tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52229937767254447502024-03-21T06:02:05.772-04:00My Memory ArtAdriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162378842097630556noreply@blogger.comBlogger1362125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-5796489635402838152017-03-05T18:02:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:26:15.961-05:00Bloom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AvNCBfFupKaNWXmIWksSgtu75VK7oSLUdFloQ7F9FC1jMNNvxpEqOuF3yz31PtYZWUSvY2LXFJTsucr7zMjpDoAil1-UWOXt0LRwNnsG2A_qCMudUR37WILIoDq6JvW7EPsAvgke7WU/s1600/IMG_1933b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AvNCBfFupKaNWXmIWksSgtu75VK7oSLUdFloQ7F9FC1jMNNvxpEqOuF3yz31PtYZWUSvY2LXFJTsucr7zMjpDoAil1-UWOXt0LRwNnsG2A_qCMudUR37WILIoDq6JvW7EPsAvgke7WU/s640/IMG_1933b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a first for me.</div>
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My Christmas cactus filled with blooms once. Beautiful pink buds and blooms! I was sure it was a Christmas miracle. Much to my surprise, she came to life again at the end of February. I can't contain myself. Never, in all my {limited} history of growing things, has a plant flourished like this. I guess she's where she belongs!</div>
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Let me back up.</div>
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A dear friend gave me this plant in December of 2015. Miss Cactus came to me with a smile, and warmth and the comfort that comes from a simple gesture between friends. I managed to keep her alive until we moved at the end of March, 2016. I really wanted her to survive the move with me. Once in our new home, she got a pretty new pot and her own place in a sunny corner of our living room. I was delighted that, during the summer and fall months, fresh new 'leaves' of green sprouted from each 'branch' {I really should learn cactus lingo...cause I'm pretty sure leaf and branch don't apply...} Next thing you know it was Christmas, and tiny pink buds began to emerge. By mid January there were so many blooms!! As they faded, I was sad to see that bright burst of fuchsia disappear from our winter landscape. </div>
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Back to present day...</div>
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As I sit quietly writing this post, my cactus is, once again, in FULL bloom! Mid February brought tiny new buds, and they have quickly filled the corner {and me!} with the bright joys of color and whimsy and possibility. I do believe this beautiful plant has found her home.</div>
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This {truly} is a first for me...</div>
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Two things struck me, when my dear friend Miss Cactus bloomed for the second time. The first was the thought that maybe, just maybe, I could help plants to thrive....both inside and out. I've wanted to, and taken some small steps...so I'm hoping that her growth will spur me along the path towards a green thumb. The second thing that struck me was that, like Miss Cactus, I am home. As she flourishes, I too am flourishing. As she blooms, I too bloom. As I watch her, I know that blooms need not come every season... that there are seasons of rest, and green....and fantastic seasons of bloomin' fuchsia!! I think we are both right where we belong.</div>
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Thanks, Lynn....for the friendship, and the little plant that came with me.</div>
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And thank, Miss Cactus, for giving me more than I could have ever imagined!!</div>
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Joining friends for <a href="http://paisleyrainboots.blogspot.com/2017/03/scene-story-february-2017.html" target="_blank">Scene and Story</a> and <a href="https://www.lisakerner-slp.com/blog-allposts/life-thru-the-lens-1052-an-old-wild-west-town-part-2/2017/3/6" target="_blank">Life Through the Lens</a></div>
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Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-52614816705664525942017-02-24T11:03:00.004-05:002022-01-04T08:27:08.722-05:00Dazzling!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0o0axSJFztE7luPtAF-HUJdXpKotbmUBQjDEcOS-EfEdXR0OUTOB38WfeBcSIjUtswAm9YCzvikBP5LK6eC49pjch7TQLwA_tJUwqlAzUmsKhzLrdJndtUccknwBxFQgmFCdV-TIEzs/s1600/IMG_2996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0o0axSJFztE7luPtAF-HUJdXpKotbmUBQjDEcOS-EfEdXR0OUTOB38WfeBcSIjUtswAm9YCzvikBP5LK6eC49pjch7TQLwA_tJUwqlAzUmsKhzLrdJndtUccknwBxFQgmFCdV-TIEzs/s1600/IMG_2996.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">{To the tune of My Favorite Things}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Window reflections and cold days with sunshine,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Ice sickles dangling and forming a long line,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Bright colored bokeh that's glowing like bling ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">These are a few of my favorite things!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMc72AMpkNpmncIRyCe90NKqPUL8IOhyKLl_Utnwqkjspfd2HcDHMj6wokN3YcEVSqtRJCf-C7WpaXfjw4_S9lXF8Wgr7s4MT-Pu5qh8Khz3s4TecFunpcoQlM_VIbX4VjH5A7oACEYI/s1600/IMG_3006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMc72AMpkNpmncIRyCe90NKqPUL8IOhyKLl_Utnwqkjspfd2HcDHMj6wokN3YcEVSqtRJCf-C7WpaXfjw4_S9lXF8Wgr7s4MT-Pu5qh8Khz3s4TecFunpcoQlM_VIbX4VjH5A7oACEYI/s1600/IMG_3006.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Joining</div>
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<a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2017/02/my-5-favorite-things/" target="_blank">Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop</a></div>
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<a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-street-scene-in-verona-weekend.html" target="_blank">Weekend Reflections</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-83223874956076219862017-02-03T11:04:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:28:00.087-05:00Storytellers...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieOeSWqyf6VsD_YPxGvHNw-x0VXPaZGXiNYh1ytM-PxVN1EFiFX7QbuyEJwgzQuml7lu1zdF9XUtIpf1Xt7eRGgS5LYNPupcZFRpZcT5oyDZYX4LKBmAI3zWeh33JpCGGTrchXqrNLlA/s1600/IMG_2357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieOeSWqyf6VsD_YPxGvHNw-x0VXPaZGXiNYh1ytM-PxVN1EFiFX7QbuyEJwgzQuml7lu1zdF9XUtIpf1Xt7eRGgS5LYNPupcZFRpZcT5oyDZYX4LKBmAI3zWeh33JpCGGTrchXqrNLlA/s1600/IMG_2357.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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One ballroom.</div>
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Four days.</div>
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Seventy-five women.</div>
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And, I'm guessing, about 40,000 photographs.</div>
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They travel, they giggle, they work side by side...</div>
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Mostly moms, I'm guessing.</div>
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With photos of the</div>
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moments</div>
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milestones</div>
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heartbreaks</div>
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hugs</div>
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boredom</div>
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birthdays</div>
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seasons</div>
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silliness</div>
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love</div>
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and</div>
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lessons</div>
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of family life.</div>
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They do whatever it takes to preserve memories</div>
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and tell their stories.</div>
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I visited for a day..</div>
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to see friends</div>
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and to work a bit on one of my own scrapbooks.</div>
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It has been a while since I've been to such a big gathering...</div>
