tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744065113769906892024-03-17T00:32:53.078-07:00What Feeds My SoulAmy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-10283886031482236972023-09-04T19:34:00.001-07:002023-09-04T19:36:17.323-07:00Breathtaking Beauty<p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;">I visited the dahlia garden at Volunteer Park one day last week after dropping Sofia off at school.... yes, back to school already! </span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;">The beauty of the colorful blooms literally took my breath away. So here is my annual dahlia post. I hope they delight you and maybe even take your breath away!</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;">Enjoy!</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BSbmmmuENsWx5N05_RLp35voRd1PVu9WUKkE6I8aDNzmVpIwcTWWB_wCxgeQ1Zr5kAVhNt4p3d79z768pI5QNk4Pet4nq_GC56hI-Is0MlHLPeyg7WijNAgci66N5hei7km2U2tyK_FCS89IL8tf63G32bMHkwIY2CHtWnFa-MjsLga0DXETKUzAqY4/s2847/IMG_7506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2847" data-original-width="2832" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BSbmmmuENsWx5N05_RLp35voRd1PVu9WUKkE6I8aDNzmVpIwcTWWB_wCxgeQ1Zr5kAVhNt4p3d79z768pI5QNk4Pet4nq_GC56hI-Is0MlHLPeyg7WijNAgci66N5hei7km2U2tyK_FCS89IL8tf63G32bMHkwIY2CHtWnFa-MjsLga0DXETKUzAqY4/w398-h400/IMG_7506.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj1_EusAeF2EIbOMhLwyksSCXUGRBHnlYd8WbfVGqTxrs5_plVm72ijN_fgDaVHqasq7lN-_43GRX5fZUKBqLJpX6MOf7c2oCduDs0Jk74nWnrHulOhTjQ_COJXAcMHniGo5Q1IuWHuaAbXqHBm2tLEfmXwdH_pNSVRwYXWKwHVl1gCx-3poGkNoYHCU/s2507/IMG_7505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzHkcGGVr-7Li3_0INbQTe6QZGD7RpjhNYsIy0eTuAFsbt-TMXjGRhCcevUvwgGU5WVhkqrNCgTrCvEiUGeULEJq-_msdiZTx7YWAklEOL_g1vHlXoFe2j5iExPpBDvnOLlpowqHBGegK1hAvSl2NZ5ot8D4PctuHpqf8BvmhWomnSoCDkWmhI1Tenjc/s4032/IMG_7488.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzHkcGGVr-7Li3_0INbQTe6QZGD7RpjhNYsIy0eTuAFsbt-TMXjGRhCcevUvwgGU5WVhkqrNCgTrCvEiUGeULEJq-_msdiZTx7YWAklEOL_g1vHlXoFe2j5iExPpBDvnOLlpowqHBGegK1hAvSl2NZ5ot8D4PctuHpqf8BvmhWomnSoCDkWmhI1Tenjc/w300-h400/IMG_7488.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLphslFNtnAIyiiQ5sA020lfwUGPh7j5jUsuKh0ivjE6LxC-4XO_5Idm5oGcumQDFlN_gCj13oRSMmAr7KeLF0AoRhgYStx1VXEKiErANoIytQoQwE1xciZY7mc1aYwm2ICgEvGnmAf4RqaLJm3qNR_rdYuDH1UOR5iUjoXgECTZ7XPm2dboKwY5bkHk/s4032/IMG_7487.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLphslFNtnAIyiiQ5sA020lfwUGPh7j5jUsuKh0ivjE6LxC-4XO_5Idm5oGcumQDFlN_gCj13oRSMmAr7KeLF0AoRhgYStx1VXEKiErANoIytQoQwE1xciZY7mc1aYwm2ICgEvGnmAf4RqaLJm3qNR_rdYuDH1UOR5iUjoXgECTZ7XPm2dboKwY5bkHk/w300-h400/IMG_7487.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;"><b>RELATED DAHLIA POSTS </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;">It's fun to revisit my past posts about these dazzling dahlias!</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2011/09/spring-meets-fall.html">2011: Spring Meets Fall</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2012/09/natures-colorful-gifts.html">2012: Nature's Colorful Gifts</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2015/08/showing-their-true-colors.html">2015: Showing Their True Colors</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2018/09/dahlias-in-living-color.html">2018: Dahlias in Living Color</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2019/09/all-colors-of-season.html">2019: All the Colors of the Season</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-bees-are-back-in-town.html">2021: The Bees are Back in Town</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2021/09/beauty-walk.html">2021: Beauty Walk</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2022/09/delightful-dahlias.html">2022: Delightful Dahlias</a></span></p>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-6397669694624986552023-06-08T14:04:00.003-07:002023-06-08T14:06:49.771-07:00Peonies and Possibilities <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGxd5rkO53tp5SQmlZwGhZx4c-mexGdZy3Iy3-vDxoCfO6FOOG237ZHPrdyBZ_Hfxih-cagQlQlOnY9wgR7LqxYZNPoUw-bchE6Sba8boabyaTt90_sBFcNaGY81IdrG-Srlh_4bdrkJd_0LmO415cwfCV-fXv1haG0r9lqav61twd4TQ2SO-A4O2/s3657/IMG_5413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3657" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGxd5rkO53tp5SQmlZwGhZx4c-mexGdZy3Iy3-vDxoCfO6FOOG237ZHPrdyBZ_Hfxih-cagQlQlOnY9wgR7LqxYZNPoUw-bchE6Sba8boabyaTt90_sBFcNaGY81IdrG-Srlh_4bdrkJd_0LmO415cwfCV-fXv1haG0r9lqav61twd4TQ2SO-A4O2/w470-h389/IMG_5413.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">My sweet
daughter Sofia turned “sweet 16” a couple of weeks ago. She was born on May 26,
2007 – a day that changed my life. Actually, the months leading up to her
arrival began my transformation. Due to some (unactualized) health concerns in
utero – my doctor put me on bedrest for two months… I won’t go into the details
but suffice it to say “it stopped me in my tracks” and ended up being just the
transition I needed from my demanding full-time career to motherhood.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">AND, I had
peonies in my bedroom while I was on bedrest and the days following her birth. To this day, the sight and
fragrance of peonies remind me of this life-changing period of my life.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Fast forward to
a few weeks ago, my wonderful, wise friend Sally Fox wrote an email for <a href="https://engagingpresence.com/">Engaging Presence</a> entitled “The Flower
that Changed Me (A Pause for Peonies).” Great click bait for me – ha! Of course,
I read it right away, and not only was I immediately transported back to Sofia's "birth season" in 2007
but I learned something I didn’t know I had in common with Sally – we both LOVE
peonies, and peonies changed both of us! </span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Sally wrote,
which I love, “When the (peony) flowers appear each spring, they instantly
become the stars of the garden, grabbing the spotlight if only for a few
weeks.”</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Another friend
who I was exchanging peony pictures with, referring to their short season,
commented: “That’s the trouble with peonies! But they are so beautiful while
they last.”</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4oygPPk7bk0gmR5YMf0or8SqYRUlggq65E5rL6FBB1EmM5u3F6D11SEHFCT5Je13_YEkKuJuzeOD6965VDR0O5aAx0jBhEfMs4nz8JMlCHvVdmwE3RJubVuPmJ9EZ1l-8Xyf39vkfyA3SNt_WDiqq0jQeM0DBuRx3r3bxQs6TuL3UqisUh21SjsN/s4032/IMG_5649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4oygPPk7bk0gmR5YMf0or8SqYRUlggq65E5rL6FBB1EmM5u3F6D11SEHFCT5Je13_YEkKuJuzeOD6965VDR0O5aAx0jBhEfMs4nz8JMlCHvVdmwE3RJubVuPmJ9EZ1l-8Xyf39vkfyA3SNt_WDiqq0jQeM0DBuRx3r3bxQs6TuL3UqisUh21SjsN/w362-h483/IMG_5649.jpg" width="362" /></a></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">A few days
after receiving Sally’s email, I wrote a peony Haiku during my “Morning Pages”
writing practice while gazing at the hot pink peonies on my kitchen table in the picture above. It’s short
and sweet – just like peony season. Here I share it with you, along with the
“stars of the garden” I’m currently enjoying in my house!</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Peony Haiku</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">It’s peony time<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><o:p> </o:p>Bold beauty that’s
so fleeting</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><o:p> </o:p>Gaze and savor now</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-QhXrGuzdkTTGWg2RrlwGSb5AuaRiwtds23kEBG-Zxn3Vt0vNwtbNRyZ9nNra5HMVqHN4kiwECfXnAO-IgqqemNZSs-IASoka3OOf_BLIabI3WiTa-OO_azlFrsPXn8T4Ezy6wkns2dVHK2g1BzfeV0p37vWQIScsmpE5sYPsezm4J-i1haq0EoJ/s2985/Peonies%20portrait%20in%20pitcher.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2985" data-original-width="2769" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-QhXrGuzdkTTGWg2RrlwGSb5AuaRiwtds23kEBG-Zxn3Vt0vNwtbNRyZ9nNra5HMVqHN4kiwECfXnAO-IgqqemNZSs-IASoka3OOf_BLIabI3WiTa-OO_azlFrsPXn8T4Ezy6wkns2dVHK2g1BzfeV0p37vWQIScsmpE5sYPsezm4J-i1haq0EoJ/w371-h400/Peonies%20portrait%20in%20pitcher.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><o:p><span style="color: #444444;">I’ve come to realize that is one of the special things about peonies—their “lifespan” is very short, reminding us to savor their beauty, and that life (in all forms) is fleeting. They also remind us of the stages of a beautiful life – which I’ve captured below. </span></o:p><span style="color: #444444;">I have to say the last picture feels like really "letting my hair down!" I don't usually tolerate a "mess" like this in my house, but I really enjoyed watching and capturing their beauty throughout their short and sweet life. </span><span style="color: #444444;">And it helped me think of beauty differently and see the possibilities of a life well-lived. </span></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRnmkF0fl4ooXdcuXiZ9V78GwCxYfovp9GOfH-lY_eonUrBJOw3MpVlfANkPNwRKf1XXrr20NYQKZ__Ca80gfl5kGGiXd69VfMdQVAOWqV4AEBezJ3xShXsHb8Wta1-KuFnxWVoe19aw1dqxUNZsObTvbzAeMLEGYTcqv2yefaaecSgRf5essC1vs/s2731/IMG_5651.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2220" data-original-width="2731" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRnmkF0fl4ooXdcuXiZ9V78GwCxYfovp9GOfH-lY_eonUrBJOw3MpVlfANkPNwRKf1XXrr20NYQKZ__Ca80gfl5kGGiXd69VfMdQVAOWqV4AEBezJ3xShXsHb8Wta1-KuFnxWVoe19aw1dqxUNZsObTvbzAeMLEGYTcqv2yefaaecSgRf5essC1vs/w400-h325/IMG_5651.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYFkcS4-6TLAUn77BWQa0H4hxTsScKE0z91RiNDnd1iSvZSsw_Q5acMSH5S94dgY9Y_o11Itw1m83sDgWlHDjnFDMi05IN59-DNqR_PivqV2IsaGCiv_HmX5uGLMo8rv6GD5X_a4-oWch13A3x7hx4p6w5R7suld13RCdVgrMKFQrOZVEOflzjPml/s2789/Peonies%20petals%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2789" data-original-width="2728" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYFkcS4-6TLAUn77BWQa0H4hxTsScKE0z91RiNDnd1iSvZSsw_Q5acMSH5S94dgY9Y_o11Itw1m83sDgWlHDjnFDMi05IN59-DNqR_PivqV2IsaGCiv_HmX5uGLMo8rv6GD5X_a4-oWch13A3x7hx4p6w5R7suld13RCdVgrMKFQrOZVEOflzjPml/w391-h400/Peonies%20petals%202.jpg" width="391" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpqjNFaa87414b6IuIA08GqZMrP6MV7VrY5iiricbiXxsgsO1qRZkXwpF-oqqX1LmwjOBMuiKbmmBoi8rmWx2rz7yTWwZm2ywuJdzeyE9pf-2b4g44875Vj0UR1bqbOk2ms76dvgFPQsvnPKQ20KEwe1kkvI5NgynUo0S6eB01dyYvc0QqHQX7t-6/s2408/Peonies%20petals%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2301" data-original-width="2408" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpqjNFaa87414b6IuIA08GqZMrP6MV7VrY5iiricbiXxsgsO1qRZkXwpF-oqqX1LmwjOBMuiKbmmBoi8rmWx2rz7yTWwZm2ywuJdzeyE9pf-2b4g44875Vj0UR1bqbOk2ms76dvgFPQsvnPKQ20KEwe1kkvI5NgynUo0S6eB01dyYvc0QqHQX7t-6/w400-h383/Peonies%20petals%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhr8KASgV5AqBMtGsEDRkXmqTBxCyqmEn0XtFZeBJD9XHq-FtXziMG-DXZ86k0yso9WhLgzu7LbhXU2K6lCOkoJAv0EwN8jLPnOiU7HxJiwWCZisIG5i5ALqQBOT7n_uqVkoyEPmDAYP7TZzE3gIlBruVHIJ63WYQDCUTzz6l2ACm7yuxyGTyFiah/s2879/Peonies%20letting%20my%20hair%20down.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2690" data-original-width="2879" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhr8KASgV5AqBMtGsEDRkXmqTBxCyqmEn0XtFZeBJD9XHq-FtXziMG-DXZ86k0yso9WhLgzu7LbhXU2K6lCOkoJAv0EwN8jLPnOiU7HxJiwWCZisIG5i5ALqQBOT7n_uqVkoyEPmDAYP7TZzE3gIlBruVHIJ63WYQDCUTzz6l2ACm7yuxyGTyFiah/w400-h374/Peonies%20letting%20my%20hair%20down.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><b>The Meaning of Peonies</b> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">And then I got curious about what peonies represent. So,
I turned to <i>The Meaning of Flowers: Myth, Language and Lore. </i></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">I was
surprised to learn that “the peony grants its recipient the power to keep a
secret.” Well, that’s interesting! I also learned the peony is a “deep-rooted
plant that stands firm in the earth. Because of this the peony was reported to
enhance the power of a promise.” I like that! </span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">It goes onto say “Peonies have
been cultivated in Asia for more than a thousand years. Requiring such careful
cultivation, they were flowers that only the rich could afford to grow in
Japan. Therefore, the peony symbolizes prosperity for the Japanese.”</span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I bought these beauties along with the Calla lilies at Pike Place Market this weekend. I just love the combo! Even sweet Sofia exclaimed "WOW!" when she saw them together. </span></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: trebuchet;"></span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgvYTq65eURezV7nB6-YTBcE_0NtZVh3PdVi7sLkffExxuugJN73MHku9ctTgxlfdvKMFdzf4lLYQiOK0YlSNW13jZiQz-Sz1_K2zKpksDMLoDqH0cy-TnQVM93Brtg-o2vBX2qs5VvbmZEN13omd6RHX0SJvtlMf64DbY69REeqte5Z06U4oBuPZ/s3646/Peonies%20and%20cala%20lillies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3020" data-original-width="3646" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgvYTq65eURezV7nB6-YTBcE_0NtZVh3PdVi7sLkffExxuugJN73MHku9ctTgxlfdvKMFdzf4lLYQiOK0YlSNW13jZiQz-Sz1_K2zKpksDMLoDqH0cy-TnQVM93Brtg-o2vBX2qs5VvbmZEN13omd6RHX0SJvtlMf64DbY69REeqte5Z06U4oBuPZ/w400-h331/Peonies%20and%20cala%20lillies.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On a recent afternoon I played around with the possibilities of peonies around my house. Here are a few favorite shots.</span></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Nv86nKWQvICEnqHm-hXNndU1vLbmjBAsWUzqlR2zYED8F-yV8d-rZz7mopXO9bjxfnPKs9y3cZWAJb17ayswBargUzJtgjMoz--1V4gSsyO5c_WPGdnZv1H7C3aTbrjL057vohkyiYqpcuNfQY-SDzpKozI-Qxuy6L-vcBIpCzFG9l9gmUYw2HKa/s2925/IMG_5658.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2875" data-original-width="2925" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Nv86nKWQvICEnqHm-hXNndU1vLbmjBAsWUzqlR2zYED8F-yV8d-rZz7mopXO9bjxfnPKs9y3cZWAJb17ayswBargUzJtgjMoz--1V4gSsyO5c_WPGdnZv1H7C3aTbrjL057vohkyiYqpcuNfQY-SDzpKozI-Qxuy6L-vcBIpCzFG9l9gmUYw2HKa/w400-h394/IMG_5658.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCcKxJ1BzZu9WXnFhqhJwZvrRYyC7Ifjh8r_vzVsjgOWK8VT-Ik-9xbhEgh44TZ9mHQDKOKMSj99MJN8c5dVM3K9M2uoYbHLNfzQd0tayUV0tv0RU5M32PLXeXkI2RrG3q4QuAcjxRETgczNvVw9Gjbq2_3NeLUZmlfAoIlnf6dxUw-hh12pul5l3/s3077/Peonies%20and%20quote.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2437" data-original-width="3077" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCcKxJ1BzZu9WXnFhqhJwZvrRYyC7Ifjh8r_vzVsjgOWK8VT-Ik-9xbhEgh44TZ9mHQDKOKMSj99MJN8c5dVM3K9M2uoYbHLNfzQd0tayUV0tv0RU5M32PLXeXkI2RrG3q4QuAcjxRETgczNvVw9Gjbq2_3NeLUZmlfAoIlnf6dxUw-hh12pul5l3/w400-h316/Peonies%20and%20quote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfTt6lE6QtaR-V1-kWcd2YdbtYDGsQbvNEhwd3vnJVeLxQjdsWQZ6Px8w5VbJV4rTwwCmAPEmGzryOKYyYl6C0yOlbGCc8AQAK3Lc83-MAzxC-sAt6Dg-1W6R3lHlBdPRU3X-jRFthQZA917QX3pF_HzwlDcsUB2stai7SSn6zhtyFDnwEYRnS5oM/s4032/Kate%20spade%20peonies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfTt6lE6QtaR-V1-kWcd2YdbtYDGsQbvNEhwd3vnJVeLxQjdsWQZ6Px8w5VbJV4rTwwCmAPEmGzryOKYyYl6C0yOlbGCc8AQAK3Lc83-MAzxC-sAt6Dg-1W6R3lHlBdPRU3X-jRFthQZA917QX3pF_HzwlDcsUB2stai7SSn6zhtyFDnwEYRnS5oM/w403-h538/Kate%20spade%20peonies.jpg" width="403" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #444444;">This past Monday marked the 5th anniversary of Kate Spade's death. I didn't know her, but I <i>know</i> she loved peonies, and all things pink and green. So the photo above is a tribute to her. After she passed away I wrote a post entitled <a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2018/06/be-like-kate.html" target="_blank">"BE LIKE KATE"</a> that was fun to revisit today. </span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">POSSIBILITIES… WHAT IF?</span></b></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Finally, I leave you with a poem I’m loving right now by my dear friend Kathryn
Carole Ellison from her book of ‘poems of life and love’ aptly titled <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Possibilities-Poems-Kathryn-Carole-Ellison/dp/1944194819/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ZTYRIV32QD9H&keywords=kathryn+carole+ellison+possibilities&qid=1686256745&sprefix=kathryn+carole+ellison+possibilities%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1" target="_blank">POSSIBILITIES</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">POSSIBILITIES…
