tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59376024668640525232024-03-12T22:53:31.607-05:00Radiant DustMy name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-71500145050615884002014-01-08T10:45:00.001-06:002014-01-08T10:45:34.270-06:0010 Reasons Why Shaklee Products Are the Best<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Looking to kick off your New Year with some health goals? Check out Shaklee. So glad my friend introduced me to Shaklee products last year. There are so many health products on the market these days and it can be tricky figuring out which ones actually live up to the hype. Especially since using the wrong products can actually be <i>worse</i> for your health! Yikes.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This letter from Dr. Jamie McManus pretty much sums up why I chose to use Shaklee products. Highly, highly recommend them!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img src="webkit-fake-url://BC0CA988-60B0-4136-9777-495E87BF8BA1/imagejpeg"></div><div><br></div><div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dear Shaklee Family</strong>,</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Shaklee products - and the quality and science behind them - are unmatched in the industry. But how familiar are you with the many elements of the Shaklee Difference?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Even if you think you know what makes this company and our products stand apart from the rest, refresh your knowledge with this list of Ten Key Steps that we take to ensure that Shaklee supplements are the best in the marketplace:<br><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">1.</strong> Shaklee conducts over 100,000 tests annually to ensure the safety and efficacy of our products.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">2.</strong> Each and every lot of Shaklee Products is 100% tested to ensure and guarantee that each and every ingredient that is part of our label claims is present in the appropriate amounts.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">3</strong>. All ingredients in Shaklee products are qualified under the incredibly stringent Shaklee protocol, unique in the industry, which tests for up to 350 chemical contaminants, including pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, solvent residues, etc.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">4.</strong> Our Shaklee Scientists create formulations so that the key active ingredients are included at clinically efficacious levels, often significantly higher than many companies in the market.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">5.</strong> Each product is formulated with nutritional ingredients that have been extensively studied to confirm safety and efficacy. Our products do not follow "fads," but incorporate scientific and/or epidemiologic evidence of need and benefit.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">6.</strong> Shaklee employs advanced delivery systems to enhance bioavailability - and these systems are tested to confirm their nutrient delivery advantages.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">7.</strong> All ingredients must be acceptable from the standpoint of the Shaklee philosophy, as well as detailed scrutiny as to their safety. We do not simply accept the Certificate of Analysis that many other companies accept, but rather retest for contaminants to confirm the Certificate of Analysis is accurate.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">8.</strong> Shaklee has an unwavering commitment to avoid the use of artificial flavors, sweeteners, and added preservatives. We use only non-genetically modified soy protein.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">9.</strong> Shaklee developed many of the standards and protocols for manufacturing that are now referred to as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).</span></p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">10.</strong> Ongoing proof of our product performance is demonstrated by: <br></span><ul style="margin: 0px 1.5em 1em 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="margin: 0.3em 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; font-style: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Over 100 scientific publications, 90-plus in peer-reviewed journals</span></li><li style="margin: 0.3em 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; font-style: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Landmark Study, the only study of its kind, which showed that people who took Shaklee supplements over a period of 20 years had markedly better health than both single-multivitamin and nonsupplement users</span></li><li style="margin: 0.3em 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; font-style: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Shaklee products powering athletes to win 125 medals</span></li><li style="margin: 0.3em 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; font-style: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Shaklee products fueling world explorers, 7 of Time-Life's "Greatest Adventures of All Time," and NASA Shuttle astronauts with a special rehydration product (called Astro-Ade)</span></li></ul><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Add to this list our accomplishments and awards in the area of environmental leadership and responsibility, and you will see why I am truly proud to be part of this company, where integrity, quality and social responsibility are our standards, and where making people and the planet healthier is our mission.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Shaklee is all about helping people take control of their future health by virtue of their choices today. My 16 years as a practicing family physician led me to believe even more strongly that prevention is where the future of medicine must go. Research confirms that nutrition, weight control, and wise supplementation can powerfully impact your vitality today and your health in the future, and I believe that we can redefine wellness in the coming years. Thank you for all that you are doing to share Shaklee products and the Shaklee Difference with so many. Together we are making a BIG difference in the health of the world!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Be well!<br><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; font-style: inherit;"><img id="DrJamie" src="http://images.shaklee.com/shaklee/fc/mcmanus200.gif" alt="Dr Jamie McManus" width="200" height="58" style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; font-style: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br><em style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dr. Jamie McManus, MD, FAAFP</strong></em><br>Chair of Medical Affairs, Health Sciences and Education for Shaklee Corporation</span></p></div>My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-66166848953388020872013-08-01T22:26:00.001-05:002013-08-01T22:26:16.296-05:00Let It Be Known......That sometimes when I come up with a seemingly fresh and brilliant idea for my writing and go to research for it...<div><br></div><div>I find that someone else already came up with that idea.</div><div><br></div><div>So let it be known. I'm not trying to steal ideas. But apparently the good ones have been taken.</div><div><br></div><div>Arg. Writer problems. Phooey. Head in hands.</div>My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-47102438789221587982013-05-10T14:11:00.000-05:002013-05-10T14:56:52.591-05:00Shaklee 180 - The Best Thing I've Ever "Sold"Those that have known me for a while know that I am not a salesperson. Not even a teensy bit. This is the girl who tried to waitress for 3 months and then quit because pushing presidential margaritas on people every night felt so awkward and mean ("What if they don't <i>want</i> a margarita?!"). I was <i>lousy</i> at selling those margaritas.<br>
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I've never sold anything at a garage sale. Never listed things on Ebay. Never signed up as a salesperson for anything.</div>
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Until Shaklee. Because I don't really feel like I'm selling things! I'm just telling people about amazing, trustworthy health products that have changed my life. And I forget all the time that what I'm doing is a <i>job</i> and that I get a paycheck every month for it.</div>
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This morning I woke up to a voicemail from a dear friend. She called after I fell asleep last night just to tell me how much she LOVES her Shaklee 180 products. Tell me - how many jobs are there out there where you get to wake up to voicemails from clients who love the products you shared with them?! Pinch me!</div>
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So, here's the deal that I want to make sure you and all your cousins and coworkers and great-aunts and mailmen know about:</div>
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<b>For the month of May any new customer who signs up with a Shaklee 180 kit - either the Turnaround Kit or the Lean & Healthy Kit and keeps their kit on autoship for three months (May, June, July) will receive:</b></div>
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<b>- FREE shipping for each of the 3 months</b></div>
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<b>- $100 worth of credit at the end of the 90 days to spend on any Shaklee products of their choice</b></div>
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You guys. FOR REAL! Don't miss out on this deal!!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C5HiIhdNZkc/UY1MOvdbpdI/AAAAAAAAAiM/ifbJHrxphoY/s640/blogger-image-1584569649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C5HiIhdNZkc/UY1MOvdbpdI/AAAAAAAAAiM/ifbJHrxphoY/s640/blogger-image-1584569649.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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Here's what my friends (real people! I'm not making these testimonies up!) who are on the 180 system are saying:</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: left;"><i> I had a flare-up of a chronic medical condition and needed to go on a soft food diet. Shena and the expe</i></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; text-align: left;"><i>rts at Shaklee were able to help me out. The Shaklee Smoothies were and incredible answer to my needs. We added some supplements to my regime and within two week my energy level increase, my chronic sinus allergy problems cleared, my sleep improved and I started to drop weight. I have been on these products for two months, I now have the energy to exercise everyday, I have lost nearly twenty pounds and dropped two pant sizes. I have also been able to decrease my allergy medicine and reduce the dosage on my sleep meds. Several people have told me I have a new glow. If you want or like me NEED to improve your health, please consider Shaklee.</i></span></span></blockquote>
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<i>I've had 3 days of shakes in the morning and 1) it does not hurt my stomach at all - I thought for sure it would mess me up and it doesn't! And 2) it seems to curb my appetite forever... Today I had a long, stressful day and normally under such nerve-wracking situations I would snack on pita chips to calm my stomach. But today I had a shake at 6am in the morning, thinking I'd be starving by noon, but I wasn't! It just stayed with me the whole day and I stayed very level and didn't have any surges downward or hunger or headache issues. I really like the shakes and I love the taste!</i></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>For me, the "proof is in the pants". My pants have so much slack that they are basically falling off of me! I'm already losing pounds/inches. Before I started this diet, I literally didn't eat anything all day until dinner. I'd have something terrible for me and then go right to sleep....horrible. All of my calories were coming directly from soda.. Forcing myself into a 3 "meal"/day routine has really given my metabolism a kick-start. I feel like I have the energy I was attempting to chase with all of those caffeinated drinks. It's awesome!</i></span></blockquote>
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These testimonies are part of why I love Shaklee. Part of why I love this gig. These testimonies are from my <i>friends</i> and I am so, so excited to help people find solutions to health difficulties.<br>
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If you are curious about changing your shape, increasing your energy, boosting your metabolism, healing your body - then make this month the month! This amazing offer from Shaklee ends on 5/31. Free shipping. $100 to spend on products. Nothing to lose but the weight!<br>
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<b>Shaklee has a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee.</b><br>
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Ready to start your 180? Here are the two kits to choose from:<br>
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<a href="http://shenafowler.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=89280"><b>Turnaround Kit</b></a> - A month's supply of 2 meals (smoothie mix and meal bars) per day, 1 snack per day, energizing tea, and metabolic boost supplement. This kit is perfect for those who have a more substantial amount of weigh to lose or want to reach their goals more quickly.<br>
