tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20382747771446718622024-02-19T05:22:49.501-08:00Second Hand SolaceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-18825508316116546472014-02-06T17:14:00.000-08:002014-02-06T17:14:25.495-08:00Justice For All<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As many of you know, I'm very passionate about social justice and I'm <i>so </i>excited about a conference I'll be attending in just two weeks!! The Justice Conference is an international conference that takes place in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, I won't be making the trek out to beautiful, sunny California, but instead I'll be attending at a partner site. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, the conference is being simulcasted live to various partner sites across the United States. You'll get to hear from not only the actual speakers at the event but also local speakers from your own hometown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I can't wait for the opportunity to connect with others in my area who are also passionate about social justice. I'm attending the Greater Philadelphia Partner Site at <a href="http://calvary-church.com/" target="_blank">Calvary Church of Souderton</a> (to see if there are any partner sites near you, click <a href="http://thejusticeconference.com/simulcast-venues.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Check out this video about the conference to learn more:</span></div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/85861164">The Justice Conference Souderton</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/thejusticeconference">The Justice Conference</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hope to see you at this awesome conference...whether it be at the Philadelphia site or over the simulcast :)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-60453992963515071762014-01-11T13:07:00.000-08:002014-01-11T13:07:12.601-08:00rainy days are for...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rainy days are for puggle snuggles, online shopping, catching up on all your favorite blogs, remembering that you, too, used to blog and then resurrecting that old blog. So here's a little update about what's been going on since I stopped blogging, a short list of posts for the new followers and a promise to myself to not go so long without blogging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The biggest change since I stopped blogging...I GRADUATED COLLEGE!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had the best experience student teaching in the School District of Philadelphia and walked across the graduation stage on one of the snowiest days of all my time at Mansfield. Graduating with my Music Ed. degree lists among my proudest achievements and I had such a special day celebrating with friends and family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I chose to live at home while I completed my student teaching and I think that has made this transition easier. It's a bittersweet feeling being done with school but I'm so excited about what is in store for the next season of my life! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of you who are new to the blog, I figured I'd post a few links back to some of my favorite "old" posts. There's <a href="http://secondhandsolace.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-beauty-of-music.html" target="_blank">this</a> post about a student who taught me about the beauty of music, and then <a href="http://secondhandsolace.blogspot.com/2012/11/perspective.html" target="_blank">this</a> post about changing perspectives. You can read about three little girls who changed my life forever <a href="http://secondhandsolace.blogspot.com/2012/11/india-loves.html" target="_blank">here</a> and about that time I played sousaphone in the London olympics <a href="http://secondhandsolace.blogspot.com/2012/08/back-from-olympics.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-17887164403641477282013-08-19T04:05:00.001-07:002013-08-19T04:05:36.311-07:00Worthwhile Wear<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so excited to share a little about <a href="http://www.worthwhilewear.org/" target="_blank">Worthwhile Wear</a> today on the blog. I started doing some volunteer work for them this summer and I'm so passionate about the mission and goals of this organization. Here's a little blurb from the website about Worthwhile Wear:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="line-height: normal;">"<strong> </strong></span><strong style="line-height: normal;">Worthwhile Wear</strong><span style="line-height: normal;"> exists to rescue and restore girls from forced prostitution, and more importantly help prevent girls from ever entering it. We target highly trafficked areas both internationally and domestically, and offer women the opportunity to overcome two primary factors which are at the root of sex trafficking; poverty and lack of education.</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>This solution is offered through vocational training centers which teach women how to make wears, such as jewelry, handbags, and clothing, which are sold to provide them employment. Additionally, the women are offered free education, a safe place to stay, and restorative programs geared toward encouraging personal growth and reestablishing self-worth."</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All the products in the Worthwhile Wear shop are made by the formerly enslaved. Most of the products are made in India. I wanted to share some of my favorites with you, but I'd recommend clicking <a href="http://worthwhilewear.mybigcommerce.com/" target="_blank">here</a> and checking out the shop for yourself as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Worthwhile Wear bag is not only really cute but also super sturdy. The handles are made out of old sari's that are washed and then braided together. It comes in four different colors as well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm obsessed with this green African jade copper multi-strand necklace. It's absolutely gorgeous and is the perfect addition to any outfit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just had to share these special bangles with you all as well. They are made of pieces of broken glass bangles that the girls save. They are so colorful and beautiful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are other ways that YOU can get involved and help put an end to slavery. Worthwhile Wear produces shirts for businesses interested in showing they're socially aware. Each Worthwhile Wear shirt is sewn by the hands of those once enslaved. The shirts are custom made and printed with your company's logo, name or whatever else you would like displayed. If you are interested in purchasing t-shirts through Worthwhile Wear, you can send an email over to brittany.hendler@worthwhilewear.org</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> "Like" Worthwhile Wear on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Worthwhile-Wear/400532713316832" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Follow Worthwhile Wear on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/WorthwhileWear" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shop to Stop Slavery <a href="http://worthwhilewear.mybigcommerce.com/" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Learn more about Worthwhile Wear <a href="http://www.worthwhilewear.org/" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-8786812262520973992013-08-18T18:49:00.000-07:002013-08-18T18:49:18.574-07:00a summer sneak peek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">I took a nice, long blogging break this summer but now I'm back with tons to blog about and share! Below you'll find some sneak peek pictures from this lovely season. It was jam packed with fun, beautiful weather, music festivals, reconnecting with old friends and spending time with the new. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;">I'm so excited to share with you all about </span><a href="http://www.worthwhilewear.org/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Worthwhile Wear</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;">, a non-profit organization I've been doing some work for (you're gonna LOVE their beautiful jewelry!). Keep an out for some more primal posts, an update on the little addition to our family I posted about below, and many more. Oh! And I'll be student teaching starting next week, so I'll be posting what I can about that experience as well!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCrGsLYZgINMXD4k87wYzi-BhRTkNtJzNQMzC55mVDz2_5aXAXuTij40vlVBat-36UD35UshEKHXLmmYAyC5ti6Mwf4WLJpeaPS-DNq9CJfkFxU5ADG8Joq1gY8rfxFs7SpWfuFyKc1g/s1600/summer2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCrGsLYZgINMXD4k87wYzi-BhRTkNtJzNQMzC55mVDz2_5aXAXuTij40vlVBat-36UD35UshEKHXLmmYAyC5ti6Mwf4WLJpeaPS-DNq9CJfkFxU5ADG8Joq1gY8rfxFs7SpWfuFyKc1g/s640/summer2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Along with taking a break from writing blog posts, I also took a break from reading blog posts. I'd love to catch up on that as well, so feel free to comment below with some of your favorite summer posts!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-82380575068799751212013-06-27T15:01:00.000-07:002013-06-27T15:01:11.106-07:00introducing....<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lil Bits!</span></div>
