F1sUlw4oecOe_fISzVL2jxCAKPmJicqCcODoL7A4Ij_OpjcqFK2lGpULdPexc0imyLJ0Okks5RfVtVgXhcfVRe9XvtlD3B4tQB-4VrX-p_IW7TM4lgqlNz_25ifO5F57Mm_ni73oqgHvc2On0xOmsxj4OiWW_QCbTlMCv5-VvHhM/s4032/Spanish%20Bean%20Soup%20Bowl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPCqQxUBmkr32Jy7F1sUlw4oecOe_fISzVL2jxCAKPmJicqCcODoL7A4Ij_OpjcqFK2lGpULdPexc0imyLJ0Okks5RfVtVgXhcfVRe9XvtlD3B4tQB-4VrX-p_IW7TM4lgqlNz_25ifO5F57Mm_ni73oqgHvc2On0xOmsxj4OiWW_QCbTlMCv5-VvHhM/w339-h392/Spanish%20Bean%20Soup%20Bowl.jpg" width="339" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The soup is excellent...<br />and as we ARE in the South, <br />it is especially good with <br />a tall glass of Sweet Tea!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>By the way, I thickened my soup a bit by adding a couple of spoonfuls of mashed potatoes. </i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As you can see, this is a very forgiving recipe. Play with it Make it your own. Most of all…enjoy a warm bowl of soup on a cold February evening. And…let me know how your soup turns out! Better yet, share your favorite soup recipe on my blog or on FB and tag me!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hmmm...It turns out making soup is a bit like writing a novel. A few staple ingredients, a bit of spice, and a twist at the end! Who knew? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">AND…AS PROMISED…HERE’S THE LINK TO MAKING DELICIOUS <a href="https://rebeccaawaters.blogspot.com/2023/08/country-cookingcuban-style.html">PICADILLO</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-23124141519364128522024-01-30T21:30:00.000-08:002024-02-01T05:29:23.917-08:00Seize the Day<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Seize the Moment</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Last week I wrote about “brain breaks.” We all need them from time to time. You may think this post is an extension of that one. But it isn’t. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This past week, when my husband and I had taken the dogs out to the back yard, we sat down on the swing. The weather was perfect. Sunny and warm. With the slightest breeze.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We were sitting there chatting when Mike said, “Want to do something?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> “Yeah.” I looked around. “Want to go for a boat ride?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He smiled. “We could do that.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I ran inside for the key to the boat while Mike headed to the dock so he could lower our sweet little bay boat from its perch on the lift into the clear lake water. A few minutes later we were heading out of our cove into Lake Henderson. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We explored a part of the over 422 acre lake we hadn’t yet checked out, sped along the glistening waterway and took note of those places only an airboat could cross the tall grass near the edge. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We were out in the middle of the lake, close to lunchtime, when Mike turned to me. “You hungry?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I knew what he was thinking. “You have money?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He patted his pocket. “Right here.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJi6b07F8IaBqXACuLA82nzpwk4oYLbNKxC75HXWVTpEntusjL5kLjnMU65JF-8BUHgMe9-T5BM94q2QbAVVwS6DpwQ217528f8O7X7FvcRdoSoroM6Tv7CXLZcmOHp9JlVyXONt0yWiyUxUQ03A7c6AeCXjV81QR8-5gp-pwuuXMb1UkufetgkkJ4MQ/s1600/Waterway%20to%20the%20Cove.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJi6b07F8IaBqXACuLA82nzpwk4oYLbNKxC75HXWVTpEntusjL5kLjnMU65JF-8BUHgMe9-T5BM94q2QbAVVwS6DpwQ217528f8O7X7FvcRdoSoroM6Tv7CXLZcmOHp9JlVyXONt0yWiyUxUQ03A7c6AeCXjV81QR8-5gp-pwuuXMb1UkufetgkkJ4MQ/s320/Waterway%20to%20the%20Cove.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Waterway to "The Cove"</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;">“I’m in.”<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">With that, Mike pushed the throttle forward and we headed for one of our favorite restaurants, The Cove. We had wanted to go back there ever since the water levels had changed. Our chain of lakes is controlled by the Southwest Florida Water Management team. We have a series of locks leading to other lakes in the chain so the water levels can be controlled. They are in use during either particularly dry or excessively wet seasons. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To get to The Cove restaurant by boat requires ample water to navigate a water passage to the establishment’s property. Earlier in the season, the water was too low for us to access the restaurant by water. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike slowed the boat down as we entered the waterway. No problem. We saw a couple of pontoon boats parked along the bank, pulled up by a row of trees and climbed out. We arrived at the right time, after the lunch rush, and were seated immediately. Mike and I both ordered the Reuben with The Cove’s incredible homemade chips.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">No. This is not an ad for the restaurant, though I highly recommend it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>This post is a challenge for my readers to seize the moment.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A few months ago, while I was in Ohio visiting the family, Mike called his good friend, Charlie to check in on how he was doing, was in our part of Florida. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;">Charlie's house is pretty far south of us, but as it turned out, he was now on his way north to his place in Georgia, Mike invited him to spend the night at our house. He told him that way he could get up the next morning and, feeling refreshed, would make it home before lunch. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>So Charlie stayed.</b> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He and Mike went out to eat for supper that evening and enjoyed great conversation until night fell and Charlie climbed into our guestbed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It was the last time Mike saw his friend.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week, my sweet husband traveled to Georgia to attend Charlie’s funeral. Charlie lost his battle with illness linked to his service and training at Camp LeJeune. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>He was sixty-one. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Embrace every opportunity to share life with those you love.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Don’t just look out the window at the sunshine. Get out in it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And remember, you don’t have to travel to a theme park or a major venue to have a great day. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sometimes the most memorable experiences in life may be as close as your own backyard. Or at the kitchen table.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-55607861094557161392024-01-23T21:30:00.000-08:002024-01-23T21:30:00.141-08:00Go-To Brain Breaks<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Go-To Brain Breaks (That Aren’t Edible)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m in the middle of writing a new novel. I’m pretty excited about it, but sometimes in the midst of composing, I can get so into the story I lose direction. I have to look back to see if I ever revealed to the reader an important trait of one of my characters. Or what month or season I’m in for a particular scene. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I know this can happen in any task. (“Did I wash those dishes in the dishwasher or just load it?”) </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">But when it happens while I’m writing, I have to walk away from the book, my computer, scribbled notes, and everything connected to the craft. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m pretty sure this happens in other work environments or prolonged tasks. I’ve learned a few strategies we can all use to stay focused. They are simply “Brain Breaks.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>#1 “Sweep the Floor”</u></b>…. Hmm…, sounds a bit like a <i>Karate Kid </i>move. Maybe. But in this case I am literally talking about picking up a broom and sweeping the floor. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We have pets. One is a beautiful Blue Heeler named Honeybee. We call her Bee. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Her nickname is short. Her hair is not. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Every day I sweep up hair from the old gal. Mike says I gather enough to make another dog. <i>Every Day...</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have a Roomba. That’s great, but when I need a brain break, I pull out the broom. There is something very restful to be found in the rhythmic swoosh of a broom. While I am focusing on reaching that clump of hair behind the sofa, my writing brain is getting a much needed switch in focus.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>#2 Take a walk</u></b>. (Not to be confused with someone telling you to “Take a hike!”) </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I like to walk. With mild winters in Florida, I can usually walk every day. The exercise and fresh air clears my head. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sometimes I even find the answer to a problem in my story as I tour the neighborhood. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For example, I wanted my protagonist to be startled by something one evening when she was home alone in the middle of a storm. I wanted something totally innocuous but startling enough to give her pause. While walking past a neighbor’s house one day, I found my answer. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not my neighbor. She’s a nice woman and about the same age as my protagonist’s mother. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMRhqW1FL-ZnmXYv72NT0djq8ihYLiyk-71iZL9N2yAGCjcukA2Sj3zR3fwk9auslNRc0CsZO8XBlztaLlSl8ijuNAr8DFpUvXqFqkQmSnme4KItXznekFSw_UEaejfuYnz-2JP1Y-rNzu0iGZZLf4exu_7c6vBClD_PpW6q1cCe86ixL-JPitjUQTSg/s2391/Frog%20yard%20art.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2391" data-original-width="1793" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMRhqW1FL-ZnmXYv72NT0djq8ihYLiyk-71iZL9N2yAGCjcukA2Sj3zR3fwk9auslNRc0CsZO8XBlztaLlSl8ijuNAr8DFpUvXqFqkQmSnme4KItXznekFSw_UEaejfuYnz-2JP1Y-rNzu0iGZZLf4exu_7c6vBClD_PpW6q1cCe86ixL-JPitjUQTSg/s320/Frog%20yard%20art.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">However, my neighbor has a large collection of yard art on her front lawn. One is a frog with big glow-in-the-dark eyes. When I opened up my computer, I had my main character buy an owl statue with glow in the dark eyes as a Christmas gift for her mom (something mama wanted) and that stormy evening, when the electricity went out, my character forgot about the statue, saw something staring at her, tripped over a cord and landed on the carpet looking straight up at the owl. <br /><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>#3 Play a game</u>. </b>Though I may pick up a book of Suduko puzzles or complete the daily crossword in the newspaper my sister-in-law dropped off, I often turn to a game on my computer or phone. Engaging my mind in something totally apart from the dilemma my protagonist is facing is relaxing. While I’m focused on the game, I let my subconscious work on how to change my character’s perspective. I want my main character to see that what she views as a weakness may well be her strength. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>#4 Feed the Fish.</u></b><u></u> Okay, I’ll admit I never wander out to the dock to feed the fish to get away from the computer. That said, I’ve noted that while I’m hammering words out, Mike will come in and ask if I want to “go feed the fish.” I never turn down that opportunity. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What I find is that the fresh air, the still water, the fish swimming in to eat the food and the sheer peace of standing there with my husband gives me renewed energy. Mike will often ask how my writing is going as we walk back toward the house. Telling him a bit about where I am in the composing stage energizes me to write more. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">And here’s a hint: If you choose an edible brain break, make it a fruit or vegetable. Experience tells me that cookies and chocolate <i>may calm the nerves </i>but tend to make a person sluggish…and that leads to a nap. Then you’ll never get back to the task at hand!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-68203907453923681402024-01-16T21:30:00.000-08:002024-01-16T21:30:00.133-08:00The Order of Birth<p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: 21.33333396911621px;"><i>Because of the date, I decided to resurrect this blog from a few years back. I've had a few people ask me about it and since January is the birth month of a very special person in my life, I decided to share it once more. I hope you enjoy the post and appreciate your own position in your family.</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: 21.33333396911621px;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16pt;">People often speak of “birth order.” When people speak of family, I often hear them grouse about their position in the family. </span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“I was the oldest so I was responsible for all my brothers and sisters. It wasn’t fair.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“I was the youngest. I never got to do the stuff my brothers and sisters got to do because I was always ‘too little’ or ‘a baby.’”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">But the pain and suffering of “the middles” must be the worst. According to them. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>I can’t actually speak to any of this since I’m an “only.