tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74841248516913644052024-03-05T15:03:14.132-08:00golocal4healthadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comBlogger276125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-43216416439934946342013-12-07T16:30:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:38:34.109-08:00Merry Christmas, Catholic Girl<iframe width="300" height="200" style="float:right;margin:0 5px 10px 20px;" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/NvNzyWvrr9c?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>... is the story of a devout Catholic woman, a mother of two children from a marriage now broken after a life of alcohol and abuse. Finding little solace in a local parish reeling from a history of dysfunction and public scandal, our anti-heroine seeks shelter from the storm at a convent where the Latin Mass is celebrated on Sunday. The story begins with a brief flashback, and continues as she moves on with her life, rediscovering the stirrings of the heart.<br /><br /><blockquote><b>Little man big man what's inside?<br />It's all in the places<br />Where we find our pride.<br />If there was a soul lost by the road,<br />Who'd pass by,<br />Who'd take it home?</b><br /><br /><i>(from the song "Little Man Big Man"<br />music and lyrics by Glen Philips<br />for the 1997 album "Coil" by Toad the Wet Sprocket)</i></blockquote><br />Catholic magazines don't handle stories like this. Catholic magazines don't handle the issue of divorce any better than many Catholic priests, never mind other Catholic media outlets. These stories are dirty, they are tawdry, wallowing in the seamy underbelly of life, in which many suffer, often through no fault of their own, and out of which many must climb. Stories like these tell us what we don't want to hear, that marriages are not made in heaven, that grace does not always succeed where nature is found wanting. The fighting, the betrayal, the abandonment, the court hearings, the custody battles, the supervised visits, the estrangement from children -- your Catholic cable channel won't admit to such a life out there, one that is all too real for so many, whether they "experience the healing" from the panacea of an annulment or not.<br /><br /><blockquote><a href="http://reginamag.com/merry-christmas-catholic-girl/" target="newwindow">This is my fourth Christmas as a divorcee.<br /><br />Four Christmases ago, my so-called husband left me with a broken-down house, a five year old Chevy van, a basement full of water and an utterly empty bank account. Plus a frightened seven year old, and a very angry teenaged girl.<br /><br />When he threatened us, I made several trips to the police station to beg for help. Finally, one cop took pity on my terror. He solemnly advised me to change our locks and to keep the outside lights on.<br /><br />Also, never, ever, to let my ex back in the house.<br /><br />“If he, ah, does something you don’t like once he’s inside,” he told me, burly arms crossed in front of him. His warm brown eyes were sympathetic. “Then our hands are tied. Because you let him in. You understand my meaning?”</a></blockquote><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOi5uXqt8zP1X9pwHY7P7cYRnkJ_zzYIi2ZxQD9r11mKHj3K82AAVikFD-goVVve9fRn45c9DWjzFpI2WbrUe5_JPK6HLHPE2QKN8Owk3KcCO7ZdBDSLPCQ8t5wTQTyNxFgIflUdujVU/s1600/XMAS-Issue-Cover-HOME.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOi5uXqt8zP1X9pwHY7P7cYRnkJ_zzYIi2ZxQD9r11mKHj3K82AAVikFD-goVVve9fRn45c9DWjzFpI2WbrUe5_JPK6HLHPE2QKN8Owk3KcCO7ZdBDSLPCQ8t5wTQTyNxFgIflUdujVU/s1600/XMAS-Issue-Cover-HOME.jpg" width="200" height="280" style="float:left;margin:0 20px 10px 0;" /></a>For any Catholic magazine to take this story on is daring. For the same magazine to handle it well is ... epic.<br /><br /><b><i>Regina Magazine</i></b> began this past year as the brainchild of <font color="darkred"><b>Beverly De Soto</b></font>, a veteran writer-editor of the New York City financial world, at a time when numerous print periodicals, particularly in Catholic media, have either gone digital, or under. She has gathered other creatives of like mind, so that the beauty of truth, and the truth that is found in beauty, may reach new audiences, and revitalize old ones. There are many reasons for a Catholic woman to subscribe to <b><i>Regina</i></b>, and probably more than one reason for a Catholic man to at least give an issue the occasional perusal.<br /><br />The result is a great Christmas gift, one that would carry the spirit of the season well into the next year.<br /> adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-76886798786583804042013-12-06T15:30:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:38:34.117-08:00Keeping the “Ch” in “Chanukkah” 2013<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj_2E4zYxCQvokD0e9LqBF0U6xfuf5Y70ewQqgOGG5-2vJ4SDCUYotL5Q86TBu2MScO1gKka3GweIFav402szV4i_fyndZ9xOWlE5zHp2fjGPJfp9I_cDpG2gTahCm9VdtRYpSEKOTYE/s1600/583004-01-main-900x695.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj_2E4zYxCQvokD0e9LqBF0U6xfuf5Y70ewQqgOGG5-2vJ4SDCUYotL5Q86TBu2MScO1gKka3GweIFav402szV4i_fyndZ9xOWlE5zHp2fjGPJfp9I_cDpG2gTahCm9VdtRYpSEKOTYE/s1600/583004-01-main-900x695.jpg" width="265" height="207" style="float:right;margin:0 5px 10px 20px;" /></a>Today at sundown marks the end of the Jewish Festival of Lights, known as <font color="darkred"><b>Chanukkah</b> (Hanukkah, or <b>חנוכה</b>)</font>, which commemorates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, following the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BC. It is observed for eight nights, as a reminder of the miracle of one night's supply of oil for the lamps lasting for eight, until a fresh supply could be obtained.<br /><br />Around the turn of this century, our director of communications was a devout Jewish woman, who invited all the staff to her house in the country for a holiday celebration. A highlight of the affair was her presentation with her grandchildren, as she told them of the story of Chanukkah. As the rest of us Gentiles watched, she would lead the children in the Hebrew chant for the occasion: <font color="#000099"><b><i>“Blessed art Thou, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Chanukkah...”</i></b></font> While others stood around watching in varying degrees of perplexity, I found myself singing with the children ... well, maybe sort of following along.<br /><br /><iframe width="265" height="220" style="float:left;margin:0 20px 10px 0;" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Rd1Pyu9_rxo?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>I turned to my son: <b><i>"Does this sound familiar, like what you hear in the Divine Liturgy?"</i></b> He nodded, as I continued. <b><i>"This is where we get the Byzantine chant, and the Gregorian chant. It came to us from the Jews."</i></b> He totally got it. <br /><br />A comedian named <font color="darkred"><b>Adam Sandler</b></font> first introduced this holiday classic on NBC's <i>Saturday Night Live</i>. The song gives a list of famous celebrities from various walks of life who are Jewish: <font color="#000099"><b><i>“Put on your yarmulke, here comes Hanukkah / It's so much funukkah, to celebrate Hanukkah / Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights / Instead of one day of presents, we get eight crazy nights!”</i></b></font><br /><br /><iframe width="300" height="200" style="float:right;margin:0 5px 10px 20px;" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gv-7WdpB72o?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>There's more where that came from. <br /><br />This is an original work by <a href="http://www.Matisyahuworld.com" target="newwindow"><font color="darkred"><b>Matisyahu</b></font></a>. “Miracle” is produced by Dr Luke protégé Kool Kojak (Flo Rida, Katy Perry, Ke$ha), and is drenched in a joyful spirit, with chiming synths, bouncing beats, and an irresistible chorus. And ice skating.<br /><br /><blockquote>There are so many Christmas songs out there. I wanted to give the Jewish kids something to be proud of. We've got Adam Sandler's song, which is hilarious, but I wanted to try to get across some of the depth and spirituality inherent in the holiday in a fun, celebratory song. My boy Kojak was in town so at the last minute we went into the studio in the spirit of miracles and underdogs and this is what we came up with. Happy Hannukah!</blockquote><br />Matisyahu can be found on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/matisyahu" target="newwindow">Facebook</a>, and followed on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/matisyahu" target="newwindow">Twitter</a>. The song can also be downloaded from <a href="http://glnk.it/pv" target="newwindow">iTunes</a>.<br /><br /><iframe width="265" height="220" style="float:left;margin:0 20px 10px 0;" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pf4GYVSlh9k?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Finally, on a serious note, <font color="darkred"><b>Charlie Harare</b></font> explains the origins of Chanukkah, and its meaning in daily life from a Jewish point of view, which is only reasonable as this is a Jewish holiday. Yeah, I know, Jews are not Catholics, I got that. But if the New Covenant is the fulfillment of the Old, and if Catholicism is the fulfillment of Judaism, then we cannot rule out the possibility that there is something to be learned here. And a Catholic who watches this video will learn for themselves.<br /><br />However you slice it, <font color="#000099"><b><i>“It's beginning to look a lot like...”</i></b></font><br /> adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-21376445844766194172013-12-06T12:23:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:52:13.954-08:00The Counter-cultural Message of St. Nicholas<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Santas-Secret-Story-Cornelia-Bilinsky/dp/0819871605" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">"I want people to thank God, not me! Remember, the greatest gift is God's love. I am just happy to give His love to others"</span>.</a></span></i></span></blockquote>The above quote was my favorite part of a post I recently published. It's attributed to St. Nicholas and although he may not have said it, verbatim, it nicely condenses the actions of his that we find so desirable. My previous post, <a href="http://designsbybirgit.blogspot.com/2013/12/elf-on-shelf-and-santa-claus-what-are.html"><span style="color: #990000;">Santa and the Elf on the Shelf - What are They Teaching Our Children?</span> </a>was well received and one of my most popular to date. For the most part, people agreed with the sentiments I tried to convey: putting focus on the spiritual rather than on the imaginative secular. With this in mind, I'm sharing a few ideas to get us there:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Imagination is such a great tool - why not steer it toward something (or someone) who really exists? St. Nicholas fills the bill well and has many of the characteristics that should portray the 'spirit of Christmas'. One of my Facebook friends, who steers away from Santa, shared something said by her son that I thought was so sweet. He was very curious about how St. Nicholas would come to their house. When Mom asked what he thought, he replied, "Jesus will probably fly him down from Heaven". She didn't scatter pixie dust or tell him tales, instead her son was able to imagine something mysterious about someone who is real.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Accentuate the positive. This is so easy to do, if we just live out our beliefs. Instead of only having Rudolph and Santa books and movies, why not have many more with an Advent, Christmas, or Epiphany theme in your collection? Put more emphasis on the real stories, vs. the pretend ones, and you'll be doing much to enforce the beautiful reality of this season.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Practice the 'little ways'. So many wonderful saints have given us examples of how to do great things - one small step at a time. One example might be to light your Advent Wreath when you pray, eat, or read a book with your children. These little touches tell them this is an important season, without you having to say a word!</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXB7um6qpeI/UqIyFtdFLXI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/jIQpKcs6BxA/s1600/St+Nicholas+charity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXB7um6qpeI/UqIyFtdFLXI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/jIQpKcs6BxA/s200/St+Nicholas+charity.JPG" width="173" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><em style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10px; text-align: center;">Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky</em></div><div class="lightbox_footer" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: 5px;"><a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/content-usage-copyright/" style="color: #333333; font-size: 8px; text-decoration: none;">Copyright © 2002-2013 St. Nicholas Center</a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Think of others. As the quote above references, doing good works is about loving God; it's not about being seen. Why not encourage little acts of kindness - in secret. Talk about how pleasing it is to God, that we love others, without putting emphasis on how it makes us feel. If we empty ourselves of the need for earthly praise, we leave room for God to fill and overflow us with His love.</blockquote><br />On this, the feast day of St. Nicholas, let's steer our hearts (and those of our loved ones) back to thanking God, and working for His glory - not ours. Let's remember, the greatest gift is God's love, let's be happy to "give His love to others".<br /><br />Find an amazing array of information, products, and ideas at the <a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/home/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">St. Nicholas Center</span></a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Just for fun, here's a photo of the Saint Nicholas cookies I baked:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6e6oB87s6w/UqJFVrnB9pI/AAAAAAAAD9o/JCslTb4N5qA/s1600/St+Nick+cookie+tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6e6oB87s6w/UqJFVrnB9pI/AAAAAAAAD9o/JCslTb4N5qA/s320/St+Nick+cookie+tray.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-68117052543213394902013-12-06T11:00:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:38:34.124-08:00FAMW: Rembrandt Flashmob “The Night Watch”<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOn8XqSkFucmFM8YBKY9KPjBwK1T6y327DXHanFqdHn9ZJou5-seAI3eMs7ssNmWQzdmmO06YrzCvkFfehmN63c0lAniiAt4DAElxMRUQ8CHa-93GwXGTgvi7dVAeqqgeQZvQjFBMZH6U/s1600/720px-The_Nightwatch_by_Rembrandt.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOn8XqSkFucmFM8YBKY9KPjBwK1T6y327DXHanFqdHn9ZJou5-seAI3eMs7ssNmWQzdmmO06YrzCvkFfehmN63c0lAniiAt4DAElxMRUQ8CHa-93GwXGTgvi7dVAeqqgeQZvQjFBMZH6U/s1600/720px-The_Nightwatch_by_Rembrandt.jpg" width="265" height="220" style="float:right;margin:0 5px 10px 20px;" /></a>You remember the 1642 painting by <font color="darkred"><b>Rembrandt</b> Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669)</font> commonly known by the title above, but less well known as <font color="#000099"><b>“The Company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq and Lieutenant Willem van Ruytenburch preparing to march out,”</b></font> don't you? Sure you do. Have you ever wanted to see the painting come to life? What devotee of the great masters of Renaissance painting wouldn't?<br /><br /><iframe width="300" height="200" style="float:left;margin:0 20px 10px 0;" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/a6W2ZMpsxhg?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Here it is for your viewing pleasure, <a href="http://dailyrevolution.com/2013/06/06/rembrandt-flashmob-guards-of-the-night/" target="newwindow">at a shopping mall in the Netherlands</a>, complete with some guy stealing a chicken, guards rappelling down from the ceiling, other guards carrying big sticks not knowing what to do at first, still other guards riding horses in the aforementioned shopping mall, and a soundtrack written one-hundred-and-forty-three years later -- all for this week's <font color="#000099"><b>Friday Afternoon Moment of Whimsy</b></font>.