tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760018160416903102024-02-07T17:42:34.095-08:00The Sage Yearsa space for those who wish to age with soulLauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-11906258217468737122013-02-14T04:32:00.002-08:002013-02-14T04:32:53.314-08:00Happy Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today is Valentine's Day, which you either enjoy or endure depending on your romantic circumstances. Either way, I think you will get a kick out of this newspaper ad for the 99 Cents store. It was too big for me to scan completely but I'm sure you'll get the concept from what is here. Clever and funny but just stating the obvious, I hope. :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day. Whatever you do today, I hope you have a bit of chocolate.</span>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-74107877170865956092013-02-10T18:12:00.000-08:002013-02-10T18:12:28.767-08:00Movie Review - "Sound City"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Last night we went downtown to the <a href="http://www.thefilmbarphx.com/">Film Bar</a> and saw the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2306745/">"Sound City."</a> This isn't the kind of show I typically like but I have to say I loved it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The main character is the Neve Soundboard used to record hundreds of albums, many which went on to be top sellers. If you are fifty-plus years old, you will recognize every artist and musical period covered in this film. It is a fun trip down memory lane! Plus it is directed by one of its stars, Dave Grohl, who is so talented and sexy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I recommend this movie to anyone who loves music and appreciates the uniqueness/imperfection of live performance.</span>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-37816578833230323502013-02-03T18:49:00.000-08:002013-02-03T18:49:48.314-08:00Storytelling Sunday - February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">When i was growing up, my family had a tradition of each member giving a handmade gift, as well as a storebought gift, to everyone at Christmas. The handmade gifts were always the most anticipated and we opened them first on Christmas morning. One year my sister gave me this "bank" - she must have been in about second grade (7 or 8 years old.) She decorated a jar with some glitter, gift wrap cut-outs, and Mod Podge. I have kept this jar in my underwear drawer with emergency cash in it ever since, which is about forty years! It is a treasured possesion that I know I will keep forever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://fromhighinthesky.blogspot.com/">Sian</a>, who is a gifted storyteller and a sweet, creative soul, has a series titled <a href="http://fromhighinthesky.blogspot.com/2013/02/storytelling-sunday-three-pick-your.html">"Storytelling Sunday"</a> on the first Sunday of each month. Please visit her blog to read about other treasured items and the story (there's always a story!) behind them. I am off to read about other precious picks right now!</span><br />
<br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-51564667241672197282013-01-30T17:21:00.000-08:002013-01-30T17:21:00.562-08:00An Anniversary Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last fall one day my fifteen-year-old step-daughter asked if she could make cupcakes. She explained that it was her friendship anniversary with her best friend (from first grade!) The cupcakes were delicious and the girls enjoyed a fun celebration with small gifts, stories recalled from their past, and a renewed appreciation for their bond as friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That experience made me wonder why friendship anniversaries aren't honored more often. I have known my best friend, KayLynn, for 25 years this month. Since neither of us is likely to ever have a silver wedding anniversary, I proposed that we have our own friendship anniversary celebration. Skip the cupcakes - we headed to the beach and the spa in Monterey, California for the weekend of January 18th!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The weather was gorgeous, our room had an ocean view and balcony, and we had a wonderful time. I think my step-daughter and her BFF are on to something great - why shouldn't we celebrate all kinds of relationships and anniversaries?! Not to take anything away from the traditional wedding anniversary, but there is certainly room in our lives for the recognition of other happy occaisions, whatever those happen to be. </span></div>
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Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-3880187250503784752013-01-28T15:26:00.000-08:002013-01-28T15:26:00.147-08:00Healing Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">One thing I've noticed as I have gotten older is that my body takes longer to heal than it used to. This seems to be true for just about everything: cuts and scratches, bumps and bruises, colds and the flu. I'm dealing with the latter right now and there doesn't seem to be any relief in sight after three full days of aching misery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The facts are that as our bodies age, our cells take longer to regenerate. Also, the immune system in an older person isn't as strong as the one found in younger people. I recently read that the flu shot and other immunizations don't work as well in older bodies, like mine. So it's not just a figment of my imagination that I am sick longer (when I come down with something) than I have been in the past.