tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609473683811945622024-02-19T00:26:14.696-06:00My Matrioshka LifeA Texas girl living the Russian life.D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-69568758991420539252016-02-26T14:41:00.000-06:002016-02-26T15:04:13.018-06:00Prayer Riding - Route 4, oops, Route 5!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Just got off the bus! <br />
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What a blessed ride today!<br />
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Well, I have to admit that it didn't really start out that way. In fact, I was thinking I would skip the ride today. Our family has so much going on . . . emotions are high . . . lots of activities . . . But, the more I thought about it, I just didn't have a peace about not riding today. I knew my excuses were flimsy. So, I ended the thought "run-around" by saying to myself, "I'm going to do what I believe God wants me to do - when I feel good and it is convenient and when I feel lousy and am overwhelmed." <br />
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So, I went.<br />
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Just as I walked up to the central bus stop, Diana, the driver I met a couple of weeks ago, walked up and greeted me. She asked what bus I was riding today and I said, "I'm riding #5 today." She told me the name of the driver and wished me a good day. <br />
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Then, another driver, whom I hadn't met, walked up and introduced himself and told me that Driver Diana had told him about me. I told him a little about my "prayer riding" and he asked what bus I was riding today - I told him Route 5. He replied, "Well, alright, but I'm looking forward to you riding my bus!"<br />
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Ya'll, it may seem small, but these two greeting me with such enthusiasm was huge a Blessing! I know it was God giving me a nudge and a hug. His Way of letting me know that I am walking with Him in this - well, "riding" with Him! I am so thankful.<br />
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I took a picture of the bus I was about to get on. Posted it to Facebook. And, then it hit me . . . "# 5? I was supposed to ride # 4 today." I stopped. "Hmm... maybe I need to change the bus today and not go in numerical order. Okay, I'm just going with the flow today, Lord. #5 it is!"<br />
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Rode Route 5 today. Met the very cheery and enthusiastic driver, Cory. Lots of people riding to work today wearing restaurant clothing - wait staff and cooks. A couple got on at the grocery store with their load of groceries - going home. I prayed for them all.<br />
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We passed several police cars on the road today - and a couple of emergency vehicles - - I prayed for them all. <br />
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I began to see a larger picture of all the business in Longview: retail, food, medical, government, small, large, industrial - - and all of the people that work in these businesses - Longview's workforce. I prayed for all the owners, managers, workers . . . may God bring a spiritual awakening in Longview in the workplaces. May God give Longview people who do business that is fair and honest - that provides and serves. <br />
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May God remove those who would use business to do evil in our town.<br />
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Over and over this "prayer thought" entered my mind,<br />
"Lord, may those who do evil not prosper in Longview. May those who do evil not prosper. <br />
May those who Love You, shine for You in Longview. May those who Love You, Shine."<br />
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It was a great ride!<br />
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D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-43598524934596666672016-02-26T14:38:00.001-06:002016-02-26T14:42:28.158-06:00Prayer Riding - Route 3!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I rode this bus last Friday - the Cane's bus! <br />
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This route took us down the Loop and then Gilmer Rd into Spring Hill. <br />
I didn't officially meet the driver because she was busy talking with someone she knew who was riding. But, I sure learned a lot about her from the conversation I overheard! : ) I learned she was a 'cross country truck driver for many years and is driving the bus now to be able to be close to her family. <br />
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I saw an older woman using the bus to get her groceries from Brookshires to her home. <br />
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I met an older man who had to meet with his "boss man" and rode the bus to his place of work, got off, talked with his boss, and then met the bus again around the corner to ride to his girlfriend's house. <br />
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The Spring Hill area is dear to me. I grew up there. So many memories - good and bad. I was happy to pray for all of the families and people living in my old stomping grounds. <br />
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Then, we turned off Gilmer and headed up Wain - and around by all the "new" duplex's. I call them "new" because that is what we used to call them about 30 years ago. They are not new now. They are slums - roofs falling in, homes burned out, windows busted out . . . I was shocked. I'm still shocked. Who OWNS these huts? Who is supposed to be taking care of them? They are obviously slum-lords. So very angry . . . so very sad.<br />
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It was interesting - the whole bus was quiet as we drove through this area - like we were afraid to talk. Afraid to even breath that air.<br />
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Seriously, does anyone know who owns these duplexes? Time for some action.<br />
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Time to pray and act.</div>
D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-32739295719142094482016-02-12T13:45:00.002-06:002016-02-12T13:45:53.655-06:00Prayer Riding - Route 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Another great "prayer ride" on Longview's public transport today! <br />
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I rode Route 2 - the Medical District - on driver Diana's bus. This was one of the smaller "van-like" buses.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.news-journal.com/news/2015/dec/29/longview-transit-offering-free-rides-on-new-years-/" target="_blank">Longview News Journal</a></td></tr>
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No problem getting on this time - had my $3 ready, put it through the ticket machine, and took my all-day pass! Like a pro! Yeah, I'm a Longview Transit rider, thank you very much!</div>
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There were several interesting people on this ride. </div>
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One lady was deaf. I watched her sign to someone using her cell phone and FaceTime. I have never thought about how helpful that technology must be to the deaf community. She was very friendly and waved, "Thank you!" to the driver as she got off. She was dressed as a nurse or medical professional and got off near some doctor's offices.</div>
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A couple of people got off at Good Shepherd Hospital. As I prayed for them, I was wondering if they worked there or were going to visit a sick relative or friend. </div>
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One young man got off at Regional Hospital. I was impressed with his hearty, "Thank you!" to the driver as he exited.</div>
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I had the ride to myself for the last half of the route - around by Walmart and up past the Mall and back to the main stop. </div>
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I noticed a few things this prayer round:</div>
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1. My mind was racing - we passed so many important areas of Longview and I felt the need to pray for each. Next time, I will let myself relax and stay on one area for a while. I'll be back again, no need to panic!</div>
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2. My heart was filling with a great desire for the people of my hometown to experience spiritual awakening and revival. My only job in those few minutes was to allow the Holy Spirit to use me in prayer. As I focused on Him, my spiritual eyes and thoughts were changed. It was wonderful and so freeing!</div>
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3. Last week, I prayed as we crossed under I-20 and this week, as we drove down HWY 80. My vision of our town as a cross-roads for many: homeless, business, medical . . . grew to include people whom I don't often consider.</div>
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4. I can't wait until next week! This really is so rewarding!</div>
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Come join me next time!</div>
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D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-50007829639452208022016-02-11T11:24:00.001-06:002016-02-12T11:01:50.919-06:00Prayer Riding! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I started "prayer riding" in Longview last week. What a blast!<br />
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I learned about "prayer walking" while living in Moscow, Russia. I would walk neighborhoods with a small group of believers and we would pray - for the people living and working in that area. We asked God for a spiritual awakening among the people that would bring Life and Hope and Love to the city - and that His Spirit would spread this awakening throughout the city of Moscow to greater Russia and around the world. <br />
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As I was living in the center of Moscow, I felt drawn to "prayer ride" the Garden Ring. This ring is a series of streets that circle the heart of Moscow - the Kremlin, heart of political/gov. - the Arts District - the cultural heart of Russia. I rode the tram or bus around the center and prayed for Moscow and Russia. God gave me such a love for that great city and her people!<br />
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Since moving to Longview, I have felt drawn to "prayer ride" our new public transport and pray for the people of my hometown. Well, it took 4 years, but last week I made my first ride!<br />
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I have to admit, I was nervous . . . can you believe that? I almost backed out. I said, "Lord, I'm going to drive to the stop and if I don't feel comfortable, I'll just try again another time." I parked, walked to the stop, got on the bus . . . and had a blast! "Thank You, Lord, for Your Grace that gave me what I needed to do what I believe You wanted me to." Friends, it is that way every time . . . just keep walking in your fear and He will give you exactly what you need.</div>
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I rode Route 1 - which just happened to have the big, really nice, "like a real city bus" bus. I asked the driver how to pay and he was very nice and patient. 3 other people got on with me and only one joined us during the route. </div>
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I met a young lady attending Kilgore College, a young man living at Salvation Army who was riding to his job interview at Food One. I prayed for the older man with the hip looking cap and perfectly shined shoes who slept most of his ride and the younger may with the black hoodie who kept it pulled up and kept himself in the back of the bus. I had a great conversation with the driver and learned about his history and his fears while driving a bus in such a crazy world. </div>
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I prayed, silently, for the people in the areas we passed - some of downtown, South side, LeTourneau University, the courthouse, our downtown churches, post office, city jail.</div>
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It was such a blessing to pray!</div>
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The last 5 min or so of my ride, I was the only person on the bus so I told the driver why I rode his entire line that day. I could see the surprise in his face and he visibly softened toward me. As I got off the bus, he shook my hand and introduced himself to me by his first name. He suggested I pass on my day pass to someone waiting to get on next. I found a couple of women standing together and asked if they would be interested in using my pass for the rest of the day. The younger one translated into Spanish what I said to the elder and she agreed. What a blessing to pass on a little savings!</div>
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I am so very thankful for my ride! Thankful for the Grace to make it happen. Thankful for the people who helped me navigate the new system. Thankful for time to pray!</div>
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Come join me! I'll be there this Friday!</div>
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D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-82439156667338996402016-02-05T16:33:00.000-06:002016-02-12T11:02:58.499-06:00Galveston, Baby!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-5250908190120923652013-07-17T13:23:00.000-05:002016-02-12T11:04:22.844-06:00The Perfect Peach Salsa!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sweet, East Texas peaches . . . they are a summer tradition!<br />
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Last week I headed to <a href="http://www.efurdorchards.com/" target="_blank">Eford's Orchard in Pittsburg, Texas</a> and bought a bushel.<br />
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They weren't quite soft enough, so I let them sit out a few days.<br />
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This week I made jam . . .<br />
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and salsa . . .<br />
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Several people asked for the salsa recipe, so here it is:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Perfect Peach Salsa</span><br />
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10 soft peaches (peeled and chopped - no seed! : )<br />
1/2 lemon - juiced (watch those seeds!)<br />
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1/2 lime - juiced<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNY_ArPBCFos7V_S_l7cMEIsgqjnUTiRCIaIYhJ6xCLviMdlaKnA7aXSKwgCJGCc7tQUOr1iCDRrueTC00Re5muWNV5hOKlNJ_lTa8RrzkTR_qstLiGInRcQpW9dr4y1dFozXlj9RgiQ/s1600/1002316_10151457827936856_360349564_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNY_ArPBCFos7V_S_l7cMEIsgqjnUTiRCIaIYhJ6xCLviMdlaKnA7aXSKwgCJGCc7tQUOr1iCDRrueTC00Re5muWNV5hOKlNJ_lTa8RrzkTR_qstLiGInRcQpW9dr4y1dFozXlj9RgiQ/s1600/1002316_10151457827936856_360349564_n.jpg" /></a>6 ripe tomatoes (peeled and chopped)<br />
1 large yellow pepper - chopped<br />
1 large orange or red pepper - chopped<br />
2 white onions - chopped<br />
2 jalapeno peppers - chopped (remove seeds if you want less heat)<br />
6 cloves of garlic - chopped<br />
1 bunch of cilantro - rough chopped<br />
3/4 c vinegar<br />
1/2 can tomato sauce<br />
1/2 large can tomato paste<br />
1/2-3/4 cup liquid honey (depending on how much sweetness you want)<br />
2 tsp cayenne pepper<br />
1 tsp red pepper flakes<br />
2 Tbs ground cumin<br />
2 Tbs Kosher salt<br />
1 Tbs course ground pepper<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7ii97nTH5_sXnaAdrCo6HJP_SY_PkgF7f7tYlQsvWhiBnqLgsN0fXG2UKMNJbZK1MHz_JSWoy1TseNa3x2RUeiGhft_t3aNmlPMJAAh5nLcDmsXhobG5I-Qfzprp4I0fZ3cRQA2pWA/s1600/1069130_10151457827481856_1039886059_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7ii97nTH5_sXnaAdrCo6HJP_SY_PkgF7f7tYlQsvWhiBnqLgsN0fXG2UKMNJbZK1MHz_JSWoy1TseNa3x2RUeiGhft_t3aNmlPMJAAh5nLcDmsXhobG5I-Qfzprp4I0fZ3cRQA2pWA/s1600/1069130_10151457827481856_1039886059_n.jpg" /></a>Combine all the ingredients in a large, heavy bottomed stock pot. Bring to a boil on med. high heat. Continue to boil for about 3-5 min. Turn down the heat and simmer for an additional 20 min. Remember to stir often to prevent burning as some of the liquid will evaporate. <br />
Taste often and adjust seasonings to taste. <br />
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<a href="http://www.pickyourown.org/peachsalsa.htm" target="_blank">Here</a> is where you can read about the sterilization and canning process. Don't skimp on the details! You don't want anyone to get sick because of improperly canning!<br />
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Enjoy! <br />
We sure are - finished a jar last night with a big plate of nachos! <br />
YUM!<br />