WHAT IF?</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">The mind is an amazing, wonderful thing!</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">What people can think about can be most exciting...</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Or not...it depends on what their hearts can hold.</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Is it warmth and kindness, or bitter cold?</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">I choose to ponder the warmer, kinder heart</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Which shows compassion and practices the art</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Of working together with others for the benefit</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Of an all-inclusive world... a dream I admit.</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">It's the possibility of having a dream come true</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">That makes life interesting... and to continue - </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">When nothing is sure, everything is possible.</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Every day holds the possibility of a miracle!</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">A Buddhist monk, by the name Thich Nhat Hanh,</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Wrote about possibility - his words a voice of reason.</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Clear and concise, the meaning quite intelligible:</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">"Because you are alive, everything is possible."</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">What if a transformation could take place?</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">What if... instead of confrontation face to face</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Between two camps so divisive and stubborn...</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">They could come together and cooperatively govern?</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">What if... people wanted to take care of each other,</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Coming together for common good, sister and brother?</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">What if... our beautiful planet could thrive,</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">And each and everyone of us could feel alive?</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">What if... our air could be breathable again,</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">And our fish in the oceans, in good health, could swim?</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">What if... all of us experienced good health?</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">What if friendship and cooperation were measures of wealth?</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">So many things are possible when we think they are!</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Our possibilities are endless; imagination will take us far!</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">With possibilities, we begin each new day.</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Let's get started on the possibilities straightaway!</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXOMtsWUCpBNe3i7ctLztGue81bqhSlzYwrVYvz6mFYWqDAczWtz2Xz1srZIqDO4wMDVaPh__Pk25OhnX8eV0T2_SUKn2hGhP-eAQHxnEZq6J3TtB-BWzWIMmUuh8xZV463GuRl7H9bqF_kyezHLhjWqLoVYm1j_A7-akPHsHwGI2WWS6Kx-HIXJ_/s2937/IMG_5836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2937" data-original-width="2858" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXOMtsWUCpBNe3i7ctLztGue81bqhSlzYwrVYvz6mFYWqDAczWtz2Xz1srZIqDO4wMDVaPh__Pk25OhnX8eV0T2_SUKn2hGhP-eAQHxnEZq6J3TtB-BWzWIMmUuh8xZV463GuRl7H9bqF_kyezHLhjWqLoVYm1j_A7-akPHsHwGI2WWS6Kx-HIXJ_/w389-h400/IMG_5836.jpg" width="389" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-11873727709457448112023-03-04T16:24:00.004-08:002023-03-05T08:25:26.642-08:00F-U-N in the Big Easy!<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJb5RBTkkNZ2z_KSbWOgpYtEilZquHX02f3hIwcGS931OWFqyANch5FYitBOknKiXK9TbjW8RKc_ABB6NnpZFtSFW3AFV9RHlqhmH8Ejh5e-HAQ0Gal_p2lRBDKwQXxUDCvWY4Se15gTN5LBHXknmBfF1UmrmkqfKVdKdQ4KHdiQnd0yAMX6E1-snN/s2049/NOLA%20postcard.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2049" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJb5RBTkkNZ2z_KSbWOgpYtEilZquHX02f3hIwcGS931OWFqyANch5FYitBOknKiXK9TbjW8RKc_ABB6NnpZFtSFW3AFV9RHlqhmH8Ejh5e-HAQ0Gal_p2lRBDKwQXxUDCvWY4Se15gTN5LBHXknmBfF1UmrmkqfKVdKdQ4KHdiQnd0yAMX6E1-snN/w402-h301/NOLA%20postcard.HEIC" width="402" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #14a80c; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>“There are a lot of
places I like, but I like New Orleans better.” </i></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #14a80c; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>– Bob Dylan</i></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #14a80c; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">In January, I spent a long weekend with two of my best girlfriends in New Orleans, aka NOLA and The Big Easy! It was incredible! </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">In a way I'm writing this post as a travelogue to share my experiences and recommendations so you might be inspired to visit this fun and vibrant city. I'm also writing it as a thank you to my beautiful friend Jules - who hosted us in her adopted city and planned everything impeccably. It's also a love letter to New Orleans for being the most FUN, colorful, hospitable, resilient and friendly place I've visited in a long time - maybe ever! </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">So where to start? How about with this: </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 36pt;"><span style="color: #800180;">"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">which is Cajun French for "Let the good times roll!" That is indeed what we did from the minute we landed! </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLQB79YlVrGVi_Yc7cmpweGeDcL6uinm4tQLXtSdL_ozAvJZRGhBcaXMfITMsGv1tJhthbANO7LZikM0q7YyNDHOZNM7mJ_uFrMuwxQQideS9KjY0A4k6meIdCeTuZj0VUum_ZBE8DupcyWYlGaUXpOPriEmXC0S20H4XkNrHFjtLfoULj57M_l63/s2731/A%20S%20and%20J%20at%20Gallatoires.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2321" data-original-width="2731" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLQB79YlVrGVi_Yc7cmpweGeDcL6uinm4tQLXtSdL_ozAvJZRGhBcaXMfITMsGv1tJhthbANO7LZikM0q7YyNDHOZNM7mJ_uFrMuwxQQideS9KjY0A4k6meIdCeTuZj0VUum_ZBE8DupcyWYlGaUXpOPriEmXC0S20H4XkNrHFjtLfoULj57M_l63/w400-h340/A%20S%20and%20J%20at%20Gallatoires.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our host Jules (left), me and Sienna (right) donning our fabulous headdresses<br />that Jules had custom made for us in our astrological signs! We were so surprised and delighted by this gift. They are truly wearable pieces of art.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #800180;">This was my third trip to New Orleans. Each time it gets better. And to be honest I didn't love NOLA - or even like it much - on my first visit which was for work. But after this last trip, I feel like I've got the "bug!" It's hard to describe - but NOLA is 'slightly' addictive for its food, music, art, culture and overall vibrancy! It has such a rich history, and it's a city of extremes. The people "live out loud!" Everything is full on! Or as my friend Jules likes to say: "More! More! More!"</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">The people of NOLA are warm, open, and friendly - they exude a certain kind of Southern charm that is very welcoming. Expressions I heard quite often everywhere we went: "How ya doin' y'all?" and "Thanks y'all." </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">In many ways NOLA feels like the complete opposite of where I live in Seattle. It was refreshing and the perfect way to kick off 2023 and set the tone for a FUN year ahead. My fellow traveler Sienna's word of the year for 2023 is FUN and Jules' word of the year is QUEEN! Themes you'll hopefully observe in the following post. </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">So, without further ado, I invite you on quick three-day trip to NOLA with my friends Jules and Sienna!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></p><p><i><span style="background: white; color: #800180; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>FUN FACT #1:</b> New Orleans' nickname "The Big Easy" was allegedly coined in the 1960s by New Orleans gossip columnist Betty Guillaud while comparing 'the Big Easy' to 'the Big Apple.' While New Yorkers were perpetually running around, laid-back life in New Orleans reigned, hence, The Big Easy. Although like make things in life, there are other theories. You can read them <a href="https://www.southernliving.com/travel/louisiana/new-orleans-nickname-the-big-easy">here</a>. </span></i></p><p><i><span style="background: white; color: #800180; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><b></b></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSv1VSEEqkhmxLpgbdH5eFP2Aj-R5RqiHsKdgyppjM0DYn1KiQClgQz0mMjKG9gGwZSW0RfYKw184Mqba24hWKwO1yIamcgO9CFAcm7MWdrjnZShU9NCL5TENEswY0SmXtDf8LUCF6kdt6YxvkAg-Cb-iV0-Ibh3sh0ri8q4OlukNZSevKWOisGmVZ/s4023/First%20night%20hotel%20Saint%20Vincent.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2628" data-original-width="4023" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSv1VSEEqkhmxLpgbdH5eFP2Aj-R5RqiHsKdgyppjM0DYn1KiQClgQz0mMjKG9gGwZSW0RfYKw184Mqba24hWKwO1yIamcgO9CFAcm7MWdrjnZShU9NCL5TENEswY0SmXtDf8LUCF6kdt6YxvkAg-Cb-iV0-Ibh3sh0ri8q4OlukNZSevKWOisGmVZ/w400-h261/First%20night%20hotel%20Saint%20Vincent.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="text-align: left;">Our first night started with happy hour in the Paradise Lounge at the Hotel Saint Vincent followed by</span><span style="text-align: left;"> dinner at the hotel’s San Lorenzo restaurant, which was fabulous. </span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #800180; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_VMoAYXWwDRvxlPg_aLtUlksJ0RkLGuP9GUs8Ktp6bwz79JY7k3GeNe2LZMRgG2b_sH8GnmmMCdlpISbAHPAmCXQwIN94iXRnQK2JD3IMdQCAo1mc6FQeDqE2gkV4eog3b2-cd8FNaG9ktbyfWyQRyiMFsXhq6kS5u6WWs9s2VTFpfrx-SYU5Mu2/s4032/Art%20at%20Chapel%20Bar%20at%20Hotel%20Saint%20Vincent.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_VMoAYXWwDRvxlPg_aLtUlksJ0RkLGuP9GUs8Ktp6bwz79JY7k3GeNe2LZMRgG2b_sH8GnmmMCdlpISbAHPAmCXQwIN94iXRnQK2JD3IMdQCAo1mc6FQeDqE2gkV4eog3b2-cd8FNaG9ktbyfWyQRyiMFsXhq6kS5u6WWs9s2VTFpfrx-SYU5Mu2/w400-h300/Art%20at%20Chapel%20Bar%20at%20Hotel%20Saint%20Vincent.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This piece of art on the
floor was half-way done when we saw it before dinner. We were delighted to see
it completed when we stepped into the super cool Chapel Club at the Hotel Saint
Vincent for an after-dinner drink.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="color: #800180;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>FUN FACT #2:</b> NOLA is an acronym for New Orleans, Louisiana. Although NOLA first started to appear in the early 1900s, it was popularized in media coverage and by millennials following Hurricane Katrina which hit New Orleans in 2005.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="color: #800180;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">THE NEXT DAY</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Our first morning, we enjoyed a nice walk around the Loop at Audubon Park in the historic uptown district situated near Tulane University. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5tLkGlHtpefOR9XL2PO0dolfTJfPjGJL4eYN4kW73haGgrXkf_nhVgL1W6IGIFz3O80rECT1ctUeOPIbPIaNfnUcNmNOaqnGlLaz0pisxW7_gWaUaMbmkkTy_qUPFj8OCul2m6LWlnAEk6yk85asbCXcGwi6cpeqGXN-5OfghWQgSDYOAbzSbRHM/s4032/Fountain%20Audubon%20Park.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5tLkGlHtpefOR9XL2PO0dolfTJfPjGJL4eYN4kW73haGgrXkf_nhVgL1W6IGIFz3O80rECT1ctUeOPIbPIaNfnUcNmNOaqnGlLaz0pisxW7_gWaUaMbmkkTy_qUPFj8OCul2m6LWlnAEk6yk85asbCXcGwi6cpeqGXN-5OfghWQgSDYOAbzSbRHM/w300-h400/Fountain%20Audubon%20Park.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Beautiful fountain at the entrance to Audubon Park.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiJOiEPXTNOj_Eu0LxukH1MxhIrNmb57_XbJCvXp73Uz9Km9tbKZUFYDgB3TcUn3ZLybB6RwEEXFBL5ckpFEXLq91CNShhKndfuTUjflIXSvJlXCHyNPmQ3_fMzosdWo3SgLGTJ2P_suK-h8e0vtWwmmnJge16YdjgrglInm8wwX9FNq733zx8lZH/s2016/Live%20oak%20tree%20in%20Audubon%20park.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiJOiEPXTNOj_Eu0LxukH1MxhIrNmb57_XbJCvXp73Uz9Km9tbKZUFYDgB3TcUn3ZLybB6RwEEXFBL5ckpFEXLq91CNShhKndfuTUjflIXSvJlXCHyNPmQ3_fMzosdWo3SgLGTJ2P_suK-h8e0vtWwmmnJge16YdjgrglInm8wwX9FNq733zx8lZH/w400-h300/Live%20oak%20tree%20in%20Audubon%20park.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Magnificent live oak tree in Audubon Park!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><b><b><br /></b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9XmhvVd-qnhzxijdxqBZDZZrlI4rDPruTVkHicIwaPc1muSHfUYRcmvZtjKreckZcvILyeWHSy6CxGZVbeSnxf4vHVGpzrdEPwGg6DMIQKDSRbsGePNW2itJSdin0YjHi4k_cfHvlD0cS6x8kYDvFRzmKQG2J1TgX8Qz9NTwr7neStvEl-INSgSB/s2847/Meditation%20Walk%20in%20Audubon%20park.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2847" data-original-width="2270" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9XmhvVd-qnhzxijdxqBZDZZrlI4rDPruTVkHicIwaPc1muSHfUYRcmvZtjKreckZcvILyeWHSy6CxGZVbeSnxf4vHVGpzrdEPwGg6DMIQKDSRbsGePNW2itJSdin0YjHi4k_cfHvlD0cS6x8kYDvFRzmKQG2J1TgX8Qz9NTwr7neStvEl-INSgSB/w319-h400/Meditation%20Walk%20in%20Audubon%20park.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Meditation Walk anyone?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="color: #800180; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">FUN
FACT #3:</span></i></span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="color: #800180; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> Mardi Gras starts
on the 6<sup>th</sup> of January every year and runs until Fat Tuesday which was February
21 this year. In New Orleans the majority of the Mardi Gras celebrations are
held in the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday.</span></i><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">GALS LUNCH!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Next up
on our Friday agenda, lunch at the infamous Galatoire’s restaurant, a New Orleans institution
since 1905. Our “Gals Lunch” </span><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">lasted 4.5 hours!! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VBh_hvyLkoi68OdGWwyLIYUcMtJhFh4Jq5mJV4tqhwZkVB0IB0-SS-XWrmTHjDGug3L2B9PmglDcQnDQjl6xtQgxpecDAw4JgfyfrXfeEJdkqUvuqDZJbZ0WhtiYGu9XLc6kuQtDOLHOTjK5wHECn1dXYacfB8hiJAaYnWWu5dunOIgu3WEfwqL7/s4032/Gallatoires%20lunch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VBh_hvyLkoi68OdGWwyLIYUcMtJhFh4Jq5mJV4tqhwZkVB0IB0-SS-XWrmTHjDGug3L2B9PmglDcQnDQjl6xtQgxpecDAw4JgfyfrXfeEJdkqUvuqDZJbZ0WhtiYGu9XLc6kuQtDOLHOTjK5wHECn1dXYacfB8hiJAaYnWWu5dunOIgu3WEfwqL7/w300-h400/Gallatoires%20lunch.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: normal;">Our fabulous server Mignon (pictured here center) provided impeccable service, fun stories and lots of texture to our incredible experience. </span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DoWM5e64uqZIh5oB9MME0S2d0h-8PqYeNXsmiQyijPi9rgmuokXNKh4LxoIyM-feH--ncNLDPbNaWDMZYv6xEUlujFUtvNXana6ky7eiw8gil1KD3B7fQdvSxVM9qSJFjQLgzmNXPQVJXL7AftVevjyCrSLNCFbytBxkaeraPTKP0WzbLHjVUrsm/s4032/Creole%20shrimp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DoWM5e64uqZIh5oB9MME0S2d0h-8PqYeNXsmiQyijPi9rgmuokXNKh4LxoIyM-feH--ncNLDPbNaWDMZYv6xEUlujFUtvNXana6ky7eiw8gil1KD3B7fQdvSxVM9qSJFjQLgzmNXPQVJXL7AftVevjyCrSLNCFbytBxkaeraPTKP0WzbLHjVUrsm/w300-h400/Creole%20shrimp.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When in NOLA… I had Shrimp Creole for lunch at Galatoire’s!
