tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3843028212481316922024-03-13T16:41:24.401-04:00Sew Many Books......sew little time.
Where a love for a few things collide with a passion for absolutely everything else!Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-31217928229778145882012-04-16T12:15:00.002-04:002012-04-16T12:15:14.740-04:00Scratch Beginnings<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Scratch Beginnings: Me, $25 and the search for the
American Dream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">By Adam Shepard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u>Synopsis: <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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After reading Barbara Ehrenreich’s “Nickel and Dimed”, Adam
Shepard was not ready to believe that the American Dream was unattainable to
those who start at the bottom. So with his glass half full mentality he set out
to a new city with $25.00 in his pocket determined to prove that the American
Dream can be a reality. </div>
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<b><u>Review:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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I liked Adam Shepard’s attitude much more than Barbara’s and
was pleased with his determination to stick with it until he proved Barbara or
himself wrong. This book was different from Nickel & Dimed because he
wasn’t trying to flex his intellectual muscles and superior social skills
through his writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He assumed
his role as a homeless man as well as he could.</div>
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I got bored in this book too. This wasn’t a book about how
to become a professional mover however I felt he spent a lot of time talking
about all that and it wasn’t necessary. This and “Nickel and Dimed” could have
been easily reduced to a few essays and made their points just as poignantly.</div>
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Although Adam had a better hope in his outcome his Suzy Sunshine
attitude and need to be ‘accepted’ or ‘liked’ by the ‘in-crowd’ at a homeless
shelter or at his work was very high school and I disliked that very much. Who
cares if the popular kids like you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I guess it makes life a bit more charmed but if you are trampling on
others while you trot on your high horse, your elevated status is of no help to
others. I give this book 1 ½ stars. I am a little bothered that books are
selling that mimic the working poor. There are plenty of working poor, why
don’t we just research their story and publish that instead of playing pretend?</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-70520230660857851062012-04-16T12:12:00.001-04:002012-04-16T12:12:27.419-04:00Nickel and Dimed<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Nickel and Dimed:On
(Not Getting By in America)</div>
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By Barbara Ehrenreich</div>
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<u>Synopsis<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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The author takes it upon herself to work<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘undercover’ and become a low wage,
blue color worker to see if it is possible to get by and move up on the
American socioeconomic ladder.</div>
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<u>Review:<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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My first draft of this review was much like the book, long
and whiney. Because that is exactly what I disliked about the book, I decided
to redraft. So here it is. I didn’t like it and generously give it 1-star. If
you are up for a short rant, continue on. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This book was boring and confusing. More than once I found
myself back at the introduction to refresh my memory as to what she was
attempting to prove. Was it that no one could get ahead in this country on low
wages or was it that the working class is mistreated and downtrodden or that it
sucks to have a job that requires a lot of work with little or no reward?
Whichever it was, she had a very difficult time “spitting” it out. However, by
its conclusion, I believed she accomplished what she set out to do…fail.
Congratulations. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There were a few bits that really got me fired up, but not
in sympathy for her case, I kept thinking up solutions or arguments to refute
what she had put forth. Rather than spend the 15 hours or so it may take to
read this book, get off your duff and go help someone! We can talk about change
for the rest of our lives but until we DO something about it, our hope for
change is wasted. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-81762888940901924962011-04-25T05:13:00.001-04:002011-04-25T05:15:15.388-04:00Giveaway! (a real one this time)<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok well, it's been quite a week for me. Again not so much here as over here:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://apronappeal.blogspot.com/2011/04/delayed-earth-day-giveaway.html"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDX8TxQAD-M/Ta1kyM9XLBI/AAAAAAAAAo0/9j4dlca-UnM/s400/photo+logo+w+title+and+crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Because I know you all care, I wanted you all to know first that I finished another <a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/2010/02/unfinished-business.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">UNFINISHED PROJECT: The Shopping Sacks!</span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">yeah, yippee, cheers, applause!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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To celebrate the completion of this project, Earth Day and my new blog....</div>
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<br /></div>
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I am giving the bags away to one helpful reader!<br />
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If you haven't already, head over to</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://apronappeal.blogspot.com/2011/04/delayed-earth-day-giveaway.html"><img border="0" height="95" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IpyW4T1KwQM/TbU6tDaIeTI/AAAAAAAAAqE/XY52bUvyIGM/s320/photo+logo+w+title+and+crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To see the newly finished project and enter for your chance to win them. Thank you for your help in making the first week of the new blog such a great success.</div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><a href="http://apronappeal.blogspot.com/2011/04/delayed-earth-day-giveaway.html">http://apronappeal.blogspot.com/2011/04/delayed-earth-day-giveaway.html</a></span></span></div>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-79856609171162479422011-04-19T06:48:00.002-04:002011-04-19T08:41:10.879-04:00Pssst...Hey guys,<br />
<br />
I have a little secret. I'm blogging again. Which isn't really evident from what you see here because I'm blogging over here:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.apronappeal.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDX8TxQAD-M/Ta1kyM9XLBI/AAAAAAAAAo0/9j4dlca-UnM/s400/photo+logo+w+title+and+crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I started the new blog because I had a hard time posting about food on a blog titled Sew Many Books. I tried...Really I did remember?...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/2010/03/taco-night.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">tacos</span></a>, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOcqLOQLVHs/Ta1oLByMq7I/AAAAAAAAAo4/ZnKP9d0BgUw/s1600/IMG_1327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOcqLOQLVHs/Ta1oLByMq7I/AAAAAAAAAo4/ZnKP9d0BgUw/s320/IMG_1327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/2010/03/shaping-loaf.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">bread</span></a>, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHFBuz3bZ1U/Ta1oQ7Z_5rI/AAAAAAAAAo8/Mz4SrdH5tQw/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHFBuz3bZ1U/Ta1oQ7Z_5rI/AAAAAAAAAo8/Mz4SrdH5tQw/s320/IMG_1299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/2011/03/mint-brownies-ii.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">brownies</span></a>, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxNAVmNNKB8/Ta1oWbIvhHI/AAAAAAAAApA/rWGwggxawlg/s1600/IMG_4006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxNAVmNNKB8/Ta1oWbIvhHI/AAAAAAAAApA/rWGwggxawlg/s320/IMG_4006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/search/label/Food">etc</a>? </div>
<br />