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D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-60255589564802211732013-03-08T16:34:00.003-06:002016-02-12T11:06:41.596-06:00She is Seven!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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And she loves talking, </div>
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and reading, </div>
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walking her dolls,</div>
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playing with Gran Gran,</div>
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riding her bike,</div>
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making all kinds of crafts,</div>
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watching a movie with lots of popcorn.</div>
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And she loves to make and give gifts,</div>
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play with smaller children,</div>
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give lots of hugs and snuggles,</div>
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take care of the sick,</div>
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play musical concerts,</div>
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ask questions and questions and questions,</div>
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learn.</div>
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And she is </div>
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Beautiful!</div>
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D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-56852491573668933102013-03-01T17:07:00.000-06:002016-02-12T11:01:50.922-06:00Parable of the Rich Man, Part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Welcome to Part 3!</span><br />
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I have been thinking about what God has shown me in Luke 12. <br />
I've been looking for even the slightest evidence of Kingdom thinking in how I look at/think about/spend money and possessions. <br />
I have to be honest, I fall short, very short. <br />
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As He almost always does, God is making His Teaching very practical in my life. <br />
During this time, He gave our family an unexpected, very generous gift. <br />
My first thoughts about this gift were, "What does God have for this?" and then,<br />
"What can we buy? How can we spend it?" <br />
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<b>Back to Luke 12 - - </b><br />
After Jesus tells the disciples to trust God to care for their needs, to change their thinking and way of living from gathering to giving, He goes on to tell 2 more parables about how Kingdom people are to live.<br />
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These parables are about Servants and how they act when the Master is away for a while.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">First Parable:</span><br />
<b>Master</b> - has gone to a wedding feast and is away from his home.<br />
<b>Servants</b> - while their master is away they stay ready, dressed, lamps are lit, waiting to immediately open the door when their master comes home and knocks, they are on alert, they are ready for their master even if he returns during the late hours of the morning.<br />
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<b>Result:</b> <br />
Master will: 1 - get himself ready to serve and will serve the servants himself<br />
2 - have the servants relax and recline at the table<br />
3 - come up and will wait on his servants himself<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">At this point, Peter, Jesus' special student, asks:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> <i><b>"Is this about us, or is it to everyone else, too?"</b></i></span><br />
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Jesus answers with another parable about servants and a master who goes away for a while:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Second Parable:</span><br />
<b>Master</b> - goes away for a time, puts an overseer in charge of feeding and caring for his servants<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><i><b>Good Overseer</b> - is blessed, his master comes home and finds him giving servants what they need at the proper time</i></span><br />
<b>Result:</b> Master puts this overseer in charge of all his possessions.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><i><b>Bad Overseer</b> - thinks in his heart, "My master will be gone a long time . . . "</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><i> - beats the servants </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><i> - eats and drinks and gets drunk</i></span><br />
<b>Result:</b> His master comes home on a day he doesn't expect and finds the overseer not doing his will. The master cuts the overseer to pieces and assigns him a place with the unbelievers.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><b>Moral of the Story: </b> The Master will make a judgement about His servants. Everyone who has been given much - much will be required of them, more will be asked of him.</span></span><br />
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Both of these stories teach that <i><b>those in the Kingdom of God are to live lives READY for the Master's return.</b></i> We know that Jesus is coming again and He has left us here, on His earth to do His Will. He has given us clear instructions. We are to be at work doing what He has left for us to do and ready at any minute for Him to return! We can expect reward or punishment for our behavior.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;">God's Judgement is Coming - Be Ready!</span><br />
Verse 49 - <b>Jesus teaches that God's Judgement is coming.</b> Jesus came to bring this Judgement - a fire that will destroy all that is not of God. <br />
First, there will be a clear division of those who follow Jesus and those who don't - none so clear as in earthly families themselves. <br />
He warns that we are to be wise and look at the signs of the times. The times are changing. Something new and different has come.<br />
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Verse 58 - Jesus warns that we should settle the case against us before going to court. I believe He is talking about the Judgement of God that will take place in His Holy Court. <br />
<i>Jesus is warning the people in the crowd to make every effort to settle our case with God before going to His Judgement Court.</i><br />
Why? - because we are all guilty and we will pay everything we have as our sentence.<br />
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<i>Natural Question comes to mind here?</i> - How can I settle? What can I do?<br />
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And, this is where Jesus wants us to be . . . facing who we really are and asking God,<br />
"How can I change this? Help me!"<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My Summary:</span></b><br />
-God cares for His People. <br />
-Those who live in God's Kingdom give freely to others in need because God takes care of our every need. <br />
-We think like this: "To whom can I give? How can I give? Whom can I bless?"<br />
Not like this: "I better hold on to this because I might need it in the future. I better get stocked up in case something happens." <br />
-People in God's Kingdom know that whatever they need, God will provide, whenever they need it.<br />
-People in God's Kingdom are serving God, ready for Jesus' return - even if it seems like He is taking a long time to come back. We believe He is coming and we live like it - taking care of all He has given us to do in the mean time.<br />
-People in God's Kingdom know how to read the signs of the times. We know the time of God's Judgement is coming and we have settle our case! Jesus is our settlement. He has paid the fine! <br />
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WHOO HOO! How I want to live my life in this TRUTH! I want to walk out on the water and trust God to care for me - freely giving and holding nothing back! I want to be found a faithful servant of my Beloved Master! <br />
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I know there is so much more to be found in the study of God's Word! <br />
I am so thankful for my precious Teacher, the Spirit of God, that leads me into all Truth. <br />
If there is error in any of my ideas/writings, I know HE will correct me and set me on the right path - the Path that leads to Life! <br />
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I encourage you to study for yourself God's Word! Let Him be your Teacher!<br />
You will never regret it and you will never be the same!<br />
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D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-89455215464539278882013-02-18T17:49:00.003-06:002016-02-12T11:01:50.925-06:00Parable of the Rich Man, Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Welcome to Part 2!</span></b></div>
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In Part 1 we had a bit of an overview of the Book of Luke in the Bible.</div>
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Chapter 12 of Luke is the chapter that stopped me in my tracks. </div>
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I can't wait to get to that point, so let's move on!<br />
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<b>Chapter 12</b></div>
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Jesus warned His followers against the teaching and lives of the religious leaders. He said the path they walked would lead to death.</div>
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A natural question at this point would be:</div>
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<b>If the religious leaders didn't know God and their way would lead to death, then, </b></div>
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<b>how can someone know God? What is the way to Life?</b><br />
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Ok, because I believe that the things Jesus teaches are Truth, let's switch to present tense. Try to imagine you are one of His followers or maybe one in the crowd, interested in what He has to say . . .<br />
He is speaking now:</div>
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Jesus warns His followers that if they believe what He says and start to live the way He teaches, they will be hunted by the religious leaders, too. His teachings are so revolutionary that they will be treated like criminals for following them.</div>
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He spends a lot of time in this chapter reassuring His followers that God loves them and God will take care of them. </div>
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He tells them not to be worried about what they will say when they are brought to trial as criminals. He says the Spirit of God will teach them what to say right in that very minute they need it.</div>
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<b>What does Life in God's Kingdom look like? How do people live there?</b></div>
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<i>(Oh, man, are you ready?! This is pretty amazing stuff and you may not ever be able to go back after hearing it!)</i></div>
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<b><i>Jesus says that people who live in God's Kingdom trust God to care for them.</i></b></div>
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He says that God loves His people so much that He cares for their <i>every need</i>. </div>
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God gives them food and drink. </div>
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God gives them clothes to wear. </div>
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God gives them everything for life. </div>
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Instead of worrying about these things and living their lives to provide themselves and their families with these things, people in the Kingdom of God seek God and believe that He will provide what they need to live. Free from worry about "tomorrow," they use what God gives them to serve others, today.</div>
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Jesus tells a story to emphasize his point. And, as many of His stories are, it is a parable.</div>
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<b>The Story of the Rich Man</b></div>
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<span class="text Luke-12-16-Luke-12-19" id="en-MSG-10911"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>“The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: ‘What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’ Then he said, ‘Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?’</span> </i></span></div>
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The Rich Farmer is a negative example.</div>
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He is rich already. He has land that is very productive. The land produces a great harvest. </div>
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He has a barn but it isn't big enough to hold all the harvest. </div>
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<b><i>Problem: What to do with the extra that he doesn't have room to store?</i></b></div>
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<b>His Solution</b>: Find a way to store everything in his harvest. Tear down his barn and build bigger ones.</div>
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<b>Why does he want to do this?</b> - So he can stop working and not worry about what he will eat. He can retire and live off his stored goods and grain.</div>
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<b>God says to the Rich Man:</b> You fool! Tonight you will die. Now, who will own what you have prepared.</div>
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<b>Jesus' Answer to the Parable</b></div>
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Don't worry, God will give you everything you need, including food, drink and clothes. </div>
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God cares for the tiny creatures of His Creation and He will care for you. </div>
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You are so much more than what you eat, drink or wear.</div>
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Seek God's Kingdom and then all these other things will be given.</div>
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Are you ready? Now He tells them what they are supposed to do. . . </div>
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<i><b>Instead of worrying and storing up for themselves for the future, the people in God's Kingdom:</b></i></div>
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1. Sell their possessions.</div>
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2. Give to charity/to the poor and needy.</div>
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WHY? - People in God's Kingdom don't store up things here on earth. They give! God provides for them and they are free from worry. They are free to think and live eternally - with a view toward Heaven. Treasures for Heaven are found in giving to those in need. </div>
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Oh my! We are free! Free to give and give and give from all the abundance God provides! </div>
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This is so deep and wide and high; I can barely put my brain around it. </div>
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Need some time to let it soak in? </div>
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Me, too. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>to be continued . . . </i></div>
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D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-37813663421275244522013-02-18T17:35:00.001-06:002016-02-12T11:01:50.917-06:00Parable of the Rich Man, Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0fE7e3W23r2UBf8i2PFfCO_cBXUD17j47950bh2NvCUfK5zMi5kIhFZPoHaI60PAaY8fE4L1quaGgUUPBgH4TS4pSajWtc-q7IdIAoJkP8YNeDVNAbLdv7hn0QTvyuZKTrt6lXoJew/s1600/abel-grimmer-month-of-september-parable-of-the-rich-man-who-built-greater-barns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0fE7e3W23r2UBf8i2PFfCO_cBXUD17j47950bh2NvCUfK5zMi5kIhFZPoHaI60PAaY8fE4L1quaGgUUPBgH4TS4pSajWtc-q7IdIAoJkP8YNeDVNAbLdv7hn0QTvyuZKTrt6lXoJew/s640/abel-grimmer-month-of-september-parable-of-the-rich-man-who-built-greater-barns.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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I love studying God's Word. I hear God speak to me and I come away changed. </div>
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Sometimes the changes are so world-shattering; I can never go back. </div>
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This month God has had me in the Book of Luke.</div>
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I will never be the same. . . </div>