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Not completely my cup of tea...</div>
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but fun was had, pages were completed</div>
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and I left inspired to have seen so many</div>
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working to pass their stories to future generations!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARMsq1MENKGrqEkNszkQUlCyVCUK1cLhb7FuCNTpgwmB45WF3YzUox25PDJIEatOWOPYV0JGIyQHTfdio0kTccleqMq_B93lL62jEoNz8g8GeFeJNnvaqgCzAmiQ1MfvIgbfanmW9mvk/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARMsq1MENKGrqEkNszkQUlCyVCUK1cLhb7FuCNTpgwmB45WF3YzUox25PDJIEatOWOPYV0JGIyQHTfdio0kTccleqMq_B93lL62jEoNz8g8GeFeJNnvaqgCzAmiQ1MfvIgbfanmW9mvk/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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Linking to</div>
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<a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2017/02/things-my-third-graders-say-v-17.html" target="_blank">Little Things</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2017/02/gasping-for-air/" target="_blank">Mama Kat's</a></div>
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and</div>
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<a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/2017/02/arsenale-di-venezia-weekend-reflections.html" target="_blank">Weekend Reflections</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-69052554668458577562017-01-31T14:35:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:28:37.756-05:00All of it....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rrviDckqGNyLfsxlvglRoJVGrliyRGGL6TSbXAMNKBP76h9pllWK2F5E4XzpObSWD2FaRaYOwU_4VvwTI_229lHAcB5kPnAM3n0OluvG-_fQ084ipNfr8Bxr69DG7knGRqtkkSvJXf4/s1600/IMG_2082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rrviDckqGNyLfsxlvglRoJVGrliyRGGL6TSbXAMNKBP76h9pllWK2F5E4XzpObSWD2FaRaYOwU_4VvwTI_229lHAcB5kPnAM3n0OluvG-_fQ084ipNfr8Bxr69DG7knGRqtkkSvJXf4/s1600/IMG_2082.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
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What do you see?<br />
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A frigid, tangled mess?<br />
The warm, light of hope?<br />
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This photo reminds me that what I see so often depends on where I choose to focus.<br />
Sometimes I see tangles.<br />
Sometimes I see light.<br />
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This photo suggests to me that, perhaps, it's not an either/or.<br />
Always there are tangles.<br />
And always there is light.<br />
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When I look at this photo, I see magic.<br />
The magic that was that moment when frigid tangle met warm light and painted<br />
just for me<br />
a glorious tableau....<br />
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So, perhaps, the best answer to the question,<br />
'What do you see?'<br />
is simply ... all of it.<br />
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I see the mess<br />
I see the light<br />
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And I'm trying to embrace the whole tableau.<br />
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Joining <a href="https://www.lisakerner-slp.com/blog-allposts/life-thru-the-lens-552-january-review-and-a-february-winter-challenge/2017/1/30" target="_blank">Life Through the Lens</a></div>
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and <a href="http://communalglobal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wednesday's Around the World</a></div>
<br />Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-17254871856046673202017-01-30T10:45:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:29:03.476-05:00Peek-a-boo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c9L8t4uR2qyUUS7Gxbuyr8FOnG805CifrGAJEhfdOTxyqdxM8cLI_dD72CQ7_PnNpUUtm0QoGbifb40kBdJR9odToYs_CRbNI_RC_jAk5XJxhjFd0V_LFncyL3zVzOaV0070EOqCpjc/s1600/IMG_5673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c9L8t4uR2qyUUS7Gxbuyr8FOnG805CifrGAJEhfdOTxyqdxM8cLI_dD72CQ7_PnNpUUtm0QoGbifb40kBdJR9odToYs_CRbNI_RC_jAk5XJxhjFd0V_LFncyL3zVzOaV0070EOqCpjc/s1600/IMG_5673.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
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Little by little we have lured the squirrels up on to the patio.</div>
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First the seeds and nuts were at the edge, near the grass.</div>
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Now we put their food right up against the sliders.</div>
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And they come.</div>
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They nibble.</div>
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They peek inside...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6QP3-Ez0OT1ZVBFGMSM4-FF4naIuwzj5rb24OxW-mkJEEWicX8io4TZYsjJI9iowSEO90zpz8Noj13PXjpaMf2bXDcwdQXJWA9WC3eMzn9Z1b62h9Zqb78OaCTAkwPoBsOsQ2fd890w/s1600/IMG_5662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6QP3-Ez0OT1ZVBFGMSM4-FF4naIuwzj5rb24OxW-mkJEEWicX8io4TZYsjJI9iowSEO90zpz8Noj13PXjpaMf2bXDcwdQXJWA9WC3eMzn9Z1b62h9Zqb78OaCTAkwPoBsOsQ2fd890w/s1600/IMG_5662.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
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...and sometimes, if they like the show, they even watch TV with us!</div>
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Joining <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-good-random-fun-v5.html" target="_blank">Tamar</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-73299684255335139202017-01-20T11:07:00.002-05:002022-01-04T08:29:56.375-05:00Thought for Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThwL9g0GQCslis7fLyqeLTW2Ya5MAcU4jQyN3V6VtY-GkwFgnB-3bkQCLLf9izOmTl1i1hLqJJZSe0IYZk-3Wprxj7QbW0ZNNufDV61ek_DoyPu2yC2GD7JeRGj75IUwiKRGdkdRlJ2U/s1600/IMG_2293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThwL9g0GQCslis7fLyqeLTW2Ya5MAcU4jQyN3V6VtY-GkwFgnB-3bkQCLLf9izOmTl1i1hLqJJZSe0IYZk-3Wprxj7QbW0ZNNufDV61ek_DoyPu2yC2GD7JeRGj75IUwiKRGdkdRlJ2U/s640/IMG_2293.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Constant kindness can accomplish much.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>As the sun makes ice melt,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>kindness causes misunderstanding,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>mistrust and hostility</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">to evaporate."</span><br />Albert Schweitzer</span></div>
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Joining James for <a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/2017/01/perspective-weekend-reflections-382.html" target="_blank">Weekend Reflections</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-82976939394854486512017-01-19T15:28:00.003-05:002022-01-04T08:31:15.336-05:00Ode to a Snowy Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzMEQjV-5rUwu3QJGL7iNGE_HeBpL_xMCusKXgiw_EmF7MSGSsVim1EnqA1McTQuLJBl3YfzKbayFHdWPeezs8UG3mbyWx7uk5E3JTfpbJrFu0BrSHll4owM0WEzX6O4FpaY4i26rPZI/s1600/IMG_5721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzMEQjV-5rUwu3QJGL7iNGE_HeBpL_xMCusKXgiw_EmF7MSGSsVim1EnqA1McTQuLJBl3YfzKbayFHdWPeezs8UG3mbyWx7uk5E3JTfpbJrFu0BrSHll4owM0WEzX6O4FpaY4i26rPZI/s1600/IMG_5721.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
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wrap me in silence</div>
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blanket me in fluffy white</div>
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soothe me</div>
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leave me isolated</div>
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slow me down</div>
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shut me in</div>
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and dazzle me</div>
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bring your magic</div>
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weave your spell</div>
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and cast it over me and mine</div>
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yes</div>
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wrap me in silence</div>
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treat me to hours of nothing</div>
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please</div>
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mr snowy day</div>