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<b><a href="http://shenafowler.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=89281">Lean & Healthy Kit</a></b> - A month's supply of 1 smoothie meal per day plus Vitalizer - a month's supply of Shaklee's best daily supplements. <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;">Vitalizer vitamin packs provide the best spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, anti-aging phytonutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics, all in one daily serving. The Lean & Healthy kit is perfect for those that have a smaller amount of weigh to lose or simply want to maintain their current physique.</span><br>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;">A few more exciting things about the Shaklee 180 system:</span><br>
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<li>It is an extremely cost-efficient program and is cheaper than Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, Medifast, and Body by Vi. Check out this video fore about the value of Shaklee 180: <b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1001860318"></span>Shaklee 180's Value<span id="goog_1001860319"></span></a></b>.</li>
<li>The 180 system was developed by the number one natural nutrition company in America. The kits are gluten-free and dairy-free and contain no artificial sweeteners or preservatives and contain only non-GMO ingredients.</li>
<li>The 180 meals are specially formulated so that fat is lost, not muscle. Check out this video for more behind the science of the Shaklee 180 program: <b><a href="http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?feature=related&v=6G1smVSHKxk">Dr. Chaney Explains the Science Behind Shaklee 180</a></b>.</li>
<li>Shaklee's 180 program has now been <a href="http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=VE1ZxE6hfUY"><b>endorsed by Harley Pasternak</b></a> (celebrity fitness trainer who has never backed any product until now).</li>
<li>Every kit comes with online member support and access to the Shaklee 180 app. The app has a calorie and exercise tracker and access to daily workouts. The more you use the app the more you are entered into drawings for prizes (I won an iPod shuffle!). Watch this short video for more info on the app: <b><a href="http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=lRQj-_Oypdw">Shaklee 180 App</a></b>.</li>
<li>If you get 3 friends to join you on the 180 program, your monthly kit is FREE. And for each month that your 3 friends continue the program, your kit continues to be free. And your friends can get their friends to join and get their kit for free. All while your kit is free. So much free-ness!!!</li>
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Let me know if you want more info on the Shaklee 180 program! Act NOW so you don't miss out on this month's sweet promo!</div>
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And if, like me, you want to make an income by helping people feel better, let me know! Shaklee is an amazing gig. Right now I'm wearing my comfy clothes and drinking tea in my favorite coffee shop. Most of the time it's yoga pants curled up on the couch. My Shaklee coworker runs her business while going on playdates with her young daughter. It's a great job (that honestly doesn't feel like work) that can be done any place and at any time! :)</div></div>
My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-70331968866862126422013-03-20T09:37:00.001-05:002013-05-07T13:13:14.053-05:00Sort of Pregnant With an Alien for 6 YearsI've wanted to be a writer for longer than 6 years. I can remember the moment the epiphany happened - I was riding in the car with my mom at around the age of 13 or 14 and I realized that I lived my life with a storytellers lens - my every thought was basically a continuous script - "then the young heroine sat daydreaming in her car as her mother drove her to ballet class" - Yes, I was the heroine and most of my thoughts were self-centered dramas, but I realized at that point that I wanted to tell stories.<br>
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When people ask how my story is going I often feel like my answers are akin to saying "Oh yes, the pregnancy is going great thanks! 6 years! No biggie!" When they ask "So what are you having?" My response feels akin to saying "oh you know, just a three-headed hobgoblin crossed with a penguin, I'm thinking of naming it Sukie!" They respond as any normal person would, awing and cooing, and then probably raising their eyebrows once my gaze is averted and then forget about it as much as they can.<br>
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This is how it feels to be writing a sci-if fantasy novel that <span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">sounds completely ludicrous whenever I try to explain the plot, setting, or characters!</span> A crazy bun-in-the-oven that only bakes when I'm giving it my full attention. Sure, there's some haphazard, muse-inspired growth that happens when I'm washing dishes or nannying or flipping through web articles but my awkward brain baby does best when I am fully focused on it - something that's hard to do when I'm working several jobs and trying to manage a household for my (amazing) spouse. Somebody has to do the laundry!<br>
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My head feels like an alien crawled into it 6 years ago. And there's only one way to get it out - by writing.</b><div><br></div><div>On a positive note - I lovelovelove the Storyist app for iPad. It rocks. I LOVE the notecard feature - I can rearrange my plot so easily! It's given me fuel to keep.on.writing. Someday this brain child will see the light of day. This is my year...!!! *cue epic music*</div><div><br></div><div>Okay. Nanny duty calls. Somebody needs help with a Power Ranger.</div><div><br></div>My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-23845459154466442472013-02-22T13:10:00.000-06:002013-02-22T13:11:40.741-06:00On Story Development and Story EngineeringAbout two weeks ago I was able to go to a special story development workshop hosted by Matthew Luhn.<br />
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If you've never heard of Luhn, he is the head of story at Pixar Animation Studios! The guy has an amazing story... Raised Jewish, family business was a toy store... Went to California Institute of the Arts, got a job <i>at 19 years old</i> working as an animator on The Simpsons, went back to school, then was hired at 22 years old by Pixar. Worked as an animator on <i>Toy Story</i> and then worked his way up as a story developer on lots of Pixar favorites, including the rest of the <i>Toy Story</i> trilogy, <i>Monsters Inc</i>., <i>Finding Nemo</i>, and <i>Cars</i>!<br />
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I loved what this guy had to say about crafting stories with strong and believable characters. Some of my favorite takeaways from his seminar were:<br />
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<li>Character defines action. Know the characters you are writing about!</li>
<li>Fear or deeply rooted passion should be what drives character choices in the story.</li>
<li>Characters are who they are through their choices when faced with change.</li>
<li>Most memorable character arcs revolve around one of two options:</li>
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<li>A character who must learn to have courage (hardening of a character)</li>
<li>A character who must learn to care (softening of a character) </li>
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<li>The protagonist's choices lead the story. There must be something the protagonist wants more than life.</li>
<li>Heroes don't need to succeed in order to be a hero. They just need to try - audiences admire try more than success.</li>
<li>The antagonist and protagonist need clear goals that should oppose each other (although sometimes the goals may seem eerily similar - it is how the characters act and the decisions they make that are different).</li>
<li>The protagonist is only as compelling as the forces of antagonism compel him to be.</li>
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To find out more about Matthew Luhn or to see if he is speaking at an event near you, check out his <a href="http://matthewluhn.com/">personal website</a>! I'm so glad I got the chance to attend his workshop. It was very encouraging to my story-luvin' heart!<br />
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Another very helpful resource for me lately has been Larry Brooks <i>Story Engineering. </i>I've mentioned the book on the blog before and if you are thinking about writing a book or in the midst of writing one, I highly highly highly recommend his book! And if you're feeling cheap, at least <a href="http://storyfix.com/">check his blog out</a>. I wish I had read <i>Story Engineering</i> years ago (although it wasn't published years ago so that still wouldn't have worked).<br />
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I specifically recommend his blog series on <a href="http://storyfix.com/category/story-structure-series">story structure</a>.<br />
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I also really loved the last page of <i>Story Engineering</i>. I had to take a picture. It was one of the only times that Brooks waxed poetic (most of his book is clear-cut, a bit humerous, easy-to read, and very practical).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ke7ZEqjj6yU/USe6Cx4vGHI/AAAAAAAAAdg/sUkmXRRgQfA/s1600/38498D01-10DB-4127-8B84-5151E32062DE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ke7ZEqjj6yU/USe6Cx4vGHI/AAAAAAAAAdg/sUkmXRRgQfA/s640/38498D01-10DB-4127-8B84-5151E32062DE.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to become a story! Yes! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Okay, time to stop blogging about writing and get back to writing. For the curiously-minded, I have about 75% of a rough draft finished. I'm bouncing back to story structure and working on cleaning up the climax of my story. Personally, it's been a struggle for me to craft the climax!<br />
<br />
I think the answer lies in getting to know my characters a little better and then using character-driven action to fill in the blanks of the necessary plot points.<br />
<br />
<dl style="text-align: center;">
<dt><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>First, find out what your hero wants, then just follow him!</b></span></span></dt>
<dd><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">- Ray Bradbury</span></span></i></dd></dl>
My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-2059188443578013582013-02-14T07:54:00.001-06:002013-02-14T09:35:23.626-06:00Healthy Heart, Happy HeartHappy Valentine's Day!<br />
<br />
Or for those of you that prefer not to celebrate mushy "I Love You" greeting cards and chocolate overloads (wait... is there such a thing??)...<br />
<br />
Happy Heart Day!<br />
<br />
In honor of keeping your ticker healthy (regardless of whether it's so you can make your lover swoon, or not), I'm offering a special Shaklee Valentine's Day sale: <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Valentines Day!</span> </b></span></div>
<span style="color: #990000;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Receive a $5 rebate on any <a href="http://shenafowler.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=21252">OmegaGuard</a> or <a href="http://shenafowler.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20076">Mighty Smarts</a> purchase. Combine both for a
special membership offer (email me for details- shena.fowler@gmail.com) BONUS: Purchase ANY other Shaklee product with your combined order of OmegaGuard and Mighty Smarts and receive special membership discount AND discounted shipping!</b></span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: red;"><b> <a href="http://ourtinynest.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/images1.jpg"><img alt="images" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2784" src="http://ourtinynest.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/images1.jpg?w=560" /></a></b></span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Did you know that </b><span style="font-size: large;">9 Million</span></span><b><span style="color: #990000;"> adults in the United States are affected by heart disease?</span> </b></span></div>
<div align="center">
<b> </b> </div>
<div align="center">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women. It is also preventable and controllable!</span></i><br />
<br /></div>
How to keep your heart healthy:<br />
<ol>
<li> The number one step in heart prevention is maintaining a healthy weight. (Check out <a href="http://shenafowler.myshaklee.com/us/en/category.php?main_cat=WeightManagement&">Shaklee 180 </a>for an amazing and easy weight loss program!<span style="color: red;"> <span style="color: #990000;">Also our team is hosting a Shaklee180 party on Monday February 18<sup>th</sup> at 1:30pm and 8:30pm. To hear more about the program send me an email- shena.fowler@gmail.com<span style="color: black;">)</span></span></span></li>
<li> Choose fruits and vegetables. <a href="http://radiantdust.blogspot.com/search/label/Vittles">Kale </a>is one of the most nutritious
veggies you can eat and pomegranates are a heart-healthy super food packed
with antioxidants, potassium, vitamin c, and fiber!</li>
<li>Reduce stress, get good sleep, and exercise! Medical researchers
have long been studying the effects of stress on heart health. Stress,
in its simplest form, can lead to high blood pressure and elevated
levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can lead
to an increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks.</li>
<li>Focus on fiber (beans, lentils, veggies, whole grain) all help curb appetite and lower cholesterol.</li>
<li>Eat good fats (not all fat is bad fat- good fats come from avocados, flaxseed, walnuts, coconut oil, etc...)</li>
<li>Lower your salt intake-the daily recommendation for sodium is 2,300 miligrams a day - which is only 1 teaspoon! Yikes!</li>
<li>Take an <a href="http://shenafowler.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=21252">Omega 3 supplement</a>!