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(or just Bits...or Betsy if you ask Alex)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5XvSSLuNWvGS-dDYS9i-Baq-oZyFyhgfjjghyphenhyphenKqq-XIWmI-gHnhVfxgwmtYheo3l795MKmW8KuyCy559_tlT67RFi8hFXQxkTiSThJSOJJkPQ2K-imZ_GCor-nSSDtLPVmdlCnpSk1U/s1600/bits2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5XvSSLuNWvGS-dDYS9i-Baq-oZyFyhgfjjghyphenhyphenKqq-XIWmI-gHnhVfxgwmtYheo3l795MKmW8KuyCy559_tlT67RFi8hFXQxkTiSThJSOJJkPQ2K-imZ_GCor-nSSDtLPVmdlCnpSk1U/s640/bits2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We picked up Lil Bits to foster for a week from a shelter nearby called <a href="http://operationava.org/" target="_blank">Operation Ava</a>. We couldn't resist that underbite of hers and ended up adopting her. She's the sweetest little thing and a great addition to our family.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-21628035279018288552013-04-22T06:10:00.000-07:002013-04-22T06:10:04.868-07:00fight onI've heard it said that everyone is either beginning a hard time in their life, in the middle of a hard time or just coming out of a hard time. I think that's a persepective that we often lose when others hurt us or wrong us. We forget that they too are suffering, that they too are lonely, depressed, hurting - facing a trial in life. <br />
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I have a friend who went through a hard time a year or two ago and I can't tell you why he had to go through it. What I can tell you is that because he went through this trial in his life, he is now able to help me (and who knows how many others) face a similar trial in my life and for that I am so thankful. <br />
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So often in life, when I am wronged, hurt or facing a trial, my first reaction is that of anger, sadness or fear. There is a time and a place for these emotions but they aren't what we should aspire to. In every situation life throws at us, we should aspire after joy, peace, patience, kindness, compassion, gentleness, grace and above all those - love. How different the world would be if instead of fighting over power, money, people, land, etc., we fought for goodness. If everyday we woke up and approached the new day thankful for our struggles, thankful for the moments that grew us, showed us who we are, who are friends are. <br />
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And so today, I'm challenging myself (and you!) to live a day, a week, a month, a year, a lifetime, filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, compassion, gentleness and grace. <br />
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fight on, friends, fight on.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-22607132305344391462013-03-06T21:27:00.000-08:002013-03-06T21:27:02.182-08:00a 'thank you' of sorts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"<span style="font-size: large;">One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful"</span></i></div>
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<i>- Sigmund Freud</i></div>
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Without going into too many personal details, I'll preface this post by saying that the past few weeks haven't been the easiest ever. I'm also sure the next couple weeks will only come with their own set of struggles attached. With that being said, this isn't a "pity me" post or a post to make you worry about my well being. </div>
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Why? </div>
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Because I am certain there are so many beautiful things coming out of this season of my life.</div>
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and I am certain that there is a reason for everything.</div>
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I can't even begin to express how thankful I am for the friends I have made at Mansfield. Our band director has this saying that goes something like this: "when you start to feel like you don't have any strength left, look to your right, and look to your left, and borrow some from those on either side of you". This past week I found myself looking to my left and looking to my right, but instead found myself completely surrounded by so many caring people. Friends willing to listen, comfort, give advice and just be there. To all of you, I thank you so much. You have no idea how much you all mean to me and how much I appreciate your continuing support. You all inspire me to be a better friend and<span style="text-align: center;"> I'm sure that years from now, when I look back on this time, your love and support will be part of what strikes me as most beautiful. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-529508500302107782013-01-12T19:11:00.001-08:002013-01-12T19:11:22.904-08:00Kiss Nail Dress Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEU3SXSJ3j2m64th40Zoj86BCDfG51euJJh2RbmFX3MtK3k7nX6Wz-X8HOC6rHn4xLcnagZRXPoXc9cVZgAFuyQT9Rj0SvxZgr7f94-oitHO7yFiBcHo2QpUyL4go9UAKmAJ496zKBBzE/s1600/kiss+nail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEU3SXSJ3j2m64th40Zoj86BCDfG51euJJh2RbmFX3MtK3k7nX6Wz-X8HOC6rHn4xLcnagZRXPoXc9cVZgAFuyQT9Rj0SvxZgr7f94-oitHO7yFiBcHo2QpUyL4go9UAKmAJ496zKBBzE/s640/kiss+nail.JPG" width="224" /></a></div>
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After receiving my Holiday Vox Box courtesy of <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a>, I was most excited to try the Kiss Nail Dress strips.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of you who have never heard of Kiss Nail Dress, you can check them out <a href="http://www.kissusa.com/nails/nail_dress/classic_nail_dress" target="_blank">here</a>. Each pack has 28 strips in it and there are so many neat designs to pick from. The picture to the left shows the design that I received.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All you have to do is remove any nail polish you have on already, clean your finger nails and apply the nail sticker. The nail dress stickers were very easy to apply and the best part - you don't have to wait for them to dry! The only difficulty I had was getting the stickers to fit exactly to my nail but I think this could have been resolved if I had somebody help me apply the stickers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Removing the Nail Dress was quick and easy; all I had to do was peel them off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would definitely recommend Kiss Nail to anybody looking to try something new with their nails or for a special occasion. I know I will be picking some up for my recital this Spring!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Finished Product:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4FKY-fOJugtUbOAcZUg0j1xvyVK9apwxl_wnwYXdvWpOUlbRRqOgMoK2HV46Hn7h9dIdu0iSBcRf9qwwuTrwXMZEfcICkFWGUJXI0elp42FkDn49lxoCfIKmWnd2qQapeeVH9cPPdy4/s1600/kissnail2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4FKY-fOJugtUbOAcZUg0j1xvyVK9apwxl_wnwYXdvWpOUlbRRqOgMoK2HV46Hn7h9dIdu0iSBcRf9qwwuTrwXMZEfcICkFWGUJXI0elp42FkDn49lxoCfIKmWnd2qQapeeVH9cPPdy4/s640/kissnail2.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<i>Although I was given these products courtesy of Influenster for testing purposes, all of these opinions are my own.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-2902689853930782662013-01-12T18:52:00.000-08:002013-01-12T18:52:20.965-08:00Influenster Holiday Vox Box<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>A couple weeks ago, I received the HolidayVoxBox pictured below courtesy of <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a> for testing purposes. I would encourage you to try out these amazing products for yourself...you won't be disappointed. In the next few days I'll be leaving some individual review posts on each product.</i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>My 2012 Holiday Vox Box:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABqBwkxvnlAAfxI4qNA23PYGBKmvmZ2UQxHDc7P6RKxftFCZjPxL-hP3oxIs_iE_a847wc7mH_z3gq-h3bKehEk8CxzK5zpeQRoXxzYCbDKoUsSrdUjch8yWw0Uh4A1XxQHtaB0x-OvA/s1600/voxbox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABqBwkxvnlAAfxI4qNA23PYGBKmvmZ2UQxHDc7P6RKxftFCZjPxL-hP3oxIs_iE_a847wc7mH_z3gq-h3bKehEk8CxzK5zpeQRoXxzYCbDKoUsSrdUjch8yWw0Uh4A1XxQHtaB0x-OvA/s640/voxbox.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1. Goody Quikstyle Hair Brush</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2. Kiss Nail Dress</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3. EBOOST Natural Energy</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>4. Quaker Real Medleys Cherry Pistachio Oatmeal</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>5. NYC Liquid Lipshine</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>6. Coupon code for SoleSociety</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you tried any of these products? If so, what did you think?