tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84577595824673485642024-02-07T19:02:48.635-08:00Scrumptious Gumption"It occurred to me then, that perhaps the reason for my growth was that I was intended for larger things. After all, a giant man can't have an ordinary-sized life."Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-8175161392632000292013-06-30T14:13:00.000-07:002013-06-30T14:13:07.894-07:00Costa Rica Weeks 1-3Today marks the end of my third week in Costa Rica. I was worried that 2 months of attending classes and volunteering would actually wear me out more than give me a break before the next school year's start in August. I'm realizing this will unlikely be the case. Will the daily full plates of fried this and that double my waist size? ...Far more likely.<div>
My first two weeks were spent in the "suburb" of Heredia, north of the capital city San Jose. Here I lived with a spunky grandmother affectionately called my "Mamá Tica." (Tica or Tico is the name for any and all things Costa Rican.) Since it is winter here, it means it rains everyday. I don't mind this, though, since I often check the Texas weather report and witness dry days of 100+ temperatures. </div>
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I attend classes Monday-Friday for four hours. Class sizes are never larger than 6 students, so I am always staying engaged and vocal. The school (interculturacostarica.com) also provides daily enrichment classes in Costa Rican dance, cooking and culture, which I attended often in Heredia. After enrichment classes, I would either meet up with friends for a chat, work on homework or hop on a bus to San Jose's rock climbing gym. Those of you that know me, I'm sure, find it unremarkable that I am willing to ride a stuffy bus 30-60 minutes to tear up my hands in a dimly-lit boulder gym for a few hours. As it turns out, Tico climbers are just as chill, inviting and crazy as climbers in the states. </div>
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The original plan was to spend weeks three and four at Intercultura's Pacific beach campus at Playa Sámara. I assumed I would take a 4 1/2 hour sketchy bus from downtown San Jose to the coast on the Sunday following my second week in Heredia, but while the school staff was prepping me and a couple Montessori teachers about to head to Sámara with their ninth grade class, my plans took a turn for the awesomer...</div>
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The Montessori group was heading to Sámara for their next week of classes, as well, but they were getting a shuttle to Monte Verde for the weekend prior. This was all I had to know to use my dimple powers to find myself a seat on their shuttle. Over the course of 30 minutes, I reserved a bed at the field station they were staying at, approved my spot in the van, sprinted 10 blocks home, packed my bags, scrawled a hasty, poorly written Spanish explanation to my Máma Tica, and hauled back to the school to jump on a roadtrip with 6 ninth graders and two vibrant teachers. </div>
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As it turned out, were were staying at The Children's Eternal Rainforest (<a href="http://www.acmcr.org/childrens_eternal_rainforest.htm">http://www.acmcr.org/childrens_eternal_rainforest.htm</a>) on of THE MOST biodiverse places on the planet. After an insanely beautiful drive, we hike an hour through the rain to the field station we would be sleeping at for the next two nights. The field station was set upon a mountain bald overlooking the regularly-active Arenal Volcano, or as we called it "The Lonely Mountain." It was absolutely breath-taking. At the forest, we went on a couple guided hikes (one at night) and were blessed with the fortune of getting to listen to a FASCINATING presentation on amphibian decline by the leading frog expert in the world. Never have I been so inspired and captivated by science! We also got to go rare frog "hunting" with two of the other leading frog experts and found a rare glass frog two nights in a row! We even got to see his little heart beating through his skin. On our day hike, I spotted an elusive umbrella bird as well. A woman that had been working the in park for 3 years had never even seen one! On that Sunday morning, we hiked out of the forest and head to Monte Verde's original zipline canopy tour, which was, of course, a total ball. </div>
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After what seemed like an entire week's worth of adventures, the group of my eight new best friends and I arrived by shuttle to our new home of Playa Sámara, and boy have I been enjoying the beach-life since then! Classes here alternate between morning and afternoon to allow for plenty of beach time around the daily rain. My new Famila Tica is wonderful, and I am living at a soda (small restaurant) on the beach with a large garden always needing to be weeded. I walk or ride my bike (loaned to me by a new Tico friend) down the beach to classes every day. My Máma Tica is an INSANELY great cook, and the coffee here has healing properties it tastes so good. </div>
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I am actually trying to arrange an extra week of classes here before returning to Heredia for three weeks of volunteering at a local school for my final 3-weeks in Costa Rica. As a surprise to no one, I have made gobs of new friends here from about 6 different countries and all different ages and backgrounds and have concocted about 4 more future career paths to consider. hahaha </div>
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Basically, life is the same as usual in the strange life of Audrey Speicher, and I am loving and breathing in every minute of it. It will be a bit of a shock returning to Texas after this whirlwind, but I already feel refreshed and ready to mold the minds of all those little crazies coming to me next year.</div>
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I can't receive calls, but can ring you in the US for free or would be happy to video chat or otherwise if you would like to talk/scheme/muse/giggle, so just get at me!</div>
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Until next time.... ¡TUANIS!</div>
Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-9537491743326037742012-09-09T00:58:00.001-07:002012-09-09T01:04:17.515-07:00Ch-Ch-ChangesGeez. There are so many things I could write about... my summer in New York, my incredible trip to Colombia, the incredibly difficult process of deciding not to take a teaching job in Colombia, my road-trip home to Texas with my best friend Katie, my upcoming student teaching, my oh, so up-in-the-air decisions for my future, Cindy Guidotti... and the list goes on...<br />
When I'm not feeling particularly poetic (or I find myself trying to blog at 2am, ahem.), I tend to find lists fulfill the purpose of passing on pertinent information just fine.<br />