Unless you eat fish 4-5 times a week (which many do not, myself included) many people
need an omega 3 supplement. Studies show that Omega-3 fats can help
lower triglycerides, help maintain HDL “good” cholesterol, and
decreasing the risk of sudden heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes. In addition to protecting your heart, OmegaGuard helps with reducing
inflammation (the cause of many diseases), Asthma, colitis, eczema,
migraines, and arthritis.</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://ourtinynest.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/images.jpg"><img alt="images" class="aligncenter" height="283" src="http://ourtinynest.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/images.jpg?w=178&h=283" width="178" /></a></b></div>
<b><i>Aren’t all Omega 3 supplements the same?</i></b><br />
Take a look at the first ingredient listed by Nature Made gummies –
SUGAR, with only 222 mg of fish oil. Compare that to Shaklee’s OmegaGuard – the first ingredient is ultra-pure marine lipid concentrate with 1,200 mg of
fish oil, and no sugar. Don’t be fooled by the names of companies. Do
your research. I have done mine and know that Shaklee’s OmegaGuard is
pharmaceutical-grade.<br />
<a href="http://ourtinynest.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/46756_10151504215134574_1111338506_n.jpg"><img alt="46756_10151504215134574_1111338506_n" class="aligncenter" height="560" src="http://ourtinynest.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/46756_10151504215134574_1111338506_n.jpg?w=560&h=560" width="560" /></a><br />
<br />
Here's how Shaklee’s supplements are different:<br />
<br />
OmegaGuard™ delivers a full spectrum of ultra-pure,
pharmaceutical-grade omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy heart, joint
and brain function. It is made with a proprietary multistep molecular
distillation process for the utmost purity and potency of omega-3s fatty
acids, including EPA and DHA.<br />
<br />
OmegaGuard also contains all seven omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, which studies show help: <br />
<ul>
<li>Reduce the risk of heart disease</li>
<li>Retain healthy triglyceride levels</li>
<li>Maintain normal blood pressure</li>
<li>Support brain, eye, and joint health</li>
</ul>
OmegaGuard also: <br />
<ul>
<li>Contains natural fish oil derived from small cold-water fish</li>
<li>Delivers more EPA and DHA than selected brands</li>
<li>Has no cholesterol</li>
<li>Is smaller in size for easier swallowing</li>
<li>Is gluten free</li>
</ul>
Also, Omega-3 are critical for BRAIN and EYE development in kids! Kids LOVE Mighty Smarts!<br />
<a href="http://ourtinynest.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/banner_childrenshealth.jpg"><img alt="banner_ChildrensHealth" class="aligncenter" height="249" src="http://ourtinynest.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/banner_childrenshealth.jpg?w=560&h=249" width="560" /></a><br />
<a href="http://shenafowler.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20076"><b>Mighty Smarts – DHA Chews.</b></a><br />
Scientifically formulated with a power-packed blast of 100% natural, ultra-pure DHA. Essential brain-supporting nutrient. DHA has been show to support memory, concentration, mind skills, promotes healthy eyes and vision – without the fishy taste!<br />
<br />
<br />
So there you have it! Keep your heart happy <i>and</i> healthy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"> Happy Valentines Day!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;">
</span><span style="color: #990000;">Email me for more information- shena.fowler@gmail.com</span></div>
My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-62184633635409265302013-02-08T10:00:00.000-06:002013-02-08T10:00:07.728-06:00I Heart Kale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://nutribulletblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/KALE-Info.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://nutribulletblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/KALE-Info.jpg" width="467" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Bob Garon at <a href="http://www.synergykettlebell.com/">Synergy Kettlebell</a> posted this fabulous info-photo on kale (found on Nutribullet's <a href="http://nutribulletblog.com/all-hail-kale/">blog</a> and I had to share. Speaking of which, if you haven't checked out Synergy, then DO IT!! I can't say enough good things about this gym. The trainers are amazing. The workouts are quick and effective. And for the first time in my life, I <i>love</i> weight training. Yes, love! Crazy! <br />
<br />
<br />
Anywho, a couple times a week I try to have a spinach or kale smoothie for breakfast. I modify Oh She Glows' classic <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/01/13/classic-green-monster/">Green Monster</a>. Super delicious and energizing!<br />
<br />
In a blender, combine the following:<br />
- 1 cup almond milk<br />
- 1 TB raw almond butter<br />
- 1 TB organic coconut oil<br />
- 1 banana (frozen if possible)<br />
- 1 TB organic chia seeds<br />
- several large handfuls of kale or baby spinach<br />
- several ice cubes<br />
<br />
Puree until completely smooth and creamy and pour. Yummmmm! :) You can also add frozen avocado to up the "creamy" factor. Yes, avocado. I promise it's good.<br />
<br />
Kale is one of the reasons why you really <i>don't</i> need dairy. Or meat. Just check out kale's nutrition stats. If you don't want to give them up, then try having dairy and meat as <i>garnishes</i> to your meal. For real!<br />
<br />
Or at least try having a delicious green smoothie for breakfast!<br />
<br />
I know, the green color is scary. But it tastes GOOD. I promise!!! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdD8Hycznm0/URRx9ySfKjI/AAAAAAAAAP0/oG65546SFl8/s1600/2012-12-07+08.16.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdD8Hycznm0/URRx9ySfKjI/AAAAAAAAAP0/oG65546SFl8/s320/2012-12-07+08.16.04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-57789661890198838822013-02-07T16:46:00.004-06:002013-02-07T17:06:40.270-06:00Skin Deep(Side Note: Trying to write a blog post while curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, snuggled with a furry lil' critter, while watching huge snowflakes fall outside your window is really.hard.to.do. At least for me. I keep getting distracted!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exh-aRRsWyw/URQyuYQymtI/AAAAAAAAAPg/8kX5G03Ajps/s1600/DBA7C09D-743B-41D2-B9F1-81BB48A1722D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exh-aRRsWyw/URQyuYQymtI/AAAAAAAAAPg/8kX5G03Ajps/s320/DBA7C09D-743B-41D2-B9F1-81BB48A1722D.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Okay, here goes.<br />
<br />
I have had skin problems for years.<br />
<br />
I have combination skin and have struggled with both cystic acne and dryness. I've tried several different products over the years (including Proactive, Nutrogena, and St. Ives) and have since been trying more "natural" products - mostly stuff I could find at Target or Meijer (such as Burt's Bees). I have never found the perfect solution.<br />
<br />
Recently I began trying <a href="http://shenafowler.myshaklee.com/us/en/category.php?main_cat=Beauty">Shaklee skin care products</a>. And I'm not gonna lie - I've only been using them for <b>3 days</b>.<br />
<br />
But that's just it. I've only been using these products for <i>3 days</i> and I've noticed such a HUGE difference in my skin.<br />
<br />
My skin no longer has any dry spots. My breakout spots around my nose and chin are noticeably less red and more "healed" looking. My pores have shrunk and my skin feels super smooth! Yay!<br />
<br />
I also must add that I am taking <a href="http://shenafowler.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20283">Vitalizer </a>vitamins and <a href="http://shenafowler.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=21200">Vivix </a>and I firmly believe that what you put <i>in</i> to your body is just as important as what you put <i>on</i> your body.<br />
<br />
I look forward to how my skin looks and feels over time. If these 3 days are any indication, then the future of my epidermis is lookin' good! :)<br />
<br />
Here are some other tips I've learned over the year to help keep skin looking and feeling great:<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Practice good care routines</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. Cleanse and moisturize every night. I used to skip this sometimes! Laziness or fatigue would win and I'd fall asleep with makeup on. Also, don't use <i>hot </i>water (it strips your skin of
essential moisture). Avoid touching your
face throughout the day (it transfers germs and bacteria, plus rubbing your eyes can damage that delicate skin and lead to wrinkles). </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Always wear sunscreen on exposed skin</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.
Even if it’s winter or cloudy. The sun’s UV rays can still harm your
skin regardless of weather or time of year. And if you can, avoid being
in the sun between 10am and 4pm. That’s when the sun’s rays are most
damaging.</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Exercise</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.
Aerobic activity causes you to breath more deeply. This in turn
increases the flow of oxygen to your organs and improves your overall
body health. Plus, sweating can help your skin to rid itself of toxins.
The result - healthy and glowing skin.</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Eat plenty of fresh produce</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are chock full of vitamins and
antioxidants. A diet rich in fresh produce will help you to attain a
natural glow.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Reduce or eliminate sugar and dairy.</b> I have noticed a huge improvement in my skin, simply by drastically reducing my sugar and dairy intake. Studies indicate that both dairy and sugar are linked to acne and breakouts. The thing is, most people don't realize how much dairy and sugar they are actually consuming! (The answer - way.too.much.) Neither dairy nor sugar are necessary in a healthy diet. I could go on and on about this topic! It needs it's own post!</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Okay. Off to finish up Larry Brooks' <i>Story Engineering.</i> That and trying not to be distracted by the snow! :) </span>My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-44487587280477692832013-02-05T14:21:00.000-06:002013-02-05T14:23:46.986-06:00I'm Selling Shaklee!I'm super stoked.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
Because today I got a couple big ol' boxes from Shaklee!<br />
<br />
<i>Including</i> my business start-up box. Yep, I'm now officially a Shaklee Independent Distributor! <br />
<br />
For those that don't know what Shaklee is, here's the scoop: <br />
<ul>
<li>Shaklee is the number one natural nutrition company in the US </li>
<li>Shaklee became first in the world to be certified Climate Neutral™ (totally offsetting carbon emissions resulting in a net zero impact on the environment)</li>
<li>54 gold medals have been won by Shaklee powered worldclass athletes.</li>
<li>Shaklee invests over $250 million in clinical testing, research and development</li>
<li>Shaklee always tests for purity and safety with over 80,000 quality tests each year</li>
<li>Explorer Jacques Cousteau, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Wangari Maathai, and other earth advocates have partnered with Shaklee</li>
<li> Shaklee has won awards for sustainable business practices and in green design for its world headquarters </li>
<li> Shaklee recycles 1,000,000 pounds of cardboard from other companies </li>
</ul>
Just a few reasons why I love Shaklee! <br />
<br />
Some questions, you may (or may not) be wondering...<br />
<br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.637653678372282" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What about your other jobs? Don’t you work with kids? </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yes,
I love working with kids and Shaklee will not replace those jobs! My
other jobs are part-time and Shaklee provides an amazing way for me to
supplement my income without altering my schedule or quitting my other
jobs.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wait, what about writing though? Aren’t you a writer / Don’t you want to be a writer? </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Here’s
one thing that I will changing - I won’t be going after freelance
writing projects any more. If any come my way, great! But constantly
pursuing new projects is very time-consuming. And I’d MUCH rather spend
that time working on my novel manuscript (yes, it’s still in the works!)
