tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16999777984218324332024-03-06T14:00:29.938-06:00A Moment in the WoodsPhotography and poetry woven together in an intimate dance of expectation. Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-74245388745383560692019-10-07T17:57:00.000-05:002019-10-07T17:57:22.874-05:00Fall Splendor in Traverse Bay <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fall is a funny time of the year. We resist its arrival during the hot lazy days of summer -- not wanting to give up the luxury of continuous heat. Who can resist coatlessness and flowers blooming without effort? Summer is the time when we can justify a rest and rationalize a visit, but eventually fall forces itself upon us.</span><br />
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Fall is the conduit between the carefree days of summer and the harsh regiment of winter. In a lovely and gracious manner, autumn brings the message that fun cannot last forever. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large;">The colours are a sign that endings can be beautiful, and that the drabness in the months to come are only temporary. </span><br />
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<br />I hope you enjoy these pictures taken on my regular walks, as I snap pictures with my "little puppy," Snowball and my Panasonic Lumix bridge camera. All are from the Traverse Bay area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One thing I have noticed is that the colours of the trees are radiant and shine with luminance of their own. When the sun shines as well, the effect is glorious! With all the clouds lately, I was waiting for a sunny day to get the best possible light. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even the beach looks different in the fall: a bit messy, like it's getting ready for winter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The interesting thing about the forest is that there is always new growth right alongside of the old. You see baby trees and old trees dying. What a diverse community. One of the things we miss in our society is that young people are often cut off from old people, unexposed to their wisdom and tempering influence.<br />
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The woods have all ages. There is no discrimination here. The poorly dressed and the richly adorned all share the space. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, I love me some black and white photography. The beauty of this simple medium is that it shows the lines and the form with no distractions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks so much for reading along today. I would love to hear your thoughts on fall, and how October is going in your neck of the woods. Take care and God bless you. </span><br />
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Love Sharilee. Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below. Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-12040848507791810012019-09-18T01:00:00.000-05:002019-09-18T01:00:53.712-05:00Late Summer Days Lake Winnipeg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hi everyone! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />It's me again! I have been gone for a long time, working on other projects. This blog has been pretty much abandoned, but I decided to ressurect it again. The primary purpose will be to share my photos, all from the beautiful East Beaches of Manitoba.<br /><br />So, the last couple of days, we have been totally gifted with a few days of unexpected summer, and the beach was on the agenda. Here are shots from my walks the last two days. 10,000 steps today, baby! I am determined to break out of the coach potato mode I have been stuck in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, my husband and I walked all the way to end of the beach. For the first time in a long time, we forgot the time. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the Day -- Late Summer Pelican Point<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was interesting that there were about 100 seagulls that flocked here, like relatives chatting at a family reunion. It was challenging to try to get some good shots of these birds without disturbing them. The birds seem to make this place their home. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seagulls soaring Lake Winnipeg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flock of seagulls Lake Winnipeg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seagulls on sandbar Lake Winnipeg</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few more from the beach. Did I mention we went swimming today, on September 16th? Yes, we did. The water was as cold a snowbank but worth it. I was surprised to see that there were three other groups hanging out at the beach on this autumn day. And this was the beauty we soaked in. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Winnipeg Fall Day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGgUWMFG2Pw/XYHFlIhuBMI/AAAAAAAA1hE/7sUY-jIs1d0FlcEGnzSfsXj8R1IDYP4-wCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1010496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGgUWMFG2Pw/XYHFlIhuBMI/AAAAAAAA1hE/7sUY-jIs1d0FlcEGnzSfsXj8R1IDYP4-wCEwYBhgL/s640/P1010496.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Winnipeg Fall Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliffs Lake Winnipeg<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a wonderful day, everyone. What is the weather like in your area of the world? Are you having Indian Summer, too? </span></div>
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-84546176618247031362018-04-17T23:06:00.001-05:002018-04-18T18:45:01.212-05:00She is Puppy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7vHeRQYaBs/WtYCRWdh7qI/AAAAAAAAlBQ/r5L-FxUpur4xVyWjwSSCS_E3QlUowlK4ACKgBGAs/s1600/20180417_082947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1352" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7vHeRQYaBs/WtYCRWdh7qI/AAAAAAAAlBQ/r5L-FxUpur4xVyWjwSSCS_E3QlUowlK4ACKgBGAs/s640/20180417_082947.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">How can it be </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">That I already love</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">This puppy so much,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Who's only a small</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Ball of nonsense:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Messy and clumsy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Making a scene</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Over every </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Little move we</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Make, crying when we</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Go to bed and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Taking over our whole </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Lives, like a dandelion,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Conquers a yard in spring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">How could it be </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">That this small</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Animal, born in a</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Dark, stinky barn,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Just a farmer's dog,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Could bring such joy,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So that the world</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Looks more bright and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Life seems a more</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Doable task again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Every day she learns</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Something new and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Every night she dreams</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Of snow-covered slopes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Millions of smells,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And the two people</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Who now fill her heart -- </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And fill her bowl</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Three times a day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">She is puppy, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Good girl, Snowball,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Loved and loving all,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Cuddles and mud,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Pee and Soft kisses,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Sticks and Bones Chewed,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A welcome home,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A new beginning,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Part of our lives</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Now and forever,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The baby in the house.<br />She is the puppy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We love.</span><br />
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Good morning, everyone! Eight days ago, on a cold, April Sunday evening, we brought home a small, but rather big-for-a-puppy dog. She was bred by farmers who use the animals to guard their livestock and property. She was the runt of a family that included four sisters and three brothers.<br />
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The moment my husband spotted her, he knew she was the one for us. She threw up in the car and barely moved when we first got her. A week later, she feels completely at home and is rapidly taking over every aspect of our lives. Her name is Snowball.<br />
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We already have <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2018/01/" target="_blank">two cats</a> and they are very loved but a dog seemed like the next step for life here in the forest of Manitoba. Besides being great company, a dog is also a safety feature in this habitat we share with foxes, bears, coyotes, fishers and raccoons. Pyrenees are bred to be guard dogs and are noted for being<a href="http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/greatpyrenees.html" target="_blank"> patient, subdued and very good-looking.</a><br />
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She really is joy personified. I admit I was nervous about being able to keep up with the work required to have a small animal in the house and it has been a real challenge but the pure bliss she has for life makes it all worth it! I have uploaded a video I took of her below.<br />
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What about you? Are you an animal lover? Can you relate to some of the feelings in this poem? I would love to hear your feedback in the comments section below.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ps3YIQNGvFM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ps3YIQNGvFM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-23560868792457934682018-03-07T21:57:00.002-06:002018-03-07T22:24:02.056-06:00Ice Castles on A Winter's Day: A Series of Haikus<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">One cold afternoon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Long before spring and its blossoms,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We find a treasure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Deep in the city,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We behold structures, made of pure cold,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Held together with ice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A castle fantasy dropped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Into the middle of a</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Dreary winter's day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Lovers and children</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Equally delighted, walk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Mitten on Mitten.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlvX3ybzgONnaQhyphenhyphen-OOiKLsIHIuSZuaxZEuCw9vdFBRTjIZ2xjB_1NasV_F_Uh3FHp_INR6ImzN1kQ-759lWGShhPjMScsbxU6UcJPIla02-pi6JbyiTT6SbMyzOYgUks95CL7CJ3h0k/s1600/ice+castles+Vern%2527s+phone1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlvX3ybzgONnaQhyphenhyphen-OOiKLsIHIuSZuaxZEuCw9vdFBRTjIZ2xjB_1NasV_F_Uh3FHp_INR6ImzN1kQ-759lWGShhPjMScsbxU6UcJPIla02-pi6JbyiTT6SbMyzOYgUks95CL7CJ3h0k/s640/ice+castles+Vern%2527s+phone1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Strangers smile in joy,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Offering to shoot portraits</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">On each other's phones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Pure camerderie:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Sharing this moment of magic </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We did not expect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It's a hidden treasure </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">In this dusty muddy town ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Time stands completely still.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We feel as though we</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Could stay forever, caught up in</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A frozen fairytale. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjFGh27WEos/Wp4FgMoYaII/AAAAAAAAkJo/u8vTwjT6QBkBdQPvO2ithkr7h80LNGAEgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180219_173150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjFGh27WEos/Wp4FgMoYaII/AAAAAAAAkJo/u8vTwjT6QBkBdQPvO2ithkr7h80LNGAEgCKgBGAs/s640/20180219_173150.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you ever get into a rut? I know it's very easy to do, but last month, my husband and I broke out of our rut by doing something completely different. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For a belated </span><a href="http://secondmarriage.xyz/take-charge-valentines-day/" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank">Valentine's Day date</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, we visited <a href="http://icecastles.com/" target="_blank">Ice Castles! </a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had seen <a href="https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/10-amazing-ice-castles-around-the-world" target="_blank">pictures of similar structures</a>, mostly from Europe, but never knew they were available locally. When I saw some friends posting gorgeous images on Facebook, I was intrigued and then thought, "what an amazing idea for Valentines' Day!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These are some shots I took of these magical structures. At first, I wasn't sure if might be "too girly" for my <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2018/01/my-husband-and-i-walk.html" target="_blank">masculine husband</a> to enjoy but my worries were unfounded. He loved it as much as I did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I absolutely loved seeing the genuine smiles on everyone's faces. Just being there seemed to open people up and total strangers were all offering to take photos of each other. It was really moving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">About the Poems</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The week's poem this week is actually a series of haikus. Even if you aren't a student of literature, there is a chance you are familiar with form of poetry because almost every North American child ends up writing a haiku at one point in their school career!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As you may know, an English haiku is usually made up of 17 syllables and is usually focused on some aspect of nature. It usually features a "turn" around the second line. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What you may not have known (I didn't) is that the Japanese, the ones who invented the form, do not even have syllables in their language and their poems were always centred on the seasons. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As this writer explains in <a href="https://www.tofugu.com/japan/haiku/" target="_blank">his site dedicated to Japanese culture, </a> traditional Japanese haikus were always related to their four seasons: fall, winter, spring, summer and New Year's! Each seasonal poem had certain conventions and images that were expected. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks so much for reading and I hope spring is soon on its way, wherever you are! Please feel free to comment below and share with others if you think they would enjoy it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>*All photographs were taken by the author and are copyright-protected. </i></span><br />