It was divine! Check out their menu <a href="https://www.galatoires.com/menus/dining-room">here</a>. Your mouth will water!</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p><i style="color: #800180;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>FUN FACT #4:</b> The term Creole is highly debated and holds no official definition. Historians have defined Creole as meaning anything from an ethnic group consisting of individuals with European and African, Caribbean or Hispanic descent to individuals born in New Orleans with French or Spanish ancestry. However someone defines it, it is clear that many elements of New Orleans’ history, art, food and more are due to Creole contributions. (Source: <a href="https://www.neworleans.com/restaurants/where-to-eat/cajun-or-creole/">Neworleans.com</a>) </span></i></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>THE FUN CONTINUES... </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OkDUarbgf5qZRXBNcb5VCJ4ErZ_GyI1oFql0D_OoYiqKc5pk9JcogahKuaoSevDBcKJR6x0AOSmZw31N4lpeGM33ODDLHHYFG2XW0bvnUISTrPTW68mKAHH8B9pFOlJRrJFEVWZJ4dCzsyfMJPF75sLgCAYw7ynmKOMeXl1gYZ4zbJN4sS5nwyX3/s4032/French%2075%20bar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OkDUarbgf5qZRXBNcb5VCJ4ErZ_GyI1oFql0D_OoYiqKc5pk9JcogahKuaoSevDBcKJR6x0AOSmZw31N4lpeGM33ODDLHHYFG2XW0bvnUISTrPTW68mKAHH8B9pFOlJRrJFEVWZJ4dCzsyfMJPF75sLgCAYw7ynmKOMeXl1gYZ4zbJN4sS5nwyX3/w300-h400/French%2075%20bar.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="text-align: left;">On our way to see live music at Preservation Hall in the French Quarter, we stopped at </span><a href="https://www.arnaudsrestaurant.com/bars/french-75/" style="text-align: left;">The French 75 Bar</a></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> for, well, a French 75 cocktail!</span><br /></span><br /><p><b><span style="color: #14a80c; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>“In New Orleans, culture doesn't come down from on high -- </i></span></b><b><span style="color: #14a80c; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>it bubbles up from, the streets.” </i></span></b></p><p><span style="color: #14a80c; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>– Ellis Marsalis</i></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div><span style="color: #14a80c; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></i></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiycQ6N4cc4l8IPOUnDm4CVCaHLLzoP1q7fV7gfT6a26Uxz_ZamtrlwqQzL9tfatq1-wi_O44OCsTmcSKZtX1DcheHco6XUwXiB3R88jmHzH1pqjdDxmTEIIDwi6Vuv9_eBOaQ-o3luoEhJzdeVWNLGaRQdTYzgDsHpGzbyzc9bSwZ22R00o69B5n/s4032/Preservation%20Hall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiycQ6N4cc4l8IPOUnDm4CVCaHLLzoP1q7fV7gfT6a26Uxz_ZamtrlwqQzL9tfatq1-wi_O44OCsTmcSKZtX1DcheHco6XUwXiB3R88jmHzH1pqjdDxmTEIIDwi6Vuv9_eBOaQ-o3luoEhJzdeVWNLGaRQdTYzgDsHpGzbyzc9bSwZ22R00o69B5n/w300-h400/Preservation%20Hall.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Outside Preservation Hall, in the heart of the French Quarter. The “Hall” is a small, intimate venue that presents traditional acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts featuring ensembles from a collective of 50+ musicians.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></i></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHsCbZaAIMFADyXXvRsc9ffkefo_Il-JJ1SRR3CQMf0Hd-0lfz0jrF8AwG-BRpIn-pRhMZg51MBUmlctDWc3aVMp3Nrx1ilPS6aILoCWL9jDv3a1mSJdkNKzMB0lZjRAl67V2iG_wDUJ1W92Jock_6-GIefcBurLkNsEWKXbS-knfPjYtZ7Cd_w2A/s3020/Preservation%20hall%20with%20Mark%20Baud.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3020" data-original-width="2832" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHsCbZaAIMFADyXXvRsc9ffkefo_Il-JJ1SRR3CQMf0Hd-0lfz0jrF8AwG-BRpIn-pRhMZg51MBUmlctDWc3aVMp3Nrx1ilPS6aILoCWL9jDv3a1mSJdkNKzMB0lZjRAl67V2iG_wDUJ1W92Jock_6-GIefcBurLkNsEWKXbS-knfPjYtZ7Cd_w2A/w375-h400/Preservation%20hall%20with%20Mark%20Baud.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Inside Preservation Hall with band director and trumpeter Mark Braud after the show. He told us he was in Seattle in December playing with Harry Connick, Jr. (Star struck!)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eN_i_af6ntS0autPJWmjnr9MtJwkvCMCJs-2IZYQrQNGjHY7-wQgqgC4EWbUZ7SFSlvqBpNfEoxXC4FkGKRA4JE291Xkh9SN03JEs3XJ2y4rThtki3BdcDfzr32U0Cce264pIlf7wKr7A0OKdN3BiFpB0UYyOyIQxiNrsUc7avf-mUk0P8GoZbC_/s3706/Carousel%20bar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3706" data-original-width="3022" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eN_i_af6ntS0autPJWmjnr9MtJwkvCMCJs-2IZYQrQNGjHY7-wQgqgC4EWbUZ7SFSlvqBpNfEoxXC4FkGKRA4JE291Xkh9SN03JEs3XJ2y4rThtki3BdcDfzr32U0Cce264pIlf7wKr7A0OKdN3BiFpB0UYyOyIQxiNrsUc7avf-mUk0P8GoZbC_/w326-h400/Carousel%20bar.jpg" width="326" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We ended our epic day at
the famous Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone, a long-time favorite New
Orleans hotspot and the city’s only revolving bar. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">It's kind of amazing all that we experienced in our first full day in NOLA. It was so fun and exhilarating. </span></span><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">From here, we headed back to our fabulous flat (see below) for a restful night's sleep.</span><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b style="color: #800180;">FUN FACT #5: </b><span style="color: #800180;">The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. These are said to have been chosen in 1892 when the </span><span class="jpfdse"><span data-disable-dismiss-event-bubbling="true" data-enable-toggle-animation="true" data-extra-container-classes="ZLo7Eb" data-hover-hide-delay="1000" data-hover-open-delay="500" data-send-dismiss-event="true" data-send-open-event="true" data-theme="0" data-ved="2ahUKEwi7j87WlLb9AhXAAjQIHcFvAksQmpgGegQIHhAF" data-width="250" jsaction="vQLyHf" jsname="d6wfac" jsslot="" role="button" style="color: #800180; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0"><span jsaction="click:xxCYhe;pD7Wob:i5omib" role="tooltip" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; outline: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;" tabindex="0"><span data-bubble-link="" data-segment-text="Rex Parade" jsname="ukx3I">Rex Parade</span></span></span><span style="color: #800180;">theme "Symbolism of Colors" gave the colors their meanings. </span><b style="color: #800180;">Purple - Justice</b><span style="color: #800180;">. </span><span style="color: #179c10;"><b>Green - Faith</b>.</span><span style="color: #800180;"> </span><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Gold - Power</b>.</span></span></span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><b style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><b style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">SATURDAY - KING CAKE, E-BIKES AND MORE!</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Our Saturday agenda called for more fun - of course! First things first: we had traditional Mardi Gras King cake with our coffee. It was a big treat! And I got the golden baby in my piece of cake! Lucky me!</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFq3jvSPwcA6DAQVJ2fJTsEU4Ah5Uqjuq5VkIwgPIMCtOvdD1iL-PolOYuBj9KNHXFmN-_tDoYbBegFr3_tseLmDjMO-QzVF85q_N9Txbwl15VvGIo_ST221jOGPGX6zXW5s7RRjTYocLPLPe8_8_Np2AZH-gOjvWruCzwXywnRu6LlKyJTEJMPDs/w300-h400/Coffee%20in%20china.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our flat was stocked with a full set of gorgeous China! Swoon! </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFq3jvSPwcA6DAQVJ2fJTsEU4Ah5Uqjuq5VkIwgPIMCtOvdD1iL-PolOYuBj9KNHXFmN-_tDoYbBegFr3_tseLmDjMO-QzVF85q_N9Txbwl15VvGIo_ST221jOGPGX6zXW5s7RRjTYocLPLPe8_8_Np2AZH-gOjvWruCzwXywnRu6LlKyJTEJMPDs/s4032/Coffee%20in%20china.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"></span></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d87s0NYLJ9HOZho8Q0OqcDVKiUUTkX1197hibEW3mjDiF1XSVqxSOJchEvrAFVq_3h_5xbIjuTlAavGuQtzaftdvjwaC3HJF2VE7o8KTxDbD9mpsAp4hEHkO_mir3Ae7wqvy1F7Uh9a6B8niK7kjXjfm0MkY7_T60hg9KTIGuqxih-yfB-xpjBbL/s4032/King%20cake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d87s0NYLJ9HOZho8Q0OqcDVKiUUTkX1197hibEW3mjDiF1XSVqxSOJchEvrAFVq_3h_5xbIjuTlAavGuQtzaftdvjwaC3HJF2VE7o8KTxDbD9mpsAp4hEHkO_mir3Ae7wqvy1F7Uh9a6B8niK7kjXjfm0MkY7_T60hg9KTIGuqxih-yfB-xpjBbL/w300-h400/King%20cake.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jules' favorite King cake from <a href="https://kingcake.dpbakery.com/" style="font-family: arial;">Dong Phoung bakery.</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">FUN
FACT #6: </span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;">King
cake is said to have <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/02/17/147039138/is-that-a-plastic-baby-jesus-in-my-cake" style="border-bottom: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; transition: color 0.1s ease 0s, background-color 0.1s ease 0s, fill 0.1s ease 0s; vertical-align: inherit;">originated</a> in
Old World France and Spain and came to be associated with Epiphany during the <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/food-matters/three-men-and-a-baby-a-brief-history-of-king-cakes/" style="border-bottom: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; transition: color 0.1s ease 0s, background-color 0.1s ease 0s, fill 0.1s ease 0s; vertical-align: inherit;">Middle Ages</a>.
When it was brought to the New World (along with Catholicism and Christianity),
the tradition evolved further. In New Orleans, King cake and Mardi Gras go hand
in hand: The cakes can be found starting in early January and are available up
until Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. (Source: <a href="http://Eater.com">Eater.com</a>)</span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: times;"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUs5ArDOfnqi25kw1Y9f-RlTFiUTQq4RYLIy_nHgbM_czvpYQ9fRJV733Db-MfVqfmlR2rMtP74b7wdNJf0vUzTYsL4JeHCb8RfnMYOW7_tMpKbp6S8lBANAFTs9lbe3N9r36aSogLz9sC3PNsE9YZkJaP8yMS9W_ZIaAmWKPVC6oQIG-q4L3Sj0Dl/s1458/King%20cake%20baby.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="1458" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUs5ArDOfnqi25kw1Y9f-RlTFiUTQq4RYLIy_nHgbM_czvpYQ9fRJV733Db-MfVqfmlR2rMtP74b7wdNJf0vUzTYsL4JeHCb8RfnMYOW7_tMpKbp6S8lBANAFTs9lbe3N9r36aSogLz9sC3PNsE9YZkJaP8yMS9W_ZIaAmWKPVC6oQIG-q4L3Sj0Dl/w400-h388/King%20cake%20baby.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got the "lucky baby" in my piece of King cake! Legend has it that the person who gets the symbolic bean or baby baked into the King cake is said to have good luck in the coming year and they must host next year's Mardis Gras celebration. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>NOLA BY BIKE</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><b style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">My
favorite way to see New Orleans and learn about its storied and colorful
history is by bike. This is the second time I’ve taken a guided bike tour of
New Orleans. This time we were on e-bikes which was so much fun. Our guide Jeff
from Buzz Nola Bike Tours was knowledgeable and entertaining. It was a blast! </span><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIf-wN7QmPiIpIwoaYHQU_WtHJLVPJHJ5hDHIUwzWs5sEHbcYXDh0ap6gHVYt6a3QWcvNuMW5OPWeo_bzPhhTdCh5RFGea7n-YyFZwFwF3jPBreD4Sixrb__rwhrv2EBp0kHSVC-uLoePXqRtjYMqK2BvTeZ4HXkBIGyy6bGC1rGPwfIlEoG59uwI/s4032/Might%20Mississippie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIf-wN7QmPiIpIwoaYHQU_WtHJLVPJHJ5hDHIUwzWs5sEHbcYXDh0ap6gHVYt6a3QWcvNuMW5OPWeo_bzPhhTdCh5RFGea7n-YyFZwFwF3jPBreD4Sixrb__rwhrv2EBp0kHSVC-uLoePXqRtjYMqK2BvTeZ4HXkBIGyy6bGC1rGPwfIlEoG59uwI/w400-h300/Might%20Mississippie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We started our tour along the banks of the Mighty Mississippi. As you can tell it was a gorgeous day. It was unseasonably cold so we bundled up.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAhsI1gHjf16SbtUac7-kNz-o9MBMkyycVH5hWRBkfZ-Q59daP9GVKqkuwsXTBd_X0hRLDivdaPlyS1mufSn_laoUk0UqCm0Tsn4nrMkO1whAUBUJ0YK-2kpDnadz9vOWzX9bttiBoVpVgc_sQd4SvVQL4FZ1Mt3FPWsSHI3Qoi3JDKJy9xdxDFUd/s4032/Bike%20tour%20Sienna%20and%20Julie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAhsI1gHjf16SbtUac7-kNz-o9MBMkyycVH5hWRBkfZ-Q59daP9GVKqkuwsXTBd_X0hRLDivdaPlyS1mufSn_laoUk0UqCm0Tsn4nrMkO1whAUBUJ0YK-2kpDnadz9vOWzX9bttiBoVpVgc_sQd4SvVQL4FZ1Mt3FPWsSHI3Qoi3JDKJy9xdxDFUd/w300-h400/Bike%20tour%20Sienna%20and%20Julie.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sienna and Jules listen attentively to our funny and fabulous tour guide, with the Mississippi River behind them. </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RcIjlCA0s5TNfHK5RG1ViXM8P_SJOvrXiIPVZ3m0a_YLjdMx8hosxOqm5fLlOYjsM_KP7-quIgY8_ROy0Mb-5D5ut9sU1pSynpA3TIYsskz69Po72uOH6Tl1uNsSLH006jKIrw5N8gQY58N1d_jvkh-Mx6FbXONmCpwJkWegyJNy_4bsUuzp7L5U/s4023/Cemetery%20Fairgrounds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2606" data-original-width="4023" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RcIjlCA0s5TNfHK5RG1ViXM8P_SJOvrXiIPVZ3m0a_YLjdMx8hosxOqm5fLlOYjsM_KP7-quIgY8_ROy0Mb-5D5ut9sU1pSynpA3TIYsskz69Po72uOH6Tl1uNsSLH006jKIrw5N8gQY58N1d_jvkh-Mx6FbXONmCpwJkWegyJNy_4bsUuzp7L5U/w400-h259/Cemetery%20Fairgrounds.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One of the highlights of our e-bike tour was visiting one of the largest cemeteries in New Orleans and learning about their above-ground burial practice of following the Spanish custom of using vaults instead of graves. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3nwQ_qXRN_NpTo0UXMrmE6SCdEy9HXHxPgM6ExBiubUtR_Ij82dUHO3RjZPDyv5rVKl6dT_sa40W6zv6DTrmTAiONGbbJslAVu-aVReNM-C85KoGeL9D1fyT-ER9KkR0TWq6yKHtlrPVdN0aZ5mj_a3dqCQ03-grmCLfCiEUMWl9UoNrJ5T3RZBi/s2016/City%20park%20conservatory%20in%20winter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3nwQ_qXRN_NpTo0UXMrmE6SCdEy9HXHxPgM6ExBiubUtR_Ij82dUHO3RjZPDyv5rVKl6dT_sa40W6zv6DTrmTAiONGbbJslAVu-aVReNM-C85KoGeL9D1fyT-ER9KkR0TWq6yKHtlrPVdN0aZ5mj_a3dqCQ03-grmCLfCiEUMWl9UoNrJ5T3RZBi/w400-h300/City%20park%20conservatory%20in%20winter.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Another highlight of the tour was riding through City Park. Pictured here, a famous stone bridge over a preserved section of the bayou in the City Park Conservatory.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i><b>FUN FACT #7</b>: City Park is one of the largest and most visited urban parks in the U.S. It is 50% larger than New York’s Central Park. </i></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ctpGIPuWVfzL0SZa-kN4qpOvGT0YepSM85O4zathb-ltgaLDYcif_w93oXDbPkmqrU4dkiBiawUIokPTiF8c7NorkShW-SN3gc-JbUf1M5-lMEfgKbsXpnmOts588XfBnS2Hj90pvjlCCXsc0eHB5yaboUuOGbStg5VbbdxPLnj1d5gjNeO-zrCf/s4032/Cafe%20du%20monde%20coffee%20and%20beignet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ctpGIPuWVfzL0SZa-kN4qpOvGT0YepSM85O4zathb-ltgaLDYcif_w93oXDbPkmqrU4dkiBiawUIokPTiF8c7NorkShW-SN3gc-JbUf1M5-lMEfgKbsXpnmOts588XfBnS2Hj90pvjlCCXsc0eHB5yaboUuOGbStg5VbbdxPLnj1d5gjNeO-zrCf/w300-h400/Cafe%20du%20monde%20coffee%20and%20beignet.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And yet another highlight! Cafe au lait and beignets at Café du Monde in City Park.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">I could go on and on, but here is one last highlight from our bike tour. French “Impressionist” Master Edgar Degas resided in this house in New Orleans from 1872 to 1873 with this maternal Creole family. He created 18 paintings here.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span></span></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4wfY3gJTC8ODaLc0NzZSSa_pRV8t72AlOJ7SY-I25o_lEtG8_NZuA6RRDBz_TAlxP2nfVJ3cWd1yJEO2e-f7afZCRwNsQmxfDhIUoM2XAFjJP0YGmMMhBeI_8khUsdkWmU5khSAZWA2AOmQb4MBy4q_v6k4k_TN4TFis7W_l9SuctKCCz8sZGR-Z/s4032/Degas%20house.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4wfY3gJTC8ODaLc0NzZSSa_pRV8t72AlOJ7SY-I25o_lEtG8_NZuA6RRDBz_TAlxP2nfVJ3cWd1yJEO2e-f7afZCRwNsQmxfDhIUoM2XAFjJP0YGmMMhBeI_8khUsdkWmU5khSAZWA2AOmQb4MBy4q_v6k4k_TN4TFis7W_l9SuctKCCz8sZGR-Z/w300-h400/Degas%20house.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Degas' house is now a bed and breakfast and wedding venue.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span><span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuscfnZ3i_UEg28sX5_eS1ccWPJ8CoIAQT-K5fzok_j_0DaD0ay0Vq-IssrxU8T0iYMWU5PXNQN8lSz3svcKkJl1RlFmXsUGhSa5_XA7_aSGIdKGCY2MuVjQyR4mymUk15RNFbm5YjjajmLlRksOGiPW-HlOu2EjMp_iYFegdD8MW6vH4F6Jt_m3I/s4032/Degas%20ballerina.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuscfnZ3i_UEg28sX5_eS1ccWPJ8CoIAQT-K5fzok_j_0DaD0ay0Vq-IssrxU8T0iYMWU5PXNQN8lSz3svcKkJl1RlFmXsUGhSa5_XA7_aSGIdKGCY2MuVjQyR4mymUk15RNFbm5YjjajmLlRksOGiPW-HlOu2EjMp_iYFegdD8MW6vH4F6Jt_m3I/w300-h400/Degas%20ballerina.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To
honor the 100<sup>th</sup> anniversary of Degas’ death, the Degas House unveiled
a copy of his most famous sculpture, “Little Dancer of 14 Years” in the front
courtyard for all to see! </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDxL5sSuoRbgrZmOPHcnOsJGSJs-I11BAS71ajc_JXQtgC80W_90uZTZmx_ImK6ksZ-Lw0RAH6lP6J4HV3cK7GmqlC9JJqQ9m_J6NtSXQn44kqoKS_q0VXMkrwNBXs7uI8aAKR-xULi2WHSQCLmpK2m478EwLwONN_Yf2Jlpol4WeaCq7Gn5C4jRG/s2594/Degas%20Mason%20with%20Jules%20shoes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2594" data-original-width="2129" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDxL5sSuoRbgrZmOPHcnOsJGSJs-I11BAS71ajc_JXQtgC80W_90uZTZmx_ImK6ksZ-Lw0RAH6lP6J4HV3cK7GmqlC9JJqQ9m_J6NtSXQn44kqoKS_q0VXMkrwNBXs7uI8aAKR-xULi2WHSQCLmpK2m478EwLwONN_Yf2Jlpol4WeaCq7Gn5C4jRG/w329-h400/Degas%20Mason%20with%20Jules%20shoes.jpg" width="329" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I couldn't resist of pic of Jules' Mardi Gras shoes!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="color: #800180; font-family: times; margin: 0in;"><br /></p></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9EltFQQbW50XjaEsbNBpqDde-Z760vO3AmKbkmF10jJmSlg8Fq-WnrjOsw7rXWG_woikaR4KTICuMl9A2VZnzcu50ysTNqSfmoTGeFtdK9Y-9eXl80yVJdI8goah5ib0gbwaVUbhaRub852zXN8lwjCSMd0vSfhMiHmpnG_3rwIdtan9ObXKa6x1/s4032/Bikes%20Jules%20and%20Sienna.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9EltFQQbW50XjaEsbNBpqDde-Z760vO3AmKbkmF10jJmSlg8Fq-WnrjOsw7rXWG_woikaR4KTICuMl9A2VZnzcu50ysTNqSfmoTGeFtdK9Y-9eXl80yVJdI8goah5ib0gbwaVUbhaRub852zXN8lwjCSMd0vSfhMiHmpnG_3rwIdtan9ObXKa6x1/w300-h400/Bikes%20Jules%20and%20Sienna.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">All good things must come to an end. We concluded our <br />three-hour bike tour at Louis Armstrong Park.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">But of course, the fun did not end there. The afternoon included another delicious meal and shopping at eclectic boutiques on Magazine Street. </span></p><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI8Z0l7J9IZy0xCpWBiB73C1MWu8gbY-WhlWv2tj6WVluN9i2zOfUgiJ8_yAIFseADKFh6NBVrklhMqVzN13vamYAsifAbkX234BjP26BhGSamNYfiayE11BrG1FN-rkrmSgEY_Hu4dpvyItWUzCMSX2MbjT8rUT8uH6-_ZQQ4PewThTW3egkZoX0/s3548/Elizabeths%20lunch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3548" data-original-width="3022" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI8Z0l7J9IZy0xCpWBiB73C1MWu8gbY-WhlWv2tj6WVluN9i2zOfUgiJ8_yAIFseADKFh6NBVrklhMqVzN13vamYAsifAbkX234BjP26BhGSamNYfiayE11BrG1FN-rkrmSgEY_Hu4dpvyItWUzCMSX2MbjT8rUT8uH6-_ZQQ4PewThTW3egkZoX0/w341-h400/Elizabeths%20lunch.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We enjoyed a delicious French-Vietnamese lunch and afternoon cocktails at Elizabeth Street Café, located on the beautiful Hotel Saint Vincent grounds in the Lower Garden District. It was unseasonably cold, but we loved sitting in the sun in the brightly-colored garden courtyard surrounded by palm trees.</span><br /><br /> </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Our