and writing about one company that I know and love - Shaklee!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Are you sure that Shaklee is legit? Are you sure it isn’t a pyramid scheme?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yes, I’m sure. :) Try Googling it!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Interested in shopping Shaklee? Go to <a href="http://shenafowler.myshaklee.com/us/en/welcome.html">my Shaklee website</a>!</b></span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-40216608042185525912013-01-30T12:10:00.001-06:002013-02-08T22:30:40.634-06:00I Love Larry Brooks & Kid President TooThe amazing Larry Brooks at <a href="http://storyfix.com/">StoryFix</a> posted this today and I had to pass it along...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/l-gQLqv9f4o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Not cool Robert Frost!!! :)<br />
<br />
Speaking of Larry Brooks, I'm currently in the middle of reading his book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Engineering-Larry-Brooks/dp/1582979987/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326333669&sr=1-1">Story Engineering</a>. I <b>HIGHLY</b><i> </i>recommend this book to anyone considering writing a book. Super helpful. Wish I had read it 3 years ago! So far it's the best "how-to-be-a-writer" type of book I've come across.<br />
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Okay, off to do a little dance. And map out my villain's motivations!My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-74816507854596868172013-01-27T17:41:00.001-06:002013-02-08T22:30:26.022-06:005 Reasons NOT to Be a Writer...1. It's time-consuming. Ridiculously, tremendously time-consuming. It's so time-consuming that you never update your blog, you begin to rationalize your haven't-been-mopped-in-2-months floors as being "immunity boosting", and you start to rock yourself and hum the opening lines of Rent's "Seasons of Love" every time you see a clock or calendar.<br />
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2. It's creepy. You begin to categorize friends, family members, acquaintances, and strangers according to their inspiration potential for characters in your novel. You contemplate using one of your secret Pinterest boards to pin photos of your neighbor since he/she has that perfect "weathered" look that you imagine for your heroine's friend's mother's veterinarian.<br />
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3. It's mentally overwhelming. Being a writer takes up a lot of thought time and brain-room. You'll show up half-an-hour late to work meetings, forget when you last washed your hair, fail to remember the names of real people (since you're too preoccupied trying to think of the perfect name for your villain), and likely will start pacing while muttering and mumbling to yourself like Gaius Baltar from Battlestar Galactica.<br />
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4. It's painful. Consider: Staring at a computer screen and thumbing through how-to books late at night will give you a headache. Fighting with yourself over plot devices, settings, overarching themes, and character arcs will give you a headache. Attempting to go about your day to day life with an entire world stuck in your head will.give.you.a.headache.<br />
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5. It's scary. It might seem intimidating to actually announce your goal of writing a book. It's even more frightening to think about trying to write a book and failing. A gazillion unnerving questions will continuously taunt you. "What if my writing sucks? What if I never finish writing this book? What if my story never gets published? What if it gets published and everyone hates it? What if I'm just not cut out for this?" Being a writer means embracing the potential to fail. It means doing your best and acknowledging that you might not be good enough.<br />
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So if you're thinking of being a writer, be forewarned. And if, like me, you decide to ignore the warnings, then I have one piece of advice for you:<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Don't give up.</span></b></span></span>My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-46512454105187150552012-05-03T10:16:00.001-05:002013-02-05T10:55:42.364-06:00May (all your dreams come true...)C.S. Lewis quote for the day:<br />
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"Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement."<br />
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The mid-way point of the year is fast approaching... Only 59 days and 2012 will be halfway past...<br />
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What Leap Year resolutions did you make? What new ones are whispering in your head?<br />
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Listen to those whispering dreams...! Make the move now.<br />
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For me, May means "boot camp" month. Get my butt in gear and finish my manuscript draft. Make healthy habits of exercise and prayer. I want to work hard. And play hard. I want to be a good steward of every muscle, brain cell, and blessing.<br />
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I'm three days into May and those days haven't been perfect... But that's okay, because perfection is not my goal. Improvement, yes, perfection, no. (Thanks Mama Char [grandma] for that eternal life lesson!)<br />
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So make the most with what you've got! Life is preciously short. If you aren't satisfied with your life, then quit spinning your wheels and clinging to the same old habits...<br />
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Be who you were made to be!!!<br />
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My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-1979853684369061192012-04-30T14:32:00.000-05:002013-02-05T10:58:45.766-06:00Lessons from a ProphetI read Habakkuk this morning. Partially because I like the sound of "Habakkuk" and partially because it caught my eye as I was flipping through my slightly dusty NIV this morning...<br />
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<b>And I rediscovered two lessons that struck a particular chord with me... </b><br />
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Now I remembered reading Habakkuk before and so this morning I thought to myself "Hmm.. This will be good.." My eyes were bleary and the clock read 6:30am, but I willfully plopped myself into my not-comfy-enough kitchen chair, gratefully munched on <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/04/16/mini-chocolate-chip-breakfast-cookies/">Mini Chocolate-Chip Breakfast Cookies</a>, and began to read.<br />
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There have been <strike>sometimes</strike> many times in the past that I have read something or done something in order to better myself. Sort of a wonderful idea. Sort of a self-centered, egotistical type of vain indulgence. This morning was not one of those times though...<br />
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Because after a period of drought I feel a gnawing hunger for God again. I want to know Him more. And so this morning, I read Habakkuk in order to know my God better.<br />
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And as I read the words of the prophet Habakkuk I was reminded of a terribly wondrous truth...<br />
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<b>Our God cares more about the status of our hearts than our personal safety.</b> Because love, real, genuine, God-love, doesn't always feel good. It's not always a mushy-gushy heart-bursting-with-joy kind of feeling.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">The first lesson - Sometimes God's love hurts.</span></i></b></span></div>
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God's love isn't always about making us FEEL loved. Sure, there is that aspect of it, that overwhelming moment of feeling overwhelmingly <i>loved</i> by the creator of the universe. But there are plenty of times where God's love feels more like being drawn and quartered by blood-thirsty Babylonians...<br />
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Because God cares more about the status of our hearts than our personal safety. And He will do what it takes to get our attention. To dig up sin-weeds, uprooting all our nicely patted earth. So sometimes God allows the storms of life... <br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._S._Lewis">A wise man</a> once said:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our
pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."</blockquote>
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<b style="color: #0c343d;"><i>And then I found the second lesson - God's timing is perfect.</i></b></div>
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Even in the midst of hellish circumstances (brought on by our sin, the sins of others, or just a sin-filled world), God is both merciful and just. Merciful enough to cradle our bruised hearts. Just enough to fight our Babylonian battles for us. But all in His perfect timing. Once He's done some heart surgery.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span class="text Hab-2-3" id="en-NIV-22752">For the revelation awaits an appointed time; </span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-2-3">it speaks of the end </span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-2-3">and will not prove false.</span></span><br /><span class="text Hab-2-3">Though it linger, wait for it;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-2-3">it<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-22752c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Habakkuk+2&version=NIV#fen-NIV-22752c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup> will certainly come</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-2-3">and will not delay. </span></span></b></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> - Habakkuk 2:3 </i> </div>
</blockquote>
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These two lessons hit home with me this morning... Especially as I (impatiently) wait on the Lord for His perfect timing in multiple areas of my life...<br />
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For those that haven't read Habakkuk - go do so. It's only three chapters, but it's chock-full of amazing. The last chapter gives me goosebumps... And there's so much more than just two lessons to be found.<br />
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Read it and tell me what lessons you learn! :)<br />
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<span id="goog_1120970106"></span><span id="goog_1120970107"></span>My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-42477202824489816202012-04-26T21:26:00.002-05:002012-04-26T21:26:55.776-05:00You Know You've Been Away for Too Long When......You don't even recognize blogger's format any more and the whole thing's more confusing than Facebook's last update.... Arg!<br />
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My little sister said I should update my blog. So, this one's for you Linden!<br />
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Since my last post forever and a half ago, I've been... <br />
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<ul>
<li>...working a lot on my manuscript. My new goal is to have a rough draft completed by the end of May. I had to do lots of work on the outline and fleshing out scenes BEFORE actually writing them.... In college I was the girl who outlined term papers for days and then wrote the the whole 20 page whopper in a night. And it worked for me. I'm realizing that's how I work best when writing. Working from the "outside" to the "inside". I'm excited too, because I've really been able to envision my story lately... A steampunk world and a cyberpunk world... With superheros, airships, monsters, and mystery! (If you're curious to "see" what my story looks like / feels like, check out my Pinterest board for <a href="http://pinterest.com/larkfowler/laraway-legacy/">Laraway Legacy</a>...) </li>
<li>...trying to read Game of Thrones... I love it. But it's taking me forever to get into it. </li>
<li>...indulging a growing addiction to Kettlebell training at <a href="http://www.bobgarontraining.com/">Synergy</a>. What's that you say? A couple months ago I had NO idea... Now I know. And I'm totally addicted... It's amazing strength-training workouts that aren't boring (and that's saying a lot, coming from this lazy ex-ballerina) Plus, it burns up to 600 calories in 30 minutes. Here's a video of my trainer doing one of MANY Kettlebell exercises...</li>
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<li>...exploring veganism. I think I have a dairy allergy. I'm getting tested for allergies tomorrow morning actually. I used to think I could never ever EVER give up cheese. I mean, there's nothing quite like a glass of red wine and brie cheese...!!! But now, I'm thinking that feeling well might actually be better... And I'm discovering a plethora of amazing vegan recipe sites! If you've never checked out <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/">Chocolate Covered Katie </a>, then I highly recommend! Her recipes are SO simple and ohso tasty! I can personally attest that her <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/05/31/deep-dish-cookie-pie/">Deep Dish Cookie Pie</a>, made with <i>garbanzo beans</i> is UHmazing... As are her <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/11/11/chocolate-pumpkin-pie-brownies/">Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Brownies</a> (I've just been eating them with a fork from the baking dish... I couldn't stop long enough to cut them...)</li>
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That's all for this post... I'll be back again soon. :)<br />
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Until then, check out this GORGEOUS photo. I want to go to there...! :)<br />
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<br />My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-24442084682192501422012-01-18T09:51:00.002-06:002013-02-05T11:04:35.370-06:005 Health Tips for 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.leonardo-da-vinci-biography.com/images/leonardo-da-vinci-anatomy.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://www.leonardo-da-vinci-biography.com/images/leonardo-da-vinci-anatomy.4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Yesterday, my place of employment kicked off a new wellness initiative for the 2012. Basically, there's a new emphasis being placed on health and fitness and all staff are being encouraged to sign up for a "Biggest Loser" type competition! We had a guest speaker talk about some basic health and nutrition tips and learned about the prizes that can be had if you win the competition. I'm really glad that they emphasized that skinny does not equal healthy. There are a lot of ways to harm your body and starving it is just as bad as overfeeding it.<br />