Anyway I just couldn't do it. If I were OCD I'd blame it on that, but I'm not so I have no excuses, just a request that you please follow me to.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.apronappeal.com/"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDX8TxQAD-M/Ta1kyM9XLBI/AAAAAAAAAo0/9j4dlca-UnM/s400/photo+logo+w+title+and+crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Say to yourself...I want to go to there!</div>
<br />
It's a lot to ask I know. You probably already have a favorite food blog and perhaps you aren't really sure if you want to follow me there (because there is only one food post up- at the current time) But if you like to eat or have ever eaten anything that I've prepared for you, or you think that I'm a soul worth saving...I think you're going to want to follow the new blog. :) Just be patient, it's growing....Can I count on your vote in November.... Ooops not a political blog a food blog....<br />
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Do you feel the love? Then go ahead and share the love, your comments are more than welcome and appreciated.<br />
<br />
Thanks<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC'; font-size: 28pt;">G</span><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 16pt;">wenevere<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/ApronAppealcom/164414223612055"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4iAH5i2NsFM/Ta1ppwFxQFI/AAAAAAAAApE/rvarl-Q3y2c/s1600/header+grapfic+cropped.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-21319002809997868742011-04-04T22:25:00.002-04:002011-04-04T22:45:18.227-04:00The Red Tent-Review & Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Tent-Novel-Anita-Diamant/dp/0312427298?ie=UTF8&tag=semabo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Red Tent</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Tent-Novel-Anita-Diamant/dp/0312427298?ie=UTF8&tag=semabo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">by Anita Diamant</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=semabo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0312427298" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNeFSlGH5TU/TZp8Lp7pxZI/AAAAAAAAAmA/0ixzZiE75SI/s1600/51Hk7rc4%252BgL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNeFSlGH5TU/TZp8Lp7pxZI/AAAAAAAAAmA/0ixzZiE75SI/s400/51Hk7rc4%252BgL._SS500_.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">SYNOPSIS:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">The
red tent was a place designated for the women in this biblical story to
congregate during their menstrual cycles, times of birth, sickness and healing.
Only women are allowed in the tent and during the time spent there, they shared
experiences, spoke of traditions and discussed all matters of importance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Dinah,
the daughter of Jacob [Israel], tells her family’s familiar story from her own
experiences and from the experience of others that she learned while in the red
tent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">REVIEW:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Sounds
interesting enough right? Especially when you consider that the only record we
have from that time period is from a male perspective. But see that is the problem
with a synopsis; they are written to sound interesting. You can’t get enough
information from a synopsis to know what else may be lurking between the
covers. So please, don’t judge a book, <i>as I did</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">, by the synopsis on the cover -
judge it by its reviews.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">The
author was too easily sidetracked with lurid sexual references and often lost
sight of the forest through the sleaze (thank you Hitch). I am not going to
argue about whether or not the Bible is a romanticized record of what actually
took place during that time period or if these stories are even true or based
on parable. My issue with this book is that this new look into this story from
the Old Testament adds little to the progression of humanity in comparison to
it’s male perspective counterpart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Within
this story the author had a unique opportunity to express her thoughts and
feelings regarding the good and bad that takes place when progress interferes
with tradition and she totally blew it. She took so much time setting up the
story to explain the complicated relationship that evolves around families,
especially between mothers and daughters and when the time came to really drive
the idea home, she just put her pen down and walked away. This approach made
the fictional part of the character Dinah seem flat with no depth worth holding
onto. Dinah began the story as a girl filled with potential and possibility and
by the end had evolved into a creature of circumstance rather than choice and
that just bothers me about people in general, especially women. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">In
the end, the book receives a 1-star rating because I had a hard time absolutely
hating a book that prompted me to pick up my dusty old testament and read the
ancient story for myself. If The Red Tent is a reflection of what the Bible
would read like, if women wrote it, I am eternally grateful, that men were the
scribes back in that day. Not because I think the men had a better handle on
reality but because this women’s version tried to stretch truth in all the
wrong places. But perhaps the book really wasn’t that bad and I’m just mad
because this was the first book I’ve
purchased in a really LONG time and I would have liked it to be better than
what it was. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mvPHxYSqY0/S5kSJUF12UI/AAAAAAAAAV8/ub2cQxvkhfI/s1600/full.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mvPHxYSqY0/S5kSJUF12UI/AAAAAAAAAV8/ub2cQxvkhfI/s1600/full.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">GIVEAWAY:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">So, if you are still interested in reading the book, let me know by leaving a comment on this post sometime before midnight on April 11, 2011 (that's one week). I’ll send you my copy to keep! (if more than one person requests the book I’ll
use Random.org to choose the winner.)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Oh and if you don't want a copy, you can still leave a comment - just let me know you are not interested the giveaway. :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC'; font-size: 28pt;">G</span><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 16pt;">wenevere<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-88450740440147063352011-03-17T16:29:00.001-04:002011-03-17T16:32:34.604-04:00Mint Brownies<br />
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<span style="color: #339966; font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 28pt;">Happy Birthday <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #339966; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24pt;">Heath!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">This treat is for you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Truth be told… I have
no idea if you like mint or brownies, but since it’s your birthday </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">(and St. Paddy’s day)</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> I thought I’d dedicate this treat to you. I know you
try to keep your sweets to a minimum so I cut these very small </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">(1 inch squares).</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> This way, if you can resist eating more than one,
the sugar effects would be minimal. On the other hand, I also know you like to
exercise so if you <i>do</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> happen to
eat more than one, you have a good excuse to hit the pavement and work off your
spoils.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">From what I was told,
these brownies were amazing and by far the most eaten out of the array I had
made for a baby shower earlier this week. I can’t tell you first hand what they
tasted like because I couldn’t eat a single one. Not even a taste to see if my
mint ratios were correct! Do you have any idea how difficult it is to bake/cook
when you take snitches of what you are preparing? It’s hard and I hope you only
ever have to take my word for it. Set aside the challenge of getting the recipe
just right, it’s torture for the food loving soul. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">(I wonder if I could start a book
series based on that title- you know to play on the other multimillion dollar
book franchise about a warm broth for the whatever loving soul…I think my book
would do better though because I think people like to torture themselves.)</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Anyway, I’ll address that particular problem</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> (about not being able to eat the