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Luke was a physician who traveled with the ex-Pharisee, now follower of Jesus the Messiah, Paul. Paul had a dramatic conversion where he claimed he heard the voice of Jesus and then was blinded for several days. He was now traveling all over the Roman world teaching Jews and non-Jews about Jesus and why he believed Jesus was the Messiah - the Son of God sent to earth to proclaim that The Kingdom of God had come again on earth.</div>
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Luke also believed that Jesus was the Messiah He wrote a book for a man named Theophilus (Lover of God) who was probably a Roman official of some sort. Luke tells Theophilus that he has investigated everything carefully from the beginning and is writing it out for Theophilus in consecutive order, "... so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught." </div>
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Luke's book to Theophilus is a biography of Jesus.</div>
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What did Luke write about Jesus? What did he tell Theophilus - - over and over?</div>
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1. <b>Jesus proclaimed and taught about "The Kingdom of God."</b> </div>
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Jesus told stories that explained what God's Kingdom is like, </div>
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what the people in The Kingdom are like,</div>
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and how people can become part of The Kingdom. </div>
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2. People were sick and dying. </div>
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<b>Jesus healed sick people and brought dead people back to life. He made them </b></div>
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<b> healthy and alive.</b></div>
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3. People had demons and spirits living in them - making them sick, "crazy," and slaves to the demons. </div>
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<b>Jesus cast out demons from people. He set them free.</b></div>
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4. People were living in the terrible consequences of their sin.</div>
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<b> Jesus forgave people's sin.</b></div>
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5. <b>Jesus said He was the Son of God, The Messiah.</b></div>
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Jesus had thousands of people coming to hear Him speak and teach. They followed Him wherever He went. They asked Him to heal them and to cast out demons. Jesus had a smaller group of followers that He hand picked to teach personally and intimately. He trained these followers to also go into the villages and towns and teach about what He called The Kingdom of God. They, too, healed the sick and cast out demons from people.</div>
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Not everyone who heard Jesus teach liked what they heard or believed He was teaching the Truth. Many of the religious leaders disagreed with what Jesus taught and what He did. They believed He was actually a servant of Satan, not God. They wanted to trap Him somehow in His Teaching so they could prove He was wrong and have Him discredited with the people.</div>
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Jesus had very harsh words for these religious leaders - priests, experts in the Law of Moses, members of very conservative religious groups. He said that they tried their best to look and be important and "God-like" but they were really dead men on the inside. He said that they didn't know God at all. He warned the people following Him to stay away from the religious leaders and not to follow what they taught. Jesus told the people that the way of the religious leaders would lead them to death.</div>
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<b>If the religious leaders didn't know God and their way would lead to death, then, </b></div>
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<b>how can someone know God? What is the way to Life?</b></div>
</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Ok, let's stop here.</div>
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</div>
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It brings us up to about Chapter 12 in Luke's book. </div>
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The real meat of what God opened up to me this week is still yet to come! </div>
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Be warned!! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>to be continued . . . </i></div>
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D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-30142725601095688852012-06-28T13:54:00.000-05:002012-08-31T13:40:40.563-05:00The Crimea - Our First Family Vacation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpxwYeabjrilw9PEc4Zas6s0_BK0jxKg-fJ0mvqNxxoWSSU9n-jQB4YpK9rvBGK-DzjoBw8uLLXY9BKh_sK9vPMPUMSj_ntF_cnTfDLqg_y-GP_YPwPCCWtTuye3bAlbvlsdD-w_hBQ/s1600/DSCN3439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpxwYeabjrilw9PEc4Zas6s0_BK0jxKg-fJ0mvqNxxoWSSU9n-jQB4YpK9rvBGK-DzjoBw8uLLXY9BKh_sK9vPMPUMSj_ntF_cnTfDLqg_y-GP_YPwPCCWtTuye3bAlbvlsdD-w_hBQ/s640/DSCN3439.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Our view of the Black Sea from the apartment we rented just outside Yalta.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This spring we went South!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Well, first we went North, then we headed South . . .</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It was quite trip . . .</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We had some business to take care of in Smolensk so we </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">flew from Houston to Moscow, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">drove to Smolesnk, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">then, a few days later </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">we drove 24 hours to</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Crimea - on the Black Sea in Ukraine!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36OBoarC6qnubryzVFoqTGvUhj-Ezi96Li-6MUOu_CsFsoHJSSLpc7eOtmAnMXcNbyoCbv-6EO7hxJXDnL9jGeCdcZn5ZsK6pXHzW0_QfSZpwqU7QPOMu0mgr24-ZiRklLdXlW82qZQ/s1600/DSC_5745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36OBoarC6qnubryzVFoqTGvUhj-Ezi96Li-6MUOu_CsFsoHJSSLpc7eOtmAnMXcNbyoCbv-6EO7hxJXDnL9jGeCdcZn5ZsK6pXHzW0_QfSZpwqU7QPOMu0mgr24-ZiRklLdXlW82qZQ/s640/DSC_5745.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Masha and Sophia enjoy ice-cream in Yalta</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We met up with some mountain biking buddies just outside of Yalta. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And, stayed in a hostel that caters to those who love downhill riding.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Every morning, the guys went up and down the mountains a few times </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">while the women and children took in the area attractions.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVbDxcOfjSx0oHdEa5ORVkINEL-6VLC6ZsuRdeTiiBmTXwjoMcz2lJSz7p4FazbKd1U7UuU5Jp7ftP0QjwRh7sS-Q_j-3JrIjDzjuWLslIupOBRGt3x8aqjZ2C-PIzn_gYK54ncIY0Q/s1600/DSC_5813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVbDxcOfjSx0oHdEa5ORVkINEL-6VLC6ZsuRdeTiiBmTXwjoMcz2lJSz7p4FazbKd1U7UuU5Jp7ftP0QjwRh7sS-Q_j-3JrIjDzjuWLslIupOBRGt3x8aqjZ2C-PIzn_gYK54ncIY0Q/s640/DSC_5813.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Can only imagine what these Babushki are talking about . . . and what they have lived thru . . .</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yalta is a quaint sea-side town.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It feels very Old World.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">- a mix of Europe, Russia, Asia - </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">- of Islam and Christianity-</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">- of The Empire and The Soviets - </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anton Chekov "The Lady With the Dog (and 3 crazy kid)" statue in Yalta</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The history alone is complicated </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">with groups coming and going,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">wars raging,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">dreams of a New Constantinople,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">of a pure people and a true faith . . . </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">nothing new under the sun, it seems.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Yalta - I love how the mountains fall into the Sea and bump right up to my dear husband, keeping all in line.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The topography is amazing. <br /><br />For some reason I always imagined the Black Sea to be murky, grey . . .<br />and, it can be, just before a rain.<br />But usually it is a brilliant blue.<br />Not bright, like the Mediterranean,<br />but brilliant, almost royal.<br /><br />And the mountains . . .<br />great slides for a giant's water park,<br /> just roll into the sea.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">This, my friends, is a great invention! <br /> Masha and Sophia spent hours catching fish while the parents rested!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Experiencing a new part of the world with my husband - LOVED IT! (Can you guess my love language?)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We had so much fun strolling along the boardwalk,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">eating ice-cream, fishing for magnet sea creatures, and people watching . . .</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">old Ukrainian,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">New Russian . . . </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIxvZRaS2tSXTesrqAX0sCh5yn511FzRvRiP50UINDTO3fpBGdBYJALpArK74XZ1A4sPsnWeKOr_rdpJCfIIrwHr4w9auKfr4cMzcZiK8njL5iYWZKxVA92xYEAqEafi5R33e9lhABQ/s1600/DSC_5791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIxvZRaS2tSXTesrqAX0sCh5yn511FzRvRiP50UINDTO3fpBGdBYJALpArK74XZ1A4sPsnWeKOr_rdpJCfIIrwHr4w9auKfr4cMzcZiK8njL5iYWZKxVA92xYEAqEafi5R33e9lhABQ/s640/DSC_5791.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Swallow's Nest" - a small castle built by a Baltic German oil magnate for his ballerina mistress.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUdI7Czxn-KRdI1dQbk6sif2fJ43pbtGmmKViGwp0U2SL8PsI7dsKT5uq8h6uukHIGpUm3QZigW5zjAwUpvD_13iLKON3b_t0JPYF_ajhrwVRXNSsBrwXViPe-AgU5XMXTBXYOuq7Fw/s1600/DSC_5905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUdI7Czxn-KRdI1dQbk6sif2fJ43pbtGmmKViGwp0U2SL8PsI7dsKT5uq8h6uukHIGpUm3QZigW5zjAwUpvD_13iLKON3b_t0JPYF_ajhrwVRXNSsBrwXViPe-AgU5XMXTBXYOuq7Fw/s640/DSC_5905.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Sophia and Masha in awe as we ride up the mountain.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We climbed the mountains . . .</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnbcJ7mMUvoa-WLLJsO9KXEUMkATuYYOVg3qjSUHgt1hQUsj2kcWwpCKHGRVcNXkIrGMCM1mA2p-x-uXcrmDsYfH9Qlyds11hCNxx0LNOyHMGhgEhREJXYcpxgDnhLH0jvtWKA2WbdQ/s1600/DSCN3245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnbcJ7mMUvoa-WLLJsO9KXEUMkATuYYOVg3qjSUHgt1hQUsj2kcWwpCKHGRVcNXkIrGMCM1mA2p-x-uXcrmDsYfH9Qlyds11hCNxx0LNOyHMGhgEhREJXYcpxgDnhLH0jvtWKA2WbdQ/s640/DSCN3245.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Going up! </span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In large gondolas - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> moving rooms with a view,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">barely missing the jagged cliffs </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">just inches from our fingertips.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZCI6W9IWjV5CsKA29iKDWSsOBdMGKGqDVAtra8RnwJQpOrGz1Kgerr8nZYt3Gk4Kmh2jpl8gBLW-1q34ha7wK14nkh6XqHRwGlZ3CDeR61DeVERme9ploqOEqdz0w8mP9-GA2zHwUg/s1600/DSC_5912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZCI6W9IWjV5CsKA29iKDWSsOBdMGKGqDVAtra8RnwJQpOrGz1Kgerr8nZYt3Gk4Kmh2jpl8gBLW-1q34ha7wK14nkh6XqHRwGlZ3CDeR61DeVERme9ploqOEqdz0w8mP9-GA2zHwUg/s640/DSC_5912.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">What a view!</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Mountains over-looking the sea.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Look at the colors in the sky and water . . .</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> No wonder artists flocked to live here </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and the nobles summered every year here.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyOYYsy_yywdMjP7xpdeBTjfVT1xSAELs2IRs45t9GWdK1Z8YCg_8Wk00kIGy6gt-xKKqzTmULrwsWf3NedVp8eOD1CLzW6tUYD5YHgeFnq4TFfWaT5PR9WFqnKqOA8yQhAAut5jFXw/s1600/DSC_5931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyOYYsy_yywdMjP7xpdeBTjfVT1xSAELs2IRs45t9GWdK1Z8YCg_8Wk00kIGy6gt-xKKqzTmULrwsWf3NedVp8eOD1CLzW6tUYD5YHgeFnq4TFfWaT5PR9WFqnKqOA8yQhAAut5jFXw/s640/DSC_5931.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Dressed in Crimean Tartar hats on top of the mountain.</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> At the top of Ai Petri (Greek for Saint Peter)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">we met a community of Crimean Tartars.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">These people were deported from their native land </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">during WWII.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Stalin wasn't sure of their loyalty, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">so to get the problem out of the way,</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">he had them all sent to Central Asia.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In a matter of hours, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">they lost their homes and most of their possessions.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Just recently, the Ukrainian government has invited the Crimean Tartars to return home.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Many are now living on their family's land again.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There is still tension, </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">still some mistrust. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anton getting ready to ride - and what a view!</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">While some of us took the "sissy way" up the mountain,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">others braved the serpentine twists of road </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">so they could fly down and off the sides.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC4-3fl453E6Km-anC6QrIefWlTyf3F4Hz1JiF5qgsrdtaoJSBhzLbBxFM1qcTZxkvsSE1YTnP4H17H00oYj4Z2NuS-ro5Utnw8B9V98M41NdEyvxoZI4ULDfCKuT8_g4Tlm55CTNuw/s1600/DSCN3168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_58WskaCK-bytiLHpwf9HXSuUdTjUM8asxVInQS4btYvvFKq_Cf-TWFidlDdw8g8Di7DEXEm0tFKWDXbWRFv3mvpxMELCzSdLFx6sz_kO46qiIbv5S4zMEgMWoKQfuB16kyalfbsMQ/s1600/DSC_5980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_58WskaCK-bytiLHpwf9HXSuUdTjUM8asxVInQS4btYvvFKq_Cf-TWFidlDdw8g8Di7DEXEm0tFKWDXbWRFv3mvpxMELCzSdLFx6sz_kO46qiIbv5S4zMEgMWoKQfuB16kyalfbsMQ/s640/DSC_5980.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Here he comes!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Mt Bike Heaven!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzYlLC5n9wq5RIKYuXB-_u6-XAzbx_CS7_jLas9Vugt-_CQHjyaHQkjh7k9RCtu4UJi6PSvG6jg3Ml5gjNyjizRAQlZ58IyQFmG2xANchu6HFavsEzlFm8XFJ_y5ZSBlDEH2oBYL79Q/s1600/DSC_5990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzYlLC5n9wq5RIKYuXB-_u6-XAzbx_CS7_jLas9Vugt-_CQHjyaHQkjh7k9RCtu4UJi6PSvG6jg3Ml5gjNyjizRAQlZ58IyQFmG2xANchu6HFavsEzlFm8XFJ_y5ZSBlDEH2oBYL79Q/s640/DSC_5990.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Biker in Black! - I think I see a smile of anticipation!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBnhv3gdbA1GcZGhyphenhyphenseK806jcqqFCavhniuM_T7DoGcVonAc45ZNt2NrscsHgmZSXz-nbgwOvh3Zl5aWo9am4u0UqLIqV1wOve7hvRRMnP3UZ60dpN0i1ZwzgUvKcVUCR2obJH5GcpA/s1600/DSCN3352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBnhv3gdbA1GcZGhyphenhyphenseK806jcqqFCavhniuM_T7DoGcVonAc45ZNt2NrscsHgmZSXz-nbgwOvh3Zl5aWo9am4u0UqLIqV1wOve7hvRRMnP3UZ60dpN0i1ZwzgUvKcVUCR2obJH5GcpA/s640/DSCN3352.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The bottom of the trail . . . </span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is a whole new culture </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">invading The Crimea.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It has its own language, armor,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">costume, code of ethics, and rules of engagement.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxuxWGzEvOCzLL0Kd1MTWQAwu0tYAim2M0Ci_GOKlM_d1VOufMmv-P9uzyH6tiYLz-mxyax7faGpLlDR29HqJ_l7_8I0IkUS6znfUxKKLxqm1pfeZcfmpOXDxyUDryr4j4kYlo8_LvQ/s1600/DSCN3368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxuxWGzEvOCzLL0Kd1MTWQAwu0tYAim2M0Ci_GOKlM_d1VOufMmv-P9uzyH6tiYLz-mxyax7faGpLlDR29HqJ_l7_8I0IkUS6znfUxKKLxqm1pfeZcfmpOXDxyUDryr4j4kYlo8_LvQ/s640/DSCN3368.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">My cool biker dude!</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But still, it is young men,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">looking for adventure </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and adrenaline rush.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Pushing themselves to the limit </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">physically and mentally.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Conquering their fears </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and the mountain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Yep, n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">othing much new under the sun . . . </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDV-esPdpYkup6sctR7qGhxYhruqkHfJqAe24L7E1KeFGEVkU0RZk-1tpsY5PzP-0LvzXhJkYwtZljay1DMkxf-UfPF7VmNHbMDpXMSd4yg4SptCu7uuQAwbv4QEq_Pt6b5_hLLfW3A/s1600/DSCN3363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDV-esPdpYkup6sctR7qGhxYhruqkHfJqAe24L7E1KeFGEVkU0RZk-1tpsY5PzP-0LvzXhJkYwtZljay1DMkxf-UfPF7VmNHbMDpXMSd4yg4SptCu7uuQAwbv4QEq_Pt6b5_hLLfW3A/s640/DSCN3363.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Secret mount lake known only to those who ride the trails!</span></td></tr>