</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-66936875895706682662012-12-19T16:25:00.000-08:002012-12-19T16:25:05.240-08:00end of day 3 update {primal journey}<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today concludes the third day of primal/paleo living. I've tried a bunch of really good recipes the past three days, so I thought I'd share them with you. My family is not living the primal lifestyle and they even loved these recipes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Breakfast:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Broccoli, Spinach, Mushroom and Mozzerella Omelet </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b> Avocado </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b> Chicken Bacon</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7pvHz7OEBZS1mzgjP5JOeFi1CHHFT-inqcaUJEMe0pt10Rht4O7IZ_zs-JFs3VjJJ30WLvjyhfCmSVYqmAOFpkUefoW8v9Jh-MJu8hUZCDAcd1gsus9HiMMkuOuho0Vz_cWMP8-XIvs/s1600/omelet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7pvHz7OEBZS1mzgjP5JOeFi1CHHFT-inqcaUJEMe0pt10Rht4O7IZ_zs-JFs3VjJJ30WLvjyhfCmSVYqmAOFpkUefoW8v9Jh-MJu8hUZCDAcd1gsus9HiMMkuOuho0Vz_cWMP8-XIvs/s640/omelet.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Cilantro Lime Avocado Chicken Salad</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(recipe can be found <a href="http://nataliesdailycrave.com/?p=6550" target="_blank">here</a>, I just cut up the avocado instead of serving the salad on top of one)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Salmon with Avocado Mango Salsa</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(recipe can be found <a href="http://www.tastespotting.com/features/salmon-with-avocado-mango-salsa-recipe-canyon-ranch" target="_blank">here</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Ribs from <a href="http://jessesbarbecue.com/" target="_blank">Jesse's Barbecue</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Spinach Salad with Kale Avocado Pesto as Dressing</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My family had been raving about these ribs so I decided it was time to try some. They were delicious! Jesse's Barbecue smokes their meats for 10 hours so they often sell out at night so get there early! If you live in Southeastern, PA, make the trip to Jesse's, you won't be disappointed! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-2694028876427448542012-12-16T15:13:00.000-08:002012-12-16T15:14:07.252-08:00i'm bringing primal back...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You could probably tell by the lack of primal/paleo posts lately that I haven't been very primal. I'd say it's been a good month and a half since I've been strictly following a paleo lifestyle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> It became increasingly more difficult to stick with as the semester went on. On the weekends, the only food available in our lower dining hall is pizza, pasta, hoagies - grains, grains and more grains. The local farmer's market ended in October so we lost our cheap vegetable supply and grass fed beef. The semester became busier and more stressful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I could give you a thousand more excuses, but the truth is, it's just sometimes easier to grab the bag of Cheeto's instead of cooking. I miss everything about the Paleo/Primal lifestyle and now that I'm finally home on break, I'm determined to be primal again. I'll be documenting my experience again on this blog and hopefully once the spring semester starts 6 weeks from now, I'll be able to better stick with a primal/paleo lifestyle.</span><br />
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<b>DAY 1:</b></div>
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<i><b>Breakfast - scrambled eggs and bacon</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Lunch - Homemade Kale Chips & Paleo Banana Bread </b></i></div>
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<b><i>Dinner - Venison Stir Fry & Scallop Stir Fry</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I ended up making two different stir fry's because my little brother doesn't like scallops. I followed the guide lines set by this <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/choose-your-own-stir-fry-adventure/#axzz2FG8qy2Vu" target="_blank">article</a> on Mark's Daily Apple. I used venison, carrots, and onions in my picky little brother's stir fry. In the other, I used scallops, kale, carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, garlic and green pepper. I also used a little bit of soy sauce and olive oil. Day 1 went so well...I can't wait to be back in the swing of the primal lifestyle. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-11873388277649500692012-12-05T05:55:00.002-08:002012-12-05T05:55:57.471-08:00elegy {wordless wednesday}<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:2rXqddhE20obKn2RJXLCIT" width="300"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Mansfield's Concert Wind Ensemble performed this piece on tour last month and I think it's too beautiful not to share. Enjoy your Wednesday!</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-30540650391778887932012-12-04T16:50:00.000-08:002012-12-04T16:54:56.615-08:00to be<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(my 4th or 5th birthday...trendy?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not really sure what I want "to be" when I grow up. I've never really had a set idea or plan. I guess you could say I have too many dreams to just pick one. As long as I can remember, there have been a thousand different things I'm interested in. I spend weeks obsessed with one topic, activity or hobby and then I'll put it down for awhile and move on to something else. Obviously, this made it quite difficult to pick a major when I was applying for colleges [How I came to be a music major is a story for another day...]. As I finish up my second to last semester of classes, I can tell you that I'm no closer to figuring out what I want "to be". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't really feel the need to settle down, start a family, buy a house, a car or have lots of money. I don't want to be the "best" in my field or any field for that matter. On the contrary, I prefer to live simply. "When I grow up" I want to live an inspired life filled with love, joy, peace, and self expression. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For today, I want to be a writer. This will most likely change in just a few short weeks...and that's ok. There are so many things I love, so many things I want "to be". Why do we limit children by asking them what they want "to be" when they grow up? Truth is, they don't have to be one thing at all. The only thing constant in life is change and I believe in embracing it...even if that means having several different careers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What am I going "to be" when I graduate? Whatever makes me happy. For now, that's writing and this little blog...and seeing what tomorrow has to bring.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-69309356764407748882012-12-03T11:14:00.000-08:002012-12-03T11:14:08.966-08:00re-invent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, I had a professor tell my class about how he believes every single day we have the opportunity to re-invent ourselves. His lecture has stuck with me for awhile, even though I don't think he was trying to be profound or impactful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> Every day is a new opportunity to re-invent ourselves. It's never too late to be who we want to be. To overcome our struggles, our addictions, our obstacles. To live this one life we have exactly as we desire. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If this is true, then why don't we live our lives like that? We spend so much time living in regret, in self pity and in shame. We spend so much time wishing for what each other has, that we were "better" at this or that, looked different, were smarter, richer, stronger, or more popular. What would happen if instead of wishing all those things, we took hold of our lives and became them? We spent our days overcoming our pasts and working towards our goals. Some days we'd fall short, but what are failures but an opportunity to grow and to learn? Some days we'd get close. And other days we would achieve. Either way, with the rising of the sun would come another chance to be who we want to be. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think that in order to live our lives like this, we need to give those who surround us the chance to re-invent themselves daily. This is the biggest struggle. It's hard to not be skeptical of change in those who have let us down time and time again. It's hard to forgive those who have hurt us and even harder to forget. It's hard to come along side someone, set aside your differences, and give them a second chance. But it can be done. And maybe if we lived our lives giving freely of grace, forgiveness and second chances, our communities would be a happier, more loving place. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-6447770404172168212012-11-30T09:58:00.000-08:002012-11-30T09:58:33.377-08:00ramblings and an update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_b_BkMCt8_FA6XYNxV04TB4lzkuP3169N5lZfGiAw0rQdEw5GguGuQbda1xIPjcjshWNrMXBaZ15qoWu-5AnuTviePFL8iPoY7AVBdBFDIOPl8cas_S_9Eq4imqirZp2ekhcUJ-lOOE/s1600/snow3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_b_BkMCt8_FA6XYNxV04TB4lzkuP3169N5lZfGiAw0rQdEw5GguGuQbda1xIPjcjshWNrMXBaZ15qoWu-5AnuTviePFL8iPoY7AVBdBFDIOPl8cas_S_9Eq4imqirZp2ekhcUJ-lOOE/s640/snow3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This past Tuesday morning, we woke up to the snow you see pictured above. We've had days of flurries throughout November, but this was the fist time it accumulated</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next week is the last week of the semester and I honestly couldn't tell you where the time went. My little brother always says that things in life are "long but short" and this was truly a "long short" semester. This time next year when I'm a college graduate, I'm sure that I'll say that all of college was "long short".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I haven't been posting too much lately. And I'm not going to apologize for it. I don't want to bore you with end of semester details. I don't feel like sharing the details of my recent break up with my boyfriend. I can't write any posts on new primal recipes....because honestly I haven't really been primal in a month. My mom says I should do more "second hand" posts. Yes, I've been thrifting recently. Yes, I've found some really great bargains recently. I found a painting I love for my room. And a pair of shoes in the little kids department I'm obsessed with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The past couple weeks, I've been watching my peers stress out about grad school applications. I have no interest in grad school. I have no one set of plans for after college. I don't think that's a bad thing. Sometimes the best things happen when we least expect. Or when we have the least direction in life. Similarly, this blog currently has no direction, but I kind of like it like that. I don't have sponsors, I don't have a set "series"...it's one of the few things that has no responsibilities attached to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't spend hours taking beautiful pictures for this post. Nor did I spend hours editing them and then typing out this post. Truth is, I wrote this post in ten minutes before my theory class. Truth is, I only feel inspired to write when I have no actual time to write. Truth is, I'm writing this post in long paragraph form....when I won't read blogs that are in paragraph form unless I'm <b>really</b> interested in the topic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And the truth is, that through all the ups and downs...life is good. Every single day, there are small victories worth celebrating. Some days, it might be something as simple as getting out of bed. Other days yield big accomplishments. But it is important to remember that each and every day is a gift (cue cheesy that's why they call it the "present"...you just have to unwrap it line here).<b> </b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This week, I'm celebrating that it's my student's (the one I wrote about </span><a href="http://secondhandsolace.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-beauty-of-music.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">), last week of chemo. She told me yesterday that she is feeling well enough to do not one, but TWO solos in our end of the semester recital next weekend. I am continually amazed and inspired by her courage and strength. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What victories (however big or small) are you celebrating this week?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-88123206111599037732012-11-27T05:39:00.002-08:002012-11-27T05:39:39.922-08:00some random musings for your tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjBurhhuhqqZ0NXHzaZvkr29PLIf7PX1pxhN7jFgcuV-gijhrOLX7eOJ-YT_yGOAO1U5f-zsFMWXG_uHPxPhq7RoNIZO0uYXoLLQzugpU91fbZ2Su2EztM161JsYPdO3Iu8Bzqev2yuE/s1600/prettywords.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjBurhhuhqqZ0NXHzaZvkr29PLIf7PX1pxhN7jFgcuV-gijhrOLX7eOJ-YT_yGOAO1U5f-zsFMWXG_uHPxPhq7RoNIZO0uYXoLLQzugpU91fbZ2Su2EztM161JsYPdO3Iu8Bzqev2yuE/s1600/prettywords.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/brittanyhendler/inspirational/" target="_blank">source</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-22078986703838785342012-11-22T16:47:00.002-08:002012-11-22T16:47:58.395-08:00india loves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: right;"> </i></div>
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<i>today, just as every day,</i></div>
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<i>there is so much to be thankful for.</i></div>
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<i>i'm writing this post,</i></div>
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<i>to express my gratitude</i></div>
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<i>for all of life's inspiring moments.</i></div>
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<i>to the people who inspire us,</i></div>
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<i>reach into the very center of our being,</i></div>
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<i>and leave a hand print on our heart and soul.</i></div>
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<i>i have had the privilege</i></div>
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<i>of meeting and talking with</i></div>
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<i>so many people</i></div>
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<i>who have inspired me</i></div>
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<i>and continue to inspire me</i></div>
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<i>on a daily basis,</i></div>
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<i> and the three girls pictured below are no exception.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaK3FU8Vs35qBCz98eXKm_Sn-gfNULK7ozKRTShJnRMJMCdzDdka5MfQmuT6d9k6QM1u4nCbQhZ1r7Oi8UgDJw9w3FaaQd0dApOs1kfyuN6hVgQrUnH3hJyhh927zvcKo_Y4_ABzhLcs/s1600/resized3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaK3FU8Vs35qBCz98eXKm_Sn-gfNULK7ozKRTShJnRMJMCdzDdka5MfQmuT6d9k6QM1u4nCbQhZ1r7Oi8UgDJw9w3FaaQd0dApOs1kfyuN6hVgQrUnH3hJyhh927zvcKo_Y4_ABzhLcs/s640/resized3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>their stories start </i><i>long before i met them back in the summer of 2008:</i></div>
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<i>one, a motherless girl of nine, taking care of her father and three little brothers, </i></div>
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<i>the other, a child of the streets,</i></div>
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<i>and the third,whose story is unknown to the camp counselors who took her in.</i></div>
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<i>you wouldn't know,</i></div>
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<i>by their joyful, innocent expressions,</i></div>
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<i>that they struggle to find ,</i></div>
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<i>just one meal a day.</i></div>
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<i>that they are considered </i></div>
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<i>"untouchable" </i></div>
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<i>by some of those living in their community,</i></div>
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<i>that everyday is a struggle, </i></div>
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<i>a fight to survive.</i></div>
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<i>and despite these hardships,</i></div>
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<i>they welcomed me with loving arms</i></div>
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<i>and embraced me as one of their own.</i></div>
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<i>for the few days that i was their counselor at camp,</i></div>
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<i>they never left my side.</i></div>
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<i>they each had a stubborn, relentless, fighting spirit</i><br />
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<i>that shined through their big, black eyes.</i></div>
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<i><b>they were truly the most joyful kids i have ever met .</b></i></div>
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<i>these three girls captured my heart</i></div>
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<i>and continue to inspire me each and every day,</i></div>
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<i>to love as they love,</i></div>
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<i>to fight as they fight,</i></div>
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<i>to hope as they hope,</i></div>
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<i>to dream as they dream,</i></div>
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<i>and to always be thankful,</i></div>
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<i>for each and every day</i></div>