<br /> adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-22743481649642886762013-12-06T07:25:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:42:11.380-08:00**JINGLE BELL GIVEAWAY** Author Interview-Christine Rimmer- Holiday Royale<h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>To continue my celebration of the holidays I'm so pleased to welcome an author who I love, a personal favorite who writes for Harlequin Special Edition, Christine Rimmer. Her Holiday romance Holiday Royale stars a royal and his soon to be Princess.<br />Enjoy the interview and some holiday cheer then Christine has graciously offered a signed copy of The Rancher's Christmas Princess which was last year's holiday Bravo Royale Story. <br />Details Below</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5nfjkBJKobNbPOEUp-ywvIyKCyM13srdjsXjAAfywGTmCvuVfa-XXa9JPIHod4vMmaB13QrdAxpxCz32XRjQvncG5juKVwDt9UpNZv9q6Qg6De6103MOZ5JBU4Eh0gCzkW-BoPNgKxQ/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5nfjkBJKobNbPOEUp-ywvIyKCyM13srdjsXjAAfywGTmCvuVfa-XXa9JPIHod4vMmaB13QrdAxpxCz32XRjQvncG5juKVwDt9UpNZv9q6Qg6De6103MOZ5JBU4Eh0gCzkW-BoPNgKxQ/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/link?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&offerid=239662.9781460322802&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.barnesandnoble.com%2FHoliday-Royale%2FChristine-Rimmer%2Fe%2F9781460322802"><img border="0" src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/232420000/232429551.JPG" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&bids=239662.9781460322802&type=2&subid=0" width="1" /> </div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386341385883_1123" style="border: 0px none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386341385883_1472" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386341385883_1473" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ISBN-13:</span> 978037365782<br /><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386341385883_1470" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Publisher: </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em;">Harlequin</span></li><li style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Publication date: </span>11/19/2013</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386341385883_1122" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Series:</span> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?series_id=366101" style="border: 0px none; color: #3169a8; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Harlequin Special Edition Series </a>, #2300</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386341385883_1128" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Format: </span>Mass Market Paperback</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386341385883_1129" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386341385883_1451" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pages: </span>224</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18050576-holiday-royale?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5nfjkBJKobNbPOEUp-ywvIyKCyM13srdjsXjAAfywGTmCvuVfa-XXa9JPIHod4vMmaB13QrdAxpxCz32XRjQvncG5juKVwDt9UpNZv9q6Qg6De6103MOZ5JBU4Eh0gCzkW-BoPNgKxQ/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5nfjkBJKobNbPOEUp-ywvIyKCyM13srdjsXjAAfywGTmCvuVfa-XXa9JPIHod4vMmaB13QrdAxpxCz32XRjQvncG5juKVwDt9UpNZv9q6Qg6De6103MOZ5JBU4Eh0gCzkW-BoPNgKxQ/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote style="background-color: orange; border: 2px solid #FFA500; padding: 10px;"><h4 style="text-align: center;">Christine has graciously offered<br />one signed copy US & Canada Only<br />of her Royale Bravo Holiday Romance<br />from last year<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zefy_NraZDsjTTVHidfmPcVq_zc157oITQgMLSQIFxSyvAmNT5chmONFU8pBkb5fFUSmk2vidTrWuOu6SvDUDR60o4o_SDEnE6W4KB_TCW7DPiaq-fhgqiv97_MkCsW8HR7E3TylXTw/s1600/The+Rancher's+Christmas+Princess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zefy_NraZDsjTTVHidfmPcVq_zc157oITQgMLSQIFxSyvAmNT5chmONFU8pBkb5fFUSmk2vidTrWuOu6SvDUDR60o4o_SDEnE6W4KB_TCW7DPiaq-fhgqiv97_MkCsW8HR7E3TylXTw/s200/The+Rancher's+Christmas+Princess.jpg" width="126" /></a><br />To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below<br />Thank You Christine!!<br />Good Luck!!</h4></blockquote><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5nfjkBJKobNbPOEUp-ywvIyKCyM13srdjsXjAAfywGTmCvuVfa-XXa9JPIHod4vMmaB13QrdAxpxCz32XRjQvncG5juKVwDt9UpNZv9q6Qg6De6103MOZ5JBU4Eh0gCzkW-BoPNgKxQ/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5nfjkBJKobNbPOEUp-ywvIyKCyM13srdjsXjAAfywGTmCvuVfa-XXa9JPIHod4vMmaB13QrdAxpxCz32XRjQvncG5juKVwDt9UpNZv9q6Qg6De6103MOZ5JBU4Eh0gCzkW-BoPNgKxQ/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Overview:<br /><i>A playboy prince is roped into giving love lessons to a young, innocent woman—only to find himself falling for his eager pupil, in USA TODAY bestselling author Christine Rimmer's newest addition to her Bravo Royales miniseries</i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Kaiti SC Black"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Kaiti SC Black";">
</span>.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;"> MY Review courtesy RT:</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11.5pt;">In this pseudo-Cinderella story, the nemesis of the adventurous heroine is illness, not wicked stepsisters; and her Prince Charming is the perfect royal playboy with the heart of gold. Rimmer’s formal dialogue fits the characters and regal backdrop like a glass slipper. And the love scenes ignite.” 4 ½ stars, TOP PICK! Debbie Haupt, RT BookReviews</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><i><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11.5pt;">_______________________________________________________________</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></i></div><br /><br /><b>Christine Welcome back to The Reading Frenzy – Happy Holidays!!</b><br /><b><i><span style="color: red;">Thanks so much. I’m very happy to be back. </span></i></b><br /><b><br />Tell us about your latest Special Edition release Holiday Royale.</b><br /><b><i><span style="color: red;">Holiday Royale is book 6 in my Bravo Royales miniseries for Harlequin Special Edition. This one is Damien’s story. He’s the player of the family. In fact, they call him the Player Prince. I love Dami. He’s actually a very fine, loving, generous soul. But he doesn’t give himself enough credit. <br /><br />Enter Lucy Cordell, who’s been ill for most of her life, but has finally had the surgery that allows her to get out and try her wings. Dami is Lucy’s friend and he can refuse her nothing. And Lucy has a very special favor to ask of him…<br /><br />Actually, I think of Holiday Royale as my “Very Special Favor” story. I’ve always wanted to write such a story, since way back when I read a Silhouette Intimate Moments by Kristin James (aka Candace Camp) called…<br />You guessed it. A Very Special Favor!</span></i></b><br /><div><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAobid0diufv09kL4-q6myBehMF2ieAOJp5RDu9Ts6zR7wlUTD8r2GKyan6uWfAcwHIBHOcEq0UxEMTbs2rjwkNIKuTS1SpJig8cV9UEztqUyC49QYC3Is0ITj3uEQh9a_DbrCKQkhT4M/s1600/Very+Special+favor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAobid0diufv09kL4-q6myBehMF2ieAOJp5RDu9Ts6zR7wlUTD8r2GKyan6uWfAcwHIBHOcEq0UxEMTbs2rjwkNIKuTS1SpJig8cV9UEztqUyC49QYC3Is0ITj3uEQh9a_DbrCKQkhT4M/s1600/Very+Special+favor.jpg" /></a><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /><br />I loved that book! I still own my original copy. The heroine’s a virgin who’s secretly in love with her hot lawyer boss and he catches her crying at her desk on her 30th birthday and makes her confess that life has passed her by and she’s a virgin and she’s thinking of going out and just picking up some stranger and getting it over with. Well, of course hot but tender-hearted boss can’t have his sweet, virgin secretary defiled by some guy in a bar. So he volunteers to do the job. Oh, just…yum!<br /><br />In Holiday Royale, Dami is hesitant to do what Lucy asks of him. He just doesn’t think of her that way, doesn’t want to seduce an innocent. At least not at the beginning…<br /><br />In this book, I had a lot of fun exploring the holiday traditions of my glamorous imaginary principality, Montedoro, on the Cote d’Azur. The first half of the book takes place there. And the second half? Manhattan! Nothing like New York City at Christmastime.</span></i></b><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br /><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I Love the cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell us about where it was taken.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">It</span><b><i><span style="color: red;">’s on the Bow Bridge in Central Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some say it’s one of the most romantic bridges in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I so agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially dusted with winter snow.</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What’s you favorite part of Dami and Lucy’s story?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I had a ball writing the opening, where she comes to him to ask her special favor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the scenes at the Prince’s Thanksgiving Bazaar in Montedoro were great fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I did love the scene when she finally admits what she really feels for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s as much of a surprise to her as to him.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfq6APdkHNhhiWWUnppYqnMlFIGybljEvrjuoMas0FOwWvP5TqwYpghGfITW3IpFvx7Eu57B5tuTFCyYCeIfm-TAlwaWe4t6HgaQMgX_5wCxjNR_GmGeU43l_xrde9DK204dV_9IqeSPE/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfq6APdkHNhhiWWUnppYqnMlFIGybljEvrjuoMas0FOwWvP5TqwYpghGfITW3IpFvx7Eu57B5tuTFCyYCeIfm-TAlwaWe4t6HgaQMgX_5wCxjNR_GmGeU43l_xrde9DK204dV_9IqeSPE/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Do you have special holiday traditions?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I love decorating the tree, making and eating my mom’s special fudge—and the music. I love Christmas music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I buy a new Christmas CD just about every year—yes we still have CDs at our house. ;)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have about 25 Christmas CDs now—everything from jazz to pop to heavy metal to new age and classical and country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love ‘em all.</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you look forward to the holiday season ending or does it depress you?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: red;">When I was younger, I remember feeling let down at the end of the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nowadays, not so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the many joys of the season, but then I like going back to real life, you might say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And of course experience tells me that the season will come around again as bright and full of love and joy as ever.</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Christine what are you working on now?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Now I’m writing a Montana Mavericks story for Special Edition. It will be out in July 2014, part of Montana Mavericks’ 20-year celebration. That’s right. The first Montana Maverick hit the stands in 1994! </span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What’s your favorite quiet time activity this time of the year?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Curling up with a good book—with Christmas music playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> :)</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thanks Christine, I hope you and your family have a wonderful season and that Santa brings you your heart’s desire.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>551</o:Words> <o:Characters>3145</o:Characters> <o:Company>Falk Harrison Creative</o:Company> <o:Lines>26</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>3862</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Thanks so much, Deb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to you and yours, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone, have a beautiful and blessed holiday season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>XOXO!</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4p41r7Jsr0NsUhlvhWLgnvt0XKPo9XW7cm2raMt48Ci0svML2PyqHPH0vvNGusf2YrC248sQqsKUeix-26w9IgqCalu_fvWPbrmlAGLX9AIcQom5Ls-mOWvUIILbic-ZSgSkgS3rQfUo/s1600/DSC02031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4p41r7Jsr0NsUhlvhWLgnvt0XKPo9XW7cm2raMt48Ci0svML2PyqHPH0vvNGusf2YrC248sQqsKUeix-26w9IgqCalu_fvWPbrmlAGLX9AIcQom5Ls-mOWvUIILbic-ZSgSkgS3rQfUo/s320/DSC02031.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Christine's Favorite Tyke enjoying the Tree</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMLf4Rrydzi197eb4KJRXCsFbJySkt7KTuzriMEh2HlsqwzE5YDvEdtcCg36gXApal0fCMiicJkyija4HDm8R209W7pvSE-MOA9wPBzDCM_2O9XvumWBQ2tshVw62j-NBwQ5dRFDferY/s1600/DSC02031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkSwcr-mgmOHDaGbc3LlNo3zaXli2ZiT4f4jFzQ_L9twgPx61F9gjd0U1BCO5Q8jQhCo1HGRShjn1lZ7ka_fF0OV6Y-zl4Ss-URV5k0Ieruk6UDXahlSfetkKSoCYEOJi0i0oPh7ljVc/s1600/pearls+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkSwcr-mgmOHDaGbc3LlNo3zaXli2ZiT4f4jFzQ_L9twgPx61F9gjd0U1BCO5Q8jQhCo1HGRShjn1lZ7ka_fF0OV6Y-zl4Ss-URV5k0Ieruk6UDXahlSfetkKSoCYEOJi0i0oPh7ljVc/s200/pearls+headshot.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11.5pt;">Connect with Christine <a href="http://www.christinerimmer.com/">Website</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/christine.rimmer.5">Facebook</a> </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></i></div></div><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/db549557/" id="rc-db549557" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script> <script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/203365739397590551/"></a> <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&offerid=311675.10000073&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="LinkShare_234x60" border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&bids=311675.10000073&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=3" /></a>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-15591301709444106642013-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:36:52.356-08:00[Our Friday Five] Jodie Edition<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oh7GETKXXYR41K_UpzUWvBh5wJysmKgb5g5AZnbs9ALZQgR6ADIHu0IXtRqgAL3k3oPm2Z6YQpgjNxZkZIrS-lmYPOHNbMwif2jcAEbLULI4hjJBtE1wFxHU2NirQkl-cBVWHOrNatkd/s1600/our+friday+five.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oh7GETKXXYR41K_UpzUWvBh5wJysmKgb5g5AZnbs9ALZQgR6ADIHu0IXtRqgAL3k3oPm2Z6YQpgjNxZkZIrS-lmYPOHNbMwif2jcAEbLULI4hjJBtE1wFxHU2NirQkl-cBVWHOrNatkd/s320/our+friday+five.png" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">01| Handmade District Holiday Craft Show</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(This is our friend's show...if you're local, you should check it out!)</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/543972_695441687146468_1869500356_n.jpg" style="height: 517px; width: 441px;" width="272" /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">02| <a href="http://lilluna.com/reindeer-treats/"> Reindeer Treats-Lil Luna</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt="Easy and Cute Rudolph Treats - the kids would love these!" class="size-full wp-image-40332 aligncenter" height="640" src="http://lilluna.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Easy-and-Cute-Rudolph-Treats-the-kids-would-love-these.jpg" width="424" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"></span> <span style="color: black;">Can't wait to make these cute little Rudolphs with the kids.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">03| Photo Printing App</span><br /><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"><img class="mainImage" src="http://jessicapwallin.