perfect day ended with a special dinner at Coquette. This Lower Garden District
restaurant serves contemporary southern cuisine with an emphasis on locally
sourced ingredients and international inspiration. We opted for the 5 Course
Blind Tasting Menu with wine pairings. It was fabulous! Coquette’s chef recently
received a James Beard nomination. Very well deserved.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UQIsg76B5UY9FZZMnOwBxiUQzFc3n9ls9XwON5Mp0Ii-Cb2q9CwH1eEhBm-xQNSzOshw1O1S8IXSIIJUlU60KbGnwSswtBfKCcnSyYZR09uEPQBRz89lPtwdfY7r3RwjC6MFWm_7X3ucddnKRY9n80vMjBNK-DmZ4QpL3x97Qosnv5-ijNBcHq-9/s4032/Coquette.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UQIsg76B5UY9FZZMnOwBxiUQzFc3n9ls9XwON5Mp0Ii-Cb2q9CwH1eEhBm-xQNSzOshw1O1S8IXSIIJUlU60KbGnwSswtBfKCcnSyYZR09uEPQBRz89lPtwdfY7r3RwjC6MFWm_7X3ucddnKRY9n80vMjBNK-DmZ4QpL3x97Qosnv5-ijNBcHq-9/w300-h400/Coquette.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coquette's take on the classic Negroni cocktail. </td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><i><b>FUN
FACT #8</b>: Coquette means "a woman who flirts.” </i></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><b style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></p><p><b style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!</b></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #800180;">Our hostess with the mostess Jules is known for living life to the fullest. Her motto is "More, more, more!" So on our last day, we had more fun including a fabulous guided tour of the Garden District and a delightful poolside lunch at The Chloe Hotel! </span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; text-align: center;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></p><p><i style="color: #800180; font-family: times;"><span style="background: white; font-size: medium;"><b>FUN FACT #9:</b> The Garden District neighborhood was originally developed with only a couple of houses per block, each surrounded by a large garden, giving the district its name. In the late 19th century, some of these large lots were subdivided, as uptown New Orleans became more urban. This has produced a pattern for much of the neighborhood: of any given block having a couple of 19th-century mansions surrounded by "gingerbread"-decorated late Victorian period houses. Thus, the "Garden District" is now known for its architecture more than for its gardens. (Source: Wikipedia)</span></i></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><b style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">GARDEN DISTRICT WALKING TOUR</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">On Sunday morning we met our guide from Two Chicks
Walking Tours who led us on a tour of the Garden District which included opulent
homes (many of which are owned by celebrities and featured in movies and TV
series), fascinating stories and history,
and a visit to Lafayette Cemetery #1. I highly recommend this tour! </span> <o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHwTils3WchAYy3bXFKkZ-W95YfLLDIweU8m1n0JHSwpXfna2sFXPVC4RpiIsaWwQ-a5f8S1NS6poORzh8ja-SXYpi5IRhjvLQa-aWKinG_b0rQTvtpC8-O-61icBIjGtV0v1SeaJo0Ts_tq4SVLIknTBYNXlee6gPrR9hoK5MJm74nSBvphLY0qo/s4030/Colorful%20house%20in%20garden%20district.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4030" data-original-width="2808" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHwTils3WchAYy3bXFKkZ-W95YfLLDIweU8m1n0JHSwpXfna2sFXPVC4RpiIsaWwQ-a5f8S1NS6poORzh8ja-SXYpi5IRhjvLQa-aWKinG_b0rQTvtpC8-O-61icBIjGtV0v1SeaJo0Ts_tq4SVLIknTBYNXlee6gPrR9hoK5MJm74nSBvphLY0qo/w279-h400/Colorful%20house%20in%20garden%20district.jpg" width="279" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Colorful house decorated for Mardi Gras in the Garden District.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvK_mLUUG717mRWPuQ5odA6GEYCHDWQNaIEqwXE9RVCWwfomAb7ySjc1K6h4inzdUNoU_Qd6gCAEZZX8offL90xBuGiyX6wibkT7Ykix0Q8rQRF8ZSrqXbrHh7S9AZFhhz0sI-pGd8LDjp5w72X1F2bVOrRv2LHUKaDiK0-HqaEgZH34X9UILUjMJ/s3801/Magnolia%20in%20bloom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3801" data-original-width="3022" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvK_mLUUG717mRWPuQ5odA6GEYCHDWQNaIEqwXE9RVCWwfomAb7ySjc1K6h4inzdUNoU_Qd6gCAEZZX8offL90xBuGiyX6wibkT7Ykix0Q8rQRF8ZSrqXbrHh7S9AZFhhz0sI-pGd8LDjp5w72X1F2bVOrRv2LHUKaDiK0-HqaEgZH34X9UILUjMJ/w318-h400/Magnolia%20in%20bloom.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Magnolia tree in bloom in the front yard of a grand home in the Garden District.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZL8yYw-5aRtIKJ6tMEIVR7OmPYuIYMBj8JQkt7UwI5GVcsOg6BES9bEYbPy4iztHdHjxkJk9kIIRgyjta8jX2P7Q_AJ8gg6C0oTwkb1svJiFW3fEyQuU6qlf72WUFa6DH7S2XhS-rRVI2o10Yp9gZaEN3BDXmEI04TALkUlEYYI0Y8bqrHkBRnNa/s4032/Chloe%20cocktail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZL8yYw-5aRtIKJ6tMEIVR7OmPYuIYMBj8JQkt7UwI5GVcsOg6BES9bEYbPy4iztHdHjxkJk9kIIRgyjta8jX2P7Q_AJ8gg6C0oTwkb1svJiFW3fEyQuU6qlf72WUFa6DH7S2XhS-rRVI2o10Yp9gZaEN3BDXmEI04TALkUlEYYI0Y8bqrHkBRnNa/w300-h400/Chloe%20cocktail.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aperol Spritz and poolside lunch at The Chloe Hotel.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoPlainText"><b style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">HOME AWAY FROM HOME</b></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Last but
certainly not least, our airbnb, Casabianca on Magazine Street, was PERFECT!! We loved the quiet location above boutiques and a coffee shop, its spacious rooms, deck, and beautiful art and decor. </span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBF_s5kaOXHdzOacykpp23Wogt-PlyggNhw9MbmLH4FVS6Yfwde7U0FZ-quK4osaXE4nuI4IJ_geJcELi-gT3y37vo7zZWhgygooS6rf1xh84ug-GWFMJ9lgran_gr49IMHkDTZV71nEWMLgvbuF2qO6Y3ForaU7vfb0ckvc0fkjv8ErSt6BxK1iY/s4032/Living%20room.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBF_s5kaOXHdzOacykpp23Wogt-PlyggNhw9MbmLH4FVS6Yfwde7U0FZ-quK4osaXE4nuI4IJ_geJcELi-gT3y37vo7zZWhgygooS6rf1xh84ug-GWFMJ9lgran_gr49IMHkDTZV71nEWMLgvbuF2qO6Y3ForaU7vfb0ckvc0fkjv8ErSt6BxK1iY/w300-h400/Living%20room.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spacious, comfortable living room. It even has a piano!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85bGr7PEJ-EBTq2datzbgaMipJJFoMdE5y4svkYhV-DD2e2v97495Y_ZP6l0vbEF53dr9Nb2IskadH1Fw1rM8n8ih91SxC6Br4rD3NZoJlhM8Rzdt-HOKpKoqKpbuvrJrgvDC63LorFXVmHEBcfeO0bGzJTiz6bJTBGKRJJa4qAXFJYEzRHymvEZE/s4032/Sitting%20area.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85bGr7PEJ-EBTq2datzbgaMipJJFoMdE5y4svkYhV-DD2e2v97495Y_ZP6l0vbEF53dr9Nb2IskadH1Fw1rM8n8ih91SxC6Br4rD3NZoJlhM8Rzdt-HOKpKoqKpbuvrJrgvDC63LorFXVmHEBcfeO0bGzJTiz6bJTBGKRJJa4qAXFJYEzRHymvEZE/w300-h400/Sitting%20area.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this sitting area in my bedroom for writing, relaxing and <br />reminiscing about our fun-filled days!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">I hope you enjoyed your virtual visit to The Big Easy! </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><span style="text-align: center;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">IF YOU GO</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Stay</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/29234907?source_impression_id=p3_1677606812_2Qi%2B%2B2NgH6INipkO">Casabianca: Elegant Flat in Historic Magazine Row</a></span></p><p><a href="https://saintvincentnola.com/"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Hotel Saint Vincent</span></a></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: #800180;"><a href="https://www.thechloenola.com/"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">The Chloe </span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Eat</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Breakfast @ </span><a href="https://laboulangerienola.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">La Boulangerie </span></a></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Lunch @ <a href="https://www.galatoires.com/"><span style="color: #800180;">Galatoire's</span></a></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Lunch @ <a href="https://elizabethstreetcafe.com/new-orleans/">Elizabeth Street Café </a></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Lunch @ <a href="https://www.thechloenola.com/restaurant">The Chloe Pool Bar</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><span>Dinner @ </span><a href="https://saintvincentnola.com/dining/">San Lorenzo Restaurant, Hotel Saint Vincent</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Dinner @ <a href="https://www.coquettenola.com/">Coquette</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Drink</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://saintvincentnola.com/chapel-club/">Paradise Lounge</a> @ Hotel Saint Vincent</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><a href="Chapel Club – Hotel Saint Vincent — New Orleans (saintvincentnola.com)">Chapel Club</a> @ Hotel Saint Vincent</span></p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><a href="Carousel Bar & Lounge - Hotel Monteleone, French Quarter">Carousel Bar</a> @ Hotel Monteleone <br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="Arnaud's French 75 Bar | Best Cocktails in New Orleans (arnaudsrestaurant.com)"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Arnaud's French 75 Bar</span></a></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #800180;">Walk</span></b></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d79b52d6-7fff-0f1a-ad59-83dc469684f9"></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/audubon-park?utm_source=googleppc&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=grant_audubon_park&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyKntn7a5_QIV5QznCh1_hg5CEAAYASAAEgLA4PD_BwE">The Loop @ Audubon Park</a> </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://twochickswalkingtours.com/garden-district-tours/" target="_blank">Garden District Walking Tour</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Ride </b></span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.buzznola.com/"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Buzz Nola Bike Tours & Bike Rentals New
Orleans</span></a></span></p><p><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #800180;">Live Music</span></b></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.preservationhall.com/">Preservation Hall</a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">P.S. ONE <i>MORE</i> THING!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh56Od6yvzldoVjPK2dLI5kpE4n-FguoNs1UatNG5YwrSCYy8F7wxe5UGz6E5iELvSz4ckE0UJ-rjXWWWDhURjC9QFBH2M3dvukQcqWGTTj8IAygfKvDJLkGLGdhhHYD0WDbbcJkm-e35v4baYp8XXi1WbuP2jBa74ef3JMJ9u8XAd2XxnCpx3XmzW/s1797/girls%20on%20stairs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1797" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh56Od6yvzldoVjPK2dLI5kpE4n-FguoNs1UatNG5YwrSCYy8F7wxe5UGz6E5iELvSz4ckE0UJ-rjXWWWDhURjC9QFBH2M3dvukQcqWGTTj8IAygfKvDJLkGLGdhhHYD0WDbbcJkm-e35v4baYp8XXi1WbuP2jBa74ef3JMJ9u8XAd2XxnCpx3XmzW/w265-h400/girls%20on%20stairs.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jules (in front) leading us to our fun adventures!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="text-align: center;"></span></span><p></p><p style="color: #800180;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #800180; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #800180;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><i><b style="color: #800180; font-family: times;">FUN FACT #10: </b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: times;"> Jules is a quintessential Leo -- sunny, social</span></i></span><i><span style="color: #800180; font-family: times;">, fun, big-hearted and full of bright energy! Hence her Lioness headdress, huge smile, colorful sparkles, and a cocktail for the road! I have absolutely adored Jules since we met in college. Her light keeps getting brighter and more sparkly! I love you, my fabulous Leo soul sister!! You are a Queen!</span></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #800180;">P.P.S.:<i> </i></span></span><span style="color: #800180;">I’ve decided to change my word of the year for 2023 to FUN! </span></span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #800180; font-family: times;"><br /></span></i></span></p></div>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-71803289693379729702022-09-15T12:57:00.000-07:002022-09-15T12:57:10.385-07:00Delightful Dahlias!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3HKug32K-haBO64rleT07ruPgMvhFTCGf1gdDR5OTqUevUIEI7Ssm0vBb5N8Ot0_Z6eGaa32BFZp_J9MGeYBpAXGqSN9N4-KQ1tevmbGjYU6EKmngr1YkZw4CF_BOi7fS66X70wdzakZN2tUlJiNzN2B5jOByIIkN1pWzhpRTrmeNDx0Gd5hIfmx/s4032/IMG_0431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3HKug32K-haBO64rleT07ruPgMvhFTCGf1gdDR5OTqUevUIEI7Ssm0vBb5N8Ot0_Z6eGaa32BFZp_J9MGeYBpAXGqSN9N4-KQ1tevmbGjYU6EKmngr1YkZw4CF_BOi7fS66X70wdzakZN2tUlJiNzN2B5jOByIIkN1pWzhpRTrmeNDx0Gd5hIfmx/w300-h400/IMG_0431.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><span style="color: #38761d;">Hello friends! It's been a while - actually over a year since I posted! I've missed you and I've missed my blog. But as I'm sure you can attest, life has been wonky and frankly overwhelming at times. Also with a seemingly never-ending amount of content being generated constantly, I've felt reluctant to put my own content out into the world. But today, actually yesterday, I was SO struck by the immense natural beauty of the dahlias at Volunteer Park that I wanted to share some of the delight - and color - with you here. These beautiful blooms ground me in hope that all shall be well again. Enjoy. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;">Lots of love,</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;">Amy </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sINzoxNaZo_6NhrPK9o645QQL90PZxA-HO-KDv4SPcFuln9tbLm3nMUYInW9ilm3MYSwxB0fJynqwx3zzPpHZfXAj1oeLxTKAiOLkcgWT4R2kA-3QhEXC62TsoN5Z9-V8J0aMOf__KZrkP-2kUCx1g89lgPFqB4R9jaE5CX3OTK5hTnCTwEcSOTC/s4032/IMG_0445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sINzoxNaZo_6NhrPK9o645QQL90PZxA-HO-KDv4SPcFuln9tbLm3nMUYInW9ilm3MYSwxB0fJynqwx3zzPpHZfXAj1oeLxTKAiOLkcgWT4R2kA-3QhEXC62TsoN5Z9-V8J0aMOf__KZrkP-2kUCx1g89lgPFqB4R9jaE5CX3OTK5hTnCTwEcSOTC/w300-h400/IMG_0445.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeAEFMlKO4MPZwBU-qaxNzIf-zYSESmtzjuO1Hc5C8oY6rM4wbO9OGfWDx42Yi8REvbbEITSLZWz_-aSmLR_PagZQNKut5OqRuqlUHjYPbTv9VowU_q_b-PddkxQ_g4r4vtZRFRWlRG_R6R1iHvfloG32Rp7AYexsz-BVwOrchc9I7mCZXexDs5X0/s4032/IMG_0466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeAEFMlKO4MPZwBU-qaxNzIf-zYSESmtzjuO1Hc5C8oY6rM4wbO9OGfWDx42Yi8REvbbEITSLZWz_-aSmLR_PagZQNKut5OqRuqlUHjYPbTv9VowU_q_b-PddkxQ_g4r4vtZRFRWlRG_R6R1iHvfloG32Rp7AYexsz-BVwOrchc9I7mCZXexDs5X0/w300-h400/IMG_0466.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-27141729500231823472021-09-10T16:57:00.000-07:002021-09-10T16:57:17.199-07:00Beauty Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1RMcdbJUTZJFi77kjQHlxRRnHqwhaIsvOUgCZHyVFq_jG-ARH_9p6jkCC0l2GhxKET1r02y1fRyU5SFdjlJ9Xd519DQmW87VXjAsG9vTQPPJa6vc7u6D9XyPtkdYll2D4fqwLNhEXKo/s2048/IMG_4077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1RMcdbJUTZJFi77kjQHlxRRnHqwhaIsvOUgCZHyVFq_jG-ARH_9p6jkCC0l2GhxKET1r02y1fRyU5SFdjlJ9Xd519DQmW87VXjAsG9vTQPPJa6vc7u6D9XyPtkdYll2D4fqwLNhEXKo/w300-h400/IMG_4077.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #444444;">Yesterday after I dropped Sofia off for her second day of high school (gasp!), I was feeling the "back to school blues" so I decided to go for a walk. It always cheers me up! But this wasn't just a walk, it was a "Beauty Walk!" I noticed beauty - and color - everywhere. It cheered me right up! I wanted to share a few of the blooms that caught my eye... and a poem entitled "Beauty" at the end of this post. Enjoy!</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJgXs3uuW0ncKXgOck9avk-s7a2on5AIRKsDsWgi726q4RWsJcfS1G9EQ7dNQ7F-j_M2kMJy4GOkLPsI2xh-8NCHSisgV7oC806YfMwYsKIoPzDoihTMfSVZ6iAkhGQPdYqlYmPT-5T0/s2048/IMG_4078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJgXs3uuW0ncKXgOck9avk-s7a2on5AIRKsDsWgi726q4RWsJcfS1G9EQ7dNQ7F-j_M2kMJy4GOkLPsI2xh-8NCHSisgV7oC806YfMwYsKIoPzDoihTMfSVZ6iAkhGQPdYqlYmPT-5T0/w300-h400/IMG_4078.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY5qPDFXruimIXue-kLo1xmboieiHnYHS-r0YfMSHCDQnZ_g8fmSl63Td4LvlH5TiPicpOcSOHn51HDKPB0E5N0Mhm-_amonKkahQLfja3R-rBIdROXytx4Vsuihixpp4Op7YlHCahwk/s2048/IMG_4080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY5qPDFXruimIXue-kLo1xmboieiHnYHS-r0YfMSHCDQnZ_g8fmSl63Td4LvlH5TiPicpOcSOHn51HDKPB0E5N0Mhm-_amonKkahQLfja3R-rBIdROXytx4Vsuihixpp4Op7YlHCahwk/w300-h400/IMG_4080.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Do you see the resting bee?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwd9VFVb39CmHe79oRLg1Z2OLflj_F_hGjpvEPFmoM4phvQGGkwiHImY4qQh8TMRE4rZrUoJ-6dVNB_9u0hzH0YpbUQSGUM6kprS1jT-UXdfdCMg2R6MHm5qQbYxOPO5t7lOHnqIuFX4/s2048/IMG_4081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwd9VFVb39CmHe79oRLg1Z2OLflj_F_hGjpvEPFmoM4phvQGGkwiHImY4qQh8TMRE4rZrUoJ-6dVNB_9u0hzH0YpbUQSGUM6kprS1jT-UXdfdCMg2R6MHm5qQbYxOPO5t7lOHnqIuFX4/w300-h400/IMG_4081.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtteBVToKS8U6j0WD5FuEPp_iWTG-U6miWQ692NbtT6MhWp5I02-FrCLzL4RDCmmHWYXY1vAit_rAMnQE5sxPGDK0pRBSEy7Gona1i24NUD6LSuAoZdB3keqjtMl0An7xjmVkAlGmviw/s2048/IMG_4082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtteBVToKS8U6j0WD5FuEPp_iWTG-U6miWQ692NbtT6MhWp5I02-FrCLzL4RDCmmHWYXY1vAit_rAMnQE5sxPGDK0pRBSEy7Gona1i24NUD6LSuAoZdB3keqjtMl0An7xjmVkAlGmviw/w300-h400/IMG_4082.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LxIPIhsN7ALfNZFeOGW7QsOUzC0Os1rxl93J-t_Vd_SsHOei9c66aarJPBqn4UcB3L4iZwsAS1vTrASlvDTkmNp66PgMAtKBEnj4GOH2er-rp9K1oU_QI3d96ezL2uW8jDgS41SwRww/s2048/IMG_4083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LxIPIhsN7ALfNZFeOGW7QsOUzC0Os1rxl93J-t_Vd_SsHOei9c66aarJPBqn4UcB3L4iZwsAS1vTrASlvDTkmNp66PgMAtKBEnj4GOH2er-rp9K1oU_QI3d96ezL2uW8jDgS41SwRww/w300-h400/IMG_4083.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29-UdyELLFkl6FepZ1peAJu3x5efwQLe0P8m8h6lb9i7sV5_yA-p7FQrgI-MG1dN5mmmm3aIh_BIBDtzg_G54zLr89UUePyC9GDqYBjbF_njGx8hjLq1vwxo-QkyrQSQQTx_sxTcYzeY/s2048/IMG_4084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1801" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29-UdyELLFkl6FepZ1peAJu3x5efwQLe0P8m8h6lb9i7sV5_yA-p7FQrgI-MG1dN5mmmm3aIh_BIBDtzg_G54zLr89UUePyC9GDqYBjbF_njGx8hjLq1vwxo-QkyrQSQQTx_sxTcYzeY/w351-h400/IMG_4084.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">I was craving some "holy time," so I walked the labyrinth at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral. Talk about beauty - gasp again!</span></p><p style="orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBPOr50KvvYMRFX8kHvEQYyjUZRcAmT2cM6XiL8ONVo_307t_MOz5YnkE6j0CL9F9PZ6ZxS92MWa0h-fyF84ceTQsNIN3A5n-C-cVMtlz-vQrtZHMWi_0QZROwY6X-o7BFJtoeWuY6bA/s2048/IMG_4085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBPOr50KvvYMRFX8kHvEQYyjUZRcAmT2cM6XiL8ONVo_307t_MOz5YnkE6j0CL9F9PZ6ZxS92MWa0h-fyF84ceTQsNIN3A5n-C-cVMtlz-vQrtZHMWi_0QZROwY6X-o7BFJtoeWuY6bA/w400-h300/IMG_4085.