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Anyways! Yesterday's presentation at work got me thinking about some of my favorite health tips. My husband has lost about 20 lbs since I first met him (about 3 years ago), and I've recently lost 5 lbs within the last two and a half weeks (goodbye holiday weight gain!!)<br />
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I'm by no means an expert on health and fitness. But I have learned some valuable tips and tricks along the way! So, here some of my favorite health tips - both old and new:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>1. Utilize a calorie counter.</b> I've had so much success with these things. In the past I used a web-based program called <a href="http://www.fitday.com/">FitDay</a>. Currently, I like to use the <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">MyFitnessPal</a> app for my iPhone. I love it because it's got an extensive library of foods (including most restaurant menu items), a bar code scanner, and the ability to add my own foods and recipes. Plus I can calculate my calorie expenditure through fitness. Why use a calorie counter? Well, it will give you a really good idea of just how much you are eating. I recommend using one for a month or two until your eating habits have changed. Then, you can wean yourself off so you don't build a dependency on it. Weigh yourself every week or two and if you notice you've put on some weight then go back to the calorie counter until you're back to your goal!<b> </b></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>2. Quit your sugary drink addiction already! </b>I can't emphasize this enough. Soda, energy drinks, coffee drinks, even juice.... It's all laden with unnecessary calories and sugar! Sugary drinks put you at greater risk of obesity, kidney damage, heart disease, and higher blood pressure. Plus, these drinks don't fill you up, so using them as part of your daily caloric allotment will only leave your body feeling hungry and malnourished! Part of the reason my husband dropped 20 lbs within a year and a half was because he quit his Mountain Dew addiction. (Note: if ever trying to challenge your LOTR addicted husband to stick with a major health change then just feed him this line... "Well, if there were a ring of absolute power that needed to be destroyed... I don't think I'd trust you with the job." Needless to say, he hasn't touched Mountain Dew in nearly 3 years...) </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>3. Reinvent your breakfasts. </b>It's probably the most important meal of the day! Some of my favorite breakfast meals are: Berry-Banana-Spinach Smoothies - rich in vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. (Just combine almond milk, some frozen berries, 1 banana, and a handful of spinach in a blender! I promise you can't taste the spinach!!) "Reese's" Oatmeal - rich in protein and antioxidants. (Add some peanut butter, honey, and unsweetened coco-powder to plain oatmeal. Add some flaked coconut if you're an Almond Joy lover!) Cliff/Luna bars - these are a staple in my household. When we don't have time to make breakfast we just grab one of these bars. They are PACKED with nutritional gold!!!</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>4. Try coconut oil!</b> I just picked up a little jar of Trader Joe's coconut oil on a whim (I LOVE all things coconut). After buying it I read up on the stuff... It's amazing! Good for hair, skin, heart, liver, stress relief, digestion, weight loss, immunity, bones... The list goes on and on! You can cook with it, add it to your smoothies, or just eat it it plain! I have between a teaspoon and a tablespoon daily. It just tastes like coconut paste... Slightly sweet and coconutt-y... Yum! (NOTE: Coconut oil is a natural laxative. Therefore, I do NOT recommend eating coconut oil and then going on a 3 hour hike... Or going anywhere without... "facilities"!)</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>5. Do whatever it takes for YOU to work out.</b> For me, there are plenty of days that I do NOT feel like going to the gym. I just want to curl up under blankets and read. So, I compromise and tell myself that I CAN read... If I just go to the gym and walk on the treadmill while I'm at it. Sure, it's not as challenging of a workout as running 5 miles or making it through a spinning class. But it gets me to work out. And any work out is better than none! So don't feel like you have to become a triathlon athlete in 5 months or log an hour and a half of gym time 6 days a week! Figure out what personally works for you. Are you a social butterfly? Join a fitness class with your friends. Does the idea of working out publicly fill you with anxiety? Hide in your basement and do 20 minutes of a YouTube workout! Whatever it takes for YOU to make exercise a habit!</blockquote>Don't forget - your body is an amazing, fantastic creation!!! Take care of it. Give it the proper fuel and strengthen it. You won't be sorry!<br />
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For a little more on my food/fitness philosophy, <a href="http://radiantdust.blogspot.com/p/my-food-philosophy.html">read here</a>.<br />
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</div>My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-66777917648413067632012-01-12T18:52:00.003-06:002013-02-05T10:58:45.816-06:0055 Reasons Why Snow is Great FINALLY!!! SNOW! Seriously, for the past couple weeks I've been humming "This is Halloween" in my head and thinking about Cadbury Creme Eggs... This weather has been more confusing than the <a href="http://www.kazak.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/birm_spaghetti.jpg">Birmingham Spaghetti Junction</a>. But I refuse to apologize to all the snow-haters out there. You got your extra weeks of Sprall (Spring + Fall???). Now it's my turn! Our turn! Snow-lovers of the world unite!!!<br />
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And without further ado, 55 reasons to love snow:<br />
<ol><li> It's beautiful. Breathtaking. Serene. Entrancing.</li>
<li>It's cold. This is great because you can always put on more clothes to keep warm. Summer heat? Eh, you can only take off so many clothes in public. Just sayin'.</li>
<li>God made it. On purpose.</li>
<li>God makes each and every snowflake unique. WHAT?! Did you hear that? This is like, cooler than rainbows!!! (Okay, some disagree that ALL snowflakes are unique.. But still... Look at some up close.. they are different!)</li>
<li>Snow forces people to stay home and get in touch with their inner introvert.</li>
<li>Snowshoeing.</li>
<li>Snow-man making.</li>
<li>Snow Angels. </li>
<li>Downhill skiing.</li>
<li>Ski jumping. </li>
<li>Cross-country skiing.</li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skibob">Skibobbing</a>. </li>
<li>Snowboarding.</li>
<li> Jamaican bobsled teams.</li>
<li>Figure skating. </li>
<li>Speed skating.</li>
<li>Snowmobiling.</li>
<li>Snow rugby.</li>
<li>Snow makes even the most ugly and dirty cities look lovely.</li>
<li>Watching puppies play in snow is an instant mood booster.</li>
<li>Watching toddlers waddle in snowsuits warms the heart.</li>
<li>Sitting in a hot tub, jumping out, rolling in the snow, and jumping back in the hot tub is a truly invigorating experience!</li>
<li> Killing lions on snowy days is pretty BA. "Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion." (2 Samuel 23:20)</li>
<li>Jesus makes us white as... SNOW. So, snow must be pretty pure and awesome and such. "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." (51:7)</li>
<li>Ever been to a snowy winter wedding? Yeah. Uhuh. Amazing.</li>
<li>Photo shoots in the snow are magical.</li>
<li>Movies like "White Christmas" would be pointless without snow.</li>
<li>Half a dozen epic scenes in the LOTR films wouldn't be so dang cool without snow.</li>
<li>The Shining wouldn't have happened had there not been a snowstorm!</li>
<li> Snow Dogs! Even though we all thought Cuba Gooding, Jr. could have done better...</li>
<li>Ice Age. </li>
<li>The Day After Tomorrow. Emmy Rossum and Jake Gyllenhaal are so cute together.</li>
<li>The Empire Strikes Back! Sure, Luke's Tauntaun carcas sleeping bag was gross, but it was pretty innovative of him. <i>(Edit: My husband just reminded me that it was Han Solo's idea, not Luke's. Either way though, it's innovative!)</i></li>
<li>Speaking of innovation, snow forces everyone to be innovative. Like tonight I'm making hodge-podge chilli since I can't drive on the snowy roads!</li>
<li>We wouldn't have that lovely song "Let it Snow".</li>
<li>We wouldn't have that slightly creepy song "Baby, It's Cold Outside". But come on, it was originally written by a husband who liked to sing it with his wife at parties! So cute.</li>
<li>Shoveling. A 150 lb person can burn almost 400 calories per hour!</li>
<li>Romance. Go grab your honey and kiss them in the falling snow. Guaranteed magical moment.</li>
<li>Homemade snow ice cream.</li>
<li>A big bowl of snow with maple syrup on it.</li>
<li>Snowball fights.</li>
<li>Throwing snowballs for your dog to catch and then cackling when they can't find them. </li>
<li>Snowforts.</li>
<li>Snow sculptures (see photo at bottom!)</li>
<li>Painting in the snow with colored water. </li>
<li>Doughnuts in parking lots.</li>
<li>The ability to write your name in snow.</li>
<li>Snow's dangerousness. It's cool to witness the majestic power of nature, up close!</li>
<li>Snowdays.</li>
<li>Freshly fallen snow is 90-95 percent air. This means it's a good thermal insulator. Which is awesome and super good for plants during the winter chill. </li>
<li>It also provides moisture to plants during winter.</li>
<li>Guinness says that the largest snowflake ever recorded was 15 inches wide!</li>
<li>Snow purifies the air.</li>
<li>Snow reduces tick populations.</li>
<li> It makes people who love snow (like me) insanely happy. This means you'll have a much more pleasant day if you encounter me!</li>
</ol> So there! Love snow for goodness sake!!! It will love you back!!! :)<br />
<br />
Why do you love snow? Comment and share! And if you hate snow, then check out my dear friend Jessica's <a href="http://from-house-2-home.blogspot.com/2012/01/snow-can-go-rebuttal.html">rebuttal </a>to my 55 reasons! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/497/39614565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/497/39614565.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-11756270393385294092012-01-11T10:58:00.000-06:002013-02-05T10:55:42.321-06:00New Year, One GoalHellllloooo 2012!<br />
<br />
In the past I've had multiple goals every year. But this year I only have one - to finish my manuscript. Sure, I wanna lose that extra holiday cheer that's attached itself to my waistline and thighs. And I want to relearn chess, pay off debt, and get my husband to like Indian food. But all that falls by the wayside when it comes to accomplishing this year's singular resolution.<br />
<br />
So how am I doing so far? Well, to start with, I'm terrified. I'm nearly petrified with fear of failure. But I started the actual writing process and though I really need to boost my daily page count, I've got a teensy little bit written!!!<br />
<br />
Here's what I'm working on this week:<br />
<ul><li>Getting into a habit of regular page count (check out <a href="http://www.sfwa.org/2011/12/guest-post-how-i-went-from-writing-2000-words-a-day-to-10000-words-a-day/">Rachel Aaron's post</a> on upping your word count if you're looking to do the same!)</li>
<li>Do a little more prep work to clearly define my villian/hero relationship. I've realized that I really need to create characters that are equal to one another. I need the Voldemort to my Harry. The Professor Moriarty to my Sherlock. The Joker to my Batman! One of the things I've learned about the fantasy/action genre is that every hero needs an ultimate nemesis. One that is perfectly suited to create a unique foil to the protagonist.</li>
<li>Figure out how the heck I'm gonna open my story! Actually, I may or may not accomplish this goal this week. But I really need to keep working at it. How am I going to open this monstrous adventure story?!?!? What in the world is Nicholas DOING when he is introduced?!</li>
</ul>So that's what I'm working on for now! Here we go 2012 resolution!!<br />
<br />
Oh, and as I'm writing, I'm getting to do even more research on so many fantastic steampunk/fantasy items...<br />
<br />
How cool is this pocket-watch?!?! I want me one of these!!<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="http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/235/8/5/Steampunk_Pocketwatch_2_by_purpleglovez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/235/8/5/Steampunk_Pocketwatch_2_by_purpleglovez.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://purpleglovez.deviantart.com/art/Steampunk-Pocketwatch-2-176469321">Steampunk Pocket Watch 2 by *purpleglovez on deviantART</a></td></tr>
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And Michael Kingery's steampunk walking ship just tickles my brain with inspiration for the side of Myrla'tor that is eternally dark and frozen!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://attachments.conceptart.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=614767&d=1236641365" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://attachments.conceptart.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=614767&d=1236641365" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://attachments.conceptart.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=614767&d=1236641365">Here's where I found it...</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Ahhh, the possibilities!!! :)My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-30025215141916017722011-12-21T09:41:00.002-06:002013-02-05T10:58:45.779-06:00Hello HelloSo I got a new phone that enables me to blog... Yippee!! :)<br />
<br />