food I prepare)</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> later. For now, enjoy
your Birthday/St. Patrick’s Day Sweet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh and now for a
little baking explanation. I found these little beauties off of the
website </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.scrumptiousphotography.com/2008/07/chocolate-mint-brownies.html"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">scrumptious photography</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">
and yes, I am aware that her photography skills are far superior than
mine...I’m over it. After much deliberation, I decided to change a few things
with the recipe. To start, I didn't feel her pictures were
"minty" enough, so I one-and-a-halfed the mint layer portion of the
recipe. (</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">recipe below
reflects the change).</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Since I didn’t
have any peppermint extract or crème de menthe on hand I used lorAnn’s Oils
Crème de Menthe Flavor. Which, I’m told is a stronger concentration than either
of the other flavoring methods mentioned and for best results should be done to
taste (hard to do when you can’t taste-so I used my brother and his wife to
help me out). I used close to ½ a dram for my recipe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The other thing I
changed was the addition of a drippy ganache </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">(which I can never spell correctly and neither can
spellchecker)</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and an Andes Mint as
garnish. I was going for "WOW" factor and/or pretty presentation. I’m
not sure I achieved either, but the brownies were gobbled up so that must say
something. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;"><b>MINT
BROWNIE RECIPE<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">-brownies
adapted from: <a href="http://www.scrumptiousphotography.com/2008/07/chocolate-mint-brownies.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">scruptiousphotography.com</span></a> / <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/barsandsquares/ChocolateMintBrownies.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">joyofbaking.com </span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">-ganache
adapted from:</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> </span><a href="http://annies-eats.net/2011/01/07/tuxedo-cake/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">annies-eats</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-variant: small-caps;"><u>Brownie Layer:<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">½ cup
unsalted butter, but into pieces<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">4
ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I used Scharffen Berger 99%</span>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">1 ¼
cups granulated white sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">1
teaspoon pure vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">2
large eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">½ cup
all purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">¼
teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-variant: small-caps;"><u>Mint Layer:<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">2
tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">1 cup
confectioners (powdered) sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">1
tablespoon heavy cream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">¼ to
½ a dram (1-2 ml) lorAnn Oils Crème de Menthe flavor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">2
drops liquid green food coloring<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-variant: small-caps;"><u>Chocolate Ganache:<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">2
ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">¼ cup
heavy whipping cream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">2
tablespoons light corn syrup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">1
teaspoon vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-variant: small-caps;"><u>Garnish<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">Andes
Mints, cut in half on the diagonal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-variant: small-caps;"><u>Preparation:<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">Preheat
oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) and place the rack in the center of the
oven. Have ready a 8 x 8 inch (23 x 23 cm) square baking pan (avoid glass) that
has been lined with parchment paper across the bottom and up two opposite sides
of the pan, like a sling. Set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-variant: small-caps;"><u>Brownies: <o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">In a
stainless steel (heatproof) bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water,
melt the butter and chocolate. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar and
vanilla extract. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well (with a wooden
spoon) after each addition. Stir in the flour and salt and beat, with a wooden
spoon, until the batter is smooth and glossy and comes away from the sides of
the pan (about one minute). Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared
pan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">Bake
in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the brownies start to pull
away from the sides of the pan and the edges of the brownies are just beginning
to brown. A toothpick inserted in the center of the brownies will come out
almost clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to completely cool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-variant: small-caps;"><u>Mint Layer: <o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">In
the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat all the ingredients
until smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring if you want the frosting
green. If the frosting is too thick, add a little extra cream. (The frosting
should be just thin enough to spread.) Spread the frosting evenly over the
cooled brownie layer. Place in the refrigerator for about 5-10 minutes or until
firm. Cut brownies into individual pieces and arrange ½ an inch apart on a
cookie tray covered with parchment paper. (this is so you can drip the ganache
off the sides)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-variant: small-caps;"><u>Chocolate Ganache: <o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">Place
the chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over
medium heat until simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and
let sit 1-2 minutes. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Blend in the corn syrup and vanilla. Pour the glaze into a pitcher or
measuring cup and let cool for 3 minutes. (Do not let the glaze cool
longer or it may become difficult to drip over the brownies.) Dip a small
spoon into the ganache and with the backside of the spoon dab the ganache onto
each brownie square ensuring that the top is covered and the glaze drips over
the sides. Place Andes mint on top of ganache for garnish and refrigerate the
brownies until the glaze is set, at least 1 hour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;">Bring
back to room temperature before serving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d3d3e; font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC'; font-size: 28pt;">G</span><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 16pt;">wenevere<o:p></o:p></span></div>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-75569030121992629322011-01-19T20:29:00.001-05:002011-01-20T12:39:33.364-05:00Write...Something<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">I
just want to write…something. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">I want it to be beautiful and complete. But there
is laundry to be folded, dishes to wash and children to kiss goodnight. I can’t possibly write the depth of
what is prancing though my mind so I’ll just skim the surface in order to just
write….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Tomorrow
evening, Boy and I will be attending a viewing for <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/elephant-crushes-animal-handler-stephanie-james-death-knoxville/story?id=12630510"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">one of his high school friends</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">.</span> He and I have talked about this kind of day for many years. I knew it would
come, but I wasn’t ready. I’m still not ready. I thought maybe when I was 80 and
my friends started dying I wouldn’t mind so much, but 33?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">On a lighter note.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">My baby, is already 2 months old. He smiles and laughs. He makes me smile and laugh.