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This isn't the best news I could hear right now but it does make sense. As our bodies change, we need to change how we care for ourselves. I've never given much thought to <em>preventing</em> illness but after this past weekend in bed, I believe I will be motivated enough to make more of an attempt to stay healthy once I get back on my feet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is one thing you do to keep yourself feeling well and avoid getting sick?</span>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-23541138118729532402013-01-26T15:51:00.000-08:002013-01-26T15:51:07.640-08:00The Difference A Week Makes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Last week I was in Monterey, California, enjoying the beach, sunshine and incredible views. Being in such a beautiful place made me feel on top of the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I couldn't get enough of that gorgeous place and all the life it supports. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fast forward to this weekend - I am stuck in bed with that flu, the one that is making all the headlines. I assure you that it is real and it is every bit as bad as the press claims it is. And there is nothing I can do for it but rest and drink plenty of fluids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know that this is life - the eb and flow, ups and downs. I am surrending to the inertia I need to heal just like I surrendered to the warm embrace of Mother Nature on the Pacific coast last week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you are enjoying a healthy and happy weekend. Remember to wash your hands often, avoid touching your face with your hands (I'm a big offender of this), and take good care of yourself to keep your immune system strong.</span>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-10243271557879845452013-01-20T23:21:00.002-08:002013-01-21T08:13:17.071-08:00Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I realize there are many definitions of <em>home</em>, both physically and emotionally. It is a powerful word. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure why but I have always felt most at home in-between destinations. I love being on an airplane, a train, driving in a car - anything that equals movement between here and there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I need this feeling periodically. I need to feel in-between, up in the air, on the road. The gypsy in me desires those arches between here and there. And in those lapses in which I am neither where I was or will be, I find myself. I feel at home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever felt this peace in transitions? I would love to know if anyone else finds themselves at home in those spaces between destinations.</span></div>
Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-84873825532031408212013-01-13T16:53:00.000-08:002013-01-16T17:14:01.005-08:00Lucinda Williams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had the priviledge of seeing <a href="http://www.lucindawilliams.com/">Lucinda Williams</a> in concert on Friday evening in a small venue from a front row seat. If you are not familiar with her music, I encourage you to listen to a few of her songs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is a singer and songwriter who cannot be classified under any one genre. I love her songs because they have a poetic style without being obvious or highbrow. She sings about places and people and how it feels to be in love and then to lose in it. The phrase "car wheels on a gravel road" evokes so many images and happenings in just one song (of the same name.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When she walked out on stage, I was surprised at how petit she is and how nervous she seemed but the minute she started strumming and belting it out, it was obvious she has true talent and soul. Swoon. She is a musical goddess who has influences so many in the past 30 years and she continues to make albums while filling concert halls. And she is 61 years old! What an incredible woman.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">* The winner of my <a href="http://thesageyears.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-giveaway.html">birthday give-away</a> is Shirle. Congrads, Shirle. I will be in touch so I can get the calendar sent to you. Thanks to all who commented on that post. </span></div>
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<br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-90438621671450470302013-01-07T00:30:00.000-08:002013-01-07T00:30:03.075-08:00A Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today is my birthday so I am sponsoring a give-away as part of my celebration!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friend, Kristin Repp, is a talented photographer (I use her photos often on this blog) with an eye for catching nature at its best. She put together a calendar for 2013 with her gorgeous shots of country life.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-xEj4AnLW8GGjl7hr_Ellij3qnTGF3ZeVDoxyb_XtqerdJlHGTaHSRAvH1kpmD8hWcVaZobXBbNs9VhfnJw-wR8CllX1n1jn2jKp2mafjMjVNjXjbNXsNkfXYxMaLi4adDTcSJmQCbJF/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-xEj4AnLW8GGjl7hr_Ellij3qnTGF3ZeVDoxyb_XtqerdJlHGTaHSRAvH1kpmD8hWcVaZobXBbNs9VhfnJw-wR8CllX1n1jn2jKp2mafjMjVNjXjbNXsNkfXYxMaLi4adDTcSJmQCbJF/s320/IMG_0007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The calendar is big (14" x 12") with lots of room for jotting down reminders.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9gBD6Fs3xD9jtDwDH9JdJQwmqFqTWe3vHRDHe5it4fSO9koKuNB8VJ5CX_5GiUf8RTEOyDxPtzzkqFQ6UOnrykUKX3QItRRSbrBEkxaPJpPzfkoI2E9ZumtKyllZvFjJJxkyWGJxIiPJ/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9gBD6Fs3xD9jtDwDH9JdJQwmqFqTWe3vHRDHe5it4fSO9koKuNB8VJ5CX_5GiUf8RTEOyDxPtzzkqFQ6UOnrykUKX3QItRRSbrBEkxaPJpPzfkoI2E9ZumtKyllZvFjJJxkyWGJxIiPJ/s320/IMG_0006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have one hanging in my kitchen area but am giving away one, as well, to someone who <strong>becomes (or is) a follower and leaves a comment</strong> on this post. Don't be shy - I will ship anywhere! On Sunday, January 13, I will pick a random number and the corresponding commenter will be the winner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me! Here's to another interesting trip around the sun.</span></div>