Also, hello Linden... ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6_D66_JByCw/TvH-DB6DzaI/AAAAAAAAAJc/AHY1GBaRFNE/s640/blogger-image--99569471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6_D66_JByCw/TvH-DB6DzaI/AAAAAAAAAJc/AHY1GBaRFNE/s320/blogger-image--99569471.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CLaUrJjeuVU/TvH-Dic2amI/AAAAAAAAAJk/O--Mud_Ddgs/s640/blogger-image--68208330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CLaUrJjeuVU/TvH-Dic2amI/AAAAAAAAAJk/O--Mud_Ddgs/s640/blogger-image--68208330.jpg" /></a></div>My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-74473238819976632322011-08-25T18:09:00.000-05:002013-02-05T10:29:41.677-06:00Funny Things... About Novel-Writing and Kefir<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-hiqozUcI9U/Su28eBYbZrI/AAAAAAAABOI/wPxPxfdSwLs/s400/computercrash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-hiqozUcI9U/Su28eBYbZrI/AAAAAAAABOI/wPxPxfdSwLs/s320/computercrash.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ya know, it's funny... that when you sign up for a course to "<a href="http://www.spirespire.com/1/post/2011/08/shay-the-one-where-shay-makes-an-announcement.html">complete a self-edited manuscript within a year</a>"... that THAT'S the week that your computer decides to quit on you...<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Poor Glamdring... He still won't turn on... :-/ And so, I'm left using an Orc of a windows machine that is my husband's work laptop. He (my husband, not the Orc) has lovingly worked out somewhat of a schedule so that I can use the laptop often. Which is good. Because beyond my creative needs, I also need a computer to complete work blogs on.<br />
<br />
Another funny thing... is that when you sign up to do a "complete a self-edited manuscript in a year" course with weekly emails from a guide/shepherd/instructor/friend is that those emails (which are actually INSANELY helpful) come... every week. And somehow after the first week my little brain was still in lalaland. Here's what my brain was telling itself:<br />
<br />
"Ooh, cool! You signed up to write a manuscript! Hey cool, here's an email with lots of nifty tricks and tips! Woohoo! This is AWESOME!!!"<br />
<br />
And then my brain must have gone on vacation... Because I definitely <i>thought </i>about what I was supposed to do. And I definitely did <i>some </i>of it. But somehow it didn't fully sink in... the fact that I am going to have to WORK and FIGHT to do this. It's not going to happen just because I signed up for it to happen. (Oh, if only it were so easy!)<br />
<br />
And then I got the week 2 email from lovely Shay... And (confession time) I didn't read it for two days. Because I knew (guilty me) that I still had week 1 work to do... And (excuses excuses) I didn't have a working computer 24/7! Oh woe is me. Poor baby.<br />
<br />
And so today I sat on my butt and got cracking. That's right, silly brain! It's WORK TIME!!!<br />
<br />
(Pause... I just nearly choked on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir">Kefir </a>I am drinking... <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir">Kefir </a>is a funny thing. You should try it.)<br />
<br />
Wanna take a peak into this kick-butt course I'm doing? Part of my week 1 homework was to come up with a one sentence description of my story. (I think I've posted a lengthier version somewhere on this site, but I'm sort of starting over..) Here's what I came up with:<br />
<blockquote style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">It's the year 2045 and thirteen year old aristocrat twins discover that they are heirs to the throne - of an alternate and near-apocalyptic fantasy reality.</span></span></blockquote>
It's still a work in progress... But it's something! :) AND, I definitely welcome feedback on whether this story idea sounds like something YOU would want to read. (Sidebar - huge pet peeve of mine - when creative artists never ask for feedback and never use that feedback to hone their craft! But that's another blog post...) Anyways... so let me know if you just finished reading a book about aristocratic twins that are heirs to the throne of a near-apocalyptic fantasy reality. Because then I might need to make some big changes. ;)<br />
<br />
Okay... I'm off to finishing some world building and character-shaping. <br />
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<br />My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-24859362466860045952011-08-18T20:42:00.000-05:002013-02-05T10:55:42.337-06:00Self Study No. 568Ah, the wise words of my baby sis:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"finish itttttt."</b></span><br />
<br />
She was referencing my "Alison Underland" piece. Which will be finished at some point...<br />
<br />
Sometimes I find it hard to finish things... Which is why I'm making a very public display of announcing the official, for real, very surely start of something. Something bigger than my Alison Underland story or my other (very beloved) pastiche pieces.<br />
<br />
I am embarking on something engulfing. This weeks marks the first week in my year-long challenge to complete a finished, self-edited manuscript for my book series. (THANKS to Shay at <a href="http://www.spirespire.com/">SpireSpire </a>for being so selflessly devoted to challenging others and helping them to shine!)<br />
<br />
Oh boy. I think I can I think I can I think I can.<br />
<br />
And with this great adventure, I am mustering up the courage to humbly turn my eye inward. To truly evaluate myself as a creator, thinker, feeler, organizer, and do-er. A frightening task, to be sure. But that's the only way. I mean, really... My biggest pet peeve is when people assume things. So I should probably not assume anything about my own powers. I've got to whip my lil' creative spirit into shape and prove myself. Yeehaw!<br />
<br />
In other me-related news...<br />
<ul><li>I just got back from a missions trip to the Czech Republic. Oh my. If you've never sacrificed your time and energy and traveled outside of your lil' world, then it's time to get on board!!! God is working in a big way in Czech and I'm sososo thankful that I got to be a part of it in some small way! (Note to self: update <a href="http://fowlertreks.blogspot.com/">personal travel/adventure blog</a> with photos and highlights from the trip!) For now, here's a pic of our fabulous class that we were privileged to teach English to:</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOrXiOg_8qg/Tk25rYtSGsI/AAAAAAAAAHg/2mdd2MgEt-g/s1600/DSCF3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOrXiOg_8qg/Tk25rYtSGsI/AAAAAAAAAHg/2mdd2MgEt-g/s320/DSCF3156.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from top left: Bara (she has cool hair!), Martin (he just got married last week!), Dave (love you!), Martin (he has a Scottish accent...oh yes), Honza (our beloved scholar of the group), me, Inka (my roomie when I went to Czech in 2004... oh how I love her!), and lovely Reny (she is soso sweet!). Ahhh... I miss them all! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><ul><li> I discovered <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. It's like a virtual pinboard system and it's great for people who are visually inspired and like to stay organized. Perfect for gathering recipes, inspiring images, a cache of all items on a dream shopping list, or creating idea collages for decorating the home. Words cannot describe the great fun-ness of Pinterest. (Yes, that was the word that I wanted to write there... And for once I wished it was a real word... so I decided to use it anyways...) If you haven't discovered Pinterest yet, then you should. Just be prepared to set up an accountability system with a buddy so that you can healthfully manage your new addiction. (Note: I think there's a way to link one's Pinterest account with one's blog... Which I will try to do...) </li>
</ul><ul><li>I just watched two films worth watching:<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758751/"> Grey Gardens</a> with Jessica Lange and a truly groundbreaking performance by Drew Barrymore... And <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051459/">Cat on a Hot Tin Roof</a>. Oh Paul Newman.....*swoon*.</li>
</ul>Okay... Off I go... I have work bloggies to do... And pinteresting to procrastinate with... And creating to do for my story: The Laraway Legacy!!! Curious? Check out my<a href="http://pinterest.com/larkfowler/laraway-legacy/"> Laraway Legacy Pinterest board</a> for a sort-of glimpse into my brain! :) My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-60606052249846169892011-07-02T13:27:00.002-05:002013-02-05T10:55:42.381-06:00Alison Underland - Part IHey readers!<br />
<br />
So, Writers of AntiquiTea is working on modern twists on old fairy tales. I'm so pumped about this little project! Here's the first part of my short story. There will definitely be more, so stay tuned!!! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;">
<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.9012122713029385" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #4c1130; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 48pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alison Underland</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"><img height="389" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/wT7MIxiL20cLS3I3dBzg0_27ODNwfdI2dP7esKy5jWPiD2ifiJzphT7EiTpW9VJQRKItv3KoXtvf-K0y05-TJKZAXrJmgvzLtAXpNMy4E8cfD4zkb90" width="400" /></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The red-eye. Alison had been traveling all day. First the cab ride from New York to Jersey. Then the flight to San Francisco. Now, at quarter after midnight, she sat on a hard metal bench in terminal A4 of the San Francisco International Airport.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alison wiggled her toes inside her patent leather pumps. She loathed heels. But part of being a international sales executive for Rolex meant dressing the part - even if one’s travel agent couldn’t come up with a decent travel itinerary and it meant traipsing around in horrible footwear for 23 hours straight. At 29, Alison figured she still had some dues to pay, but after 7 years in the business she found it ridiculous that she still had to put up with 3 hour layovers and late night flights.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Mr. Johnathan Coney, please come to the desk at terminal A4. Mr. Johnathan Coney, please come to the desk.” The attendant’s voice rang out through the desolate terminal. Alison glanced around. Only herself and a couple of flight attendants were in the terminal.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Suddenly, a small and elderly gentleman came barreling around the corner of the terminal. He wore a brownish green suit, carried a small grey suitcase, and had a plume of white hair. He scuttled up to the terminal desk, and bent his head towards the desk attendant. They murmered in hushed tones. The old gentleman kept pushing his spectacles up against his face. Each time, the spectacles stayed put for a moment and then began slipping down the short bridge of his nose.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The gentleman finished his conversation. Then, he came and sat next to Alison.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Late night for a flight, eh?” The old man’s voice was unusually high pitched.<br class="kix-line-break" /><br class="kix-line-break" />“Yeah... Sure.” Alison crossed her legs in the opposite direction and leaned away from her new benchmate. A faint odor emanated from his direction. Mothballs. Mothballs and straw.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He leaned over. “The name’s Coney. Johnathan Coney.” His black eyes peered over his sliding spectacles. “But you can call me Jack.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Ahh, hi.” Alison paused. She had no intention of making friends on this flight. She never did. She glanced around. Still no other passengers had shown up.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I’m Alison.” She forced a smile and then dug her Blackberry out of her purse. Swiftly she began scrolling through her emails. Hopefully he would get the hint.<br class="kix-line-break" /><br class="kix-line-break" />Jack pushed his glasses up on his nose.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Yes, yes. Yes, of course you are.” He smiled, a wide yellow grin, full of gaps.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Allison stopped scrolling. “Excuse me?”<br class="kix-line-break" /><br class="kix-line-break" />“Eh?” He reached up and cupped a gnarly hand around his ear. “What’s that?”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alison rolled her eyes and returned to her emails. Senile old man. She reread the last email from her boss and then skimmed through her notes for tomorrow’s presentation. Out of the corner of her eye she could see him staring at her. After what seemed like an eternity, he made an odd high-pitched sigh and then leaned back in his seat.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Several minutes passed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" />“Passengers, we will now begin boarding for for flight 1006 to Sydney. We will start with first class passengers. Please line up with your boarding passes.” Alison looked up. The terminal was still empty, except for herself, Mr. Coney, and two flight attendants.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gingerly, Alison stood to her feet. Her heels ached. She grabbed her carry-on and picked up her purse and started heading for the gate. She nearly tripped when a flash of white hair bobbed in front of her. Mr. Coney looked back over his shoulder “Elderly first, right?” He winked. “Or is it gentlemen first, to make sure it’s safe for the ladies?”<br class="kix-line-break" /><br class="kix-line-break" />Alison bit her tongue. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They made their way through the check in and walked into the jetway. Alison teetered on her heels, shutting out the blister sensation that was growing on her left little toe. Keep walking. Soon she’d be relaxing in her 5 star suite. At least her travel agent had gotten that much right.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alison rounded the corner of the jetway into darkness. She stopped. Her immediate reaction was to wait for the flight attendants to turn the lights back on...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Seconds passed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Hello? Is there a problem with the jetway?” Alison reached her hand out to grab a hold of the wall. Her fingers clasped emptiness.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Hello? Mr. Coney? ...Jack?”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She heard a faint and unusually high pitched sigh to her left. Alison turned and took a step towards the sound.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And that’s when she began to fall.</span></div>