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<u>My List of Things Too Emotionally Exhausting to Go into Detail About Right Now</u><br />
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1. I loved my job in New York as the Adventure Bound Trip Coordinator. I felt like I stepped into a tricky situation with a lot of potential for failure, but I feel like I did the best that I could, learned a ton about supervision, organization and the overall dependency of children. The person that had my job before me (and was the only person to ever have the job) also happened to leave the position with an entire-camp fan club unofficially dubbing me as "The New John Weir." (That was his name.) Some tiny spark inside of me hopes that next year's Trip Coordinator will at least once be referred to as "The New Texas Audrey" rather than just "The New New-John Weir." One can hope.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jXlAZPFejg/UExAdhvPtRI/AAAAAAAAAXk/025X3ubvn1E/s1600/557908_4309516213673_2052233165_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jXlAZPFejg/UExAdhvPtRI/AAAAAAAAAXk/025X3ubvn1E/s320/557908_4309516213673_2052233165_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm King Mountain viewed from my favorite hike, Breakneck Ridge, Cold Spring, NY.</td></tr>
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2. I don't think I have the perspective, yet, to accurately describe how I feel about my week-long visit to Colombia and the implications of that trip. That will be for another time. But, I can say that I met some of the most lovely people, visited some of the most inspiring schools, experienced positively memorizing culture, explored a fantastic city and practiced a wonderful language all in just one week. Even though I made the extraordinarily difficult decision to turn down the job offer I had there, I am SO GRATEFUL for the chance to visit and have the people there confirm things about myself that I am so rarely reminded of in my day-to-day life. <br />
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I don't know why my life isn't going down this path, but what I do know is that if it is the right decision for me to turn down this opportunity, I can't even comprehend how incredible the opportunity in its place is going to be. ---But, so help me, if it is marriage, I will have such a bone to pick with God! hahaha I sincerely would rather be a nun for the rest of my days than have some dude keep me from having all the crazy, free-as-a-bird experience I want to have. ;)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9_Mbhnt0tgE/UExHC9AEpDI/AAAAAAAAAX0/9pguH2es6rI/s1600/386991_4416956099603_542161226_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9_Mbhnt0tgE/UExHC9AEpDI/AAAAAAAAAX0/9pguH2es6rI/s320/386991_4416956099603_542161226_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bucaramanga, Colombia</td></tr>
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3. So, my bestie Katie came to meet me in New York to take an epically epic road trip back to Texas with me. It was so much fun. We saw just about every tourist attraction on the East Coast, had a killer road trip soundtrack and met some great friends along the way. Now she is all moved into her new home in Austin, and I am back in my eternally gracious family's home in Houston for 3 more months as I finish my teaching certification program.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYm9YJ1GIkQ/UExIPkjt3rI/AAAAAAAAAX8/SOQtbgpPDG4/s1600/292904_10151072036104543_2028388369_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYm9YJ1GIkQ/UExIPkjt3rI/AAAAAAAAAX8/SOQtbgpPDG4/s320/292904_10151072036104543_2028388369_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie and I taking over NYC</td></tr>
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4. I start student teaching on Monday in a fourth grade English Language Arts/Social Studies/History class. I am beyond pumped. I feel like I should be nervous, but considering the other big ol' life decisions I have been facing lately, this just seems like a lot of fun! YIPPEEE!</div>
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5. I am looking for jobs at schools with outdoor adventure programs, and focus on experiential education and travelling schools, but if I don't stumble across a miracle and get a job by the time my student teaching ends in December, I am planning to move in with some friends in Austin and substitute teach there, do some networking and keep making moves there til life takes me elsewhere!</div>
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6. LET ME START BY SAYING THAT CINDY GUIDOTTI IS THE GREATEST PERSON ALIVE. I WISH HER ALL THE MOST WONDERFUL THINGS IN THE WORLD. SHE IS A SHINING STAR IN THE DARKEST NIGHT AND I ADORE HER WITH ALL THE LOVE IN THE WORLD. EVEN THOUGH SHE HAS A TERRIBLE MCDONALD'S HABIT, OCCASIONALLY (ALWAYS) THREATENS TO HARM SMALL CHILDREN AND HAS NO OUTDOOR SKILLZ WHATSOEVER, I WOULD STILL CHOOSE HER TO BE ON A DESERTED ISLAND WITH ME BECAUSE WE WOULD NEVER RUN OUT OF THINGS TO DO. WE COULD ALWAYS SING KARAOKE, SNEAK AWAY FROM PARTIES, HARASS WAITERS AT ISLAND DINERS, LAUGH INAPPROPRIATELY, ILLEGALLY BURN STUFF, GET SICK ON ISLAND SWING SETS, LINE DANCE, EMBARRASS THE FAMILY, EAT ISLAND FROYO, BE ISLAND FROYO NUNS, ROLLERBLADE AROUND THE ISLAND WEARING 80'S ATTIRE... AND SO ON AND SO ON. CINDY IS WINDY. (EMPHASIS ON "WIN".)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yG8ULUFtHQs/UExLz2EN3gI/AAAAAAAAAYM/ExlTOhDYrqY/s1600/529447_695859470233_403598115_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yG8ULUFtHQs/UExLz2EN3gI/AAAAAAAAAYM/ExlTOhDYrqY/s320/529447_695859470233_403598115_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother from another mother (but not a brother and also someone else's twin.)</td></tr>
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Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-64827031762147823552012-02-20T10:40:00.000-08:002012-04-22T21:22:23.704-07:00Lists: Favorite Wordsperegrine<br />
iridescent<br />
eager<br />
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belfry<br />
antithesis<br />
smidgen<br />
hallelujah<br />
hushabye<br />
gusto<br />
Utopia<br />
tabernacle <br />
revolution<br />
daffodil<br />
peppery<br />
moot<br />
abandon<br />
rendezvous<br />
scrumptious<br />
gumption<br />
tawdry<br />
redemption<br />
satiate<br />
opus<br />
poignant<br />
ransom<br />
ragamuffin<br />
paradox<br />
wrinkle<br />
chutzpah<br />
kismet<br />
darling<br />
filigree<br />
wonky<br />
whimsy</div>
</div>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-59283746771107580702012-02-13T11:26:00.000-08:002012-02-13T11:26:57.118-08:001000 Gifts...42. Having a back-up plan.<br />
41. Postcards.<br />
40. Crepes.<br />
39. Warm, rainy days.<br />
38. Realizing community.<br />
37. Passing a test.<br />