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<i>for each and every struggle</i></div>
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<i>and each and every adventure,</i></div>
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<i>that leads us to those people,</i></div>
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<i>however big or small,</i></div>
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<i>who inspire us the most .</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-63162872390455466492012-11-13T17:53:00.000-08:002012-11-13T17:53:04.527-08:00i had plans...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtTJS43DS9rtxNi6IelcypnLs5j1ksAeMYknP2mUNc3Jw0WeF0ZD-DXerAvZreTu3XejwBRwTqpVVMA4Dp04KNdPHLGvvZPxJzhG3MXeuoOARhYGVL5jNbeRqiFAq45uLUPJDHri6AmU/s1600/busy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtTJS43DS9rtxNi6IelcypnLs5j1ksAeMYknP2mUNc3Jw0WeF0ZD-DXerAvZreTu3XejwBRwTqpVVMA4Dp04KNdPHLGvvZPxJzhG3MXeuoOARhYGVL5jNbeRqiFAq45uLUPJDHri6AmU/s1600/busy.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I leave for orchestra tour tomorrow morning at 5:30am. I had plans to have all my homework done last night. I had plans to go to bed at 8:00pm tonight so that 4:30am didn't seem so early tomorrow. I had plans to have my bags packed and snacks for the bus ready to go. I had plans to leave you all with a post filled with beautiful pictures from when I went to India. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>BUT...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday afternoon my orchestra director emailed me asking to compile a list of high school string teachers in PA, NY and NJ and send them recruitment emails. And I remembered that applications for ASTA student awards have to be post marked by a date during tour. And I got an email about paperwork due during tour. And I had 6 lessons to reschedule. And my homework never got done. And my bags aren't packed...and obviously I wasn't in bed at 8:00pm. And I won't be leaving you all with a heartwarming post. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instead, I'll leave you with this gem I found on my ipad...which is a perfect representation of how I'm going to look tomorrow morning at 5:00am as I drag my sorry butt up to the tour buses. (Martin - #sorrynotsorry for posting this picture...any photos left on the pad are free game :) ). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy the rest of your week! And maybe if I'm bored and miraculously have wifi on the bus I'll post the post I was originally planning for tonight.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-27179253984271925772012-11-09T17:45:00.000-08:002012-11-09T17:45:30.732-08:00far away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh008BFQJQZHyvAowKUuw1SdjinHtsrzUua5_U3Rf6BgTZvrnW9SQJtIPalN3xWKKf1gzee9jE5icWKkja9Enzu7V1EXYlhGh2cw7fKIrl79ADZWixP2JCyqjCe33llu5dW4GFuNaumnew/s1600/sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh008BFQJQZHyvAowKUuw1SdjinHtsrzUua5_U3Rf6BgTZvrnW9SQJtIPalN3xWKKf1gzee9jE5icWKkja9Enzu7V1EXYlhGh2cw7fKIrl79ADZWixP2JCyqjCe33llu5dW4GFuNaumnew/s640/sunset.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:user:123571734:playlist:1XHsIjPWcdSqC8QERCkbg9" width="300"></iframe><center>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-50518250740232465222012-11-08T11:37:00.001-08:002012-11-08T11:37:17.425-08:00slow down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcdK-V2ocTLRAE41sBXfA-99R0lTlp8SJkwIfl4t6OHJ2jLy1oTUkpd9Gxm2I5y-G_y4thy30VwZmFaQ4Hrbp9jSBHdPQd-wB0c4fiZ8wp8wyI0L5D6PQpGv2ndM0aLRLtpVGy-Tqgl8/s1600/oldpeople.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcdK-V2ocTLRAE41sBXfA-99R0lTlp8SJkwIfl4t6OHJ2jLy1oTUkpd9Gxm2I5y-G_y4thy30VwZmFaQ4Hrbp9jSBHdPQd-wB0c4fiZ8wp8wyI0L5D6PQpGv2ndM0aLRLtpVGy-Tqgl8/s400/oldpeople.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://s912.beta.photobucket.com/user/bootscootingranny/media/1_old_couple.jpg.html?filters%5bterm%5d=elderly%20couple&filters%5bprimary%5d=images" target="_blank">source</a>)</span></div>
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<i>this morning,</i></div>
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<i>i quickly ran to walmart for a few things.</i></div>
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<i>i was on a time limit,</i></div>
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<i> not feeling very well</i></div>
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<i>and every driver seemed to be getting in my way.</i></div>
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<i>as i finally made it into the parking lot,</i></div>
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<i>an elderly couple pulled out in front of me,</i></div>
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<i>and slowly made their way </i></div>
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<i>into the lot.</i></div>
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<i>my first reaction :</i></div>
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<i>i was aggravated.</i></div>
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<i> they were driving so slow,</i></div>
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<i>taking their good old time.</i></div>
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<i>Sound familiar?</i></div>
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<i>but then i got to thinking.</i></div>
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<i>and i know that sometimes elderly people move so slow,</i></div>
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<i>take so long,</i></div>
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<i>because their bodies have betrayed them</i></div>
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<i>and they simply have no other choice.</i></div>
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<i>but what if,</i></div>
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<i>this isolated incident,</i></div>
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<i>wasn't for that reason.</i></div>
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<i>i'm sure they too hustled about in their day, </i></div>
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<i>complaining that there weren't enough hours in the day.</i></div>
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<i>i'm sure there were days in their life that went by</i></div>
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<i>without a single pause</i></div>
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<i>or a single moment spent in appreciation of life.</i></div>
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<i>what if,</i></div>
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<i>this older and wiser couple</i></div>
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<i>is simply trying to enjoy every single last moment. </i></div>
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<i>savor the time they have</i></div>
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<i>to do something as simple</i></div>
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<i>as going to walmart together.</i></div>
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<i>maybe they spent days as many of us do.</i></div>
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<i>focusing only on what we don't have</i></div>
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<i>what we miss</i></div>
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<i>what we aren't</i></div>
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<i>and then one day</i></div>
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<i>all those "one days"</i></div>
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<i>turned into years.</i></div>
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<i>80 to be exact.</i></div>
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<i>and now, </i></div>
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<i>they know and appreciate </i></div>
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<i>the beauty each day,</i></div>
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<i>each moment holds.</i></div>
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<i>and can't help but to move slow,</i></div>
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<i>to enjoy every second.</i></div>
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<a href="http://s1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb380/CaseyWiegand/buttons/?action=view&current=1-6.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb380/CaseyWiegand/buttons/1-6.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-8766998976583106632012-11-06T12:36:00.001-08:002012-11-06T12:56:17.428-08:00eat whole foods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been awhile since I've posted anything Paleo or Primal related, so I thought I'd share this infographic I found the other night which clearly outlines paleo foods. Enjoy :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVEHDYi4eOGn_PlrMotG0sTZO_FKJRhJ_wQb_9Wih_jfLz_SAGa3V9nisIbCtGMYsVB4ce1Wi46DPQtgK9by1fEBbVQmMFIaHa0iWrrM_6AuFNyjznz9iaRU06588R3cwca-RUiVZFn0/s1600/paleo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVEHDYi4eOGn_PlrMotG0sTZO_FKJRhJ_wQb_9Wih_jfLz_SAGa3V9nisIbCtGMYsVB4ce1Wi46DPQtgK9by1fEBbVQmMFIaHa0iWrrM_6AuFNyjznz9iaRU06588R3cwca-RUiVZFn0/s1600/paleo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-32532627543091692262012-11-05T05:50:00.000-08:002012-11-05T05:50:43.555-08:00massive 500 follower giveaway [Craftbotic]Hi everyone! This week, I'm participating in Rosie from Craftbotic's 500 Follower Giveaway! There are so many great prizes up for grabs, and don't forget - you can enter even if you don't have a blog! <br />