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come and visit</div>
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you're welcome any time</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-9iU6hIQ3wel-AGaPjQhMXyQ74tQq73Q_HmeMe9vy26n3nJU4BW4aLeeVf9P38yoljm6STgE14T-iq3i3KJpCpj0My5tUdUj5ulQFMf5bzeh-5aEJ_1v841kTcbb48UGI1mH67QyTJs/s1600/IMG_5697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-9iU6hIQ3wel-AGaPjQhMXyQ74tQq73Q_HmeMe9vy26n3nJU4BW4aLeeVf9P38yoljm6STgE14T-iq3i3KJpCpj0My5tUdUj5ulQFMf5bzeh-5aEJ_1v841kTcbb48UGI1mH67QyTJs/s1600/IMG_5697.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
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Joining <a href="https://www.lisakerner-slp.com/blog-allposts/life-thru-the-lens-352-the-joy-of-comparison/2017/1/16" target="_blank">Lisa</a>, <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2017/01/little-things-holiday-cactus.html" target="_blank">Tamar</a> and <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2017/01/am-i-too-old-to-lose-weight/" target="_blank">Kat</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-12443367631929360142017-01-13T11:00:00.000-05:002017-01-13T11:00:18.215-05:00TGIF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GC_-qfSh5s8YRA7KBLT0EhD0Z6BJGQax6sEXV13NewrBvVkdYvndOMI-pFhWxquHzzR8lVkA-RgGq0QkkVSbR_lu3pl05XQkTKyrb9Tl51DD9OdKsqLNVVCPKB-dqfnNLy03jrQ82kk/s1600/IMG_9993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GC_-qfSh5s8YRA7KBLT0EhD0Z6BJGQax6sEXV13NewrBvVkdYvndOMI-pFhWxquHzzR8lVkA-RgGq0QkkVSbR_lu3pl05XQkTKyrb9Tl51DD9OdKsqLNVVCPKB-dqfnNLy03jrQ82kk/s640/IMG_9993.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's all I've got today.</div>
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TGIF.</div>
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Seven hours, and this work week will be in my rear-view.</div>
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Joining <a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">James</a> for Weekend Reflections</div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-85029904967766502632017-01-08T19:32:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:32:16.528-05:00Because {January}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD73A1Y3obAISnATXJT0J4WN5a-1Ipzz7SLlbwDOQCcb1kDZ1KeN2AcLfeQP9Ia63C0KBTjt5zvUfVSBTUkC95vZWRz2dQUwq1CfMNWVmzCC6WZnryVmkek6JrPdR2xVrn892lqmRjdTs/s1600/IMG_2024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD73A1Y3obAISnATXJT0J4WN5a-1Ipzz7SLlbwDOQCcb1kDZ1KeN2AcLfeQP9Ia63C0KBTjt5zvUfVSBTUkC95vZWRz2dQUwq1CfMNWVmzCC6WZnryVmkek6JrPdR2xVrn892lqmRjdTs/s640/IMG_2024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because he built this wood shed with his own two hands.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because, when I look at all this wood, I'm reminded I have a home. Of my own. With a fireplace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because we pretend we live in the woods.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because of the early morning light and all of the snow kissed branches. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because I'm grateful that we get to fully experience all of the seasons in New England.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I look back through all my December photos, there are many joy-filled shots. It was our first Christmas in our new home, so the tree and decoration photos are {cough cough} numerous! But this simple shot is the one that speaks to my heart. Not with a shout. But with a whisper. A whisper that says... <i>all is well.</i></span><br />
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Linking to <a href="http://paisleyrainboots.blogspot.com/2017/01/scene-story-december-2016.html" target="_blank">Scene & Story</a>, <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Good. The Random. The Fun.</a> and <a href="https://www.lisakerner-slp.com/blog-post/" target="_blank">Life Through the Lens</a>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-73662699704996887262017-01-06T11:37:00.001-05:002022-01-04T08:32:49.887-05:00Less is More.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYku7TWz6l5vPxic5Jwu3ZJmUcmee9QfQmLh6ArpgFFDpq48HIMb5e5wg9aBlccQgG19hbsgt0kAFGXcNuhNYf6WhxjAdh9_7WKfYy_gTxzybKSpaiBbftVXNgkM2RZ71hv_RN64rOEgA/s1600/IMG_1595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYku7TWz6l5vPxic5Jwu3ZJmUcmee9QfQmLh6ArpgFFDpq48HIMb5e5wg9aBlccQgG19hbsgt0kAFGXcNuhNYf6WhxjAdh9_7WKfYy_gTxzybKSpaiBbftVXNgkM2RZ71hv_RN64rOEgA/s1600/IMG_1595.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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Less....<br />
stuff<br />
and less....<br />
television<br />
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The best thing about moving into a new house in 2016 you ask? Purging. Only packing and moving that which we considered essential. The worst thing, you ask? Settling. Adding. Decorating. Now, we are not excessive people. Or pack rats. Or clutter-lovers. But the reality is that creating 'home' in the house you've chosen necessitates one or two or two-hundred trips to home depot. And, it might just be true that the television (which, I confess, I just love to watch!) is in my favorite room of this new house. So 2016, while lovely in so very many ways, also included more shopping and television than is good for my soul. Especially the shopping - really NOT something I enjoy!!<br />
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Therefore, my 'phrase' for 2017 is simple.<br />
LESS IS MORE.<br />
This happens to be one of my father's favorite quotes - Architect Mies van der Rohe used these words to describe/define his design style, and they are words that, for me, carry a simple wisdom and provide much food for thought. As I get to know myself better, I realize that there are certain things that, unlike shopping and television, are VERY good for my soul! So, this year I would like to choose MORE of those soul-strengthening activities.<br />
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More walking ~ and movement of all kinds<br />
More water ~ to drink...and to eat (you know, those water-filled veggies that are so delightful!)<br />
More words ~ reading them and writing them<br />
More work ~ excellence at the office... And doing what it takes to launch that pesky website I keep talking about<br />
More wishes ~ cards...of the snail mail variety. I really want to send more encouragement out into the world!<br />
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So, that's my 2017...summed up in three little words.<br />
And expanded upon in {hopefully} not too many extra words.<br />
Because, after all...<br />
Less<br />
Is<br />
More.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrhyphenhyphenZz_D_p9HkGfSnjcvr5mHWkcKv9JjdxrQ2zKKe0l_c2gBsQhoBGNyY97HNb158QdcKbXN97c1F00uo5WKpB2HQe8MfLPTbHN3xMjWBHwhOdrwthyYU0_DD7Pz2SdNeVkwxOXc4SqY/s1600/IMG_1602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrhyphenhyphenZz_D_p9HkGfSnjcvr5mHWkcKv9JjdxrQ2zKKe0l_c2gBsQhoBGNyY97HNb158QdcKbXN97c1F00uo5WKpB2HQe8MfLPTbHN3xMjWBHwhOdrwthyYU0_DD7Pz2SdNeVkwxOXc4SqY/s1600/IMG_1602.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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Joining <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2017/01/little-things-tryon-creek-hike.html" target="_blank">Tamar</a>, <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2017/01/2017-resolutions/" target="_blank">Kat</a> and <a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/2017/01/un-petit-baiser-weekend-reflections-380.html" target="_blank">James</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-25770346606875801752016-12-30T11:05:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:34:01.112-05:00After the Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRCxMbVnorYfV3P51GCtJW1BpxB-5FriCJLUmP5oKQGRMWWFEjW8Oh6PqS3r-Yrtxj-_gp-GfVA6PeCydZZ2v_kmtgYIkB6GVYU7RSwgmpgQeBpXGOUGHQSIMXY-ZAXBq7kQhyphenhyphenXnca3o/s1600/IMG_1871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRCxMbVnorYfV3P51GCtJW1BpxB-5FriCJLUmP5oKQGRMWWFEjW8Oh6PqS3r-Yrtxj-_gp-GfVA6PeCydZZ2v_kmtgYIkB6GVYU7RSwgmpgQeBpXGOUGHQSIMXY-ZAXBq7kQhyphenhyphenXnca3o/s1600/IMG_1871.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">....one thought crystallizes like an icy blast,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I'm never going back,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">the past is in the past.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">{Frozen}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Farewell 2016!!</i></b></span></div>