36. Secrets leading to surprises.Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-9930892421908929562012-01-26T22:43:00.000-08:002012-01-26T22:43:46.385-08:001000 Gifts...35. Muscle soreness as a reminder of hard work.<br />
34. Friends getting married.<br />
33. The smell of birthday candles and cake.<br />
32. Nag champa incense.<br />
31. The feeling at the end of a countdown.Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-32020050563921103282011-11-27T22:16:00.000-08:002011-11-27T22:16:42.839-08:001000 Gifts...30. Grocery store samples.<br />
29. Braided pigtails.<br />
28. Very large, very soft pillows.<br />
27. Watching someone else see a shooting star.<br />
26. Silent laughing with someone else.<br />
25. Jumping into freezing cold water.<br />
24. Passing-on a great book.Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-62965137441808631132011-11-08T20:15:00.000-08:002011-11-08T20:15:13.373-08:00Sunshine, Silhouettes & Mason JarsI found a bunch of vintage mason jars in a junk pile in my parents woods, so I washed them up and took these photos. Nostalgia. August 2011.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HSRScjkD7w/Trn968bL4qI/AAAAAAAAATg/KlnMq8fs2Ik/s1600/316128_2424581051472_1159860029_2945046_1120139472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HSRScjkD7w/Trn968bL4qI/AAAAAAAAATg/KlnMq8fs2Ik/s320/316128_2424581051472_1159860029_2945046_1120139472_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-20601821915250844262011-11-07T21:59:00.000-08:002011-11-07T21:59:30.819-08:001000 Gifts...23. World globes.<br />
22. Having someone to laugh at inappropriate things with.<br />
21. Listening to someone else's story.<br />
20. Blue mason jars.<br />
19. Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell.Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-48693415584297090482011-11-02T10:05:00.000-07:002011-11-02T10:05:41.671-07:00Doily Earring Display<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoWgso1hQYU/TrF3Fp6VNvI/AAAAAAAAASM/-BHL_rsSFhY/s1600/185260_2262914209902_1159860029_2754884_1219898_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoWgso1hQYU/TrF3Fp6VNvI/AAAAAAAAASM/-BHL_rsSFhY/s320/185260_2262914209902_1159860029_2754884_1219898_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I got the frame from Salvation Army, then tacked a doily to the back. It only took about 15 minutes to get it right. Cute for hanging on the wall or displaying on an easel on your dresser! <br />
Next I want to try to make an easel from one of the old silver spoons I found at Goodwill! Like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHYDpnq-ohI/TrF4TFpDffI/AAAAAAAAASU/3ptQzqWpEZc/s1600/il_fullxfull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHYDpnq-ohI/TrF4TFpDffI/AAAAAAAAASU/3ptQzqWpEZc/s320/il_fullxfull.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/7401776/fork-easel">http://www.etsy.com/listing/7401776/fork-easel</a>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-86602625793503042582011-11-02T09:59:00.000-07:002011-11-02T09:59:06.144-07:00Scrap fabric LOVE pillow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eA4yU_0-6_k/TrF2Ct-70lI/AAAAAAAAASE/3TLaoxKxVMA/s1600/189359_2257629357784_1159860029_2747301_3998856_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eA4yU_0-6_k/TrF2Ct-70lI/AAAAAAAAASE/3TLaoxKxVMA/s320/189359_2257629357784_1159860029_2747301_3998856_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hand-stitched scraps from old t-shirts together to make a cute throw pillow for my bed.</div>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-63026288497463364332011-09-13T13:28:00.000-07:002011-09-13T13:28:01.283-07:00Someone at Hallmark deserves a raise...I got this birthday card from my parents 2 years ago. What I love about it is that the person it describes is who I aspired to be and also who my parents say I am. I'd say that is a pretty cool place to be in life. I keep the card next to my bed where I always see it as a reminder of who I have been, am and aspire to be.<br />
<br />
My Daughter<br />
What I Love About You<br />
<br />
I love the spirit of you...<br />
the grace with which you welcome each challenge, the childlike wonder that still colors your days.<br />
<br />
I love the originality of you...<br />
your willingness to stand out from the crowd... your unique perspective on what's happening in the world and in your life.<br />
<br />
I love the wisdom of you...<br />
the way you trust your intuition... your unfailing commitment to doing the right thing.<br />
<br />
And most of all, I love the heart of you...<br />
the genuine compassion, empathy, and friendship you offer to everyone you know.<br />
<br />
I guess it's pretty clear...<br />
I love everything about you.<br />
<br />
And on your birthday, I'm wishing joy and blessings to you, my beautiful daughter and friend.<br />
<br />
Thanks Marmee and Pappy!Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-72605837557140387922011-09-10T20:17:00.000-07:002011-09-10T20:17:12.573-07:00A Little Insight/Reminder/Kick in the SeatNo idea who the author of this is, but a friend recently shared it with me, and I want to share it with you.<br />
<br />
"Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be (possibly your roommate, neighbour, co-worker, longest friend, lover, or even a complete stranger) but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.<br />
<br />
Some people come into our lives and quickly go.<br />
Some people move our souls to dance. <br />
They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. <br />
Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. <br />
They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints in our hearts, <br />
and We are never, ever the same.<br />
<br />
And sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realised your potential, strength, willpower, or heart. Everything happens for a reason, nothing happens by chance or by means of luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience help to create who you become.<br />
<br />
Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.<br />
<br />
If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open your heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things."Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-776785154506227612011-08-30T08:33:00.001-07:002011-08-30T08:33:29.791-07:001000 Gifts...18. Hot air balloons from the highway.Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-21803612213734609022011-08-15T21:27:00.000-07:002011-08-15T21:27:42.743-07:001000 Gifts...17. A mom that cares when I should care more.<br />
16. On-the-fly cooking.<br />
15. No cavities!<br />
14. Giving a friend the perfect quote.Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-75017660158012309622011-08-12T07:07:00.000-07:002011-08-15T21:28:01.142-07:001000 Gifts...13. Homemade soft pretzels, raspberry mustard dip and root beer from the bottle.<br />
12. Looking at the moon through a telescope.<br />