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWRsi7qE8soQthw8FCTVF9Ln9Umc4m2E8q9_OwSgcfDlfmVljUfEPC24mIP63j5gvRjbylPIMJACAfKurId3x98ajSHovFXkrLepTogno4LdIskpLPc9_fqyqD0ZuCWthUkgqyM0-FQ/s1600/DSCN3203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWRsi7qE8soQthw8FCTVF9Ln9Umc4m2E8q9_OwSgcfDlfmVljUfEPC24mIP63j5gvRjbylPIMJACAfKurId3x98ajSHovFXkrLepTogno4LdIskpLPc9_fqyqD0ZuCWthUkgqyM0-FQ/s640/DSCN3203.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Littlest Mermaid" - Sophia and the Black Sea</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Sea!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Every morning, after a common breakfast,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> the men went off to battle the mountains</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and the women and children inched carefully </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">down the steep slopes </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">to </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Sea!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpC9jhGWJHPhosQ-gcU5TrZEwcXtJ9Xchn8zjgn0b70CFT6UNUP_NkQrt8rgA5AK0zj7-9SeRjQ79EZPPdZJkzo4_A7wTsYJAMjRI_SHYIOWSmBA-rp_tc7YTwA3Vc37pdYxaNOxVWQ/s1600/DSCN3216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpC9jhGWJHPhosQ-gcU5TrZEwcXtJ9Xchn8zjgn0b70CFT6UNUP_NkQrt8rgA5AK0zj7-9SeRjQ79EZPPdZJkzo4_A7wTsYJAMjRI_SHYIOWSmBA-rp_tc7YTwA3Vc37pdYxaNOxVWQ/s640/DSCN3216.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"OOOooo! It's COLD!"</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The sun was warm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> the Black Sea is cold in May!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We sat on a rocky beach.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The children ventured into the water to </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">catch jellyfish that didn't sting.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">They built rock castles</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and buried each other up to the neck in hot rocks.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtoZlUE8Sn7tsaAYVIzUy4NiLiK8dmUx8zJ5Ru_G02TYs21dmmBmff4QixoLgh-BFEtmbyQzb5RCfpRKOFOgo8gEtGj3aUJE5VNvdKDidNHQCBaGc30Io56qWryhYWlaVtS4qnbI7mA/s1600/DSCN3230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtoZlUE8Sn7tsaAYVIzUy4NiLiK8dmUx8zJ5Ru_G02TYs21dmmBmff4QixoLgh-BFEtmbyQzb5RCfpRKOFOgo8gEtGj3aUJE5VNvdKDidNHQCBaGc30Io56qWryhYWlaVtS4qnbI7mA/s640/DSCN3230.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Some people pay big bucks for a hot rock treatment!</span></td></tr>
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<table 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB0l8O3Ae5DZGEnjfsIbPHNkK7RECU7vtW48Fzt8YgZ0oJVwtJpBd-7Mgqn8Zbwa1CTGWZnETVbco0UO00fH3yoXiql-zMcDOpXX3hlFlKdxi2nqpTDJxqCZ3tSJWhXcT7GqUAB7rTg/s1600/DSC_6043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB0l8O3Ae5DZGEnjfsIbPHNkK7RECU7vtW48Fzt8YgZ0oJVwtJpBd-7Mgqn8Zbwa1CTGWZnETVbco0UO00fH3yoXiql-zMcDOpXX3hlFlKdxi2nqpTDJxqCZ3tSJWhXcT7GqUAB7rTg/s640/DSC_6043.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Volodya - riding on the back of a beautiful Beluga whale.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One day we visited an aquarium.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The white whales allowed Volodya to swim with them.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They took him for a ride in exchange for fish and approval.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wish I could have captured his beaming smile</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and saved it to share on difficult days.</span></span></td></tr>
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWi-lXaL3WagREi-vG6VjkR1ltZdFy-8-IJTqVIFmyfQXZyZej_v_-b5HW00dknCKQuSqkRKz3PXt2dby3ZsRO5Kq1VWjIrFjmxoVF2pLtH1UZEH14ZujKgerUBczdwQ62Ar8r2W41w/s1600/DSC_5821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWi-lXaL3WagREi-vG6VjkR1ltZdFy-8-IJTqVIFmyfQXZyZej_v_-b5HW00dknCKQuSqkRKz3PXt2dby3ZsRO5Kq1VWjIrFjmxoVF2pLtH1UZEH14ZujKgerUBczdwQ62Ar8r2W41w/s640/DSC_5821.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">BFF! - "Best Friends Forever" </span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Smiles and ice-cream.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Friends.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQf7GgVd5QBe8HQL947_QleTJbSEpaf7oRZAk6DYU0XAVaHYgKDBkpHU3a7ugwqQ5FO8yqnZnw9bk4Bm14kRXI-iD4n8qK0UzhCNjUljQCNWXMWL4chY0jcUJ-ZNxPWxM3ChkiSA1Ow/s1600/DSC_5850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQf7GgVd5QBe8HQL947_QleTJbSEpaf7oRZAk6DYU0XAVaHYgKDBkpHU3a7ugwqQ5FO8yqnZnw9bk4Bm14kRXI-iD4n8qK0UzhCNjUljQCNWXMWL4chY0jcUJ-ZNxPWxM3ChkiSA1Ow/s640/DSC_5850.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">ICF! - " Ice-Cream Forever!"</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Sun and Sea.</span></div>
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6LZGH6-s4H1eW5ZKSTdYRvSDPIemWm3McsYc5euZRhYgkcs46JeLNauxvB576n2nNMVIWBDIy3M0T62MVEijGO-kxLY-Rh6hTGssK5bHiCokyaDhiMhKEg6HE5QVBHKqZCzMpMzjZw/s1600/DSC_5993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6LZGH6-s4H1eW5ZKSTdYRvSDPIemWm3McsYc5euZRhYgkcs46JeLNauxvB576n2nNMVIWBDIy3M0T62MVEijGO-kxLY-Rh6hTGssK5bHiCokyaDhiMhKEg6HE5QVBHKqZCzMpMzjZw/s640/DSC_5993.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">A Room With the Most Incredible View!</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Mountains and Sea</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and Sky.</span></div>
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAuPrKnVI5Uo0WXSgiyI87E0IcSeND7TBdEms72RwRHXuIzuM_bAHeKTzcI8JCCVoR-a-Vn7Ybf7XWhHMFhFUv5jxhMM1lO4RZpoFVBBaiwfuFjQho71kLeGpZDvyrgS_izjVz8WN1A/s1600/DSC_6076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAuPrKnVI5Uo0WXSgiyI87E0IcSeND7TBdEms72RwRHXuIzuM_bAHeKTzcI8JCCVoR-a-Vn7Ybf7XWhHMFhFUv5jxhMM1lO4RZpoFVBBaiwfuFjQho71kLeGpZDvyrgS_izjVz8WN1A/s640/DSC_6076.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Yastrebov's Family Vacation</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Crimea.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> A wonderful first vacation.</span></div>
</div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-22888236543918776902012-03-29T16:05:00.000-05:002012-08-31T13:41:00.092-05:00A Texas Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpLmW4zLN_aSVKhhXk8EowMOVOusIBB-vbBdMl4k_u4UMUQY_doRr0XRM5VauIfxes8_h8f2_K5x3VWXw7BpNLXHI3JXAawkGZGENfx-6hXAhCxLIkf4EDYwhPwGOyWgValdG09EoQw/s1600/DSC_5347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpLmW4zLN_aSVKhhXk8EowMOVOusIBB-vbBdMl4k_u4UMUQY_doRr0XRM5VauIfxes8_h8f2_K5x3VWXw7BpNLXHI3JXAawkGZGENfx-6hXAhCxLIkf4EDYwhPwGOyWgValdG09EoQw/s640/DSC_5347.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sophia in the middle of Mrs Lee's daffodil garden.</i></td></tr>
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</div>
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This is my first Texas Spring in many years . . . and it is Anton and Sophia's first . . . ever.</div>
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Texas Springtime is full of SUN! </div>
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Bright, harsh, full-blast SUN!</div>
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyHAPFExt8M_UZXJ6EML0BWKi2TvlSnvfZU1p6JFdmBFzJPmGOkAe0lagzHgF-1cTZGTcss5zAK1M6lFZ_pSGM_CBCFBevG0gkmirElOM-gOePe1npMHIH8uVjCqvjhj62NPrbSI7oQ/s1600/DSC_5318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyHAPFExt8M_UZXJ6EML0BWKi2TvlSnvfZU1p6JFdmBFzJPmGOkAe0lagzHgF-1cTZGTcss5zAK1M6lFZ_pSGM_CBCFBevG0gkmirElOM-gOePe1npMHIH8uVjCqvjhj62NPrbSI7oQ/s640/DSC_5318.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Do daffodils smell, Mom?"</i></td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is no <a href="http://www.mymatrioshkalife.com/2011/03/looking-for-spring.html" target="_blank">"Big Thaw"</a> here.</div>
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No standing water.</div>
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No piles of trash and dog poop that suddenly appear after the cover of snow is gone.</div>
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There are no slip-sliding days.</div>
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No need for galoshes at all.</div>
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There is no mud.</div>
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In Texas, we slip </div>
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quietly, warmly</div>
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into Spring.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Just a few weeks of beautiful weather.</div>
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Blooming everywhere - full of bright green and technicolor</div>
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Before the heat begins.</div>
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVG4SgED7Dx6Y826fgWyULMKvm8UKPQMzczZe5s4AybcjxWGxwSPQRYPUSJwpp_r7OUL5FeN4kvTdWHNd5sKdFua9B-07YWfn7NAwmE_nENM3IVslDlBLn2PJcHWgxKnPSLoWHH9I84w/s1600/DSC_5342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVG4SgED7Dx6Y826fgWyULMKvm8UKPQMzczZe5s4AybcjxWGxwSPQRYPUSJwpp_r7OUL5FeN4kvTdWHNd5sKdFua9B-07YWfn7NAwmE_nENM3IVslDlBLn2PJcHWgxKnPSLoWHH9I84w/s640/DSC_5342.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Holding hands in the garden.</i></td></tr>
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In Texas, the daffodils show their heads in March.</div>
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They are the first heralds of Spring!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NNQjCk0kG0k7l0eC4u20npxQt7hp1L1eG3YjlWlD3LkPLHVdQiXQUpUjVwMBy-fNKgxOyHYvrBPCL6a0KZ-hxwWy__CRFzPaTEfabmHYQnhGc84a2CQdvF14Y7UJGFjg_Sca9-sYKg/s1600/DSC_5357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NNQjCk0kG0k7l0eC4u20npxQt7hp1L1eG3YjlWlD3LkPLHVdQiXQUpUjVwMBy-fNKgxOyHYvrBPCL6a0KZ-hxwWy__CRFzPaTEfabmHYQnhGc84a2CQdvF14Y7UJGFjg_Sca9-sYKg/s640/DSC_5357.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then come the dogwoods.</div>
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Their delicate white sprinkling hope in the dark, still-barren woods.</div>
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A signal for the blooming and budding to begin.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ka_VlB6FYWxxN5z1mdvIEHIIhXgOLTNeVb_dpzY-zMjsAJ5X2H08HwyLBgJCBoDQg3QsXbbJ-ipQP24bg69i9JpmpmU9zIT3Qbqi6Wxy9s0EuPpzPBfDJ5HAbaoy73tVwtidsLv8Dw/s1600/DSC_5424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ka_VlB6FYWxxN5z1mdvIEHIIhXgOLTNeVb_dpzY-zMjsAJ5X2H08HwyLBgJCBoDQg3QsXbbJ-ipQP24bg69i9JpmpmU9zIT3Qbqi6Wxy9s0EuPpzPBfDJ5HAbaoy73tVwtidsLv8Dw/s640/DSC_5424.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Delivering St Patrick's Day goodies!</i></td></tr>
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The flowers come out - and so do neighbors!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxJ8JwXsLOR0_HfUq5Zy-GwpZBYxInHnBBxybxMvvG4W8fKx8AgPm4dCrEl39V6uGFcfqN4gZBJnvE1K5DsLXCIvp0J0ye9O7k3g9AkmAOkvqOqoZ2vFnCTV4urDp_FbarBUzaKQ8sA/s1600/DSC_5426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxJ8JwXsLOR0_HfUq5Zy-GwpZBYxInHnBBxybxMvvG4W8fKx8AgPm4dCrEl39V6uGFcfqN4gZBJnvE1K5DsLXCIvp0J0ye9O7k3g9AkmAOkvqOqoZ2vFnCTV4urDp_FbarBUzaKQ8sA/s640/DSC_5426.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Little princesses, in their tiaras and best bright green</div>
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Sharing goodies in celebration of Spring!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenDCGPteoIzRu44WN_YptAraeh5HCHq3c1cNOoK0_4qV6WzDL5r_cFF09kFUeQAqlk4o0juFBGBfLdY7yY4DM91rTNud6Vg_od5qWS1PzNA2SX4oBGdKslpKAgv6wt-bp7jxa7vdpBg/s1600/DSC_5506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenDCGPteoIzRu44WN_YptAraeh5HCHq3c1cNOoK0_4qV6WzDL5r_cFF09kFUeQAqlk4o0juFBGBfLdY7yY4DM91rTNud6Vg_od5qWS1PzNA2SX4oBGdKslpKAgv6wt-bp7jxa7vdpBg/s640/DSC_5506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And, women in hats </div>
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Gather for a Southern salad luncheon</div>
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On the lake where azaleas bloom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-_uZy9h6A28JvSwSBx8lh4kkYSeEkITR1x9qAK8MPChGnTNfha_XVYNvMmbD35r9AcY56s-lUYs44LFYc01kAt7Cgaw6o27vmHWNxsj0_Xs_Ugf1P5UFY3L_DimbwWaHROweYGofgQ/s1600/DSC_5512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-_uZy9h6A28JvSwSBx8lh4kkYSeEkITR1x9qAK8MPChGnTNfha_XVYNvMmbD35r9AcY56s-lUYs44LFYc01kAt7Cgaw6o27vmHWNxsj0_Xs_Ugf1P5UFY3L_DimbwWaHROweYGofgQ/s640/DSC_5512.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Seven and eight feet tall</div>
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Bushes awash in soft vibrant flowers.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mom won in the "Makes Me Smile" category in the hat competition.</i></td></tr>
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Even prize-winning Springtime hats </div>
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Pale in comparison.</div>
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Thank you, God, for a Texas Spring!</div>
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Thank you for each budding, growing thing!</div>
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Thank you for friends with whom to share</div>
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Your great Beauty </div>
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Everywhere!</div>
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</div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-23819396184282974982012-03-15T15:00:00.001-05:002012-03-20T19:58:05.676-05:00Still Crazy For Coconuts - A 6 Week Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4evYoM7vXIPcmIfW2Q6SbR8AsaC0PumjKj8fKamHMVeyPB7yImZD648zJZwEjnj0iG7eRrgC0rlSlIzWKlcKcQhDOcCvDMe1_DR2hq3wzEhNp7ZzE4-5Djg5poCtwW6A5p1WfqmIMJg/s1600/DSC_5394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4evYoM7vXIPcmIfW2Q6SbR8AsaC0PumjKj8fKamHMVeyPB7yImZD648zJZwEjnj0iG7eRrgC0rlSlIzWKlcKcQhDOcCvDMe1_DR2hq3wzEhNp7ZzE4-5Djg5poCtwW6A5p1WfqmIMJg/s640/DSC_5394.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother and Sophia at Mrs Lee's Daffodil Garden</td></tr>
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About 6 weeks have passed since we began using coconut oil and I last posted. <br />
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Before I get into the results we've seen, let me review what we have been doing.<br />
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<b>Our Coco-nutty Life:</b><br />
- Every meal, Mother adds about a tablespoon of coconut oil in with her warm food. <br />
(the food needs to be warm for the oil to melt - it becomes solid at room temp)<br />
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- Every so often we use about a tablespoon of the liquid MCT oil in smoothies/shakes/or cold<br />
foods.<br />
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- Often, in preparing our meals, I will substitute the fat I would have normally used (butter, mayo<br />
olive oil) for coconut oil. I have found no taste difference but the coconut oil does tend to<br />
smoke at high temps.<br />
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So, daily, Mother has been getting about 3-4 tablespoons of the coconut oil and/or MCT oil in her diet.<br />
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<b>Results:</b><br />
I did a verbal survey of the people in our family, living in the house with Mama, and here is what we had to say:<br />
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Mother - "I think more clearly. I have more energy. Sleep better."<br />