<br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-85652396805422362822013-01-04T09:37:00.000-08:002013-01-04T09:37:41.074-08:00Here - a word list poem<div align="center">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOH_3FzslX2Y0tofek2KYZ1vxb7Xq6s09Dt04qdiGJHvaPfFJC4Hz4KraS5EvEIxyfXD6a2Xqqom-mDo9N3xMQeQrh-NNZrbqmhwLIkPkRV6B_YYSKY6XVUfsDPwr_mgApfaxVJJKDdqZX/s1600/DSCN3569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOH_3FzslX2Y0tofek2KYZ1vxb7Xq6s09Dt04qdiGJHvaPfFJC4Hz4KraS5EvEIxyfXD6a2Xqqom-mDo9N3xMQeQrh-NNZrbqmhwLIkPkRV6B_YYSKY6XVUfsDPwr_mgApfaxVJJKDdqZX/s320/DSCN3569.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">clear skies, white covered mountains, frozen glitter in the air</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">snowpacked trails, mittened fingers, the smell of woodsmoke</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">a setting sun, alpenglow in shades of pink, the sound of waves</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">eagles swooping over water, cold cheeks, the far-off whistle of a train</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the first twinkling lights across the water, nightfall, the promise of a rising moon</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lizlamoreux.com/">Liz Lamoreux</a> suggested this prompt in one of her lovely newsletters so I just had to try it myself. She is a nurturing soul with so much goodness to offer - I always get something valuable from her posts. Please visit her (if you haven't already) and take a moment to write down your own "Here" poem of where you are in life right now.</span></div>
Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-14574221511812445192013-01-02T18:00:00.000-08:002013-01-02T18:01:48.843-08:00A New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.archetypeme.com/sites/default/files/styles/discover-article-3-image/public/field/image/3065acb8cf325e10abd4f19031ed43b9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://www.archetypeme.com/sites/default/files/styles/discover-article-3-image/public/field/image/3065acb8cf325e10abd4f19031ed43b9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-15102644126146565702012-12-27T10:36:00.000-08:002012-12-28T07:30:10.415-08:00Winding Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHfdi8yuEcf2MdPVAAAOtd2N71WjDVtwvethWMv1zaOGlkRIUuTw6N5vEo0N0H3Y0KY0usAzHM5YzKUW70zxtMwKpNpniplh_C7D1BJ7riM-WRh3fIs9zEELDtYg-NpaYfe6J7ApBhBoh/s1600/IMG_2505.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHfdi8yuEcf2MdPVAAAOtd2N71WjDVtwvethWMv1zaOGlkRIUuTw6N5vEo0N0H3Y0KY0usAzHM5YzKUW70zxtMwKpNpniplh_C7D1BJ7riM-WRh3fIs9zEELDtYg-NpaYfe6J7ApBhBoh/s1600/IMG_2505.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<em>photo by Kristin Repp</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love this week between Christmas and New Year's - it's a time for much needed rest and deep reflection. I am spending the next ten days up in Northern Idaho, watching the snow fall over the lake and lounging in front of the fire place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few things I wanted to share with you at the end of 2012:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.oprah.com/spirit/The-Most-Heartwarming-Stories-of-2012">Heartwarming News Stories</a> - We need these right now to be reminded of all the goodness in the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/2012/12/2013-workbook/">Susannah Conaway's Unraveling the Year Ahead workbook</a> is a fun / insightful way to plan the life you want to have. Some of the questions she asks are difficult but I believe that her wisdom will push us into awareness and accountability.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am sinking into <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lake-Shore-Limited-Vintage-Contemporaries/dp/0307276708">this book</a> right now - engaging and thought-provoking, perfect for reading in crowded airports and on cold winter nights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.chex.com/Recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=6709">Chex Party Mix</a> is my favorite holiday snack! My mom used to make it this time of year and the smell of it roasting in the oven brings back such warm memories. I double the liquid part of the recipe, skip the bagel chips, and add lots of mixed nuts to make it the way I like best.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.simplypersonalized.com/personalized-jigsaw-puzzles/?source=adwords&kw=%2Bhometown%20%2Bpuzzle&gclid=CJuQ-N2Yu7QCFUjZQgod8gcA4A">This</a> is a personalized gift that is perfect for just about anyone! We have been enjoying our own and have found it to be more challenging than we had thought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will be taking a blogging break (a real one this time, unlike my unintentional lapses) until New Year's Day. Until then, I wish you lazy days with the ones you love. </span><br />
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<br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-29498161858981112822012-12-17T16:14:00.001-08:002012-12-17T16:20:43.137-08:00My Response<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbpFHlEnND4B7sX2S1paADJqOD7J3R5vq5uoTxyaSrobw57UGa6BCiORcEE9zurPQxfFr_wD4BWiBeJft21r1WZS8kl74u1HAj7fzhUhdQM4t-kp8PyCaGvw0T6nAcgpZVzbgTIN4ZFC9/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbpFHlEnND4B7sX2S1paADJqOD7J3R5vq5uoTxyaSrobw57UGa6BCiORcEE9zurPQxfFr_wD4BWiBeJft21r1WZS8kl74u1HAj7fzhUhdQM4t-kp8PyCaGvw0T6nAcgpZVzbgTIN4ZFC9/s320/IMG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>my first class as a teacher, 1992</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a
teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day I and my thousands of
colleagues around the world go to work to protect children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We protect them against failure, against
hopelessness, against giving in to negative urges that keep them from their
best selves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, yes, we protect them
physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watch them on the
playground, as they walk down our halls, while they eat their lunches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We remind them to get a drink of water when
they are hot, to be careful while using scissors, and to wash their hands after
they use the restroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We protect them
to the best of our ability each and every day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Teachers
become “mama bears” with their students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We advocate for them, stick up for them, and continually learn about
them as individuals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We use our own
money to buy classroom supplies, snacks and even items like shoes if it will
make a difference to one of our kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
teach them to think but also to empathize, problem solve, feel, discover, plan
and reflect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrive at school hours
before the buses roll in and leave long after the bell rings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not unusual for us to wake up in the
middle of the night to plan a lesson or forget whether we already used
conditioner in the shower because we were going over an intervention to try with
a student later that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are on duty
even when the school is closed up and empty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You hear a
lot of negative things said about teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is said that we don’t work hard enough, that we get too much time off,
that we can’t teach kids well enough to ace standardized tests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, yes, there is room for improvement in
our profession and we should be more open to the changes society asks of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you can’t question where are hearts are
or how far we are willing to go to make sure your child is successful for a
lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last Friday
we heard about how our fellow teachers in Connecticut went to the ropes for
their students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was heartbroken, sad
but also very proud of the bravery those teachers displayed under horrendous
conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I know that if we had
to, if any of us in any school was in that same situation, we would do the exactly
what they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without thinking twice,
we will shield our students from danger even if it puts us directly in its
path.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A deranged
individual has pulled the rug out from under us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he can’t erase who we are and what we
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He can’t make us hide in our homes
and be fearful of each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fifteen
years ago he was protected by teachers, maybe even some of the same teachers he
was targeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We protected him then
because that is what public schools do and will always do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I know it will be hard for parents to watch
their children board a school bus or to drop them off at school this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
cannot change what happened and how it has and will continue to affect us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I can promise you, we teachers will be
there in full force prepared to do what we do best – protect, educate and care
for your child at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be
on-duty and more visible than usual because we want you to know you can trust
us with your precious child.</span></div>
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Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-74266946703960398282012-12-11T18:23:00.000-08:002012-12-11T18:23:29.223-08:00Now why didn't I think of that?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtTGoMzxCkUEo3_w4xwKYhqTG6gq_VchfAQ4flneKaLDNyRPlQu7QKtvJHH1e9__3x-MdPR-42vtbmO7JQv7H7XtseAqh4kuP4hyphenhyphenjKP_8bkwdFa8LDjP4GAEbcj4v1l9O0vZgJU6TqXHt/s1600/joy+elves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtTGoMzxCkUEo3_w4xwKYhqTG6gq_VchfAQ4flneKaLDNyRPlQu7QKtvJHH1e9__3x-MdPR-42vtbmO7JQv7H7XtseAqh4kuP4hyphenhyphenjKP_8bkwdFa8LDjP4GAEbcj4v1l9O0vZgJU6TqXHt/s1600/joy+elves.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I was growing up, Joy Dishwashing Soap gave away these cute little elves clinging to their bottles during the holiday season. We had several since my mom preferred Joy and they became beloved toys around Christmastime. Their hands were fastened together, which limited their mobility, but they were embraced by our Barbies and other dolls for lots of imaginative play.</span><br />