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>BEAUTY</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">By Kathryn Carole Ellison</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">In every person's heart there is a secret nerve</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">That answers to the vibrations of beauty.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">For true happiness, it becomes your duty.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">If the path is beautiful don't ask where it leads.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">You will be guided to a better location.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Beauty is the promise of happiness.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Take the path without hesitation.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Love of beauty is one of Nature's best healers.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Our souls need beauty more than food.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">What a (wo)man does for pay is nothing when compared</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">To (her) his response to beauty when viewed.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Joy in looking and comprehending </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Is Nature's most beautiful gift.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Let us live for the beauty of our own reality,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">And watch our spirits lift. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">If you keep the ability to always see beauty,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Your spirit will never grow old. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Beauty is power, a smile is its sword. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">It's a way of life that's age-old. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">I leave you with one more beautiful bloom to brighten your day!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XNRAYzHPxtV5H_20_kYDkicyaTHdjtCScwA7g5x62havHGMwc2nmreaZ4bpF2714eTvm3WZldOgrf2PiMaYwfLlVzWS22Ee3GzJpisCSGWdf89bSaOWElOlyS7dJOJyh24Y2zksQn_A/s2048/IMG_4113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XNRAYzHPxtV5H_20_kYDkicyaTHdjtCScwA7g5x62havHGMwc2nmreaZ4bpF2714eTvm3WZldOgrf2PiMaYwfLlVzWS22Ee3GzJpisCSGWdf89bSaOWElOlyS7dJOJyh24Y2zksQn_A/w300-h400/IMG_4113.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-34230421185975943022021-08-25T12:29:00.000-07:002021-08-25T12:29:55.988-07:00The Bees Are Back in Town!!<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmMjedAiHCk0a1MBwlo325jy2uuugk7VJdlelah3QXWqyPhzzQZQCd-igwkSreBlLmriXSDTKQJo2Z6SyoANpylapojMR9mHHwtdDpCGWlHLnQnYLz2C69PkGlLwIXDh0PMjeXWY1N1g/s2016/IMG_3572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmMjedAiHCk0a1MBwlo325jy2uuugk7VJdlelah3QXWqyPhzzQZQCd-igwkSreBlLmriXSDTKQJo2Z6SyoANpylapojMR9mHHwtdDpCGWlHLnQnYLz2C69PkGlLwIXDh0PMjeXWY1N1g/w300-h400/IMG_3572.JPG" width="300" /></a></p><br /><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;">The bees are back in town... and so are the dahlias! Both give me so much hope.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;">Recently on a walk in Seattle's Volunteer Park, I rounded the corner to the dahlia gardens and my breath was taken away by their beauty and the thought "all is well...." I'm not sure I can say that now, but in that moment I absolutely felt it. And I still choose to have hope!</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;">Last year the Seattle Dahlia Club did not plant their usual hundreds (thousands?) of dahlia bulbs, presumably because the vibrant colors and breathtaking beauty of the blooms attract crowds. So out of an abundance of caution (are you sick of that catchphrase?!), the dahlia garden was dirt and weeds.... it was depressing. </span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;">But for 2021, the dahlia garden is in full bloom, the bees are happy, and so am I! They bring me so much joy, that I want to share with you here! </span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;">En-JOY!</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJm7RgS3B6B2MkVYJSGHHzicGdzTKngREfGTvnW5lmOaAB6P_d4s83MJKbCRXRr3EEb81RD051bewAe4xYSfAk5UsoSduE-SmTwy9RZwTX_1ErXNTfohbvtmjs7rsSKKk8qMyLH024Jg/s1280/IMG_3569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1077" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJm7RgS3B6B2MkVYJSGHHzicGdzTKngREfGTvnW5lmOaAB6P_d4s83MJKbCRXRr3EEb81RD051bewAe4xYSfAk5UsoSduE-SmTwy9RZwTX_1ErXNTfohbvtmjs7rsSKKk8qMyLH024Jg/w336-h400/IMG_3569.JPG" width="336" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dg0IMOjT5ENJ38krH5AukYqGaqLIcpqpCaSfW-m7XsH-wBqlPBUL7b7b9bwJsNoDpRqL2Sgc_mnowdXujMcWbwdmxooYFBp9JUnlBDGQcePdkQ5LOaFJoNXc0Hvf1H4YFsU8fzvYiGA/s2016/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dg0IMOjT5ENJ38krH5AukYqGaqLIcpqpCaSfW-m7XsH-wBqlPBUL7b7b9bwJsNoDpRqL2Sgc_mnowdXujMcWbwdmxooYFBp9JUnlBDGQcePdkQ5LOaFJoNXc0Hvf1H4YFsU8fzvYiGA/w300-h400/IMG_3562.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkXaULLgv0HntPG3Etc7v5ltrxLxb3Ek7WRZtA4MsKMeLMKv9-NU-rPT2FUpik0wFqJkbw_Irlod5v-mbiRz3XwrthIZEYVlAyxdAYr9s3_nPpv9JMPu8-m8-nbtqNzv0EdmFswQcDJg/s2016/IMG_3563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;">I would "bee" delighted if you left a comment below letting me know what brings you joy these days.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;">xo,</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;">Amy</span></p><p><br /></p>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-6414383047524463412021-08-11T15:09:00.000-07:002021-08-11T15:09:08.455-07:00A Sunny Disposition<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenJRvFUftJnmCN8f9rEcE1diwA84_7R6cr_LHBglEX_SVkbr512vq5XwPsOJYg5b9okZgiIDF8xH5-S0tGXECwXRvdjUpY-V6a-4m0qAXq9jWebXmYm4NicX2xvCEjZFwsXrny9Mb-CI/s640/Sunflower+from+Jenn+Gallucci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenJRvFUftJnmCN8f9rEcE1diwA84_7R6cr_LHBglEX_SVkbr512vq5XwPsOJYg5b9okZgiIDF8xH5-S0tGXECwXRvdjUpY-V6a-4m0qAXq9jWebXmYm4NicX2xvCEjZFwsXrny9Mb-CI/w400-h266/Sunflower+from+Jenn+Gallucci.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">IN LOVING MEMORY OF<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">JAMES RALPH GIGER</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">SEPTEMBER 28, 1953 – APRIL 24, 2021</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Husband – Father – Brother – Friend<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">If my late Uncle Jim Giger were a flower, he'd surely be a sunflower: strong, confident, bright, cheerful and happy! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Unfortunately he lost his 7-month battle with pancreatic cancer on April 24, 2021 at the age of 67. He was my mom's younger brother by 10 years and he was 18 years older than me... which made him a cool uncle! (See pic below!)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDHaOXHk7_Jw7siC0gBM4vp48LDnjuNPElqqzpkaf55A8wBsCiF53hwcHGyf5kIT7nVHTQ_CkktwXbYtmScZ1kAGapsxSo_5kjiAwxHhk10DFbnEuwLIQkxPfmFcsbARM1yToHY8b-aY/s354/Uncle+Jim+DJ+and+Amy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDHaOXHk7_Jw7siC0gBM4vp48LDnjuNPElqqzpkaf55A8wBsCiF53hwcHGyf5kIT7nVHTQ_CkktwXbYtmScZ1kAGapsxSo_5kjiAwxHhk10DFbnEuwLIQkxPfmFcsbARM1yToHY8b-aY/s320/Uncle+Jim+DJ+and+Amy.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">While watering my garden a couple of
weeks ago, I was thinking about my Uncle Jim – and how I will remember him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The image of a big, bright, warm,
genuine smile instantly popped into my head – and then the question: “Is it
possible to miss a smile?” (Spoiler alert: YES it is!) Let me explain!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">What followed was a flood of memories
of Uncle Jim throughout my life and the common theme was “that SMILE” </span>– and his sunny disposition! </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Much like my own dad, Uncle Jim was
warm, kind, intelligent, easy-going, and SMILEY!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">And it wasn’t just a regular smile. It
was in his eyes, in his body language – it was an energy of love and acceptance
and it said: I SEE YOU – no matter who you are! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">I believe it truly came from his
heart. His smile communicated an indelible strength and confidence that
everything would be ok.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">To me, Uncle Jim always radiated
positivity. Even when life wasn’t easy for him, he made the most of it and
truly lived life to the fullest. He said YES to life! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">And, did I mention, he ALWAYS had a BIG SMILE on this
face – and a sunny disposition! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Uncle Jim was
well-traveled… I love this quote he shared with me after hearing about an
intense and life-changing trip we took to the Middle East several years ago:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“International travel is so important
and allows us to much better understand the points of view, beliefs and needs
of other cultures, but in fact, we are all one.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Uncle Jim always had an open heart and
open mind to everyone he met – from every corner of the planet and from every
walk of life – and always, always, that big, bright, warm, loving, easy-going
smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Thank you Uncle Jim for radiating love and light to everyone you met! I want to be more like you!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In closing, I would like to share a poem that reminded me of Uncle Jim, and that I think we can all learn from. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">LEAVE A LEGACY TIME
CAN’T ERASE </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>by Kathryn Carole Ellison</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">If your name is carved on hearts </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">And not on tombstones when you die,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Your legacy will be etched into the minds of others.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The stories will be shared; they'll multiply.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Your goal is not to live forever;</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It's to be creative with something that will.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">You make your mark by being true to yourself.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Your decisions and actions emit goodwill.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">As Maya Angelou shared in some of her writings:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">"People will forget what you said (no appeal).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">They'll also forget what you did, my friends,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">But they will never forget how you made them feel."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The legacy you leave is the life you lead.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(It may be time to take an inventory.)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The people you see, the decisions you make,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">And the actions you take... that's your story.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Remember, you're in charge of what you leave behind.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Take control of your life, no limits to perceive.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Society cannot tell you how it's going to be.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">You get to decide the legacy that you will leave.</p>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-66206066290652565662020-04-22T09:21:00.000-07:002020-04-22T11:16:31.956-07:00Happy Mother Earth Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy Mother Earth Day dear friends! The above quote is one of my favorites. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I believe Mother Earth also speaks to us through birds - bluebirds, hummingbirds and eagles speak loudly to me, bees, sun, rain, green grass, blue skies, snow, mountains and water. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mother Earth is speaking loud and clear to us right now - she needs more love from us! For all of the love she gives to us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is another favorite quote. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How will you love and celebrate our beautiful Mother Earth today - on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day - and EVERY DAY?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am an Earth Citizen! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Century Schoolbook", Century, Garamond, serif; font-size: 19px;">💚 </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">(You can read about the Earth Citizen movement </span><a href="http://daniellegaudette.com/2020/04/i-am-an-earth-citizen/" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-31880999855892926242019-12-06T17:36:00.002-08:002019-12-08T10:46:25.656-08:00Pantone's 2020 Color of the Year: Classic Blue!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #073763;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;">I am so excited about Pantone's </span>2020 Color of the Year
selection: Classic Blue! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not
as edgy or unexpected as years' past but I believe it's just what we need right
now... stable and sturdy... a salve for the craziness in our country and world!
<span style="background: white;">I also see blue as a unifying color (who doesn't
love blue?!), which is desperately needed right now. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Color is
highly correlated with emotions - it's one of the reasons I love it so much.
Every color elicits an emotion whether you realize it consciously or not. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In
explaining the 2020 Color of the Year selection, Pantone said Classic Blue <span style="background: white;">instills "calm, confidence, and connection"
and that the blue hue "highlights our desire for a dependable and stable
foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era." I
love that!<br />
<br />
In our overstimulated world, stability and simplicity are just what we need!! I
also love that Classic Blue encourages us to expand our thinking and challenges
us to think more deeply - definitely themes in my life right now.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><b>How the Color of the Year is Selected
</b></span>
<span style="color: #073763;">I know a lot of people are curious about how Pantone selects the Color of the Year. Since I trained and worked with color expert Leatrice Eiseman (who leads the Color of the Year selection process for Pantone) I have a bit of "insider information" to share with you. </span>
<span style="color: #073763;"></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">"As the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, I lead a team of 10 color experts that travels the world to search out trending colors and new color influences across many industries," states Eiseman.<br /><br />"</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">We look at the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles, and socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures, and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms and even up-coming sporting events that capture worldwide attention. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">We also try to read the pulse of the public. What are people asking for? What are they saying their needs are? What are they hoping for? What are their aspirations?<b> We try to then pick out a color that speaks to that cultural reaction to color, the collective consciousness’s reaction to color, and the psychological and emotional impact. </b></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">We consolidate all of these findings and then start looking for proof points and imagery to support the selection. The process starts in the spring of the preceding year. By the end of the summer we are pretty certain of what the color will be. It’s a very exciting, collaborative and intense process!"</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">You can learn more on the Eiseman Color Blog <a href="http://leatriceeiseman.com/behind-the-scenes-with-pantones-color-of-the-year/">here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #073763;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;">A Few of My Favorite Things
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my favorite things when the Color of the Year is announced is to look at the imagery and products in the hue. Here are a few of my favorites so far.</span>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;">This new "</span><a href="https://www.glassybaby.com/give" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;">give</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;">" glassybaby is right on trend and I received it for my birthday last week!! </span></span></span>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgHOVL1UciuXE-p6zjKhoBuPtFpLiMN3FCHXxoMxz718ulUa6ZdGjXMVZMeswsUiSuNhPubZ_bsmZtbXjR5-CHkUH4tzDL7dNx4-a3-sDEpSa8eFlIstJPS0EJSARpkYcSx98L54O0fM/s400/give_glassybaby.jpg" width="368" />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;">This </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Limited Edition Color of the Year <a href="https://www.pantone.com/products/pantone-lifestyle/limited-edition-mug-pantone-color-of-the-year-2020-classic-blue">mug</a> would be a great addition to my collection of colorful Pantone mugs!</span></span></span><b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEMlr8l7nQFZdV4ivAOHcQz830GpbbQy3tahBJNiENvYNBZR1ElcRMR4MHKmxJvFCezi6ka_XLcz3w8QtFUOb9bu6giUwQFiAR2A2_oTc3ZARspO9PkLqJSu0mJ3Gnx1OIiJhKrvX4ag/s1600/pantone-mug-color-of-the-year-2020-classic-blue-19-4052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEMlr8l7nQFZdV4ivAOHcQz830GpbbQy3tahBJNiENvYNBZR1ElcRMR4MHKmxJvFCezi6ka_XLcz3w8QtFUOb9bu6giUwQFiAR2A2_oTc3ZARspO9PkLqJSu0mJ3Gnx1OIiJhKrvX4ag/s400/pantone-mug-color-of-the-year-2020-classic-blue-19-4052.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I always love a good <a href="https://www.pantone.com/products/pantone-lifestyle/limited-edition-journal-pantone-color-of-the-year-2020-classic-blue">journal!</a></span></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC5tTNoEZaIEo0dH7O5sjZadLxmiOjHiGdHLMfYrnQWFoTEaSX4Ljt0JK6nYoPARGwAqQMlzOR4IAQPTDeGbKKY7SDI3SU1vXYfwJ46sAu2hpvCRFgPqlQUwzFfVxwxlSe_yfDAZtvWw/s1600/pantone-lifestyle-journal-color-of-the-year-2020-classic-blue-19-4052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC5tTNoEZaIEo0dH7O5sjZadLxmiOjHiGdHLMfYrnQWFoTEaSX4Ljt0JK6nYoPARGwAqQMlzOR4IAQPTDeGbKKY7SDI3SU1vXYfwJ46sAu2hpvCRFgPqlQUwzFfVxwxlSe_yfDAZtvWw/s400/pantone-lifestyle-journal-color-of-the-year-2020-classic-blue-19-4052.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">See lots more great products <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/05/cnn-underscored/pantone-color-year-2020-classic-blue/index.html">here</a>!