I’m enjoying good mental health. I was worried... I wasn’t so fortunate with the
last one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">The
last book I read was “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte over 4 months ago. I
can’t believe I finished it because I hated it SO much! I couldn’t put it down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">I
started sewing again. I made PJ’s for my kids this Christmas. I also started
making <a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/what-is-this-feeling.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">the aprons</span></a> I’ve been looking at for a while, but I didn’t get those
finished yet and it’s ok.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">I’m
ok. I’m great actually. Quite busy, more than I’ve ever been, and although I am
not allowed many opportunities to really think about the state of my being (or gussy up my blog posts with pictures or fancy fonts), I
know that I’m happy and thankfully, today, that is enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC'; font-size: 28pt;">G</span><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 16pt;">wenevere<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-15130079442639105512010-09-25T23:05:00.000-04:002010-09-25T23:05:10.091-04:00New House Mystery<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">Something
mysterious happens when you move to a new place and it doesn’t matter if the
new place is a rental or your very own, whether it's old or new, whether it is a bigger place or a
smaller place or whether it is an apartment, condo, townhouse, home, barn, tent
etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">There is nothing that is exempt from this phenomenon.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">So
what is this wonder I’m speaking of? Oh sure you can’t find your
favorite…whatever it is, but that is really just collateral damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">What
I’m talking about is the fact that…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">no matter how great you are at
Tetris and making things fit,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">no matter how frugal you think
you are,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">no matter how resourceful you
can be…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">There is always a piece of
furniture </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">that no longer works in your new abode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">OR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">There is an empty space that
needs </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">“something” you simply do not have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">OR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">The plain and simple desire to
“upgrade” or “update” is pulling at your heart and creativity like a…like a
what? Oh, I don’t know, you just want new stuff really a lot!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
worst part about this little problem is that just when you’ve decided to live
without whatever it is that will make your place </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 32px; line-height: normal;">absolutely perfect!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
Pottery Barn Catalog comes in the mail </span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman;">(because
that too mysteriously happens when you move to a new place)</span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;"> and because you have nothing
better to do (the hundreds of unpacked boxes aren’t going anywhere) you begin
flipping through the pages--you know--just to see” and “get some ideas”. Not too
long after you reached the end of the catalog you realize that you are way
worse off than you were before because in Pottary Barn, you WILL find exactly
what it is you were dreaming of and at a million times the cost you were ever
hoping to spend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt;">**<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 20.0pt;">sigh </span><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt;">**<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">That
is where I was this afternoon. While my kids played “pretend” in their rooms, I
played “pretend” in my head. Eventually it became too much for me. I just
couldn’t take it. I wanted these things so much! What could I DO?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">That
is when google came to my rescue. The original search was so long ago I don’t
even remember what it was I typed in. All that matters is what I found. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">Now
we all know, my serious blogging days are over - as is evident by how
infrequently I post. Well, when I made this realization I decided it was time
to clean my "google reader" house & free up some time so I dumped a lot of
the blogs I was following. What remained were, of course, all my dear friends
and family and an infant size handful of strangers that I considered to be
really, REALLY special bloggers. A new blog was added to that tiny handful
today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">Go ahead- take a look<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; font-size: 22.0pt;"><a href="http://www.ana-white.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">www.ana-white.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">I
can’t wait to clean out my garage….and get the baby out of my belly…so that Boy
and I can set up the tools and work bench and get started on…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">the desktop letter hutch,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(I'll have to modify the bridge)</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/TJ60QjPfzjI/AAAAAAAAAho/_vXB_qUoyYw/s1600/img3m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/TJ60QjPfzjI/AAAAAAAAAho/_vXB_qUoyYw/s320/img3m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1376516626"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">bridge,</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 21px;"><a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/01/plans-classic-storage-wall-system-bridge.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">& bookcases</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/03/plans-glass-doors-for-logan-open-hutch.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">(with glass inserts?)</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/TJ60uKQXsfI/AAAAAAAAAhs/6NWJx3O1wVI/s1600/knockoffwoodloganlargebridge+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/TJ60uKQXsfI/AAAAAAAAAhs/6NWJx3O1wVI/s320/knockoffwoodloganlargebridge+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">that I have desired to fill my “empty space” in our new place and also so that I won’t have
to hope over Pottery Barn ever again. </span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman;">But
before I start those, I may upgrade my queen to this <a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/03/today-in-middle-of-sams-club-with.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">king size bed</span></a>-it looks a
little easier.</span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">Ever
since I met my “non-blogging friends”, Lisa & Karen, </span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman;">(and by non-blogging friends I simply mean that
I cannot hyperlink you to their awesomeness)</span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;"> I’ve wanted to build things but I’ve been afraid and
I haven’t known where to go to find the plans. Both Karen and Lisa have said
that building is just like sewing <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(see I knew I'd be able to connect this post to the overall theme of my blog) </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- all you need is a pattern. Today I found my patterns and oh goodness….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 20.0pt;">THEY ARE FREE!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">Anybody want to build with me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 28.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">G</span><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">wenevere</span><!--EndFragment-->Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-90432313160222815342010-09-17T15:46:00.000-04:002010-09-17T15:46:16.329-04:00What is this feeling?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">I
haven't had a desire to pull out my sewing machine or go to the fabric store