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Joining <a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/2016/12/happy-new-year-weekend-reflections-379.html" target="_blank">James</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-73854450970310920722016-12-29T14:17:00.001-05:002022-01-04T08:35:27.312-05:00 Even Though<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9H7eTvg0n1eWuB0BpuZQcxWHEzRF-ENZdBic9SIleWZVmBj22MMf8rbL0w3Z9apMKUYLPNKC9jsSVb5Wa5tCAvxGtM0_mX7HKL9qXLPa2p1gX8kf1S4_kBV3Afy2E8GwhrSWgiliWGo/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9H7eTvg0n1eWuB0BpuZQcxWHEzRF-ENZdBic9SIleWZVmBj22MMf8rbL0w3Z9apMKUYLPNKC9jsSVb5Wa5tCAvxGtM0_mX7HKL9qXLPa2p1gX8kf1S4_kBV3Afy2E8GwhrSWgiliWGo/s640/IMG_1761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Christmas came quietly.</div>
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More quietly than, perhaps, ever before.</div>
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The puppy and I had a lazy morning</div>
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waiting for our humans to join us.</div>
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There was sunshine.</div>
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And warm blankets.</div>
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There were sappy movies and coffee sipped</div>
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from my special mug.</div>
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Christmas came quietly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9p2RGThwFi_tJR7Hp9aZ9DnuRFxFeDi9U0YhN8vHuGuMAXFAiLqu3jIQmxHairGgf8aOJ5KvrmoVo2kSJyUvhcGCtGQO_RD8QsjyQiO-HUKJ3Gqf5DGuaDRX9-EGFh36_Huoy6_GwgA/s1600/IMG_1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9p2RGThwFi_tJR7Hp9aZ9DnuRFxFeDi9U0YhN8vHuGuMAXFAiLqu3jIQmxHairGgf8aOJ5KvrmoVo2kSJyUvhcGCtGQO_RD8QsjyQiO-HUKJ3Gqf5DGuaDRX9-EGFh36_Huoy6_GwgA/s640/IMG_1770.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Merry was made.</div>
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No doubt about it.</div>
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My humans did gather for feasting and such.</div>
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Fondue sizzled.</div>
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Chocolate drizzled.</div>
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And new memories were chiseled.</div>
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Etched forever into our family stone.</div>
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Oh yes, merry was made.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhL9lwoEDyFm0e_gh3UdfU_yDfrFaKfYGp8a1Kf0pYvbudxDYYZKnb5CDFASA6ddHXtNPwut4Fz-yrz1ZH-v46uC00Ksx2TXEpO8D_Qln06AaIS7eQ1d0t9SVL7SxuiLEVjhrwTR0BhaM/s1600/IMG_1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhL9lwoEDyFm0e_gh3UdfU_yDfrFaKfYGp8a1Kf0pYvbudxDYYZKnb5CDFASA6ddHXtNPwut4Fz-yrz1ZH-v46uC00Ksx2TXEpO8D_Qln06AaIS7eQ1d0t9SVL7SxuiLEVjhrwTR0BhaM/s640/IMG_1802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even now...even though Christmas has left the house,</div>
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the spirit of warmth, love, fun, generosity and gratitude remain.</div>
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Even though family has scattered,</div>
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even though Christmas has left the house,</div>
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we hold onto the merry.</div>
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We hold on to Christmas in our hearts.</div>
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Joining <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2016/12/little-things-52-frames-one-year.html" target="_blank">Tamar</a> and <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2016/12/8-things-i-love-about-winter/" target="_blank">Kat</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-35399542734022477192016-12-23T10:26:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:36:21.459-05:00Postal Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7zKz9lwwSxl34CGgKmoO6SLnmH7g93dS4f8Dczmv00GsfcpcOvlhe2c9v3P01PcEm43lrfhuxSjRfeT5XRxF7VWFJ4MuMbbb6iBdxYngPnOs-_uQh3tPEpvR7ju5tZUmsExFTLkPY7U/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7zKz9lwwSxl34CGgKmoO6SLnmH7g93dS4f8Dczmv00GsfcpcOvlhe2c9v3P01PcEm43lrfhuxSjRfeT5XRxF7VWFJ4MuMbbb6iBdxYngPnOs-_uQh3tPEpvR7ju5tZUmsExFTLkPY7U/s640/IMG_1639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite things about this season is...</div>
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SNAIL MAIL!!!</div>
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So what if there are long lines at the post office.</div>
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So what if we never use stamps except in December.</div>
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So what if folks say it's out-dated.</div>
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If you ask me,</div>
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it's one of the best of the many holiday traditions!</div>
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Chatting with fellow gift-mailers and card-senders in that post office line...</div>
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Looking at the smiles that arrive in my mail box from near and far...</div>
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Well, those two things sure do help to take </div>
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the chill right out of our frosty, winter air...</div>
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and the stress out of this crazy season!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8etAi180agD97terpkRvVYWXh5asIjm4b7ZX5HHpTV2R3h7YcMUxyMEum3-AtQu51yFHe5c475ZPJjpFtbvFgHlevJirdPCmGMj4WKlwlcPdu8LNBMR2BJOjpBr477MvPhsPtcgKagA/s1600/IMG_1631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8etAi180agD97terpkRvVYWXh5asIjm4b7ZX5HHpTV2R3h7YcMUxyMEum3-AtQu51yFHe5c475ZPJjpFtbvFgHlevJirdPCmGMj4WKlwlcPdu8LNBMR2BJOjpBr477MvPhsPtcgKagA/s640/IMG_1631.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Joining <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2016/12/things-my-third-graders-say-v-16.html" target="_blank">Tamar</a>, <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2016/12/a-ban-against-ice-skating/" target="_blank">Kat</a> and <a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">James</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-8465245551030774802016-12-19T12:22:00.001-05:002022-01-04T08:37:22.040-05:00Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxp44jQ-c9IFvXP795b46F9CJ94I-TiAZqMlzW7qV3HGyFTH2Ux42v90xuiUrpMiUgNHgpa8pPjiV2-iThXI8pupjjJ93Ea8iZgLLLs0wznsYYpqa0NGCxjDOSPb7wncY18huamkpAG2E/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxp44jQ-c9IFvXP795b46F9CJ94I-TiAZqMlzW7qV3HGyFTH2Ux42v90xuiUrpMiUgNHgpa8pPjiV2-iThXI8pupjjJ93Ea8iZgLLLs0wznsYYpqa0NGCxjDOSPb7wncY18huamkpAG2E/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" width="800" /></a></div>
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"In the midst of darkness,</div>
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light persists."</div>
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Mahatma Gandhi</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNNiC3ZxTi2Noc-Ea4mfCWfcYndr0P7UblgNqRxKiDRV8KtzKd_uIt-pbhGALsNNDn0cLbA-9T8vlzD7IAKtfmMt5K10zOgqnryQq0SfLAIv-lCvcf7u9Wxxcq3B0cCncYM8GaY5HdKg/s1600/IMG_1334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNNiC3ZxTi2Noc-Ea4mfCWfcYndr0P7UblgNqRxKiDRV8KtzKd_uIt-pbhGALsNNDn0cLbA-9T8vlzD7IAKtfmMt5K10zOgqnryQq0SfLAIv-lCvcf7u9Wxxcq3B0cCncYM8GaY5HdKg/s1600/IMG_1334.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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All the sparkly,</div>
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decorative</div>
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candles, strands and bulbs</div>
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that fill this season</div>
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are, to me, a gentle reminder</div>
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to have faith</div>
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in the persistence of the</div>