Daddy - "She is much more alert. She argues more, has stronger opinions. She gets up better by<br />
herself."<br />
Sophia - "She doesn't sleep so much and she plays more with me."<br />
Me - "She gets herself up in the morning and gets breakfast. She initiates activities by herself, like<br />
cleaning the kitchen, helping with meals, and picking up around the house. She is ready<br />
and eager to go walking/exercising. She seems to remember a little better things that<br />
earlier, I wouldn't have expected her to remember."<br />
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<b>Others Going Coco-Nuts:</b><br />
In the last 6 weeks we have had at least 6 people tell us that they have starting using coconut oil with their loved ones. One gentleman called and told me that his wife had all but stopped talking and after using the oil, she has started talking again!<br />
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<b>Caution:</b><br />
Weight gain! I have noticed that Mother's clothes are fitting a little tighter. She will weigh at the doctor's office next week and we'll be able to confirm any weight gain. <br />
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<b>Our Conclusion:</b><br />
We have seen significant improvement in quality of life for Mama. She sees and feels this herself.<br />
We are going to keep using the oil!<br />
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Yes, we're still going COCO-NUTS! <br />
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DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical doctor (neither do I play one on TV) and cannot make any scientific/medical claims about the effects of coconut oil on any illness. Please consult your doctor!</div>
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<br /></div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-67835818053551898952012-01-31T16:31:00.001-06:002012-02-01T13:30:19.123-06:00We're Crazy For Coconuts!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Alzheimer's Disease and Coconut Oil</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPkNcjECxPj8cQgrsWj4NSAu5lqTTCf70PlRN_GVg2CTnYrhohFwI1QaBKQomvnYWwbcNrtIXf1EjrjRUsGKic5SqWygsFs54Zn0vPOhVJjouCsvQpgiqTPpHHgIvaiLGHBvxHOcSSg/s1600/2014368215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPkNcjECxPj8cQgrsWj4NSAu5lqTTCf70PlRN_GVg2CTnYrhohFwI1QaBKQomvnYWwbcNrtIXf1EjrjRUsGKic5SqWygsFs54Zn0vPOhVJjouCsvQpgiqTPpHHgIvaiLGHBvxHOcSSg/s400/2014368215.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"> ANDREW SCRIVANI / NYT</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What does coconut oil have to do with Alzheimer's disease? </span></div>
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My mother was diagnosed a year ago with the beginning stages of Alzheimer's. </div>
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It is a horrible disease, taking away a little of your brain at a time. </div>
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Alzheimer's has been called, "The Long Good-bye."</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa4sx2lzeJw-H7FyTgYt1LuxKAcA7LydZRf-Crw98pD5NcZk2VjRUObYdEgjobtKc54uacA1CnOj6R5137QKNN9a5cTEN5uFQqMvKshYnCygnz6U1YpITEDIKvoBZ8Kq2YzX2nP8FUQ/s1600/DSC_3086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa4sx2lzeJw-H7FyTgYt1LuxKAcA7LydZRf-Crw98pD5NcZk2VjRUObYdEgjobtKc54uacA1CnOj6R5137QKNN9a5cTEN5uFQqMvKshYnCygnz6U1YpITEDIKvoBZ8Kq2YzX2nP8FUQ/s400/DSC_3086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents at their 50th Wedding Anniversary this past year.</td></tr>
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My mother has been doing quite well, really.</div>
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It is obvious that her memory is getting worse. </div>
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Her balance is off. </div>
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She forgets things that have happened recently. </div>
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She is having a more difficult time reading. </div>
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She can't find things that are in her daily routine - make-up, toothbrush and paste - just can't put her hands on them.</div>
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She is much quieter. She listens more. Talks less.</div>
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Last week, in our Bible study group, she told all of us that she needed prayer.</div>
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<i><b>"I have been content in Faith to know that God will take me through this illness. I never asked God to take the Alzheimer's away, just to give me everything I need to get through it. But, it is getting harder to do the normal things I've always done and, lately, I've been asking God to take this illness away. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>I don't know if I can do this. I need your prayer."</b></i></div>
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I sit here in tears as I write this. </div>
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She is my Precious Mother . . . </div>
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Yesterday, a church friend of Mom's sent her an email with a link to a video. </div>
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<a href="http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/mp4/LJO190v1_WS" target="_blank">http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/mp4/LJO190v1_WS</a></div>
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I watched it and called Mother in to watch it with me. </div>
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We downloaded a Kindle version of Dr Newport's book, </div>
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Mom started reading it immediately. </div>
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I began reading everything I could on the internet.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">More of this series of interviews can be found <a href="http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=coconut+oil+interviews+youtube&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#q=coconut+oil+interviews+youtube+dr+newport&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=vid&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=g5IpT4r7JomH2AXK8LzlAg&ved=0CEQQqwQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=a514793f73ed7add&biw=1593&bih=858" target="_blank">here on Youtube</a>.</span></div>
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We read and watched enough to convince us to give coconut oil a try. </div>
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I sent Mom and Dad to our local health store for some pure, non-hydrogenated coconut oil. </div>
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It took them a while, but they came home with the right stuff!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>We have decided to be "crazy for coconuts." </b></span></div>
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We are going to have our own little test. </div>
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Mom is willing!</div>
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Yesterday, she had about 2 tablespoons of the oil with her food. </div>
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Today, she has already had another 2 tablespoons. </div>
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At lunch, I asked Mom, <i>"Do you notice any difference in yourself?"</i></div>
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She replied, <b><i>"What kind of differences do you think there could be?"</i></b></div>
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<i>"I don't know. Just whatever you notice about your mood, memory, abilities . . ."</i></div>
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<b><i>"I'll let you know." </i></b> </div>
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We'll be reporting back the results we find, as we find them! </div>
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Meanwhile, <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/foodwine/2014368447_goodappetite02.html" target="_blank">here is an interesting article</a> from the New York Times about coconut oil, research, and even some recipes.</div>
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</div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-49716863398449991042012-01-25T16:39:00.001-06:002012-01-25T16:46:45.928-06:00Coming Soon . . . Design Your Own TERVIS!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2dHyVvKK-pK-q0S6RoCIBYKnEG_04RC73WsYxDVR9sDvUUpBYEGNNE7lZh0IcC_g4FkaTWV08eZF0-VJ-C-UgL4lRzEBClpjyBuTWc8nqV5W-zrLNkBMhhXBkXxOn5y_n376KxDLMw/s1600/DSC_5047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2dHyVvKK-pK-q0S6RoCIBYKnEG_04RC73WsYxDVR9sDvUUpBYEGNNE7lZh0IcC_g4FkaTWV08eZF0-VJ-C-UgL4lRzEBClpjyBuTWc8nqV5W-zrLNkBMhhXBkXxOn5y_n376KxDLMw/s640/DSC_5047.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you discovered <a href="http://www.tervis.com/info/anatomy-of-a-tervis" target="_blank">these cups</a>? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If not, believe me, you simply must be introduced!</span><br />
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Dear Person Reading My Blog </span>(btw, thank you so much for dropping by,)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> please meet my favorite new drinking device - The </span><a href="http://www.tervis.com/info/anatomy-of-a-tervis" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Tervis</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Tumbler."</span></b></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">These cups are amazing! </span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>They come with a life-time guarantee!</b></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>They keep cold drinks cold for HOURS</b> - even in sub-tropical Texas heat!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>They keep hot drinks warm.</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My experience is that warm doesn't keep for quite as long as cold - but, still, for at least a couple of hours you'll have a nice warm cup'o.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>They are virtually indestructible.</b> We are a clumsy lot and have dropped them many times - not even a scratch!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>They don't "sweat" and never leave a wet ring.</b></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>They are dish-washer safe. </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Very important here - no matter how many times we say we are each going to use ONE glass all day. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>They come with 500 designs</b> from which to choose - for young and old alike! </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>They can be personalized</b> with your own names or words. </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And, now . . . </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">their website says that soon, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">we will be able to <a href="http://www.tervis.com/customizer-ldg" target="_blank">design our very own</a>! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How fun!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We'll be able to upload our own photos to put on the cup and add text! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I sure hope they get this up and running soon because I see <i>all</i> my Christmas list being filled with TERVIS this year!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvHwqwWrQOa04h6d5Q5-G-FedZlCeND0rnQ2riMWn9mKG_3BV2lBrWATDLRhflsgKLxo8rPBmVeXDXHAskZvizfiToKt7gOzmUJscflRq0auz53K2wpPpBY-kn3yvsI9r4hGzRG9t_Q/s1600/DSC_5056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvHwqwWrQOa04h6d5Q5-G-FedZlCeND0rnQ2riMWn9mKG_3BV2lBrWATDLRhflsgKLxo8rPBmVeXDXHAskZvizfiToKt7gOzmUJscflRq0auz53K2wpPpBY-kn3yvsI9r4hGzRG9t_Q/s640/DSC_5056.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sophi has been sick this week with a runny nose and cough. Drinking her hot tea out of the Princess Tervis her sweet auntie gave her for Christmas has helped her feel much better!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It really is so pretty - this photo doesn't do it justice.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalfmIHVTNBfbphWkbE4RAjrYBDvnsaSvJtM3Gl0JyA0T0uOguHdUBLD8HsnJcLlb2XGebUYS9VY1OIJpmw1h4mbMeCmJ-Wi98NYZOhi3wyjI7XLiWXAzdWI5p9LyfWl_r7eE31Z8P5A/s1600/DSC_5062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalfmIHVTNBfbphWkbE4RAjrYBDvnsaSvJtM3Gl0JyA0T0uOguHdUBLD8HsnJcLlb2XGebUYS9VY1OIJpmw1h4mbMeCmJ-Wi98NYZOhi3wyjI7XLiWXAzdWI5p9LyfWl_r7eE31Z8P5A/s400/DSC_5062.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And, it comes with a "big girl lid!"</span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are plenty of "look a likes" out there, but don't be fooled! I tried a couple in an attempt to save money and had to throw the cheap'o's out - they just don't work. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Believe me, if you want to have ice in your cup all afternoon, get a Tervis!</span> </div>
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<b>Full Disclosure:</b> I'm drinking my Diet DP out of a "watermelon" Tervis tumbler right now!</div>
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<b>Disclaimer:</b> I have not been reimbursed or subsidized by TERVIS in any way for this post. I just really, really like these cups and wanted to share! Enjoy! </div>
</div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-65535315492937936302012-01-23T16:38:00.002-06:002012-01-23T18:26:10.793-06:00Row'ing "Another Celebrated Dancing Bear"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Another-Celebrated-Dancing-Gladys-Scheffrin-Falk/dp/1930900503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327098837&sr=8-1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk0jjUFPG_8JK1dnbQgvsCnh1o8RVzGx4RWPw-MRwkp2m5-hz1iNENhk3v6sZne_kanNroaGbAkGx6kP5ufxTuIVlND8uLBQGDzF0jcXq55PAhXiyf3fyE6OrFx3dnAsvWinu4D_Y7Q/s400/51WqoYHoT6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the next two weeks we'll be reading and doing activities to go along with this wonderful book! </div>
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Have you heard of "Five in a Row?" I hadn't until we started looking into homeschooling Sophia a couple of years ago. </div>
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FIAR is a "curriculum" for children based on amazing books. The idea is simple, you read one book for five days in a row and then, throughout the days, you do activities that naturally come out of the reading. The outcome is amazing and so much fun! Sophia and I have loved every book!</div>
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Here is the <a href="http://www.fiarhq.com/" target="_blank">main website for FIAR</a>. You can order the books and other materials at <a href="http://rainbowresource.com/index.php#id=album-4&num=385" target="_blank">Rainbow Resources</a> (they have lots of other great books and teaching aids, too). We have ordered our FIAR books for the last couple of years, but this year, while we are in the USA we will be able to get most of what we need from our local library. </div>
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There are many places to find ideas for "Row'ing a book": </div>
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My favorite is <a href="http://rainbowresource.com/index.php#id=album-4&num=385" target="_blank">Homeschool Share</a> -a website with almost everything you need to help get started - great ideas, printables, and example lapbooks.</div>
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<a href="http://www.fiarhq.com/forum/index.php" target="_blank">A FIAR forum</a> with advice from real live Mom's! </div>
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And, if you just Google "Five In a Row" blog or "Rowing" blog - you'll get a list of many blogging mom's using FIAR. Their posts are filled with ideas, schedules, resources and photos of all they have done with the different books.</div>
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So, last week and this week we are reading "Another Celebrated Dancing Bear" by Gladys Scheffrin-Falk with beautiful etching illustrations by Barbara Garrison.</div>
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The book takes place in Russia, where we are from! </div>