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"></span><b><i><u><sub><sup><strike><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></strike></sup></sub></u></i></b></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.9); color: #073763; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;">Classic Blue Travel Destinations
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This fun piece in <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonisweet/2019/12/04/pantone-color-of-the-year-2020-classic-blue-travel-destinations-around-the-world/#41e15c0a644e">Forbes</a> explores Classic Blue travel destinations around the world. </span>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of the destinations on their list, I've visited Jodhpur in Indian (photo below), known as the "Blue City," and Crater Lake, OR. I'm now adding the other stunning blue destinations to my travel bucket list!</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);"><span style="color: #073763;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIA_pe8X6uKjJy4bqG-dlBkxaEfnCIV5fbSp_mKh7G0IoP3A1GOH2zPm5U6vVc2dPddIVMVqVhPBD8zKPl56rDqTc719yyw6y357NjFKYXgw43NnQOS_pzkyPGUFmjPutAwRSR57w8og/s1600/Jodhpur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIA_pe8X6uKjJy4bqG-dlBkxaEfnCIV5fbSp_mKh7G0IoP3A1GOH2zPm5U6vVc2dPddIVMVqVhPBD8zKPl56rDqTc719yyw6y357NjFKYXgw43NnQOS_pzkyPGUFmjPutAwRSR57w8og/s400/Jodhpur.jpg" width="400" /></span></a>
</span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have one more very special and very blue place that Forbes missed: Lake Tahoe, of course!! Their motto is even "Keep Tahoe Blue!"
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjA2Yix7Tehq6h2N3lTP5ZR0qzOfxvr63JZjm_BXW979jMcVxrgwDx7kQypPMcEEM7Vah3bZVV3O7LTmgRvRYgpwiyRjGOGq0C0CDIRVR44-HDNGL6SAAxheXUrJyMR4XxidBbanRJkQ/s1600/IMG_0656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjA2Yix7Tehq6h2N3lTP5ZR0qzOfxvr63JZjm_BXW979jMcVxrgwDx7kQypPMcEEM7Vah3bZVV3O7LTmgRvRYgpwiyRjGOGq0C0CDIRVR44-HDNGL6SAAxheXUrJyMR4XxidBbanRJkQ/s400/IMG_0656.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #595f6b; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.9); color: #073763; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd love to hear your reaction to this beautiful, classic hue!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span data-offset-key="6sgfr-2-0" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><span data-text="true"><span style="background-color: white; color: #595f6b; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-68978687177036878992019-12-01T11:44:00.001-08:002019-12-01T11:47:25.377-08:00Curator of Joy No. 3<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglM8FLHrbV-s965jn9gdxJMo9hqpdh_iwK7FELKp4z7Mkgi9ftwwmRqNc-cUPXLYRa_xdSPbt3QwWVcwwDzx_pK0sTWrQpXz4KDKGKjWtOwKJIGStcpd0Gzf0UpOjaH7Y-GYC1SILbznk/s1600/Gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglM8FLHrbV-s965jn9gdxJMo9hqpdh_iwK7FELKp4z7Mkgi9ftwwmRqNc-cUPXLYRa_xdSPbt3QwWVcwwDzx_pK0sTWrQpXz4KDKGKjWtOwKJIGStcpd0Gzf0UpOjaH7Y-GYC1SILbznk/s400/Gratitude.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy December friends! 'Tis the season for gratitude! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Instead of viewing Thanksgiving as the time to be grateful, I'd like to encourage you to extend it through the upcoming holiday season and into the new year. </span><br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
GRATITUDE REVISITED</h4>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">by Kathryn Carole Ellison</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It turns what we have into more.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's the healthiest of all human emotions,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The highest form of thought and furthermore...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's the greatest of virtues, the parent of all.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gratitude helps us grow and expand;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It brings joy and laughter into our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It makes sense of our past;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We know where we stand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And as we express our gratitude</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We must never forget this wisdom:<br />The highest appreciation for what we have</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is not to utter the words, but to live by them.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><img align="center" id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1f75a892434614acdad6d092d/images/a49cfa4f-e834-4bb7-ba33-6fd97befdb55.png" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border-bottom-width: 0in; border-left-width: 0in; border-right-width: 0in; border-top-width: 0in; display: inline; height: auto; max-width: 60px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="60" /></span></span></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
SPREAD THE LOVE!</h4>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you enjoyed this poem, please share it with a
friend.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And if you're looking for the PERFECT gift to show your gratitude this holiday season, I suggest Kathryn Carole Ellison's latest book of Poems of Life and Love aptly named GRATITUDE, available <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gratitude-Kathryn-Carole-Ellison/dp/1944194606/ref=sr_1_7?qid=1573707205&refinements=p_27%3AKathryn+Carole+Ellison&s=books&sr=1-7&text=Kathryn+Carole+Ellison">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It truly is the perfect gift for every occasion, every celebration!</span></div>
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Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-55826769251190381502019-11-14T14:01:00.001-08:002019-11-14T14:01:18.352-08:00Curator of Joy No. 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-m9o7GPzqQybY4_G38hYGkPAVvYlvuRY2DGkzjbdXPjDZM-qPzSBtq0dsmUUY4I7gqI7QC4uvj2w8hwvoj6BWTc9QsQdJYInln_cXwSCUx4NG00Iq6_rxWs9nFV4AhoxQ-91DI8nMPg/s1600/IMG_2313.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-m9o7GPzqQybY4_G38hYGkPAVvYlvuRY2DGkzjbdXPjDZM-qPzSBtq0dsmUUY4I7gqI7QC4uvj2w8hwvoj6BWTc9QsQdJYInln_cXwSCUx4NG00Iq6_rxWs9nFV4AhoxQ-91DI8nMPg/s400/IMG_2313.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For my second "Curator of Joy" post, I'm sharing the above quote a friend posted upon her return from a soul-feeding trip to Argentina. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I agree, travel is such an important part of our "education for living."<span style="background-color: transparent;"> It</span></span> opens our hearts and minds to other cultures and lifestyles. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reflecting on some of our travels, when we returned from a life-changing <a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/search?q=jordan">trip to the Middle East</a> several years ago, I wrote this on my blog:</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I have a renewed sense of confidence, perspective, humanity and happiness after going on this trip." </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After hearing about our trip, my Uncle Jim put it so well: "International travel is so important and allows us to much better understand points of view, beliefs and needs of other cultures, but in fact, we are all one."</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not even sure it needs to be international travel. At this point, it would probably benefit us all to understand the values and beliefs of our fellow Americans a little better.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time, happy travels! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: green; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-78470732592991277282019-11-10T16:40:00.001-08:002019-11-10T17:12:14.544-08:00Happy 90th Drees!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW886rokvIEnrHHGuL-fFwn_96vNqOYsRy9v4oO60CB7fJcc7v0J93_wtKiY1CqiCn-s99dLi79pASsIBqxOlNlv7qA5P0mvjAv6YVlhEtoVxUY9OzVjLTLRpquey_0CZnr0usZhuclns/s1600/Drees+90.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1340" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW886rokvIEnrHHGuL-fFwn_96vNqOYsRy9v4oO60CB7fJcc7v0J93_wtKiY1CqiCn-s99dLi79pASsIBqxOlNlv7qA5P0mvjAv6YVlhEtoVxUY9OzVjLTLRpquey_0CZnr0usZhuclns/s400/Drees+90.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's a very special weekend in Olympia - my hometown! Beloved <a href="https://www.dreesofolympia.com/">Drees</a> is celebrating 90 years as a retailer in downtown Olympia. A huge milestone for any business much less an independent retailer. Congratulations Drees! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Drees has always been a special destination in downtown Olympia for exquisite gifts and an unmatched shopping experience; even more so now in the age of one-click shopping. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before I go any further, to set the stage, here is a little about Drees from their website:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7f725e; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7f725e; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to Drees</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7f725e; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>We are committed to creating shopping experiences that enhance your home and life. We believe Drees offers more than great products; we create traditions, nurture relationships, enhance homes, and provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our unique product assortment includes exquisite gifts, home furnishings, decorative accessories, fine stationery and season décor, all chosen with great care and a focus on quality and great design.<br />
<br />
"We take great care to select high quality items that will stand the test of time. I have always wanted people to love and keep the things they buy at Drees for a long time, like friends," says Drees owner of 43 years, Ruthann Goularte.</i><br />
<br />
Learn more about Drees <a href="https://www.dreesofolympia.com/">here</a>. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7f725e; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7f725e; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Browspitality</span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7f725e; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An evocative term coined by Drees combining "browse" and "hospitality," shopping at Drees is relaxing and inspiring as you discover new, beautiful things around every corner. It's like being in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory or your favorite art gallery. The products are beautiful and unique and the merchandising is exquisite and pleasing to your every sense. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 2px 0px 15px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7f725e; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7f725e; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Celebrating 90 Years</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 2px 0px 15px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">I <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">attended Drees' 90th anniversary celebration on Thursday night. Leading up to the event I reflected on what Drees means to me and how it's impacted my life. As you'll see in the reflections below, Drees has had a huge impact on my life.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>AT DREES</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I grew up <i>AT
DREES.</i></span><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My earliest
memories of Drees:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">at the shop
on 5<sup>th</sup></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Ave,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I ate lemon
bars dusted with lots of powdered sugar</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">my mom
drank coffee</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">nutcrackers
– lots of nutcrackers!</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Later on
Washington Street:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Holiday open
houses</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My first
job</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Baking brownies
after school</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A barista
at the espresso bar – before Starbucks!</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mrs.
Herring (a favorite regular)</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mary Gates (bought gifts for Bill's executive team)</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Assembling
special Christmas boxes </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">for special
customers (lots of work!)</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Unpacking
boxes of merchandise</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pricing
products in the backroom with the </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">manual
pricing machine (old school!)</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Packing
popcorn everywhere – boxes stacked high </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">to the ceilings
during the holidays</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Watering
plants outside </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(in my cute
school clothes – usually in flats!!)</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Breaking
boxes down and taking them to the </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(scary) garbage
room in the alley.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I fell in
love with <a href="https://haviland.bridgecatalog.com/results.cfm/Haviland?pattern=3693">Haviland Imperatrice Eugenie</a> in high school -</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">my wedding
china. I STILL love it!</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My wedding
registry – the best gifts are always from Drees!</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And those beautiful
handblown wine goblets with </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">a pink
flower. I bought one with each pay check!</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Colleagues Gwen, M.J.,
Lisa and Ruthann of course!</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lessons
learned from Ruthann's parents </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Madge and Anton (a few tears too.)</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pretty gift
wrap and perfect bows.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Quality, quality,
quality.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Wish lists
and special orders </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">handwritten
on index cards.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Browspitality… </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Drees
aprons – a classic!</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sequined
nametags for staff (after me!)</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Scent
of Spring potpourri </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">wafting through
the shop signaling a new season.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Best greeting
cards – </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Madge’s domain when I worked there! </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Personalized
stationery</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black shop
cat – Espresso…</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Then shop
dogs…</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The
soundtrack of Drees: Louis Armstrong</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ruthann:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The wise one.
Merchant extraordinaire. Impeccable eye. Pisces.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My first boss. </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My mentor.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My friend.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My first
client for <a href="http://fleurishpartners.com/">Fleurish Partners</a>. </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fast
forward:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Drees' website was born in 2011…</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Social media
too!</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We had fun
bringing Drees into the 21<sup>st</sup> century!</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Now:</b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444;">It’s time to celebrate 90 years of browspitality </span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">in Downtown
Olympia!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1929-2019</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cheers to
many, many more! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">With love and
gratitude,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Amy Hermes
Anderson</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">November 7,
2019</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Cheers to my first boss, mentor, client and friend, Ruthann Goularte who </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>has owned and stewarded Drees for 43 years.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7f725e; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Holiday Magic</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Drees is magical
year round but it especially sparkles and shines during the holidays. Here are a few photos of the shop right now. Hoping they might inspire you to make a trip to Drees to experience the one-of-a-kind magic for yourself! </span></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><br /></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-71804252433389363642019-10-29T13:26:00.001-07:002019-10-29T16:53:18.601-07:00Oh Sedona!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l87Vo0YU4k-Cz4U0rhW0rEcdIYK4GXJb4qqt1dNFC-1Lx5T8MC5F1OkkGkGD_4AtMrsg8LndeupUBq6XtcZKmglCaxB3Crdi2X112Nr4ltTaVlM5NEal3u9m3AgRs4W6uj8QYGCVB8g/s1600/IMG_1961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l87Vo0YU4k-Cz4U0rhW0rEcdIYK4GXJb4qqt1dNFC-1Lx5T8MC5F1OkkGkGD_4AtMrsg8LndeupUBq6XtcZKmglCaxB3Crdi2X112Nr4ltTaVlM5NEal3u9m3AgRs4W6uj8QYGCVB8g/s400/IMG_1961.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This past weekend, I spent three days at a </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.bodynbrain.com/">Body and Brain Yoga</a> and meditation tour in
Sedona, Arizona! It was incredible, transformational, deeply healing, and majestically beautiful. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sedona
is known for its massive red rocks and energy vortexes. From the minute I
arrived in Sedona I could feel the energy vibrating through my body. It was
incredible! </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s
the perfect place to re-connect with yourself and with nature. </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The
bright blue skies of the heavens, the warm solar energy from the sun, and the
deep red earth make it a truly magical place. Heaven on earth!</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sedona
feels sacred in every way!</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s
really hard to describe my experience in words. I feel peace in my soul, joy in my heart, and
hope for my future and for our world.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here are some of my highlights:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Walking the labyrinth on my first morning...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Beautiful purple flowers...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Water in the desert... yes please! At the Healing Garden....</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At Bell Rock with Master Sky, my team leader for the retreat... what a loving spirit and a blessing she is!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The sunrise meditation on our last morning was so special...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A reminder that we are all Earth Citizens...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Messages I don't want to forget...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On my last day, totally blissed out! I want to hold onto this feeling forever!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One more labyrinth on my last day...instead of walking it, I danced to Michael Franti's "Stay Human!" Such a great way to end the retreat!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As
an added bonus, I enjoyed incredible, delicious, healthy food and made new
friends! Some of the most authentic, warm and loving people I've ever met! </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was good, no, GREAT, for my soul!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I highly, highly recommend you put beautiful, sacred Sedona on your list!</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is a <a href="https://sedonamagoretreat.org/">link to the Sedona Mago Retreat Center</a> where I stayed.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You
can learn more about Sedona in this wonderful book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007OV66NS/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1">The Call of Sedona: Journey of the Heart</a>, by Ilchi Lee, the founder of Body and
Brain yoga and tai chi and Brain Education.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To
get a flavor of the Korean-based Body and Brain yoga and tai chi practice I've been doing for over a year, check
out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGqk8kLHssGU6TVK2OzF7Lw">Body and Brain YouTube channel</a> for exercises you can do at home. </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Body and Brain practice has changed my life! It's my gym, my church, my therapy, and my community. I love it! </span><br />
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<br />Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-56129562264331561792019-10-04T15:24:00.000-07:002019-10-04T17:17:51.727-07:00Curator of Joy!<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Inspiration is everywhere! I am feeling called to share bits of joy that I come across... possibly as an antidote to all the craziness in our world right now. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, periodically I will curate and post quotes, pictures, products, people </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and more that I think will bring you joy! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope you en-JOY!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xo,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Amy</span></div>
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<br />Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-91727911386164762552019-09-13T17:08:00.000-07:002019-09-13T17:08:12.211-07:00All the Colors of the Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjZWVp_No7MqbCQBum3TMYD6rKxelvVKXRkK9T_eqRi_oXc21rFxQqhSPE1LvsmdM4Z6FfXUnWAhr9vcby7dWDiw2YYfno_bGxLiHPseF9c3ti1QvjX_COsUlYYS86RXUcDwl3DULJMU/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjZWVp_No7MqbCQBum3TMYD6rKxelvVKXRkK9T_eqRi_oXc21rFxQqhSPE1LvsmdM4Z6FfXUnWAhr9vcby7dWDiw2YYfno_bGxLiHPseF9c3ti1QvjX_COsUlYYS86RXUcDwl3DULJMU/s400/IMG_0977.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know what it's like in your neck of the woods right now but we're in a funky in-between-season here in Seattle. While it's officially still "summer," the kids are back to school and busy schedules have resumed...One day (or hour) it's 80 and sunny, and the next we're having a lightening storm (which is very unusual for Seattle but starting to feel like our "new normal." Weird!) I'm calling it "back to school/soccer/football/hunker down" season! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm very sad to say goodbye to the long, warm days of summer and not quite ready for the long, dark days of fall and winter. So I am trying to savor every moment of sunlight and I hope these colors add a bright spot to your season--</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">whatever you may call it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every year the colors and varieties of dahlias planted and maintained by the Puget Sound Dahlia Association at Volunteer Park blow my mind. This year's display was EXTRA-ordinary and each time I visited (at least five times) they seemed to get better and more beautiful. (A volunteer told me they added compost this year which really boosted their growth. I assume the copious amounts of rain we've gotten recently has helped too!) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my annual-ish dahlia post. You can see previous posts <a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/search?q=dahlia">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SIZE MATTERS </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From teeny tiny, compact blooms to plate-sized beauties...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>BUSY BEES </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just LOVE watching the bees do their work...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>UNUSUAL BLOOMS</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These fun and unusual blooms add an element of whimsy...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are the rest of my favorites from this year's display...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm obsessed with the color lavender right now... and this one, aptly named "Lavender Perfection" is - in my mind - pretty perfect!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S. Happy full moon Friday the 13th!! </span>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-89363325467366981262019-02-26T16:50:00.000-08:002019-02-27T11:53:04.092-08:00Intention is Everything<span style="color: green; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><b><i><u><sub><sup><strike><span style="color: #b00110; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span></strike></sup></sub></u></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuF2I26fbulOdGKKQz8uDLYapM1E6uu5vmhzqyTfs4Lh2f7YqJoTsgpgJvU2CNkTEgbp5HAgD8pxaEN2q2zVl1jQohl4oCflTTOhswGDVC4xjQGPrm3w4JQf05CUGuutDX5Kx0l9pRN4/s1600/IMG_5967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1181" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuF2I26fbulOdGKKQz8uDLYapM1E6uu5vmhzqyTfs4Lh2f7YqJoTsgpgJvU2CNkTEgbp5HAgD8pxaEN2q2zVl1jQohl4oCflTTOhswGDVC4xjQGPrm3w4JQf05CUGuutDX5Kx0l9pRN4/s640/IMG_5967.JPG" width="472" /></a></div>
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<div align="center" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #7e2203; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<i><span style="color: #f62f00; font-size: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"I live by the Law of Intention. </span></span></i></div>
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<div align="center" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #7e2203; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<i><span style="color: #f62f00; font-size: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don't do anything without an intention.</span></span></i><i><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #f62f00; font-size: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"</span></span></span></i><span style="color: #f62f00; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f62f00; font-size: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Oprah</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's still surreal that I went on a girlfriends getaway cruise with Oprah in the Bahamas earlier this month! As I said in my last <a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2019/02/a-conversation-with-oprah.html">post</a>, I'm trying to figure out how to hold onto the "buzz" I got from the incredible trip. One way is talking and writing about it and integrating what I learned! My friends seem eager to hear about it - especially the part about how we met Oprah - and I'm always happy to indulge them!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I want to start with a little backstory. Before we went on the cruise, we were told by a friend who works for Holland America not to expect to meet Oprah and definitely don't plan on getting our picture taken with her. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My friend Kim and I responded in unison with our intention: "WE WILL MEET OPRAH!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />There was no doubt in our minds that we would meet Oprah on the cruise. We didn't know how or when, but we KNEW we would. Little did we know, we would "bump into her" within two hours of the boat departing from Fort Lauderdale. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After attending the Sail O-Way party hosted on the lido deck by Oprah's BFF Gayle Kyle (who was omnipresent on the trip) and editors of O magazine (you can't make this stuff up!), Kim and I decided to explore the grand ship. We were checking out the artwork and trying to get our bearings when I spotted a guy standing next to a very large door next to the elevators. He was non-descript and I really didn't have any reason to think Oprah was going to emerge from that door, but I had a sense. So I stopped Kim, we waited and sure enough the huge door opened and Oprah emerged and walked straight towards us. There were only a handful of people around and she quickly invited us to get our picture taken with her. We were screaming with excitement, "We love you!" She exclaimed "I can't believe YOU'RE here!" Wait, we couldn't believe SHE was there!! We took a few selfies with her and watched as more people realized what was going on. She was completely lovely, and then she graciously exited through that huge door just as she had appeared moments earlier. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">It was surreal! We manifested Oprah!! That was just the beginning...!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next morning when we woke up we were in the Bahamas! Amazing. We took a tender boat to a private island owned by Holland America called <a href="https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/ports/half-moon-cay-bahamas.html">Half Moon Cay</a>. When we arrived, there was yoga going on on the beach, which was a beautiful site to see!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We took part in a motivational movement session with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nLVe7qwHJE">fitness evangelist Angela Davis</a> that inspired us to live our best lives, to set intentions and find our purpose.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next we explored the tiny island and soaked up the sun!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We stayed as long as we could before taking the last tender boat back to the ship to rest up for our big night! Little did we know what was in store for us!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'll try to summarize "dinner with Oprah." </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It started with this...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And ended with this! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Yep, we did it again! Oprah and her entourage of family, friends, staff and, of course her BFF Gayle, dined just feet away from us in a tiny intimate restaurant! Lovely, lovely Oprah visited each table and showed us some more love! It was surreal!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Note: I'm sitting down and Oprah's standing up. She's not a giant!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">You can see Oprah at the table behind me. Can't wipe the grin off my face! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is much more to share about this incredible experience, but I think this quote sums it all up:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #004670; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #f62f00; font-size: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Intention always determines the outcome." </span></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #004670; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">So as I go about my daily life, I want to get better at setting my intention for everything I do. Because, as you can see, it's powerful!</span></span></span></span></div>