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Then again, there is <b>one </b>person I’ve known all my life who says she always thought she was the luckiest person in her family because she was…are you ready…the middle. Yep. She was smack dab in the middle of seven, count them, seven children. She had an older sister and a younger sister. She had two older brothers and two younger brothers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The middle. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSKnD0XFoJTjbDNI9jXSTEP8VaN7FPlp00P4vtob8jkJ1HZDVyAEIKJe7JW6pgvx2KLEejIq6_0oxmtgoYbHGDzzoIkPvutVgS3MawS1f-GHCIxtNohjgGyc0NFHPIBVEkzYn2XX8gTg/s1600/Twinning+with+mom1.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSKnD0XFoJTjbDNI9jXSTEP8VaN7FPlp00P4vtob8jkJ1HZDVyAEIKJe7JW6pgvx2KLEejIq6_0oxmtgoYbHGDzzoIkPvutVgS3MawS1f-GHCIxtNohjgGyc0NFHPIBVEkzYn2XX8gTg/s320/Twinning+with+mom1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">With My Mom 2019</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Why did she view herself as lucky? She had the best of both worlds. Mature enough to be included in the activities of the older ones and playful enough to enjoy the younger ones. She enjoyed her big family so much she fully expected to have at least four or five children of her own. It didn’t happen. She had one. One that was full of energy and kept her busy. She counted herself lucky.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>She’s my mom. I’m the lucky one.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">But this leads me to share a position I’ve long held. I’ve been blessed with three daughters. They are strong, smart, fun, women who are also full of energy. If they run into some issue or discover some flaw, it would be easy to blame their birth order. I hear that stuff from others frequently.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>But I contend God places you in a family exactly where you need to be. The experiences you have and the qualities you develop because of your family position are what you need to be the person He intends you to be.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Responsible because you were the oldest? Good. We need responsible people.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Felt left out because you were the youngest? Okay. We need people who can empathize with the disenfranchised.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Always having to work to make things happen because you were a middle? Caring negotiators are scarce. We need you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I used to think being an only was the worst. But the “only child” brings a different viewpoint and skill set to the table. Independent thinking. And we need that, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">How did "birth order" make you the person you are today?</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Also...this week, is my mom’s birthday. So to all the middles out there…Celebrate!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-88550332403246378862024-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:002024-01-10T05:00:00.137-08:00Marmie<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Marmie</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I met Marmalade, also known as “Marmie” in 2023 after Mike and I were engaged. He picked me up at the lake house and took me to his family home up the road where he and his sister continued the tradition of sharing a continental breakfast. Marmie, the sweet little mixed breed dog, belonged Mike’s mother who had died a couple of months earlier. Marmalade had been a rescue dog from a Louisiana puppy mill. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Marmie and I hit it off immediately. After breakfast, I held her on my lap and fed her bits of human food as well as her dog food. You might say we bonded. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></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/AVvXsEgj5omZEAyooroQHal06JcHBoRmQOMXPzMN0rsnHfxDfPK0Wpq78565any_xsvCFxC2cfgpBbc6j6FHuWn-sfSrfsboYSMTSCOlx365LahPtSXJJYW3lKa8mmQDEakOce9sSGYEsQxk7wSPxc0H_YXf0HfL10mbUtFZDH-_v0BtWvIKi6ocVqcMMPDP6yk/s640/Marmie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5omZEAyooroQHal06JcHBoRmQOMXPzMN0rsnHfxDfPK0Wpq78565any_xsvCFxC2cfgpBbc6j6FHuWn-sfSrfsboYSMTSCOlx365LahPtSXJJYW3lKa8mmQDEakOce9sSGYEsQxk7wSPxc0H_YXf0HfL10mbUtFZDH-_v0BtWvIKi6ocVqcMMPDP6yk/s320/Marmie.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Marmalade in her <br />Protective Pink Sweater</span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then, on the evening of this past New Year’s Day, with some people still setting off fireworks, Mike’s sister called. Marmie was missing. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Frightened by the noise, Marmie had slipped out the doggie door unnoticed. The backyard is enclosed, but somehow she made it beyond the privacy fence. We were all worried.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A little dog out in the big world by herself.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A hand-fed indoor dog foraging for herself in the wild outdoors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Unimaginable.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike’s sister, Karen walked the neighborhood calling her name. She put posters out. When someone spotted the little dog behind a local store, Mike and I drove that direction, parked and called out to her. It was dark. And getting chilly. There was no response. We drove around the area. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Looking. Calling. Praying.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We whispered a final prayer and headed home. There were no calls. No sightings. And for some, no hope. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then on Thursday, Karen received that long awaited call at work. Mike and I headed to a local store to pick up Marmie. The young man and his little boy stood in front of Winn-Dixie holding the bundle of fur still clad in her pink sweater. She was covered with stickers and sandspurs. I held her close and whispered words of comfort over her as Mike drove us home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We fed her proper dog food and water. I began the long process of combing the stickers and debris from her hair, carefully getting the burrs out along the way. Mike washed her sweater. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></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/AVvXsEjw-Xye61-_sNh836WwUIPk__bv1vZqLRFZbHAO4JBcQDQxMxPsEUbWPTHnLENxcLpJdIwKCTcD_2_-C0WY_Xykov13wwXmKSlrUpLf_rRuR-87bhNnZjlzZtoGFtpJuVoWhLNE8eNtx8gf892KDaSqtG1TQt6UkG0ePqjBbAhyphenhyphenJYxw6Aw9O5K4KzPW6bM/s640/sandspurs%20and%20debris%20from%20Marmie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-Xye61-_sNh836WwUIPk__bv1vZqLRFZbHAO4JBcQDQxMxPsEUbWPTHnLENxcLpJdIwKCTcD_2_-C0WY_Xykov13wwXmKSlrUpLf_rRuR-87bhNnZjlzZtoGFtpJuVoWhLNE8eNtx8gf892KDaSqtG1TQt6UkG0ePqjBbAhyphenhyphenJYxw6Aw9O5K4KzPW6bM/s320/sandspurs%20and%20debris%20from%20Marmie.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The poor baby was covered with stickers.<br />But...her sweater protected her from it being a lot worse</span>!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As soon as Karen finished her workday she headed our way. Marmie wagged her whole body with utter joy. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Home. The little dog had endured cold, wet nights in the woods. She had crossed the well traveled highway US 41. At home, in the arms of humans who love her had to feel a bit like heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></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/AVvXsEhbjbebfGAQK1dZFDgmey4EpXE2cT-rk2j8SYBoJD09Z2EJsiwzEGilw_HzwBuUpNgLnhbkD7E_WzC-RRC0zqMe1uc81Y2LxLliNljzWFowlYKl-HdnWSPb0w_3fRmkKfBIuWa9B1XcBrUPpq7ot4Fjioqqh-xKzBwCgS8QuJX8uuvcjlGa3ybqXHCxiZc/s640/Marmie%20resting.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjbebfGAQK1dZFDgmey4EpXE2cT-rk2j8SYBoJD09Z2EJsiwzEGilw_HzwBuUpNgLnhbkD7E_WzC-RRC0zqMe1uc81Y2LxLliNljzWFowlYKl-HdnWSPb0w_3fRmkKfBIuWa9B1XcBrUPpq7ot4Fjioqqh-xKzBwCgS8QuJX8uuvcjlGa3ybqXHCxiZc/s320/Marmie%20resting.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Marmie Resting</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I never intended to share this story as a parable. Yet, now as I reach the end, I clearly see it as just that. I understand Marmie. The evil one tries to lure us to him and sometimes uses scare tactics to frighten us to the core. But anywhere apart from the safety of God’s presence is scary, dark, and dangerous.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-50495945627632513992024-01-02T21:30:00.000-08:002024-01-03T05:13:39.572-08:00 2024 Word of the Year<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>2024 Word of the Year</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">If you follow my blog, you know I try to choose a word for the year. I post the word on my wall or phone and watch how it plays out in my life. I’ve chosen everything from “be” to “yield.”</span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I struggled finding my word for the year this year. I played with several options, rejecting them one by one. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I looked at my past word choices and how they played out for me. I prayed about it. I wanted to find just the right word for 2024. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then, late in December, a word came to me. With Christmas celebrations, travel, and the busyness of life, I had given up on finding a word. It was the middle of the night. I woke up with the word “intentional” on my mind. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It was a scary word that late in the darkness. It sounded too much like “intense” and that meant hard work. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hey, I’m both a retiree and a newlywed. Hard work isn’t all that appealing. I wanted to immediately reject “intentional” as my word for the year but even as I drifted back to sleep, the word crept through my dreamless thoughts. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I woke up with a differing view. (Actually, the fact that I woke up and remembered the word at all is a major step!) Anyway, as the word rolled around in my mind, I considered it in these ways:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Intentional means to be focused.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Intentional means to be present.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Intentional means to be deliberate in both action and service.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It means to think before acting. Or speaking.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It means to assess my goals and take steps to achieve them.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wow, even as I type these words, I am surprised by the potential of claiming this word as my word for the year. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How about you? Have you claimed a word for the year? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-5457916896723252182023-12-26T21:30:00.000-08:002023-12-27T05:52:46.083-08:00So You Want To Be An Author<p style="text-align: center; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;"><b>So You Want To Be An Author</b></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Cambria; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Christmas is over. You are thinking about what is ahead in 2024. I know you. You have a story to tell. You’ve often thought, “I should write that down.” It may be something you experienced. It may be a story you would like to preserve for your family.</span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> <span> </span></span>Or…maybe it’s a story you can see becoming a movie. Don’t laugh. It happens.</span></p><p><b style="font-family: Cambria; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <span> </span></span>Me? I always wanted to write books. Novels. I love to read.</span></b></p><p><b style="font-family: Cambria; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b style="font-family: Cambria; text-indent: 0.5in;"><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/AVvXsEjGXjIVnvcO5fE8sz6G7mXygIZMq_1XQ9V2ruwshoIi5Gv-OIhnp9rpJxUr6hKFLczB09pdQWZ4xmORQrqvvp9SyuGzRjsL9GZBV7Q9VPATQQkW1CEX1hwTb16nTirCQbtCRWGFqbxRLbcr_XRpOx1p8xOcBTSsB6Y5JpZzzFDq7gOHZY541q7bWqxOMP4/s4032/Romans%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXjIVnvcO5fE8sz6G7mXygIZMq_1XQ9V2ruwshoIi5Gv-OIhnp9rpJxUr6hKFLczB09pdQWZ4xmORQrqvvp9SyuGzRjsL9GZBV7Q9VPATQQkW1CEX1hwTb16nTirCQbtCRWGFqbxRLbcr_XRpOx1p8xOcBTSsB6Y5JpZzzFDq7gOHZY541q7bWqxOMP4/s320/Romans%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found fhe Formula for Novels Here</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> <span> </span></span>However, being a devourer of books does not necessarily make you a publishable author. So I did my research. I actually have a book out about what I learned called</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Publish-Roadmap-Rebecca-Waters/dp/0578883066/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=NdKH8&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=141-0795130-8137803&pd_rd_wg=cR8Ei&pd_rd_r=4b134ccf-6495-4eb5-a988-97397cc840a8&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk"><i style="font-family: Cambria; text-indent: 0.5in;">Writing to Publish: A Roadmap to Success</i><span style="font-family: Cambria; text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Publish-Roadmap-Rebecca-Waters/dp/0578883066/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=NdKH8&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=141-0795130-8137803&pd_rd_wg=cR8Ei&pd_rd_r=4b134ccf-6495-4eb5-a988-97397cc840a8&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk"> </a> (And yes, that is a live link to the book’s Amazon page.)</span></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b>I’m looking at this post as a “guide” for you as you start crafting your story.