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It's quite simple. Enter the prize packages you fancy winning (btw - that will be all of them!) and show my lovely prize donors some awesome Craftbotic love. Three giveaways are open world wide, while the others are USA only. Please make sure you live in the USA to enter the last two or I won't be able to give you any of the prizes. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The giveaway is open for one week starting at 9am (GMT) on Monday 5th November until 9am on Monday 12th November. Winners will be announced later that day. You will have 48 hours to acknowledge your prize win. Prizes are as stated and non-transferable. New winners will be drawn for each prize pack if no response is given within 48 hours. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prize One - From Rosie with Love!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">$30 Credit</span> to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SassyLemonade" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sassy Lemonade Etsy shop</a> (One of my favourites!)<br />
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<img height="83" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/006/0/6456449/iusb_760x100.10468705_ie96.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Check out some of the gorgeous jewellery you could buy!<br />
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<img alt="Tina Marie layered Bracelet Teal Ribbon, Rhinestones, & Pearls" height="317" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/001/0/6456449/il_170x135.388852164_qkqx.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<img alt="Side Turquoise Star Dainty Bracelet On Sale" height="299" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/003/0/6456449/il_570xN.380965511_kn9p.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Lisa Loves her Chrysanthemums wrapped up in a Bow Necklace On Sale" height="640" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/6456449/il_570xN.340193811.jpg" width="488" /></span></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d92d562/" id="rc-d92d562" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yellow Prize Pack - Worldwide</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg568/CraftboticQ/Yellowgiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg568/CraftboticQ/Yellowgiveaway.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<a href="http://s1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg568/CraftboticQ/?action=view&current=Keepintouchsidewing.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://s1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg568/CraftboticQ/?action=view&current=Signaturecorrectwidth-1.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://s1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg568/CraftboticQ/?action=view&current=Signaturecorrectwidth-1.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/CraftboticQ" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/1/stream?tab=G#" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://s1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg568/CraftboticQ/?action=view&current=Pressheresidewing.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a>
<li>3 months of large ad space + option of interview, guest post, or giveaway <a href="http://www.classylivingblog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Kate @ Classy Living)</a></li>
<li>A custom blog or facebook banner with free fineart photography (worth $35!) <a href="http://anasofiaeugenio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Ana @ Ana Eugenio)</a></li>
<li>A custom 'About Me' image <a href="http://chasinghailey.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Anissa @ Chasing Hailey)</a></li>
<li>A handmade, crocheted, ear-warmer flower headband <a href="http://www.secondhandsolace.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Brittany @ Secondhand Solace)</a></li>
<li>200 x 200 60 day ad space and $10 etsy story credit to her own store <a href="http://violetimperfection.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Leslie @ Violet Imperfection)</a></li>
<li>One month large ad space at Live Life Love <a href="http://www.livelaughl0veblog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Cassie @ Live, Life, Love)</a></li>
<li>$10 Amazon Gift Card <a href="http://www.dearbrighton.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Brighton @ Dear Brighton)</a></li>
<li>Free book (for book club) and one month 200 x 200 ad space <a href="http://gloriousimperfection.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Angie @ Glorious Imperfection)</a></li>
<li>Two weeks in post ad space, including advert creation worth $25 <a href="http://www.coveredingrace.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Brooke @ Covered in Grace)</a></li>
<li>Set of custom social media buttons <a href="http://lyssbarn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Allyssa @ LyssBarn)</a></li>
<li>XL Ad. 200x300. 1 of 2 available. Top of sponsor spots. Rotates with each
page refresh. Includes solo guest post & giveaway. Optional group
giveaway. Unlimited twitter/facebook mentions.<a href="http://thehoutzhouseparty.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Kelly @ Houtz House Party)</a></li>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d92d563/" id="rc-d92d563" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Green Prize Pac<span style="font-size: large;">k</span> <span style="font-size: large;">- Worldwide</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg568/CraftboticQ/GreenGiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg568/CraftboticQ/GreenGiveaway.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<li>MUA Undressed Palette (dupe for Urban Decay's Naked Palette) and MUA Constellation (Scorpio) <a href="http://www.lifeinabreakdown.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Sarah @ Life in a breakdown)</a></li>
<li>One months large ad space <a href="http://lifefeelsgoodinpbeach.blogspot.fr/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Malo @ Life feels good in Portbail Beach)</a></li>
<li>Two months 200 x 200 ad space with optional guest post or full blog feature <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Julie @ White Lights of Wednesdays)</a><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Three months 200 x 200 ad space <a href="http://gennafreedatlast.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(G<span style="font-size: small;">enna @ Freed at Last)</span></a></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Custom blog signature <a href="http://www.yourstrulyblog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Chelsea @ Tr<span style="font-size: small;">uly Lovely)</span> </a></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">125x125 ad space for a month <span style="font-size: small;">(December) AND<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>Tri-pack design - Blog header, share button, Facebook Cover - <span style="font-size: small;">worth $60 <a href="http://womanhoodwithpurpose.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Angie @ Womanhood with Purpose)</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Two months ad space <a href="http://www.lifeasiknowitblog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Kate @ Life<span style="font-size: small;"> as we know it)</span> </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">$10 shop credit for her brand new etsy story <a href="http://busybeingjennifer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Jennifer @ Busy Being Jennifer) </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">A custom 'About Me' image <a href="http://www.elopingstethoscope.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Paige @ Eloping the Ste<span style="font-size: small;">thoscope)</span> </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">One month ad<span style="font-size: small;"> underneath 'About Me' section of site <a href="http://www.greenthickies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Kat<span style="font-size: small;">herine @ Green Thickies<span style="font-size: small;">)</span></span></a></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">A medium-sized ad space (Twins!) and a set of 4 handmade cards. <a href="http://www.hiitsjilly.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Jillian @ Hi It's Jilly!)</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li>A copy of 'Men I Loved Before' by Adele Parks <a href="http://swirlingawayeveryday.blogspot.nl/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Lieke @ Swirling Away)</a> - Europe Only<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d92d564/" id="rc-d92d564" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pink P<span style="font-size: large;">rize Pack - </span>USA Only</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg568/CraftboticQ/PinkGiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg568/CraftboticQ/PinkGiveaway.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>2 months Large ad space (200x200) worth $30 <a href="http://www.thedreamymeadow.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Katlyn @ The Dreamy Meadow)</a></li>