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Here is some of what we have done:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBa-0HAfzV5KeH5C5x6DloLee7uyHaMBIQJYY-bnJ8lnLdGbmbIl9E4WdM0ZttthVhiP88lKp40rRhVNEBEVeDd59uRr96xT0XdGYiwnHznViu38Yd4r-llH-JrVn_MTMX3aa4nNfSw/s1600/DSC_4930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBa-0HAfzV5KeH5C5x6DloLee7uyHaMBIQJYY-bnJ8lnLdGbmbIl9E4WdM0ZttthVhiP88lKp40rRhVNEBEVeDd59uRr96xT0XdGYiwnHznViu38Yd4r-llH-JrVn_MTMX3aa4nNfSw/s640/DSC_4930.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Served tea from our samovar and practiced our hospitality with family and friends.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childs-Introduction-Ballet-Stories-Classical/dp/1579126995/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1327358891&sr=8-4" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD3q0zvQw__VZwY1QWcltQF2l4nmogQ0ahTshDAoIDY5-UBxrKez1XT9zWWXPrAfZLtpKliFXDeDsmjkRJIg1jFOJd9jGeK4IZwylcwMWatv1_5OUjw-MlRnxjMPB2nP8ylsr81If7A/s320/51PwnUm3MHL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Listened to Russian composers and watched some of their ballets. Sophia received this book for Christmas and she loves it. Today we read about the ballet Romeo and Juliet and watched some of the Dance of the Knights.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KpQFi5sPz34?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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This music give me chills . .. </div>
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In keeping with our culture study, we also looked at Russian artists last week.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEN5g_U9wVHdQKlq5YceND9bNfZLcadve3b0M5LMxtcmk-kp_7wDLeMt4wgpI2HsQ3g1q1yvb85SRaUEE6qgWQG2KxyzBOa4G65xZbQBHs1B4YlN5uLzubYoRVZmV2xNXq7AI5pl5BA/s1600/51BYzJKkoWL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></div>
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Using this book, we learned a little about one of the first Impressionists, Kandinsky.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2a8ouKRMCxZGhjTT3NXEl6yGbulvPsFl5PNexe6NZ8OObFRG2hqooyQ5RYOTeaHG8kUP6dzKCrq2zonHNOqAechpfAA5Pd5tFZ9_56ZalosbE1KXkfE1WCoCY76ZmHCf74Yiq_NBEw/s1600/DSC_4951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2a8ouKRMCxZGhjTT3NXEl6yGbulvPsFl5PNexe6NZ8OObFRG2hqooyQ5RYOTeaHG8kUP6dzKCrq2zonHNOqAechpfAA5Pd5tFZ9_56ZalosbE1KXkfE1WCoCY76ZmHCf74Yiq_NBEw/s640/DSC_4951.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We looked at samples of his work in another art book I bought years ago.</div>
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We learned that Kandinsky had been a musician before he became a painter. Music played a great role in his art - he said that a small painting is like a melody and a large one, like a symphony.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0XGxj3aK4xheya7muL-DtZL46NJAZOE8TVNR6-m1bx0KglaoTedPFpcrQEevW8gOWqspUoQ0pbzWSAwUnCEooEGeFGNaGtDRycjm2jpag9_zUMz3kYi1-wgtYjbYoBiKGPnlx0OWQQ/s1600/DSC_4880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0XGxj3aK4xheya7muL-DtZL46NJAZOE8TVNR6-m1bx0KglaoTedPFpcrQEevW8gOWqspUoQ0pbzWSAwUnCEooEGeFGNaGtDRycjm2jpag9_zUMz3kYi1-wgtYjbYoBiKGPnlx0OWQQ/s640/DSC_4880.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sophia listened to some classical music from our local station and then, painted what she thought would "fit" the music.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrv8yKPtCJ_PgW2ctqGCtrEluMe52eJsRBi1hD0JmP9nYaYMCda7JIQI5vwY9fYB-Q5T8na_EIjVtke9KD_bCs_vglXLL68mEJ9e_ZnlRrizwo3VOEMVm-frNKKQuN4EEb5AKwPan-BA/s1600/DSC_4926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrv8yKPtCJ_PgW2ctqGCtrEluMe52eJsRBi1hD0JmP9nYaYMCda7JIQI5vwY9fYB-Q5T8na_EIjVtke9KD_bCs_vglXLL68mEJ9e_ZnlRrizwo3VOEMVm-frNKKQuN4EEb5AKwPan-BA/s640/DSC_4926.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The artist at work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqaotg6GlQgixnnIBYuKEnvHEWB65SDiY2tpRFPf3dGr9qiw9j62Ce7kJAADVDwg2pNYbSPO4AS34ckXOe-DaTqcb6Tb7xcjK5SQ2zlTJsYjRBOUcYTrtgoZGgMEmAQUePu_oKZjgmQ/s1600/DSC_4922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqaotg6GlQgixnnIBYuKEnvHEWB65SDiY2tpRFPf3dGr9qiw9j62Ce7kJAADVDwg2pNYbSPO4AS34ckXOe-DaTqcb6Tb7xcjK5SQ2zlTJsYjRBOUcYTrtgoZGgMEmAQUePu_oKZjgmQ/s640/DSC_4922.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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"Mom, I'm busy!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1smMk3IDhLkDg9K4zUeKzqo2wppJKFCjFNM49LVYrscYCHAxOCaEodNXfamfjlSsQaXFjn26trj97aDnOxZfcPX2hMl1Prss5obgOLUtOkVNZsmVyDTGYwpEUVdhZjP5rcizxBytVzg/s1600/DSC_4947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1smMk3IDhLkDg9K4zUeKzqo2wppJKFCjFNM49LVYrscYCHAxOCaEodNXfamfjlSsQaXFjn26trj97aDnOxZfcPX2hMl1Prss5obgOLUtOkVNZsmVyDTGYwpEUVdhZjP5rcizxBytVzg/s640/DSC_4947.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here is the finished painting!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7a3rM5ROSJIOtR5qezTS7CIuCa6FqLszydgw123aJjHo49c3GI4Erya1nd4Q5y0s3tnBBmrWXrmjpigDoVRaNoK8QiIuDDwq7JhC9awg8KKstScOI59DlVuJz-A5wBA_Njum06Dq_A/s1600/DSC_4938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7a3rM5ROSJIOtR5qezTS7CIuCa6FqLszydgw123aJjHo49c3GI4Erya1nd4Q5y0s3tnBBmrWXrmjpigDoVRaNoK8QiIuDDwq7JhC9awg8KKstScOI59DlVuJz-A5wBA_Njum06Dq_A/s640/DSC_4938.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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She explained, "It is a tram, riding along on the tracks."</div>
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Russian book.</div>
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Russian artist.</div>
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Russian music.</div>
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Russian tram . . . </div>
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This week we will:</div>
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<li>Learn some about the Russian artist, Marc Chagall, and design our own ballet set! </li>
<li>Experiment with water and the freezing and boiling points.</li>
<li>Talk about occupations.</li>
<li>Practice our hospitality skills and invite some friends over for tea and bear claws! </li>
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Should be great fun!</div>
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</div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-31556143294317356712012-01-13T09:55:00.000-06:002012-01-13T20:45:24.014-06:00City of Tranquil Light - Book Review and Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just finished one of <i>those</i> books. A book that touches you so deeply, you feel yourself on every page, between the words, inside the print . . .<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/City-Tranquil-Light-Bo-Caldwell/dp/B0057D90JC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326466823&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKKd7z1Ax6NJnFeFkaH4VUVhCgw2bzC23IHfvCQ9K2yL5jV3I-YazYe09OxcS_I4-30q7gVXcfRMvq78Fd6oON_KjZ3SX5e3LsHXekxpErjrjfDsFoCUs3MP_5-VwSLlEgsYDOPpJ9g/s400/51DYglFlg2L._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/City-Tranquil-Light-Bo-Caldwell/dp/B0057D90JC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326466823&sr=1-1" target="_blank">"City of Tranquil Light" by Bo Caldwell.</a><br />
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Really, I hardly know where to begin . . .<br />
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It is about a young man and woman who go to China in the early 1900's as missionaries. They fall in love with the country, language, people . . . and each other. <br />
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It is a love story. The story is full of love. <br />
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<li>Love between man and woman.</li>
<li>Love for a land - a topography.</li>
<li>Love for those different from yourself.</li>
<li>Love that is instant.</li>
<li>Love that takes years.</li>
<li>Love for life.</li>
<li>Love that sacrifices life.</li>
<li>Love that gives life.</li>
<li>Love for family.</li>
<li>Love for those who become family.</li>
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The last post for this blog was sometime early last summer. Since that time, my life has changed dramatically. </div>
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We left Russia, our home. </div>
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We gave away, sold, or stored all our worldly possessions. </div>
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We sealed up the house God has helped us to build.</div>
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We packed all we could into one suitcase and a carry-on, each.</div>
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We moved to Texas.</div>
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We are living with my parents.</div>
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We moved here to help them.</div>
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My mother has Alzheimer's.</div>
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My father is suffering the effects of a stroke.</div>
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Does that sound like much to you? </div>
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I guess I have been busy and the magnitude of that change hasn't had time to come to the surface. </div>
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I'm busy...</div>
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I joined a book club through our church here. </div>
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"City of Tranquil Light" was our December reading. </div>
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It has opened up feelings. I'm telling you, I cried through the entire book!</div>
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I am so blessed.</div>
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I have known the love and care of total strangers who took me by the hand and helped me through the maze of a new country, culture and language. Strangers who are now Family.</div>
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I have lost myself - and gained a new life.</div>
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I have been pushed and pulled and stretched into new faith positions that I never dreamed were possible. </div>
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I have learned a language that was not my own heart, but became the only way I can express some of my deepest thoughts.</div>
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I have strange stories that make me laugh - from even stranger experiences that, at the time were hardly funny.</div>
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I have learned, a little, about sacrifice and letting go, and trust, and living a day at a time in faith.</div>
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I have had few possessions and felt rich beyond measure.</div>
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I have seen God change lives dramatically, and slowly, and painfully.</div>
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I have seen God from another's eyes and loved Him.</div>
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All of this and more...</div>
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Because I followed God to Russia.</div>
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It is not the end. There will be more stories. </div>
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Texas stories, Russia stories. </div>
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New life stories. </div>
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Goodness, God is not finished with me, yet! </div>
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This book is so good.</div>
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<br /></div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-114177429922903782011-05-06T09:07:00.000-05:002012-01-13T20:38:52.497-06:00Dance Teacher Appreciation Gifts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8KtEqZ6s3E/TwW6IweYcXI/AAAAAAAABYM/t8sbHowBFwI/s1600/victoria+sergeyevna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8KtEqZ6s3E/TwW6IweYcXI/AAAAAAAABYM/t8sbHowBFwI/s640/victoria+sergeyevna.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week I’ve been busy sewing some teacher appreciation gifts for Sophia’s dance teachers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided to make bags - </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. A hobo/dance bag for her main instructor (who is also a professional dancer). </span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hlJnDTQmHI/TwW6i2BXHWI/AAAAAAAABYY/W8wH72wtnzY/s1600/dance+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hlJnDTQmHI/TwW6i2BXHWI/AAAAAAAABYY/W8wH72wtnzY/s640/dance+bag.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I LOVE how this bag turned out! I used <a href="http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2010/09/hobo-dance-bag-tutorial/">this basic tutorial</a> from <a href="http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2010/09/hobo-dance-bag-tutorial/">Simply Modern Mom</a> and changed it up a bit - to fit what I think might be a professional dancer’s needs.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGTZrKSC4C4/TwW6woTtPfI/AAAAAAAABYk/qgNGENDZLuo/s1600/dance+bag+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGTZrKSC4C4/TwW6woTtPfI/AAAAAAAABYk/qgNGENDZLuo/s640/dance+bag+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I put in a dividing layer - one side for dance things and the other for “purse” things.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The dance side has 2 deep pockets - for dance shoes! LOVE THIS!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The purse side has several pockets - for cell phone, pen, and the little notebook she always carries.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That yellow thing you see inside is a tissue holder I threw in for good measure!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. A tote bag for the piano player.</b> </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SOgLpLkLmic/TwW7GsAUj3I/AAAAAAAABYw/gpmW5pngSh4/s1600/tote+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SOgLpLkLmic/TwW7GsAUj3I/AAAAAAAABYw/gpmW5pngSh4/s640/tote+bag.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am particularly thankful for this lady’s work. Every lesson she provides “real” music for the children hear and to see naturally played! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I gave her a big pocket on the outside and several inside. Pockets are a very good thing.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJGO5vQtXOTHOXQqP1kLvuQQeloWBtAx9TIxdYANL9Lq50nuw9HYraqpSGniuVX4uaqCJoB3Mb3sKXrnNJvaHyL83vFyUqkBSm0mKjAZdOtaSxvCQ3VA39PGGj2Z7QNYoMmCVLI6yRA/s1600/tote+bag+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJGO5vQtXOTHOXQqP1kLvuQQeloWBtAx9TIxdYANL9Lq50nuw9HYraqpSGniuVX4uaqCJoB3Mb3sKXrnNJvaHyL83vFyUqkBSm0mKjAZdOtaSxvCQ3VA39PGGj2Z7QNYoMmCVLI6yRA/s640/tote+bag+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">3. A</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> summer fun bag for the young dance assistant.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilS8lie6Yen17sTpyNLhsnIe-m2rgLoUHaOh-oBuMp9VAj4SEmZeWBYqwFAiXsJ7K2C8HDX1uxJCe0BNhJ_1WM7AoOHYd9lWPpaMRSK1bFsMjOmYeB_S9y5btaOmfc9n-z959euXNcUQ/s1600/fun+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilS8lie6Yen17sTpyNLhsnIe-m2rgLoUHaOh-oBuMp9VAj4SEmZeWBYqwFAiXsJ7K2C8HDX1uxJCe0BNhJ_1WM7AoOHYd9lWPpaMRSK1bFsMjOmYeB_S9y5btaOmfc9n-z959euXNcUQ/s640/fun+bag.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It just looks like summer, doesn’t it?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I based it on <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2010/04/gathered-clutch-tutorial.html">this tutorial</a> from <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2010/04/gathered-clutch-tutorial.html">Noodlehead</a> for a small zippered bag.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWTbrAW0dsQ/TwW8CRrmYkI/AAAAAAAABZU/sLy6swpwHII/s1600/fun+bag+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWTbrAW0dsQ/TwW8CRrmYkI/AAAAAAAABZU/sLy6swpwHII/s640/fun+bag+inside.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I made it into a tote bag - and gave her some pockets on the inside! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. <b>And, of course, Sophia wanted a dance bag, too!</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTKTy62TEKA/TwW8VEQF3kI/AAAAAAAABZg/E1BxZhDh7c0/s1600/sophi%2527s+dance+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTKTy62TEKA/TwW8VEQF3kI/AAAAAAAABZg/E1BxZhDh7c0/s640/sophi%2527s+dance+bag.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hers is just like Victoria Sergeyovna’s - only with “little girl fabric.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Look at the little pocket w/the flower - she’s already used it to keep her tram ticket handy!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6ZTOPBfcRo/TwW8oRO6MpI/AAAAAAAABZs/2wNdDPHXO3U/s1600/sophi+salute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6ZTOPBfcRo/TwW8oRO6MpI/AAAAAAAABZs/2wNdDPHXO3U/s640/sophi+salute.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anton and I told her that she looks like the “Pochtalyon”/postman in the famous Russian cartoon, “Prostakvashina.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, she gave us a salute!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had so much fun making these bags and can’t wait to give them tomorrow!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have I mentioned in this post that I absolutely love to sew?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, I do.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">PS - All the fabric is from IKEA - what a great store! </span></span></div>