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-4965354112861659312018-02-17T11:27:00.001-06:002018-02-17T11:40:07.841-06:00Trees Remind Us <br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Trees remind us </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">That we are smaller</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Than our creator </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And this knowledge</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Lets us breath more easily,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Knowing that we are not </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">God and do not need</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">To pretend we are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Trees remind us </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">That no matter </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">How the wind blows </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And the rain comes down</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We can still stand strong</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Even if we have lost </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">All of our bloom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Trees are the lions </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Of the forest</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Who rule with majesty</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The elephants </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Who remember everything</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And the defenders</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Of our air and earth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hey everyone, I just wanted to thank you so much for reading my poems and looking at my pictures. I appreciate each one of you and would love to hear from you, whether through the comments below or by email. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also wanted to let you know that I am starting to sell some of my photos and would love if you would have a look and give me your feedback. I am offering the photos on prints, as well on some different products, such as bags, clocks and blankets. I don't have them all listed yet, so if there are any particular pictures that you are interested in, please let me know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For now, you can purchase my products at the following two sites:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sharilee-swaity.pixels.com/">https://sharilee-swaity.pixels.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/sharilees">https://www.redbubble.com/people/sharilees</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can also ask me for a custom order and I may be able to get you a better shipping rate, depending on where you are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would love it if you would be willing to share this page, as well as any of my product pages. Thanks so much and God bless. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ps1C5S2dr4DIlu0uC4sy_LbMemt9gyFd4p_2oGW0maKZjTFQ8McDXzX07EC3iocpN_j52DVVTj9-4bsl_N832JkzoyRY0EfvlmXO2Oaz32aeN9Dukp_hu9b8qw3X9ZnplG_V7BWSPRM/s1600/20180209_175704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ps1C5S2dr4DIlu0uC4sy_LbMemt9gyFd4p_2oGW0maKZjTFQ8McDXzX07EC3iocpN_j52DVVTj9-4bsl_N832JkzoyRY0EfvlmXO2Oaz32aeN9Dukp_hu9b8qw3X9ZnplG_V7BWSPRM/s640/20180209_175704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Love Sharilee. Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below. Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-69530129355012271792018-02-08T00:43:00.000-06:002018-02-08T00:43:36.629-06:00Dusk's Last Song<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMHJkqyuVfc/Wnvq3d-b-bI/AAAAAAAAjFk/0ihy3Lp3E0QgClIYRmmKanOBIyXBrGbxgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180207_175333_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMHJkqyuVfc/Wnvq3d-b-bI/AAAAAAAAjFk/0ihy3Lp3E0QgClIYRmmKanOBIyXBrGbxgCKgBGAs/s640/20180207_175333_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There is a time</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Right before night</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">When the sun hangs</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Barely in sight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">When you feel a </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sense of new hope</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">That no matter </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The odds, you can cope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">During dusk's last song,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The soft sky of blue</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reaches out and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Envelopes you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoyed this poem. I think that dusk is my favourite time of day. It is not quite dark outside and the whole world has a romantic mood to it. I love the light and the way everything looks interesting and intense! These pictures were taken on my walk tonight. What is your favourite time of day? Talk to me below! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All photos are the author's and are fully copyrighted and protected. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EboqKsVGyVg/Wnvvt6Jxz3I/AAAAAAAAjF0/17EdLmcgKPoOng_Kx7AQ87ST62hZlckKwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180207_175435_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EboqKsVGyVg/Wnvvt6Jxz3I/AAAAAAAAjF0/17EdLmcgKPoOng_Kx7AQ87ST62hZlckKwCKgBGAs/s640/20180207_175435_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-59216678915277735212018-01-31T23:27:00.002-06:002018-02-01T00:38:52.074-06:00Hoping She Never Went Away <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3Ko9MFMjho/WnKaMPevnSI/AAAAAAAAi-A/YYRswLiADMsotbIhfGgZ-8gFjIWH-NUaACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20160618_210635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="715" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3Ko9MFMjho/WnKaMPevnSI/AAAAAAAAi-A/YYRswLiADMsotbIhfGgZ-8gFjIWH-NUaACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20160618_210635.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I owned a cat who loved to roam</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> She'd run and hide and jump and play</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">But one sad night it all went wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I called and called for her come</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And get some food without delay</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Hoping she wasn't really gone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Before this cat was even grown</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We <a href="https://pethelpful.com/cats/Cat-Love" target="_blank">grew to love her</a> funny ways</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">But one sad night it all went wrong.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">For weeks, I sobbed and cried alone</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Missing my friend who did not stay<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Hoping she wasn't really gone.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We looked for her around our home</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We searched the forest and prayed and prayed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Trying to right the night gone wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">She's been gone for far too long</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I wish that I could hear her song</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">But one sad night it all went wrong</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It's hard to believe she's really gone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you first lose someone, you cannot believe they are gone from this earth. I remember feeling this way when I lost my Mom. Sometimes it never completely goes away, although our logical mind accepts reality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wrote this week's poem about my sweet kitty, Shiloh, who went missing eighteen months ago. We still don't know what happened to her, despite a massive search effort.</span><br />
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</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Her name means "peace," and she truly brought peace into our home. Her best friend, <a href="https://pethelpful.com/cats/Cat-Love" target="_blank">Grey Eye,</a> misses her, too. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The pain felt fresh today when my Google Photos feed brought pictures up of her from two years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know true animal lovers will understand the ache of missing a furred friend. This poem is for the animal lovers and for</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://letterpile.com/poetry/I-Wanna-Talk-About-Her" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank">the grieving</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> t</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">oday. My prayers go out tonight for anyone who can't believe their loved one is really gone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>This week's piece is written in the villanelle form and is meant to almost like a haunting melody that repeats itself. I first ran across this form of poetry in university, loved it, and thought it would be appropriate for my feelings about Shiloh, which I can never truly go away.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All photos are originals taken by the author and are fully copyrighted.</span></div>
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Love Sharilee. Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below. Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-73356137560213174952018-01-24T23:11:00.000-06:002018-01-25T10:26:40.524-06:00Winter Comes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Winter comes, even</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">When we are not ready </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A cruel shock </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">After summer's </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Delights. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Winter comes overnight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">An unwanted guest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">With white robes and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">An unfriendly </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Tone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Winter comes at the end</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Of life's cycle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A time of rest before</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Another season of growth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Begins.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Winter comes without fail</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">To each of us</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We can learn her</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Stern lessons or resent her</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> Cold ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Winter comes with a</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Promise: clean snow</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Covering each branch and inch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Offering redemption.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A fresh start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Winter comes and is followed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">By spring, summer, fall</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It won't last forever</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So succumb to its </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Thrall. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UiU7d45R0_g/WmnqIDp5G9I/AAAAAAAAi4g/XHKqR6W2wgorCvznMR1jhe455pe6DrGfgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180124_160312_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UiU7d45R0_g/WmnqIDp5G9I/AAAAAAAAi4g/XHKqR6W2wgorCvznMR1jhe455pe6DrGfgCKgBGAs/s640/20180124_160312_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">As a Canadian enduring the third month of another long winter, I wrote this poem about the mixed emotions this season brings up in me. Thanks so much for reading and I would delight in hearing your comments (or verses!) below.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">All photos were taken by the author and are fully copyrighted.</span></span></div>