since...Easter. Remember the <a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/2010/03/easter-dresses.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Easter Dresses</span></a>? Yeah - still unfinished and now, inevitably, cut too small for my growing girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 72.0pt;">S</span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 24.0pt;">ew…. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 24.0pt;">…</span><span style="color: #ff99cc; font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 24.0pt;">what is this strange feeling
I have to run to the fabric store and use my coupons to purchase the cutest
fabric I've ever seen to make one (or three) of these:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/TJPEhbIgb8I/AAAAAAAAAhY/77ypFyQrb78/s1600/bevfabriccrafts_2121_773060264.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/TJPEhbIgb8I/AAAAAAAAAhY/77ypFyQrb78/s320/bevfabriccrafts_2121_773060264.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 21px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 18.0pt; text-shadow: auto;">& something
matching for my little girls?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/TJPEnBnpeJI/AAAAAAAAAhg/5qfOAJ9FkN8/s1600/yhst-96748182234973_2119_1802314305.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/TJPEnBnpeJI/AAAAAAAAAhg/5qfOAJ9FkN8/s320/yhst-96748182234973_2119_1802314305.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">I'm
a little afraid, because I don't want another unfinished project sitting in a
box. But someone posted on facebook that Christmas is only 100 days away. My
girls would love these for Christmas, especially if they saw their mom
'advertising' it before they got their own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-4156925479992374762010-09-13T12:16:00.000-04:002010-09-13T12:16:59.218-04:00What's in a name?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who may not know, a new little baby (gender unknown) will be joining our family in November. We are a bit stumped on names suitable for a girl so we've begun our search. Today, my search took me to some of my favorite books. This method provided me with a few more options to think about <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-- and left me wishing I have read more. :) </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So...of all the books you have ever read, what was the name of your favorite character and why?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(And if it so happens that your favorite character was male, that's ok, </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I still want to hear about it)</span></span></span></div>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-45753498879163041822010-07-13T01:03:00.000-04:002010-07-13T01:03:05.260-04:00Dodged a Bullet!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman;">Tonight, I almost posted something of
significance …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">What was I thinking?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman;">OH! That’s it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman;">I was THINKING!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">WHEW!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">I dodged that bullet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman;">(That is what rereading a post before you
publish will do for you.)</span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">No need to sound the alarm
quite yet…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but I think you should all know that…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman;"><i>My mojo is on the loose.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">Sometimes, it can be very
tricky to catch… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">But this time when I do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">I’m sure we’ll all say,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how much we miss these mojo-less days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-60698008146408087672010-04-15T12:56:00.004-04:002010-04-15T14:46:08.506-04:00Office View<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Sometimes
I miss the view of the mountains<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">and the city...</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S8dDLAtcU-I/AAAAAAAAAgM/NItFVVJoe4s/s1600/salt-lake-city-day-trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S8dDLAtcU-I/AAAAAAAAAgM/NItFVVJoe4s/s320/salt-lake-city-day-trip.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">from
my office in downtown Salt Lake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Sometimes
I miss the hustle of the city </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">and walking around feeling important because I
had somewhere I <i>needed</i> to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Sometimes
I miss waiting for the bus or the train </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S8dDjvUqjkI/AAAAAAAAAgU/d_1TEmsSdak/s1600/DSC_6737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S8dDjvUqjkI/AAAAAAAAAgU/d_1TEmsSdak/s320/DSC_6737.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20pt; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">or eating
lunch in a manicured garden or city park….</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S8dDmB6hi_I/AAAAAAAAAgc/nSNfiMnUJBM/s1600/citycreek-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S8dDmB6hi_I/AAAAAAAAAgc/nSNfiMnUJBM/s320/citycreek-M.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Today, however, I’m really enjoying the fingerprint-smudged windows </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">that provide the view from
my current office. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S8dEO78h5nI/AAAAAAAAAgk/2pTquUvZ7tI/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S8dEO78h5nI/AAAAAAAAAgk/2pTquUvZ7tI/s200/IMG_1620.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S8dEi2YDIGI/AAAAAAAAAgs/J4xzvvcWWQ8/s1600/IMG_1623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S8dEi2YDIGI/AAAAAAAAAgs/J4xzvvcWWQ8/s200/IMG_1623.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">I’m especially grateful that although it is a beautiful
spring day, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">I get to enjoy the view without the pollen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Really
though I think it’s time to invest in some Windex. </span></div>
</div>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-34677248341533171712010-04-14T09:19:00.001-04:002010-04-14T09:20:44.077-04:00Backyard Beach....Oregon Coast Style<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">We
stayed home during spring break this year. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">There is no shame in that. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">None.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">We
did venture out to the zoo on one HOT day only to find the zoo to be incredibly
crowded. When we were done standing in all the lines to look at the animals the
kids wanted to play at the splash park. Did I tell you it was HOT. Rather than
sit in the heat watching our kids run in and out of all the water features, my
sister and I <a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/2010/03/camera-envy.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">(the one featured in this photo here)</span> </a>decided to head home and set
up a backyard beach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">A
pool we have not, but a full size sand volleyball court to stand in as the
“beach” we do!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">We
set up multiple watering stations with the handy use of hoses and sprinkers to
copensate for the missing ocean. The kids had a blast. Too bad I didn’t pull
out my camera until everyone left. When I asked Roo to smile for his picture in
the “hot tub” he looked at me like I was a crazy person. (It’s an expression I
am quite familiar with.) He then asked, “What are you talking about?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">“That
water you are sitting in.” I clarified. “It’s a hot tub.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">He
looked around, quite bewildered, and then with his fingers pointing to the
water he was playing in he exclaimed, “This isn’t a hot tub! This water if
FREEZING!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S8XAd9UyDBI/AAAAAAAAAfk/SpymNkI1w_Y/s1600/IMG_1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S8XAd9UyDBI/AAAAAAAAAfk/SpymNkI1w_Y/s640/IMG_1615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</span></span>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-35616855844524471652010-04-12T14:00:00.002-04:002010-04-12T14:00:50.761-04:00Big Plans - Nixed<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Today was our first day back to homeschool
after about </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">a 2 ½-week spring break.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC'; font-size: 36pt;">The break was nice…</span><span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC'; font-size: 48pt;">real nice!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">I had big plans for getting back