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Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-59100148990170536742019-02-12T15:31:00.000-08:002019-02-12T20:09:03.224-08:0010 Things I Love About You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dear friends, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am reviving a special project I launched five years ago when my friend <a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2014/02/remembering-scott-gehring.html">Scott</a> died. <a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2014/02/announcing-10-things-i-love-about-you.html">10 Things I Love About You</a> is a simple, yet profound, </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">idea (that I was hoping would become a movement) to let your family and friends know 10 things you love about them (before it's too late). I think it's more relevant now than ever. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">And it's the PERFECT, FREE Valentine's gift! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Start this week for Valentine’s Day by writing down the 10 things you love about your spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, best friend, son/daughter, mother/father, grandparent, or a cherished cousin and sharing it with them. Flowers, chocolates and jewelry are awesome. Words from your heart are priceless and will be cherished forever. It also makes a great birthday, holiday or "just because" gift. </span></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Xo,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amy</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">P.S. In invite you to like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TenThingsILoveAboutYou/">10 Things I Love About You Facebook page</a> to get this movement off the ground!</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-64716134108483874822019-02-05T15:46:00.000-08:002019-02-05T15:46:00.187-08:00A Conversation With Oprah<br />
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m just back from an
amazing, life-changing, life-affirming "girlfriends get-away" cruise with Oprah in the Bahamas!! It was beyond
O-mazing in every way!<br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel like I'm vibrating on a different level after
being around Oprah (and 2,500 inspiring women!). I'm just oozing with joy and gratitude! </span><br />
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I'm trying to figure out how to hold onto this higher vibration! I think Oprah would say: be present, meditate daily, and set your intention for everything in your life. </div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish I could bottle up her wisdom and positive energy. She is truly an extraordinary human being. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">This is one of my favorite quotes from Oprah's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v5UICGq4Aw">speech</a> at the dedication ceremony for Holland America's <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Nieuw Statendam ship on Saturday.</span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f62f00; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"I pride myself on being genuinely present </span></span></i><span style="color: #f62f00; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<i><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f62f00; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">in most of my life experiences. </span></span></span></i><span style="color: #f62f00; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<i><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f62f00; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Presence in other people’s lives </span></span></span></i><span style="color: #f62f00; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<i><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f62f00; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">is the greatest gift you can give."</span></span></span></i><span style="color: #f62f00; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f62f00; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">- Oprah</span></span></span><span style="color: #f62f00; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we encountered Oprah a couple of times on the ship (more on that in another post!), she was totally present, warm, funny and engaging. What a gift indeed! It's something I will carry with me forever!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the last day of the cruise, we had the opportunity to see Oprah give a live talk, dubbed "A Conversation With Oprah," much like she used to do with her studio audiences on the Oprah Winfrey show, but more interactive. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here I share some of the highlights and key take-aways in hopes that we can all "live our best life" - as Oprah likes to say!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She declared each statement with such conviction and passion! She's like a preacher, teacher, mother and girlfriend - all in one! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When someone is suffering, always ask: What happened to
you? This will give you insights into their behavior and their suffering.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are the master of your fate and the captain of your life. You are
always in control.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make yourself whole and complete and overflowing - honor
the spirit of life force - God, universe, whatever you call it.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You have it!</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You must have a spiritual practice - give yourself the time
and distance from voices of the world.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Still yourself and give back to yourself fruits of the
spirit that allow you to blossom.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be obedient to your call!</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You only have power in your own territory - stay in your
own territory!</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you put out (energy) is coming back all the time!
BAM!</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are responsible for the energy you bring and it
always comes back. It’s always right on time.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are always co-creating our life. </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</span><span style="font-family: calibri;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everybody wants the same thing: to matter, to be heard.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everything you’ve done to me has already been done to
you. (Color Purple)</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I live by the Law of Intention - I don’t do anything
without an intention.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don’t do anything for money.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Intention always determines the outcome.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to offer you my best self.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Live an open-hearted life in surprise and delight!</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surprise and delight others.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Maya Angelou to Oprah - you have no idea what your legacy
will be. Your legacy is everyone you touch.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></span></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The work you put out into the world is your legacy.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everything is important!</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Allow what you want in.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is your truest, highest expression as a human being?</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surround yourself with people who lift you up.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most important question to answer for yourself: What do you really want?</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surround yourself with the best people.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your job is to figure out your pattern. When you’ve
outgrown something, it’s time to move on.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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</div>
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep your eye on the prize. What’s the prize for you?</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s always about an energy exchange. Don’t push against
things.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Listen to whispers, or messages get louder and become a
full blown disaster.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All peace, no fear.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take what you have and use it for good.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feast on your life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Oprah spoke for about an hour and then Gayle joined her onstage for an interactive Q&A. They have been best friends for 43 years. Truly amazing!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmes1MiqcwgTEBwx93-o7RxigZi-AHTVmhGs7CF2XpywPNMEByn4DYRA0EcFUI-zYB4lERINqLJQKhF5sq_JBasruTCwRnC2QYFrXReBQvN56LDpPw910VaS6P86T_meHkC-DSmdXZ44/s1600/IMG_6127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmes1MiqcwgTEBwx93-o7RxigZi-AHTVmhGs7CF2XpywPNMEByn4DYRA0EcFUI-zYB4lERINqLJQKhF5sq_JBasruTCwRnC2QYFrXReBQvN56LDpPw910VaS6P86T_meHkC-DSmdXZ44/s400/IMG_6127.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friend Kim and me beaming after Oprah's talk! I want to savor this O-mazing feeling forever!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Igioomkp3hUXUbyIVuGlKYlpnnRC77X6cax1fMenRpn2Iz0ZyAc5f7N_9K9ZJygaGfhm9hFp7gT4oeUwy0J9vJ-KvLYLEqK5EKD5yN3edKFdAidLMBhGUQ8SSDrL2ISUXG8CCcNi1AU/s1600/IMG_6141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Igioomkp3hUXUbyIVuGlKYlpnnRC77X6cax1fMenRpn2Iz0ZyAc5f7N_9K9ZJygaGfhm9hFp7gT4oeUwy0J9vJ-KvLYLEqK5EKD5yN3edKFdAidLMBhGUQ8SSDrL2ISUXG8CCcNi1AU/s400/IMG_6141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #444444; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Stay tuned for more details about this incredible experience! </span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: calibri;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-596102861232537872019-01-18T17:10:00.000-08:002019-01-23T07:43:03.738-08:00What Would Blake Do?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTfYHfjH0CFFE4MuoyWMNadzabYDzN7o6foXmJMBogkVZ063bbIRBcMJZsiysE2Ah2OrAshyphenhyphenk56GLG-WuRXMy2fKzKxCPxVJn2xj8TZXCAiYo-PJ3S1KbRH0rebmT9381z44QhfBRTq0/s1600/Blake+smiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1413" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTfYHfjH0CFFE4MuoyWMNadzabYDzN7o6foXmJMBogkVZ063bbIRBcMJZsiysE2Ah2OrAshyphenhyphenk56GLG-WuRXMy2fKzKxCPxVJn2xj8TZXCAiYo-PJ3S1KbRH0rebmT9381z44QhfBRTq0/s400/Blake+smiling.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
world lost a truly extraordinary human being on January 2, 2019. The sudden and
unexpected passing of Blake Nordstrom after a very short battle with cancer has stunned our community and me
personally. Blake was my client for the past 4 years. He hired me to help tell
the story of his beloved University of Washington Rowing program. He pushed me to be a better
person and a better professional. It feels like I lost a friend, client,
mentor, and father figure all in one. Blake touched so many people's lives and
I feel grateful for the opportunity to work with such a truly amazing leader. </span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we
navigate "life after Blake," I keep thinking What Would Blake Do? So
I have a new mantra "WWBD?" </span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blake would be kind always and treat everyone with respect and dignity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blake would expect the highest from himself and others.</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blake would work hard.</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blake would make time for his community.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Blake
would show appreciation for big and small things alike.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blake
would be generous with his time and resources.</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blake
would have a wide circle of friends from all walks of life</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blake
would pursue his passions (cool cars and old boats!).</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blake
would dress impeccably with his shoes always shined!</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blake
would smile wide and often! (Maybe that was his secret to happiness.)</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blake
would extend himself.</span></span><br />
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Above
all else, Blake would love and honor his family.</span></div>
</span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the
traditions of Washington Rowing is to honor a deceased teammate with a seven-man
row. You can watch this poignant and touching tribute <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf8QRThXmlE">here</a>. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While I
am filled with deep sadness, I am also filled with deep gratitude for knowing
such an extraordinary man.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">RIP
Blake W. Nordstrom. We miss you so much.</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2wAFOxXS9XBQhCRyvvYB0mx59PHMDKGeW4dNwd8fNzoA4R3ez093g8wih6BAV5MdbGeOJScddMSodUbxHJPWbap3KfRJ3kPByrUIjazzpBToZ1KQ-ksCijeTLRzslmX9LSAwv0zvZCU/s1600/extend+yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2wAFOxXS9XBQhCRyvvYB0mx59PHMDKGeW4dNwd8fNzoA4R3ez093g8wih6BAV5MdbGeOJScddMSodUbxHJPWbap3KfRJ3kPByrUIjazzpBToZ1KQ-ksCijeTLRzslmX9LSAwv0zvZCU/s400/extend+yourself.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-8410416230039945522019-01-01T13:13:00.000-08:002019-01-01T20:13:52.164-08:00Favorite Books of 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqjZdmk5OcvTylafsCgkJn2BV4I12iKuW5TBcQoyE8mk9DhoFDI9AHQ6rb4hQ-nDhTMCqq7atp6Xw4DKUiwcOJhMgICiClNGT4AoM7LpBrska72wqzhcpPsjSwzHl6ZwzT0X-ooOo2Lk/s1600/IMG_5111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqjZdmk5OcvTylafsCgkJn2BV4I12iKuW5TBcQoyE8mk9DhoFDI9AHQ6rb4hQ-nDhTMCqq7atp6Xw4DKUiwcOJhMgICiClNGT4AoM7LpBrska72wqzhcpPsjSwzHl6ZwzT0X-ooOo2Lk/s400/IMG_5111.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy New Year friends! I am feeling very optimistic about 2019. </span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I start every day with inspiration from two amazing, wise women who have lived a lot longer than me and who have beautiful lessons to share for living a meaningful life. </span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My morning ritual of "poem before phone" includes randomly opening to a page in one of Kathryn Carole Ellison's <a href="https://www.giftsoflove.com/books/">books</a> of poems of life and love (including Awakenings pictured above). Whether a message of "giving and receiving," "your life story," or "you are wonderful," the poem I select - or rather which is selected <i>for me</i> - is ALWAYS the exact message I need that day. Then I read one of Maria Shriver's reflections, prayers and meditations from her book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ive-Been-Thinking-Reflections-Meditations/dp/0525522603/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546374533&sr=8-1&keywords=maria+shriver">"I've Been Thinking."</a> Both books offer quick doses of inspiration and wisdom that help me start my day. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I read a lot of great books in 2018, which I'd like to share with you. Some of my friends tell me they don't know how I have so much time to read. (Hint: I make it!) Books are food for my soul, my entertainment, my inspiration, my escape, my hobby. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They say you can tell a lot about people by the company they keep. I think you can also tell a lot about what's important to people by the books they love too. I'm not sure what these favorites say about me, but it was a good, enriching year. I hope you enjoy my selections. Read on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>BEST NOVELS</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="color: #e69138;"></span><br /></b>
<span id="goog_930153581"></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Alone-Novel-Kristin-Hannah/dp/0312577230/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402061&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Great+Alone%3A+A+Novel" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span id="goog_930153598"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Great Alone: A Novel</span><span id="goog_930153599"></span></a><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Storytellers-Secret-Novel-Sejal-Badani/dp/1542048273/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402082&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Storyteller%27s+Secret%3A+A+Novel"><span id="goog_930153591"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Storyteller's Secret: A Novel</span><span id="goog_930153592"></span></a><span id="goog_930153582"></span><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trail-Broken-Wings-Sejal-Badani/dp/1477822089/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402100&sr=8-1&keywords=Trail+of+Broken+Wings"><span id="goog_930153584"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trail of Broken Wings</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">BEST MEMOIRES</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Michelle-Obama/dp/1524763136/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402033&sr=8-1&keywords=Becoming+by+Michelle+Obama"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Becoming</span></a> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">by Michelle Obama</span><br />
<b></b><b></b><b></b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><u></u><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hillbilly-Elegy-Memoir-Family-Culture/dp/0062300555/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402118&sr=8-1&keywords=Hillbilly+Elegy%3A+A+Memoir+of+a+Family+and+Culture+in+Crisis">Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis</a></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">BEST SELF-CARE</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Make-Time-Focus-Matters-Every/dp/0525572422/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402136&sr=8-1&keywords=Make+Time%3A+How+to+Focus+on+What+Matters+Every+Day"><span id="goog_930153611"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day</span><span id="goog_930153612"></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pussy-Reclamation-Regena-Thomashauer/dp/1401950264/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402152&sr=8-1&keywords=Pussy%3A+A+Reclamation"><span id="goog_930153617"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pussy: A Reclamation</span><span id="goog_930153618"></span></a><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ive-Decided-Live-Years-Transformation-ebook/dp/B076DFF6LL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402170&sr=8-1&keywords=I%27ve+Decided+to+Live+120+Years%3A+The+Ancient+Secret+to+Longevity%2C+Vitality%2C+and+Life+Transformation"><span id="goog_930153623"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've Decided to Live 120 Years: The Ancient Secret to Longevity, Vitality, and Life Transformation</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Your-Life-Color-Empowering-Energy/dp/1401951686/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402188&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Your+Life+in+Color%3A+Empowering+Your+Soul+Through+the+Energy+of+Color"><span id="goog_930153629"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your Life in Color: Empowering Your Soul Through the Energy of Color</span></a></span><br />
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">BEST PARENTING</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="color: #e69138;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Family-Empowered-Resilient-Conscious/dp/0399563970/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402205&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Awakened+Family%3A+How+to+Raise+Empowered%2C+Resilient%2C+and+Conscious+Children"><span id="goog_930153635"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Awakened Family: How to Raise Empowered, Resilient, and Conscious Children</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span id="goog_930153636"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">UP NEXT</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="color: #e69138;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here's what I'm reading or plan to read in the coming year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lagom-Life-Swedish-way-living/dp/178249538X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1546375883&sr=1-1&keywords=lagom+life" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span id="goog_930153641" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Lagom Life: A Swedish Way of Living</span><span id="goog_930153642" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></span></a></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Transformative-Authentic-Awakening-Emotional-Spirituality/dp/B00VYUXK4I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402248&sr=8-2&keywords=Soul+Shifts%3A+Transformative+Wisdom+for+Creating+a+Life+of+Authentic+Awakening%2C+Emotional+Freedom+%26+Practical+Spirituality"><span id="goog_930153675"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Soul Shifts: Transformative Wisdom for Creating a Life of Authentic Awakening, Emotional Freedom & Practical Spirituality </span><span id="goog_930153676"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Talk-Poetic-Wisdom-Better/dp/1501177346/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1546375939&sr=1-3&keywords=Heart+Talk%3A+Poetic+Wisdom+for+a+Better+Life"><span id="goog_930153647"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life</span><span id="goog_930153648"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Caring-Your-Soul-Matters-Money/dp/0978988906/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402287&sr=8-1&keywords=Caring+for+Your+Soul+in+Matters+of+Money"><span id="goog_930153654"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Caring for Your Soul in Matters of Money</span></a></div>
<span id="goog_930153655"></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Untangled-Guiding-Teenage-Transitions-Adulthood/dp/0553393073/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402306&sr=8-1&keywords=Untangled%3A+Guiding+Teenage+Girls+Through+the+Seven+Transitions+into+Adulthood"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
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<u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soul-America-Battle-Better-Angels/dp/0399589813/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546376135&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Soul+of+America%3A+The+Battle+for+Our+Better+Angels"><span id="goog_930153668"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels</span><span id="goog_930153669"></span></a></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></u></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/This-How-Always-LAURIE-FRANKEL/dp/1250088569/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402342&sr=8-1&keywords=This+is+How+it+Always+Is"><span id="goog_930153681"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is How it Always Is</span><span id="goog_930153682"></span></a></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></u>
<span id="goog_971504103"></span><u><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Educated-Memoir-Tara-Westover/dp/0399590501/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402362&sr=8-1&keywords=Educated%3A+A+Memoir">Educated: A Memoir<span id="goog_971504104"></span></a></span></u><br />
<u><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br /></u></div>
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<u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Audacity-Hope-Thoughts-Reclaiming-American/dp/0307237702/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546402407&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Audacity+of+Hope%3A+Thoughts+on+Reclaiming+the+American+Dream"><span id="goog_930153705"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream</span><span id="goog_930153706"></span></a></u></div>
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<u><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></u></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><u></u><u></u><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please let me know if you have any "must reads" to add to my list! Especially if you have some good "beach reads"!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">FAVORITE PODCASTS</span></span></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="color: #f6b26b;"></span><span style="color: #e69138;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And for those of you who "don't read" or prefer audio, I recommend the following podcasts. I love to listen to them on my walks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/oprahs-supersoul-conversations/id1264843400?mt=2"><span id="goog_930153687"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Oprah's Super Soul Conversations</span><span id="goog_930153688"></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://gretchenrubin.com/podcasts/"><span id="goog_930153693"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gretchen Rubin's Happier Podcast</span><span id="goog_930153694"></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hay-house-radio-podcast/id988176687?mt=2"><span id="goog_930153699"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hay House Radio Podcast</span><span id="goog_930153700"></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And, finally, I heard a rumor that Maria Shriver is launching her own podcast in 2019. I can't wait!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Wishing you a beautiful happy new year!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Xo,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Amy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br /></span></span></div>
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<span id="goog_930153630"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-56113185410127348502018-09-20T15:50:00.000-07:002018-09-20T15:51:36.934-07:00Dahlias In Living Color<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Almost every year that I've written this blog, I've posted about the dahlias at Volunteer Park. They are usually in full bloom in late August through September. This year, they bloomed in early August, but the summer got away from me and I'm just now sharing them. The colors and shapes are too good not to share. I hope you enjoy nature's colorful bounty! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not." </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-Georgia O'Keefe</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-14774392095712875932018-06-29T14:29:00.000-07:002018-07-05T10:48:30.995-07:00Savor Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Summer is a feeling. It’s a state of mind. It’s lazy and
active in the same breath.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It’s sunshine (hopefully!), sleepovers and s’mores! And
sundresses and suntans and soft serve! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a word, summer is FUN!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I recently got the idea from <a href="https://lemonstripes.com/fashion/outfits/summer-bucket-list/">Lemon Stripes</a>
to create a summer bucket list. Last year, I made a <a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2017/07/envisioning-summer.html">vision
board</a> and I had a great summer.