11. Blanket burritos on the grass.<br />
10. Eating food straight from the plant.Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-86507392437859219222011-08-07T19:52:00.000-07:002011-08-07T19:55:40.983-07:001000 Gifts...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">9. Sharing water with old ladies at the train station.</span></span><br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">8. Avacado popsicles.</span></span></span></span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">7. Bike rides through Wrigleyville; game day. </span></span></span></span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6. Getting lost. </span></span></span></span></span></h6><form action="https://www.facebook.com/ajax/ufi/modify.php" class="live_2290731065306_131325686911214 commentable_item collapsed_comments autoexpand_mode" data-live="{"seq":0}" method="post" rel="async" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="UIImageBlock clearfix uiStreamFooter" style="color: #999999; zoom: 1;"></div></form>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-70138294646845648862011-08-05T22:06:00.000-07:002011-08-07T19:54:38.656-07:001000 Gifts...5. Proclaiming a new favorite food; huckleberries.<br />
4. Swimsuits on sale.<br />
3. Rosy cheeks.<br />
2. The reflection of sunrise.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1. Braided hair.</div><div><br />
</div>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-45702609286690419422011-07-01T20:59:00.000-07:002011-07-01T21:14:54.673-07:00Big AnnouncementHi Folks,<br />
<br />
So some of you already know this, but to many of you it will be the saddest thing you have ever heard and will probably ever hear. So, grab a roll of toilet paper (for your incessant tears, of course.) and have a seat because I am about to drop a big freakin' piece of news.<br />
<br />
In September I will be moving to Houston, GodBlessTexas, to pursue an alternative teaching accreditation through a program called Region 4. I was heavily considering staying in Bloomington to obtain a similar certificate but literally the day after I wrassled up all the requirements for my IU application, I decided Houston was the best option for me. <br />
Here's the play-by-play:<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b><br />
IU: $17,000 Tuition=Major debt<br />
vs<br />
R4: $3,700 Tuition=Paid for by this summer's job.<br />
<br />
IU: Certificate obtained in 3 semesters with a Masters to follow.<br />
vs<br />
R4: Certificate obtained in 2 semesters.<br />
<br />
IU: Would require me to find a job and stay in the Bloomington area for several years after obtaining certificate to take Masters classes and would be hard to relocate with little teaching experience at a Masters salary.<br />
vs<br />
R4: Allows me to apply for job and move where ever I want to after May.<br />
<br />
IU: Pay full rent in Bloomington.<br />
vs<br />
R4: Live with sister and get the family discount. :)<br />
<br />
So that's how it's gonna be. Here are the reasons I am super excited and kinda bummed in list form:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Reasons I am Super Excited</u></b><br />
1. In a little more than a year, I will hypothetically be a real person with real person lifestyle, salary and<br />
responsibility.<br />
2. I get to live with my amazing sister, incredible brother-in-law, hilarious niece and cuddly dog-<br />
nephew.<br />
3. As a teacher I will get summer breaks to do any/all of the following: travel, mission work, rock<br />
climb, photography, learn to fly airplanes... whatever!<br />
4. As a teacher I will get to problem-solve daily, teach kids how to think for themselves, mentor kids,<br />
encourage kids, start DI teams, start Bible studies, start rock climbing clubs, coach volleyball, direct<br />
plays... whatever!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Reason I am Kinda Bummed</u></b><br />
1. I will miss being with all of the wonderful people in Bloomington. I will miss the community created<br />
at the Canvas. I will miss Mark bringing me apples and thermometers when I am sick. I will miss<br />
dancing, singing, praying and crying with Colleen whenever I want. I will miss running through the<br />
golf course at midnight screaming obscenities with Katie. I will miss trying to convince Hannah D to<br />
sleep on our couch every other night. I will miss Broderick providing me with a constant stream and<br />
perfect balance of hilarity and insight. I will miss Abiola giving me hugs, telling me how white<br />
I am and smelling like she just stepped out of Heaven. I will miss Jackie's boyfriend tees, Stephen's<br />
jokes, Anna's laugh, Rachel and Alena's handstands, Charity's smile, Giff's vocal ellipses, Michaela's<br />
bare feet, Brian's singing and so so SO much more from so many amazing people. You know who<br />
you are (seriously, don't sell yourself short. I mean you!), and you are deeply loved and will be<br />
deeply missed. You all are the people that have seen me grow and have helped me find who I was<br />
made to be.<br />
<br />
However, all is not lost just yet.<br />
<br />
I will be in Bloomington for a little bit before I drive down to Texas. I will come down around August 17th and be in town for a couple days before leading my final kayaking trip for IUOA to Michigan until the 24th. I'll then probably bum around for a week and a half until Stephen and Lydia's wedding on September 4th and leave for Texas shortly thereafter. I am super-duper pumped for this time and can't wait to leave town officially and in style. :) <br />
<br />
*PS. I lost my phone in Delaware, so if you made it to the end of this message, you win. Send me a text with your name in it to redeem your major award.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBV1NyQ6rTyOdstaDJOPkqub-G6NGYF7ACNiOit92fzHMxlbuWMvC2IZRijkXaLUlqoZpnUF91DtrTz-qMwCEoufiKq-883DVzuwemfUUwqeIplc72BGXNa3NSRyosbC7kpMG19x3oqj7/s1600/29216_1477254408898_1159860029_1375924_2409913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBV1NyQ6rTyOdstaDJOPkqub-G6NGYF7ACNiOit92fzHMxlbuWMvC2IZRijkXaLUlqoZpnUF91DtrTz-qMwCEoufiKq-883DVzuwemfUUwqeIplc72BGXNa3NSRyosbC7kpMG19x3oqj7/s320/29216_1477254408898_1159860029_1375924_2409913_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g04ndfFmFyM/Tg6XLRvNDhI/AAAAAAAAAOw/zxdAPnJo1L8/s1600/215655_2004204582323_1159860029_2428389_6000822_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g04ndfFmFyM/Tg6XLRvNDhI/AAAAAAAAAOw/zxdAPnJo1L8/s320/215655_2004204582323_1159860029_2428389_6000822_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KbCQE5Zaru0/Tg6XL0uQxBI/AAAAAAAAAO0/nY6b7E5sFR4/s1600/224269_2004183061785_1159860029_2428353_6179992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KbCQE5Zaru0/Tg6XL0uQxBI/AAAAAAAAAO0/nY6b7E5sFR4/s320/224269_2004183061785_1159860029_2428353_6179992_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-74422361132756865552011-06-27T18:36:00.000-07:002011-10-26T11:47:13.945-07:00Scrumptious Gumption<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"You are not alone."