to our schedule and routine but….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">…the sun is shining….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">…the kids are playing...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">I have some things on my mind…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">and so….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">school has been a slow work in
progress today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">It’s fair to allow a light day on
your first day back from break right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-30430954401530774832010-04-09T08:31:00.011-04:002010-04-09T09:04:15.670-04:00Worm on a HookLast night, Boy told me not to post any more comments on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/15914729?utm_medium=email&utm_source=comment_instant#comment_15409213"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">goodreads directed to Pablo</span></a> but darn it I must really like the taste of worms because I posted anyway.<br />
<br />
I am giving Pablo the opportunity to hook me once again. I keep telling myself it's because I want to be understood but why would I value being understood by someone who has no interest in understanding me? It reminds me of a horror film. You are all screaming, "Don't open the door" and like a dolt I do it every time. Oh well, here's what I told Pablo.<br />
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Pablo,</div>
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I’m sorry, did you have something else to disagree with me on? </div>
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<br /></div>
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While you think up of some new way to twist my words so
that you can cram me into the pigeonhole you think I belong in, I’d like to
share this poem by Shel Silverstein with you, Titled, The Meehoo with an
Exactlywatt. It reminds me our dialogue and our inability to communicative
effectively with one another. </div>
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<span style="color: #465f5b; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 16pt;"><b>The Meehoo with an Exactlywatt <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 16pt;"><b>by
Shel Silverstein<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Knock
knock!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Who's
there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Me who?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">That's
right!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">What's
right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Meehoo!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">That's
what I want to know!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">What's
what you want to know?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Me,
WHO?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Yes,
exactly!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Exactly
what?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Yes, I
have an Exactlywatt on a chain!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Exactly
what on a chain?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Yes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Yes
what?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">No,
Exactlywatt!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">That's
what I want to know!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">I told
you - Exactlywatt!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Exactly
WHAT?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Yes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Yes
what?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Yes,
it's with me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">What's
with you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Exactlywatt
- that's what's with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Me who?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Yes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">GO
AWAY!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;">Knock
knock...</span></div>
</div>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-7849051192833971642010-04-07T23:18:00.000-04:002010-04-07T23:18:25.755-04:00Pet Peeve #2<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">This
is a special pet peeve because it falls under the category of things I dislike
about myself. Let’s begin….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Discuss \di-</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt;">ˈ</span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">skəs\ - verb<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-font-width: 0%;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Talk about
(something) with another person or group of people <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-font-width: 0%;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Talk or write about
a topic in detail, taking into account different ideas and opinions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Argue \</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt;">ˈ</span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">är-(</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt;">ˌ</span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">)gyü\ - verb<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-font-width: 0%;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to persuade, drive,
etc., by reasoning: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-font-width: 0%;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to show; prove;
imply; indicate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">In
most cases, I would prefer to engage in a discussion over an argument any day.
When I do break out the argument boxing gloves, I like to do it when I know my
opposition and I know that they know, I love them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">So what is pet peeve
#2?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">I
really don’t like it when I’m swimming in a discussion and suddenly realize
that my opponent is wading in an argument.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate it because, well… 1)- I’ve lost the upper hand and
security of stable ground and 2) where I thought we were working together to
solve an issue my opponent is only trying to drown me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I fall for it hook,
line and sinker almost every time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S71Ie9-h4cI/AAAAAAAAAfc/Qv8Dc5MNTVs/s1600/fish.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S71Ie9-h4cI/AAAAAAAAAfc/Qv8Dc5MNTVs/s320/fish.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 13.0pt;">And
hey, if your curiosity will not be stayed…you can read the details of my latest
folly, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/15914729#comment_15273401"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">here</span></a>. The discussion turns to an argument when one "Pablo" enters the scene. </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-64892290212027817532010-04-05T14:43:00.000-04:002010-04-05T14:43:58.970-04:00My Easter Weekend<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">I
hope you enjoyed your Easter Weekend. Although I didn’t especially enjoy mine or the breakdown that accompanied it, I did enjoy the freeing effect
of dropping off some unnecessary baggage I’ve been carrying around with me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now if only I can get rid of the rest of
it…and refrain from running back to take a peek at what I left behind...I should be good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">Oh
and don’t forget to take a look at the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> </span><a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/2010/02/unfinished-business.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Unfinished Projects List</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">. </span>If I can laugh
at the fact that The Easter Dresses made it onto the list then so should you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-33155077718055284402010-04-02T11:01:00.000-04:002010-04-02T11:01:05.185-04:00Mind Clearing<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Handwriting - Dakota"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Remember <a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/2010/03/why.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">this post</span></a> from way long ago last
week? Apparently, I left something out, does that make me a liar, maybe a
hypocrite….can you be a hypocrite if you didn’t know you were being one?