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light.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjg7A0hzKNQeK988nL_rJH0YtW0qSXtSrorMJf5w7TBuC1DcZ1WxTX9k5Tqg9a0uu20JGqryEsdC1_SJiq2FDvRUsyaMWLMVVuFWpZla6RBWs9FweWoI0qc5I5cbUHdZFAOTLajq4Tkds/s1600/IMG_1338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjg7A0hzKNQeK988nL_rJH0YtW0qSXtSrorMJf5w7TBuC1DcZ1WxTX9k5Tqg9a0uu20JGqryEsdC1_SJiq2FDvRUsyaMWLMVVuFWpZla6RBWs9FweWoI0qc5I5cbUHdZFAOTLajq4Tkds/s1600/IMG_1338.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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Joining <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-good-random-fun-v-51.html" target="_blank">Tamar</a> </div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-3250119995678495532016-12-09T11:19:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:48:13.082-05:00O Christmas Tree...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>O Christmas tree,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Your branches green delight us!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvQDNeY9hzB6wpP6ULUW_9-bPLMJ33zexKGym2K_sDHRIKCvWS0W9_UBTYxu58DHTZnyy0RHxyA3Fpdo7KwCIwgex-vVFcxXky8GPDo0OMKjJxln_4TKsUcy2DskVMN3DL0ier2yZTXU/s1600/IMG_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvQDNeY9hzB6wpP6ULUW_9-bPLMJ33zexKGym2K_sDHRIKCvWS0W9_UBTYxu58DHTZnyy0RHxyA3Fpdo7KwCIwgex-vVFcxXky8GPDo0OMKjJxln_4TKsUcy2DskVMN3DL0ier2yZTXU/s640/IMG_0903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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13 houses in 32 years.</div>
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This,</div>
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our 14th and</div>
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{perhaps}</div>
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final house</div>
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truly becomes our home</div>
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at Christmas time.</div>
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Wherever we've journeyed in our years together,</div>
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I've always felt that our physical space</div>
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became our own</div>
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once it was decorated</div>
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for Christmas.</div>
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This year is no exception.</div>
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{and I'm giddy with Christmas joy!}</div>
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I knew from the moment I first saw this place</div>
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that this would be the corner</div>
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which would hold our tree.</div>
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What I didn't know</div>
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when imagining this sight,</div>
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is that reflection magic</div>
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would turn my one tree to three!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgq5FcMEpWFOdrD7Ur25jyxkrtORe1a78WzjXVqOBZnDm8fvpq6DLXqUD-ea3ttgJcean11boLj8obkU2j8uWIagGMetjvh1a7dwVa2ghdBHvvZHyHJUWvi1_zeoqoJoKUp-v29p7bakM/s1600/IMG_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgq5FcMEpWFOdrD7Ur25jyxkrtORe1a78WzjXVqOBZnDm8fvpq6DLXqUD-ea3ttgJcean11boLj8obkU2j8uWIagGMetjvh1a7dwVa2ghdBHvvZHyHJUWvi1_zeoqoJoKUp-v29p7bakM/s640/IMG_0905.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Joining <a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/2016/12/night-stylist-weekend-reflections-376.html" target="_blank">James</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-81681490337855008232016-12-08T15:33:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:48:53.172-05:00Tales From Our Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0Qx9N1V4t9kN5quHTtP_st3Lmf2U2tMLWrfLE8jeOaMzZGw08Sf5_4_OmqDL53MUS0e3w-yKOYTXErOxoxO4vz0jBNWo0P-ZErkC1-pHu5OTyK32P6zlp4jivU-FoRIduuQrMAlBVEA/s1600/IMG_4789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0Qx9N1V4t9kN5quHTtP_st3Lmf2U2tMLWrfLE8jeOaMzZGw08Sf5_4_OmqDL53MUS0e3w-yKOYTXErOxoxO4vz0jBNWo0P-ZErkC1-pHu5OTyK32P6zlp4jivU-FoRIduuQrMAlBVEA/s1600/IMG_4789.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
<br />
My babies are grown.<br />
Grown and out on their own.<br />
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My tree used to be full of ornaments collected throughout their childhood,<br />
but when they flew away, their ornaments left the nest with them.<br />
<br />
And I was left to re-imagine our Christmas tree.<br />
I tried different themes....<br />
Nothing quite fit.<br />
Until last year.<br />
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It seemed only fitting that our tree should tell the story of us.<br />
Where we've lived and traveled.<br />
And how our little family has grown.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cgxFW_xT6KphpzL1zi3gt3QBhSPEGPig_tehjXVWeH3AsR20RvzygFcnpH1-XCT2mTk0SwZYC-a2E8gVjtFJDnqrlBMCFRDT2gJU7HWRm0DDeGxENfUk6v3Az8IrHZld5K0hcUXe4t0/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+twas+the+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cgxFW_xT6KphpzL1zi3gt3QBhSPEGPig_tehjXVWeH3AsR20RvzygFcnpH1-XCT2mTk0SwZYC-a2E8gVjtFJDnqrlBMCFRDT2gJU7HWRm0DDeGxENfUk6v3Az8IrHZld5K0hcUXe4t0/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+twas+the+night.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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The first thing I did was begin to collect 'around the world' ornaments.<br />
Then, I went back through our Christmas photos and found some of my favorites to add to the tree!<br />
This first set is a series of pictures of Brian reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to our kids.<br />
The series begins in 1987 and doesn't end until 2004!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh50yegBTda5teAvt_PoPOa-10J1KTCVd-IjFgCACz-CmnZBHqmkqdrv4eoXAb95NXdEkcOtcVMMVwlIS8vG0WXc4y7YF5NHzodbc1KU6Z98HZvgS0hjVTiAfnlN6Q6RPSC38SNG1pA8/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+baby+first.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh50yegBTda5teAvt_PoPOa-10J1KTCVd-IjFgCACz-CmnZBHqmkqdrv4eoXAb95NXdEkcOtcVMMVwlIS8vG0WXc4y7YF5NHzodbc1KU6Z98HZvgS0hjVTiAfnlN6Q6RPSC38SNG1pA8/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+baby+first.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
<br />
These two sweet photos were snapped right around Christmas time of their first year...<br />
Sigh.<br />
Were they ever this small??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfB-UmfQBDZL7WyPJ5kg9Qu6nP9gMGPmfPHyoisjNG4fLXhqwwcQ6Hm-5P3p9XJr3Ut-_EgQnWM7BC01Xy7GzkuxULw7AFAp_exY-ah-9q5Cz5pEh9Ur0YMfLqKCdGdcSN0ww62wvMkag/s1600/xmas+card+pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfB-UmfQBDZL7WyPJ5kg9Qu6nP9gMGPmfPHyoisjNG4fLXhqwwcQ6Hm-5P3p9XJr3Ut-_EgQnWM7BC01Xy7GzkuxULw7AFAp_exY-ah-9q5Cz5pEh9Ur0YMfLqKCdGdcSN0ww62wvMkag/s1600/xmas+card+pics.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<br />
I had several ornaments made from favorite Christmas card photos...<br />
Such fond memories connected to each of these shots!<br />
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I'm very lucky to have a good friend who runs a wonderful local photography store ~ he worked with me to create these precious ornaments... I have to say that I loved them more this year as I pulled them out of the wrapping to hang them for a second time!<br />
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{If you are local to the Boston area look up Fred at Apex Photo <a href="http://apexphoto.us/" target="_blank">HERE</a>}<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DEKEFy3r2SCSWcI2bje56bWYLe8mL4FRqp5PDHhjyx-hfj6WXc9tWdGchcKQPVplPA_nP2l7liMS1_wA82pYfUgfyCZTQd_Q_RYL0Ntfj6vI1_yxRSKpnVrgD7kW6gfrkJZVRQd6pqc/s1600/IMG_4795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DEKEFy3r2SCSWcI2bje56bWYLe8mL4FRqp5PDHhjyx-hfj6WXc9tWdGchcKQPVplPA_nP2l7liMS1_wA82pYfUgfyCZTQd_Q_RYL0Ntfj6vI1_yxRSKpnVrgD7kW6gfrkJZVRQd6pqc/s1600/IMG_4795.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
<br />
So, my babies may be grown. And they may have flown.<br />
But my tree,<br />
once full of their childhood ornaments,<br />
is now chock full of our family memories.<br />