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step one: </b>Identify a problem your main character must address. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <span> </span></span>A good book always starts with the problem. It may be an event or conflict that jars our protagonist to the core or a simple disruption to the life our protagonist knows that he or she must address. It may be a bone shattering event or the hint of impending doom. Somehow, some way, the reader knows the protagonist is suffering or going to suffer on the first page.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step two: </b>Create a list of obstacles your character has to overcome for everything to work out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A well-written novel takes the reader through a series of obstacles. These are problems that arise, issues to overcome, suffering to be endured or challenge forcing our hero to find inner strength he or she never knew existed. The character presses on, despite the obstacles, reaching that place where he or she can finally breathe. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Pressing on…persevering. It’s tough. The protagonist may want to throw it all in from time to time but something inside (or circumstances beyond the person’s control) cause your protagonist to keep going. </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">This is the largest portion of the book. </span><span>Through this part of a good book, the protagonist discovers inner strength he or she never knew existed. The character grows, rises to the occasion, becomes a better person, and gives the reader hope that the outcome will be a satisfying one.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step 3: </b>Identify the “last straw.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is that final battle your character faces. It may be an internal battle or a physical battle taking place in the latter portion of the book. The protagonist may still have a bit of growth ahead, but by this time, we know he or she is an overcomer. We've seen the development of strong character in our protagonist. We have hope. We can see the path ahead more clearly now. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step 4: </b>Craft a satisfying end.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A good book…a truly satisfying novel has a satisfying end. The loose ends are tied up. Or at least addressed. And in a truly good “stand alone” novel "good" wins out over "evil." Always.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>That is pretty much Story Structure in a nutshell.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You’ll hear speakers and mentors talk about story structure. They’ll offer you a template similar to this one complete with diagrams of story arcs. I’ve looked at books that told me to craft my story with “X” number of words dedicated to the first third of the book or to create a physical map for my story. But if you do all of those things you are basically using the story structure I talk about here. Where did I get it? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, I’ve heard all my life that answers to every question you have can be found in the Bible. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>And sure enough, I discovered story structure in the Bible.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I was reading the NIV translation. I often journal my reflections as I read my Bible. This “story structure” comes from the book of Romans. You’ll find the full text in chapter five, starting with verse three. Here’s what I wrote in my journal that morning:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>“… ‘suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us.’ That’s it. That’s story structure by THE book.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Suffering. Perseverance. Character. Hope.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">“And hope does not disappoint.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Who knew the Apostle Paul would turn out to be my writing coach? </span></span></b><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span><b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lErkfMPH5cKb1jLtwGRC-3SFD2m0PKlZNFSPI3eQUHfZn3A7sznHVDkdG8Qas6xTJ6J-Os-HRGuQ4m0VGRXtkorYpb_0t74eXc0EMcukGu5QsXzSld4fMxzPZRvacxjjCYjyGR-i9FJwNJWXun3UdQ4Lbb6mVtbbzLXmEiW6DvOpgvzINpgeQCyKvY0/s1650/MZRP%20Ad%20R%20Waters.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lErkfMPH5cKb1jLtwGRC-3SFD2m0PKlZNFSPI3eQUHfZn3A7sznHVDkdG8Qas6xTJ6J-Os-HRGuQ4m0VGRXtkorYpb_0t74eXc0EMcukGu5QsXzSld4fMxzPZRvacxjjCYjyGR-i9FJwNJWXun3UdQ4Lbb6mVtbbzLXmEiW6DvOpgvzINpgeQCyKvY0/s320/MZRP%20Ad%20R%20Waters.png" width="247" /></a></div></span></span></b></div>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-53464174631414359912023-12-19T21:30:00.000-08:002023-12-19T21:30:00.135-08:00Negotiating Christmas<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Negotiating Christmas</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I married Tom Waters a week before Christmas. I was eighteen years old. We each brought to our marriage a few Christmas expectations. My family always opened gifts on Christmas Eve. His family opened gifts on Christmas morning. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That’s fine, but the unstated expectation from each of our families to be present at their respective houses for gift opening left us trying to figure out what gifts we opened in our own home…if any. With a little negotiation on our part, everything eventually worked out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When my daughters married, they faced the same dilemma. It was hard to see everyone. Especially since our second daughter’s in-laws lived in Michigan. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEgAl8uiSZ3cQ2ROMzo8AkEoD3Ycebto-qwBASRPHIq6e9wemGZ2N7JMK80ypbeBrk8nRGKUPW4yud4tNeukMqg4yNIfGquxCqyEfKErG4C96thxF5e387gYLoDLGExa9RuPT-K1vHtZmdE6BH776IkEYybFgKWsK1VKdzDlGCI2pjDdU-IG2T1zGoO48m0/s4032/Christmas%20tug%20of%20war.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAl8uiSZ3cQ2ROMzo8AkEoD3Ycebto-qwBASRPHIq6e9wemGZ2N7JMK80ypbeBrk8nRGKUPW4yud4tNeukMqg4yNIfGquxCqyEfKErG4C96thxF5e387gYLoDLGExa9RuPT-K1vHtZmdE6BH776IkEYybFgKWsK1VKdzDlGCI2pjDdU-IG2T1zGoO48m0/s320/Christmas%20tug%20of%20war.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Kendall for the Photo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We worked it out by celebrating every other Christmas at our house and on the off Christmases we hosted the Thanksgiving meal and weekend, which turned into what my family renamed “ThanksChristmas”. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike and I are celebrating our first Christmas as a married couple. Mike’s side of the family is in Florida. Most of mine is up north. My mom and two of my daughters (with their husbands and children) live in Ohio. My middle daughter and her family live in Wisconsin.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike and I plan to celebrate Christmas in Florida first, then travel the day after Christmas to Ohio to celebrate with all the kiddos and my mom there. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Because Christmas is on a Monday this year, all of the school aged children…and those members of the family working in the field of education…will be in school through Friday, December 22. So really, our first opportunity to gather is the following week. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It worked out. This year. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But anytime you bring families together, there is a period of negotiating how you spend your time during the holidays. It can be tough. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It may require making a few hard decisions about what traditions to keep, ditch, or reshape. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike and I are open to creating our own Christmas experiences and traditions. I’m sure our Christmas will always involve family and friends. And if you read last week’s blog you know cookies will likely be a part of Christmas in the Tyler household for years to come.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you missed that post you can find it <a href="https://rebeccaawaters.blogspot.com/2023/12/filling-christmas-cookie-jar.html">HERE</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-78661704602824119522023-12-12T21:30:00.000-08:002023-12-14T09:09:37.038-08:00Filling the Christmas Cookie Jar<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b style="font-family: Cambria;">Filling The Christmas Cookie Jar</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Okay, True confession. I don’t actually have a Christmas Cookie Jar. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The cookie jar Mike and I have is clear glass and used for any occasion. It is usually filled with store bought lemon cookies or </span></b><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">gingersnaps. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">But…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">* My grandmother baked dozens of cookies <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span>in preparation for the holidays. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">* My oldest daughter and her husband’s family have long engaged in a cookie bake this time of year. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">* When I was a teacher, I baked cookies with my students…or rather made some of those “no-bake” creations. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">* My mom always made fudge which is technically not a cookie, but I’m willing to “settle” for creamy chocolate any day of the week. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For this post, I decided to share a couple of favorite recipes for your holiday consumption.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike willingly sacrificed himself to taste test these holiday treats. Thank you, Mike. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Break-Away-Bars <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This first one is from my sweet sister-in-law, Jackie Waters. I have the recipe written in <i>her own hand </i>tucked in my cookbook. Jackie has been celebrating Jesus in heaven for the past few years, but tasting these holiday treats brings back fond memories.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Graham crackers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 1 stick butter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 1 stick margarine<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 1 C. sugar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 2 packages Hershey Bars<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Line a small cookie sheet with the graham crackers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Melt the butter and margarine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stir I sugar and bring to a boil.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Boil for 4 minutes, stirring constantly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pour mixture over graham crackers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Remove from oven and place Hershey bars on top.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wait a few minutes then spread the chocolate over the entire pan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Put in the refrigerator to chill.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then… break apart and enjoy! Store in an airtight container. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></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/AVvXsEiOfbqskB1K8M6ssLrDv_pZ-ny_iwp9oI9jEhfuCJECf2h-sKKyPcx5SWIrZGvkyX_hpjyCVS5h77dc805PHY_eLkZKOu3WA3J9VxQR4k9ZdtwbRWTGp9BHWWQqKu37biALnqF3yfdc2HmgtP7URakCG4ebrFPbQrtM8ELlZMUz-EHLG84z6pnbT4lvv2M/s4032/Break%20Away%20finished.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfbqskB1K8M6ssLrDv_pZ-ny_iwp9oI9jEhfuCJECf2h-sKKyPcx5SWIrZGvkyX_hpjyCVS5h77dc805PHY_eLkZKOu3WA3J9VxQR4k9ZdtwbRWTGp9BHWWQqKu37biALnqF3yfdc2HmgtP7URakCG4ebrFPbQrtM8ELlZMUz-EHLG84z6pnbT4lvv2M/s320/Break%20Away%20finished.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Breakaway Bars</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Gingersnaps <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am actually not sure where I got this recipe. I have it scrawled in the back of a church cookbook. Since I can’t always read my own handwriting, I wasn’t all that sure the recipe would turn out right, but according to my taste tester, they are “just right” and “really good.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 C. Sifted flour<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 T. ground ginger<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 t. baking soda<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 t. ground cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ t. salt<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¾ C. shortening<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 C. white sugar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 egg<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¼ C. dark molasses<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 T. Cinnamon & 2 t. Sugar mixed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Flour mixture: Sift flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon and salt TWO times, stirring between.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Shortening mixture: Beat the shortening until creamy, then beat in the white sugar adding the egg and molasses and beating until the mixture is fluffy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sift one third of the flour mixture into the shortening mixture. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blend. Sift remaining flour mixture into the dough and mix thoroughly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pinch and roll the dough into 1” balls. Coat with cinnamon sugar mixture.