<li>$10 Starbucks gift card <a href="http://missventrella.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Sara @ MissVentrella)</a></li>
<li>A blog banner and a sampler set of handmade cards <a href="http://stopshesgotacamera.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Emily @ She's Got a Camera)</a></li>
<li>"Featured Ad Space on my blog (worth $15) and a print from my shop (worth $10 + shipping) <a href="http://www.thecharmingblog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Amy @ The Charming)</a></li>
<li>$25 credit to her etsy shop <a href="http://pinkapotamus.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Amie @ Pinkapotomus)</a></li>
<li>A surprise gift bag worth $10-15 <a href="http://www.ahusbandandadog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Allana @ A husband and a dog)</a></li>
<li>Custom set of blog buttons <a href="http://jessiekaygraphicsanddesign.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Jesse @ Jesse Kay Graphics and Design)</a></li>
<li>A Sinful Skin Lotion. Made with natural ingredients. Pure and spa-grade.
No chemicals, fillers, gluten, parabens, paraffins, SLS, or SLES. <a href="http://www.twomillionmiles.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Jourdan @ Two Million Miles)</a></li>
<li>$5 Starbucks gift card <a href="http://mommydaddyandmason.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Tabitha @ Mommy, Daddy and Mason)</a></li>
<li>One month ad space and feature blog post <a href="http://cocalores.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Anja @ Cocalores) </a></li>
<li>200 x 200 ad space for one month AND $5 Starbucks gift card <a href="http://army-wife-mommy-life.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Alejandra @ Army Wife, Mommy Life)</a><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></li>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d92d565/" id="rc-d92d565" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">Blue Prize Pack - USA Only</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg568/CraftboticQ/BlueGiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg568/CraftboticQ/BlueGiveaway.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: center;">
<li>One month large ad space AND $10 shop credit to her store envy shop <a href="http://allthingsblogs.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Sarah @ All Things Blogs)</a></li>
<li>250 x 250 Large ad space with optional guest or feature post AND $10 Amazon gift card <a href="http://www.thechroniclesofchaos.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Mia @ Chronicles of Chaos)</a></li>
<li>$10 credit to Domestic Creations store envy shop <a href="http://aproverbs31wife.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Kendra @ A Proverbs 31 Wife)</a></li>
<li>2 months free large ad space -- Appears at the top of the ads section
and is excellent for lots of exposure! Comes with a group introduction,
social media mentions and an option for a guest post, product review or
giveaway.<a href="http://blog.thesapphirebee.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Brittany @ The Sapphire Bee)</a></li>
<li>$5 Starbucks Card eGift & A Peck (200x200) ad spot on her blog for 30 days (<a href="http://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carrie @ A Frugal Foodie Wife)</a></li>
<li>2 months Medium ad space with shared feature post <a href="http://kmcilrath.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Kim @ Single Doubt)</a></li>
<li>4 custom blog buttons <a href="http://kmcilrath.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Breenah @ By Breenah)</a></li>
<li>$15 Starbucks eGift card <a href="http://www.quirktasticadventures.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Alicia @ Quicktastic Adventures)</a></li>
<li>Medium ad space <a href="http://www.lipglossandcrayons.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Carly @ Lipgloss and Crayons)</a></li>
<li>Mini zipper pouch from 31 gifts worth $12 <a href="http://abunchofmynonsense.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Jessica @ A Bunch of My Nonsense)</a></li>
<li>Small 'I love you dear' deer sign in purple from her etsy store <a href="http://pitterandglink.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Bethany @ Pitter and Glink)</a></li>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d92d566/" id="rc-d92d566" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-87161021293990001172012-11-03T12:53:00.000-07:002012-11-03T12:53:01.760-07:00Strengths Quest<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to take the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment. Strengths Quest helps individuals to find their strengths, talents and gifts along with ways to develop and cultivate them. I would definitely recommend taking this assessment as an individual or as a group. Below you'll find my top five strengths and a brief description of each. This information is straight from the Strengths Quest website and is not my own writing.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Developer</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>You see the potential in others. Very often, in fact, potential is all you see. In your view no individual is fully formed. On the contrary, each individual is a work in progress, alive with possibilities. And you are drawn toward people for this very reason. When you interact with others, your goal is to help them </b><b>experience success. You look for ways to challenge them. You devise interesting experiences that can stretch them and help them grow. And all the while you are on the lookout for the signs of growth—a new behavior learned or modified, a slight improvement in a skill, a glimpse of excellence </b><b>or of “flow” where previously there were only halting steps. For you these small increments—invisible to some—are clear signs of potential being realized. These signs of growth in others are your fuel. They bring you strength and satisfaction. Over time many will seek you out for help and </b><b>encouragement because on some level they know that your helpfulness is both genuine and fulfilling to you.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> <u>Individualization</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Your Individualization theme leads you to be intrigued by the unique qualities of each person. You are <b></b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><b>impatient with generalizations or “types” because you don’t want to obscure what is special and </b></b></span></div>
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distinct about each person. Instead, you focus on the differences between individuals. You</div>
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instinctively observe each person’s style, each person’s motivation, how each thinks, and how each <b></b></div>
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<b>builds relationships. You hear the one-of-a-kind stories in each person’s life. This theme explains why </b></div>
you pick your friends just the right birthday gift, why you know that one person prefers praise in public <b>and another detests it, and why you tailor your teaching style to accommodate one person’s need to </b><b>be shown and another’s desire to “figure it out as I go.” Because you are such a keen observer of</b></b><div style="text-align: left;">
<b>other people’s strengths, you can draw out the best in each person. This Individualization theme also </b><b>helps you build productive teams. While some search around for the perfect team “structure” or </b><b>“process,” you know instinctively that the secret to great teams is casting by individual strengths so that everyone can do a lot of what they do well.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Activator</u></b></span></div>
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<b>“When can we start?” This is a recurring question in your life. You are impatient for action. You may <b style="text-align: center;"></b></b></div>
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<b><b style="text-align: center;">concede that analysis has its uses or that debate and discussion can occasionally yield some </b></b></div>
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valuable insights, but deep down you know that only action is real. Only action can make things</div>
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happen. Only action leads to performance. Once a decision is made, you cannot not act. Others may <b style="text-align: center;"></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">worry that “there are still some things we don’t know,” but this doesn’t seem to slow you. If the </b></div>