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And that makes me one happy mama.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Joining <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2016/12/little-things-city-shots.html" target="_blank">Tamar</a> and <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2016/12/7-things-that-bring-me-comfort/" target="_blank">Kat</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-83063154528174867762016-12-07T00:30:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:49:26.864-05:00Black & White Wednesday ~ A Fond Farewell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5gOF_FewEhhZlj6M4tDm0Pg8kLH61i0b0DIcimBN5_2V4L6auta4b3qfHG_vprOstc5S4uMOVRejh0V09OlOHZBQEe8vpd0rS5Gzwyb4HNht9M4IxwVLB8Eqb_EuxxXNp9M1SjGyQbY/s1600/IMG_4678+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5gOF_FewEhhZlj6M4tDm0Pg8kLH61i0b0DIcimBN5_2V4L6auta4b3qfHG_vprOstc5S4uMOVRejh0V09OlOHZBQEe8vpd0rS5Gzwyb4HNht9M4IxwVLB8Eqb_EuxxXNp9M1SjGyQbY/s1600/IMG_4678+bw.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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To all of my friends</div>
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and fellow bloggers</div>
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who have joined in with me on Wednesdays...</div>
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the time has come for me to say good-bye to this link up.</div>
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2017 holds the promise of some dreams coming true,</div>
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so my time here</div>
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and what I give to this space will change.</div>
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I have enjoyed creating, sharing and</div>
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~most especially viewing~</div>
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so many black and white photos over the years.</div>
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I'm sure many more will show up here as subject and time allow.</div>
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So,</div>
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from my</div>
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"house in the snowy woods"</div>
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to yours</div>
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~wherever in the world you might be~</div>
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I say thanks for stopping by</div>
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and joining in!</div>
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Here's to many more years of blogging and telling our stories...</div>
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whatever they might be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGF2qgmIheY_zo94I0c2l0aetC3lBLKw3Tvuyrhl62sAxkI-cGL2xtyUpjk4vUuoD1ma0htTJ7Nb4XZJGJCglrr5iBJAyvsxSQDK8QCPVVABl59uew3HfFnUyf7keHeyL108DqKZlNddg/s1600/IMG_1091+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGF2qgmIheY_zo94I0c2l0aetC3lBLKw3Tvuyrhl62sAxkI-cGL2xtyUpjk4vUuoD1ma0htTJ7Nb4XZJGJCglrr5iBJAyvsxSQDK8QCPVVABl59uew3HfFnUyf7keHeyL108DqKZlNddg/s1600/IMG_1091+bw.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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<img alt="My Memory Art" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCE4Rhj4ma4qCXXHIWd9pBZSGseAsf934lTlxU4FheXTQmxreaPpI_BBhdtH5uRETdLfQ-wKsEEmZ9jkVXo5V4keqhleu-Wnv1ltx48sqIs6lNgKqdf2ehefIbCm2l8vrtV0JKFYzjZ24/s200/bbbww.jpg" /><br />
For one last time<br />
PLEASE<br />
link up!<br />
<br /></div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-69420895654123272232016-12-01T16:00:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:49:56.982-05:00Puddle-icious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZ2XRJMGRkTv5ovUVzl89nr_5LvGGYpv79ZIsrKSK4kJhA1a4tme5DzffqDQ1fIxq4lEnp4Sv4mkqx9eMFZqGZ4IkDxB8HMoxe0FMuh5HFJJjYjwoT8uTLqu6ZFo6wN0ftfSseX12Kf8/s1600/IMG_0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZ2XRJMGRkTv5ovUVzl89nr_5LvGGYpv79ZIsrKSK4kJhA1a4tme5DzffqDQ1fIxq4lEnp4Sv4mkqx9eMFZqGZ4IkDxB8HMoxe0FMuh5HFJJjYjwoT8uTLqu6ZFo6wN0ftfSseX12Kf8/s1600/IMG_0693.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On a twilight walk through Harvard Yard,</div>
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it was the puddles that caught my eye.</div>
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We wandered for quite a while</div>
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and I was determined to find a puddle that reflected</div>
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one of the iconic bell towers that define the city-scape along the Charles River.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlKlBhNFrMIplJYrp-nxq5hkvHENhyGumuML_w05JRuNIty5uDOcWViUlngIkjZF2x2E2Nyf4VHBKK50WhiPLUdwLq2oNPKysEkahWemnWrpEk-e4uy98HZX18E-EKONQQfc-UzJAQsU/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlKlBhNFrMIplJYrp-nxq5hkvHENhyGumuML_w05JRuNIty5uDOcWViUlngIkjZF2x2E2Nyf4VHBKK50WhiPLUdwLq2oNPKysEkahWemnWrpEk-e4uy98HZX18E-EKONQQfc-UzJAQsU/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
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One of the things I love the most about puddle reflections</div>
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is that they make me feel like I can touch the sky...</div>
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they bring far away elements of architecture and nature</div>
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right to my fingertips!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQE91fN8nCckHTnI7JLe4wUHLbbAT26dIyf8KSld8t-reYO-YRCrXb6_G8acNkMTB-SiyK0iSrozY0b3pxRRYJ2q4VHbdSxxKdkyyOmpQ9Lzx5ppJwKPnrRW4hSuUPCzOahnPTiQg89Q/s1600/IMG_0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQE91fN8nCckHTnI7JLe4wUHLbbAT26dIyf8KSld8t-reYO-YRCrXb6_G8acNkMTB-SiyK0iSrozY0b3pxRRYJ2q4VHbdSxxKdkyyOmpQ9Lzx5ppJwKPnrRW4hSuUPCzOahnPTiQg89Q/s1600/IMG_0720.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
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And the layers.</div>
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What floats on the surface, and what lies beneath</div>
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are intertwined and create such a lovely tableau!</div>
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Joining <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2016/12/little-things-met.html" target="_blank">Tamar</a>, <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2016/11/my-cat-sense/" target="_blank">Kat</a> and <a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">James</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-49697784003504172562016-11-29T10:25:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:50:36.425-05:00Giving ~ Days 28 & 29<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyQDavR3uIYGdSD_6IkYH77WIF2EyVXxdFU-L-m3oOzKSG7AQDMPM2wgK02tcz_a_3RZQOSdbbi4znV8Tem4Gz9YOXKe_gaMElPPlpYTt0HcPOwapBFHt1ON1tYqjWCq4BMDFJCoFwaM/s1600/IMG_4493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyQDavR3uIYGdSD_6IkYH77WIF2EyVXxdFU-L-m3oOzKSG7AQDMPM2wgK02tcz_a_3RZQOSdbbi4znV8Tem4Gz9YOXKe_gaMElPPlpYTt0HcPOwapBFHt1ON1tYqjWCq4BMDFJCoFwaM/s1600/IMG_4493.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
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This Monday morning finds me wallowing a bit in a blurry exhaustion. I have played more and cooked more and eaten more and slept less in the last few days than I'm used to. I have feasted with family, listened to cousins giggle into the wee hours of the night and decked the proverbial halls... so much goodness. And, yet, this morning I was smacked with a wave of sadness. Not sadness, exactly...more like anguish. A very dramatic word, I know. The definition of the word? "Severe mental or physical pain or suffering" ... seems too strong. I looked up the origin of the word: it's roots are Latin and combine two words, one meaning tightness and one meaning narrow. That feels just right. A tightening of the heart and the pathway to the emotional release I'd like is just too darn narrow. Thus the wallowing. Thus the blurry exhaustion.<br />
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Over the long weekend, we took our out-of-towners on a tour of our beloved Fenway Park. It's a place full of history and memories and possibility. I love being inside the ballpark - no matter the time of year or the occasion. I had to laugh this morning when I was looking through the photos I took and I came across this shot...the focus is on the fence behind the green monster seats that are high above the outfield... Focusing on the fence left the iconic Citgo sign blurred in the background ~ and for some reason I just thought...THIS! This is how I feel today!!<br />