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Place two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></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/AVvXsEiDBRd7IWz6dcKZzZpyAqHTRuXZfGwWCtUafp-3c0xGJ6D2W1zc516eolLNidOTcrLFUwYL4MWBy5lSNdC5FOeiCL4WsyKkmcx8ve8dZyHTn7N0NPWGYX6x6k11JqJIp4iDZqEThbAUoP7sN9PFvxA_q6kOsedKXq28_vkZP2ufsuipYd9IRiBSca5FVUg/s4032/Ginger%20snaps.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBRd7IWz6dcKZzZpyAqHTRuXZfGwWCtUafp-3c0xGJ6D2W1zc516eolLNidOTcrLFUwYL4MWBy5lSNdC5FOeiCL4WsyKkmcx8ve8dZyHTn7N0NPWGYX6x6k11JqJIp4iDZqEThbAUoP7sN9PFvxA_q6kOsedKXq28_vkZP2ufsuipYd9IRiBSca5FVUg/s320/Ginger%20snaps.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Gingersnap Cookies</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I’m also making Oatmeal Raisin cookies. You may not think of them as Christmas cookies, per se, but they are Mike’s favorite so they’ll be in the jar for sure.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So what favorite cookies will fill your jar this Christmas? I really want to know!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Here are a couple of pictures of the baking process in the Tyler household:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSjIZoGK-1OSTYUXomFgAfPedev2HKHExTFi5DDx-1g16QoH-praI6rw8vZiMRDHW6PA9gZis8QFkcQLjvcr5rFW2gEvreVg13fM7UbgmZvMAO_V8XHuUVwqsnQtcGEh2UlKmEUkOSHKrjQIwAT9ogJA8qiKQ1g9fimgc6zmFFFjMYmeyJdOzv_Yu7RU/s4032/Break%20Away%20ingredients.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSjIZoGK-1OSTYUXomFgAfPedev2HKHExTFi5DDx-1g16QoH-praI6rw8vZiMRDHW6PA9gZis8QFkcQLjvcr5rFW2gEvreVg13fM7UbgmZvMAO_V8XHuUVwqsnQtcGEh2UlKmEUkOSHKrjQIwAT9ogJA8qiKQ1g9fimgc6zmFFFjMYmeyJdOzv_Yu7RU/s320/Break%20Away%20ingredients.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />A few simple ingredients...<br /><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2GsXMN3utu3MowzD3IgH-969s6w44HNI7MJIfCwHTbxYPVlVOZpihV3doOcy77OpNLacksANPVyQ-YnAxA6Xh7pcvQk0kaq61pzaQMQ2Fd96ZSlE2tiXefBoHiLm8J3qFqyJTIBKqSobJTBM4CZKZPcYdnhyphenhyphenaz8lizfH9sQjiqD-mMB8aCjdowAfQnI/s4032/Break%20Away%20Stp%202.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2GsXMN3utu3MowzD3IgH-969s6w44HNI7MJIfCwHTbxYPVlVOZpihV3doOcy77OpNLacksANPVyQ-YnAxA6Xh7pcvQk0kaq61pzaQMQ2Fd96ZSlE2tiXefBoHiLm8J3qFqyJTIBKqSobJTBM4CZKZPcYdnhyphenhyphenaz8lizfH9sQjiqD-mMB8aCjdowAfQnI/s320/Break%20Away%20Stp%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> And a cookie sheet!</span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></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/AVvXsEgffOLOaMQ3QvEzSb5bmt2f37BwH2PRFlHI4nK3FNz4iinMVvy53IzaO68Ev7BxS-Xax7ZAUyotxhr7dKSW3bHD3ya0dFgbt8nyhdlpfU439UK2oFef9R9g0lHRAOaRiEo7Q79yVd2-tpoz2CRNw4dRtdTnGsN57Q4u0wNtziGagvIcdxjibfwfpk_UJNg/s4032/Ginger%20Snap%20baking.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffOLOaMQ3QvEzSb5bmt2f37BwH2PRFlHI4nK3FNz4iinMVvy53IzaO68Ev7BxS-Xax7ZAUyotxhr7dKSW3bHD3ya0dFgbt8nyhdlpfU439UK2oFef9R9g0lHRAOaRiEo7Q79yVd2-tpoz2CRNw4dRtdTnGsN57Q4u0wNtziGagvIcdxjibfwfpk_UJNg/s320/Ginger%20Snap%20baking.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Key to Gingersnaps is in the Sifting... <br />Sifting Again...and Sifting Again...<br />You get the Idea.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-28959176732807817762023-12-05T21:30:00.000-08:002023-12-05T21:30:00.139-08:00The Christmas List<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Christmas List: </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A Post of </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;"><b>Possibilities</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you have children or you are like me with a gaggle of grands, this time of year can be a challenge. What do you possibly buy for the under thirteen crowd? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I know a lot of people give money. That's okay, but if you are looking for a gift to wrap, I offer this post of possibilities. And you can use it for this year or next.</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When my three daughters were young, we lived on a tight budget. That can be tough at Christmas. It is one reason I started shopping all year round.</span></span></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Every year I bought each of them <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">some sort of art or craft, </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">something musical, </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">a book, </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">something to challenge their thinking skills, </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">something collectible. </span></span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is how it worked: If I was out and about in January and came upon a sale of a craft kits, I would sort through them, looking for something suitable for at least one of my girls. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If an author came to my school, I would purchase an autographed copy of a book for each of them. As items went on sale in one of the categories, I would buy them, often wrap them, and put them away in my gift closet (an old chest of drawers I salvaged for such a purpose).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I think you get the idea. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It worked for us. My kiddos always had a decent Christmas without the stress of last minute shopping <b><i>nor</i> </b>the drain of funds in a single month. Of course, we often added other items to the gifts under the tree, but the stress wasn’t there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEfOA2Rri5GloTx9cQx4t3my9DnhdSidH2fb2BXO35oHgMjtOQmS3Gp_F_m3ErLWvT6EWotL2dIrKPM4zNe5EZg6D4Ea8aWVz47heuGORKoeTbb7pv14TjU11ujIBuHiGOsXQFHxNuKogKkbQq1shSQnAWG_dtzoLGkXTfiWMhHdb1OMiq3i4Juk5txU/s4032/Santa's%20List.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEfOA2Rri5GloTx9cQx4t3my9DnhdSidH2fb2BXO35oHgMjtOQmS3Gp_F_m3ErLWvT6EWotL2dIrKPM4zNe5EZg6D4Ea8aWVz47heuGORKoeTbb7pv14TjU11ujIBuHiGOsXQFHxNuKogKkbQq1shSQnAWG_dtzoLGkXTfiWMhHdb1OMiq3i4Juk5txU/w297-h351/Santa's%20List.jpg" width="297" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When I started this practice, I had never heard of Howard Gardner’s <i>Theory of</i> <i>Multiple Intelligences</i>. In fact, he first presented the notion that people think and learn in different ways a few years after my third child was born and long after I had put this notion of shopping all year long by categories. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Gardner’s early theory suggests there are “seven ways of knowing.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Linguistic-</b>This one has to do with words. Reading, writing, riddles, word games, and so forth. <span style="color: #fcff01;">("Hmm...perhaps a book?")</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Logical/mathematical-</b>This one has to do with reasoning, logic, problem solving, and numbers. <span style="color: #fcff01;">("Maybe something to challenge their thinking skills?")</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Musical-</b>This one is about rhythm, song, listening and making music. <span style="color: #fcff01;">("Imagine that!")</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Bodily/kinesthetic</b>- This area applies to sports, dance, and movement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Spatial-</b>This one is where we find drawing and painting and puzzles. <span style="color: #fcff01;">("Did someone say something about arts and crafts?")</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The last two in his early work were Interpersonal and Intrapersonal ways of knowing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Unwittingly, we were hitting four of Gardner’s seven ways of knowing with Christmas gifts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The girls didn’t always get what was “trendy,” but they always had a great Christmas. The gifts fed their hearts, minds, and souls. And apparently, helped them access those different ways of thinking and learning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Something Collectible? Well, that made them unique.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Allison collected porcelain dolls.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Danielle collected music boxes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Kendall collected …everything. I eventually narrowed it down to “Cherished Teddies” and added to her collection each year. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Allison still has a few of her treasured dolls. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Danielle still has her music boxes.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Kendall held onto her Cherished Teddies for quite a while before making a killing on them at a yard sale. (Of course she the one who went into business.)</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And if you are curious about the theory, you can find a pretty good article for parents and grandparents <a href="https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/creativity-and-critical-thinking/learning-skills-for-kids/how-your-child-smart.html">HERE:</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-56851530155428842302023-11-28T21:30:00.000-08:002023-11-28T21:30:00.135-08:00Marriage 101: Agree to Disagree<p> <b style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Marriage 101: Agree to Disagree</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I was once part of a Bible study group where the leader shared a few basic “rules” before we started. He said there would be times we didn’t agree; there would be topics where our life experiences shaped our thinking in differing ways. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our first rule for the group was to bathe everything we said in love. The second was that we had to agree to disagree. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Appreciating differing viewpoints is essential to any good relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have always enjoyed the story of the five blind men and the elephant. As each touched a different part of the animal he would describe what it was. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“A wall,” one of the men offered as his hand met with the broad side of the beast.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“No,” said another as the elephant’s trunk wound around the man. “It is a great snake.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The one with a large ear flapping back and forth before him declared it a fan while the one holding the tail was sure it was a rope.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“You are all wrong,” said the one wrapping his arms around the animal’s leg. “It is a tree.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is all about “Perspective.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Some people see rain. Others watch for a rainbow.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Is the cup half empty or half full?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Perspective. How you view life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When Mike and I married, my mother gave us some outdoor furniture and a beautiful piece of outdoor art as a wedding gift. Once Mike put it up, we stood back and admired the piece. It reminds us of our backyard. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKljxdFyRWxEAs-GAIYulIJqLxTIPfnz7P2nhWw0N5aEbGBCFkvjdfmJ-Ee2kYegVSklydavhhYGFo3mj7zJ6cEuF0bQssODot1VfC234hGcmYGJq3iWMWL4dxBdL-SyoUlwH3E1O0cNlTHEBK2UMCC78-f4Liwmeu9JqJLIAmxuDY2q3rTG_YoS2QN8I/s320/Wall%20hanging.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKljxdFyRWxEAs-GAIYulIJqLxTIPfnz7P2nhWw0N5aEbGBCFkvjdfmJ-Ee2kYegVSklydavhhYGFo3mj7zJ6cEuF0bQssODot1VfC234hGcmYGJq3iWMWL4dxBdL-SyoUlwH3E1O0cNlTHEBK2UMCC78-f4Liwmeu9JqJLIAmxuDY2q3rTG_YoS2QN8I/w339-h254/Wall%20hanging.jpeg" width="339" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Of course it will look better once the house is painted,” Mike said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">On that we agree. Totally.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We have a plan to paint the outside of the house a much lighter color. A white or off-white is what we are considering. Right now it is dark. Not dark brown but more of a brownish orange-ish color.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike called it copper.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I called it gingerbread. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Perspective. Based on life experience.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike worked for the electric company. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike saw wires. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I was a teacher.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I baked gingerbread with my students. We made “gingerbread houses” out of graham crackers and icing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For a brief time, the color of the house became a point of serious discussion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We held copper pennies to the surface. Copper is bright and shiny. Unless it is an old penny, of course. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We held a gingersnap cookie against the wall. I insisted gingerbread, the soft cake, is not the light brown of gingersnaps. Nor is it dark brown.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We asked others.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Through it all, though, we respected the other person’s opinion. We decided we were both close...but each color was off a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then, one day while Mike was watching football and I was working on a book, it came to me. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“The house is the color of butterscotch pudding!” I called out. Mike agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Of course he <i>was </i>watching football. But I’m calling it done. And waiting </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">patiently for the new paint and painters to arrive.)