Anyway…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I don’t always read
to learn,<o:p></o:p></div>
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sometimes I read <o:p></o:p></div>
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to clear my head.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Handwriting - Dakota"; font-size: 20.0pt;">I’m in need of some good mind clearing at
the moment. I need a book that I can read quickly and not think about so
much…maybe it’s time to read the second book in the Twilight Series. Which one
is that, Eclipse? New Moon? Does anyone have a copy that I can borrow or a
suggestion of some other book that will provide the results I’m looking for? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-35892215086531808252010-04-01T13:00:00.003-04:002010-04-01T13:01:54.653-04:00Another April Fools Post<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">April
Fools day lost its luster sometime around the 4<sup>th</sup> grade when just
about every kid in class came to school with their arm in a sling. I mean
really…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 22.0pt;">Where is the originality?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 22.0pt;">Where is the creativity?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">How many blog and facebook posts
will you read today that state…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 22.0pt;">I’m pregnant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 22.0pt;">Or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 22.0pt;">I’m engaged<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">Again….Creativity? Originality?
Anyone…anyone?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">Lets
face it, the best April Fools jokes are really just pranks played at random
times throughout the year when the element of surprise can really be harnessed.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">I
know you know what I’m talking about….at least I know my sister Nicole does.
She has a bag of tricks I’d love to share here but since, this isn’t her blog,
I haven’t asked permission and most were illegal, I’ll refrain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">But
for the rest of you, come on, fess up….What prank were you most pleased to be
apart of? If you need help remembering your best work, think back to college.
I’m confident that some of the best pranks were pulled there and why not?
Creative juices are at their peak flow and a sense of responsibility and
mortality are at their lowest….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 22.0pt;">it’s a dangerous
combination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-35648708537973217782010-03-31T18:05:00.002-04:002010-03-31T18:07:45.433-04:00Spring Cleaning<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">In
lieu of all the spring-cleaning going on out there, I’d like to share what I am
trying to sort through this season. The following is a snapshot of... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 26pt;">my storage unit</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7PF-NBxEjI/AAAAAAAAAe8/rFDxGTcw7wo/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7PF-NBxEjI/AAAAAAAAAe8/rFDxGTcw7wo/s400/IMG_1124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Before
you proceed to pass too harsh a judgment, I have a few things to say in my
defense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18pt;">ONE
–</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"> I’m planning on
having a garage sale<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18pt;">TWO
–</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"> Yes, I know how bad
it looks and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18pt;">THREE
–</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"> I really do know
where everything is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">OK, now you can judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">When you’re done, please continue
reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt;">(We’ll get to the judgments
later—in the comments perhaps)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">What
I’d like to address in this post is the issue that<i> I</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"> have with this picture which is
that just because I know where something is, it doesn’t mean that I can get to
it without having to filter through some unnecessary JUNK and by so doing, I
run the risk of it all crashing down and SQUASHING me…and thus bringing me to
my untimely death </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt;">(if
there really is such a thing as an untimely death). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">With
that said, I’d like to now show you something else I’m trying to sort through
this spring, The following is a snapshot of... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 26pt;">my life</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7PF-NBxEjI/AAAAAAAAAe8/rFDxGTcw7wo/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7PF-NBxEjI/AAAAAAAAAe8/rFDxGTcw7wo/s400/IMG_1124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">As
you can see, the two are freakishly similar. There are some differences too,
but for now I’d like to compare the similarities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">In
my life, despite the disarray, I know where just about everything is kept. I
know where my joy is along with my anger, stress, happiness, guilt, pride,
talent, sorrow etc. The problem is that in order to access, lets say…
happiness, I have to sift through sorrow or find a new place to put anger. It’s
a delicate balance where with one false movement or misstep the entire
structure could tumble down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18pt;">There must be a better way to
access </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 26pt;">the good stuff</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">You
know…put in on top or upfront rather than have it intermixed with all the crap.
Ultimately, I’d really like to just get rid of all the JUNK but I’m reminded of
a time when </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt;">[I
though] </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">I had done
that and wouldn’t you know it, just when I went for a box of peace, I found
fear and doubt instead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18pt;">How did <i>that</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18pt;"> get in there!? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">If you have any tips </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt;">(or judgments)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"> to share, now would be the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt;">(Oh! I almost forgot…<i>IF</i> you are INDY local <i>AND</i> the community in which you live is hosting a yard sale weekend <i>AND</i> you would be willing to lend me a small part of your yard, please let me know, I would love to participate.)</span></div>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-26341284359980961832010-03-30T15:06:00.000-04:002010-03-30T15:06:03.078-04:00The Cake<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">Before
I show you pictures of the cake. I feel that I must first express my apologies….I
think <a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/2010/03/mystery-machine.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">I may have mislead you</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"> </span>into thinking this cake was going to be something
special…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">like a REAL <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Blackmoor LET'; font-size: 48px; line-height: normal;">ACE OF CAKES</span> Cake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">(like this maybe)</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JAspKLbJI/AAAAAAAAAd0/uu3_DIFT5g8/s1600/nyet34501301432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JAspKLbJI/AAAAAAAAAd0/uu3_DIFT5g8/s320/nyet34501301432.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">If
you were under that impression….Please take a moment to drop your expectation <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 48.0pt;">down, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 36.0pt;">down, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 28.0pt;">down….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt;">lower than that….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">lower….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">think bottom rung of the limbo stick and maybe, just maybe, your expectations will be low enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">OK, with expectations in their
proper place, I’ll show you the cake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">It
started with 2 chocolate cake mixes. Sorry <a href="http://annies-eats.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Annie's Eats</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>I just didn’t have time
to test the “from scratch” recipes you hooked me up with. I swear I will practice