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Printic_logo-500x231.png" style="background-color: white; height: 231px; width: 500px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="slideImage" height="265" src="http://printicapp.com/img/splash.jpeg" style="left: 0px; opacity: 1; top: -7.5px;" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">I love this app and actually think I'm addicted. It's so easy to pick and order your pictures from your phone. A few days later...your cute little polaroids show up in a little orange envelope. So cute!</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">04| <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2013/12/christmas_quotes_tags/">Christmas Prints + Tags</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt="Fun & Festive Christmas Prints from www.thirtyhandmadedays.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19318 pib-hover-img" height="630" src="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/christmasprints30daysblog.png" width="630" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">LOVE these from Mique at <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2013/12/christmas_quotes_tags/">Thirty Handmade Days.</a></span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">05| Story of My Life - One Direction</span><br /><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/W-TE_Ys4iwM" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are loving this song....how bout you?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">What's on your Friday 5 this week?</span><br /><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This post is sponsored by:</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Twinery" height="185" id="Image10_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxe15to86ruuc1gVgrKwSOMlpo7jagikPVdoRJKEE4TJ9E4rvZLCSOGqKZ5JNILEHVcVcJxVKCWLQC5GH9ajqPNAHrQegVwrKI41vRmqZ3G2dyHBTtogRqYF8fx2K55AGSkd30wOj8ApI/s1600/Twinery+Ad+Button+new-+185x185px.jpg" width="185" /></div>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-3075104754242909062013-12-06T03:00:00.001-08:002013-12-07T19:48:07.167-08:00Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is a snow day around here, and I could not be more excited! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjIRHoBkj21QfPZnrb4CSFtmdS_w9XRffSSoyRpKgM6Qtk_9t1dN_D-06bcf0YXUkh_PmAcBNQaSzYNwgHf93XcvPWqvoDabVUH9hs3mkDdPVYF4d2hH-InfLg5dAj0jJqSh6oDjObVGN/s1600/d7b11bf7e4aa0a233288f3db023c8b66-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjIRHoBkj21QfPZnrb4CSFtmdS_w9XRffSSoyRpKgM6Qtk_9t1dN_D-06bcf0YXUkh_PmAcBNQaSzYNwgHf93XcvPWqvoDabVUH9hs3mkDdPVYF4d2hH-InfLg5dAj0jJqSh6oDjObVGN/s1600/d7b11bf7e4aa0a233288f3db023c8b66-1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I spent all evening in a group text with teachers panicking and praying. It went something like this:</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Teacher 1: We won't have school tomorrow...right? Like give me a percentage for this likelihood.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Teacher 2: We're always one of the last to call it but surely!</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Teacher 3: The district to our north is closed.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Teacher 4: The district to the west is too.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Teacher 1: GUYS! The district to our east just call it! That's a big one!!! (emoji, emoji, emoji)</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Teachers 2, 3, 4: Woohoo! Come on, come one! We want to turn off our alarm!!</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Teacher 4: NO SCHOOL! I just got the automated call! NO SCHOOL!! NO SCHOOL!! NO SCHOOL!</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Teacher 3: I'm literally crying tears of joy.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Teachers 1, 2, 4: We believe you! Hahah! Congrats everyone!!</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hey, it's Texas! We overreact. We can't drive in snow or ice no matter how small the amount. But it's really, really working for me now.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now to what you are really interested in...the WINNER of our first week's giveaway! Drum roll, please. Brummmmmmm....</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And the winner is...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Tina M.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Congrats! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If this wasn't your lucky week, check back Monday for our new curly prize. <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/English-I-Shared-Reading-Guided-Lessons-788245" target="_blank">Click here</a> to purchase your own set of English I Shared Readings. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have a cozy weekend!</span></div>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-59841659130166401262013-12-06T03:00:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:38:34.130-08:00Father Nicholas: The REAL Santa Claus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTai2GbzoLnnm245fcye4voFn0CFm2RQMK95wVP2q30Df2gEi-964wRfS9KoIJz4d615K5UTL1AuXDDvmZY3u4gAU95Oyhs58yScSDKxW0sfP2BhWE_8gzZzcswUYrHfsVB3wkOdU-b24/s1600/sinterklaas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1.5em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="282" width="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTai2GbzoLnnm245fcye4voFn0CFm2RQMK95wVP2q30Df2gEi-964wRfS9KoIJz4d615K5UTL1AuXDDvmZY3u4gAU95Oyhs58yScSDKxW0sfP2BhWE_8gzZzcswUYrHfsVB3wkOdU-b24/s400/sinterklaas.jpg" /></a></div>When I was very young, some of my classmates would leave their shoes outside the bedroom door on the night of the fifth of December, so that <a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/" target="newwindow"><font color="darkred"><b>Saint Nicholas</b></font></a> would leave them treats.<br /><br />We never did that at our house, but I did ask Mom how it was that Saint Nicholas got to be called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_claus" target="newwindow">Santa Claus</a>. By this time I had already determined a connection between the two. But while my mother was salutatorian of her high school class -- there were ten students at most, but that's not the point -- she was not one to wear her erudition on her sleeve. So, rather than go into an entymological treatise on the subject, she simply told me: <font color="#000099"><b><i>“Say ‘Santa Claus’ three times real fast.”</i></b></font> That carried me over for at least a few years.<br /><br /><iframe width="265" height="220" style="float:left;margin:0 20px 10px 0;" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GaySP--97wc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>No good Catholic home is without an answer to the question of whether there is such a thing as Santa Claus. There is, but that is a corruption of his real name, one that developed over the centuries. By the time devotion to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_nicholas" target="newwindow">Saint Nicholas</a> reached Europe, he was known by different names. In the British Isles, he was known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Christmas" target="newwindow">"Father Christmas."</a> In the Netherlands, he was known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas" target="newwindow">"Sinterklaas,"</a> which is how we got the name that people use today. Whatever people call him, the Bishop of Myra in the fourth century is a real person, and he presently dwells in Heaven with the Communion of Saints.<br /><br />He was no lightweight. He was in attendance at the Council of Nicaea when the Arian heresy was being debated. At one point, he became so enraged with the Bishop Arius (whose errors were supported by the majority of bishops up to that time, remember), that he supposedly punched Arius in the nose. That's right, kids, Jolly Olde Saint Nick cold-cocked a heretic. (Some accounts say that he merely slapped him, but that's so pansy, who'd believe it?) Anyway, many of the bishops there, including the Emperor Constantine, were scandalized by the assault, and given their sympathies, had Nicholas thrown in the dungeon. That night, the Emperor had a dream where Nicholas appeared to him, adorned in his finest liturgical vesture, and holding the Book of the Gospels. Awakened with a fright, the Emperor summoned his guards, who joined him as he raced to the dungeon, to find Nicholas unchained, with ... you guessed it.<br /><br />The story varies in certain details. Some accounts tell of Our Lord and Our Lady appearing to Nicholas in the dungeon. I heard the above account from an "Old Calendar" Russian Orthodox priest. It is also said that Nicholas, now restored to his rightful place in the council, slept through the rest of the proceedings. I can't say I blame him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6O3R9rJ9Y-As2h3cM4PR-fBzmu7izKoNmPcC_3IWvtiBM0lGm-GBprlfJA2fO47WaUX-3HKqtocQDzIjKMqxkG7_c0E8pud8OmCMhQpQgwjpMAiFfk68hDY9jw_jd7SaUjvcD-BMyci5/s1600/bread-seal.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 5px 10px 20px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6O3R9rJ9Y-As2h3cM4PR-fBzmu7izKoNmPcC_3IWvtiBM0lGm-GBprlfJA2fO47WaUX-3HKqtocQDzIjKMqxkG7_c0E8pud8OmCMhQpQgwjpMAiFfk68hDY9jw_jd7SaUjvcD-BMyci5/s320/bread-seal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545816029894020114" /></a>At <a href="http://www.epiphanyofourlord.org/" target="newwindow">the little Byzantine Rite parish where my son learned the Faith</a>, as it had been taught to his mother, the Feast of Saint Nicholas is a really big deal. He is the patron of Byzantine Catholics, and his image graces the iconostasis on the far left side as viewed from the assembly. There is a special hymn dedicated to "Father Nicholas" ...<br /><br /><blockquote>O kto kto, Nikolaja l'ubit,<br />O kto kto, Nikolaju sluzit.<br /> Tomu svjatyj Nikolaj,<br /> Na vsjakij cas pomahaj.<br /> Nikolaj, Nikolaj!<br /><br />O who loves Nicholas the Saintly,<br />O who loves Nicholas the Saintly.<br /> Him will Nicholas receive,<br /> and give help in time of need.<br /> Nicholas, Nicholas!</blockquote><br />... and the children in the School of Religion program do a pageant in his honor every Sunday closest to the sixth of December. It culminates in the arrival of an elderly man with a long white beard, dressed in the robes of an Eastern bishop, with whom the children meet in much the same manner as they would his commercialized counterpart.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNmccJF3NrEpidDK8L6AhnUk3niN06NNmlNjyvUWtrLIl2yI5nwteSq414FKGwq7ejnS6GCpghhPIkv5tNfYhseLnLKxGDy20e9BUyKdrZa-cPZGLaVTRFupGAgax4VcPHohhjs9kTovn/s1600/bread-seal-plate.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 20px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNmccJF3NrEpidDK8L6AhnUk3niN06NNmlNjyvUWtrLIl2yI5nwteSq414FKGwq7ejnS6GCpghhPIkv5tNfYhseLnLKxGDy20e9BUyKdrZa-cPZGLaVTRFupGAgax4VcPHohhjs9kTovn/s320/bread-seal-plate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545816650649424994" /></a>Paul used to get special icon cookies to take home, much like the ones that appear in the photos, emblazoned with the words "O Holy Nicholas" in Slavonic. These unique gingerbread cookies are from a recipe which appears at the <a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=842" target="newwindow">stnicholascenter.org</a> website.<br /><br />I dearly miss that little parish. It has changed over the years. My duties at St John the Beloved have prevented me from attending there, and they have completed <a href="http://www.catholicherald.com/stories/With-wine-and-rose-water,17310?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=epiphany+byzantine&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=stories&town_id=" target="newwindow">a new and larger place of worship next to the original</a>, one that emulates the style common to Eastern Europe. But with every successful building project they have -- the parish hall, the rectory -- the place seems a little less homey, a little larger than life. Still, the spirit of Saint Nicholas reminds them every year, of the things that are passed on, and that remain the same.<br /><br />Now, enough of this self-indulgent soul-searching. <a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=842" target="newwindow">Let's go bake some cookies already!</a><br /> adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-10663502636255933412013-12-06T01:30:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:50:57.327-08:00St. Nicholas’s Day.<a href="javascript:dex('Christian Year')"><img class=i src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT-S-RdZVZDaTjQfOmjEu3MFDtj3rZAKmdiGj1_fTEWFD20pU5vkppnjR9sH2pfttlkPruG3nDXY8kf3ErC-nOaIpQJ2U272EXRQHjfYOdiU7Dv4ItjVePqEmULJzb08Zx-NZc6WuGXzk/s400/ChristianYear.jpg" title="The Christian Year"></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2010/12/santa-claus.html">Santa Claus</a> is based on an actual guy. He’d be Nikólaos of Myra, whom we also know as St. Nicolas. His feast day is today, in honor of his death on 6 December 343.<br /><br /><p>While a lot of people know about the Santa Claus mythology—whether it comes from Clement Moore’s poem, the Rankin-Bass animated specials, or the various movies which play with the Santa story—they tend to know little to nothing about the person at the back of it all. So let me rectify that.<br /><br /></p></p><a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2013/12/st-nicholass-day.html#more">Read more…</a>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-33043651891490723872013-12-06T01:00:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:50:57.356-08:00The Magnificat.<a href="javascript:dex('Advent')"><img class=i src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2agA1nAIfE/UpvaqQL90aI/AAAAAAAAFCU/njEXyuy8HT0/s400/AdventR.jpg" title="Scriptures for Advent"></a><br /><br /><p>The prophecy Mary gave to Elizabeth during her visit is called the <em>Magnificat</em> [män•YĒ•fē•kät] from the first word in its Latin translation, <i>Magnificat anima mea Dominum…</i>. It’s <a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2012/05/hebrew-poetry.html">a Hebrew poem</a> in that it repeats concepts. Some have wondered whether it’s a hymn which Mary composed on the spot. Or maybe she composed it beforehand, and came out with it now.<br /><br /><p>Those who don’t understand <a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-be-prophet.html">how prophecy and inspiration work,</a> tend to think of the Magnificat as something the Holy Spirit said through Mary, rather than something <i>Mary</i> said, empowered by the Spirit. They see her as some illiterate, uneducated peasant girl. In reality, the Spirit takes our innate abilities—the ones we have <i>all</i> the time, not just when we’re inspired—and points them at God. The Magnificat isn’t just a one-time freak of nature. Turns out Mary was a poet. Perhaps even a musician. Maybe untrained, with strong natural talents God put in her long before she said this. But maybe someone <i>had</i> trained her; we don’t know. All we have is her poem.<br /><br /></p></p><a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-magnificat.html#more">Read more…</a>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-22054318950044608542013-12-05T13:21:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:46:18.306-08:00Santa Claus is Coming Town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So excited to show off our Santa Claus's that we made today : ) I absolutely LOVE Deanna Jump's <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Math-and-Literacy-Fun-105205">Christmas Unit </a>because it is filled with fun activities for math and literacy. She is very detailed and knows what the kiddos like!