</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"Sorry?" I said quizzically as I removed my right ear bud and glanced up at the old man.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"You are not alone," he said matter-of-factly.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I quickly realized that he was not making an existential statement but rather referring to the Air Force sweater I had just slipped on over my black t-shirt. I noticed his Air Force cap and my cheeks began to redden. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"Oh, um, I'm not actually in the Air For--" </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"You're going to have to speak up!" he said.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"Oh, right. Err, I was just saying, I'm not actually in the Air Force. I just work with kids on bases over the summers."</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"I bet you didn't know I am 93-years-old," he spouted out, completely changing the subject. "And I just love it." </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I laughed and the tension eased.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">By his tone, I could tell this would not be a short conversation, so I took out both ear buds and paused my latest Netflix episode of <i>30 Rock</i>. He continued in his non sequitur manner regaling tales of life on a South Dakota pig farm, daring dramas of rescues as a US Air Force pilot, his summit of Mount Kilaminjaro (at age 65, no less) and the ins and outs of his most recent endeavor, tai chi lessons.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I didn't get a lot of time to share back to him, but it's just as well, I suppose. He's lived 93 years and I, only 22. That means he has lived over four times longer than I have, so naturally, he should have at least four times as much to say. That's how I see it anyway.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">We talked for a good 30 minutes before an official-sounding voice came over the loud speaker and started calling for military personnel and passengers with babies to board US Airways Flight 1731. The old man paused and reached into his pocket for a crumpled boarding pass. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"Where's your seat?" he looked up and asked me.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"18-C," I answered glancing down at the ticket in my lap.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"Well, how 'bout that! I'm 18-D! Isn't that something!" he smiled and shook his head. "I tell you what... If you live a good life, good things come to you!"</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I felt as if the joy received from hearing that statement might bubble up and start spilling out my ears. To some, traveling alone can be an utterly uncomfortable, mundane and confusing time. But, my random jaunts across the country, engaging with complete strangers, seems to suit me perfectly. Few things fill me with such a sense of love as intently listening to the words of a stranger who is eager to share. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As the old man and I stood in line to board, I suddenly realized that I didn't even know his name. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I stuck out my right hand and said, "Hi. My name is Audrey. What's yours?"</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"You can call me Ted. Ted Gourley. It's nice to meet you." I smiled and he grin wryly as the airline attendant took our tickets. I waited for him as he thanked her genuinely, and we walked down the loading ramp together. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The stories kept flowing as we sat on the runway, braced for take-off, and ordered apple juice once the plane reached cruising altitude. With each story, Ted got more animated and revealed more and more of his amazing story. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">He spoke of his wife with the most beautiful honesty and candidness. They were childhood sweethearts and he courted her for seven years before getting married at age 22. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"She was never the adventuresome type like me, but we sort of balance each other out," he sighed. "My adventures have slowed down the past seven years though. She got Alzheimer's, and most of my energy went into caring for my bride. She died seven months ago." </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The corners of my mouth turned down and my eyes saddened, but he quickly snapped at me, "There's nothing wrong with that at all! We were married for 71 years, and that's all we could dream of!" </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I smiled. "You're right. That's so incredible. What an honor," I replied. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">That is the perspective of a man with far more life behind him than in front of him. (But then, who's to say we all haven't already lived most of our days?) He lives such a life of gratitude and it permeates his very being. You don't see that much these days.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Our conversation faded with the altitude as the plane began to descend. Our eyes drifted out the window to the patchwork of fields and country homes transitioning into a smattering of baseball fields, swimming pools and parking lots. Skyscrapers towered in the distance.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As the plane's wheels brushed the runway at Chicago-O'Hare, Ted suddenly turned to me and leaned across the aisle from seat 18-D. In his softest whisper he looked me in the eye and said, "Time and age is an illusion between you and I," and just like that, settled back into his seat.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Water filled my eyes. Here is someone that actually <i>gets</i> it. He has lived an extraordinary life, but most importantly, he knows greater things are yet to come--in this life and beyond. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As the other passengers started to gather their things, Ted scrawled his address into the first page of my new journal. He had me promise to write to him about my upcoming trip to Rapid City, South Dakota, and my adventures beyond. He, in turn, promised to add me into his biography. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As I waved goodbye to my new friend and we turned to go our separate ways in the busy airport terminal, I couldn't help but smile and shake my head as I thought about how much God's hands are all over my life. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This is what I want: to surrender more and more of my life, my schedule and plans, and my expectations to His will and cherish whatever comes my way. I want to be earnestly grateful for my life lived and my life to come, but most importantly for where I am right now.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I am 22-years-old, and I just love it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v65eCtjtnSQ/TqhVpYj8aYI/AAAAAAAAARE/3k8iX3i2JXY/s1600/15791177_be40c4c742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v65eCtjtnSQ/TqhVpYj8aYI/AAAAAAAAARE/3k8iX3i2JXY/s320/15791177_be40c4c742.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><br />