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<a href="http://c2.diapers.com/images/products/p/zuu/zuu-019_1z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://c2.diapers.com/images/products/p/zuu/zuu-019_1z.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now there is a popular "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=pd_sl_44zjsrez4w_b?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aelf+on+the+shelf+free+shipping&keywords=elf+on+the+shelf+free+shipping&ie=UTF8&psrk=elf+on+the+shelf">Elf on the Shelf</a>" item that embodies this same sense of holiday playfulness. The "Elf on a Shelf" comes into your home during the day, watches the young ones for good behavior, returns to the North Pole at night, and comes back to perch in your home at a different location each morning. Apparently, kids become more aware of their own actions while the elf is present and are excited at the beginning of each day to find where he/she is perched. It's the Joy Elf with a few adendums. My sister, who has four young children and an "Elf on the Shelf", exclaimed, "Why didn't we think of this?!" At about $30.00 a pop, it's a worthwhile question. I just kept hoping they would reappear on dishwashing soap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you have an "Elf on the Shelf" ? Do you remember or still have a Joy dishwashing soap elf? I would love to hear your story.</span></div>
Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-53701381805082924612012-12-05T17:21:00.000-08:002012-12-05T20:00:44.384-08:00Happy Holiday Season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Somehow December slipped in and there are signs of the holiday spirit everywhere. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mixed in with all the joy, there are dilemmas that this time of year presents. Among these are "Who to gift?" and "What to give?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I work at a school and wanted to do something for our support staff. I certainly didn't want to give anything that needed to be receipricated. And since there are eleven people in this group, the gift needed to be within my budget. Here is what I came up with: I bought these snowman/santa pens from <a href="http://www.raymondgeddes.com/69131-snowman-candy-cane-pen.html">Geddes School Supplies</a> for $.54 cents each and attached a tag to each one saying "Thanks for all you do. Happy Holidays." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This gift is useful, inexpensive and doesn't require a thank-you note or a gift in return = perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's hoping all your holiday dilemmas can be matched with an easy solution. </span></div>
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<br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-10467114822338133342012-11-26T04:00:00.000-08:002012-11-26T04:00:01.205-08:00Breastfeeding Baby Doll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="http://thebreastmilkbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/breastmilk-baby-package-w-dr-toy-150x150.png" width="200" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With all the new toys out there for the holidays ahead, there is one that is getting lots of press. Berjuan Toys has a doll that makes suckling noises prompted by a halter worn by its young owners. <a href="http://thebreastmilkbaby.com/">The Breast Milk Baby</a> has received <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/breastfeeding-baby-doll-creepy-groundbreaking-183301828.html">much praise along with an equal amount of critisism</a>. <a href="http://www.billoreilly.com/">Bill O'Reilly</a> says this kind of doll "sexualizes young girls" while others feel there is a valuable place for this toy in families who have recently acquired a new sibling. It costs $89.00 but has not flown off the shelves here in the U.S. like it has in other countries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have an opinion but it isn't mentioned in all the press this doll has generated. I loved dolls when I was young, like many girls, but when it came to the pretend babies' responses, we used our <strong><em>imagination</em></strong>. My sister and friends did not need dolls that had robot reactions, we just pretended whatever it was the moment called for, based on our experiences and age. One time when my family was camping out in the Colorado wilderness, my sister and I pretended that small logs set aside for the fire were baby dolls. They had names and all kinds of characteristics that real babies possess but lacked anything physical that resembled live little ones. And that was ok because we were playing for us, not the benefit of anyone outside the interactions. Our imaginations were exercised in a way that led to creativity and the independent ability to make our own fun. Kids are capable of that when they aren't force-fed alternatives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure the debate this toy has stirred up will not be over anytime soon. What do you think?</span>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-52889198748596182072012-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:002012-11-24T08:00:04.919-08:00Ten Years Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wJBvxeqBLvReuatukLu7iGvyNLWh_ruhsWss6gBPZpSde4vQLgQowvsUfDIAeDPrPTto4-lqk6_Nvj_PZVF_rzQqrZaZSUx4661dQ5qiQXnQmQwBhyzHH7wI5XpvAMROm0f1DiFLZ4mi/s1600/mom+tribute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wJBvxeqBLvReuatukLu7iGvyNLWh_ruhsWss6gBPZpSde4vQLgQowvsUfDIAeDPrPTto4-lqk6_Nvj_PZVF_rzQqrZaZSUx4661dQ5qiQXnQmQwBhyzHH7wI5XpvAMROm0f1DiFLZ4mi/s320/mom+tribute.