before the next birthday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">Next
came the <a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Raspberry-Filling-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">strawberry filling</span></a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">This time I followed <a href="http://annies-eats.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Annie's</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>recommendation....yummy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JBYFxuVGI/AAAAAAAAAeE/-Oyk8AXY2Qk/s1600/IMG_1417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JBYFxuVGI/AAAAAAAAAeE/-Oyk8AXY2Qk/s320/IMG_1417.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 17px;">Then
the free-handing</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JG9M15NNI/AAAAAAAAAeU/B0WLrC049es/s1600/IMG_1418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JG9M15NNI/AAAAAAAAAeU/B0WLrC049es/s320/IMG_1418.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">Then
the pastry bag….Boy even helped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JHo9hDwnI/AAAAAAAAAec/yz54-LjmNig/s1600/IMG_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JHo9hDwnI/AAAAAAAAAec/yz54-LjmNig/s320/IMG_1422.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Almost
done….</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">...I'm trying to psych myself into finishing “the gang” in the van window. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">(it was 12:45 in the morning)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I guess I’m a sucker for birthday smiles, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">because I knew how important "the gang" was to this cake dream </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">so I did it with a toothpick!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JIPvUB4GI/AAAAAAAAAek/Q7bdPj-hktA/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JIPvUB4GI/AAAAAAAAAek/Q7bdPj-hktA/s200/IMG_1430.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JIgKIllgI/AAAAAAAAAes/ymFn1XfKk6c/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JIgKIllgI/AAAAAAAAAes/ymFn1XfKk6c/s200/IMG_1428.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt;">One
happy birthday boy, made it worth it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JIyewgoMI/AAAAAAAAAe0/hzyLHxeX5YQ/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S7JIyewgoMI/AAAAAAAAAe0/hzyLHxeX5YQ/s640/IMG_1432.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-33181445793663590462010-03-28T10:18:00.023-04:002010-03-28T12:33:12.104-04:00Divorce from Sin<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">I
began reading </span><span style="font-family: CourierNewPS-BoldMT; font-size: 20pt;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Great-Divorce-C-S-Lewis/dp/B001S37KYM?ie=UTF8&tag=semabo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">The Great Divorce</span></a></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"> by C.S. Lewis </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">for the second time, last night. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Great-Divorce-C-S-Lewis/dp/B001S37KYM?ie=UTF8&tag=semabo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S69nDpxN3eI/AAAAAAAAAds/grYaLOsXAwc/s200/51FbmZUtnwL._SS500_.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 26px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Great-Divorce-C-S-Lewis/dp/B001S37KYM?ie=UTF8&tag=semabo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 17px; line-height: 26px;">I’m not
even past the first chapter and already my mind is swimming in thought. The one that has been the most
resonate is this:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #284e5a; font-family: CourierNewPS-BoldMT; font-size: 20pt;"><b>What </b></span><span style="color: #284e5a; font-family: CourierNewPS-BoldMT; font-size: 14pt;"><b>[worldly
possession or success]</b></span><span style="color: #284e5a; font-family: CourierNewPS-BoldMT; font-size: 20pt;"><b> am I so afraid to lose that I would
sacrifice my eternal happiness to keep it?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">This
thought then directs me to one of my favorite scriptures from a story in the
Book of Mormon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Alma 22:18</span></a></span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">“…and I will give </span></span><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">away all my sins to know thee…”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Depending
on where I am in life, sometimes this scripture leaves me filled with joy and
hope and others abashed by my worldliness. Today, it manages to do both. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #284e5a; font-family: CourierNewPS-BoldMT; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Do my actions show how much I really want to know God?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-42018446613817476272010-03-26T21:18:00.000-04:002010-03-26T21:18:08.485-04:00Mystery Machine<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">I'm pretending again....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">This time I am going to pretend that<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">I AM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Blackmoor LET"; font-size: 36.0pt;">ACE OF CAKES<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">I have until 1:00 p.m.
tomorrow to turn this picture<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S61coUhU2XI/AAAAAAAAAdk/8E7kiRlPYFU/s1600/2009142627_MysteryMachine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NXcx-AB3KhA/S61coUhU2XI/AAAAAAAAAdk/8E7kiRlPYFU/s400/2009142627_MysteryMachine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">into a cake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16.0pt;">I’ll let you know how it goes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-64982060098586426192010-03-25T09:40:00.000-04:002010-03-25T09:40:14.703-04:00Why?<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Handwriting - Dakota"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Just so you know….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I do not read for fun</div>
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<br /></div>
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--I read to learn</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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I love to learn.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Handwriting - Dakota"; font-size: 20.0pt;">What do you do? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Handwriting - Dakota"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Why do you do it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384302821248131692.post-17925323461385619572010-03-24T21:15:00.002-04:002010-03-24T21:16:42.073-04:00Get 'er Done!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">I
spent the day at a career fair here in Indy, helping my mom with her booth to
promote her
<span style="font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 28pt;"><a href="https://karenmadsen.scentsy.us/Home"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Scentsy</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> </span>
Business. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you haven’t heard of </span><span style="font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 28pt;"><a href="https://karenmadsen.scentsy.us/Home"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Scentsy</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and you use
scented candles, you really must get in touch with her.)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">Now
that the career fair is over, it’s her turn to help me. Ha! Like me helping her
this once, makes us even! She’s great, even though I owe her my life, she still
agrees to help me. (In fact she’s upstairs putting my kids to bed as I type.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18pt;">So my plan for the rest of her
stay….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">…I borrowed a sewing machine. So
now I have two. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(We can get twice as much done with 2 sewing machines.)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13pt;">It’s time to take another swing at
the <a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/2010/02/unfinished-business.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Unfinished Proj</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">ect</span></a> list. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(I should probably add the </span><a href="http://sewmanybooks.blogspot.com/2010/03/easter-dresses.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Easter dresses</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> to the list because I cut them out a week ago and still haven’t sewed a
single stitch.)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Apron Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127409965304126490noreply@blogger.com2