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-17205006960511201982018-01-17T20:03:00.000-06:002018-01-17T21:52:41.813-06:00My Husband and I Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pELq5ixoiDU/Wl2cLfQrxFI/AAAAAAAAicE/gBduhklbRw8ex04uW4YMxULJLR78lfSgQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180115_133404_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pELq5ixoiDU/Wl2cLfQrxFI/AAAAAAAAicE/gBduhklbRw8ex04uW4YMxULJLR78lfSgQCKgBGAs/s640/20180115_133404_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">My husband and I walk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Through the woods.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He is up ahead</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sturdy and swarthy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">He breaks the trail for me</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Looking back </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Every so often</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">To be sure </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am safe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A protective knight </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">To this old lady </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">He treats like a princess.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpzRZKn9QoY/Wl2fgdH9TTI/AAAAAAAAicw/DkUi3H5xJXUhsiyhglpVRTmxANWMHDTQwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180115_131329_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpzRZKn9QoY/Wl2fgdH9TTI/AAAAAAAAicw/DkUi3H5xJXUhsiyhglpVRTmxANWMHDTQwCKgBGAs/s640/20180115_131329_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">He is fast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I am slow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">He sees the path.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I see the trees. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZqnzZMie0E/Wl2cwxxWH8I/AAAAAAAAicQ/g5SfvmY1Tg8BTdXDxZQmRqsRapCm9_pzACKgBGAs/s1600/20180115_132555_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZqnzZMie0E/Wl2cwxxWH8I/AAAAAAAAicQ/g5SfvmY1Tg8BTdXDxZQmRqsRapCm9_pzACKgBGAs/s640/20180115_132555_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">The air is crisp</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">At minus 26 and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">The trees creak and sway</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">In their places.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4i5v2zy6SI/Wl2dVuxIqFI/AAAAAAAAicc/kUCa-H5enX4vWzQFeu3FiUrRsvbCC7YlACKgBGAs/s1600/20180115_132125_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4i5v2zy6SI/Wl2dVuxIqFI/AAAAAAAAicc/kUCa-H5enX4vWzQFeu3FiUrRsvbCC7YlACKgBGAs/s640/20180115_132125_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">We are going on</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Ten years</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">This spring</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">And life before him</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Seems like a dream.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NT-VU6nr2U/Wl2d7GM5tWI/AAAAAAAAick/Koc94d_t7bcpDci1PEyVegYy1xGjYg8FwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180115_140033_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NT-VU6nr2U/Wl2d7GM5tWI/AAAAAAAAick/Koc94d_t7bcpDci1PEyVegYy1xGjYg8FwCKgBGAs/s640/20180115_140033_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This was a poem I wrote after a lovely walk this afternoon with my gorgeous husband, Vern. I hope you enjoyed the poem. Feel free to comment below! </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zImKNnj8UZI/Wl2d7E6atyI/AAAAAAAAick/9qfQNI-YE2Q61TApi-L8OSsLgJ1zL66IQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180115_133307_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zImKNnj8UZI/Wl2d7E6atyI/AAAAAAAAick/9qfQNI-YE2Q61TApi-L8OSsLgJ1zL66IQCKgBGAs/s640/20180115_133307_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is me getting ready for our walk in the -26 Celsius weather here in Canada! </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3AAwJ-FLkAs/Wl2d7MC68JI/AAAAAAAAick/cy1iHIR6IRIKx-eV4t-XeYkkHfceo43PACKgBGAs/s1600/20180115_125243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3AAwJ-FLkAs/Wl2d7MC68JI/AAAAAAAAick/cy1iHIR6IRIKx-eV4t-XeYkkHfceo43PACKgBGAs/s640/20180115_125243.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-49037247818564447552017-10-09T00:28:00.001-05:002018-01-17T19:26:39.038-06:00Beach in the Fall has its own Charm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey everyone! First of all, just a brief note about the events in the world this week. Although I am deeply interested in politics, I almost never talk about it online because I cannot physically tolerate all of the divisiveness it stirs up. Our world is going crazy right now and our future is very uncertain. North America is divided as we have never seen it before. </div>
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We are divided by our beliefs and by who we trust. There is a feeling of antagonism in the air and for those of us who have a sensitive nature, it can be deeply disturbing. One of my Facebook contacts this week said that it made her want to go look at some landscape pictures. Well, that's why I bring you this blog. </div>
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For me, looking at the beauty of God's creation is one of the things that helps bring the peace back into my heart. </div>
In nature, I am reminded that God loves me enough to bring up the sun every day so I can live another twenty-four hours. I see his whimsy in the flowers, his power in the wind and his intellect in the structure of the seasons.<br />
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This week, having been stuck to my laptop, I was almost faint from missing fresh air and trees and water. So, last night I ventured out into the "outside world" and away from my writing cave, holding the hand of my incredible husband. By the time we got out, the sun was falling fast but we were still able to get our fill of these beautiful sandbars that extended over 30 feet from the shore.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xy0W_DDTmgc/WdsHNkQsdSI/AAAAAAAAVk4/uz1BfL-nAn0Ax2tlHlDyHjbQ7prSu8ywQCKgBGAs/s1600/20171007_190448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xy0W_DDTmgc/WdsHNkQsdSI/AAAAAAAAVk4/uz1BfL-nAn0Ax2tlHlDyHjbQ7prSu8ywQCKgBGAs/s640/20171007_190448.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can never resist a sandbar. The sand was squishy and wet but so exciting -- a beach where there is usually none. Even though it was already dusk, you could still see the reflections of the shoreline in the water, still as a cat waiting to pounce on its prey.<br />
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We quickly scurried home, content at having made it for at least a brief interlude into the wild. Having ventured out, I was now determined to get out the next day, too.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AydY44-MMj4/Wdru03Si0eI/AAAAAAAAVkU/0w3zEcnmkpAm8Xf6x6CKlDvSmIDYIXrRwCKgBGAs/s1600/20171007_191028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AydY44-MMj4/Wdru03Si0eI/AAAAAAAAVkU/0w3zEcnmkpAm8Xf6x6CKlDvSmIDYIXrRwCKgBGAs/s640/20171007_191028.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After church the next day, my incredible husband offered to go for a quick walk to Hillside Beach. The water was loud and ferocious with huge whitecaps, a sharp contrast to the serenity of the water the night before.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HaV1lzNBFSk/WdrsOEyyUXI/AAAAAAAAVj8/4BIY5KhtudEQIrThokxEeXwihUXLqx0YQCKgBGAs/s1600/20171008_135600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HaV1lzNBFSk/WdrsOEyyUXI/AAAAAAAAVj8/4BIY5KhtudEQIrThokxEeXwihUXLqx0YQCKgBGAs/s640/20171008_135600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The beach in the fall has its own charm, with the splendid colours showcasing the bare bones of our tall friends.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NARccU9UPw/Wdqe3-dSknI/AAAAAAAAVhk/8zh8uYYSX386gDbHoUGt397h9cDKIgBpwCKgBGAs/s1600/20171008_135842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1494" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NARccU9UPw/Wdqe3-dSknI/AAAAAAAAVhk/8zh8uYYSX386gDbHoUGt397h9cDKIgBpwCKgBGAs/s640/20171008_135842.jpg" width="596" /></a></div>
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Finally, to top off an amazing afternoon stroll, we explored the nearby forests. I am eager to take full advantage of this fall weather as long as it lasts, each day a gift in the face of the knowledge that winter's cold edge could take over at any time.<br />
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In our travels, we even discovered a hidden beach, far from the prying eyes of the public, filing away another place on our list of locations to scout.<br />
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Finally, one black and white shot that showcases the shapes of the trees, bending towards one another with a sense of community. It says in Isaiah (in the Bible) that the trees of the field will break forth with joy. On days like today, it is not hard to imagine. To all my Canadian friends, Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have joy and thankfulness this weekend!<br />
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Love Sharilee. Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below. Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-10654431053499702982017-09-30T17:21:00.001-05:002018-01-17T19:25:32.810-06:00The Trees Keep A Polite Distance Today, my walk was in the afternoon after returning my books to the library. I was a little disappointed that the sun disappeared, <i>just as</i> I got out to finally shoot some photos, but I had to adjust.<br />
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The underbrush of this forest is so dense in some places -- making it look very chaotic and messy, almost like a living room that has been ransacked by a thief.<br />
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In other parts of the forest, however, it is neat and tidy, as if a very good housekeeper maintains the order. There are very few dead trees and all of the live ones keep a polite distance from one another.<br />
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One gets a feeling of spaciousness and openness in this part of the forest. There are man-made paths but even beyond the paths, there is so much room to walk freely, almost like it was created for us take our daily jaunts. I do not know how long these trees have been here but it appears as if they have been planted very deliberately. </div>
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Even with a cloudy sky, the colours are absolutely breathtaking. I hope it lasts for a few more days before the October winds come along and blow away all the leaves.<br />
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It has been so nice to see a few visitors on the blog. I missed you! I am still having trouble getting my emails to work and am not sure why it still shows as coming from "second marriage." Please bear with me as I try to figure this out. This old blog needs some work, too, but it will come in time.<br />
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Take care ... It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving will soon be upon us! Time keeps racing on in this crazy old world.<br />
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-28499575831226630662017-09-29T22:45:00.000-05:002018-01-17T19:29:12.875-06:00A Perfect Moment of Glory<br />
Hi everyone!<br />
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I wanted to apologize if you received yesterday's email and it was a bit confusing. I haven't sent any emails from this blog for over a year and for some reason, it had the wrong label on it (from my other <a href="http://secondmarriage.xyz/" target="_blank">blog on marriage</a>.) I did not see this until after it was sent this morning but again, sorry for the confusion.<br />
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So, I will be trying to post these whenever I have time, which might end up pretty often. If it is too much, feel free to unsubscribe. I just love sharing the beauty I see out here in our little place in the woods. If the pictures bring you joy, that makes me happy.<br />
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Today, my walk did not happen until the end of the day but it definitely was worth it. I was busy on the computer when my gorgeous husband said "we need to go now if we are going to catch it." So, we quickly got ready and ran out the door to chase the sunset. That day went by so fast!<br />
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We live in an area that has close access to several beaches along Lake Winnipeg and Lester Beach is one of my favourites. We had missed going here all summer, so it was a delight to see the long stretch was still so walkable. No matter what time of year you come, you always seem to see a few people walking, usually with a dog or two. Tonight was no exception.<br />
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We got there about 7:00 p.m. and the sun was still in the sky. Within about five minutes, it had fallen quickly, forming a nice round ball right on the horizon line.<br />
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The soft orange was intoxicating, lighting up the boats out for some autumn fishing.<br />
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I was going crazy with shooting pictures. I couldn't help myself! I especially love these reflections on the low water and sandbars.<br />
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A perfect moment of glory before night slowly ascends.<br />
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Even as we drive away, that glory still remains in the sky, determined to give us more and more beauty.<br />
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Finally, almost home now, fifteen minutes later, there is still a stubborn remnant of orange lighting up the forest.<br />
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-19650768954322904662017-09-29T02:09:00.002-05:002018-01-17T19:29:56.541-06:00A Walk Along Lake Winnipeg <br />
Well, I'm back! With a change in pace...I have decided to try this blog again. If you are getting this blog by email, please excuse me for showing up unannounced in your inbox.<br />
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You subscribed to me a while back and then I abandoned this blog. Now, I am back and ready to go, at least for now. I will share more of my plans for the blog in the weeks to come but for now, hi again. I hope we can become re-acquainted. If you are shocked at receiving this email and wish to unsubscribe, I will not be offended whatsoever. I will be sharing my walks with you, with some talk about God and perhaps a bit of cooking. If that appeals to you, stick around. If that doesn't sound like your cup of Red Rose, no problemo.<br />
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This was my walk this morning. I had been a bit in the dumps and stayed up all night working on writing-related things. The hidden blessing, of insomnia, though, if you play it right, is that you get to watch the sun rise. I went out at 7:15 but just missed whatever display there might have been for the day. It was still so lovely, though. The water so still it seemed to be an extension of the land.<br />
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The hidden beach was there and I could not help but follow its path, a narrow ridge along the rocky shore of Lake Winnipeg. I absolutely adore the rich colours of contrasting browns and blues, with a splash of autumn tree blossoms. I could just eat this up!<br />
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And these textures! I can't get enough, to tell you the truth. After feellng in the dumps the last few days, this walk did me good. As Alaniss Morrisette sang, "A Change'll Do You Good." I feel the closest to the God of the Universe during these moments with his creation. I don't know how anyone could hold unto their atheism after spending an hour in the fresh air of his magnificently designed beauty. This truly lifts my spirit to the heavens. I hope you have a wonderful day, and get outside, even just for a few minutes!<br />