</span></span></b>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-36317429549218391382023-11-21T21:30:00.000-08:002023-11-21T21:30:00.133-08:00What's on Your Plate?<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b style="font-family: Cambria;">What’s on Your Plate?</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As I write this, I am preparing for Thanksgiving. It will be a small gathering. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My family in Ohio and Wisconsin will be “doing their own thing” as they say. I was thinking about our large family gatherings. The cleaning and cooking, setting the table, and the long to-do list I live by the weeks prior to the holiday. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I occurs to me I often talk about having “too much on my plate” when facing a new challenge or opportunity. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As in…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Would you like to join our women’s club? We have a wonderful time and serve the community.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“I’m sorry. It sounds interesting, but I have <span> </span>too much on my plate right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am not making excuses. I really do have a lot going on. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am, after all, a newlywed. Mike and I knew each other as teens, but we are still getting to know each other as adults. That’s a good thing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We bought a house that needs some updates and decided to live in it a bit to discover exactly what we want to do. Now we are working with a builder to discuss our next step.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My writing became muddled after Tom died. Sure I published a few short stories and I kept my blog going. Yet, in truth, I have been as unsettled as the characters in my books. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now I am writing again. I am working on a novel with a character I know and like. I’m in my writing zone, but it takes time and daily effort to write a book.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m sure we all have a lot to do. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Some, like me, have a spouse, kids, even grandkids. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Some of my readers have jobs they leave drive to daily.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All of us have work to do around the house.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Active in your church and community? Great.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;">I’ve often heard it said, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">There is truth in that. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span>But…remember...</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span><br /></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b>It’s a “plate.” Not a “platter.”</b></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So my advice….now that I’m old enough to give it…my advice is to take a close look at all you take on. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Weigh your options before you dish up more than you can handle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Decide what is the meat, your main course. Stay true to that.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Be sure to add some veggies and fruit. They keep you balanced.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leave room for dessert. Everyone needs something fun in life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course a small diversion here and there…something akin to a sprinkling of salt or pepper can add a little spice to life. As long as you don’t go too heavy on the spice and cover the main course so much you lose your taste for what’s important. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let me hear from you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What is your “main dish” in life…or what is your favorite “dessert”? How do you find balance on your “plate”?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And when you do feel a little overwhelmed... Remember these words:<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b><b>“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, giving thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Wishing You All a Wonderful Thanksgiving and Holiday Season!</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBY6kOuH39jry8I7Wi-X4hMx1Xj4SFPRlAEgTf3QPO6WLDzY5i9mejM6taE4wZQeypPNapWnrrDTiko5fD5S4NOpQNlMPUzIKNWXa6RxJkdoNwGb4wFYC5dudlmobZcNjM_pBF3tmBgeg9giiSCYUmoGftO7RuaGAc4bKSd0m7JRaWtmQjRyeRt40wJo/s748/1st%20Launch%20food.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="748" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBY6kOuH39jry8I7Wi-X4hMx1Xj4SFPRlAEgTf3QPO6WLDzY5i9mejM6taE4wZQeypPNapWnrrDTiko5fD5S4NOpQNlMPUzIKNWXa6RxJkdoNwGb4wFYC5dudlmobZcNjM_pBF3tmBgeg9giiSCYUmoGftO7RuaGAc4bKSd0m7JRaWtmQjRyeRt40wJo/w361-h271/1st%20Launch%20food.jpg" width="361" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-47448108993707138222023-11-14T21:30:00.000-08:002023-11-15T04:47:32.382-08:00The Eleventh Hour<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="font-family: Cambria; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Eleventh Hour</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Eleven o’clock on the eleventh day of November. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The eleventh hour… “the last possible moment before it’s too late.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That was when peace negotiations began in 1913, bringing World War I to an end. Armistice Day. A day to lay down arms. Armistice Day eventually became Veterans Day and is officially recognized each year on November 11. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Don’t worry. This post isn’t a history lesson. It is a post about friendship and an appreciation of the freedom and peace we share because of others who were willing to take a stand.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The day before the official celebration recognizing Veterans Day, seven of us met at a small café near the Veterans Memorial Park and Museum in Tampa, Florida. All of us grew up in the area. All but one of our group graduated from the same high school, Chamberlain. Our high school had established a plaque in the park with the names of those classmates we lost in Vietnam. Names we recognized. Boys we knew.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></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/AVvXsEiRuttLBH1eLixNEWk9SLoyvpakkVGOhjVwlm5vusFDMiUqczJkm5cXxpVeT5ZZgRl4fa5cg-S_fZOOh54V2Hwv7RR6oHa8cKhNYhLXCmYp8Dl6sLRHu-LPnrFxeAgUCG-ckHsFXW-zWfomGiW49N2pl-hGbpu-Ae4LSxdMipdV8hT8vMzYAJ2gLjSRmS8/s639/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-13%20at%206.52.41%20PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="470" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuttLBH1eLixNEWk9SLoyvpakkVGOhjVwlm5vusFDMiUqczJkm5cXxpVeT5ZZgRl4fa5cg-S_fZOOh54V2Hwv7RR6oHa8cKhNYhLXCmYp8Dl6sLRHu-LPnrFxeAgUCG-ckHsFXW-zWfomGiW49N2pl-hGbpu-Ae4LSxdMipdV8hT8vMzYAJ2gLjSRmS8/w271-h369/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-13%20at%206.52.41%20PM.png" width="271" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Chiefs We Lost in Vietnam<br />(Thank you Sandee LaRocca for this shot.) </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">We walked through the park, sharing stories of our fathers and grandfathers, of uncles and friends who were forever marked by the blood of fellow soldiers in nearly every modern war starting with World War II. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEgObo29cPDdbzo1KHNSBA3XZ-4wkHFo-rQau1a-yX9SH6lETUA81QK4lBssm1cp8KsY3Ymcgzx3IEFF-sFPOHFsgVrIGWF1jYVIVWW1qsAcKBqmrmIIVRTauTTzDIvaBJZez0foqciz8ZEGXrFmKCGOTVeW0IapC6hthVHlq94I3LoD2YgWALHjgVlw3dM/s4032/Memorial%20at%20Vet%20Park.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObo29cPDdbzo1KHNSBA3XZ-4wkHFo-rQau1a-yX9SH6lETUA81QK4lBssm1cp8KsY3Ymcgzx3IEFF-sFPOHFsgVrIGWF1jYVIVWW1qsAcKBqmrmIIVRTauTTzDIvaBJZez0foqciz8ZEGXrFmKCGOTVeW0IapC6hthVHlq94I3LoD2YgWALHjgVlw3dM/w283-h377/Memorial%20at%20Vet%20Park.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The men study the names <br />of those we knew and lost</span>.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Mike’s dad, Hugh Tyler, dreamed of becoming a doctor. As the next to the youngest of ten orphaned children, his ambition may have seemed unattainable. But Hugh Tyler was not to be stopped. He worked hard all through school and entered the University of Florida in the pre-med program. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then came World War II.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6jXI2X69z9-ikVWcLJLr0k9kNqKw-IVWbhWiKzf8yhWIdN3gKOFrGPd37lL-6Gsrl1DdZeZ4Zh52NohO9cOaN-u7vMq3pkVJd7Z1Utrij_IYXFFOAxCrOVQFW4wiJoW_h7zxzq3u_lGMhS1JqawmswxkpGsb_EcAJaigdlWDxQ8CNVEIph2MZg3DkoE/s4032/VET%20Flag%20Walk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6jXI2X69z9-ikVWcLJLr0k9kNqKw-IVWbhWiKzf8yhWIdN3gKOFrGPd37lL-6Gsrl1DdZeZ4Zh52NohO9cOaN-u7vMq3pkVJd7Z1Utrij_IYXFFOAxCrOVQFW4wiJoW_h7zxzq3u_lGMhS1JqawmswxkpGsb_EcAJaigdlWDxQ8CNVEIph2MZg3DkoE/w289-h385/VET%20Flag%20Walk.jpg" width="289" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike’s dad stepped up to serve his country. Because of his pre-med classes, he served as a medic. He was acting in that role on June 6, 1944. D-Day. The carnage was unimaginable, the beach red with blood. Advancing soldiers had to step over the shattered bodies of their friends and comrades, shot down in the water or on the now blood soaked shore. Hugh Tyler returned from the war forever changed. He decided on a career as a dentist instead of medicine. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Uncle Noah returned from Vietnam a highly decorated Marine in an unimaginable war. He was honored for his heroism, but what I remember most was the haunting effect Vietnam had on him. I remember him putting his boots up on the chest of drawers every night. He explained to me it was a habit. In Vietnam, it was a way to keep water and snakes out of his boots. And I remember the nightmares... and my mother in the next room, praying him through them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Veterans Park isn’t merely to honor those fallen soldiers, it is also recognizing and honoring those who pushed through the oceans and swamps, hiked the deserts, and climbed the rocks. Those who fought on land, in the air, and on water. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Those men and women who sacrificed time with their families so we could spend time with ours.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The park is a peaceful place. There are no sounds of gunfire. No fear of attack. No rumblings of army tanks or strafing by airplanes. It is a place of reflection and honor and commitment. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As I ponder the experience, it strikes me how we as a nation are becoming desensitized to the vulgarity of war and the carnage of lost battles. We tend to cast off the painful memories often trapped in the minds of soldiers, expecting them to recover… to “get back to normal.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now we watch wars unfold on television. If the sounds of gunfire are too intense, we turn the volume down. We don’t hear the cries of those who have fallen. We don’t smell the smoke. If it becomes too difficult to watch, we turn it off. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week many people across our nation recognized Veterans Day with parades, salutes, and celebrations. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">But for the seven of us, it was a quiet walk through a peaceful park, buoyed by gratitude for those who went before us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><i>Thank you ahead of time for sharing this post.</i></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-12596835182637869702023-11-07T21:30:00.049-08:002023-11-07T21:30:00.130-08:00A Week to Treasure<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Week to Treasure</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I spent this past week in Ohio. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I stayed with my mom at her house the first two nights. It was sweet to wake up to the smell of fresh coffee brewing and the sound of my mother singing as she moved around the kitchen.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Throughout the week we found time to play a couple of our favorite games like Backstreet Rummy and Farkle. We toured my youngest daughter’s house, which is almost ready for her precious little family to occupy and we attended the musical “School House Rock” to watch my oldest granddaughter perform. She has a wonderful voice. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I’m not saying that just because I’m her grandmother. The girl landed a solo in the performance that was excellent.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mom and I attended church together on Sunday. It is the church where my children grew up. The church where all three girls were baptized. The church where all three walked down the aisle on their father’s arm to leave our household for their own, bringing three good men into our family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It’s the church where we all gathered in 2014, this very time of year, to say our goodbyes to Tom.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mom spent a couple of nights with me as well. We pulled a few weeds from the front flowerbed. Then, after I’d put some of the power tools and lumber away in my basement workshop, Mom swept the floor of sawdust and bits of wood left behind. But again, we didn’t tire ourselves with all work. We visited and played a few more games. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My stay in Ohio was a full week. Seven wonderful days. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I was blessed to have time with family and friends. We celebrated my son-in-law’s birthday at Olive Garden. My grandson, Spencer, was home from college. He and I had a sweet conversation by the fire pit one night and his older brother, Joshua, wrapped his arms around me with one of his amazing bear hugs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My youngest daughter, Kendall and I completed a beautiful prayer walk at her church. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My oldest daughter, Allison, came to my house to set up the Christmas tree so that when Mike and I return in December we’ll be ready to celebrate. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I am one of those people who can easily fritter time away. This week? This week was different. It was a time to pack in every moment possible. I connected with friends. I held tight to family. I even managed to do a few things around the house.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are a few pics.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></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/AVvXsEggT-j4noNmPjGWrpOEyi2Yu9hQVx7FFbuPtxJApE9bxRYSMAlIL8Q_a-S5JcRez6JvJMECWpbZLgZXw8t5qsQGvPTbnCechY9fi1nUyxs-wuMhRWAARWjsDS67RzLOxRjLS8yUBlTn14gXEgLRcbe7XG7FeVv0RgbPGcnlnZ1_vW7F4bke90cinhE5Yes/s4032/Ohio%20Nora.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggT-j4noNmPjGWrpOEyi2Yu9hQVx7FFbuPtxJApE9bxRYSMAlIL8Q_a-S5JcRez6JvJMECWpbZLgZXw8t5qsQGvPTbnCechY9fi1nUyxs-wuMhRWAARWjsDS67RzLOxRjLS8yUBlTn14gXEgLRcbe7XG7FeVv0RgbPGcnlnZ1_vW7F4bke90cinhE5Yes/s320/Ohio%20Nora.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Sweet Family...and a Star is Born!<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></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/AVvXsEjmItHbsrt0bhtWmpVvXeAvAgrK8C1LmzjjfnxUwvQWmLstoZXz8tqOmJo8UWhtXve_D0snRhsX7MkOC0MdfAS2HWNSc2r_GOiEKAyNASbvmF2ILX_dhdxh0Xk5kyh-LTO3Un-NBxPniyyJ2fCWDBK7LvL2IX1r-lduN75Cajk8AxWe6yvWglf_OBXhb5M/s4032/OH%20fire%20pit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmItHbsrt0bhtWmpVvXeAvAgrK8C1LmzjjfnxUwvQWmLstoZXz8tqOmJo8UWhtXve_D0snRhsX7MkOC0MdfAS2HWNSc2r_GOiEKAyNASbvmF2ILX_dhdxh0Xk5kyh-LTO3Un-NBxPniyyJ2fCWDBK7LvL2IX1r-lduN75Cajk8AxWe6yvWglf_OBXhb5M/s320/OH%20fire%20pit.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fire Pit with the Family!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><p></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/AVvXsEgVpIXlKHhOOfR8JagywRhIS6nUd1C03npNS7T1ceqGPa341OXaLLgzJW86ObVWjhxi2xK1cnSMO4fgrZxJ7LyIU0gTSObXjY-bkCtqDYaMCMg868G7qvVUXON_L5p-p2K4MT9i2EkPUPf-hiENo6ac2CIVGhOVElw7tctveiZYM_dP8kCKsbv5gLOrXQg/s4032/Christmas%20tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpIXlKHhOOfR8JagywRhIS6nUd1C03npNS7T1ceqGPa341OXaLLgzJW86ObVWjhxi2xK1cnSMO4fgrZxJ7LyIU0gTSObXjY-bkCtqDYaMCMg868G7qvVUXON_L5p-p2K4MT9i2EkPUPf-hiENo6ac2CIVGhOVElw7tctveiZYM_dP8kCKsbv5gLOrXQg/s320/Christmas%20tree.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Tree is Ready!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-1066090245499091552023-10-31T21:30:00.043-07:002023-10-31T21:30:00.146-07:00The Cowboy Church<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: Cambria;">Stable Faith Cowboy Church</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Moving into a new community requires finding your way to the grocery, discovering new restaurants, and meeting new people. High on the list for me has always been finding a church family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike and I knew our way around the north Tampa area of Lutz, but moving further north gave cause for us to look for a place of worship closer to our new home. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>We wanted a place where we both felt comfortable. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We had only been married a couple of months. We both liked the church near our Ohio home, Center Pointe Christian Church. (Actually, Mike really likes the preaching there but isn’t crazy about contemporary music.) </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Me? I can worship almost anywhere as long as the Word is shared accurately, openly, and honestly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Moving Mike’s things from Lutz to Inverness, we traveled north, passing a small building in the nearby town of Brooksville each day. It was a wood building in a pretty setting. The sign over the porch read “Stable Faith Cowboy Church.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeaGIgUWgoJhbH8brwgV8vDJjF1T0GacD-FKzEKd0ptWhG3d79mgiZXpxCUPYGQGaPS7t-oVnGXpNZoqVEwpUllHnmVSa9MCa_uFCYMxgqHZpzqDuuoLJTjBMgcMLXsHthEbKOBVCma6_mgbTy5Ibeph11OlO2cF-3Z9FDsxvutmM_GdPAnZVEHoDHWc/s4032/SFCC%20Front%20View.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeaGIgUWgoJhbH8brwgV8vDJjF1T0GacD-FKzEKd0ptWhG3d79mgiZXpxCUPYGQGaPS7t-oVnGXpNZoqVEwpUllHnmVSa9MCa_uFCYMxgqHZpzqDuuoLJTjBMgcMLXsHthEbKOBVCma6_mgbTy5Ibeph11OlO2cF-3Z9FDsxvutmM_GdPAnZVEHoDHWc/s320/SFCC%20Front%20View.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I had never heard of a “cowboy church” before. Mike, a bit of a cowboy himself, had the boots for it. It was worth a try. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I looked the church up online and read “Mission and Principles of the Church.” The 10:30 service would work for us so we headed that way the following Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">These were down to earth people. Of course being invited to enjoy coffee and donuts on the back porch didn’t hurt either.<b> <i>We felt at ease.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The music was great. The preaching was excellent. <i><b>We were fed.</b><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As the service ended, a man came to where we were sitting. “Mike Tyler!” he called out. Steve had worked with Mike at the Tampa Electric Company for years. His wife is a friend of Mike’s sister. <i><b>We felt at home.</b><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We haven’t officially joined the congregation yet, but we think of the Cowboy Church as “our church.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’ve worshiped in churches with all sorts of music. I’ve spent time in churches where the message was shared in a different language as well as churches meeting in homes, tents, or theaters. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I know that “church” isn’t the building or the name. It’s the people. It is the heart for Jesus expressed through word and deed. And if they wear cowboy hats? No problem. If the baptisms take place in a trough outside? No big deal. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Feeling at ease, fed, and at home. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Welcome to "the cowboy church."</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><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/AVvXsEgg6UyY6uV-sxBb1KPOP6O1HlmIwb1IxNacpNxdI3gwn_lvhzs_AO2CninzJmMiBhDKlPsp6JkMzgXXCbsSU50xAiWT5rfggXj1-KeRAjNDM0Z4Sa9HbslmQZqry7c1WSw6ddaj2IS54Pb49o1-9LpJQnFPMddje2MTZQte4vIr93uAqo4omIk6e0jsG_E/s4032/SFCC%20Welcome%20Wagon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6UyY6uV-sxBb1KPOP6O1HlmIwb1IxNacpNxdI3gwn_lvhzs_AO2CninzJmMiBhDKlPsp6JkMzgXXCbsSU50xAiWT5rfggXj1-KeRAjNDM0Z4Sa9HbslmQZqry7c1WSw6ddaj2IS54Pb49o1-9LpJQnFPMddje2MTZQte4vIr93uAqo4omIk6e0jsG_E/s320/SFCC%20Welcome%20Wagon.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I suppose this could <br />be called the "Welcome Wagon."<br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEiEpUjRoy70E0BEOgNNcZbF9VTkdqBUqwHKnVauYsBfsCobnE3C5OJqZWkH3bwfk2fSTXgGz8zvT6Yh7_qlsu4lWxU0xmeT5L5fKzlQq__SQSoQYEZU76Zf_qzCGPDzmjG5jPKoZ55cdpZMA9FNq8r5JJPlGUIhzy1ZHHxoQbaJFy8nZpZ_x4inXkissh0/s4032/SFCCBaptism.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpUjRoy70E0BEOgNNcZbF9VTkdqBUqwHKnVauYsBfsCobnE3C5OJqZWkH3bwfk2fSTXgGz8zvT6Yh7_qlsu4lWxU0xmeT5L5fKzlQq__SQSoQYEZU76Zf_qzCGPDzmjG5jPKoZ55cdpZMA9FNq8r5JJPlGUIhzy1ZHHxoQbaJFy8nZpZ_x4inXkissh0/s320/SFCCBaptism.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Baptism in a Water Trough</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpUjRoy70E0BEOgNNcZbF9VTkdqBUqwHKnVauYsBfsCobnE3C5OJqZWkH3bwfk2fSTXgGz8zvT6Yh7_qlsu4lWxU0xmeT5L5fKzlQq__SQSoQYEZU76Zf_qzCGPDzmjG5jPKoZ55cdpZMA9FNq8r5JJPlGUIhzy1ZHHxoQbaJFy8nZpZ_x4inXkissh0/s4032/SFCCBaptism.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div><div style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div></div><span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">By the Way...You can find the messages on the Stable Faith Cowboy Church Facebook page.<br /></span></b><br /><b style="font-size: xx-large;"><br /></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Note: The baptism we witnessed was that of Wounded Warrior </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Josh Cooley</span><span style="font-size: large;"> on August 27. To read his story from a local paper </span><a href="https://www.wfla.com/news/pasco-county/mother-of-marine-wounded-in-combat-fought-for-her-son-now-shes-fighting-to-keep-family-home-after-his-death/" style="font-size: x-large;">CLICK HERE.</a></b></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-36903987524499665642023-10-24T21:30:00.007-07:002023-10-25T05:18:15.080-07:00Say "No" to Car Snobs<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Say "No" to Car Snobs</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p><b style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike is <i>not </i>a car snob.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’ve known a few. They are those people who look down on a car because it’s a foreign make or not one of Detroit’s Big Three…the Old Guard. Or whatever manufacturer they support.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I used to think my grandfather was a car snob. He only drove Grandma around in a Buick. Then I realized he had Ford trucks and such. It was Grandma who loved the Buick. It was a nice ride.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My parents weren’t car snobs either. We had Fords, Chevrolets, and even a Rambler station wagon back in the day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My first car was a 1966 Ford Mustang. It was a great car. It was pretty and as it turned out, well built. I know that to be true because it held up fairly well in a crash. At least no one was injured. Of course the car was totaled. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My first “date” with Mike was in his F-250 Pickup Truck. He picked me up at the house where I was staying in Florida and drove me to our high school reunion. He later came to Ohio in that truck to date me. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">We talked on the phone and texted daily. I learned that he had, tucked away safely in his garage, a 1969 Chevelle Super Sport. It was identical to the car he drove in high school. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">His first car… A true muscle car… A throwback in time… A time to remember with fondness. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This was my first indicator that Mike was not a car snob. (By the way, I like that in a man.) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My second clue was when he didn’t make fun of me driving a Honda Accord. He actually appreciates it. Recently he told one of his friends how we drove it back from Ohio this summer. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“It’s comfortable and with my truck, we would drive from the house in Ohio to the last stop in Kentucky and have to fill the tank. If I was lucky, I could make it to north Georgia before stopping again but would have to stop a second time in Georgia before I hit the Florida line. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But with the Honda, we left Ohio and didn’t stop until we were well into Georgia. I’m serious. I thought the thing must have a seventy-gallon tank or something! But it only took twelve gallons! I think that car makes gas!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">See what I mean? The man appreciates a good car. No matter what it is.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">We drive the Chevelle to our local car show on the courthouse square. The spaces fill up quickly in this cooler weather. At the show you can find old cars as well as new ones proudly displayed by their owners. True car enthusiasts marvel at the Chevelle’s pristine condition. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you read my post about my first car show, you know I’m becoming a “car girl.” If you didn’t read it, I’ll post a link at the end. You’ll be able to see Mike’s Chevelle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Since that first excursion, I’ve learned that people who love cars appreciate all cars for what they offer. True, there are a few who turn their noses up at certain vehicles, but for the most part, car enthusiasts appreciate the unique features each automobile offers. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike and I recently bought a new car. We wanted something a bit sportier than the truck or Honda. The car show was coming up. It’s a monthly event sponsored by the <i>Citrus County Corvette and Camaro Club</i>. Mike said he would drive the Chevelle and I could drive the new car. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></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/AVvXsEgY-pRoKCitio6aKCZkXlqw0B8aGTawj4UnxoJSKbO1u_Ml0-HdMQf5SEN_k7UEO-a7tLBvkIQw_voDJbBIJ5lLw5kUHvUMUNNOIDZHJvcgLbB1wGVuOsBYmg7VpVb2lj1V6a_N996WJQpDIbeL4YMySfg9sqtQSlEHpGMq3-CySfnVQVElE-F3OFeIhK0/s4032/cars.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-pRoKCitio6aKCZkXlqw0B8aGTawj4UnxoJSKbO1u_Ml0-HdMQf5SEN_k7UEO-a7tLBvkIQw_voDJbBIJ5lLw5kUHvUMUNNOIDZHJvcgLbB1wGVuOsBYmg7VpVb2lj1V6a_N996WJQpDIbeL4YMySfg9sqtQSlEHpGMq3-CySfnVQVElE-F3OFeIhK0/s320/cars.