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ten years ago today my mom died as a result of breast cancer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ten years. Sometimes it seems like so much longer that my family has been without her. Some days I have an urge to call her up with news to share before I remember that I can't. Ten years expands and contracts and remains the same on any given day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last month, I made this portrait of my mom through <a href="http://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/press-release/consumer-banking/bank-america-helps-fight-breast-cancer-everyday-portraits">Bank of America's Everyday Portrait fundraiser.</a> It required a downloaded photo and a list of words that you associate with the person you are honoring. <a href="http://about.bankofamerica.com/en-us/index.html#fbid=cTlq1WjYrEG">Bank of America</a> donated $5.00 to breast cancer research for every portrait made and you could download your own tribute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know how many words I came up with for my mom but I do know it made me go back in time to remember what kind of person she was and how she lived her life. I got to <em>really</em> think about her in a constructive way, sifting through and choosing adjectives that described who she was during her 56 years on earth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We all expect to lose our parents at some point in our life but knowing this does not make it any easier. Many of you reading have lost your own mother or father and know exactly what I am talking about. There are no words, no preparations, no hiding spots to retreat to, that will lessen this sadness. Our comforts lie in the memories we cherish, the legacy we were gifted, and the way this shared experience binds us to others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-17856617415847659572012-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:002012-11-23T08:00:08.567-08:00Measuring Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA5LCHHfCTPfQP0PHQfWEYKGNEpTRC7YUnVdhaQRZrGioyMfeERTPUudbHMu9bWTA2sZTOVaC3B-rGfzJ4mCvAk1ZJtG7I2bvBpXH4ABv467C-RBwL3OfFWRy5SYwG5MxCvGv4BAvNAVM/s1600/IMG_2342.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA5LCHHfCTPfQP0PHQfWEYKGNEpTRC7YUnVdhaQRZrGioyMfeERTPUudbHMu9bWTA2sZTOVaC3B-rGfzJ4mCvAk1ZJtG7I2bvBpXH4ABv467C-RBwL3OfFWRy5SYwG5MxCvGv4BAvNAVM/s1600/IMG_2342.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<em>photo by Kristin Repp</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are so many ways to measure time: seconds, minutes, hours, days, years.... and events.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some events mark time in a way a clock or calendar could never do. Some events define entire decades, movements, generations. And they give us touchstones to refer to as we look back on our lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These events place us in an exact moment in time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, 49 years ago, John F. Kennedy was assasinated. Can you picture where you were when you heard this devistating news?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some other significant events include:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- The assasination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (April 4, 1968)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- The assasination of Bobby Kennedy (June 5, 1968)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> - The day Elvis Presley died (August 16, 1977)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> - The night John Lennon was killed (December 8, 1980)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> - The Space Challenger Shuttle Disaster (January 28, 1986)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> - September 11, 2001</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These are some of the events that tie us together as a generation. We suffered and grieved together. Then we managed to move forward because we had each other to hang on to and provide for. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have a moment, I encourage you to jot down a few notes about how you experienced each of these significant happenings, for yourself and those who follow. Our stories matter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-40519322487374982102012-11-22T05:00:00.000-08:002012-11-26T17:07:51.281-08:00Thanksgiving Wishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjccEUdw-0Ke5jzjkB5c-Z7x7C-PZD2EBfe9E_ddao8N1Agpj2SStEkGIXw_Ktb_xkJgquDRyTv-laL5Z4P9p5-XwD0yVwau1DitFW4Nxsf3H-cRSJ7N5eGAXVWBYn_meVJlDEre2kPtI/s1600/IMG_2429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjccEUdw-0Ke5jzjkB5c-Z7x7C-PZD2EBfe9E_ddao8N1Agpj2SStEkGIXw_Ktb_xkJgquDRyTv-laL5Z4P9p5-XwD0yVwau1DitFW4Nxsf3H-cRSJ7N5eGAXVWBYn_meVJlDEre2kPtI/s320/IMG_2429.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This photo was taken by my good friend, Kristin, who is such a talented photographer. I love how it speaks of bounty and emptiness, reflecting the autumn season and the uneven beauty of life itself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. May this holiday find you surrounded by family and good fortune.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-70442941659554564922012-11-19T16:59:00.002-08:002012-11-19T17:32:42.023-08:00Look Who's Fifty!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img align="middle" alt="[Doctor No poster]" border="2" height="300" hspace="20" src="http://www.klast.net/bond/images/drno.jpg" title="Dr. No film poster" width="202" /><img align="middle" alt="Skyfall poster" border="1" height="320" src="http://www.klast.net/bond/images/skyfall_poster.jpg" title="Skyfall poster" width="212" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The James Bond film series has been alive and well for fifty years. The first movie, Dr. No, came out in the UK during the fall of 1962. The latest thriller, Skyfall, opened in theaters just a couple weeks ago. I have yet to see it but my </span><a href="http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/movies/articles/20121106skyfall-movie-review-goodykoontz.html"><span style="font-size: large;">local newspaper</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars. The main character is aging along with the rest of us, perhaps a bit slower than most of us, but the film industry is certainly not done with him yet. There is even an official </span><a href="http://www.007.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">James Bond 007 website</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, if you would like to know even more about these exciting, entertaining movies.</span></div>