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Tuesday morning finds me ... still exhausted, still blurry-eyed. But feeling less fenced in. Sharing my feelings, accepting a few warm hugs and getting back to the journal have eased that *anguished* feeling. There's still a tightness in my heart and a blur of thoughts and feelings running through me, but there isn't that 'stuck-no-way-out' feeling. Instead, I'm longing to walk through - process - and learn from whatever this wave of emotion is bringing to the surface.<br />
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From the journal:</div>
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Give away; The temptation to dismiss. To diminish. To take my feelings and make them less than - less important than, less crucial than...less meaningful or substantial than someone else's feelings. I give away my go-to habit of swallowing, stuffing and discarding....</div>
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Give access: Today I want to learn from walking through. I want to acknowledge and accept what is surfacing. </div>
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Give thanks: Ah-ha moments. Today I am giving thanks for those paradigm shifting moments that may seem isolated, but that add up to real and lasting change. Yes, today I am giving thanks for the power and process that is change. </div>
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Joining <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-good-random-fun-v-48.html" target="_blank">Tamar</a> and <a href="http://www.lisakerner-slp.com/blog-allposts/life-thru-the-lens-4852-choosing-blessing-in-doing-change/2016/11/28" target="_blank">Lisa</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-62490878188863276792016-11-25T09:38:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:51:22.157-05:00Giving ~ Days 24 & 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueqBL3hGJWotVYBPuobfvSF7zZA1BPrYwb252RA6T3UDOOKyhGNFDBBPYCQSPn6AG-G53AcMAKbvQN07XpXXMQptc4zZ2BybVBWOIRmjHehzrcFzYwgRnu06hp9TaQxPZxhH7iAygv4w/s1600/IMG_0429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueqBL3hGJWotVYBPuobfvSF7zZA1BPrYwb252RA6T3UDOOKyhGNFDBBPYCQSPn6AG-G53AcMAKbvQN07XpXXMQptc4zZ2BybVBWOIRmjHehzrcFzYwgRnu06hp9TaQxPZxhH7iAygv4w/s640/IMG_0429.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Generations.</div>
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Family.</div>
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Grandpa.</div>
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We are the east coast contingent of my husband's family.</div>
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This Thanksgiving, we have some members of the {much larger} west coast contingent visiting.</div>
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This is just one of the many special moments we've shared.</div>
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Just a kid out splitting wood,</div>
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and grandpa watching the kid.</div>
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He might have been the one to teach said kid how to use an ax.</div>
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Family is safe.</div>
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Family is fun.</div>
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This family plays and stays together.</div>
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Mostly,</div>
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I believe family teaches us.</div>
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For better or worse,</div>
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in thousands of practical and intangible ways,</div>
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Family teaches us.</div>
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And with this gang, learning brings blessing upon blessing.</div>
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Joining <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2016/11/books-im-reading-4/" target="_blank">Kat</a>, <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-things-thanksgiving.html" target="_blank">Tamar</a> and <a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">James</a><br />
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From my journal:</div>
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Giving thanks....nothing but gratitude in my heart this morning. I am full, full, full...and ready for some adventures and memory making with our family. </div>
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Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-10294003431646419902016-11-23T06:00:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:51:50.888-05:00Black & White Wednesday ~ Giving ~ Day 23<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWLKEM7eRjsj9_SvByzevM4EU2wVowqblvfCOo3NOA1p3M3mmZ1yD-TUWbtlWhyD0XzVVnPBnr9Mk_E6lH6qRqw_z5X_afD7qv0yk6h32j7S6XBHH7nlVAxSBwAT_haDTswaDYeEPp7s/s1600/IMG_4051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWLKEM7eRjsj9_SvByzevM4EU2wVowqblvfCOo3NOA1p3M3mmZ1yD-TUWbtlWhyD0XzVVnPBnr9Mk_E6lH6qRqw_z5X_afD7qv0yk6h32j7S6XBHH7nlVAxSBwAT_haDTswaDYeEPp7s/s1600/IMG_4051.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>"What do you hang on the walls of your mind?"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Eve Arnold</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I found this quote in an article about the photographer, Eve Arnold. According to the article, Eve wrote this in a note to her grandson. I've got to say, I'm in love with this notion! Such a lovely, inventive way to think about the choices we make. What we listen to, watch, read... what fills our cup? One of the many gifts that photography has given me, is a cup full - a mind full - of purposeful, personal and poignant images. Not award winning images, but my images. Pieces of time and place. Morsels that move and motivate. Little snippets of inner peace....of moments that are among the most 'zen' of my life. Gathering these and giving them each a special place on the walls of my mind...well, doesn't that sound soothing. And theraputic. And oh-so-joyful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From this morning's journal:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Give away: hustle and bustle...no schedule, no pressures. Lots to do, people to serve...but all in its time. Today I give away the tension that comes from to-dos!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Give Access: Aroma ~ it's cooking day. And I plan to enjoy my kitchen and drown in the deliciousness of the special holiday scents!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Give Thanks: Family. That's all. That's more than enough!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="My Memory Art" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCE4Rhj4ma4qCXXHIWd9pBZSGseAsf934lTlxU4FheXTQmxreaPpI_BBhdtH5uRETdLfQ-wKsEEmZ9jkVXo5V4keqhleu-Wnv1ltx48sqIs6lNgKqdf2ehefIbCm2l8vrtV0JKFYzjZ24/s200/bbbww.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Join in!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Share your black & white photos!</span></div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-24920683049959412912016-11-22T11:36:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:52:58.086-05:00Giving ~ Day 22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsK9GNjBdWT_vKyrdfKz7YGDtghkNBqLuYlwnQwTGEIVQPm3GKM2MRsqjhqKgyBn6s5e7yNLvO9DiME_M5An_CSk9T_9k3vLScAsjlGuUgnDBGiJKpHVShHPZu0z6RlJC6ma0NlMcEzQ/s1600/IMG_4263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsK9GNjBdWT_vKyrdfKz7YGDtghkNBqLuYlwnQwTGEIVQPm3GKM2MRsqjhqKgyBn6s5e7yNLvO9DiME_M5An_CSk9T_9k3vLScAsjlGuUgnDBGiJKpHVShHPZu0z6RlJC6ma0NlMcEzQ/s1600/IMG_4263.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Will Rogers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">From this morning's journal:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Give away: As feelings swirl and whirl inside of me about my parents, today I promise to give away regret, what-if's and if-only's. There is so much joy coming in the next days, and I want to have PLENTY of room for all of it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Give access: Love. Let it in. Feel it. Believe it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Give thanks: Home. Our home. Doors and hearts wide open and ready to be filled with family ~ I am beyond blessed to have found this space.