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-91430634378195924682016-05-25T23:18:00.000-05:002018-01-17T19:30:56.703-06:00Take Time to Do Something Real<br />
Hi everyone from our place in the woods! How are you doing these days? I haven't written for a while, but wanted to get a word out to you this week, and keep in touch.. As you may know, I am a teacher, and am entering the crazy, crazy time of the year: JUNE! I sincerely apologize for not maintaining my regular writing schedule.<br />
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What about you? Is this a busy time of year for you, too? What season of life are you in right now? Is your yearly cycle connected to the school year, with kids, or a business cycle?<br />
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Since we spoke last, about three weeks ago, summer seems to have arrived here in the boreal forest. I was so anxious for spring, but when it finally arrived, it seemed to skip almost straight into summer. The trees are now fully clothed again, wildflowers are covering the earth in careless beauty, and the beaches have opened up their sandy splendor.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trees with all their covering, taken last summer. </td></tr>
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For those of us in the education field, this is the end of the year, and it is a time of intense pressure. The teachers and administrators have dozens of deadlines coming at them, all at the same time: report cards, end-of-year testing, finishing off the curriculum, planning for field trips and year-end celebrations. We feel the pressure to GET IT ALL DONE, while the kids are determined that THEY ARE FINISHED. LET'S GET ON TO SUMMER! The kids just wanna have fun, sparkly, crazy zany fun ... kind of like these eggs that they created for Easter earlier in the year:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter eggs made my Grade six class.</td></tr>
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And no matter how much we push them to keep learning, many students have decided internally (perhaps, without even knowing they are deciding this) that they are DONE. They have been learning and working all year, and now, they feel, it is time to PLAY! They want something different and unique, like this beauty created by one of several very talented artists in the class:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sparkly egg created by an extra-talented student in the class. </td></tr>
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Can you relate? I sure can. For me, all of the intense pressure And it seems that the busier it gets, the more I want to slow down. My body, my whole self resists the intense pressure, and I have a desire simply to escape the insanity. Have you ever felt like that?<br />
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This year, I was blessed to be able to book a few days off, around the May long weekend, which led to a six-day weekend. in fact. But. in spite of the days off, I could not escape the feeling of pressure. I could barely relax: my body just knew that the pressure was still on.<br />
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The only thing that seemed to work to calm me down was a long walk on the beach, with a bit of a swim. The feel of the sand, sans shoes, is calming to the feet. And the soft lapping of the water overcomes the buzz of anxiety. I really do find that time spent on the beach is the most healing of times.<br />
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In this next pictures, I loved the monochromatic simplicity of sky, lake and stick. Something in my soul longed for such calm in my own life. To some it may be boring, but to me, it is sweet beautiful peace. It is a feeling of blendedness and connectedness. I love this. (This is the Instagram version, which is, of course, square. If you would like to follow me on Instagram, you can follow at <span style="color: #38761d;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lifeinwoods/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Lifeinwoods</span></a>,</b></span> and let me know you came from the blog!<br />
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Time spent on the beach is the most healing of times. </div>
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And this is a very similar view, but with less cropping. This beach is full of beautiful sticks and driftwood, perfect for throwing into the water, if you have a dog, or carving a coffee table if you have a saw. </div>
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So, this weekend, walked and let my mind drift. And I got in the water, and almost swam. Which means I got in the water, up past my waist, and dunked my arms in the icy water, that only one month ago, was partially ice. And it felt amazing! I felt alive and completely in the moment.<br />
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And that is what I want to share with you today. If you are feeling pressure, intense pressure, take a bit of time to do something that makes you feel alive. For me, it is the feeling of fresh lake water rushing over my body. For you, it might be a ride on your motorcycle. Or an afternoon spent being silly with the kids and laughing at their corny jokes, housework be darned. Maybe it's getting your hands into the fresh soil of your garden. Whatever it is, do something real. Do something simple. And leave the pressure behind, just for a little bit. I guarantee all the work will still be there when you get back. But you will be just a bit different, a bit more alive, and bit more "you."<br />
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Take care, everyone. And I wanted to say a big thank you for the feedback I received about the free gift I want to offer. I can't promise it will be available until after June ends, but I want to reward my loyal readers with a beautiful print PDF, with a lovely quote on it. I hope to get it ready by July, at the latest. Have a wonderful June, everyone! Take care!<br />
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And one more thing: PLEASE, PLEASE COMMENT, if you liked the blog, and enjoyed it. (Or even if you didn't, or if you disagreed with something I said. I love to hear any feedback.)<br />
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I put a lot of work into these blog posts and your feedback, whatever it is, is gold to me. I find it hard to write without comments! So, if you are out there reading, please just drop me a line, and let me know you are reading, and how I can help you. I love engaging with people -- so I look forward to hearing from you.<br />
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by<a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-52490598806965893692016-05-08T16:24:00.002-05:002016-05-08T18:27:47.983-05:00The Fragile Nature of Our Lives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7WprQ0mmok/Vy-UaM5e3wI/AAAAAAAAI4g/s7rSLx4C5QcBiV4tD6HPE9f5LHVcOpSlwCLcB/s1600/20160507_185212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7WprQ0mmok/Vy-UaM5e3wI/AAAAAAAAI4g/s7rSLx4C5QcBiV4tD6HPE9f5LHVcOpSlwCLcB/s640/20160507_185212.jpg" width="640" /></a>Hey everyone! I hope you had a good week! My week has been stressful, with much of my time being spent trying to get some testing done, at my teaching job. Let's just say that testing makes me a bit "testy," to put it nicely!<br />
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I did manage to get a couple of walks in, though. Yesterday, my gorgeous husband and I rediscovered a little beach about fifteen minutes walking time from our house. It's a beach not large enough to attract any attention from the public, or outsiders, but will certainly do for a quick afternoon swim or getaway for the few dozen denizens of our little community here. We are pretty isolated, but it is finds like this that make the isolation seem worth it.<br />
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The shoreline is spattered with long trees that seem to have come from the shore of the lake. They have been washed bare by the water and resemble a big pile of dinosaur bones, or perhaps some kind of exotic sea creature:<br />
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As I soak in the beauty of the lapping water, my gorgeous husband points out a billowing cloud of smoke on the far shoreline. We think it might be the forest fire which is burning about 3 hours east of us, the Manitoba-Ontario border. No one has been hurt in this fire yet, but the billowing clouds in the horizon (not quite visible on this photo) remind us of how close to home it is.<br />
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The fires here in Manitoba are serious, but seem almost unmentionable when compared to <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/the-fort-mcmurray-disaster-read-the-latest-on-the-fire-the-response-and-theevacuees/article29930041/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">the fire that the whole country</span></b></a>, is now watching in horror. In Fort McMurray, an inferno rages, one created by the hot and dry conditions, one that no one could have predicted.<br />
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This fire, which has now raged for a week long, have forced the evacuation of 80, 000 residents and has burned down most of a city. Estimates say the fire is the <a href="http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/how-big-is-the-fort-mcmurray-fire/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>size of Mexico City</b></span>.</a> The devastation is unimaginable. But I also feel so proud of my home province as I hear stories of heroes: a <a href="http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/when-evacuation-was-ordered-mcmurray-principal-fled-with-busload-of-students" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">teacher and</span></b> <span style="color: #45818e;"><b>school bus driver who gets a group of students out of the city </b></span></a>with only a school bus, a flat of water bottles and a few granola bars. <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/inside-the-fort-mcmurray-rescue-convoys-ive-been-trying-26-hours-to-find-a-way-to-help" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Convoy drivers</span></b> </a>plowing through the rabble with supplies on the ground, determined to help in any way they can, unable to sit idly by and wait for the officials to get there.<br />
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These are my people, my fellow Canadians. I feel sad and proud. I have been to Fort McMurray. I flew there for work a few years back. I know that place: an isolated city plunked in the middle of the wilderness, where people come to make a fortune, but ended up staying for their neighbours. I am so relieved when I find out that my former students are okay, thanks to the Facebook check-in system.<br />
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My heart goes out to everyone involved. Many evacuees have now said goodbye to life as they knew it. They will be waiting for permission to go back, but perhaps many never will. Parents will have to explain to their children why they cannot go back to the home that they loved. There will be the indignity of living with strangers, the stress of not knowing what is next, and perhaps for some, a <a href="http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/many-fort-mcmurray-evacuees-likely-to-suffer-post-traumatic-stress-edmonton-psychologist-says" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>post-traumatic stress reaction to the horrifying memories</b></span></a> they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.<br />
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And besides the human loss, which is devastating, there is the loss of habitat. Those beautiful trees, hectares of sublime scenes, such as this one close to my house, are gone, leaving behind only the charred remains. I have not heard what has happened to all of the animals of the forest, but that is so heartbreaking, too.<br />
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The fire on the news reminds me that my life here in the woods, as everywhere, is fragile. I do need to be grateful for every day, for every glimpse of beauty, for losing life as we know it is only a spark, only a phone call, only a cancer diagnosis away.<br />
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On<a href="http://hubpages.com/holidays/Mothers-Day-for-Those-Whove-Lost-Lost-Their-Mother" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Mother's Day today</b></span>,</a> hold your loved ones close. And say a prayer, if you pray, for those who have only their loved ones to hold, with most everything else gone.<br />
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:=""><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Facebook page.</span></b></a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>joining here</b></span></a><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-50001378370730690592016-04-27T01:08:00.003-05:002016-05-08T16:25:49.572-05:00Living In The In BetweenHey everyone! I hope you are having a good week. We have been getting spring here in the woods, but it's coming very slowly. After <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2016/04/farewell-to-winter.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">l</span></b><b><span style="color: #38761d;">ast week's meteoric temperatures</span></b></a>, mother nature seemed to retreat back and decide not to get so crazy. It's been mild: not hot enough to bring on May flowers, but warm enough to make the ice on the lake finally break through.<br />
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This week, I spent a lot of time taking pics of the water from several different vantage points. I am loving the interplay between the old ice and snow of winter, and the fresh flowing water of spring. It makes for some really interesting, textured photos. This shot shows the ice floating on the water in beautiful s-curves:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vOitdIzs9eU/Vx7C_NhevmI/AAAAAAAAI1Q/172vAv_kNPw/s1600/IMG_20160424_201428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vOitdIzs9eU/Vx7C_NhevmI/AAAAAAAAI1Q/172vAv_kNPw/s640/IMG_20160424_201428.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice patch on the lake</td></tr>
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And this the same area, from a different vantage point, you can really see the glass-like still quality of the water. I love the soft muted colours of this picture, You can also see a lot of rocks. In the early spring, the rocks tend to pile up on the shore. Later on, as the water goes down, much of this shoreline may turn to sandbar, and become a place suitable for swimming.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ_90GbvrJ0/Vx7C_8kf0TI/AAAAAAAAI1k/RUZ6_kPy29Ymdscm-_8qt2ox7p60TeqqQCKgB/s1600/IMG_20160424_201416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ_90GbvrJ0/Vx7C_8kf0TI/AAAAAAAAI1k/RUZ6_kPy29Ymdscm-_8qt2ox7p60TeqqQCKgB/s640/IMG_20160424_201416.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice on Lake Winnipeg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Winnipeg shoreline</td></tr>
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And in this scenic shot, you can see that there is unmelted snow in this secret little spot of wilderness, located only 1.5 hours from the city.<br />