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="183" data-width="275" height="183" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQKVKFZMUlt93gBQK8u9a9WwjDHS8KMVyXqrfwqx5dWNExk-7Zu" style="height: 183px; width: 275px;" width="275" /> <img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="168" data-width="300" height="168" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS0pvY78ta4gDjLNEcW9c6gHpSJgIM_dcBKirNozaW_6jVDJuVl" style="height: 168px; width: 300px;" width="300" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another fifty candles can be lit for the iconic Rolling Stones. They started playing half a century ago in London and have managed to retain 3/4 of their most notable original members. The <em>new</em> guy, Ron Wood, has been with the band for 37 years! At their start, they were dubbed the "Anti-Beatles" for being the bad guys compared with the fab-four's shining reputation in the early sixties. The Stones have a 50th anniversary tour coming up and a new documentary out on HBO titled "<a href="https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/crossfire-hurricane/index.html">Crossfire Hurricane</a>." If you are a fan, or just interested in cultural longevity, you must check them out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Both of these events make 50 look like more of a stopping point than a large number. And don't we all love a <em>Happy</em> Birthday?!</span></div>
Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-745966991113803442012-11-15T04:00:00.000-08:002012-11-15T04:00:01.931-08:00Anthropologie - for the rest of us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/26183509_038_e?$product410x615$" width="213" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love walking into an <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp">Anthropologie</a> store in the mall. Immediately, you feel transported from suburbia America to a vintage flea market in Europe. French music is playing, fragrant candles flicker here and there, and the merchandise seems refreshingly different. The skirts, blouses and assessories could make any of us look Parisian, complete with an amber aura as if we were being viewed through a retro camera lens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, and there are two big ones, the price tags are high and the sizes are small. <a href="http://www.trefis.com/stock/urbn/articles/17512/anthropologie-by-urban-outfitters-targets-affluent-women-with-lifestyle-store-designs/2010-06-23">Trefis</a> states that Anthropology appeals to affluent women by selling a "lifestyle", rather than individual products. I happen to like the lifestyle but am not affluent, by any means. Their pants are offered in sizes 24 (zero) - 32 (size 14) but there is no way I could fit into a pair, which is more my problem than their fault. Tops also come in XS - L or XL but even the more generous sizes seem rather petite and I doubt I would be comfortable for long in one. *Sigh.* However, Antropologie is a very successful company and is not being held back by the small part I might contribute financially if I happened to be rich and skinny.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Still I can't help but wish there was something like this, unique clothing in a bohemian atmosphere, for people like me. If you are an inspiring entrepreneur, I hope you will look into creating a store similar to Anthropologie for "the rest of us." Maybe it could be called Budget-pologie Plus. That kind of takes away all the ambiance, doesn't it? And maybe that's why it doesn't exist.</span></div>
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Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-34698324826761012462012-11-13T04:00:00.000-08:002012-11-13T04:00:08.729-08:00Ginger Snaps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z_GpvVM8m8EUVdMQD_4KMImDHjUfyFVZBPgYHeN3DGpyno8m4tLyeMm5xGmP682i8_DpBkSDXKeM7SUnBIsoM_V80VfaPVjMyNpK6E4LQNwhHtR5v0_t_sHE4AYMHkvVYZiDVTPlO_-L/s1600/IMG_2485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z_GpvVM8m8EUVdMQD_4KMImDHjUfyFVZBPgYHeN3DGpyno8m4tLyeMm5xGmP682i8_DpBkSDXKeM7SUnBIsoM_V80VfaPVjMyNpK6E4LQNwhHtR5v0_t_sHE4AYMHkvVYZiDVTPlO_-L/s320/IMG_2485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mom used to make these cookies as I was growing up and they became my absolute favorite treat. This recipe is so easy and the smell of these baking is better than any fall-scented candle out there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Ginger Snap Cookies</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2/3 cup vegetable oil</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 T molasses</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 tsp baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1tsp cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp ginger</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mix oil, sugar, egg, and molasses. Add flour, soda, salt and spices. make small balls and roll in sugar. Bake at 325 degrees for about 13 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me know if you make these and how you like them.</span><br />