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVwOFplrea8C0YqHs82gnx4GcZa7V4CyXGfWbAfhFJu-XYWJ476riLYVTtebTQmc9IPU5swPYw_qUMI_F64GLPXu_y5V1wT9YGH10YAvycVXsxCqdn2xs340_VYH8sh0Jvdj2IAXkYfU/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVwOFplrea8C0YqHs82gnx4GcZa7V4CyXGfWbAfhFJu-XYWJ476riLYVTtebTQmc9IPU5swPYw_qUMI_F64GLPXu_y5V1wT9YGH10YAvycVXsxCqdn2xs340_VYH8sh0Jvdj2IAXkYfU/s400/2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-I9F9gu01pRy_M4f2TRF8XamX95Y3eQ7ImFjhqhsGDFZ228R8ymVDSDyJrTle8qVgiwyrqw2IlXpm0bsTJE-EAD-pA0X_5M8eaLQ8bdCOrkeuTp7xURAMbXEMEtNRBPmaYS2p_2dHzVs/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-I9F9gu01pRy_M4f2TRF8XamX95Y3eQ7ImFjhqhsGDFZ228R8ymVDSDyJrTle8qVgiwyrqw2IlXpm0bsTJE-EAD-pA0X_5M8eaLQ8bdCOrkeuTp7xURAMbXEMEtNRBPmaYS2p_2dHzVs/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9An1rv8cqdA6CA51k86THmp72TrIHEBYKbSDR9zTravQZ1_Pot3jay5Am4Bk86Y-ieaj9-h0_xfgNmfoRYb5kR7cZXKiUio2P8oUvEepHieIV9C7gE1AyM9XdXFqsdg9gc0KNZVtDC0Y/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9An1rv8cqdA6CA51k86THmp72TrIHEBYKbSDR9zTravQZ1_Pot3jay5Am4Bk86Y-ieaj9-h0_xfgNmfoRYb5kR7cZXKiUio2P8oUvEepHieIV9C7gE1AyM9XdXFqsdg9gc0KNZVtDC0Y/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Something else that I have fallen in love with is the wonderful Rachelle's <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holidays-Around-the-World-Unit-literacy-and-social-studies-168973">Holidays Around the World Unit</a>. This is worth every penny and definitely focuses on the basics and importance of holidays in many countries. You can click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holidays-Around-the-World-Part-I-and-Part-II-Bundled-429282">HERE</a> to purchase Units 1 and 2 bundled at a discounted price!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clogs from the Netherlands<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CZt1qBiJtZtIa0-VaaeP5EIO4Pe-UkX07X86lOh0LJoqxcSwsEdbzl2uwf6-fohWlZRX3YpDvlPnfaSYGwOOHj_XNFKPxJlLJNBUmLAFychxfVvRQfw6tAwXL8Ubcgj2icnACygC32M/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CZt1qBiJtZtIa0-VaaeP5EIO4Pe-UkX07X86lOh0LJoqxcSwsEdbzl2uwf6-fohWlZRX3YpDvlPnfaSYGwOOHj_XNFKPxJlLJNBUmLAFychxfVvRQfw6tAwXL8Ubcgj2icnACygC32M/s400/image.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The poinsettia from Mexico </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKQ66X8OvL7ma7bS0xUIgAqrjNwQuFtlGq5b5cIDRIpTXWJNt1bFs78BO7Xbc5z1YSW7onI_bcZcX7pFEZWdSsmKbNHCF7KdvoN2hwq4ll7bDWQS7YCUN3M33cUX9AQQYJNSKZUR6iaU/s1600/image+(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKQ66X8OvL7ma7bS0xUIgAqrjNwQuFtlGq5b5cIDRIpTXWJNt1bFs78BO7Xbc5z1YSW7onI_bcZcX7pFEZWdSsmKbNHCF7KdvoN2hwq4ll7bDWQS7YCUN3M33cUX9AQQYJNSKZUR6iaU/s400/image+(4).jpeg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And just for fun, here is my Lily after her bath yesterday. Poor thing.. but she's so good : ) And then lets me (tolerates me) blow drying her so she's not a shaking little peanut!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVvxsVgvjRDjVQ5zJbUTW5eHowJt5u9smfbMJ34ijplyCwtfbDChNeOtNcPmep_32zC2E1koeHfoCAf1jJI2IU__Hjt_c84u8fYMibOyZIfSgWQn4j0Y5gUAYMJL5Ehqze_x8JI8tV20/s1600/image+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVvxsVgvjRDjVQ5zJbUTW5eHowJt5u9smfbMJ34ijplyCwtfbDChNeOtNcPmep_32zC2E1koeHfoCAf1jJI2IU__Hjt_c84u8fYMibOyZIfSgWQn4j0Y5gUAYMJL5Ehqze_x8JI8tV20/s400/image+(2).jpeg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I also baked cookies... yum! It's always important to take time for yourself (ha, I should take my own advice!) especially around the holidays : ) Take care, love you all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PMxp6ZCC7N2iDpbmlLWT5wC7rDwQS7e13d-fbPFQOT7Ne_aYd3SeQNvCsKcuI481igwiM7BODSbGZAOrBQh0hRcA674uQsbi_mQlFoaFx-2m2onUsixnNX2uYSowpuCkclzvwk6cAQg/s1600/image+(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PMxp6ZCC7N2iDpbmlLWT5wC7rDwQS7e13d-fbPFQOT7Ne_aYd3SeQNvCsKcuI481igwiM7BODSbGZAOrBQh0hRcA674uQsbi_mQlFoaFx-2m2onUsixnNX2uYSowpuCkclzvwk6cAQg/s400/image+(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Christmas Unit is on <a href="http://www.educents.com/featured-deals/christmas-ela-activities-k-1.html#lauralove2teach">Educents</a> right now! 43% off! I hope you can check it out : ) Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-ELA-Activities-K-1-989222">HERE</a> if you would love to purchase it on TPT... ho ho ho!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-ELA-Activities-K-1-989222"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSXBe1rWx09cFqMWmabhbXGWqefxSZ7Yyw6plGFss-o_aJo7fdbRO4fSkFWNF3kdmwoDOTkiFYuR3yin-uW9xNqcJJr0x2QydfPjp6tWI39fVylECjGz7kM17Cxy00fcmYwFCemrz0E0/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-ELA-Activities-K-1-989222"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3kllmUpUo4KJJfjzQwnrGodN9En947KhF1hYZQX_z8ka0_adnRjJ_Un3GiTJ24Wm8NY8fC7kOM0-QbJN0LDz7eIWIaTOsqAWvAF53z6GZLNOAUQhU45jnAJYkclSEvzYjGb9shV5U3U/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-3939965790155781772013-12-05T11:32:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:42:11.397-08:00**GIVEAWAY** Reel Stuff- Author Interview Don Bruns<h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Help me welcome Don Bruns who is celebrating the 7th novel release in his "Stuff" series. Then after enjoying our interview enter the contest for an author signed copy of Reel Stuff.</h4><div><br /></div><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/link?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&offerid=239662.9781608090969&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.barnesandnoble.com%2FReel-Stuff%2FDon-Bruns%2Fe%2F9781608090969"><img border="0" src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/210160000/210169973.JPG" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&bids=239662.9781608090969&type=2&subid=0" width="1" /> <br /><br /><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386270502808_859" style="border: 0px none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ISBN-13:</span> 9781608090969</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386270502808_1190" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386270502808_1191" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Publisher: </span>Oceanview Publishing</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386270502808_1188" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386270502808_1189" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Publication date: </span>12/3/2013</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386270502808_858" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386270502808_1187" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Series:</span> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?series_id=643701" style="border: 0px none; color: #3169a8; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">The Stuff Series </a>, #7</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386270502808_865" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386270502808_1186" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pages: </span>295</li><li></li></ul><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18899029-reel-stuff?from_search=true" target="_blank"><br /> <img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18899029-reel-stuff?from_search=true" target="_blank"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18899029-reel-stuff?from_search=true" target="_blank"><br /></a> <br /><blockquote style="background-color: orange; border: 2px solid #FFA500; padding: 10px;"><h4 style="text-align: center;"> Don & His Publisher <a href="http://oceanviewpub.com/">Oceanview</a> is<br />Offering one Autographed copy<br />US Only of Reel Stuff<br />Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter<br />Thanks Don & Oceanview<br />Good Luck!</h4></blockquote><blockquote><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Overview:<br /></b></span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Is it suicide or murder when Academy Award winning actor Jason Londell leaps to his death during the filming of a TV show in Miami? Londell's actress girlfriend hires private investigators James Lessor and Skip Moore to investigate. They uncover a plot loaded with twists and fueled by money and greed. The case sends James, Skip, and Skip's girlfriend Emily to Los Angeles where the blonde beauty goes undercover in Hollywood and is "discovered" by a talent agent. <br /></i></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <br /><br /></span></span></span> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>397</o:Words> <o:Characters>2267</o:Characters> <o:Company>Falk Harrison Creative</o:Company> <o:Lines>18</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2784</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br /><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Don, Hi Welcome to The Reading Frenzy<br />Tell us a little about Reel Stuff</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The idea behind Reel Stuff came about when I was in Miami and saw Charlie's Angels being filmed in a city park. Security guys were keeping people out of the park, and it looked like the kind of work Skip and James, my two young detectives, would get. A couple bucks for a couple days work. Then I wondered what would happen if someone were to die on that set under mysterious circumstances.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">This is your 7th in the “Stuff” series<br />Is there an end number</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Skip Lessor and James Moore are young and have a lot of life left in them. If they don't get killed!</span></i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">How are the novels connected?</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There's a very strong friendship between Skip, James and Skip's girlfriend Emily. The reviews and the readers are always commenting on how close the three are, even though there are always surface tensions. Anyone who reads this series is going to immediately identify these relationships. We've all had friendships that are strong, and we've all had some rough patches with those friends.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Don on your website you mention that Sue Grafton mentored you when you were a fledgling writer.<br />Do you still keep in touch with her?<br />Does she still read your manuscripts?</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="gmw"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes and no. I see her from time to time</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="gmw"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and we catch up. Her career seems to be somewhat stronger than mine.</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Don you describe yourself as a “road weary musician”.<br />Is the road where you pick up your novel ideas?</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I traveled with a friend from college, doing music and standup comedy back in the seventies. In many ways we were Skip and James. We always had each other's back. We worked Playboy Clubs, Vegas, Holiday Inns, and warmed up acts like Ray Charles, The Four Seasons, Ricky Nelson and others.</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Don, which is more difficult to write a song or to write a novel?</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A song doesn't take as much time. But often times there's almost as much thought given to a good story song. You have to compress so much into such a short space. Harry Chapin's Cat's In The Cradle takes a life from birth to adulthood in under five minutes and describes characters, weaves a story and develops a pretty good plot.<br /></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /><br /></span><span class="gmw"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Your website also</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></span><span class="gmgmee31b46a-1981-b509-fdec-c3ac2971b2a0gm-spell"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">tell</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></span><span class="gmw"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">that you and three friends opened a used bookstore.</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><br />Tell fans here about it.</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="gmw"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We had the store for about six years, in a 1905 grocery store. We were victims of the</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="gmgm2589a155-2cd5-9c16-dcaf-15ec5f5cb987gm-spell"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ebook</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="gmw"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">craze. We had a lot of mystery writers stop in for signings, but after six years it was time to close it down. Also, in my small hometown in Ohio, no one reads!</span></i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><!--EndFragment--><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /><br /></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Don, thanks so much for answering a few questions.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Will there be a physical tour with this book?There will be a tour. We start in New Orleans in December and all dates are on my website at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.donbrunsbooks.com/">www.donbrunsbooks.com </a></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></blockquote><blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span></blockquote> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPk0iq0BShzSmJMBYlP69pklPOlsgg5Mt23NynxvHZgdreVplHK2KjfogNt6NgGK2i3obtoPKIsfENDyJNVGpIazxowaOWzAZ9SfaoiXxlK1L_KxcH4oim0G5Pcvo87jc5GwHQ75E0CM4/s1600/don1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPk0iq0BShzSmJMBYlP69pklPOlsgg5Mt23NynxvHZgdreVplHK2KjfogNt6NgGK2i3obtoPKIsfENDyJNVGpIazxowaOWzAZ9SfaoiXxlK1L_KxcH4oim0G5Pcvo87jc5GwHQ75E0CM4/s200/don1.jpg" width="121" /></a><br />Connect with Don <a href="http://www.donbrunsbooks.com/">Website </a>- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-Stuff/269449046504645">Facebook</a><br /><br />Don's Music<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/db549556/" id="rc-db549556" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script> <script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/203365739397586592/"></a> <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/fs-bin/click?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&offerid=233310.10003487&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="Wal-Mart.com USA, LLC" border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&bids=233310.10003487&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=3" /></a>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-67144637954192283132013-12-05T08:27:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:52:14.053-08:00If You Have Veiling on Your Mind - Advent Veil GiveawayHas there been a little nudge, maybe a whisper on your heart, about veiling during Holy Mass? That’s how it was for me. After years of pushing these thoughts out of my consciousness, I finally found my resolve when I re-encountered on old friend at a 50th anniversary Mass for a priest friend. She was wearing a veil and so I asked her about it at the following reception. Not only did she lend one of her veils to me, she gave me the insight to make my decision. If you've had veiling on your mind, maybe this post - or one of the others in this linkup - will give you that final little push.<br /><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A89j2gZdzKs/UpLmjDcYB9I/AAAAAAAAD5w/n61mTKtpol8/s1600/Advent+Veil+Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A89j2gZdzKs/UpLmjDcYB9I/AAAAAAAAD5w/n61mTKtpol8/s200/Advent+Veil+Giveaway.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Win this beautiful black and silver veil!</td></tr></tbody></table>So why veil? What makes veiling a desirable practice and why is it that the urge seems to be hitting more and more women these days? Let's look at our current state of affairs for a plausible (in my opinion) answer. We're seeing an across the board tone of disrespect, selfishness, and casual attitudes unlike any in my lifetime. From the barrage of shocking 'celebrity' antics to the commercialization of even the sacred, we are being inundated with negative human characteristics. Abortion is backup birth control, children play violent games, and clothing is far from modest. It's enough to make me feel downright negative sometimes - but then I stop and raise my thoughts to God, and all that He is and all He has given us. This world is ours - to make of what we will. The gift of Free Will is ours and all we need to do, to make the world a better place, is within our own grasp. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I've been on a quest of sorts, to improve my own little corner of the world. As one of my friends likes to say, 'bloom where you grow'. Instead of focusing on the negative, that can be found all around us, I deliberately choose to create an atmosphere of the positive. I am a Gift of God. He made me and gave me the means to share my gifts with family, friends, and the world. If I obsess about the negative, I will leave a negative imprint on those with whom I interact. But if I choose a cheerful heart, it might just prove to be contagious - thus improving life for myself and others.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what does all of this have to do with veiling? For me, veiling is an outward sign that I have respect - respect for myself as a godly woman and respect for Jesus, present in the Eucharist. While I don't veil to please others, it is a sign that others can see. Veiling, for me, says that I acknowledge that I am in the Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am not of the earthly world, I belong to the Eternal Life to come. As I <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span id="goog_561509347"></span>lift the veil to my head</span><span id="goog_561509348"></span></a>, I become acutely aware that I am entering the Divine Presence. The weight of the fabric, the curtain it creates, gives me feeling of inspiration - a calm comes over me and I feel much more able to focus. In turn, the worldly concerns fall away - my soul lifts up to the divine. In veiling, I join a long line of women - like the Blessed Mother Mary - who practiced veiling. While it is no longer mandatory, veiling is still an optional, devotional act that is pleasing to God.<br /><br /></div><div>With Advent just beginning, why not consider veiling as a devotion to try - as a preparation for the coming of the King of Kings? As a 'little Lent', this time of anticipation and preparation would be a great time to humbly step out of our comfort zone. Like me, you might just find that it's not as difficult as you suspected. My daughter and I are still the only ones who veil at our parish, yet we find it to be a blessing. After a year and a half now, I doubt that our fellow parishioners even notice anymore - and even if they do, we are comfortable in performing this act of reverence for Jesus.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3ttI81rWGQ/UqFrAeY0U0I/AAAAAAAAD8k/60zXTuqmyvo/s1600/Veil+pouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3ttI81rWGQ/UqFrAeY0U0I/AAAAAAAAD8k/60zXTuqmyvo/s200/Veil+pouch.jpg" width="200" /></a>If you're considering veiling (or already do), be sure to check out the <a href="http://designsbybirgit.blogspot.com/2013/11/veils-and-advent-veiling-blog-link-up.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">VEIL GIVEAWAY</span></a> going on From Thursday, December 5 through Monday, December 9 below. If you're the winner, it might just be that extra nudge you need!<br /><br />SURPRISE second item to be given away! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/josiekatstrunk/search?search_query=catholic&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Josiekat's Trunk</a> has donated a beautiful Mantilla Pouch from <br />their Etsy shop. Since my chapel veil comes with its own organza bag, I'll draw a second name for this new item.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/25ae330/" id="rc-25ae330" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GyFUkbRNiME/UpLmGDqEv0I/AAAAAAAAD5o/HYb_qQRxQHE/s1600/Veil+Designs+by+Birgit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GyFUkbRNiME/UpLmGDqEv0I/AAAAAAAAD5o/HYb_qQRxQHE/s320/Veil+Designs+by+Birgit.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Follow this link to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151097449426760.487581.402602941759&type=3">Veil Designs by Birgit</a> to see some of the veils available for sale.</div>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-82350951622930440992013-12-05T07:29:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:36:52.365-08:00Santa Claus Is Coming To Town // NEW Christmas Print<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We have a new print to share with you today!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">One that will have you singing every time you pass by it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And, it's a good little reminder for the kiddos too. ;)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqOksogwL2vdEucSq4Vxa3z4PNGJfhCbODhP6CjrNChV4C0AtsJcLH3Zlm58F2bLF_wBlwal5O20-DfDDnaRv5RvwR1SxJn30co6DgjSoADE5vqGrXmtD-gAJq9HpA_oP0gCs58RPM0R8/s1600/santa-claus-printable-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqOksogwL2vdEucSq4Vxa3z4PNGJfhCbODhP6CjrNChV4C0AtsJcLH3Zlm58F2bLF_wBlwal5O20-DfDDnaRv5RvwR1SxJn30co6DgjSoADE5vqGrXmtD-gAJq9HpA_oP0gCs58RPM0R8/s1600/santa-claus-printable-web.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are three different color options to choose from...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Which one will you pick?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kGpDiaNcCLH4y6tR81yc02hqZYWZPSuVqk3ebLsTszKd0QX93vI3WNqA8wRkTzhXLBE0bDiKtIlEP2v1ynuUseaUGRPY_f52h6gnL95bB17JGd-pDMc0Kb1JLMLlns-mwkeTB7G5h4yN/s1600/santas+coming+to+town+16x20+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kGpDiaNcCLH4y6tR81yc02hqZYWZPSuVqk3ebLsTszKd0QX93vI3WNqA8wRkTzhXLBE0bDiKtIlEP2v1ynuUseaUGRPY_f52h6gnL95bB17JGd-pDMc0Kb1JLMLlns-mwkeTB7G5h4yN/s200/santas+coming+to+town+16x20+color.jpg" width="160" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvfPVL3EQwcEA75JYLyiTCyoph_-V-pnZqhHRN7YUjeTamp3UoXWyQZ8ZIvZzQiy9jCeMUUeClIO3vsX19QGjcpaqFZTZcoikmzzcYxSoneUHS_qvlqYFpzwnWAkGHlWl_uowu2xtXfR2/s1600/santas+coming+to+town+16x20+red+gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvfPVL3EQwcEA75JYLyiTCyoph_-V-pnZqhHRN7YUjeTamp3UoXWyQZ8ZIvZzQiy9jCeMUUeClIO3vsX19QGjcpaqFZTZcoikmzzcYxSoneUHS_qvlqYFpzwnWAkGHlWl_uowu2xtXfR2/s200/santas+coming+to+town+16x20+red+gold.jpg" width="160" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc35TCo8-sPU18pYg9dwmBNZQhCJ31in0FSds8msos6N0VfVAn82HilVhd_rVeVfzNGDb8kpKpiXfWaYSx5pg7f9xdJGlYusTdzmlW_k-h1iMJsjYwRYF-_-iF9Mt0H2FlMvRGcCHKBjsO/s1600/santas+coming+to+town+16x20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc35TCo8-sPU18pYg9dwmBNZQhCJ31in0FSds8msos6N0VfVAn82HilVhd_rVeVfzNGDb8kpKpiXfWaYSx5pg7f9xdJGlYusTdzmlW_k-h1iMJsjYwRYF-_-iF9Mt0H2FlMvRGcCHKBjsO/s200/santas+coming+to+town+16x20.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">download these 16x20 prints</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://app.box.com/s/pmkpw2ft87y3dn5i7d2h" target="_blank">multi-colored</a> //<a href="https://app.box.com/s/2axo6phgylnxm413pvo0" target="_blank"> red + gold </a>// <a href="https://app.box.com/s/ya7mtgou7w5p01v95p45" target="_blank">black + white</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(remember these can be printed as 8x10's too)</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">____________________</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">this post is sponsored by:</span><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetpotatoshop" target="_blank"><img alt="sweet potato shop" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOZOcG2SrXgRsNCIJ6yIYMsvZx9JZaxOfCrvo8UjTsSHR0GzOiIPJgJkKFOxKRWLPZdPbPE58tgffHC2jkWZ95x2QaGPQaIQP_QLlZq5EOjlpqIwJDn_gbKzrRMGmIHDAYL8R5JuK7du2/s1600/sweet+potato+shop.jpg" /></a></div>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-5581010142992130142013-12-05T06:33:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:42:11.408-08:00Interview with December's featured author Paula Brackston- The Winter Witch<h4> We start our December featured read discussion on Monday 12-9 and I thought you'd like to get to know Paula a bit better before we do.</h4><div><br /></div><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/link?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&offerid=239662.9781250042705&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.barnesandnoble.com%2FThe-Winter-Witch%2FPaula-Brackston%2Fe%2F9781250042705"><img border="0" src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/221290000/221298569.JPG" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&bids=239662.9781250042705&type=2&subid=0" width="1" /> <br /><br /><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386253960637_1315" style="border: 0px none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386253960637_1314" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ISBN-13:</span> 9781250001313</li><li style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Publisher: </span>St. Martin's Press</li><li style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Publication date: </span>1/29/2013</li><li style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Edition description: </span>First Edition</li><li style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Edition number: </span>1</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386253960637_1662" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386253960637_1664" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pages: </span>352</li></ul><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15702859-the-winter-witch?from_search=true" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzHcsh5ocj78zJIBskKuC41NJOFVTBXEnAJF30tEvEqpP5N6qB38W20Tqi76hiM-NdnEdG4kSDrBthFN32iWm44KQV9CVClMSgJxcWvxqOlaPyFnbdZppOcDoiMuZWN7mU6mdc4w41eU/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzHcsh5ocj78zJIBskKuC41NJOFVTBXEnAJF30tEvEqpP5N6qB38W20Tqi76hiM-NdnEdG4kSDrBthFN32iWm44KQV9CVClMSgJxcWvxqOlaPyFnbdZppOcDoiMuZWN7mU6mdc4w41eU/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15702859-the-winter-witch?from_search=true" target="_blank"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><blockquote style="background-color: orange; border: 2px solid #FFA500; padding: 10px;"><h4 style="text-align: center;">Between now and December 7th enter to win a copy<br />to share with someone you know will enjoy the<br />read or maybe you know someone who'd it would<br />make the perfect Christmas Gift for<br />Enter <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15702859-the-winter-witch?from_search=true">HERE</a> through Goodreads</h4></blockquote><br /><b> Paula Welcome back to The Reading Frenzy, I’m so happy you agreed to contribute to our December feature.</b><br /><div class="Body"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Hi Debbie, thank you so much for inviting me, and for choosing my book.</b></i></span></div><div class="Body"><br /></div><div class="Body"><b>What is the appeal of witches to you?</b></div><div class="Body"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Witches offer me such scope, as a writer. There are different kinds, after all, with hugely differing types of magic and gifts. And I love writing about strong, courageous, clever women, and witches are often a combination of these things. They have to be!</span></b></i></div><div class="Body"><br /></div><div class="Body"><b>Paula, was there a particular catalyst that led you to write The Winter Witch?</b></div><div class="Body"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>As you know, I live in a mountainous part of Wales, and I wanted to write about the landscape I grew up in and love so much. In my book trailer for The Winter Witch it says 'wild places make wild people' and that is the where the idea for Morgana came from. I see her as very much a product of her environment. My aim was to give readers a small taste of what it might be like to live in such a place, and to show the resilience of people who led rural existences here nearly two hundred years ago. They lived on the edge - a poor harvest, a bad winter, illness, all these things could spell disaster for a hill farmer. It was a testing, isolated, and often dangerous existence.</b></i></span></div><div class="Body"><br /></div><div class="Body"><b>You have a new novel coming out in March of 2014 titled The Midnight Witch.<br />Can you tell us a bit about it?</b></div><div class="Body"><i><b><span style="color: red;">After so many months writing about mountains and mud I thought I'd try a bit of urban glamour!</span></b></i></div><div class="Body"><i><b><span style="color: red;">The Midnight Witch is set among the aristocracy of 1913 London, just as the First World War is about to start. Lady Lilith Montgomery is fabulously wealthy, beautiful, the daughter of a duke, and, of course, a witch. She belongs to a powerful coven that comes under threat. Since she has inherited the title of Head Witch from her late father she is put in a difficult and dangerous situation, made more complicated by the fact that she falls in love with a non-witch artist who comes from a class, and indeed a world, very different to her own. Her loyalties are divided at a time when everything she cares about is at stake.</span></b></i></div><div class="Body"><br /></div><div class="Body"><b>The Midnight Witch will be your third book, fourth if you count your short story The Witches of the Blue Well.</b><br /><i><b><span style="color: red;">How has your writing changed, or has it?</span></b></i></div><div class="Body"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Well, a writer has to feel her most recent work is her best, surely! I have to feel I am striving to do better each time I sit down at my desk. I'm not sure my writing has changed significantly in other ways though. Perhaps my readers are better placed to answer this question.</span></b></i></div><div class="Body"><br /></div><div class="Body"><b>Paula, are you a full time author?</b></div><div class="Body"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I am, and I feel so fortunate to be able to say that. I gave up lecturing part-time at one of our local universities a little over two years ago now. I miss the interaction with the students - it was a privilege to spend time with other people passionate about writing - but it is wonderful to be able to concentrate on my own books. Every morning I am excited to start work. And the daily commute is a breeze.</span></i></b></div><div class="Body"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Giving up paid employment was scary, but for me, and for my family, it was definitely the right decision. I'm quite self-disciplined (so long as we're not talking about biscuits) and work pretty much to school hours in term time. In the holidays I continue to write for at least two hours a day. I'll sometimes have a few months of putting in late evening shifts (ten o'clock to midnight) to keep the momentum going and meet a deadline. I'm always happiest when I'm writing. It is my work, my creative outlet, and my meditation. The fact that it now also provides for my family feels like a huge achievement. I know I'm very lucky.</span></i></b></div><div class="Body"><br /></div><div class="Body"><b>I know that you get much inspiration from the wilds of your native Wales.<br />If you had the chance to live anywhere on earth, would you move, and where would it be?</b></div><div class="Body"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Ooh, tricky. There are times, I'll admit, when somewhere a little warmer and sunnier sounds like an excellent idea. In which case it would probably be southern France. I love the climate, the countryside, and the culture there. But I would pine for Wales, I know I would. Still, once the children have left school, given that I can write anywhere, well, who knows...?</span></i></b></div><div class="Body"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrZhMpD1j7_rUsl8dSaUrWkV_dGAJpRNTA0pgQ9a9YcbGSMRl4yp5E5yAp6NKZOfiGUrs3t15PSbnKoz4TqA9vbkyPyaWY0Nifk9FOYeYGrYkjEf7oBJrN3docffFW38dNwM-Hv15ePQ/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrZhMpD1j7_rUsl8dSaUrWkV_dGAJpRNTA0pgQ9a9YcbGSMRl4yp5E5yAp6NKZOfiGUrs3t15PSbnKoz4TqA9vbkyPyaWY0Nifk9FOYeYGrYkjEf7oBJrN3docffFW38dNwM-Hv15ePQ/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" /></a></span></i></b></div><br /><div class="Body"><b><br /></b></div><div class="Body"><b><br /></b></div><div class="Body"><b><br /></b></div><div class="Body"><b><br /></b></div><div class="Body"><b><br /></b></div><div class="Body"><b><br /></b></div><div class="Body"><b>Paula, how do you and your family celebrate the Holidays?