My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-41768003644691277662011-07-01T19:36:00.000-05:002013-02-05T10:58:45.786-06:00Ode to an Idiom: Charley HorseHello readers! Most of my attention lately has been sucked by writing and creating stories. And I couldn't be happier!!! But I do have some recipes I've been meaning to post... I will try to get to that soon!<br />
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As for now, here's another Writers of AntiquiTea project. We're calling it an "Ode to an <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/idiom">Idiom</a>". Enjoy! :)<br />
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<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.1974575030617416" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Corsiva; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Charley Horse</span></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.1974575030617416" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Corsiva; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></i></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"><img height="552px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/bGMWQcEKaRtfxuYaNnyjDcfCSarHh4x1bHFkvSIZ7AIHlVBpIEDlemX1CxKQbjUAbKtaBbif-Tb-N4C-wqQZJA4ZbziFjxIddRAe0MAWJAaIM8xswcc" width="367px;" /></span></div></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spasms of the heart...</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Uncontrollably freezing up any remnants of valor.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bravery, that I thought I possessed,</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But I must have thought wrong.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" />This soul dehydration</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That leads to invariable twinges,</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Drawing bits and pieces,</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sucking spirit from my marrow...</span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stiff.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reactions.</span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Low levels of joy and</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Overabundance of shock</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the under-saturated hues inside the </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kinks and stitches </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of my mind.</span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Distraction is not enough,</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Frenzied games of forgetting</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do little to ease the ache.</span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a horribly stunning truth</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That the only relief to be had</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is from the</span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Arduous stretching</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reaching</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And the re-extending...</span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The expanding of the heart through and beyond</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Its source of pain.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="551px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pgjuiYtsIOZXUlp2KmTqAu3-Eh9__X-r4F80GrlxHKpg1f5qfYKmFkC2Hwp3fLRxeRvScWuy9_SYAwTjzYKv-D5-3nj7PcA9tZrFSJEBWgaPf1KQ-FY" width="368px;" /></div></div>My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-40573840655200914412011-06-24T11:33:00.002-05:002013-02-05T10:33:27.827-06:00Pastiche Project - Prism PoemsOh my... It's been a LONG time since posting! But I've been busy. This is the project I've been working on for the past couple weeks - another <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pastiche">pastiche</a> of sorts, generated by brainstorming and writing sessions from my Writers of AntiquiTea meetings with <a href="http://faithfilled1013kz.blogspot.com/">Lisa</a>.<br />
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We're calling this project Prism Poems - 3 unique poems showing different facets of people. So, take a look at the title of each poem and enjoy the artwork that was chosen to go along with each piece. Then, read each poem! And as always, feedback is GREATLY appreciated!!! THANKS! :)<br />
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<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.45133269275538623" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Oatmeal Soul</span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"><img height="269" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/GSXl13_JsKkOtajfBWz0z9B5g_ObZ7quVMeZ5xAbDLuhPrFXPXP30Bv3vaXbFPB5WgipY5bcvnuUa6xyycTpjK3U3mmMV-01lHUBgL8ZODfGrvm2dqE" width="400" /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The slide-sound of the window shutting</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Newspapers</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Read</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Neatly stacked in a green recycling bin</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No dishes in the sink</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No laundry on the brink</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of toppling over and overwhelming the bed space.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">…bed space, only to be used for sleeping.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your eyes fix onto the uniform lines</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of the vacuum cleaner skids on the carpet.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Regular rectangles like the</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Large</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Empty</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spaces</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On your calendar</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Raindrops only plunk and </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Never dance</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ruining all chances of another shot at mowing the plot</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of flawlessly cultivated blades of emerald.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Straight-backed chairs line the polished dining room table</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of your impressive</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(but modest!)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dining room floor</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Empty,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Except for your own straight back.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And the almost-completed list of</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tasks and<br class="kix-line-break" />Troubles</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Printed on an achromatic white pad.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Useful sweater</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unpowdered face</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The usual pair of starched socks.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Life is altogether quite vexing</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tiresome</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Taxing</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Risks, not worth the taking</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For you and your</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oatmeal soul.</span><br />
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</span><br />
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</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Corsiva; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Corsiva; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Corsiva; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Corsiva; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kaleidoscope Soul</span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="356" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/yupRqtmqVG0CIFdaw-zCtWnpC8Jqccf5GlelpqSkq0ZSsASfcGWnQndB1UuooN352bmnFw3stAqnV64ZfPjXmo8rw6g-a-EAXw6ylaiqDJ6QVncwZ1s" width="400" /></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She requested half-light on a summer day</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And then packed her bags for Mars.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Took a fire-fly flight up past the moon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And rested ‘mongst the stars.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She wrestled with the red-blood dust</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And grew roots into the sand.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then ripped them up, one-by-one</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And sped back to her homeland.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She scaled the seaside mountains</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And danced on fireside coals,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wove wreaths of foxglove through her hair</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And napped with neighboring trolls.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And when the blue brine called her names</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She bested him in breath</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And hitched a whirl in kaleidoscope waves,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lassoed the one called Death.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And so she made her kingdom</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Built of dust and bone and sea.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She spun a robe, lined it with souls</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And called it “I Am Free”.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Patchwork Soul</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="1px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-634rXVC-rdsfwInjeYLqTx43EsLwdSURCdW5jWWCRwn1p7DjkWu8_FAN0C61CEvj3dJuYMZcvhgB2KWOMdsCRj4uiN7_cx-kDhoeLeVLI59WpAEwZc" width="1px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="533px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4uGpXhnEcu8QhyznzVAIG7uDxL_Xh-NJWlbYms5D7ngSfppgQLij1Aj4lnuTeMkIa-98vL8tADCM2KYKNiI7IP4rEzSK1n3HoCEwTznGsrMwR46a0oA" width="378px;" /></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am not the sound of laughter</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Except inside that moment when the floodgates of</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Life demand tones of mirth or tones of tears</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In those moments when gum gets stuck in the hair...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then I smile</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And let the hilarity swell.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am not the touch of gentleness</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But during those times when spirits need soothing and</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even demons grow shy of their shadows</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And when nearness and words can cushion a fall...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then I catch</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And carry the damaged to port.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am not the smell of adventure</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Save in the instances when risk proves wise and I</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Steam in twisting jungles of compromise</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When cliff diving leads to Tahitian-round pearls...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then I leap</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And challenge the onrush of rain.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am not the taste of passion</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Without hours spent kicking down plaster and rifting</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spaces in the masks worn by new lovers</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even Romeos build ramparts ‘round the heart...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then I flame</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And spark with infallible heat.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am not the sight of home country</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unless you’re a vagrant turned pilgrim looking for</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The glow of waltz-paced evenings under stars</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where words flow like wine while the bard music plays...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then I gleam</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And smooth out my patchwork of scars.</span></div>
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My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-87809290677957233662011-06-03T14:40:00.000-05:002013-02-05T10:28:44.416-06:00Pastiche Project: Terminus<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another </span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pastiche"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastiche</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Project! So, for our latest Writers of AntiquiTea meeting, Lisa and I decided to be manly and leave the fairy tale emotions behind. We wanted to step outside our comfort zones and give ourselves a challenge. She chose to write about a bull fight. I chose to write about a gladiator. Surprisingly similar topics, but different enough that we were able to write uniquely. Here's what I learned while creating this project:</span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is really really hard for this girl to write about fighting. It was like pulling teeth. I really know nothing about physical combat.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Researching gladiators is fascinating.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I couldn't find a song to go with this project. I tried lots, but none of them worked. I wanted something epic (but not too 'big' sounding)... Something with heartbeat-like drums (that's not too creepy). Apparently, this music doesn't exist yet. My husband said he preferred the story without music, so I decided to leave it at that.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm thinking that next time I do a Pastiche I'm going to start with a song, and then find a piece of art, and THEN write the story...</span></li>