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And so that is our life here in the woods: we are in the life of in-between right now: water flowing with life, but being impeded from full progress by the ice and snow of winter, who is not quite ready to give up his reign of this land.<br />
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It's sometimes depressing, as we long for green, and new life. But it's also beautiful -- it's the beauty of struggle, a picture of contrast and dynamic interplay of the elements.<br />
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We are living in a time of transition. And this reminds me so much of the transitions we often feel in our own personal lives. Sometimes we are trying to embark on a new venture, but it's just not quite time. We want everything to start blossoming, but we still have to take care of some business. And so we yearn for the <i>new</i> era and wish we were done with the old period.<br />
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But patient we must be to finish off what is in front of us, before we can fully embrace the new challenge.<br />
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I, too, am in a transition phase. At the end of the school year, I will be leaving my job to pursue full-time writing. My mind is pulsing right now with ideas for books and articles, but I cannot break through to the new phase until all the things are finished with my old assignment. But because I know it's close, I feel an urgency to get writing, and get things flowing. I can feel the excitement of my new adventure to come but it is not quite time to be set free.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sru5kMFkV5c/Vx7CkQxAYLI/AAAAAAAAI1E/FcZWjrzYRgU/s1600/20160424_203412_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sru5kMFkV5c/Vx7CkQxAYLI/AAAAAAAAI1E/FcZWjrzYRgU/s640/20160424_203412_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful sunset off Lake Winnipeg</td></tr>
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For the next two months, I live in the in-between. I love teaching, but I know that I must also prepare for my new life. So, I write and I teach, and it is exhausting. But it also beautiful -- the beauty of struggle. I am enjoying the last few months in the classroom, savouring each day with my students, but also knowing I will be walking away soon.<br />
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Are you living in a time of transition, and want things to be done now? Remember the lake which must slowly melt, and wait for all the snow to be gone, before it can flow comptely free. Remember the spring that comes slowly, and let the dream you are waiting for come to pass in its own time.<br />
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Dear reader, I would love to hear from <i>you</i>. Talk to me! Have you ever been been in a time of transition? How did you deal with it? Did you have any walks this week? What kind of views did you see? I would absolutely love to hear from you about this, or any other topic.<br />
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And finally, just to encourage you to get outdoors this week, I leave you with this information: a <a href="https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/walking.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>report by the American Surgeon General</b></span></a> found that walkers live longer than non-walkers. Sounds like a good bonus! Have a wonderful week!<br />
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:=""><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Facebook page</b></span>.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>joining here</b></span></a><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-11926671630079806212016-04-21T23:18:00.000-05:002016-04-22T07:38:27.738-05:00Farewell to Winter<div style="text-align: right;">
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Hello! How is everyone today? Today is April 21, and we are finally getting spring! Yesterday, our temperature went up to 21 Degrees Celsius. It's been so nice, FINALLY! It has been a really, really long winter.<br />
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One week ago, we got our last snowfall, and it was so beautiful! There's something about a spring snowfall that's much different than your typical snowfall in January. The snow is heavier and just sits on the trees, like a thick coating on fried chicken.<br />
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If I had kids, it would have been perfect for a snowman, or a snowball fight. It was really quite magical. I love this quote that describes so perfectly the magical world of a snow-covered landscape. :<br />
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the first fall of snow is not only an event, but it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world, and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment, then where is it to be found? </blockquote>
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J.B. Priestly </blockquote>
Four weeks ago, I came home after school on Friday to this scene:<br />
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And who could resist the graceful lines of these graceful branches below? I am not sure what type of trees they are. If anyone has an opinion, I would love to hear it. The fresh soft hard snow creates a new world. The spring snow is a different snow, warming the air and covering the ground like a cozy blanket. </div>
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And a walk to the lake was a black and white world, with the black branches a perfect contrast to the pure snow. Thoreau said this about the stark silhouettes of winter:</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Nature now, like an athlete, begins to strip herself in earnest for her contest with her great antagonist Winter. In the bare trees and twigs what a display of muscle. </span> </blockquote>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">Henry David Thoreau </span></blockquote>
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Well, I guess this post has turned into a good-bye to winter. You were beautiful, but we must make room for the spring. But in your season, we learned to be patient and to endure. Your lingering taught us that we can endure longer than we thought we could. Your harshness taught us to take extra good care of each other. And your monotony taught us that we are more capable of entertaining ourselves that we believed. Farewell, and let us now move quickly to summer. But don't worry, we will welcome you back next year.<br />
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I encourage you to get outside this week and discover your spring.<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Studies show that we only need 5-10 minutes exposure of sunlight 2-3 times a week</span></a></span> on bare skin to get enough Vitamin D for our bodies' needs. Did you know Vitamin D is considered a factor in helping us with insulin regulation, and preventing diabetes?<br />
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Dear Reader, I would love to hear about what kind of weather you are enjoying in your area. Please comment with your area, and the weather. And please feel free to leave a comment on the blog on whatever topic you like.. I would absolutely love to hear from you.<br />
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by<a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-23291261162769314942016-04-18T01:57:00.002-05:002016-04-18T02:16:44.723-05:00Welcome to the Nature Blog! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey everyone! Welcome back to the blog! I know it's been a while, but I am excited about writing again. As you can see, I have changed the template (the look) of the blog. Unfortunately, this change caused a couple of bugs. Please bear with me as I sort through these errors, and try to ignore the strange double blog posting below.<br />
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I haven't written here or about four months. To be honest, I was quite confused as to which direction to take this blog. I have felt like I had really lost my focus (or more accurately, never really found a focus in the first place.)<br />
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Well, after much soul searching and praying, I have decided on a more clear focus for the Life in the Woods blog. This is the plan! It may change a bit as we go along, but this is the main thrust of it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nRMITLpFRp8/VxSEVCkqWVI/AAAAAAAAIxY/Gt9UtsmcG1k/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nRMITLpFRp8/VxSEVCkqWVI/AAAAAAAAIxY/Gt9UtsmcG1k/s350/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of the road going down to the lake,<br />
featuring a stream formed from the still-melting snow. </td></tr>
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The Life in the Woods blog will be about my adventures with nature, featuring beautiful photos and an encouragement taken from nature. I will also have a part where I encourage you, the reader, to get into nature a little more, using studies, quotes and examples to show how spending more time outdoors is beneficial and life-changing.<br />
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I want to post just once a week, and will try to post on the same day of the week every week, but I am not sure which day of the week it will be, yet. Once I decide, I will save my posting for that one day, and try to follow my format the best I can. I look forward to having more of a structure, and I hope you enjoy it, too! I won't be posting as much about my adventures in the house, but focusing on spending time in nature.<br />
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Why the change? Well, I wanted to share something I am very passionate about, with you. I have always loved spending time outdoors. A walk in nature helps me think and lifts my spirits. I love my walks, and want to share some of the encouragement I find in them, and also some of the beauty I see, through my photographs.<br />
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Moving here to our home in the woods was specifically to be closer to nature and God's creation. It has always been my dream to live somewhere so close to nature, and I want to share my greatest joy with you. I hope you find it inspiring!<br />
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<span class="">And lastly, I want to share quotes, studies and facts about spending time in nature, as well as facts about specific topics of woodland living, so that my blog can be both educational, as well as inspiring. As a teacher, I love to share knowledge with people. </span><br />
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I hope you like the revised structure of the blog. I will be writing a new post with the new format some time this week, so you can see what I am talking about.<br />
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In the meantime, have a wonderful week and God Bless!<br />
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Love Sharilee. <br />
<br />
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below. <br />
<br />
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by<a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-55867097810269763332016-01-26T02:19:00.000-06:002016-03-31T13:25:12.857-05:00What if the Vision You Had For Yourself as a Teenager Was Real? <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2VCKVWc83c/VqcpVm9Oe1I/AAAAAAAAIqg/HncmjJsjF6o/s1600/the%2Blake%2Bearly%2Bmorning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2VCKVWc83c/VqcpVm9Oe1I/AAAAAAAAIqg/HncmjJsjF6o/s640/the%2Blake%2Bearly%2Bmorning.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lake, an early summer morning.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well. I apologize for the inconsistent posting schedule lately. I know it must have been strange to have no posts for six months, and suddenly, it's three in a month. Yikes! Get a schedule, girl! But, I am experimenting to see how often I can squeeze in some writing, in between my crazy work schedule and everything else that needs to be done. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's hard to do it all, as we all know.<br /><br />My topic today is about discovering who I am, and who I have always been, underneath career titles and official names. I hope that some part of it might resonate with you, too. Or someone you know, who still grapples with "what am I here for?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I sit in my truck, 11:00 at night, Christian music blaring on the radio. I stare out at the lake, covered by soft mist from the warm air pressure coming in from the South. Every song fits my thoughts, like the radio is a direct message from God himself. And I see it. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little balcony overlooking the lake at night.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A vision of what my life is meant to be. Surely being this <i>tired and exhausted all of the time</i> ... is not it! Is this all I am meant to be? No ... surely not! <br /><br />I have been binge reading the blog and material from <a href="http://www.free-range-humans.com/" target="_blank">Marianne Cantwell at the Free Range Human,</a> and it is starting to click. What I am reading, is starting to connect with my life, in a very personal way. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I know I must write it down. I search my purse for paper, and find a photocopy of receipts I copied for school. These are the only paper on the premises, and I must capture this vision before it goes away, lost forever in the endless mess of my everyday life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I write:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I <i>am</i> a writer. It is what makes my heart sing. It was who I was before I ever stood at the front of a class, and introduced myself as the teacher. It is who I am in the quiet moments: observing, taking notes, noticing details. I recall:</span></blockquote>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> longing to write at every job I ever had, even a memo, or an e-mail. Just let me form words. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> taking a job in advertising sales at the weekly newspaper, just so I could be around the writers. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">writing the entrance exam to journalism school at 3:00 in the morning, on a couple of envelopes, transferred quickly unto paper a couple of hours before the deadline, and getting in.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> intense poetry at nineteen, long since lost but snippets still floating in my head.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I see a vision of my life, and it is writing, and alway has been. I get out of the truck and take some pictures of the soft snow coming down on the lake. It is perfectly still and the lake stretches out for miles and miles. <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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UR4JRTVZCzI/VqcoGHX8jcI/AAAAAAAAIqU/DVeCa26J7yI/s1600/the%2Blake%2Bin%2Bfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UR4JRTVZCzI/VqcoGHX8jcI/AAAAAAAAIqU/DVeCa26J7yI/s400/the%2Blake%2Bin%2Bfall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lake in the light, in the fall. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I write more, with excitement, seeing my vision, possible, do-able. I see that </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">doing what I am</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> is not the risk. What's risky is </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">not doing</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> what I am. Reaching my deathbed and regretting </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">the undone</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">. How utter depressing and hopeless! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am so inspired by the message from Ms. Cantwell. Her main message, as I understand it, is a<a href="http://www.free-range-humans.com/do-what-you-love/findmyonebigpassionmyth/" target="_blank">bout living a life that is based primarily on <i>who you are</i>.</a> Her words have been resonating with me, and I see it for myself. It is something I have been learning for a long time, but something is just clicking in a different way. My actions need to become who I am ... no matter what ... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The song on the radio, Jason Gray sings "He made you to glow in the dark." The song confirms this truth deep in my soul. He loves me, and wants me to be who he created me to be. That is not just wishful thinking -- <i>that is the truth. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I get back back in the truck and head home to a husband who loves me, to our quiet little house in the woods. It feels right. I feel hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, back to you. Does any of this resonate with you? Have you had any of my same struggles? If so, let me just ask you a couple of questions. What makes your heart sing? Who are you, who have you always been, through all your jobs? Through all your heartbreaks <i>and</i> silly moments? Like the proverbial girl next door, maybe it has been right there along. Maybe you have just neglected to see it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What if you dared to believe that that calm peaceful feeling you get when you do that one thing, is real? That the vision you had for yourself as a teenager, but gave up when life demanded more "practical decisions" was the truth? Was you? What if that is exactly what you should be doing. And that that should is way more real than the "should get a good job that pays the bills, no matter if it interests me or not," and "should stick with something I hate, because after all, I'm too old to change now." What if? Think about it; kick it around, and let me know what you think. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For more reading on this topic, I very highly recommend <a href="http://www.free-range-humans.com/do-what-you-love/findmyonebigpassionmyth/" target="_blank">Ms. Cantwell's blog</a>, and book. I have now downloaded the sample on my computer, and when I have book money in the budget, will be buying the rest. It's good stuff. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wrote another post about <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2014/11/and-this-is-reason-that-i-write-to-know_27.html" target="_blank">following your passions</a>, and you can also read an <a href="http://hubpages.com/literature/I-Cant-Do-It" target="_blank">encouraging poem about overcoming depression</a> that I wrote a while back.<br /><br />Thanks for reading. I hope you found this message encouraging. If you would like to stay in regular contact, please <a href="http://madmimi.com/signups/122503/join" target="_blank">sign up for my emails</a>, and/or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lifeinthewoodspage/?ref=hl" target="_blank">join the Facebook page</a> for posts about life lessons, nature, faith, and the simple life. Please, please, please leave a comment! Even if you totally disagree with what I said ... I don't mind! Just talk! </span><br />
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by<a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-23911443279297512492016-01-17T00:33:00.000-06:002016-03-31T13:25:40.265-05:00I Am Not A Hockey Fan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little kids playing hockey. (MorgueFile Photo)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hi everyone! This next post is a bit different than my usual. It's more of an essay style. The other night, I went to a little hockey game in my community, and it had a profound effect on me. I wanted to share my feelings about the night with you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">First of all, I am not a hockey fan. Never have been. I don't care for the frigid arena where you freeze your buns off, in order to watch. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The puck moves so fast, that I can't even follow it. The sport is all about being quick, noisy and slick. I am none of those things. I'd really rather be reading a book, or <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2014/10/ten-reasons-to-go-for-walk-tonight.html">taking a nature walk</a>. Almost anything <i>but</i> watching a hockey game. But regardless, tonight, here I am, at a hockey game.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kids are playing: pee wee level. I have come to see this team because some of the students are in my class. As my husband and I walk in to our seats, one of the boys waves at me from the ice. I recognize him right away, because he had told me to look out for his red helmet. </span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyV08ldBZcc/VpsrnFlUajI/AAAAAAAAIpA/iipCJuzg0XU/s1600/ice-hockey-600267_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyV08ldBZcc/VpsrnFlUajI/AAAAAAAAIpA/iipCJuzg0XU/s400/ice-hockey-600267_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Youth playing hockey. (Pixaby photo)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like I said, I am not a hockey fan. I was forced to listen to it on the radio, by a father who was a loyal Calgary Flames fan. I even pretended to like a random team, just to fit in, and have a way to connect with my Dad. It's a s</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">port I have always pretended to like, in order to appease the men in my life. But it was all a pretense, a social nicety. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The goalie on the red team is down, struck by an opposing team member. All the players, red and yellow, wait in anticipation to see if he is okay. The coach shuffles out to check on this fallen heap on the ice. He stands. All the players bang their sticks on the ice, in unison. Respect for their fallen comrade. It is intensely moving. </span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-307RP2NGsy4/VpssPi5_zXI/AAAAAAAAIpE/9l_WoFqEVKE/s1600/hockey-net-1119931_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-307RP2NGsy4/VpssPi5_zXI/AAAAAAAAIpE/9l_WoFqEVKE/s320/hockey-net-1119931_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Canada, hockey is almost a national religion. (Photo from Pixaby)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have never been a genuine hockey fan. But I live in a country where hockey might be called the national religion. Every year, our national broadcaster chooses the most "hockey-crazy town" in a series called </span><a href="http://khv2016.ca/en/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Hockeyville</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">. In </span><a href="http://hubpages.com/travel/99-Reasons-that-I-Love-Canada" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Canada</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">, hockey pools are watched more carefully than the Evening News. "I am not a hockey fan" are not words to be spoken aloud. I hide my lack of enthusiasm from those around me, in an attempt to not offend the devoted.</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our team, the red team, has a tough time. They have not won a game all season. Tonight is no different. Goal after goal gets into their net. Few attempts to score. A lot of missed passes and fumbled pucks. But still they keep playing. Skating the full two hours, no quitting allowed. I know they all love hockey. The disappointing season has not dulled their enthusiasm for this sport. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You know what? Maybe I am <i>becoming</i> a hockey fan?? Maybe just a little, at least ... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I watch the action more closely now. Seeing how they could improve, rooting for these little underdogs. Proud of seeing my students in a different way: so competent on ice, so comfortable wearing these big, bulky uniforms. Moved by the emotion, the passion, the sheer intensity. These kids are obviously having fun. They play with incredible enthusiasm, in spite of their lack of scoring success. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Kids of all ages line the bleachers, watching their peers with attention, following each move. They know each player, each number, each position. Grandpas and Kookums, too, sitting beside the parents and uncles. Little kids chase older boys down the front of the row, laughing in delight. No adults tell them stop: for this moment, there are no limits or boundaries. Teens and near-teens wave at me, and even give a hug in greeting. Old students, girls, share details of their lives, ask me for a smoke. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, in class, we wrote about our passions. One boy wrote, "hockey is life." I asked him to explain, in his essay, and now, I think I, too, am beginning to understand. Not as the die-hard fan would understand, perhaps, but in my own unique way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hockey is never giving up, but playing the full 60 minutes, even if you're losing, badly. It is never losing your love of the sport, even when your team is the worst in the league. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And life is playing the game, even when you are broke, heartbroken, divorced, widowed, sick. Staying alive when you feel like you should kill yourself. Holding on for the full 3 periods of your life, until the game is done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hockey is continuing to play, even when you're winning. Not giving up halfway through the game, content with the goals scored last period. Instead, pushing through for more points, more achievements, more accomplishments. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In life, it's trying hard at your job, even when you can get away with slacking off. It's getting your hands dirty at home, even when you are an important person at work. It's finding new ways to love your spouse, even when they have already promised to stay with you forever.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9AZq9DKaWQ/Vps0CEvgyII/AAAAAAAAIpU/tUxUGpSYpro/s1600/hockey%2Bphoto%2Bfrom%2Bslgckgc%252C%2Bflickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9AZq9DKaWQ/Vps0CEvgyII/AAAAAAAAIpU/tUxUGpSYpro/s400/hockey%2Bphoto%2Bfrom%2Bslgckgc%252C%2Bflickr.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hockey is recognizing those who are hurt on the ice<br />
Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/slgc/" target="_blank">slgckc, via Flickr, CC -BY 2.0</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hockey is recognizing those who are hurt on the ice, no matter whose team, with a loud banging of sticks. It is showing respect to those who get up, and recognizing that even opposing teams are all getting to play the same great team. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In life, it's showing compassion to those who hurt, even if we are not on the same side. Like the same political side, or the same side of town, or the same side of a family dispute. It is recognizing that we all fall down, but getting up is what makes us a hero. And letting the fallen know, loudly and definitely, that we are rooting for their well-being.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, yes, I admit, it, maybe I am starting to like hockey, just a bit. Approximately 200 kids and adults huddled up in a freezing arena have changed my heart. I am finally starting to get a bit of this "sports thing." It's not just about being macho, and wanting to be the best. It's about life itself. It's pretty emotional ... Maybe hockey is the male version of the chick flick...even though it looks all rough and tough, it gets you right in the heart. </span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take care and God bless. Please feel free to share this message, if you feel others would gain encouragement from it. Please share your thoughts and feelings about the post in the comments section below. And</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://madmimi.com/signups/122503/join" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">sign up</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> if you would like to receive regular updates from the Life in the Woods blog. </span></i></b><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-34628762593921875042016-01-09T21:34:00.000-06:002016-03-31T13:26:06.769-05:00My Christmas Was Better This Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hey, everyone! <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2015/01/be-caught-up-in-hope.html">Happy New Year!</a> I hope you had a good Christmas, and are settling into your routine for the new year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a while since I've shared with you here on the Life in the Woods blog, but I have missed this page terribly. School this year (like every year) is just so crazy busy, that by the time I come home, I am mentally and emotionally drained, and find it difficult to put words together. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I miss you guys, and I miss writing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year, I had a wonderful Christmas. I would say one of the best in a long time. And what made it wonderful? Spending time with my family, whom I had not seen for a few months. (We live hours apart.) Great hospitality from my amazing sister, brother-in-law, and <a href="http://hubpages.com/family/The-Unique-Relationship-Between-Auntie-and-Nieces">two incredible nieces.</a> And continuing <a href="http://hubpages.com/holidays/A-Present-for-Jesus-and-My-Familys-Other-Christmas-Traditions">some traditions</a> that have been in the family since my childhood.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONfzrkY-xXo/VpHEt1HmRcI/AAAAAAAAInY/MLOul9-JzUg/s1600/family%2BChristmas%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONfzrkY-xXo/VpHEt1HmRcI/AAAAAAAAInY/MLOul9-JzUg/s400/family%2BChristmas%2Btree.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister's family Christmas tree.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, what made it great was what I didn't do. These are three things I <i>didn't </i>do this Christmas helped make this holiday one of the best. And I hope the lessons I learned help you, not just at Christmas, but throughout the coming new year.</span><br />
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<ol>