</div>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-74630757976913007692011-05-18T01:05:00.000-07:002011-11-26T22:35:53.800-08:00Summer comes to multiply<div>Bon Iver, Babys </div><div>listen here: <a href="http://youtu.be/NHJkwuaPms4">http://youtu.be/NHJkwuaPms4</a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMRW-M5-5BdPFmpc4wOnXPWFW1XYGCaJj7HSb3XrNWrNASNmTZSrtKWaXk91WCz1OPHPaiKmKmCi0mNXiYPepyqOTmz4ATZmFaxH-VWgd8uIqh3r2mIRQvdD3LeiJIxk739BKsQR7gnTO/s1600/10132_1264676374580_1159860029_811673_5346871_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMRW-M5-5BdPFmpc4wOnXPWFW1XYGCaJj7HSb3XrNWrNASNmTZSrtKWaXk91WCz1OPHPaiKmKmCi0mNXiYPepyqOTmz4ATZmFaxH-VWgd8uIqh3r2mIRQvdD3LeiJIxk739BKsQR7gnTO/s320/10132_1264676374580_1159860029_811673_5346871_n.jpg" width="120" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Summer comes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">to multiply,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">to multiply!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">summer comes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">to multiply,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">to multiply!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">and I...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">I'm the Carnival of Peace</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">I'll probably start a fleet</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">with no apologies</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">and the Carnival of Scenes...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">it grows more and more appealing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">but my woman and I...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">my woman and I know what we're for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">summer comes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">to multiply,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">to multiply!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">summer comes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">to multiply,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">to multiply!</span></div>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-30872280841796537872011-04-25T21:35:00.000-07:002011-04-25T21:36:39.411-07:00Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front by Wendell Berry<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="sqq" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Goodness sakes alive, I can't get enough of Wendell Berry. I had the pleasure of cramming into a PACKED lecture hall last semester and hearing him read from his latest book and recite some of his poems. He was just the most lovely man. He is famous for writing about the beauty of nature, rural life and the necessity of conserving and cherishing it. He also grew up in Kentucky and has the most precious accent. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There is something special about hearing someone read their own writing, whether poetry or prose. Where I often find frustration through the limiting nature of the written word, hearing it read aloud by it's author breathes a certain life into the linear writing. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="sqq" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Anyway, Mr. Berry finished his talk by reading the following poem from one of his books he borrowed from an eager woman in the front row. It was an absolutely perfect series of moments and made this poem all the more special to me.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="sqq" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="sqq" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="sqq" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="sqq" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Love the quick profit, the annual raise,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">vacation with pay. Want more</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">of everything ready-made. Be afraid</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">to know your neighbors and to die.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">And you will have a window in your head.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Not even your future will be a mystery</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">any more. Your mind will be punched in a card</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">and shut away in a little drawer.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">When they want you to buy something</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">they will call you. When they want you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">to die for profit they will let you know.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">So, friends, every day do something</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">that won't compute. Love the Lord.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Love the world. Work for nothing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Take all that you have and be poor.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Love someone who does not deserve it.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Denounce the government and embrace</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">the flag. Hope to live in that free</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">republic for which it stands.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Give your approval to all you cannot</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">understand. Praise ignorance, for what man</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">has not encountered he has not destroyed.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Ask the questions that have no answers.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Invest in the millenium. Plant sequoias.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Say that your main crop is the forest</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">that you did not plant,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">that you will not live to harvest.