</b></div><div class="Body"><b><i><span style="color: red;">We are real home birds, and the children insist all the traditions are observed - Advent calendars, a tree, stockings up on Christmas Eve, food out for the reindeer (much to the cats' delight), drink and mince pie left for Santa, carol singing, Christmas movies.... We have friends and relatives to stay and eat all sort of unnecessary things. It usually snows up here, so a deal of time is spent sledging, building snowmen, or de-icing the pets. I shop and my partner cooks, so by Christmas morning I am officially off duty for a few days and it's bliss! </span></i></b></div><div class="Body"><br /></div><div class="Body"><b>Paula thanks for answering these questions. I can’t wait for the discussion to begin!</b></div><div class="Body"><i><b><span style="color: red;">If there's one thing I enjoy more than writing my books it's talking about my books, so I'm really looking forward to this too!</span></b></i></div><div class="Body"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizp678h-Y_mWeZcJPZBuZAs06lTHZs18cHVjBG4C93Otp4arCk3afY-mgC0maFv2X1iX_CzXnc-2ewU6EzD1WsSd0HSgQY-Npv0r9gUUyBABoUODhkTcVEhT25bUx59RQUy_vDDbUwZ_k/s1600/spooky_writer_800x533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizp678h-Y_mWeZcJPZBuZAs06lTHZs18cHVjBG4C93Otp4arCk3afY-mgC0maFv2X1iX_CzXnc-2ewU6EzD1WsSd0HSgQY-Npv0r9gUUyBABoUODhkTcVEhT25bUx59RQUy_vDDbUwZ_k/s320/spooky_writer_800x533.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Connect with Paula <a href="http://www.paulabrackston.com/">Website</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/worldofpaulabrackston">Facebook</a> - <a href="http://www.paulabrackston.com/blog/">Blog</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pNcJKMeX800" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />Be sure and come back Monday as we start the novel discussion! <script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/203365739397585592/"></a> <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/fs-bin/click?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&offerid=233310.10003487&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="Wal-Mart.com USA, LLC" border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&bids=233310.10003487&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=3" /></a>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-4250743285294642252013-12-05T06:30:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:52:14.068-08:00Do You Have Veiling on Your Mind?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJYniqvkOjw/Upv08nfz2zI/AAAAAAAAD7k/k22TfrCR7oU/s1600/Rachel%2527s+veil+-+cutout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJYniqvkOjw/Upv08nfz2zI/AAAAAAAAD7k/k22TfrCR7oU/s200/Rachel%2527s+veil+-+cutout.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>Has there been a little nudge, maybe a whisper on your heart, about veiling during Holy Mass? That’s how it was for me. After years of pushing these thoughts out of my consciousness, I finally found my resolve when I re-encountered on old friend at a 50th anniversary Mass for a priest friend. She was wearing a veil and so I asked her about it at the following reception. Not only did she lend one of her veils to me, she gave me the insight to make my decision. If you've had veiling on your mind, maybe this post - or one of the others in this linkup - will give you that final little push.<br /><div><br /></div><div>So why veil? What makes veiling a desirable practice and why is it that the urge seems to be hitting more and more women these days? Let's look at our current state of affairs for a plausible (in my opinion) answer. We're seeing an across the board tone of disrespect, selfishness, and casual attitudes unlike any in my lifetime. From the barrage of shocking 'celebrity' antics to the commercialization of even the sacred, we are being inundated with negative human characteristics. Abortion is backup birth control, children play violent games, and clothing is far from modest. It's enough to make me feel downright negative sometimes - but then I stop and raise my thoughts to God, and all that He is and all He has given us. This world is ours - to make of what we will. The gift of Free Will is ours and all we need to do, to make the world a better place, is within our own grasp. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been on a quest of sorts, to improve my own little corner of the world. As one of my friends likes to say, 'bloom where you grow'. Instead of focusing on the negative, that can be found all around us, I deliberately choose to create an atmosphere of the positive. I am a Gift of God. He made me and gave me the means to share my gifts with family, friends, and the world. If I obsess about the negative, I will leave a negative imprint on those with whom I interact. But if I choose a cheerful heart, it might just prove to be contagious - thus improving life for myself and others.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what does all of this have to do with veiling? For me, veiling is an outward sign that I have respect - respect for myself as a godly woman and respect for Jesus, present in the Eucharist. While I don't veil to please others, it is a sign that others can see. Veiling, for me, says that I acknowledge that I am in the Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am not of the earthly world, I belong to the Eternal Life to come. As I <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span id="goog_561509347"></span>lift the veil to my head</span><span id="goog_561509348"></span></a>, I become acutely aware that I am entering the Divine Presence. The weight of the fabric, the curtain it creates, gives me feeling of inspiration - a calm comes over me and I feel much more able to focus. In turn, the worldly concerns fall away - my soul lifts up to the divine. In veiling, I join a long line of women - like the Blessed Mother Mary - who practiced veiling. While it is no longer mandatory, veiling is still an optional, devotional act that is pleasing to God.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A89j2gZdzKs/UpLmjDcYB9I/AAAAAAAAD5w/n61mTKtpol8/s1600/Advent+Veil+Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A89j2gZdzKs/UpLmjDcYB9I/AAAAAAAAD5w/n61mTKtpol8/s200/Advent+Veil+Giveaway.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Win this beautiful black and silver veil!</td></tr></tbody></table>With Advent just beginning, why not consider veiling as a devotion to try - as a preparation for the coming of <br />the King of Kings? As a 'little Lent', this time of anticipation and preparation would be a great time to humbly step out of our comfort zone. Like me, you might just find that it's not as difficult as you suspected. My daughter and I are still the only ones who veil at our parish, yet we find it to be a blessing. After a year and a half now, I doubt that our fellow parishioners even notice anymore - and even if they do, we are comfortable in performing this act of reverence for Jesus.<br /><br />If you're considering veiling (or already do), be sure to check out the <a href="http://designsbybirgit.blogspot.com/2013/11/veils-and-advent-veiling-blog-link-up.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">VEIL GIVEAWAY</span></a> going on From Thursday, December 5 through Monday, December 9 here:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/25ae330/" id="rc-25ae330" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GyFUkbRNiME/UpLmGDqEv0I/AAAAAAAAD5o/HYb_qQRxQHE/s1600/Veil+Designs+by+Birgit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GyFUkbRNiME/UpLmGDqEv0I/AAAAAAAAD5o/HYb_qQRxQHE/s320/Veil+Designs+by+Birgit.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Follow this link to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151097449426760.487581.402602941759&type=3">Veil Designs by Birgit</a> to see some of the veils available for sale.</div>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-60336495261409771692013-12-05T03:00:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:48:07.200-08:00Flash Shakespeare: Are you WILLing?<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>lines delivered by Lori</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love Shakespeare. Any English teacher worth her salt could skip her morning coffee for a planning session with Shakespeare and feel just as energized...if not more! And that's actually what just happened a couple of weeks ago! My nerdy Shakespeare buddy Nikki and I were planning through Act I of <i>Julius Caesar</i>. She would bring up a particular moment in the play and I would immediately start quoting lines with true Elizabethan gusto. It was hilarious! We were having a great time. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And then we were simultaneously brilliant. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Me: What if I just walked into your class one day and started spewing lines of Shakespeare?</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Nikki: Oh man...my kids would be like...whaaaaat???</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Me: Hahaha! Yeah...then you could join in and it would be like, like, um like a flash mob except only with Shakespeare.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Nikki: Flash Shakespeare?!</i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcoNzeMit2aLGMZvdH-FOf4rnnMwE6qgdrzUrRfemp56APQCW-pDeY7e3EXgxTB5CRvw1JtsPbTQMEYqSkDbGAYCmuSzKHJ8VpeK94U6qerRznKVPLfUwI0qVS1YtcgM8-rw-hFnSMhQ5/s1600/cool+will.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcoNzeMit2aLGMZvdH-FOf4rnnMwE6qgdrzUrRfemp56APQCW-pDeY7e3EXgxTB5CRvw1JtsPbTQMEYqSkDbGAYCmuSzKHJ8VpeK94U6qerRznKVPLfUwI0qVS1YtcgM8-rw-hFnSMhQ5/s320/cool+will.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And thus, we have Flash Shakespeare. Take any play that you're currently working with and pick a pivotal scene. Nikki and I picked Act I, scene 3 where Cassius convinces Casca to join the conspiracy essentially by making him feel like a punk. We spent a class period working on that scene, breaking down metaphors and using rhetorical questions to summarize Cassius' main point. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From that scene we took about 20 lines that could easily be delivered in about 3 minutes. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We really thought it would be important for the kids to <i>see</i> just how manipulative Cassius is...and not on a screen. But in real life with real emotion and real people. Right in front of them.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So on the day of our performance, I will simply barge into Nikki's room and regardless of what she's doing, the scene will <i>immediately </i>start. It is fast-paced, quick moving, and intense. When we're done, I will simply walk out and Nikki will resume teaching [as best as she possibly can]. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's gutsy, but think about it! Some of your kids will forever remember that moment in their 10th grade English class. It takes some ingenuity to get your classes covered, but it's only for an itty bitty short amount of time. But here's the catch. You can't prep your kids for it, and it's got to be well-rehearsed. Like any good flash mob, it just happens. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So the stage is set. Nikki and I are ready to roll. I'll let you know how it goes! And just in case you're wondering what a flash mob is, here is one of my favorites: </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/D9zVp9mmnK4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't forget it's the last day to enter our giveaway for a FREE set of English I Shared Readings. <a href="http://thecurlyclassroom.blogspot.com/2013/12/santa-claus-is-coming-to-curly-classroom.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to get your name in there!</span>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-89339952173337273232013-12-05T02:00:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:50:57.368-08:00Trilemma.<a href="javascript:dex('Apologetics')"><img class=i src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrLVn1GCCDFAvzUBz58K0na1_JYiWR2hzSzESVphGobxN4l9VcOOGdUZjIRSOP1TPwjMwcvjSywIlWJ1y8Ev_MkNGN_zeJV65fE7NlGwOZ1KP66RFvCkmqWDRALMIjpxt84DfPX0vTD_L/s400/Apologetics.jpg" title="Apologetics"></a><br /><br /><p id=pd><strong>Trilemma</strong> [trī•LEM•mə, <i>noun</i>] A difficult choice between three [unfavorable] options. In Christian apologetics, it almost always refers to C.S. Lewis’s three options as to who Christ Jesus is (as later articulated by Josh McDowell): “Liar, lunatic, or Lord.”<br /><br /><p>Years ago I made the mistake of trying to edit a Wikipedia article on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._S._Lewis">C.S. Lewis.</a> Trust me, you don’t want to do that. Certain Protestants consider Lewis as sacred as Mary is to Roman Catholics, and a few of them have taken possession of that particular page. Change anything, and they’ll quickly change it right back. Anyhow, the bit I wanted to tweak was on the trilemma, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis%27s_trilemma">which has its own page now.</a> Those who occupy the Lewis page are adamant the trilemma stay in there.<br /><br /><p>Trilemma is not Lewis’s word. It’s Josh McDowell’s. Lewis knew better than to coin such a word. But if you’re a fan of Christian apologetics, and C.S. Lewis, the trilemma is likely one of your favorites among his writings. </p></p></p><a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2013/12/trilemma.html#more">Read more…</a>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-30864408910884863142013-12-05T01:00:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:50:57.382-08:00The prophecy of Elizabeth.<a href="javascript:dex('Advent')"><img class=i src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2agA1nAIfE/UpvaqQL90aI/AAAAAAAAFCU/njEXyuy8HT0/s400/AdventR.jpg" title="Scriptures for Advent"></a><br /><br /><blockquote><p>At that time, Mary quickly went to a city in the Judean highlands. She entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the fetus in her womb jumped.<br /><br /><p>Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and exclaimed loudly,<br /><br /><p> <br /><p class=p2>“You’ve been blessed among women;<br /><p class=p3>the fruit of your womb is blessed!<br /><p class=p2>How is it the mother of my Master might come to me?<br /><p> <br /><br /><p>“Look: When I heard the sound of your greeting, the fetus in my womb jumped for joy. How awesome for she who believes that the things the Lord told her will be fulfilled!”<br /><br /><p align=right>—<script>vF('<i>Luke</i> 1.39-45','g')</script><br /><br /><p>People tend to skip right over this bit and go straight to <a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2011/12/magnificat.html">the Magnificat,</a> Mary’s prophecy which immediately follows. In doing so they miss the significance of what the Holy Spirit did through Elizabeth.<br /><br /></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></blockquote><a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-prophecy-of-elizabeth.html#more">Read more…</a>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-24422032629954814322013-12-04T06:38:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:42:11.419-08:00Author Interview-Eric Smith- The Geek's Guide to Dating<h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Are you a single Geek who wants to find his soul mate, are you tired of being the third wheel in the cog or are you just tired of spending all your down time with Geeks like yourself and are ready to settle down with your very own Geekfriend. Then my friend co-founder of Geekadelphia Eric Smith has your answer. Or maybe you know a single Geek who wants to find that special someone. This would be the perfect Geek stocking stuffer! </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoE95mo_ND6vHnGoab9v0qwnMSpRPdhBcs4kvlS4fcjRQDV83TaFaEliim5KJV1C0RpZ7qr6ayBoucVTCTwXaPurOIHk0aXYHwqlQXIGDMEqxTYXr0Y1CKikwwVY_qoVeb2SkXoCNC1A/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoE95mo_ND6vHnGoab9v0qwnMSpRPdhBcs4kvlS4fcjRQDV83TaFaEliim5KJV1C0RpZ7qr6ayBoucVTCTwXaPurOIHk0aXYHwqlQXIGDMEqxTYXr0Y1CKikwwVY_qoVeb2SkXoCNC1A/s1600/candy+cane.jpg" /></a></h4><h4>Take it away Eric!