<br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-23668001964369917392012-11-11T19:15:00.000-08:002012-11-11T19:17:02.523-08:00Say Yes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.stampington.com/wherewomencreate-digital/wwc_newsletters/quote/2012/2012-11-11/images/WWC_quote_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.stampington.com/wherewomencreate-digital/wwc_newsletters/quote/2012/2012-11-11/images/WWC_quote_02.jpg" width="625" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This beautiful image and quote is from the weekly newsletter of </span><a href="http://wherewomencreate.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Where Women Create</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. Here is their </span><a href="http://website./"><span style="font-size: large;">website.</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> If you subscribe, you will receive goodness like this each week in an email. And who wouldn't love a positive message to savor and think about every now and then?!</span><br />
<br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-7251414822328383622012-11-08T10:00:00.000-08:002012-11-08T10:00:04.391-08:00A Yummy Fall Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtJ4dAwe07nAecFJN3AE8ZZnVIONaKTlST0vLnhKnEFJgIJ0MgTedmqh6KlxAvUNcF0qVNoOE_BIaRIEOmGNVcMPNulPTDm8wUs9SvMJ5UaPFJn7kz84nPJTU36hQBMrZZpeQGlOC6_Wj/s1600/IMG_2482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtJ4dAwe07nAecFJN3AE8ZZnVIONaKTlST0vLnhKnEFJgIJ0MgTedmqh6KlxAvUNcF0qVNoOE_BIaRIEOmGNVcMPNulPTDm8wUs9SvMJ5UaPFJn7kz84nPJTU36hQBMrZZpeQGlOC6_Wj/s320/IMG_2482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made this dish for dinner the other night and it was so fabulous I wanted to share it with you:</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Butternut Squash and Green Chile Enchiladas</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 tablespoon olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 Anaheim peppers</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8 corn tortillas</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 can (about 10 ounces) green or red enchilada sauce (I used a green hatch chile style)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sour cream and chopped cilantro, for garnish</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss together squash, oil, salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast until tender, 20 to 30 minutes depending on size of chunks. Move squash to a dish. Place peppers on the baking sheet. Switch heat to broil and broil peppers, turning often, until skins are charred and blistering, about 5 minutes. Place peppers in a brown paper bag to steam for 10 minutes. Switch oven heat to 350 degrees. Remove peppers' skins, seeds and stems and cut into thin strips. Pour half the enchilada sauce into an 8 by 8 inch baking dish. Warm tortillas in the microwave for a minute or so, until pliable. Place about 1 tablespoon cheese, one or two squash cubes on each tortilla. Roll and place seam side down in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and sauce. Bake 15 minutes. Garnish with sour cream and cilantro.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got the recipe from my <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/food/simplemeals/articles/2012/10/31/20121031recipe-butternut-squash-green-chile-enchiladas.html">local newspaper.</a> It was easy and so tasty. Let me know if you try it out - I'd love to hear what you think.</span></div>
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<br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376001816041690310.post-69587493039469625832012-11-06T08:00:00.000-08:002012-11-06T08:00:08.525-08:00Safety vs. Independence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlihdt7OAnzg5SzOh9f7CGpnGC7ltbqxfrJYEhm_zZitfqaQ9xJtGUWCTb8GQZiA5ny2fMOELKMhYIIOep_yw4jEINMePum2JzG7yCyx5Gw7Bcz8VXYoYxqnDOABvo9uOWObOI1ciUwFjo/s1600/photo+(57).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlihdt7OAnzg5SzOh9f7CGpnGC7ltbqxfrJYEhm_zZitfqaQ9xJtGUWCTb8GQZiA5ny2fMOELKMhYIIOep_yw4jEINMePum2JzG7yCyx5Gw7Bcz8VXYoYxqnDOABvo9uOWObOI1ciUwFjo/s320/photo+(57).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>clouds over Arizona, my home</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I read an article in the paper on Sunday by Larry Neumeister titled,"Superstorm Was Cruelest to Elderly" (you can read an on-line version of it <a href="http://www.chieftain.com/news/national/storm-cruel-to-elderly-who-refused-to-evacuate/article_fcc27bd0-2644-11e2-b737-001a4bcf887a.html">here</a>.) Superstorm Sandy claimed victims of all ages, but those over 65 were especially vulnerable for a variety of reasons. Older adults often have mobility or health issues which are affected when evacuation is necessary and power supplies are lost. The article states that many elderly residents decided to stay put even when advised to leave their homes which were in the storm's path. This leads to the question, "Should senior citizens be forced to evacuate when there is danger or should they remain autonomous in their decision making?" No one wants another human being to perish in a natural disaster when there was plenty of warning and opportunities to avoid this scenerio. But then again, I don't want someone making decisions for me just because I am a certain age that society deems incapable of weighing risks and doing what I feel is best for me. I want to retain the right to stay at home, if I choose, in such a case. What do you think?</span>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12613964644295009622noreply@blogger.com4