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decision has been made to go across town, you know that the fastest way to get there is to go </div>
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stoplight to stoplight. You are not going to sit around waiting until all the lights have turned green. </div>
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Besides, in your view, action and thinking are not opposites. In fact, guided by your Activator theme, </div>
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you believe that action is the best device for learning. You make a decision, you take action, you look </div>
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at the result, and you learn. This learning informs your next action and your next. How can you grow if </div>
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you have nothing to react to? Well, you believe you can’t. You must put yourself out there. You must</div>
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take the next step. It is the only way to keep your thinking fresh and informed. The bottom line is this: <b style="text-align: center;"></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">You know you will be judged not by what you say, not by what you think, but by what you get done. </b></div>
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This does not frighten you. It pleases you.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Positivity</u></b></span></div>
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<b>You are generous with praise, quick to smile, and always on the lookout for the positive in the <b style="text-align: center;"></b></b></div>
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<b><b style="text-align: center;">situation. Some call you lighthearted. Others just wish that their glass were as full as yours seems to </b></b></div>
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be. But either way, people want to be around you. Their world looks better around you because your </div>
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enthusiasm is contagious. Lacking your energy and optimism, some find their world drab with </div>
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repetition or, worse, heavy with pressure. You seem to find a way to lighten their spirit. You inject</div>
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drama into every project. You celebrate every achievement. You find ways to make everything more <b style="text-align: center;"></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">exciting and more vital. Some cynics may reject your energy, but you are rarely dragged down. Your </b></div>
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Positivity won’t allow it. Somehow you can’t quite escape your conviction that it is good to be alive, </div>
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that work can be fun, and that no matter what the setbacks, one must never lose one’s sense of </div>
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humor.</div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Empathy</u></span></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">You can sense the emotions of those around you. You can feel what they are feeling as though their <b style="text-align: center;"></b></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: center;">feelings are your own. Intuitively, you are able to see the world through their eyes and share their </b></b></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">perspective. You do not necessarily agree with each person’s perspective. You do not necessarily feel </b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">pity for each person’s predicament—this would be sympathy, not Empathy. You do not necessarily </b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">condone the choices each person makes, but you do understand. This instinctive ability to understand </b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><b>is powerful. You hear the unvoiced questions. You anticipate the need. Where others grapple for </b></b></div>
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words, you seem to find the right words and the right tone. You help people find the right phrases to</div>
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express their feelings—to themselves as well as to others. You help them give voice to their emotional <b></b></div>
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<b>life. For all these reasons other people are drawn to you.</b></div>
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</b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-31553420832220706192012-11-02T11:20:00.000-07:002012-11-02T11:20:21.841-07:00perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><b>recently, </b></i></div>
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<i><b>i've been thinking about the difference between</b></i></div>
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<i><b>"happy people" and "unhappy people".</b></i></div>
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<i><b>the biggest difference i've observed </b></i><i><b>between the two?</b></i></div>
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<i><b>it isn't what each has or each has not.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>it isn't the trials they have faced.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>it is quite simply,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>their perspective.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>their perspective on</b></i></div>
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<i><b>life</b></i></div>
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<i><b>love</b></i></div>
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<b><i>the good</i></b></div>
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<b><i>the bad</i></b></div>
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<b><i>and everything in between.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>the way i see it,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>every single minute</i></b></div>
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<b><i>of every single day</i></b></div>
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<b><i>we each have a choice</i></b></div>
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<b><i>to be positive</i></b></div>
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<b><i>or negative.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>to embrace each and every situation.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>after all, what is a "bad" situation</i></b></div>
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<b><i>other than an opportunity to</i></b></div>
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<b><i>grow</i></b></div>
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<b><i>learn </i></b></div>
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<b><i>and change?</i></b></div>
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<b><i>our past makes us who we are.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>it is our story</i></b></div>
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<b><i>that can be used to help others along </i></b></div>
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<b><i>on their journey.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>embrace your past,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>enjoy the present</i></b></div>
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<b><i>and keep your eyes fixed on your future.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>and happiness will find you.</i></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066119743848820599noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038274777144671862.post-54192922005546808322012-10-29T16:14:00.002-07:002012-10-29T16:14:19.324-07:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today was spent prepping for Hurricane Sandy; buying bottled water, foods that don't need to refrigerated and catching up on emails. They are predicting that we could easily loose power. Classes are already cancelled for tonight and tomorrow. Since our lights have already begun flickering, I wanted to just write up a quick blog post since there's no telling when we could loose power and when we'd get it back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a completely different note,this is my mom. She recently started blogging over <a href="http://www.rnspiration.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">here</span></b></i></a> at RNspiration. If you haven't checked out her blog yet, you definitely should! She writes about her experiences as a nurse, some healthy recipes she's come up with, book reviews and everything else in between. I'm disabling comments on this post so you can stop by her blog, read up on her posts, and leave some love there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a great week and stay safe and dry!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brittany</span></div>
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