</h4><div><br /></div><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/link?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&offerid=239662.9781594746437&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.barnesandnoble.com%2FThe-Geeks-Guide-to-Dating%2FEric-Smith%2Fe%2F9781594746437"><img border="0" src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/211260000/211263918.JPG" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&bids=239662.9781594746437&type=2&subid=0" width="1" /> <br /><br /><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386167112226_1493" style="border: 0px none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386167112226_1496" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ISBN-13:</span> 9781594746437</li><li style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Publisher: </span><a href="http://www.quirkbooks.com/">Quirk Publishing</a></li><li style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Publication date: </span>12/3/2013</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386167112226_1495" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1386167112226_1505" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pages: </span>208</li></ul><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17568806-the-geek-s-guide-to-dating?from_search=true" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17568806-the-geek-s-guide-to-dating?from_search=true" target="_blank"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17568806-the-geek-s-guide-to-dating?from_search=true" target="_blank"><br /></a> <br /><blockquote style="background-color: orange; border: 2px solid #FFA500; padding: 10px;"><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br />Goodreads is having a contest for<br />an ARC (advanced readers copy)<br />of The Geek's Guide to Dating<br />US only<br />Contest ends Jan 3rd, 2014<br />Click the Link <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17568806-the-geek-s-guide-to-dating?from_search=true">HERE </a>to Enter!<br />Good Luck!</h4></blockquote><br /> <b>Overview:</b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>You keep your action figures in their original packaging. Your bedsheets are officially licensed Star Wars merchandise. You’re hooked on Elder Scrolls and Metal Gear but now you’ve discovered an even bigger obsession: the new girl who just moved in down the hall. What’s a geek to do?</i></b><br /><b><i><br /><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Praise:<br />Publishers Weekly:</b><br /><b><i>With Smith stressing understanding and respect for women, this is a welcome alternative to the “pick-up artist” phenomenon courting this same demographic. (Dec.)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>From the Publisher<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>“...this is a welcome alternative to the 'pick-up artist' phenomenon courting this same demographic.”—Publishers Weekly<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>“[The Geek’s Guide to Dating] offers serious advice for getting a girl and knowing how to keep her…a perfect stocking stuffer!”—Anna Jedrziewski, Retailing Insight<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>“The Geek’s Guide to Dating is a must-have for anyone who feels like they’re foundering in a dating galaxy far, far away.”—Carrie Tucker, author of I Love Geeks: The Official Handbook<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>“Single geeks, plunk down your quarters for this book!”—Tara Bennett, co-author of Fringe: September's Notebook and LOST Encyclopedia<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"><div style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Eric, I’m so happy to welcome you to The Reading Frenzy<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>And I’m happy to be here! Thanks Debbie! </b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Tell us about your new Geek how-to book The Geek’s Guide To Dating<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Sure! So the Geek’s Guide to Dating is a fun, appropriately quirky book that talks about traditional dating through a geek lens. Or maybe not a lens. Maybe a pair of steampunk goggles. Let’s go with that. </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Basically the book tries to take things from geek culture, like video games, comic books, and movies, and use them in a way to talk about dating. </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What was the catalyst for writing this book?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Well, I’ve been writing about geek culture for years now, starting with my local blog Geekadelphia. I’ve gone on to write about geek life on a number of different places, from the Philadelphia Weekly to websites like Geekosystem. It’s a community I’m passionate about, and really honored to be a part of. </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Quirk’s publisher, Jason Rekulak, approached me about taking all the many lessons I’ve learned through out geek culture, and wanted to see if I could frame them up into a dating book. Thus, the book was born. It was challenging and a lot of fun. </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Eric I love the cover. Did you create that too?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Thanks! I wish I could draw like that! From the start, Quirk wanted the book to have fun 8-bit illustrations. So they brought on Juan Carlos Solon, an artist from Toronto that I’m a HUGE fan of. I highly recommend checking out his work at kickpixel.com. </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What is the Geek’s biggest problem in finding “The One”?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Hm. That’s a good question! It might be narrowing their search to finding a specific person who fits into their very specific niche. Like, if I was obsessed with dating someone who was very into video games, comics, and Futurama… and refused to date anyone who wasn’t. </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>The result? You close yourself off to a lot of people. Remember, you can always introduce someone to your passions, and subsequently, they can introduce you to new things. </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What has been your most positive feedback?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Well, people sure do love the artwork! I think my favorite piece of feedback came from Publishers Weekly, who saw the book as a great alternative to the whole “pick up artist” phenomenon. The book might be fun and silly, full of references to video games and what-not… but it’s also all about respecting those you’re about to date. No pick up artist nonsense here, thank you! </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Eric looking at the overview of the novel it seems to be talking about college aged or older. Is there a certain demographic you’re aiming for?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>I like to think its targeted to geeks of all ages! But I suppose it does resonate well with people in their teens through early 30’s. The references definitely hit that spot.</b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Is this guide book only for men or can girl geeks use it too?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>It’s definitely written from the male perspective, but sure, it can work for anyone, I think! I mention that a little bit in the opening. A lot of the advice can work for guys and gals.</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Eric this isn’t your first foray into authordom. You’ve also written a romantic comedy that started as your senior project. Was it more fun writing fiction or non-fiction?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Ah! Yes. Textual Healing was a fun, major learning experience. I didn’t know much about publishing when I put that book out on my own. I think I’ve grown a bit, and definitely want to return to writing novels soon! </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>It was definitely different trying to write non-fiction. I mean, I’ve written it with blogs and various articles… but long form? That was hard. It required a lot more research, a lot of time, a lot of fact checking. </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>I don’t know, part of me feels like fiction is a lot more personal. You get attached to the characters, to the story, to the world you’re trying to build. You know? </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What’s next for you?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Well, I have an awesome literary agent (hi Dawn!) over at Red Sofa Literary, who is actively pitching a YA series I’ve written. Other than that, it’s just more writing! Can’t stop. </b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Eric, let’s get a little personal. What’s a nice geek like you do on a day off?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>If I’m not writing (sometimes writing is my day off), I can usually be found playing video games, kicking back with a few graphic novels, or spending time with my fiancée. </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>We like to do a lot of flea marketing, boutique shopping, and just love vedging out with a little Hulu or Netflix. Oh! And working on her blog. She actually just started a blog, so I’ve been helping her with that lately. Check out BeautyandBritches.com! </i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Thanks Eric for being my guest.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Anytime!</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Will there be a tour for this book release?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>We’re working on some Philly area events, and some stuff in New York City, but that’s really all we’ve got planned. But hey, if the book really takes off, who knows! </b></i></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=217296204163853571" name="_GoBack"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Connect with Eric – <a href="http://ericsmithrocks.com/">Website</a>- <a href="https://twitter.com/ericsmithrocks">Twitter</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ericsmithrocks">Facebook</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><h4>Meet the Author:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWjfX7gsxzypCHO1sspcCFO82q2hdjg_x4ImdaySBD8LeW6ZsQeVbUYgSy2uqLFcehd55Y6iWzGK7C23DArpJisr9cyT_0vzoPf1iijojyzhrsuzruqNmEQ4X005KPLoSNpkJiDQCOSI/s1600/imgres-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWjfX7gsxzypCHO1sspcCFO82q2hdjg_x4ImdaySBD8LeW6ZsQeVbUYgSy2uqLFcehd55Y6iWzGK7C23DArpJisr9cyT_0vzoPf1iijojyzhrsuzruqNmEQ4X005KPLoSNpkJiDQCOSI/s1600/imgres-1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;">Eric Smith is the cofounder of Geekadelphia, a popular blog covering all-that-is-geek in the City of Brotherly Love, as well as the Philadelphia Geek Awards, an annual awards show held at the Academy of Natural Sciences. He’s written for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Weekly, and Philly.com.</span></h4><a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/203365739397580760/"></a><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/fs-bin/click?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&offerid=233310.10003487&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="Wal-Mart.com USA, LLC" border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=Ab*kPgtdG7Y&bids=233310.10003487&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=3" /></a>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-49429908682345167892013-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:36:52.373-08:00Christmas gift tags<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please welcome </span><a href="http://www.justmakestuff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Nora from Just Make Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> back with us today!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">___________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://www.justmakestuff.com/.a/6a00d834528b4769e2019b020ba897970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Just Make Stuff Blog" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834528b4769e2019b020ba897970b" height="364" src="http://www.justmakestuff.com/.a/6a00d834528b4769e2019b020ba897970b-800wi" title="Just Make Stuff Blog" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />If you were planning on making some gift tags this year, can I suggest heading to the office supply store to buy a box of manila tags? After a few years of gift tag making they are still my very favorite go-to supply.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://www.justmakestuff.com/.a/6a00d834528b4769e2019b020c21f3970d-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Just Make Stuff Blog" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834528b4769e2019b020c21f3970d" height="430" src="http://www.justmakestuff.com/.a/6a00d834528b4769e2019b020c21f3970d-800wi" title="Just Make Stuff Blog" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Strips of washi tape can decorate them quickly, with lots of color combinations. Or grab a date stamp while you're at the store too and you can quickly make some tags announcing the big date coming up.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://www.justmakestuff.com/.a/6a00d834528b4769e2019b020b475a970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Just Make Stuff Blog" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834528b4769e2019b020b475a970c" height="399" src="http://www.justmakestuff.com/.a/6a00d834528b4769e2019b020b475a970c-800wi" title="Just Make Stuff Blog" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />If you want to take your crafting a step further you need a big paper punch (or die cut machine), a page protector, some foam tape and seed beads.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://www.justmakestuff.com/.a/6a00d834528b4769e2019b020c25fa970d-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Just Make Stuff Blog" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834528b4769e2019b020c25fa970d" height="344" src="http://www.justmakestuff.com/.a/6a00d834528b4769e2019b020c25fa970d-800wi" title="Just Make Stuff Blog" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />After punching the shape out of the tag you adhere a piece of the page protector to cover the opening on the back of the tag. Outline the page protector piece with narrowly trimmed pieces of foam tape to make a box. Sprinkle in whatever combination you'd like of colorful seed beads in a single layer. Include one more chunk of foam tape at the top of the tag and then take a second office tag to carefully stick to the back, making sure you press well to seal it up.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://www.justmakestuff.com/.a/6a00d834528b4769e2019b020bb238970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Just Make Stuff Blog" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834528b4769e2019b020bb238970b" height="408" src="http://www.justmakestuff.com/.a/6a00d834528b4769e2019b020bb238970b-800wi" title="Just Make Stuff Blog" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Then you have little shaker box tags to tie to your gifts.<br /><br /><br />And when I am making a tag, I don't make just one. I make at least three and often more. I actually made ten snowflake shaker box tags in an assembly line and it didn't take much time at all. Then I pile my sets of tags into a little bucket to keep handy when I am wrapping gifts.<br /><br /><br />Hope this helps get some ideas going for adding a handmade touch to your gifts this year. Have a wonderful holiday season!