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Joining <a href="http://www.lisakerner-slp.com/blog-allposts/life-thru-the-lens-4752-where-hope-begins-not-a-thanksgiving-coincidence/2016/8/15" target="_blank">Lisa</a></span></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-33557019644009364322016-11-21T11:44:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:53:28.213-05:00Giving ~ Day 21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvajqbR12gIVIudz6FpvFNEpFF3c2RDNb_nzmDcDRSqAM1M33cbyWIpo1r1WkXiCvi46TzKzW-LIwD9sFnqyjGo57RQBkkUf6ndqPK9KMhdUB4-bSgGG3TIJ96xqB2z_nsJG-r8sCZlo/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvajqbR12gIVIudz6FpvFNEpFF3c2RDNb_nzmDcDRSqAM1M33cbyWIpo1r1WkXiCvi46TzKzW-LIwD9sFnqyjGo57RQBkkUf6ndqPK9KMhdUB4-bSgGG3TIJ96xqB2z_nsJG-r8sCZlo/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Everything's magical when it snows!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lorelai Gilmore</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just in case the promise of</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">good food</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{lots of it}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">football</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{lots of it}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a few days off</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">laughter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">wasn't enough to get you excited about this week....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>The Gilmore Girls return to us this Friday!!!!</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think a little snow,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">is a perfectly fitting way to get us in that holiday mood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm sure Lorelai would agree!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From this morning's journal:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Give away: procrastination...there's some communicating I feel is important...yet I'm avoiding. So today I will have a few needed conversations</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Give access: breath...today I will pay attention. I will breathe deeply. I will pause often and breathe deeply.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Give thanks: seasons...I feel so blessed to live in a place where we fully experience each season! I love waking up to a few snow covered branches and a white back lawn!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Joining <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-good-random-fun-v-47.html" target="_blank">Tamar</a></span></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-25480978605274247162016-11-18T10:46:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:54:25.395-05:00Giving ~ Day 18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguapmq6gDyvI1Mdm2yJ-U7eLSgXgRJT2HveeK-FbUnAXBQluUw64s0ZdtU1zL4cijCL3UJTDdRp-JRfgYnpBB1nQ5Dty0iHgJaTuTsYE7XzC8sGthlh8vb9lr2pxUQovqcfUzqbVGB7AQ/s1600/IMG_0145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguapmq6gDyvI1Mdm2yJ-U7eLSgXgRJT2HveeK-FbUnAXBQluUw64s0ZdtU1zL4cijCL3UJTDdRp-JRfgYnpBB1nQ5Dty0iHgJaTuTsYE7XzC8sGthlh8vb9lr2pxUQovqcfUzqbVGB7AQ/s1600/IMG_0145.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Just a spectacularly ordinary moment...</div>
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In our little town of Salem, NH we get to take our own trash to the town transfer station {or town dump} each week. It's super easy ~ all the yard waste, recycling and household trash are separated out, every one's very helpful ... for a modest fee each year {yes, we pay the town for this privilege} we join in with our neighbors and each take care of our own trash. My husband and I both work, so after slowly waking up and taking some time out for laziness {read catch up on the dvr'd shows from the week} our Saturday errands begin with a car full of garbage! </div>
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Now, this errand usually takes about 5-10 minutes....but this past weekend, we waited in a line of cars for over 30 minutes in order to get into the transfer station. Just as I was tempted to start tapping my foot and to drone on about how there must be a better system than this....there it was. A flash of sunlight in the side view mirror caught my attention, pulled my thoughts away from errands and waiting and time, and drew me right into the moment. And it was a good moment. </div>
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There I was, surrounded by autumn color, on a sunny Saturday with plenty of time to hang out with the one I love most. I took a few deep breaths, reminded myself of <a href="http://mymemoryart.blogspot.com/2016/11/giving-day-12.html" target="_blank">that morning's journal choices</a>, opened the window and enjoyed the fresh air.</div>
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Just a spectacularly ordinary moment.</div>
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From this morning's journal:</div>
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Give Away: over thinking ... time to plan holiday menus, coordinate schedules etc... I want to find the joy, give everyone room to do their thing... so letting go of the over thinking ~ perhaps the "control" and trying to make sure everything is "just so" ... worth more thought </div>
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Give Access: Sunshine, Air and Light! Any time I can sneak outside today I will!!</div>
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Give Thanks: Plenty. Fullness. Abundance...it can NEVER be taken for granted that I want for nothing. That even in the leanest of times, I have always been provided for. That now is, in fact, a time of plenty.</div>
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Linking up with James for</div>
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<a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Weekend Reflections</a></div>
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Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222993776725444750.post-35628290101143658492016-11-17T10:59:00.000-05:002022-01-04T08:55:28.944-05:00Giving ~ Day 17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qvEbeHUhUGzTMRiLO91TghQ4Orj4oQATEsE86Vb-4jolM_Y-j6p6nUJBvgepw1jYHnUQNUXoGzkn3JusxdS568DqRY9qXIOfrC1H_0GPJWLf9GNbO3052ttNs3qtO6b23-aVa-BgX_I/s1600/IMG_4155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qvEbeHUhUGzTMRiLO91TghQ4Orj4oQATEsE86Vb-4jolM_Y-j6p6nUJBvgepw1jYHnUQNUXoGzkn3JusxdS568DqRY9qXIOfrC1H_0GPJWLf9GNbO3052ttNs3qtO6b23-aVa-BgX_I/s1600/IMG_4155.JPG" width="900" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>age gracefully I</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">say to me ~ </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">live laugh love</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> ~ shake</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>off all rust and crust</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">A birthday haiku. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Hello 56.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You feel good on me.</span></div>
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From this morning's journal:</div>
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Give Away: there are a few spots of sadness I feel today....as they come through my mind, I will sit with them for a minute or two...and then let them go. They are not to be suppressed, yet they will not be given much room today. </div>
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Give Access: hear the good, feel the love, trust the words and hugs and wishes!</div>
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Give Thanks: It's no small thing to enter my next 365 day trip around the sun feeling as strong and able and whole and ready as I ever have. No small thing indeed. I am profoundly grateful for the village that got me here, loves me unconditionally and supports me in countless ways every day.</div>
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Joining <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2016/11/first-parish.html" target="_blank">Tamar</a> and <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2016/11/a-thanksgiving-dish/" target="_blank">Kat</a></div>
Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067468928499906171noreply@blogger.com5