This year I’m trying the bucket list! Hopefully this inspires you to create
your own bucket list and have an awesome summer!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Design Your Summer</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For me, my priorities for summer (and life) come down to 3
F’s: Family, friends and fun! So I’ve categorized my bucket list accordingly. </span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">FAMILY</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Take a family hike</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Kayak date at College Club with Geoff at least once a
month</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plan a weekly adventure with Sofia that is fun for both
of us! (West Seattle, Vashon, Golden Gardens, Port Townsend)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ride bikes across 520 bridge to pool</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Delancey dinner date with Geoff</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Family picnics in Arboretum and Volunteer Park</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Anniversary date at Snoqualmie Falls with Geoff</span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">FRIENDS</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hang out with friends at the pool and lake – a lot!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Host girls <span style="margin: 0px;">Rosé</span></span> garden
party</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Go roller skating with friends</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Walla Walla girls trip</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Organize team for Obliteride walk. Everyone is welcome. Join or donate <a href="http://engage.fredhutch.org/site/TR/Obliteride/Obliteride?team_id=10928&pg=team&fr_id=1633">here</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy hour at the rooftop bar at Mbar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: green;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: green;"></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">FUN</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Summer Fridays - stop working at noon</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Do something that scares me - in a good way! (Seaplane?)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">See live music at least once a month</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Move my body every day </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Make peach and avocado bruschetta</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Visit friends in Olympia (my hometown) with Sofia</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Water color plein air in garden and/or park</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Visit an art gallery or museum at least once a month</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Go to Olympus Spa when Sofia is at sleepaway camp</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The following doesn't fall into a category, but overall I want to </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">BE SPONTANEOUS AND SAVOR SUMMER!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Finally, a quote I heard recently that I will likely need to
repeat many times this summer!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“Remember, this is supposed to be
fun!”</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://gretchenrubin.com/podcasts/">-Gretchen Rubin, Happier Podcast</a></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What's on your summer bucket list?</span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-51022683867101916532018-06-22T12:08:00.001-07:002018-06-22T12:10:40.953-07:00Transitions<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5u76cDF88nNWa3qJBd2Yge8IBgpNY8X14Huo1FdhJfsH9jyBxXfG9c21xNI50489GvRV1oe_cw9IFd1ejDqNPc1hyphenhyphenKBQhFlcfW7PYMYc8Cw5nEQMyvp3tN_W88o_4-uZyxDpv8oYMUU/s1600/go+and+see+journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="729" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5u76cDF88nNWa3qJBd2Yge8IBgpNY8X14Huo1FdhJfsH9jyBxXfG9c21xNI50489GvRV1oe_cw9IFd1ejDqNPc1hyphenhyphenKBQhFlcfW7PYMYc8Cw5nEQMyvp3tN_W88o_4-uZyxDpv8oYMUU/s640/go+and+see+journal.jpg" width="422" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">This has been a BIG week for so many people I know. Friends
and family graduating from college, high school, 8th grade, 5th grade, kindergarten,
pre-school, even. It’s a big deal. Life is a series of moments and milestones
and changes and transitions.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Why is it that changes and transitions can be so hard?
Even the good ones.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Transitions signal an end. They also welcome new, unknown changes that can be stressful and disorienting. It's through these transitions that we grow. And that's the whole point of life, right? </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Two poems I read this week helped comfort me as I've experienced a roller coaster of emotions during Sofia's last week of elementary school. So I wanted to share them with you. Whether you're going through a transition now, or not, as we all know, the only constant is change. So I hope these help you now - or at some point in the future - as much as they've helped me this week. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">TURNING POINTS</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The turning points along your path</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Are marked by loss of direction.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For what you took for granted once</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You now must seek correction.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In nature, growth involves vast change.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The eggshell cracks, the nest must crumble;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The tadpole's tail will always fall off.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The scope of change makes you humble.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For humans, the signs are not as clear</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When transition occurs without warning</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Disorientation seems to be the norm,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Until you can experience a dawning.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To cope with change, you grasp at straws,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And repeat old familiar acts.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You need to see from new perspectives,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So as to learn a new set of facts.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What's learned is that transition is</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Set in motion by an ending,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You must learn to let go of outdated things</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To accept the new ones pending.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Confusion abounds in the middle of it all,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What identified you once, now does not.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What has ended will ultimately be replaced,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But the wonder is a tender spot.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Following all forms of mass confusion</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can make a brand new start …</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A new beginning that sets you free</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To follow your own heart.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2rf4wM0xEr8gtRe9qcHdepyzQZECfvzfKBh6O4DWLWnhi5LXh-VM7XF8re7mgDDNhGeOy7wJ0vWD3F3PCuZDXs1lTXWLIloR3bSCdFOLeItHnMsOHYhLhRkiDpuFkmN-d4SaNZTW2ak/s1600/go+and+see+journal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2rf4wM0xEr8gtRe9qcHdepyzQZECfvzfKBh6O4DWLWnhi5LXh-VM7XF8re7mgDDNhGeOy7wJ0vWD3F3PCuZDXs1lTXWLIloR3bSCdFOLeItHnMsOHYhLhRkiDpuFkmN-d4SaNZTW2ak/s640/go+and+see+journal+2.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #001000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #6fa8dc; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">TO LIVE IS TO CHANGE</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></span><span style="color: #001000;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Change is always for the best</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Although you may not agree.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Without it all things would remain stagnant</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And die, every human and tree.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For a conscious being, to exist is to change,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And to change is to mature.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To mature is to go on creating</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yourself, in all you endure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In your art and in daily living;</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In your work and in your play,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There's always room for improvement.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There's always a better way.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The trick is to flow with each step</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And not try to skip one or two.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The last step always builds on the first,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And you are creating.</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To live is to change, there's no disagreement;</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The facts are there in plain sight.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And to live well is to have changed often.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is our natural birthright.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Perfection is a goal to keep in mind.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Why else would we change and try again?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The joy is in the pursuit as much</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As it's in the prize we obtain.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I’m trying to think of this transition from elementary school to middle school in the fall like finishing a
good book and being excited to read the sequel! This is the natural order of
life. Growing up is good. Change is good. Transitions are still hard. 'The wonder is a tender spot.' Follow your heart! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Xo,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Amy</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Poems from SOJOURNS by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Kathryn+Carole+Ellison">Kathryn Carole Ellison</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Images from one of my favorite <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Go-See-Write-Now-Journal/dp/1943200513/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1529693051&sr=8-1&keywords=go+and+see+journal">journals</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-33698035301493212392018-06-06T15:21:00.000-07:002018-06-06T15:44:37.631-07:00Be Like Kate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9YcJf1NnS2SxoHWDH_x5uuAy0_cQN8rLjhmvAieqLOMYdP0qbvHqoeH0GWsfMD54-uAE4h0v16tTFFQd1GtahoybSV-ywiVq4eFbV1MSsRwCddR7s1W90IanUyvcZs-lXg1HSsd82wY/s1600/IMG_0914.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9YcJf1NnS2SxoHWDH_x5uuAy0_cQN8rLjhmvAieqLOMYdP0qbvHqoeH0GWsfMD54-uAE4h0v16tTFFQd1GtahoybSV-ywiVq4eFbV1MSsRwCddR7s1W90IanUyvcZs-lXg1HSsd82wY/s400/IMG_0914.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am deeply saddened by the passing of Kate Spade. Her shocking suicide brings up all kinds of questions and makes us see how fragile life truly is. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love Kate's classic yet playful style. Her love of color and beauty. I've always aspired to be more like Kate. It's probably why this news hit me so hard. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Color has always been a huge part of her brand. Huge. On her love of color, she said: "I find color optimistic... and enthusiastic … and I adore it. I do love color!" She popularized "live colorfully!" which has become my personal mantra. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For me, it's not about her iconic handbag (I never bought one) but it's more her style sensibility - stripes, dots, bows, colored tights, pearls, leopard, plaid, preppy and playful - that has inspired my own style. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bright, bold, strong and beautiful. To me, that is Kate Spade. The person. The brand. They are inextricably connected. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Instead of "the purse," I prefer Kate Spade accessories, books, notecards and quotes. This coin purse is one of my favs. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaCn4HTeT7jZKrN7qcHY0WOiV9lNalKwLltf1cMhZp7hvX0qP9kpLYfBcVjSuMzx6DXH79ggTR0JUkavXUTWJ3a4DLv9g2x4b94aFhQRQuNLFT0JGSHXzawDm8lZ7OTzmH_sOCbk8aks/s1600/_DSC9778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaCn4HTeT7jZKrN7qcHY0WOiV9lNalKwLltf1cMhZp7hvX0qP9kpLYfBcVjSuMzx6DXH79ggTR0JUkavXUTWJ3a4DLv9g2x4b94aFhQRQuNLFT0JGSHXzawDm8lZ7OTzmH_sOCbk8aks/s400/_DSC9778.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have this quote on the inspiration board in my office. It's also somewhat of a mantra - or aspiration - for me as well. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeVb9W7UxCPKc2k105nDeObUJdxfvNaYq0Kqfzi8L9DtN6o4s3RNnqa-n4PQsYzuLhfk0Y5dIlY6Brlqh4bup_xqySypSwKPRn7ceK9LK5PNLRehCJgSfYAXxLohacr3UuS0mmkV-ckY/s1600/quick+curious+playful+strong.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeVb9W7UxCPKc2k105nDeObUJdxfvNaYq0Kqfzi8L9DtN6o4s3RNnqa-n4PQsYzuLhfk0Y5dIlY6Brlqh4bup_xqySypSwKPRn7ceK9LK5PNLRehCJgSfYAXxLohacr3UuS0mmkV-ckY/s400/quick+curious+playful+strong.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of my favorite coffee table books is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kate-Spade-New-York-Inspiration/dp/1419705660">Kate Spade's: Things we Love.</a> I often keep it open to the center spread that screams "HAPPY" in full color.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8UqnQRHtLtMSvEljq3bfl8TiXJgeKSsiuvvexfqBeaJGSPBD_UWIGd7lejjw9owYcIkXlYs1oRzpzw5rhSk6T421ebv0CYCFfBHm4p80A9qxGJU4MkqFhZv1G9yfJ0CwZafgnCu5lmg/s1600/happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8UqnQRHtLtMSvEljq3bfl8TiXJgeKSsiuvvexfqBeaJGSPBD_UWIGd7lejjw9owYcIkXlYs1oRzpzw5rhSk6T421ebv0CYCFfBHm4p80A9qxGJU4MkqFhZv1G9yfJ0CwZafgnCu5lmg/s400/happy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With so many seemingly "happy" things in her life, it's so hard to understand what led Kate to take her own life. It just goes to show we never know what demons people are fighting especially when they appear to have it all. Perhaps the saddest part of all for me is that she's leaving her 13-year-old daughter to navigate this world without her. Maybe "having it all" isn't the goal after all.... </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today, I bought this bright and bold bouquet of hot pink peonies and orange poppies at Pike Place market as a tribute to an icon who made an indelible mark on me and so many other women I know. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHm2RtQ2h7o2m6ITZiPMXUVJbBj4ea1mUAsspa4PyHc-HTjKV__hPeHeuTNYfeknm6IsAISVJXdRr3jc4Gq1J1VuPJYSI258V1BNZUixNRI5pSLJUquYBmW0HdDALY_dWOKqPl6tWQo8/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHm2RtQ2h7o2m6ITZiPMXUVJbBj4ea1mUAsspa4PyHc-HTjKV__hPeHeuTNYfeknm6IsAISVJXdRr3jc4Gq1J1VuPJYSI258V1BNZUixNRI5pSLJUquYBmW0HdDALY_dWOKqPl6tWQo8/s400/IMG_0897.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And I coined a new mantra "love colorfully!" which I think we could all use right now. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2tY1vRbdxMNMoqsAIWQgetAfA37a9_PE4wL58m_8vxQV5xLHA4OvKSCocaOzhVdNH-gDebMmmxrdote5xoWBWbCbFp7_XmheNhgMU8C_UYz8e0S4MTUTt-0q1jL-5toh8XXM4gUcVj8/s1600/IMG_0915.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2tY1vRbdxMNMoqsAIWQgetAfA37a9_PE4wL58m_8vxQV5xLHA4OvKSCocaOzhVdNH-gDebMmmxrdote5xoWBWbCbFp7_XmheNhgMU8C_UYz8e0S4MTUTt-0q1jL-5toh8XXM4gUcVj8/s400/IMG_0915.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">RIP Kate Spade. Thank you for bringing so much beauty to the world. </span><br />
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774406511376990689.post-38186523559181939292018-01-30T08:36:00.000-08:002018-01-30T14:54:21.994-08:00The Eagle Soars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdH0vkbj99_-xH6w4fiNLJRseonhgCeezW27kaFLuiYdr3UGvbXtiK5Bv47JDOiN3g00KunGOVcCIZCA5ZWa7_QYKrkHpDsKB4jDUs2enwCoWu8flPdh8s0XmgDRrd2N2UrJUqRDtE54A/s1600/Eagle+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="1600" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdH0vkbj99_-xH6w4fiNLJRseonhgCeezW27kaFLuiYdr3UGvbXtiK5Bv47JDOiN3g00KunGOVcCIZCA5ZWa7_QYKrkHpDsKB4jDUs2enwCoWu8flPdh8s0XmgDRrd2N2UrJUqRDtE54A/s400/Eagle+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">"Eagle conveys the powers and messages of the spirit; </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">it is man's connection to the divine because it flies higher than any other bird ... </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">If an eagle has appeared, it bestows freedom and courage to look ahead."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-<i>PureSpirit.com</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://whatfeedsmysoul-aha.blogspot.com/2014/02/remembering-scott-gehring.html">Scott</a> gasped his last breath four years ago today at 8:19
am. It still takes my breath away every time I think about it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Shortly after Scott’s body was taken from his house by
the funeral home, an eagle began swooping and soaring around his house. It
followed me on my walk that day in Scott’s beautiful Columbia Gorge
neighborhood. It/he soared low; almost a bit too low for my comfort level. I
have to believe it was Scott’s spirit dipping low to say hello and soaring high to
say goodbye....</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The eagle continued to follow me. A few days later I
crossed the bridge from White Salmon on the Washington side of the Columbia
River. When I returned that day from Hood River, on the Oregon side, it greeted
me as I exited the bridge just as I was getting back to White Salmon, where Scott
had lived. That had never happened before. In fact, in my 20+ years of visiting
Scott in the Gorge, I had never seen an eagle.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I returned home to Seattle to gather my things to go
back to Hood River for the memorial service, there were two eagles soaring over
the dry cleaners in my neighborhood when I went to pick up my dress for the
service. That never happens!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And then... upon returning to Hood River for the service,
a record amount of snow had dumped on the Gorge (Scott’s dream!) so the eagle wasn’t
soaring. But, as I was preparing my thoughts before the memorial service, the
church ladies who were volunteering at the service recognized my anxiousness as
I “hid” with them in the kitchen of the church. They offered me a comforting
cup of tea... in this mug.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Nhri07YpgHuAV8sqAOmw96cNQJwfSUD3NiJcTxpngEp-wmYiIWNr0_XsQmg3EwMNIUumz2dadI40ocR6Oz0qmvSOSJcE85HFw25SlGr8Ox1BtzdC76vc47UpAz2d9_f3J9AsudQZqTo/s1600/Eagle+mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1315" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Nhri07YpgHuAV8sqAOmw96cNQJwfSUD3NiJcTxpngEp-wmYiIWNr0_XsQmg3EwMNIUumz2dadI40ocR6Oz0qmvSOSJcE85HFw25SlGr8Ox1BtzdC76vc47UpAz2d9_f3J9AsudQZqTo/s400/Eagle+mug.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Can you believe it? It took my breath away. It was
comforting and moving — something greater than me was clearly at play. Was
Scott’s spirit soaring in his own service? Telling me he was OK?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For about a year after Scott died I saw eagles more
frequently than usual. I see them a bit more infrequently now, but the site of
them/him always causes me to pause and remember ... and <i>just breathe</i>. (Thanks Pearl Jam!)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I wear a delicate eagle necklace around my neck every
day. Scott’s widow Heather (one of my dearest friends) gave it to me for my
birthday that year. It both comforts and reminds me...of a life well lived and that Scott's spirit is alive and well.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">RIP Scott Jason Gehring. May you continue to soar to new
heights wherever you are.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can read more about the symbolism of the eagle <a href="http://www.pure-spirit.com/more-animal-symbolism/629-eagle-symbolism">here</a>.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>Amy Hermes Anderson (AHA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01813120677856712922noreply@blogger.com0