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Say that the leaves are harvested</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">when they have rotted into the mold.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Call that profit. Prophesy such returns.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Put your faith in the two inches of humus</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">that will build under the trees</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">every thousand years.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Listen to carrion -- put your ear</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">close, and hear the faint chattering</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">of the songs that are to come.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Expect the end of the world. Laugh.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Laughter is immeasurable. Be joyful</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">though you have considered all the facts.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">So long as women do not go cheap</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">for power, please women more than men.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Ask yourself: Will this satisfy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">a woman satisfied to bear a child?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Will this disturb the sleep</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">of a woman near to giving birth?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Go with your love to the fields.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Lie down in the shade. Rest your head</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">in her lap. Swear allegiance</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">to what is nighest your thoughts.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">As soon as the generals and the politicos</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">can predict the motions of your mind,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">lose it. Leave it as a sign</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">to mark the false trail, the way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">you didn't go.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Be like the fox</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">who makes more tracks than necessary,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">some in the wrong direction.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="sqq" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Practice resurrection.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span> </span></span></span>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-90690124730898672062011-04-09T07:13:00.000-07:002011-04-09T07:27:34.532-07:00Music: Wedding Dress, Derek WebbTake a listen, and if you have a bit to read and process, take a look at this: <a href="http://www.leaderu.com/marshill/mhr08/curtis1.html">http://www.leaderu.com/marshill/mhr08/curtis1.html</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="234" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mvQRd7D9BDM" title="YouTube video player" width="288"></iframe><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">If you could love me as a wife</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">and for my wedding gift, your life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Should that be all I'll ever need</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">or is there more I'm looking for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">and should I read between the lines</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">and look for blessings in disguise</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">To make me handsome, rich, and wise</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Is that really what you want</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">I am a whore I do confess</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">But I put you on just like a wedding dress</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">and I run down the aisle</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">and I run down the aisle</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">I'm a prodigal with no way home</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">but I put you on just like a ring of gold</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">and I run down the aisle to you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">So could you love this bastard child</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Though I don't trust you to provide</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">With one hand in a pot of gold</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">and with the other in your side</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">I am so easily satisfied</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">by the call of lovers so less wild</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">That I would take a little cash</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Over your very flesh and blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Because money cannot buy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">a husband's jealous eye</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">When you have knowingly deceived his wife</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"> </span></span>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-4252503274697669332011-03-29T23:04:00.000-07:002011-03-29T23:05:32.361-07:00Lists: Things I will never look at the same againfish<br />
egg nog<br />
atheism<br />
Japanese people<br />
Saint Christopher<br />
Wilson volleyballs<br />
fly fishing<br />
airports<br />
sunflowers<br />
film slides<br />
Thailand<br />
Cookie Crisp<br />
mailing labels<br />
carnations<br />
utility lights<br />
Nutella<br />
unicorns<br />
Canada geese<br />
pine needles<br />
jean jackets<br />
raspberries<br />
lavender<br />
limestone<br />
arpeggio<br />
crows<br />
mardi gras beads<br />
rainbows<br />