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Mike's Chevelle on the Left...Cool Car!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Really? Not that I minded. It’s just that I thought it funny he would even suggest it. After all, it’s new…well…new to us. It’s a 2017. It’s pretty. I would feel terrible if something happened in the three miles or so from our house to the car show.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Are you sure?” I asked. “What if something happens to it?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“It’s a car, Becky,” he replied. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That’s pretty much what he said when I was nervous about driving his truck for the first time. “It’s a truck.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My husband has his priorities right. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I come before the car. Any car. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">No. It’s like I said. Mike isn’t a car snob. He’s a good man.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As promised, click <a href="https://rebeccaawaters.blogspot.com/2023/07/on-becoming-car-girl.html">HERE</a> to read about my first car show. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you want to read about my experience driving Mike’s truck, you’ll find that post <a href="https://rebeccaawaters.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-pickup-truck.html">HERE</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-90974278525216225812023-10-17T21:30:00.063-07:002023-10-17T21:30:00.150-07:00Customer Service in Small Town USA<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Customer Service in Small Town, USA</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Shortly after moving into our new home, the air conditioner went out. The unit was running… it simply wasn’t cooling. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We called one place we found online, but the person never arrived. We called a local company called <i>Airfix. </i>The woman accepting calls late at night walked us through a few steps we could take. She knew the system and was able to tell Mike where he could access the drain. He hooked up his shop vac and although we decided we still needed service on the unit, we were comfortable enough to sleep through the night.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Troy’s, a landscape company arrived on time when we needed some work done in the backyard. Troy was professional with the work he did and fair with his pricing. And Ray, a handyman we found through our local ACE Hardware store did excellent work repairing our deck. He, too, arrived on time and was fair with the charges. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The folks at <i>Airfix</i>…and Troy and Ray are more than good at the work they do. They are good people. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Moving to a small town on Florida’s Nature Coast from the busy Tampa Bay area has been a blessing. Don’t misunderstand. There are good people in bustling Hillsborough County, but it’s a huge region!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Here? Here they are your neighbors.</b> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Troy’s Landscaping is just down the road. Ray fishes in our lake. We pass the <i>Airfix </i>building every time we head to Walmart.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></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/AVvXsEiAD3gJMTLra9RWP3erzJakB44-700og5QSenmSqZFpXZFt3aQDN7-bHPtK7g2pyyp65o0otWcum6YxzzA-oXzq_3CdFRkUGI7dxw7U6kciYWWV3NG9jdV6dHL-6GWQpES4M57IxkV2adI44aQm5zbPDhAKQ4yN5ADvS4c5_KIxoJyYmIpopXeX-A39qqQ/s223/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-17%20at%203.51.29%20PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="223" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD3gJMTLra9RWP3erzJakB44-700og5QSenmSqZFpXZFt3aQDN7-bHPtK7g2pyyp65o0otWcum6YxzzA-oXzq_3CdFRkUGI7dxw7U6kciYWWV3NG9jdV6dHL-6GWQpES4M57IxkV2adI44aQm5zbPDhAKQ4yN5ADvS4c5_KIxoJyYmIpopXeX-A39qqQ/w329-h264/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-17%20at%203.51.29%20PM.png" width="329" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Historic Courthouse<br />in Our Town</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And it continues. We wanted to add a few feet to Mike’s shop. We put in for a permit to make it bigger. Our permit was denied, stating we had to have a “storm water mitigation plan.” It would add twenty five hundred dollars ($2500.00) to our $500 permit cost. The woman from the permit office told us to call the surveyor who did the initial work on our property and they could give us more information. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The surveyor is part of a local business. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We called. I explained our dilemma. A man named Mark understood. Yes, it is $2500 to survey and write up a storm water plan. It could cost much more to fix everything in the plan. He talked of rain barrels and such. He lives in the area. He used to work in the permitting office. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We described our property and as we talked, he learned our “new shop” was only 450 square feet larger than the other one. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“You know,” Mark said, “I’m pretty sure that unless they’ve changed things, there is a 500 square foot exemption. If you aren’t adding more than 500 square feet, you don’t need the storm water mitigation plan.” He sent an email to the permit office and copied us on it within minutes of our call.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Some people balk at living in a small town. We aren’t among them. From the people we meet on the streets and in restaurants to the small business owners and those working in the county and city offices, people in our town put a face on the label “Customer Service.”</b></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;"><b>So what is "GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE?"</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;">It is being available.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;">It is being a good listener.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;">It is being honest.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;">It is being on time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;"><i>Good Customer Service is</i> <i>looking out for what is best for the customer.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;"><b>My rating of Small Town, USA?</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8zDFAwZkIwZBbhosUN8RYZViG9YPIZ2pdemUJYMGJIGMxfkReGDBZuVyw6SYaG2fDkSeu9mqmOed8GyxR-aiXjHkElT1Mrj1p5QbttSpq9lUJDLYM8VzcVUmB0f94W0UNj0mP1hkA_ILQuBxSJlv1AF22LnUGC0a4AfgXddyBeQ5RiLMEOosOJgqH78/s292/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-17%20at%203.51.10%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="292" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8zDFAwZkIwZBbhosUN8RYZViG9YPIZ2pdemUJYMGJIGMxfkReGDBZuVyw6SYaG2fDkSeu9mqmOed8GyxR-aiXjHkElT1Mrj1p5QbttSpq9lUJDLYM8VzcVUmB0f94W0UNj0mP1hkA_ILQuBxSJlv1AF22LnUGC0a4AfgXddyBeQ5RiLMEOosOJgqH78/w346-h282/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-17%20at%203.51.10%20PM.png" width="346" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-88266327839819254722023-10-10T21:30:00.007-07:002023-10-11T05:26:35.740-07:00The End of an Era<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The End of an Era</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That’s what my daughter typed in a message when I told the girls we would no longer be vacationing in Myrtle Beach. “The end of an era,” my youngest daughter wrote. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tom and I took the girls to Myrtle Beach for a vacation many times throughout the years. We started going there when we bought a time-share in the 80’s. We didn’t make the trip every year. We often traded for a ski lodge. Once, we traded for a five-bedroom chalet in Scotland. That was fun. We traded our week for a few other experiences as well, including honeymoon destinations for our daughters.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After Tom died, I rented the time-share week to others. I saw no point in vacationing there. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This past summer, two of my daughters, two granddaughters, and my mom and I made the trek to Myrtle Beach to the time-share once more. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXTnj5aigSdMXcGwY9wGz_K5PeQxAf1fi9Ai3vP07JUePtbbExM00MvcbWoplwyX9ElDzSYGBgwcSjPiK2KCYRwJEE0j5Fyr0H7v-tty15jP1RM2qeH_HicvlWUhZfD9Bc7_rmoJWnRmhO3VkwprIpmIyXBt8UtXcP3f8614XCrX2_WrmlZV8x8sdOgM/s4032/Myrtle%20Beach%20Girls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXTnj5aigSdMXcGwY9wGz_K5PeQxAf1fi9Ai3vP07JUePtbbExM00MvcbWoplwyX9ElDzSYGBgwcSjPiK2KCYRwJEE0j5Fyr0H7v-tty15jP1RM2qeH_HicvlWUhZfD9Bc7_rmoJWnRmhO3VkwprIpmIyXBt8UtXcP3f8614XCrX2_WrmlZV8x8sdOgM/s320/Myrtle%20Beach%20Girls.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It was our last hoorah! </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I sold my place there. I now have no real ties to property in Myrtle Beach. Just plenty of family memories. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It <i>is </i>the end of an era. That’s okay. It is the beginning of a new one…a new place in life’s journey.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike and I live on a beautiful freshwater lake in Inverness, Florida. There are saltwater beaches within a few miles drive from our house. And plenty of sunshine to go around. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And…our Ohio home is close to family and a bevy of experiences nearby that Mike and I hope to enjoy in the near future. And when I say, “nearby” I mean the Tri-State area of Ohio-Indiana-Kentucky…with a side trip to Wisconsin now and again to see our kiddos there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Myrtle Beach? It has its place in our family experience. An era we all enjoyed.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There’s a passage in the Bible that says <b>“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And yes, the Byrds made those first eight verses in chapter three famous in a song back in the late ‘60’s. The folk-rock hit was called “Turn, Turn, Turn.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The rest of that passage says this:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The era for us in Myrtle Beach may have ended, but the journey continues. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It is...a time to move on…</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>And if you missed the post about our last trip, you can find it <a href="https://rebeccaawaters.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-case-for-creativity.html">HERE</a>.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-29268807945136363852023-10-03T21:30:00.047-07:002023-10-03T21:30:00.144-07:00Critters in the House<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Critters in the House</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We have critters in our house. </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Cambria;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKwxOja75KDir1D8zfzXX76UoRposxnPb14okNKR8DM5SIK90AN42w4kGB2PZZ_JcWsN__eMhYx6itbBspeh7UVsgGC33_vaMq51KwcaLB6f0sU7x03tFyOjcXnE-5IeSm0R-H34z1aMc84wX6QdmKaU8GiGb9uMRzpJronFi7CX1QaEvAzTlPRSLRs8/s378/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-29%20at%207.06.17%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="378" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKwxOja75KDir1D8zfzXX76UoRposxnPb14okNKR8DM5SIK90AN42w4kGB2PZZ_JcWsN__eMhYx6itbBspeh7UVsgGC33_vaMq51KwcaLB6f0sU7x03tFyOjcXnE-5IeSm0R-H34z1aMc84wX6QdmKaU8GiGb9uMRzpJronFi7CX1QaEvAzTlPRSLRs8/w261-h225/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-29%20at%207.06.17%20PM.png" width="261" /></a></b><b style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Cambria;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Two dogs and a cat to be specific. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Long ago, Max Lightening the Wonder Dog was a member of the Waters family. We all mourned his passing in 2012. Losing Max was so painful I didn’t want another dog. He was a member of our family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When Mike and I started dating, I knew he had pets. I was cool with the notion of a dog. Or two. But having a cat was a different story. The only cat I’ve connected with in any way was my neighbor cat, Joe. (You can read about Joey <b><a href="https://rebeccaawaters.blogspot.com/2022/03/meet-joe.html">HERE</a></b>).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Still…I like animals and as it turns out, I love the man. So the answer is YES…we have critters in our house.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></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/AVvXsEiLCMhxu8v0a15118WOj1pqOdAHqJKfRhQxmIY0Cvsx103FWRmOhI9ex6rEVfq4cD-upQ-m0ILkuo6AfjyI-mwYAIaIluOFKJ3P1XwOjorDKM0lD3pC_2HtAHtgsmxX9yR_CRuyv2SDBeah3VRLDtyn3fahhiVJiWepBIQ5iD4qw998cA_ZkJtvGiSZRoY/s4032/Bee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCMhxu8v0a15118WOj1pqOdAHqJKfRhQxmIY0Cvsx103FWRmOhI9ex6rEVfq4cD-upQ-m0ILkuo6AfjyI-mwYAIaIluOFKJ3P1XwOjorDKM0lD3pC_2HtAHtgsmxX9yR_CRuyv2SDBeah3VRLDtyn3fahhiVJiWepBIQ5iD4qw998cA_ZkJtvGiSZRoY/s320/Bee.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Honeybee</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Honeybee is a Blue Healer. We call her “Bee” for short. I wasn’t too sure about how she would take to me. Blue Healers tend to be “one person” dogs. Mike…to be specific.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Don’t worry if she nips at you,” Mike said. “She’ll get used to you.” But if she growled or turned my way, Mike scolded her. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blue Healers are herding dogs. I soon learned that Bee’s “nips” were barely anything at all. She was merely trying to move me in another direction. I could live with that. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When we moved to our new home, Bee no longer had to deal with stairs. No stairs to go out or in. No stairs to climb to go to bed at night. Having no stairs breathed new life into the beautiful animal. She now accepts morsels of food from me and stands nearby, looking up with sincere appreciation as I prepare her midday meal. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The change? I think somehow, Bee credits me with giving her an easily accessible yard and a single story house to call home. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></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/AVvXsEhv9D6Qmfws99JheTA884V6oyv0qArOHIK9KBurCHpCCrdvNGv7wNJDwAlA3-l3TMOHdz72HzoS-6GOzZpvcLG_o5ZucNDpuwf4-gWqimsuP6Z8b9mIcrJnV-qFzQKwOFdRrmTP9WNaliCdXAc9c6kdjB5qZPbR8PfEiSo8uObVO0kokjmLhYIvgVqhC9s/s4032/Roxy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9D6Qmfws99JheTA884V6oyv0qArOHIK9KBurCHpCCrdvNGv7wNJDwAlA3-l3TMOHdz72HzoS-6GOzZpvcLG_o5ZucNDpuwf4-gWqimsuP6Z8b9mIcrJnV-qFzQKwOFdRrmTP9WNaliCdXAc9c6kdjB5qZPbR8PfEiSo8uObVO0kokjmLhYIvgVqhC9s/s320/Roxy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Roxy</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Don’t tell the other critters, but far and away, Roxy was my favorite at the start. That’s a strange thing to say because going into this relationship with Mike, she was the one I feared the most. Roxy is a full-blooded pit bulldog. Until I met her, I had only heard stories of how horrible and vicious pit bulls can be. I heard of how they had a taste for blood and killed young children.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not Roxy. She might lick you to death…not really…but she is the most loving dog you could hope to find. Roxy is the manager and caregiver of the three. Actually she looks out for all of us. All. Including Bee and the cat. Okay, maybe she merely <i>tries </i>to care for the cat and wants to play with her, but the cat is not receptive of Roxy’s care nor is she ever in the mood to play Roxy’s games.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></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/AVvXsEjgWOCn0WefgIOAnf8-p-2IEl4h0PmNWYTxGLs8GDv3u3hkn9d_9d4rFsGs7258NwDEKKuq3dKIH7tZxJ6VDxS2YfNWgrDbCBYrYG8p4BlWe_2RdQprDrMRsde5mmk3RO6zzIrI9HRSEIIWQF8lbqX7t2Tog4Mh78k_uoWb0W6VDUxQXp9W1MuE_bY-l_s/s4032/Tiki.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWOCn0WefgIOAnf8-p-2IEl4h0PmNWYTxGLs8GDv3u3hkn9d_9d4rFsGs7258NwDEKKuq3dKIH7tZxJ6VDxS2YfNWgrDbCBYrYG8p4BlWe_2RdQprDrMRsde5mmk3RO6zzIrI9HRSEIIWQF8lbqX7t2Tog4Mh78k_uoWb0W6VDUxQXp9W1MuE_bY-l_s/s320/Tiki.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tiki Kitty</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The last critter in the lineup. Tiki was named after the resort Kon Tiki in the Florida Keys. She has the coloring of the famous “Hemingway Cats” you find in Key West, though unlike those critters, Tiki has the normal four or five toes on her paws unlike the six toes the Hemingway Cats often sport.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike rescued Tiki in the midst of a storm. Now, as far as Roxy is concerned, Tiki <i>is </i>the <i>center </i>of the storm. Tiki doesn’t have much to do with me either, though from time to time, she’ll let me stroke her soft gray fur…<i>while she sits on Mike’s lap</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">She does appreciate me, though. She watches as I prepare her food and follows me until I set the dish down. She’ll throw me a look of “thanks” before digging in. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So what have I learned from having these critters in our house?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Bee reminds me to respect the differences of those we don’t know well. </b>To appreciate them for who they are and never write somebody off if they don't respond to your overtures of friendship immediately. And... this is the biggie...always be willing to give others a second chance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Roxy was able to show me that even with all my talk about accepting others, I can be swayed by media to form unfounded opinions about those I don’t know. </b>She has helped me see how bias and discrimination is shaped in the unsuspecting mind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>And Tiki? </b>I’m not altogether sure what I’m learning from Tiki Kitty. Patience, I guess. I’m confident that with patience, one day she’ll trust me enough to let me pet her…<i>on my lap</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697075022685864842.post-55885016009391044622023-09-26T21:30:00.007-07:002023-09-26T21:30:00.145-07:00More Than a Bed and Breakfast<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b>More Than</b> <b style="font-family: Cambria;">a Bed and Breakfast</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">“It’s just a bed and breakfast.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not “just.” But I’ll get to that later.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When Mike found our house in Florida, I was still living in Ohio. I studied the pictures he sent, read and reread the details on the real estate listing, and researched the area.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I pulled up Google maps and traced the road leading to our lakeside home. Gospel Island Road. Interesting. The overhead view revealed a building near us labeled “The Lake House Bed and Breakfast.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFFE37y5wXqBtpB0xop3EZWZ8VQLfysKBcNAP5B4DTBzOonUkNkSTa0tSwpK3zixaZnZ_y71N-8NIoQJNVIgDZdlnMgenCicOjTeckIEvZNs4wOn8r5xkemI2FfnNm7AjWxDB-AJZm-XryAqrQvwZyw2JjKNfnOjCk181-7rr4gWnpQgxMErsb6HAxdo/s492/LH%20BB%20Front.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="492" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFFE37y5wXqBtpB0xop3EZWZ8VQLfysKBcNAP5B4DTBzOonUkNkSTa0tSwpK3zixaZnZ_y71N-8NIoQJNVIgDZdlnMgenCicOjTeckIEvZNs4wOn8r5xkemI2FfnNm7AjWxDB-AJZm-XryAqrQvwZyw2JjKNfnOjCk181-7rr4gWnpQgxMErsb6HAxdo/s320/LH%20BB%20Front.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I knew nothing about it, but knowing it was there was a comfort. I have a large family. Surely, if everyone was to show up in Florida at the same time, we could book some of the kiddos at the B&B. It was at least a possibility.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike and I moved into our home in May. As it turns out, there is only one house between us and the B&B. Once we were settled in our new home, I started doing a bit of research on the place. I checked their Facebook page and tried to find out a bit of the history of the large house. I left it at that.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then, one afternoon, on my way home from town, I spotted a man at the road in front of the long drive leading back to the bed and breakfast. I stopped, put the passenger window down and introduced myself as a new neighbor. The man, Billy, told me the owner was out of town but would be back in a few days. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sure enough, a few days later, Cathy Johnson, the current owner and manager of the B&B, invited us to the Lake House where she could give us a proper tour and share some of the stories the house holds within its walls.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Lake House is more…much more… than a bed and breakfast. Oh, sure, weddings and parties and receptions and teas are held on the grounds or in the large gathering rooms. But the Lake House is actually a piece of the history of our town. It’s a telling of Old Florida and a bygone era. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The place is furnished as much with interesting stories as it is with antiques.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The property was first purchased by a “St. Petersburg man of means” to be used as a fishing and hunting camp. Built in 1930, during the era of prohibition, the Lake House sports a hidden “speakeasy” and disguised compartments within the walls for the safe storage of money. There were, at that time, brothels on the property for uh… guest use. Eventually, those went by the wayside and the property turned into a proper B&B.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Babe Ruth flew into the resort via a seaplane, landing on the large lake known as Lake Henderson. He and Ed McMahon were frequent, well documented guests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ownership of the house changed both hands and purposes through the years. At one point, internationally recognized artists, Gary and Kathwren Jenkins, owned the property. They added a large studio and offered art classes on site. You could stay and paint under the tutorship of either or both of the artists.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></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/AVvXsEgKUvxUS5cm8z-SszRVGG0FUAaqK1q5iNZdGqzwScj3YvCadWl8Vu4NKjJWISPVDEFlrgj3yBxdbIBM7TwapjirY4KIOIrGPWTPUD1aVKfgPwk9v_tS3jziP5JOAEhBwq8l3lYbTYKo6yez-84FY_bw3Yb5-HnpqWUx6GGnv1vuXBgmqx6MyVsQiK_4bjI/s170/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-26%20at%208.54.13%20AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="170" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUvxUS5cm8z-SszRVGG0FUAaqK1q5iNZdGqzwScj3YvCadWl8Vu4NKjJWISPVDEFlrgj3yBxdbIBM7TwapjirY4KIOIrGPWTPUD1aVKfgPwk9v_tS3jziP5JOAEhBwq8l3lYbTYKo6yez-84FY_bw3Yb5-HnpqWUx6GGnv1vuXBgmqx6MyVsQiK_4bjI/w254-h187/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-26%20at%208.54.13%20AM.png" width="254" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary and Kathwren Jenkins</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cathy now owns and runs the establishment. Guests rest soundly in large, beautiful bedrooms, each with its own bath. They can meander down to the dining area for a delicious breakfast featuring freshly brewed coffee and tea, home baked sweets, an egg casserole or quiche, and fruit. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As I walked through the house, the writer in me only wished the walls could talk. Mike and I enjoyed our visit with Cathy and Billy. They both take pride in the B&B. They make the stories of the house come alive. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>I couldn't help but envision a writing retreat there. </b></i></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My historical fiction friends would find ample fodder for their books. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My friends who write romance novels would breathe in the romance in every room.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My friends who write time travel or fantasy? I can see you typing away at your keyboard challenging your readers with amazing twists and turns. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My friends with a bent for mystery or suspense? The house offers the perfect setting and enough secrets within its walls to inspire.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>As for the contemporary fiction I write?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Perhaps it’s the story of a woman who owns a B&B on Florida’s Nature Coast. A woman embracing the past but jumping into the future. The story of a woman with a curious author-type neighbor who lives a mere two doors down.</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">And now...your own personal tour:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuTYMEwYeNq-7_dTbn4sYacWycLje99Qd2Xlx5qUIv3ivjCEyZeOg5d9BmwvCamfaKRtyLckEEjVq_DOyi8LgqPQ_05cKBGocePssEOFVsv3UTD7jmHpLksOMqMafUNTCXlaF1XfT4cw2gaCzG2lVeIaw1VBhOtYkgbxt_6No-SpZO_79g9UIqviqYLs/s4032/LH%20BB%20Breakfast%20Tables.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuTYMEwYeNq-7_dTbn4sYacWycLje99Qd2Xlx5qUIv3ivjCEyZeOg5d9BmwvCamfaKRtyLckEEjVq_DOyi8LgqPQ_05cKBGocePssEOFVsv3UTD7jmHpLksOMqMafUNTCXlaF1XfT4cw2gaCzG2lVeIaw1VBhOtYkgbxt_6No-SpZO_79g9UIqviqYLs/s320/LH%20BB%20Breakfast%20Tables.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast Areas<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b></b></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/AVvXsEjXNXH4qcz0STkshFfaOpvPLPZfRgPJQyYUyZAPxnf_uUA23lllJBFykuoDCyeyCq5R1EflPK7dc0PcNpw2yfItQ5qX4DvUwZRyEYAkCBBYq5G_qR4PSyZmcJCDQb1dA-YXtZY8Ll3iQ51arYfkUNyst9JBgG6sfqnycPiVFGVlBrjcf6RbFsOawdJLznI/s4032/LH%20BB%20Living%20Room.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNXH4qcz0STkshFfaOpvPLPZfRgPJQyYUyZAPxnf_uUA23lllJBFykuoDCyeyCq5R1EflPK7dc0PcNpw2yfItQ5qX4DvUwZRyEYAkCBBYq5G_qR4PSyZmcJCDQb1dA-YXtZY8Ll3iQ51arYfkUNyst9JBgG6sfqnycPiVFGVlBrjcf6RbFsOawdJLznI/s320/LH%20BB%20Living%20Room.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relax in the Large Gathering Room<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0jtr8FBrfqSXDjPGw8Lh6X1LArsPexQ3QX_kYQRyNBBGVEKgncdtaCLfqmCIi8pvqloY4H-T-x2DLIRvA80BZPy-Bdn5HDN3hoW4IUQ0unN-JxqnH7hzScGUNrIFi0hTsmN9xkGobTfwbBb0bmQvlhwW4zozXQVgE9HY91hpSJFNd6gunMm22dCFJsU/s4032/LH%20BB%20Coffee.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0jtr8FBrfqSXDjPGw8Lh6X1LArsPexQ3QX_kYQRyNBBGVEKgncdtaCLfqmCIi8pvqloY4H-T-x2DLIRvA80BZPy-Bdn5HDN3hoW4IUQ0unN-JxqnH7hzScGUNrIFi0hTsmN9xkGobTfwbBb0bmQvlhwW4zozXQVgE9HY91hpSJFNd6gunMm22dCFJsU/s320/LH%20BB%20Coffee.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO7GcwBoF4b5ERWEvzsywuoQv57hjpElFHyMPFVSwZdlhV6nckqWQGCOpmou7ut8LdDBdp0pO_woUbks1IiUoghAi_3A4HlnUZiOF5VnQ-B0k8ezXnuA2ByKXvM9FtTYlIrpC_evlyGgQFAZLItmzjI1_y42RPofC9gxH7OvmcYDu5pTASRjt-HU9csg/s4032/LH%20BB%20More%20Nooks%20and%20Crannys.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO7GcwBoF4b5ERWEvzsywuoQv57hjpElFHyMPFVSwZdlhV6nckqWQGCOpmou7ut8LdDBdp0pO_woUbks1IiUoghAi_3A4HlnUZiOF5VnQ-B0k8ezXnuA2ByKXvM9FtTYlIrpC_evlyGgQFAZLItmzjI1_y42RPofC9gxH7OvmcYDu5pTASRjt-HU9csg/s320/LH%20BB%20More%20Nooks%20and%20Crannys.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Nooks and Crannies</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p>A Novel Creationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01616233478874667105noreply@blogger.com4