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">_________________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">Visit Nora on her<strong><a href="http://www.justmakestuff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #5b5b5b;"> Blog</span></a></strong> : <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/JustMakeStuff" target="_blank"><span style="color: #5b5b5b;">Twitter</span></a></strong> : <strong><a href="http://pinterest.com/nora/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #5b5b5b;">Pinterest</span></a></strong> : and <strong><a href="http://instagram.com/justmakestuff/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #5b5b5b;">Instagram</span></a></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">and check out these other great posts of hers...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG2O1GV86OmlEkWkM5NxYBMyKSCFK_GNkEY2rD3SH2dVC_tqaADy1S3j5E0Z_T7b4TKeXEK8rZ_hPULg1ZWmnrZ27jrJWufrur31Hjgw7iqVH6BD4bh-UVbQF6Ue2qLM8IqxRdhSrCsJO/s1600/just+make+stuff+dec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG2O1GV86OmlEkWkM5NxYBMyKSCFK_GNkEY2rD3SH2dVC_tqaADy1S3j5E0Z_T7b4TKeXEK8rZ_hPULg1ZWmnrZ27jrJWufrur31Hjgw7iqVH6BD4bh-UVbQF6Ue2qLM8IqxRdhSrCsJO/s640/just+make+stuff+dec.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.justmakestuff.com/ndg/2012/12/12-days-of-christmas.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">12 Days of Christmas</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> || </span><a href="http://www.justmakestuff.com/ndg/2013/01/a-sticky-little-hostess-gift.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">A Sticky Little Hostess Gift</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> || </span><a href="http://www.justmakestuff.com/ndg/2011/12/cleaning-up.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Candy Cane Spray</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">_________________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This post is sponsored by:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youfit.tsfl.com/explore" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="health confessions" height="184" id="Image16_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sgeElInqsjUJB2Lajf_wkSldN2m58sZY74TGlQqbL9s_jJo8e51q3org1_lE8pY2nPR1lg4uOdZiFnFpBwGiPcT7IfY2xXNK9qFlC9gxrh7Dj8QiW3RhwWKTWHVpMbf4cnj6j3A1F6iC/s1600/healthconfession185.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-9388831678602085982013-12-04T02:00:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:50:57.397-08:00Jesus’s ascension.<a href="javascript:dex('Advent')"><img class=i src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9w72ZqOyiyuD0qWjZ-7hzgubhVKK5J7YJtmPBnHx1T-zDbZ2U4ClMl1D2XJiTrcaxsbAjeMCNgN563RvDv4TUUeiaXpw7IYHSV6aRn3QjYGxYMoT5fCueK9lmXeJKw5q1XPFyec-5amd/s400/Advent.jpg" title="Scriptures for Advent"></a><br /><br /><blockquote><p>Once <g>the students and Jesus</g> were together, they were questioning him, saying, “Master, is it time for you to set up Israel’s kingdom again?”<br /><br /><p>He told them, <r>“The Father sets times and moments by his own power, and it’s not for you to know them. Instead, you’ll receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. You’ll be my witnesses in both Jerusalem and all Judea, and Samaria, and the far side of the world.”</r><br /><br /><p>As they watched him say this, <g>Jesus</g> was lifted up. A cloud concealed him from their eyes. As they were intently staring into the sky where he went, look: Two men, in white robes, had been there with them.<br /><br /><p>They said, “Men, Galileans: Why have you been standing here staring into the sky? This Jesus, this one who was taken from you into the sky: He will come back this way, in the same way you saw him go into the sky.”<br /><br /><p align=right>—Luke, <script>vF('<i>Acts</i> 1.6-11','g')</script><br /><br /><p>The Greek (and Hebrew) word for “sky” can also be translated “heaven.” Not that <a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2012/07/heaven.html">heaven,</a> the plane of existence of God, is in the sky—or <i>anywhere</i> in our universe. They don’t become the same place until the End. But Jesus needed them to see him leave this plane, in a way they could relate to; in a way impossible, at the time, for them to follow.<br /><br /><p>The reason this is an Advent scripture is ’cause of the message the men in white gave the students: Jesus is coming back. He went up. And later, he’s coming back down. </p></p></p></p></p></p></p></blockquote><a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2013/12/jesuss-ascension.html#more">Read more…</a>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-78810524117290489152013-12-04T01:00:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:50:57.412-08:00The annunciation of John.<a href="javascript:dex('Advent')"><img class=i src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2agA1nAIfE/UpvaqQL90aI/AAAAAAAAFCU/njEXyuy8HT0/s400/AdventR.jpg" title="Scriptures for Advent"></a><br /><br /><p>Most Christians vastly underestimate the importance of the prophet John, otherwise known as John the Baptist. Largely it’s because we see him the same way <a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-new-testament-christian.html">“New Testament Christians” see the Old Testament:</a> He showed up, acted weird, made a lot of noise, preached obedience and repentance… but once Jesus showed up he became entirely irrelevant. He baptized Jesus. Then he went away, and died.<br /><br /><p>Some Christians believe John was a <i>slightly</i> bigger deal. But only because they wrongly think he was the first prophet to show up in Israel in four centuries. Supposedly, after Malachi wrapped up the Old Testament, <a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-silent-years.html">God went dark:</a> He said nothing and did nothing, in all that time. This is <i>partly</i> understandable, since these folks haven’t read the <em>Apocrypha</em> (the <a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-many-books-are-there-in-bible.html">extra books in non-Protestant bibles</a>) and are clueless about all the between-the-testaments events described in them. But somehow they <i>also</i> skipped two whole prophets in <i>Luke</i>, Simeon and Anna. <script>v('Lk 2.25-38')</script> Not to mention the obvious prophetic abilities of <a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2011/12/when-joseph-became-jesuss-father.html">Jesus’s dad Joseph,</a> or <a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2011/12/magnificat.html">Jesus’s mom Mary,</a> or <a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2011/12/zechariahs-prophecy.html">John’s dad Zechariah,</a> or <a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2011/12/prophecy-of-elizabeth.html">John’s mom Elizabeth.</a> Everybody with a speaking role in the nativity story (save Herod, of course) is a prophet! But, as usual, <a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2012/04/cessationism.html">cessationist</a> dogma trumps reading comprehension.<br /><br /></p></p><a href="http://morechrist.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-annunciation-of-john.html#more">Read more…</a>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-63187990257729807782013-12-03T15:15:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:38:34.138-08:00No news is good news ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCvKILUqUD86MQEDFkpxwHtwUc0jn6qdEzNj6tPCrh7rQcvU-1U1CYtv93q7t8-TCyHnXeMztmPhBf66dkaGFtF6-DQ6ksHJoizFDobtd0CWr_NeL6k0ifeTH65UjVg-EQK-hdQh_gpE/s1600/15cdkdj.gif" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCvKILUqUD86MQEDFkpxwHtwUc0jn6qdEzNj6tPCrh7rQcvU-1U1CYtv93q7t8-TCyHnXeMztmPhBf66dkaGFtF6-DQ6ksHJoizFDobtd0CWr_NeL6k0ifeTH65UjVg-EQK-hdQh_gpE/s1600/15cdkdj.gif" width="135" height="135" style="float:right;margin:0 5px 10px 20px;" /></a>... at least when it's from Google.<br /><br />Most of you remember the news ticker that appeared at the top of this page. While we here at <font color="purple"><b><i>man with black hat</i></b></font> like to present a balance of views when it comes to such venues, much of the news about the Catholic Church was not only an endorsement of dissenting opinions, but were a means of attacking the Faith itself. Well, we're not in the business of attacking our Holy Mother Church, nor do we intend to enable those who do. When that ticker ticked us off for the last time, we gave it the old heave-ho!<br /><br />At present, we are testing a ticker from Fox News (as in "Fair. Balanced.") but are having some code problems. Once those clowns at our Tech Support Division get through playing with the PS4 game console we got them for the break room, they'll get right on it, and you'll be the first to know.<br /><br />Until then, stay tuned ... to everything else.<br /> adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484124851691364405.post-37538365734086162072013-12-03T06:30:00.000-08:002013-12-07T19:52:14.082-08:00Draw a Picture to Feed the Poor - ART of GivingAs the first teachers of our children, it's our responsibility to emphasize virtue as a part of day to day life. Giving and sharing don't just come naturally, they must be taught - both by word and example. Seeing Sarah share a cookie with Lukas didn't just happen - she was told, she saw. When teaching charity to children, however, it's important to look outside the family structure. There's a great big world out there and many, many people are not as fortunate as we. How will your children know this - unless you tell them? How will they be able to do anything about it - unless you present a way? Here, then, is a wonderful opportunity to teach charity with action during this Advent.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.crosscatholic.org/theartofgiving" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ART of Giving</span></a> effort is a simple project in which any child can participate. Can your little Rachel draw a simple picture? If so, she has the skills to make a difference - and help feed the poor. I've posted in more detail <a href="http://designsbybirgit.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-art-of-giving-giving-back-through.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a><span style="color: #990000;">.</span> For a general idea of what to do, check out these steps - as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!<br /><br />1.) Have your child (toddlers through teens) draw a picture of anything they like. The theme could be Advent, giving to the poor, or anything else that inspires them.<br /><br />2.) Scan or take a photo of their artwork and submit the file (plus name and age) via email to: <label class="token-value" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; position: relative; top: 1px; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">mpotter@crosscatholic.org</span></label><br /><br />3.) Send an email or <a href="http://webspace.webring.com/people/vc/catholicinspired/ARTofGletter.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">letter</span></a><span style="color: red;">,</span> make a phone call, visit a relative - and share the link to <a href="http://www.crosscatholic.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cross Catholic Outreach</span></a> *.<span style="color: red;"><span id="goog_504383309"></span><span id="goog_504383310"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></span> There, visitors will be able to see a parade of children's artwork and have the opportunity to donate in honor of their own special little artist/philanthropist.<br /><br />It's just that simple! This effort is the perfect project for Advent and the spirit of alms giving. Your children will have done something tangible to help others in need and will have fulfilled one of your missions as your family prepares for the Coming of the Lord during Advent. Why not share this idea with your child's school, youth group, or religious education class? This would also be the perfect Advent project for your home educated children - of all ages. Draw a picture to feed the poor and may God bless your efforts!<br /><br />View a slideshow of the ART of Giving submissions, so far, at <a href="http://www.crosscatholic.org/theartofgiving"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cross Catholic's site</span></a> or on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/109073631@N02/with/10950878263/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Flickr</span></a>. Below are two of our pieces.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiIk6w97bio/Upy5cwM9KOI/AAAAAAAAD8A/aR9WiH27iKs/s1600/Sarah's+Nativity+framed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiIk6w97bio/Upy5cwM9KOI/AAAAAAAAD8A/aR9WiH27iKs/s200/Sarah's+Nativity+framed.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah - age 4</td></tr></tbody></table><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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYWE32cOz3o/Upy5cpT0bXI/AAAAAAAAD78/b2nDX8NbEd0/s1600/Abby's+Nativity+frame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYWE32cOz3o/Upy5cpT0bXI/AAAAAAAAD78/b2nDX8NbEd0/s200/Abby's+Nativity+frame.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby - age 7</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #38761d;">*</span>Cross Catholic Outreach’s support of the missionary efforts of the Catholic Church is endorsed by U.S. Bishops. They encourage parishes to host Cross priests to speak on behalf of our work. These visits give parishes an opportunity to become involved.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkYiuS2grgZnniAMSbY8EoTbBi5tR-T24bcqQRp2wqUwxmVSToBLzKu8qsktabQYzH3tn6xgEpKXC3-bPMYWq27-2C8QamnD5n2nIOGp5IoBHz5BbqloJtAb11TNmNalimXEdMm6fnC_s/s1600/ART+of+Giving+letter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkYiuS2grgZnniAMSbY8EoTbBi5tR-T24bcqQRp2wqUwxmVSToBLzKu8qsktabQYzH3tn6xgEpKXC3-bPMYWq27-2C8QamnD5n2nIOGp5IoBHz5BbqloJtAb11TNmNalimXEdMm6fnC_s/s400/ART+of+Giving+letter.JPG" width="311" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Sample letter to send - just add your names!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Link to a PDF of the</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><a href="http://webspace.webring.com/people/vc/catholicinspired/ARTofGletter.pdf" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">letter</span></a></span>.</td></tr></tbody></table><h3><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">A Parade of </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">Posts</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;"> for the Poor:</b></h3><span style="color: #38761d;">These 8 blogs are hosting the ART of Giving effort. Please visit and comment in appreciation for their efforts!</span><br /><div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunday, Dec. 1 - <a href="http://www.catholicinspired.com/">Catholic Inspire</a><a href="http://www.catholicinspired.com/">d </a><br />Monday, Dec. 2 - <a href="http://enterundermyroof.blogspot.com/">Enter Under My Roof</a> <br />Tuesday, Dec. 3 - <a href="http://designsbybirgit.blogspot.com/">Designs By Birgit</a><br />Wednesday, Dec.4 - <a href="http://www.happylittlehomemaker.com/">Happy Little Homemaker</a><br />Thursday, Dec. 5 - <a href="http://www.equippingcatholicfamilies.com/">Equipping Catholic Families</a><br />Friday, Dec. 6 - <a href="http://campfiresandcleats.blogspot.com/">Campfires and Cleats</a><br />Saturday, Dec. 7 - <a href="http://www.dosmallthingswithlove.com/">Do Small Things with Love</a><br />Sunday, Dec. 8 - <a href="http://catholicbookblogger.com/">The Catholic Book Blogger</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span> <br /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.1875px;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">ART of Giving Link-up:</span></b></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Starting Mon. Dec. 9 till Tues. Dec. 31 you will have the opportunity to add your blog post! If you are a blogger and have posted about your child's art work please join in our ART of Giving Link-up!</span></div></div><div><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.upsidedownhomeschooling.com/hearts-for-home/" target="_blank" title="Hearts for Home Blog Hop"><img alt="Hearts for Home Blog Hop" src="http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r505/upsidedownhomeschool/HFH150_zpsf22ef64f.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17469816216596929240noreply@blogger.com