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<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, here it is... And, if you like, leave me a comment with your feedback! I cherish feedback. :)</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 24pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Terminus</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"><b></b></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"><b><img height="500px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/798bKmdlMz5r3BwjPu3RM5Pss5SirWWUFOYD-fpL8oW3VRAGFBWNLVZ32XUUsz7HzwclLGxKfAIt0U_8h29d9NrKitWznP0LJOi96ez_WGXxswzk0bY" width="375px;" /></b></span></span></b></div>
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<div style="background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span id="internal-source-marker_0.7790229287929833" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The gate opens and a blaze of sunlight floods my vision, blinding my eyes momentarily. What I cannot see I can still hear. A massive crowd is gathered, all gawking and jeering as my naked body is thrust into the arena.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I grip the handle of my sword, knuckles straining. My palm is sweaty. My throat is dry.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Colosseum comes into focus as my eyes adjust to the light. Squinting through the small eye-holes of my helmet, I can make out the first tier of the circular seating. The Emperor is there, as are the senators and members of state. Sunlight reflects off of the white caps of the priests and Vestal Virgins. Beyond the first tier are the seats for the nobility and knights. Beyond those are the seats for commoners and women. From my vantage point they all look much the same. Like small birds, fluttering movements, and flashes of color.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I lower my gaze, once again taking in the vast arena. It seems only moments ago that myself, and the rest of the day’s fighters marched into the arena, parading towards the Emperor’s Box.<br class="kix-line-break" />“Ave imperato morituri te salutant!" we shouted. "We who are about to die, salute you!" Now, a half day later, the dirt of the arena has changed it’s hue from beige to copper.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I advance across the crimson-soaked arena. Reaching the far side, I turn and wait.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Gate of Life opens and I see him. A Retiarii. Net Fighter. I would have preferred a Thracian whose curved swords I might have easily disarmed.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slowly, almost casually, we begin to pace the edge of the arena. A delicate death waltz before the slaying. Taking our time before we strike. This is what the crowd wants. What they expect. Die too quickly and their day will have been wasted.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Retiarii clutches his net in his left hand and his trident in his right. He is much smaller than me, but probably faster. I twirl the handle of my sword around, coolly flaunting my blade as if it means nothing to me. The Retiarii’s trident lowers ever so slightly. His unhelmeted black eyes staring, unblinkingly, into my own sheathed head.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The diameter of our dance begins to shorten. Like a funnel of draining water, we are inevitably drawn together towards the center of the arena.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">20 feet apart.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sun beats on my back.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">15 feet.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The trident’s prongs dip.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">10 feet.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My sword presses against my blistered palm.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A loud roaring fills my ears. The hum of spectators chanting. The pulse of the blood rushing in my head. The yell ripping through my vocal chords as I charge.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slash. Pull back. Redness drips from the Retiarii’s thigh. But I have only just grazed him. His left hand is quick, but for the moment, I am quicker. I roll to the left as the webbed cloud of the Retiarii’s net flies past my right shoulder.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I regain my footing, stepping back in a crouch while the Retiarii shifts his grasp on his trident and yanks back his net. Abruptly, he lunges on his good leg. His trident narrowly misses my shoulder as I leap back. A spot of dust, unsodden with blood, stirs up around my feet. Then he jabs again, swifter than I anticipated and his trident scores my breast. He has gotten too close. I reel backwards. Securing my sword with both hands I leap and drive my sword sideways, calculating the distance between my blade and his head.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He ducks, twists his body, and presses back against the side of my sword with the staff of his trident. For a moment we are locked in graceless embrace. Snorting breath. Feet pawing the dusty earth. The strain of our heartbeats leaking from his thigh and my chest.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Suddenly he dives, rolls past my side, and retreats to the left. I swivel my stance to face him and our magnetized orbit resumes. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wait for him to make the next move.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thunder echoes across the sunbathed arena. A multitude, chanting and clamoring. The crowd is growing restless.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Warmth trickles down my torso. Heat drenches my helmeted face.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For an instant, a flash of sunlight glances off of the Retiarii’s trident. A flicker of dazzling whiteness.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I blink.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My eyes open to a shadow of knotted rope, descending upon my face. The net is heavier than it looks. My body wriggles, arms reaching to find the bottom of the web... to throw off the sheet of fatality.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But he is too quick. A burning shock explodes in the left side of my abdomen. Pulsating throbs. My sword is too heavy. The arena is spinning. Whirling. A spiraling flock of colors and heat.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The net is yanked off and vertigo forces me to the ground. I can feel the flat edge of my sword under the curve of my thigh. Cool metal against sweat. My weapon, useless under the weight of my dizzy and dripping body.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The air feels cool against my face. Where is my helmet?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The sand beneath me is wet.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I look up. He is a blurred shadow of darkness against the noonday sun. The arena echoes with shouting and jeering. Raucous babble. Endless disquiet.<br class="kix-line-break" /><br class="kix-line-break" />The shadow nears, arm outstretched. His hand is clutching the slaughtering knife.</span></b></div>
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My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937602466864052523.post-32949857843244398932011-06-01T11:12:00.002-05:002013-02-05T10:34:20.272-06:00Writing Project: The Kiss<b>I wrote this as part of an experimental creative writing project for my self-inflicted writing group homework. I'm calling it a <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pastiche">Pastiche</a> Project as it is meant to combine several different types of art. This one uses an image that I edited, a song that I found, and a short story that I wrote. So, to fully experience the project do the following:</b><br />
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<b>1. Turn your speakers on and hit play on the youtube video link. No need to watch the video, it's just to play the music.</b><br />
<b>2. Take a look at the image.</b><br />
<b>3. Read the short story! Be sure to comment once you've experienced it and let me know your thoughts!!! :)</b><br />
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<b><img height="536px;" id="internal-source-marker_0.8388852912466973" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/0GDAq7hCJMkA684gYSxGW58mvrGchefEuikg0ikN3pgU87smE5HYJCQT3WgdDBwZwDCQo0jDow-Pb54P5vBxkTy20RxcN7giJUsPcp-lpWjJouva3MM" width="475px;" /></b></div>
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<b><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8388852912466973" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The air felt thick. Tara blinked her eyes against the acrid cigarette smoke that hung perpetually inside The Grotto. It even reached the bar’s rear entryway where Tara, and the rest of waitstaff came and went.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her eyes began to water. But Tara knew that by the end of her shift she would be so used to the pungent bite of the Marlboros and Virginia Slim-infused atmosphere that her eyes would adjust. And by the end of the night she’d barely notice the stench that inevitably would follow her home.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tara knotted her apron string twice around her waist and clocked in. Din from a halfway decent cover band playing in the front lounge reverberated through the building. The lead singer was attempting to channel Huey Lewis. Attempting, but not succeeding.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She ducked into the restroom. Her bangs were a bit disheveled and and her eyeshadow had creased. She fluffed the fallen fringe of chocolate brown and smoothed out the turquoise powder. Deftly she pulled a small tube from her pocket and swiped on some Lip Smackers. Just in case.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She turned sideways and eyed the petite figure in the reflection. Hand on her stomach, she stood up straight, willing her 5 foot frame to lengthen and her abdomen to shrink.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There wasn’t much she could do.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She stepped into the lounge, eyes squinting against the onslaught of smog. It was extra smokey tonight. The Grotto was always crowded on Friday nights, but tonight was exceptionally packed.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tara moved along the back wall towards the bar.<br class="kix-line-break" /><br class="kix-line-break" />He was there. Behind the bar, head cocked towards a bosomy blond perched on a bar-stool. The Locklear lookalike was whispering in his ear. He was shoving a $5 bill into his pocket.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Joey was also behind the bar. “Yer late, kid.” His voice boomed against the chords of the overly-amped bass guitar. Joey thrust a tray of Kamakazi shots and Alabama Slammers at her. “Table 13.”</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She moved through the tables with dancer-like ease. Vestiges of her middle school dream of becoming a prima ballerina clung to her posture and stance. And although it had been 7 years since her last plie, she still walked with the gait of one who’s limbs had been refined by hours of repetitious attempts at grace.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She passed a rather green-faced girl, draped over the shoulder of a comrade. Tara recognized her from high school.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She edged past a table full of middle aged misfits. She skirted a group of collegiate gym rats. She reached table 13 and set down the tray.<br class="kix-line-break" /><br class="kix-line-break" />“We’ll need a couple glasses of water.” <br class="kix-line-break" /><br class="kix-line-break" />“Of course. I’ll be right back.” Tara had a feeling tonight was going to be full of needy patrons.<br class="kix-line-break" /><br class="kix-line-break" />She meandered back through the crowded bar, acquiring empty beer bottles and depleted martini glasses as she went. She deposited her load and placed the order for a round of waters for table 13.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Silently, she waited in the shadows at the side of the bar.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Joey was pouring the bar-stool blond another shot.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The green faced girl was being escorted to the exit.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two of the middle aged oddballs were making eyes at each other across the table.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The crew of collegiate athletes began heckling the band.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Suddenly, his breath warmed her ear. She turned towards the heat and immediately his height filled her vision and barricaded her from The Grotto’s parade.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Two more weeks, Tara. Two more weeks and we’ll be Harbor Country.” His eyes were depths of artless candor.<br class="kix-line-break" /><br class="kix-line-break" />She tilted her head, his hand grazed her wrist. His lips gently landed on her mouth.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In an instant, she was back in the chill of their basement apartment, standing on tip-toe in the clouded Grotto, and laying, deep in the warm sand of Warren Dunes.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Kid! Water for table 13!”</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The moment was over.</span></b></div>
My name is Shena. It rhymes with "Jenna"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06479037902628187314noreply@blogger.com0