spiders<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokpFr-_SW5Zx2Tzp4yStEVHTbcO3YlypZpbar_CU8gp7bVP-VDVYk-mqIO1HxQEEJyE7qSuIv1JRE8Ol2N2ZARFQN4pC9MQ0GmsZpJcuQmYixI50MRKBkrBgrmoiIyZNkZ6MVTJo_VFJh/s1600/barnard_koi_40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokpFr-_SW5Zx2Tzp4yStEVHTbcO3YlypZpbar_CU8gp7bVP-VDVYk-mqIO1HxQEEJyE7qSuIv1JRE8Ol2N2ZARFQN4pC9MQ0GmsZpJcuQmYixI50MRKBkrBgrmoiIyZNkZ6MVTJo_VFJh/s320/barnard_koi_40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-10652573836666193052011-03-28T09:13:00.000-07:002011-03-28T21:11:46.305-07:00Music: The Tallest Man on Earth, Thrown Right At MeThese lyrics make me swoon. I think it's safe to assume that this song was written for me.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="260" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ugtAXJe_UAM" title="YouTube video player" width="426"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Jump 'long the creekside</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">The rock's crooked line</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Fun curls your hair and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">The days open wide</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">And horses trot faster 'til sparrows fall down</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">But you just fall, laughin', to the snow on the ground</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">You grew up by playin' the valley so wild</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">And that's why</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">You're so beautiful now</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">And, dancin' your bike to the lonesome, young mare</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">You call up her owner; say your heart will be there</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">You'll build a collection of scars on your knees</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">To learn how to count the impossible trees</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">You grew up by climbin' the birches so high</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">And that's why</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">You're so beautiful now</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">And we live so close that we probably seen</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">The same bird, the same time</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">They solumnly scream</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">One day, I'll find just that friend who can see</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">All this weird beauty</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Thrown right at me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Growin' by playin' the valley so wild</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">And that's why</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">You're so beautiful now</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span>Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457759582467348564.post-21165600882091746282011-03-15T22:48:00.000-07:002011-03-15T22:50:34.817-07:00Coffeehouse Chat and the Start of CampsOn Saturday I woke up for the last time at my hostel, ate a breakfast of nutella/almond butter/trail mix burritos and kissed the resident pugs goodbye. I decided to explore the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, which proved to be much less exciting than I had planned and took up much less time, so I ended up camping out at a nearby coffee house until my internet stopped working. <br />
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While debating buying some lavendar mate', a baristo named Ryan started chatting me up and gave me a free lavendar white chocolate mate' latte. SWEET! It was so good. I finished my drink and decided it was a good time to start walknig to the airport before the sun went down. As I was paying for my mate' (and sweet Argentinian straw!) one of Ryan's friends walked in and offered to give me a ride to the airport. He seemed normal enough, so I agreed. (Sorry family. I know, not entirely on-par to stranger-danger, but the potential ride was still 6 hours off and I had plenty of time to bail if any red flags went up.) I ended up chatting with the friend (Jace) for the next 5ish hours at the coffee shop. He works on "the slope" for "the devil" aka for BP. We talked a lot about life and I was able to share my art journal and Bible with him. It was sweet because he kept writing down things that I said and I think we both learned a lot from the conversation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcAU9q_GfIlk_iwjYPSwd3Vcv9FgsCIhMGCVGZAbn2Evlj9rfWSZI_JCMRFeRLOKzyIj7jHfkbmDdksnEC2mFBun-N1Bcij-qazi_kHuRVqKOJQRBlZiAlTk3hjXb7p0wi2cXmTfq_t8T/s1600/_MG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcAU9q_GfIlk_iwjYPSwd3Vcv9FgsCIhMGCVGZAbn2Evlj9rfWSZI_JCMRFeRLOKzyIj7jHfkbmDdksnEC2mFBun-N1Bcij-qazi_kHuRVqKOJQRBlZiAlTk3hjXb7p0wi2cXmTfq_t8T/s320/_MG_1813.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Anyway, around 9pm I got to the airport to wait for Kristen (my co-worker) to land so we could drive to our air base. Our hotel is pretty standard for airbases and I enjoyed the stale butter mints on my pillow that I got so used to this summer.<br />
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Sunday was tricky. Usually we get in contact with out Point of Contact early on Sunday morning to prepare our materials and see our camp facilities, but our POC wasn't returning any of our calls or emails. It wasn't until 5pm that we were informed that our POC was in Japan. That explains a lot. We finally got to see our facilities, but learned that half of our camp materials were never mail from DIHQ. Good thing we are good at improvisation!<br />
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Monday started without a hitch, and Kristen and I were set up for camp 15 minutes before the kids were to show up. Ironically, this was the exact time that our new POC told us that we could no longer use the two rooms were had been allocated for camp. Whoops. We ended up moving to the gym and finished set up just in time for the arrival of the first campers.<br />
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Camp Day 1 went great after that, and Kristen and I finished our day by going to the World Ice Art Sculpture Garden. It was incredible!!!! We went after dark, so all of the ice sculptures were lit up with different colors and palced through out winding wooded paths. There will be pictures to come soon!<br />
Today was camp Day 2, and it started out BRILLIANTLY. The kids were really on the ball, well behaved and coming up with wonderful solutions to the challenges. After lunch was a different story. It appeared as if the appeal of video games and snow cones won out in the minds of our campers, and their focus was definitely elsewhere.<br />
<br />
I worked out the issues of the day at the air base rock wall, and although it was only 20 feet tall, entirely plastic and I looked like an idiot wearing a helmet, it really helped me ground myself and prepare for work tomorrow.<br />
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So, that's where I am. Over half way through my trip to Alaska, slightly exhausted, but gaining all kinds of new experiences and loving it.Audrey Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16458882078322957071noreply@blogger.com0