</div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-49481817599626927212011-05-03T08:38:00.000-05:002012-01-13T16:06:50.167-06:00Two-Wheel’er<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She has always been this way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When she was just a few months old, she would swing her arms and legs and try her hardest to hit one of the toys hanging over her head.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She basically skipped over crawling and went straight to walking.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She spent hours, working on her own, sounding out words in her books until she could read them with ease.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She has a quality I greatly admire. . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She keeps at something until she gets it.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She doesn’t give up.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And look what this brought her last week:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGIwXqOMEJg/TwWv-ykckbI/AAAAAAAABWs/4LzCWznupQc/s1600/off+to+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGIwXqOMEJg/TwWv-ykckbI/AAAAAAAABWs/4LzCWznupQc/s640/off+to+ride.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Several evenings she set out to ride her bike - without training wheels.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Her papa, a bike expert, gave her lots of good advice and help.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, one moment we looked around . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and she was riding!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like the WIND, </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">BA-BY!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have to admit, I was bursting with pride!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Absolutely BEAMING! </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tO0Q1JdXAYQ/TwWxK8ZUXcI/AAAAAAAABXc/OuQHO9j2kaY/s1600/stopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tO0Q1JdXAYQ/TwWxK8ZUXcI/AAAAAAAABXc/OuQHO9j2kaY/s640/stopping.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She still has some work to do on “stopping.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She hasn’t mastered the hand-brakes . . . yet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But just look at this girl GO!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000a01; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>She did it! </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She learned to ride her bike without training wheels!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every day she kept at it . . . never gave up . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And now she’s a Two-Wheel’er! </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAY6yMjrjGo/TwW0LBhnpfI/AAAAAAAABX0/EMiQSylBzT4/s1600/riding+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAY6yMjrjGo/TwW0LBhnpfI/AAAAAAAABX0/EMiQSylBzT4/s640/riding+off.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There’s a great big world out there . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She’s zooming by it all - <b><i>into</i></b> it all!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ride, Sophi, ride!</span></span></div>
<br />D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-63226426285558708782011-04-29T10:04:00.000-05:002012-04-01T17:22:47.556-05:00First Dance Recital - or “Mama’s Music Marathon”<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrQp2SFfmLE/TwW_gpRl7wI/AAAAAAAABZ4/6YFvz3nZzy4/s1600/girls+ready+for+concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrQp2SFfmLE/TwW_gpRl7wI/AAAAAAAABZ4/6YFvz3nZzy4/s640/girls+ready+for+concert.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday Sophia had her first dance recital.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She has been studying for the past few months with a well-known Smolensk dance group. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This month the group celebrated it’s 20th anniversary.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> This recital was part of the Anniversary Concert.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IHSSUdQUlKE/TwXEYOpEh4I/AAAAAAAABac/1TRjXwGGabs/s1600/with+friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IHSSUdQUlKE/TwXEYOpEh4I/AAAAAAAABac/1TRjXwGGabs/s640/with+friend.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sophi’s group performed the first dance and closed the concert with a fun little “dance.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All the little girls wore big puffy bows . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And little yellow and red skirts.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They were so excited to perform on the big stage!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There they are! </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1BdQcxyU2M/TwXG8ejRa0I/AAAAAAAABbY/CUTBCjNnBYQ/s1600/dancing+on+stage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1BdQcxyU2M/TwXG8ejRa0I/AAAAAAAABbY/CUTBCjNnBYQ/s640/dancing+on+stage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can you find Sophia?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yep, right behind the piano, on the left side.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We caught some good glances of her arms and legs, </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">at times.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUutgQIosjwsyFcRxgzlIwNQdGgJSmbQ15kdILXFP9tjiAlWQvv_rV9LKjSKLhg72qiuD8aAtbEaOVUpy57WAXbngaZ_kqqCl4LEnoMDt7YpIyAWLTI1cc5WxUFH8RDvBi_dqWEhq0w/s1600/folk+dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUutgQIosjwsyFcRxgzlIwNQdGgJSmbQ15kdILXFP9tjiAlWQvv_rV9LKjSKLhg72qiuD8aAtbEaOVUpy57WAXbngaZ_kqqCl4LEnoMDt7YpIyAWLTI1cc5WxUFH8RDvBi_dqWEhq0w/s640/folk+dancing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The festivities started for us a 5pm, </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">when Sophi’s group met for a last practice.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The concert started at 6pm.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There were lots of Russian, Polish, Armenian, Jewish, and Ukrainian folk dances.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There were congratulations and gifts and speeches, galore!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iGIYMTOAkSo/TwXIEfHXMHI/AAAAAAAABbw/I-jaSK3NWhI/s1600/folk+singing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iGIYMTOAkSo/TwXIEfHXMHI/AAAAAAAABbw/I-jaSK3NWhI/s640/folk+singing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There were songs and beautiful costumes.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmdjFaxLjb0/TwXIoNh9qJI/AAAAAAAABb8/nK_nYdEZbfM/s1600/folk+dancing+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmdjFaxLjb0/TwXIoNh9qJI/AAAAAAAABb8/nK_nYdEZbfM/s640/folk+dancing+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, more and more dances . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, at 8:30 pm, it was time for the final “dance.”</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0wrB3q-80d0/TwXJB7WuXaI/AAAAAAAABcI/dsbV2CgJRBw/s1600/final+dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0wrB3q-80d0/TwXJB7WuXaI/AAAAAAAABcI/dsbV2CgJRBw/s640/final+dance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was an extremely long, loud night . . . </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCkt6F-tiZM/TwXJZCZrNlI/AAAAAAAABcU/uMmY9JrQFU8/s1600/clapping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCkt6F-tiZM/TwXJZCZrNlI/AAAAAAAABcU/uMmY9JrQFU8/s640/clapping.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. . . but our children sure had a great time!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhShxoSNd2Y/TwXJ8vfcFvI/AAAAAAAABcg/jk7MQaV0fZo/s1600/w%253Apooh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhShxoSNd2Y/TwXJ8vfcFvI/AAAAAAAABcg/jk7MQaV0fZo/s640/w%253Apooh.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It looks like Pooh had a good time, too!</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-41136516512431451112011-04-28T21:51:00.000-05:002012-01-13T16:11:02.318-06:00First Music Concert and a Great “Got’Cha!”<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUeHDCdoeMQ/TwUbxRfT8mI/AAAAAAAABUo/dSqQsbh86MQ/s1600/sophi+in+philharmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUeHDCdoeMQ/TwUbxRfT8mI/AAAAAAAABUo/dSqQsbh86MQ/s640/sophi+in+philharmon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This past week Sophia and I had a Mother/Daughter outing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, most of our outings are Mother/Daughter, now that I think of it . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This one was special.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our Smolensk Philharmonia was hosting, “Children’s Week.” Each day there was a concert for children. And, best of all, the concerts were free!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thursday, Sophia and I dressed in our “day concert best,” caught the tram, and headed to the center of town.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRsNqrpe544/TwUcDeMSV1I/AAAAAAAABU0/KsqsQ-bJ13Y/s1600/outside+philharmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRsNqrpe544/TwUcDeMSV1I/AAAAAAAABU0/KsqsQ-bJ13Y/s640/outside+philharmon.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Smolensk Oblast Philharmonia is located on the city square. Before the Revolution, it was the noble’s meeting house.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL4PMWwvIKxLMBaOv0RC_Ihs-ZFO7gueZDhimaWRM5VdutbTyXXuoRR1jD7yYubwD3t8gUYDSES8r5f5NO8O2JPHzkUENI7SRHrv6wWRVFe4MzhOPlVAIuqSOg8rnknGghuSPd2eJ4A/s1600/inside+philharmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL4PMWwvIKxLMBaOv0RC_Ihs-ZFO7gueZDhimaWRM5VdutbTyXXuoRR1jD7yYubwD3t8gUYDSES8r5f5NO8O2JPHzkUENI7SRHrv6wWRVFe4MzhOPlVAIuqSOg8rnknGghuSPd2eJ4A/s640/inside+philharmon.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s a beautiful building - with grand staircases covered in red carpets . . . </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDrLjt5DgO0/TwUcqADo3VI/AAAAAAAABVM/D1_YwcpT_AA/s1600/painting+in+phil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDrLjt5DgO0/TwUcqADo3VI/AAAAAAAABVM/D1_YwcpT_AA/s640/painting+in+phil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Large paintings of Russian cultural figures . . . </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezfZNlS7i5Q/TwUc7e6Lr5I/AAAAAAAABVY/uSg7lQprYRc/s1600/hall+of+philharmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezfZNlS7i5Q/TwUc7e6Lr5I/AAAAAAAABVY/uSg7lQprYRc/s640/hall+of+philharmon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And a concert hall that is warm and bright. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s a room you want to stay and soak in a while.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQWyyLu_vd-5SBgHqMS7FpojXRY1TPhpjpdKSxS4IZ8JeeB63KvWgumRIHjaRZAUIp7g0Fpq50XgLGavpSmAV_Riv3YQB5rjMzwn-jos1Jt4DClaoV99V6iSsORQpq2DWccFzAl4VnQ/s1600/ready+for+concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQWyyLu_vd-5SBgHqMS7FpojXRY1TPhpjpdKSxS4IZ8JeeB63KvWgumRIHjaRZAUIp7g0Fpq50XgLGavpSmAV_Riv3YQB5rjMzwn-jos1Jt4DClaoV99V6iSsORQpq2DWccFzAl4VnQ/s640/ready+for+concert.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sophi chose our seats - right on the very first row.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ok, now for...</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Helvetica Neue'; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b>The Great “Got'cha” Story</b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Helvetica Neue'; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwpRE_CkO62zuD-fEeKQSgbf91mfRy6sfauSuxqBKRHu_L_91aLX0N9m4YVBz_kTOj0JJHKwRkNZxBxLv7VtBvRXmiZTkX-Moq3xxP891-t9C4lVfhmC-sDY-hw24NWczxjaT-iZWxw/s1600/russian+folk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwpRE_CkO62zuD-fEeKQSgbf91mfRy6sfauSuxqBKRHu_L_91aLX0N9m4YVBz_kTOj0JJHKwRkNZxBxLv7VtBvRXmiZTkX-Moq3xxP891-t9C4lVfhmC-sDY-hw24NWczxjaT-iZWxw/s640/russian+folk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The concert started with some truly wonderful Russian folk songs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But, you know, as with most folk music, there were some sounds that we don’t find in classical or pop music - a little more guttural or nasal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The children giggled.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, after the selection, some over zealous, happy-to-be-missing-class boys gave a few whistles along with the applause.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XR1ROjs72PU/TwUdt7jTecI/AAAAAAAABV8/8zGZ__sJYYQ/s1600/mc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XR1ROjs72PU/TwUdt7jTecI/AAAAAAAABV8/8zGZ__sJYYQ/s640/mc.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Out came the MC for the concert.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He seemed to be a very nice man . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">if not, also, a little overly zealous.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I understand, he wanted to nip this uncultured behavior in the bud. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He wanted to use this opportunity to teach - to give those young ones some behavioral barriers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He said: “I like your applause. But, that whistling has no place here. Don’t you know who whistles? That is what the American’s do and we all know American’s are a little crazy (and he does the “crazy sign” next to his head). We’re Russians, we don’t want to be Americans, do we?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The crowd answers back in loud unison, “NOoooooooo!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At this point, Sophia looks over at me with wide eyes, </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“MOM, we’re Americans!” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I say, “Yes, we are!” with my biggest smile.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">See, I already had an idea.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was planning something wonderful. . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Can you guess?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the concert was over and flowers were given to all the composers . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I took Sophia up to the MC and we introduced ourselves.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ME - “Hello, thank you for the concert. We enjoyed it very much. I wanted to let you know that there were two Americans in your audience today.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">MC - “Well, please say HELLO to America for me.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ME - “We live in Smolensk. My daughter here, Sophia, is 1/2 American and 1/2 Russian.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">MC - (he just now is putting it all together . . . turns a little red, stammers a little) He looks at Sophia and asks, “How did you like the concert?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sophia - “It was good.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">MC - Now, gushing all over us. “Well, do you want to be a musician? What instrument do you want to play?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sophia - “I want to sing!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">MC - “Well, you must come to me for lessons, then! Thank you so much for coming to our concert.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we walked away, </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">he just stood there looking at us sadly, </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">waving his hand “Good-bye.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Really, I meant no harm to this nice man. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wasn’t offended in the least by his remarks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was just that he walked right into . . . his own personal teachable moment! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I couldn’t help myself!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“GOT’CHA!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sophia and I had a great Mother/Daughter outing . . . one we will remember for a long time!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqlXDAk8sWA/TwUeLuD0ovI/AAAAAAAABWU/Db8xBXZKPmo/s1600/sophi+in+front+of+stage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqlXDAk8sWA/TwUeLuD0ovI/AAAAAAAABWU/Db8xBXZKPmo/s640/sophi+in+front+of+stage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sophia has the soul of a Russian artist - a performer. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m sure she’ll be on this stage someday . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">my little Russian American!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-27323079687899123742011-04-15T16:52:00.000-05:002012-01-13T16:02:33.146-06:00Been Sewing . . .<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NtqwJ8gf2Q/TwTP67JPKtI/AAAAAAAABTI/8tlgCtTaHRE/s1600/pencil+caddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NtqwJ8gf2Q/TwTP67JPKtI/AAAAAAAABTI/8tlgCtTaHRE/s640/pencil+caddy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have had a couple of good friend’s birthdays this month, so I’ve been busy sewing! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For Roma, just turned 7:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30ZCKjmK2qM/TwTQQpxrj3I/AAAAAAAABTU/ZEmMS32XbB4/s1600/Roma%2527s+gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30ZCKjmK2qM/TwTQQpxrj3I/AAAAAAAABTU/ZEmMS32XbB4/s640/Roma%2527s+gifts.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">His own book bag - with a pencil caddy, and some coloring/learning books.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Turning 7 in Smolensk is a big deal in the public transport world -</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <i>you have to pay, now!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anya, Roma’s mom, bought him his first very own transportation pass! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhl8lJj3XrM94CJz8bFmDaa0dmHc4JEckiESXx7FJhNvN8bfAKBMnj5q2u4Ds-MWwoJguHCVTA5kzlwtXaRHUrJpwHJPTZFwJs2zqBsYMcas25XFYLv3OLdITzFXNeE0yDXfKrKGNzQ/s1600/walet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhl8lJj3XrM94CJz8bFmDaa0dmHc4JEckiESXx7FJhNvN8bfAKBMnj5q2u4Ds-MWwoJguHCVTA5kzlwtXaRHUrJpwHJPTZFwJs2zqBsYMcas25XFYLv3OLdITzFXNeE0yDXfKrKGNzQ/s640/walet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, I thought it would be cool for him to have a wallet to carry it in! (along with a little extra cash - a man’s gotta be ready!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our friend, Polina, turned 5 this month.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember the doll quilt and pillow I made for her? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, I liked how Roma’s book bag turned out so much that I decided to make one for Polina, too. . . . along with some pencils in her own pencil caddy, and a great coloring book.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KjWD5CykOg/TwTW_65DCNI/AAAAAAAABTs/mo0dMkYpMeo/s1600/Polina%2527s+gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KjWD5CykOg/TwTW_65DCNI/AAAAAAAABTs/mo0dMkYpMeo/s640/Polina%2527s+gifts.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, last but not least . . . </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtZ-Yc0q4RsP4JDWp079OB8ff0m3KohczipGuRFAp_prx1tvihyfC5E-8B510Fiy_Bn1nRBGWhp60aPVyR_obiInGY66zrOa5Thf92tNwNDha4-OefBhzgvupeRY5VRm3k667MLmSfQ/s1600/Travel+wallet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtZ-Yc0q4RsP4JDWp079OB8ff0m3KohczipGuRFAp_prx1tvihyfC5E-8B510Fiy_Bn1nRBGWhp60aPVyR_obiInGY66zrOa5Thf92tNwNDha4-OefBhzgvupeRY5VRm3k667MLmSfQ/s640/Travel+wallet.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My crafting buddy, Stacia, is moving far far away. I know a thing or two about moving long distances and limited packing . . . so . . . </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSEpkhw_Vt8/TwTXX5a7laI/AAAAAAAABUE/qDwCzI9nIyo/s1600/travel+wallet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSEpkhw_Vt8/TwTXX5a7laI/AAAAAAAABUE/qDwCzI9nIyo/s640/travel+wallet+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided to make her a travel wallet!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s got places for tickets . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lots of pockets for passports (cause you know she’ll be carrying the whole family’s!)</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_GnKpsOJ2I/TwTX6BygpzI/AAAAAAAABUc/VkL8w_4JaAE/s1600/travel+wallet+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_GnKpsOJ2I/TwTX6BygpzI/AAAAAAAABUc/VkL8w_4JaAE/s640/travel+wallet+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, even a little velcro pocket for things you don’t want to fall out!.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I followed<a href="http://www.thimble.ca/?p=1443"> this great tutoria</a>l to make it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In case I haven’t said it in the last 5 min . . . I LOVE to sew!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, making gifts for good friends that are functional and pretty . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> well, just can’t get much better for this girl!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"></span></div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-77285580586865589582011-03-30T16:13:00.000-05:002016-02-07T13:18:26.148-06:00Looking for Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ditOKybkvpE/TwTMumj4l1I/AAAAAAAABRQ/yeOOq7-nOWM/s1600/looking+for+spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ditOKybkvpE/TwTMumj4l1I/AAAAAAAABRQ/yeOOq7-nOWM/s640/looking+for+spring.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Good-bye snow, cold, and ice!”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">“So long, wardrobe of the last 5 months!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We’re taking off those snow pants, heavy coats, and big klonky boots.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <b><i>The Great Thaw</i></b> has begun!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s not a pretty site when the snow starts to melt.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKTDoA-TQ2jGfasG1UUwzeTlRIhRSH9-TbeOnjr7kcL3nha9OugcHgQmdHhjFMqMPxH-bT0EXQkItBKQu3s4_PlzOW6960I7voxaIlMJkaL2MZnL-RHtHeSgVBjQvIjOq6bQPbcfCvg/s1600/yucky.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKTDoA-TQ2jGfasG1UUwzeTlRIhRSH9-TbeOnjr7kcL3nha9OugcHgQmdHhjFMqMPxH-bT0EXQkItBKQu3s4_PlzOW6960I7voxaIlMJkaL2MZnL-RHtHeSgVBjQvIjOq6bQPbcfCvg/s640/yucky.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In fact, it’s downright disgusting!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vhlLqy4SH48/TwTNJ5uSkVI/AAAAAAAABRo/hDazL8sUMQU/s1600/melting+ice+dirty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vhlLqy4SH48/TwTNJ5uSkVI/AAAAAAAABRo/hDazL8sUMQU/s640/melting+ice+dirty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Under all that beautiful white there was a hidden world of dog poop and trash.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZMuXD2N8tE/TwTNYDYQrWI/AAAAAAAABR0/qrfXb7-9_Kc/s1600/spring+trash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZMuXD2N8tE/TwTNYDYQrWI/AAAAAAAABR0/qrfXb7-9_Kc/s640/spring+trash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can you imagine . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">THIS:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9QP73URtcw/TwTNjKOEvzI/AAAAAAAABSA/3T7sB8sPwps/s1600/beautiful+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9QP73URtcw/TwTNjKOEvzI/AAAAAAAABSA/3T7sB8sPwps/s640/beautiful+snow.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Was hiding THIS:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7a-XnEQ8wXo/TwTOBLemxFI/AAAAAAAABSM/5p8XIbyl2GE/s1600/melting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7a-XnEQ8wXo/TwTOBLemxFI/AAAAAAAABSM/5p8XIbyl2GE/s640/melting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s the work of the sun, you know.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sun has come closer to this part of our earth and its warmth is melting all that cold.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If there is to be new growth, then the cover has to go. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What we see underneath, well, we have to face it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was <i>our</i> work. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We put it there.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sun is slowing showing us reality.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And we have a choice. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We could walk around the mess and pretend we don’t see it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We could stay inside and avoid it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We could make fake snow and cover it all back up again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We could hire someone else to deal with it so we don’t have to.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or, we could clean it all up. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pile it up and burn it.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk1njTJpSSWPDv65DODEz29cIWrFz1KSPgJ3N68pj0xPXCrHgR_0V9Vj9PJOxXGCIQNyq0GSWRX6tHcwtTviVW4Fi5kaecosNqEO0H3KyYi7Bcd5iAsmgpFomMgnbjAljOm1Lk9AOUg/s1600/sophi+eyes+and+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk1njTJpSSWPDv65DODEz29cIWrFz1KSPgJ3N68pj0xPXCrHgR_0V9Vj9PJOxXGCIQNyq0GSWRX6tHcwtTviVW4Fi5kaecosNqEO0H3KyYi7Bcd5iAsmgpFomMgnbjAljOm1Lk9AOUg/s640/sophi+eyes+and+green.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Get the earth clean and ready to bloom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> For a bit of Spring green, I’m ready to work!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes, if the ice is thick, it takes some sharp instruments and lots of muscle. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But, most of the time, </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">all it takes is time . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and the sun . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">for the earth to throw off that cover and . . . </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal 'Helvetica Neue';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">WELCOME SPRING!</span></b></span></span></div>
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D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-78528048464396683002011-03-22T16:00:00.000-05:002012-01-13T20:40:02.758-06:00Francine Rivers Giveaway!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72NH1qI0JQ_6gly_habJ4nCGJIVM166tczCuEHs156n-nT9IBfsZBJqhIXM18yvjeXVb7DKnY9kgRdi6q7V6NfDHlinABUg_ivYbTDgFVJI0EGQdtBdCx23x7mclfuWt1wtpWOBkPAw/s1600/rivers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72NH1qI0JQ_6gly_habJ4nCGJIVM166tczCuEHs156n-nT9IBfsZBJqhIXM18yvjeXVb7DKnY9kgRdi6q7V6NfDHlinABUg_ivYbTDgFVJI0EGQdtBdCx23x7mclfuWt1wtpWOBkPAw/s400/rivers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Francine RIvers is one of my all-time favorite authors. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Her books are rich and beautiful.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcdMs1eBS3w/TwTL-pUdBuI/AAAAAAAABRE/cj47Vj_Bsd0/s1600/Redeeming+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcdMs1eBS3w/TwTL-pUdBuI/AAAAAAAABRE/cj47Vj_Bsd0/s400/Redeeming+love.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Redeeming Love” is <b>so</b> good, it should be read by everyone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, everyone - man and woman.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you haven’t read it yet, get yourself to a bookstore TODAY! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, please drop me a note with your impressions . . . and thanks! : ) </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rivers’ publisher, Tyndale, is having a special <a href="http://www.tyndale.com/blog/?p=1042">Francine Rivers’ Giveaway</a>! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To start with, until April 4th, you can download for FREE the ebook version of “Leota’s Garden!” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">WHOO HOO! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just downloaded it to my beloved Kindle! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If that wasn’t enough, Tyndale is holding a drawing: </span></span></div>
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<li style="color: #000a01; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the grand prize is an entire Francine Rivers Library!</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #000a01; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">other prizes include several of her books!</span></span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can read about all the details and sign up for the drawing <a href="http://att.my.yahoo.com/">here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, if you haven’t read “Redeeming Love” yet, trust me, and go get your copy today!</span></span></div>
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</div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60947368381194562.post-53730678357977676672011-03-18T15:56:00.000-05:002012-01-13T20:41:52.866-06:00They Draw and Cook<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M50IEIr1vMs/TwTH4OoNI5I/AAAAAAAABPY/7WB4qUcGtu4/s1600/they+draw+and+cook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M50IEIr1vMs/TwTH4OoNI5I/AAAAAAAABPY/7WB4qUcGtu4/s640/they+draw+and+cook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just came upon one of the most fun sites ever! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They Draw and Cook combines two of my favorites - illustrative art and food!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Seriously, take a look at this:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Qjk6vlYqLZMWrxIOOt4rfq5lEkATwNhE_wZrT53C1WmwRhqWCzQwZqRvxcz9yuf3deev87FADLcjGkHNv3vkZYHAtw8eU8YXINjicbyJKuCpB0h_S_kWlfrqOQTqvQ0y2Mnpv7550A/s1600/they+draw+and+cook+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Qjk6vlYqLZMWrxIOOt4rfq5lEkATwNhE_wZrT53C1WmwRhqWCzQwZqRvxcz9yuf3deev87FADLcjGkHNv3vkZYHAtw8eU8YXINjicbyJKuCpB0h_S_kWlfrqOQTqvQ0y2Mnpv7550A/s640/they+draw+and+cook+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and this . . . </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1L6AX5D2Ui1tMRrQ5Ya54xEyOb9TBHzkYj2qtu480GawyTjqE6EJIZa4uIzk0VtGaYHXq8UkXgj6HU-91kitvP8qgG-ZN0IuN1Zv57ch0Q0xiPmevzQ8kLOfiuSaX19bJDZPKb93yw/s1600/they+draw+and+cook+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1L6AX5D2Ui1tMRrQ5Ya54xEyOb9TBHzkYj2qtu480GawyTjqE6EJIZa4uIzk0VtGaYHXq8UkXgj6HU-91kitvP8qgG-ZN0IuN1Zv57ch0Q0xiPmevzQ8kLOfiuSaX19bJDZPKb93yw/s640/they+draw+and+cook+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Artists from all over the world have submitted recipes.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Its like reading your favorite children’s picture book - with recipes helping to tell the story.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can you believe this one? Just wonderful!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASkyDO_N1ro/TwTJ7mHUdWI/AAAAAAAABP8/sc3amYKpvR8/s1600/they+draw+and+cook+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASkyDO_N1ro/TwTJ7mHUdWI/AAAAAAAABP8/sc3amYKpvR8/s640/they+draw+and+cook+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, you can print the recipes - with the art - FREE!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How fun would it be to try some of the recipes, find your favorites, then print out a little book as a gift for a friend?</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWjj5vgYhvk/TwTKNzTpIPI/AAAAAAAABQI/dyWohqaPMUM/s1600/they+draw+and+cook+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWjj5vgYhvk/TwTKNzTpIPI/AAAAAAAABQI/dyWohqaPMUM/s640/they+draw+and+cook+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This one caught my eye - I’ve certainly had these cooking moments! and I am so interested. . . will it taste anything like a tortilla?! </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkWNyTMJRHo/TwTKbRRVx2I/AAAAAAAABQU/39soVXTgzw0/s1600/they+draw+and+cook+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkWNyTMJRHo/TwTKbRRVx2I/AAAAAAAABQU/39soVXTgzw0/s640/they+draw+and+cook+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some are just so clever . . . </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-41pgbKu0bg0/TwTKs9_ucCI/AAAAAAAABQg/B0Vig0VlrKM/s1600/they+draw+and+cook+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-41pgbKu0bg0/TwTKs9_ucCI/AAAAAAAABQg/B0Vig0VlrKM/s640/they+draw+and+cook+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my favorite places on the site is <a href="http://www.theydrawandcook.com/">the interactive world map</a>. You can click on all the arrows pointing out where an artist is located and get a quick glimpse at their design.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found this artist in Russia!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QH8Wg4aowAA/TwTK6kLEK9I/AAAAAAAABQs/AWK0TKTOZpo/s1600/they+draw+and+cook+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QH8Wg4aowAA/TwTK6kLEK9I/AAAAAAAABQs/AWK0TKTOZpo/s640/they+draw+and+cook+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am having so much fun exploring <a href="http://www.theydrawandcook.com/">They Draw and Cook</a>!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take a look around the site.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, please come back and let me know which recipes are your favorites!</span></span></div>
</div>D'Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305828201385900356noreply@blogger.com0