<li><u>I DIDN'T SPEND OUT OF GUILT </u></li>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my love languages is gift -giving. I absolute love giving gifts at Christmas, on birthdays, and whatever other excuse I can find. Can you relate? <br /><br />But ... this year, as I was doing my usual last minute scramble to finish shopping, I stopped. Stopped piling more and more gifts on. I wanted to keep going. I kept seeing more things that would be perfect. A beading set for my youngest niece. A necklace for my oldest niece. Another book for both of them. And on and on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I stopped. Two gifts for each of them was enough. And it fit our budget. And as I stopped, I realized that getting more gifts would be out of guilt, and striving to be good enough. To show that I cared, to make up for lost time. To prove myself. And assauge my guilt. It was striving. And I realized that it was the wrong motives. And so I stopped. Two gifts each was enough. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />And for the first time, I told my family: my presence here is the main gift. Because I traveled 862 miles to be with them. And really, isn't that always the main gift? Our presence? Spending time. Laughing. Enjoying. Listening. Talking. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u07yFPRw1Y8/VpHEMBobQfI/AAAAAAAAImw/9Y6NDEGFRS0/s1600/Saskatchewan%2Bsunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u07yFPRw1Y8/VpHEMBobQfI/AAAAAAAAImw/9Y6NDEGFRS0/s640/Saskatchewan%2Bsunrise.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A photo from the 18 hour bus ride I took to visit my sister this year. This one is from Saskatchewan. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had a whole morning of binge-watching Master Chef with my one niece, exchanging sarcastic comments. A sleepover with my other niece that included a late-night talk about boys. Those were the other gifts. The ones that won't show up on the bank account statement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And in addition, there the numerous gifts they gave to me, besides the beautiful scarves and jewelry. There was the board game tournament. The lesson on selfies. The time spent wrapping after everyone else was ready to open. The Christmas story, read by a teenager, and almost teenager. And most of all, the welcome. Gifts I carried home in my heart, not my suitcase. </span><br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">2. I DIDN'T RUSH</u><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">This year, I barely rushed. This seemed very different than other years, and it made such a difference. In fact, I deliberately set things up, to not rush.<br /><br />This year, for the first time in ages, I actually rode the bus across two provinces, for eighteen hours straight. Why? Because I didn't feel like fighting the crowds and rush of the airport. I wanted a slower pace. To make it even slower, I did not tell anyone exactly when I was arriving. And it was wonderful. It was an eighteen hour ride, but an enjoyable one. I met some wonderful people, and had some <a href="http://hubpages.com/travel/How-to-a-Good-Conversation-while-Travelling" target="_blank">amazing conversations</a>.</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And when I got there, I let myself sleep in, keeping myself off the crazy machine, and creating far less stress. Of course, it may be said, it is far easier for me, with no children in tow. Those with kids may find it much more difficult. But don't even the kids also need a break? Isn't the whole idea of holidays for all of us to stop rushing, young and old? Why do we have to do things to <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2014/12/four-unexpected-reasons-that-we-panic.html">make ourselves completely stressed out?</a> Let's enjoy our break. </span><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/AVvXsEhrblL__UKAFYHT1bQpboPILr2cgBOC_no8qJYX1wxJItw-LGaRalhNE3WXj__6nbVZke4H5W0UFAqcdFgtzQJHvPlDNbCKSBo_E3rZFrO3SQaaEOgtc5GPB4Q9791aEA3mxsJMgs5OvIY/s1600/MALL+PIC+--+BLURRED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrblL__UKAFYHT1bQpboPILr2cgBOC_no8qJYX1wxJItw-LGaRalhNE3WXj__6nbVZke4H5W0UFAqcdFgtzQJHvPlDNbCKSBo_E3rZFrO3SQaaEOgtc5GPB4Q9791aEA3mxsJMgs5OvIY/s320/MALL+PIC+--+BLURRED.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My photo of crowds at a mall in Calgary. So much rushing! </td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christians and Jewish people believe that God set up the seventh day as a Sabbath, a time to rest. In the Bible, holidays were also days set aside to get away from the regular routine, from the rush. Because God said that it was good to rest. So, this holiday, I rested. And I didn't rush. And it was wonderful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, in our everyday life, we sometimes have to rush (often!) But if we allow ourselves the rest in-between, the quiet pockets of non-scheduling, I believe we will be better equipped to handle the rush on all the days in between. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM1CaE7CfmrnKzFPNlvF1WOMdsnl6f_GIjABnyh4nB6JtmjGRK6PFPVacCiE1w1kulXF8j3mtpzpskVze9j2kAdZ_Bnl_k0JTdwUG5nPBRNVK0a5Z3S3uQoX47a3JVjAfjRMJfZMWcm0/s1600/snow+covered+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM1CaE7CfmrnKzFPNlvF1WOMdsnl6f_GIjABnyh4nB6JtmjGRK6PFPVacCiE1w1kulXF8j3mtpzpskVze9j2kAdZ_Bnl_k0JTdwUG5nPBRNVK0a5Z3S3uQoX47a3JVjAfjRMJfZMWcm0/s400/snow+covered+trees.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allow ourselves time to rest in between all the busyness.<br />
(Photo of our front yard, first snow fall.)</td></tr>
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<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">3. I DIDN'T APOLOGIZE</u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Holidays tend to bring out the best and the worst in people. For our family, it's often the worst. Feelings get hurt, and words get yelled, as we try to negotiate where to eat Christmas dinner, which parties to attend, how much to spend.<br /><br />Everyone we meet says, "are you ready for Christmas yet?" in that stressed, urgent tone. And we reply back, with a wry, apologetic tone, "No, not yet, but getting there." And then we exchange our done and undone to-do lists, wringing our hands at the huge responsibility to it all. When did it all become so --- MUCH??? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I saw a link on Facebook before Christmas that <a href="http://www.victoriafedden.com/widelawns/2015/12/2/christmas-in-the-70s-vs-christmas-today" target="_blank">described Christmas in the 70's compared to Christmas now</a>. Yes, it did use to be less involved. And less guilt-inducing! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, this was the year I decided to stop apologizing. We have to do what works for us, as individuals and families. So, maybe we can't attend every event that our coworkers manage to put together. Maybe our house isn't decorated in a perfectly coordinated pattern. Maybe it's not decorated at all! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year, I went to my sister's. My husband stayed home, and spent time with his boys and his family. And we didn't apologize. We just enjoyed our time respectively. Other years, we ended up in a big fight because we both felt guilty, if we didn't have the Christmas card Christmas. But we didn't apologize.<br /><br />This year, I stayed in a hotel, so I could have my own space, instead of bunking down with family. And I didn't apologize for needing my own space. It allowed me to be less rushed, and much more present when I did spend time with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These were some small differences, but they made this year one of the best Christmases ever. And the lesssons learned were not only for Christmas time. As we head into the New Year, it's going to be busy again. But let's try to spend less out of guilt, take time to rest, and to apologize less for doing what we need to do, to take of ourselves. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7IZilcsJCQ/VpHENKo01VI/AAAAAAAAIm8/blJnLYzLr4o/s1600/night%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7IZilcsJCQ/VpHENKo01VI/AAAAAAAAIm8/blJnLYzLr4o/s400/night%2Btree.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year, let's stop apologizing so much.<br />
Night tree in our woods. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take care and God bless. Please feel free to share this message, if you feel others would gain encouragement from it. For more on Christmas stress, see this <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2014/12/four-unexpected-reasons-that-we-panic.html">post from last year</a>. A</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">lso, </span><a href="https://madmimi.com/signups/122503/join" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">sign up</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> if you would like to receive regular updates from the Life in the Woods blog. </span></div>
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Love Sharilee.
Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your commenehts and input in the space below.
Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">Facebook pagei .</a> or receive posts by e-mail by<a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-56175608447653670842015-09-05T02:46:00.001-05:002016-03-31T13:26:30.434-05:00Konmari Journey to More Space, Less Junk, and Less Stress: Introduction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="">Hi everyone! I am excited to share with you, a brand new series on the blog, called <i>Konmari </i></span><i><span class="">Journey to More Space, Less Junk and Less Stress. </span></i><span class="">Over the summer, </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="">I have been working on something called a "tidying festival." You may remember the </span><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1607747308" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="29afa4ac39dd20a909caf9c5af9cec28" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Konmari method" href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering/dp/1607747308/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=hubpages04ed-20&linkId=29afa4ac39dd20a909caf9c5af9cec28&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9735938" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="">Konmari method</span></a><span class="">, as explained in this incredible book called, </span><i><span class="">the life-changing magic of tidying up, </span></i><span class="">by Marie Kondo. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cJ44BhEjw0/VeqIhHoxSXI/AAAAAAAAC2E/-zB-iEx9H8M/s1600/konmari%2Bbook%2Bimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cJ44BhEjw0/VeqIhHoxSXI/AAAAAAAAC2E/-zB-iEx9H8M/s640/konmari%2Bbook%2Bimage.jpg" width="449" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="">You may recall that I wrote </span><a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2015/04/how-can-cleaning-up-can-be-life.html" target="_blank"><span class="">this review</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8803912" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=hubpages04ed-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=5d79c8de8a5aa157c9b27da74a39d274&_cb=1441431852866" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /><span class=""> of the book back in April. Since that time, I have been going through each of my items one by one. Two weeks ago, I reached a point of near completion. and feel ready to share my journey with you. I share it with you, to encourage you, if you want to declutter. It is totally worth it, and this book helps you through the whole process. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="">(As we go, I will also share some of the beautiful sunsets we enjoyed this year, at the beaches close to our home. These are all photos taken from my phone this summer.)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7mYlgKozxw/VeqTbhPECTI/AAAAAAAAC2U/DTl7sldhTu0/s1600/sandles%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7mYlgKozxw/VeqTbhPECTI/AAAAAAAAC2U/DTl7sldhTu0/s640/sandles%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gone Swimmin'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Konmari method can be summed up in one question: "does this item </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">spark joy</i><span style="font-size: large;">?" If it does, you keep it. If if does not, you get rid of it. Now, this sounds simple enough, but it is more difficult than it sounds. Because you must determine what the objects mean to you. Do you keep a certain sweater, because it was from your sister, but you never really liked it? Then toss it! Or are you holding unto 300 envelopes, even though you only use two envelopes a year? Get rid of them! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">By letting go of those things that bring you down, with guilt, sadness, remorse, you clear up space for the "joy-sparkers" to shine, and be seen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So far, my journey has been frustrating, exhilerating, exhausting, but most importantly, transformative. To examine everything I have in my possession has been to truly live an "examined life," and it helped to see myself in ways I never imagined. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="">The very title of the book says that this process is life-changing, and Kondo states this same thing very clearly in her book. When I first started reading, I was skeptical, but now, being 95% completed, I can confirm that it absolutely is "life-changing."</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vaHyywOyl8/VeqUyr870dI/AAAAAAAAC2g/ykyp2h2rNWA/s1600/lester%2Bbeach%2Bvern%2Bcoming%2Bout%2Bof%2Bwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vaHyywOyl8/VeqUyr870dI/AAAAAAAAC2g/ykyp2h2rNWA/s640/lester%2Bbeach%2Bvern%2Bcoming%2Bout%2Bof%2Bwater.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Breathtaking view after a long, hot day.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="">First, I have gone from a person who felt like housework would never, </span></span><i><span class=""><span style="font-size: large;">ever, ever</span> </span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="">be done, to someone who feels confident that cleaning up the house is totally possible. I am not saying the house will </span></span><i><span class="" style="font-size: large;">always be perfect </span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="">(this is just a book, not a fairy godmother!) but I am saying that I will know how to clean it up with confidence and get back in order within a reasonable time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Secondly, I feel lighter and more free. Knowing that I am leaving a tidy house, without loads of junk, is a wonderful feeling. Being aware that I will be coming back to a tidy house, after a long day, is even better. I knew clutter was bad, but I had no idea how much it was stressing me out. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLpbLA9X_wg/VeqVb8pf7pI/AAAAAAAAC2o/Fpa_YiqLU1U/s1600/yellow%2Bsunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLpbLA9X_wg/VeqVb8pf7pI/AAAAAAAAC2o/Fpa_YiqLU1U/s640/yellow%2Bsunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">On any given day, I can tell you where 95% of the items in my house can be found. There will always be a few glitches, but for the most part, I know where stuff is. Why? Because there's way less of it, to keep track of. Over the years, I have worked on being more organized, and not losing stuff. (I was notorious as a kid, and in my early 20's, for losing things constantly.) But now, it is even more finely tuned. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One area that I always struggled with badly, was business papers. When someone called, needing this or that document, I knew I was in big trouble. "Give me a couple days to find it, I would say." But not now. Now, I have followed the system pretty closely from the book, for holding papers, with this method, things are different around here! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me give a couple of examples. Our yearly municipal taxes just came up. And when my husband went to pay them, I just went to our "action binder", and got him the bill. Before, that could have been a few hours of looking for it. Today, we were looking for a business card from our mortgage guy, for some business matters. I told my gorgeous husband where it should be, and it took him two minutes to find it. If you knew me before, you would know these moments are miracles in my life. The MariKondo method instructs you get rid of most of the papers in your house, so the ones you have left, are easy to sort through. That is priceless, in my opinion</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Since almost completing the process a couple weeks ago, we have had company over three times. The thought of having people over no longer puts me in state of extreme dread. It doesn't take long to clean up the main living areas. Before, it took so long that I often tried to find an excuse to not have them over. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Since April, when I began, I have donated, trashed and recycled over 60 bags/bins/boxes of my belongings, as well as over a dozen pieces of furniture. <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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ck2UsBNjbLA/VeqVsu1HHtI/AAAAAAAAC2w/dsbvrTdp7qg/s1600/me%2Bwalking%2Balong%2Bthe%2BbeACH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ck2UsBNjbLA/VeqVsu1HHtI/AAAAAAAAC2w/dsbvrTdp7qg/s640/me%2Bwalking%2Balong%2Bthe%2BbeACH.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="">My gorgeous husband captured this photo of me walking along the beach.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="">This series will focus on the journey that I took this summer, towards a simpler, less stressful life. I call it <i>My Journey to More Space, Less Junk and Less Stress. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="goog-text-highlight"><span class="">I will share the insights that I discovered as I pared down my belongings, one at a time, uncovering the things in my life that truly belong there, and letting go of the things that weigh me down. And I will share things that will help you, if you are wanting t pare down, practical suggestions to help make the process easier. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="goog-text-highlight"><span class="">The posts will categorized by items, because this is the way that the MariKondo method works. I will focus first on clothes, books, papers, and then various miscellaneous items. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="goog-text-highlight"><span class="">Before I go, I will show you some pictures taken last weekend, of the house, after it had been cleaned. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="">These are pictures of the main living areas, and they are how I want the house to stay most of the time. Please trust me when I say that my house has never looked this way. It is truly the affect of tidying up, in a way that is different than any other decluttering method. The house is not perfect, but it is virtually clutter-free and it feels very peaceful. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ybzkaj6_3s/VeqXmm5JBzI/AAAAAAAAC28/NJtwHJVvc3s/s1600/tidy%2Bhouse%2Bliving%2Broom%2Bwith%2Bcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ybzkaj6_3s/VeqXmm5JBzI/AAAAAAAAC28/NJtwHJVvc3s/s640/tidy%2Bhouse%2Bliving%2Broom%2Bwith%2Bcat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room, with the cat! The bags were for donations.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ap7fE4WDros/VeqYXK-UHjI/AAAAAAAAC3I/fQBUzg5p0Mw/s1600/tidy%2Bhouse%2Bkitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ap7fE4WDros/VeqYXK-UHjI/AAAAAAAAC3I/fQBUzg5p0Mw/s640/tidy%2Bhouse%2Bkitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The kitchen, uncluttered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A view of the dining area</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, that is it for now. Please check your inbox for more in the series in the upcoming monthes. My goal is to share my journey with you, for inspiration and encouragement. Bless you today. I hope you had a good summer. Please feel free to comment with any questions, observations or ideas. I do love your comments. Take care. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="goog-text-highlight">Love Sharilee. Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below. Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="goog-text-highlight">Facebook page.</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="goog-text-highlight"> or receive posts by e-mail by</span></span><a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="goog-text-highlight">joining here</span></a></td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-85101348369009988842015-04-26T18:38:00.000-05:002016-03-31T13:29:46.575-05:00How Cleaning Up Can Be Life Changing -- A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the stark lines of these giants of my yard. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It didn't surprise me that I was a bit behind in discovering the latest book craze, written by a Japanese organizer who doesn't even speak English. In my life, I always tend to be a bit behind on the trends, if I ever notice them at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The book was published in October of last year, was a #1 New York Times bestseller, has spawned Facebook groups about it, and is still currently #3 in Amazon books. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But late or not, I am so, so excited to share this book I am currently reading with you. I haven't done many book reviews on the blog, but this book fits perfectly into the things I write about, here at Life in the Woods: the simple life, organizing, and finding beauty in the world around you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," is written by a woman from Japan called Marie Kondo, and the goal of the book is help the reader get her house in order. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kondo claims those that follow her system will never let their house get out of order again. They will never relapse. Wow! What a claim. What a promise this is. And those of us who are <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2014/10/3-simple-organizing-secrets-from.html"><strike>reformed</strike> reforming slobs</a>, what hope! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The book is all about how you feel about things -- your things. How you feel about things, is how you decide whether or not to keep something. If something gives you joy, keep it. If it doesn't, don't. That is the book, in two sentences, but there is so much more to the book. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kondo writes in a dreamy, intimate style, that makes you feel as if she is your quirky best friend. The translation is so perfect that you would swear the book was actually written in English. And she shares so much more than just a method of keeping things in order. She shares her heart, her journey, her growth, in learning how to order a home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Her method of decluttering and organizing did not come to her, all at once, but is a system borne out of years of trial and error, experimenting and perfecting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There's no one-size-fits-all system, she tells us. No one can do it for you, she insists. No, we must do the work ourselves. Holding each item we hold in our hands, and deciding if it fits into the life we live, the live we want to live. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">She writes about how getting our house in our house in order, will help us discover who we really are: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After all, our possessions very accurately reflect the history of the decisions we have made in life. Tidying is a way of taking stock that shows us what we really like.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can't say enough about how much I am enjoying this book. I am reading it slowly, so it will last longer. I tried to find more books that she has written, and they are presently being translated, from my understanding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I highly recommend this book, for anyone interested in a <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2014/10/3-simple-organizing-secrets-from.html">simpler life</a>. (The link below is an affiliate link.) Since downloading the book to my Kindle last Wednesday, I have gotten rid of about 12 bags of garbage from our home in the woods. This is a picture of a few things I am donating to a local charity: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nasXbSDjYNc/VT10gRYj-0I/AAAAAAAACrQ/UnBglepd4Y0/s1600/1430090838153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nasXbSDjYNc/VT10gRYj-0I/AAAAAAAACrQ/UnBglepd4Y0/s1600/1430090838153.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I am giving away books that I no longer need, shoes that don't suit me, and other items.<br />
This is a start to many more donations! <br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The process has been healing, already, for me. Holding each item in my hand, I quietly noticed what I was feeling, and through doing this, got rid of a photo album full of old pictures from my first marriage. I threw out some classroom posters given to me, on a job where I had experienced </span><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/When-You-Are-Bullied-At-Work" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">workplace bullying. </span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I got rid of bank papers and old bills that I always thought I might need. And much more ... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, tell me, have you already heard of this book? Read it? Do you think you would like to read it? </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607747308/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1607747308&linkCode=as2&tag=hubpages04ed-20&linkId=MPWEBOTDYIYLTO55"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1607747308&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=hubpages04ed-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=hubpages04ed-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1607747308" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Love Sharilee. Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below. Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl" http:="">FaceboBok page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by<a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-6212075127522396892015-04-05T23:37:00.003-05:002016-03-31T13:27:14.672-05:00Sixteen Ideas for Organizing a Small Kitchen <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">16 Ideas for \Organizing A Small Kitchen</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful Easter weekend. It is now Sunday evening, and I am feeling truly refreshed, from a luxurious Spring Break. My husband booked some time, off, too, and we truly enjoyed our little house in the woods, and allowed ourselves some time to simply "be."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">We had a lovely Easter day, too. We did not go to any service, but did read the Scriptures and prayed together. As a believer in Jesus, I find this day to be a day of hope and joy, because it points to serving a God who is alive and all-loving. Without my God, my life is useless, and I have to confess this today, on Resurrection Sunday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So my GH (gorgeous husband) and I had a few days of pure laziness, where we simply did what we felt like doing. Like web surfing, T.V. watching, and walking:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A walk through the woods, to Lake Winnipeg.</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To the lake: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qSWF-QROqM/VSHvvOvkcsI/AAAAAAAACk8/GGDlVCWBFy0/s1600/20150330_155757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qSWF-QROqM/VSHvvOvkcsI/AAAAAAAACk8/GGDlVCWBFy0/s1600/20150330_155757.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lake Winnipeg: it looks like waves, but it is ice formations. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, after about four days of just relaxing with my husband, I got up and had to get some work done. What did I work on? Our kitchen! This has been an ongoing project <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2014/10/my-favourite-place.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">since we moved here 15 months ago</span></a><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I wanted to share some cheap-o organizing ideas for the kitchen. Of course, these ideas are not all original, but every kitchen is a little bit different, and applied in slightly different ways, and all these pics are straight from our kitchen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our kitchen is fairly small, and it's been a bit challenging for me to try to find spaces for everything. Plus, we don't want to spend <strike>much </strike><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">anything</span> for it. So, without further adieu, here are the pictures of our <span style="color: #cc0000;">pretty darn organized kitchen.<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">It's not super-pretty but it's working. <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2014/10/3-simple-organizing-secrets-from.html" target="_blank">From a <strike>reformed</strike> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">recovering</span> slob</a>, to you.</span> </span><span style="color: black;">Please let me know if this gives you any ideas for yourself!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Use empty Walmart boxes for holding spices. This is an empty box I got from the shelves from Walmart. (I got this idea, from my teacher-friend who gets many of her containers for the classroom this way. You go in and ask permission first, and then you can grab containers from things that have sold out on the shelves.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. I use this one to store my cheese graters:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcKTcctIn6s/VSIZV87mLXI/AAAAAAAACn8/rcHmdjNpICQ/s1600/20150406_002209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcKTcctIn6s/VSIZV87mLXI/AAAAAAAACn8/rcHmdjNpICQ/s1600/20150406_002209.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Store cheese graters in a repurposed chocolate bar display container.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Store your toaster and other appliances in an old dish rack tray, or other tray. This will stop the crumbs from going all over the bottom of the cupboard. I got the idea, of toaster on a tray, from one of my fave organizer gurus, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Malitose79/about" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Malitose79</span></a>. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fwSBqDJ9NPk/VSH24OMvHqI/AAAAAAAACms/gfbGdqTX2Ec/s1600/20150405_121913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fwSBqDJ9NPk/VSH24OMvHqI/AAAAAAAACms/gfbGdqTX2Ec/s1600/20150405_121913.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Store your toaster and other appliances on a tray.</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. The travel mugs we have acquired have been the bane of my existence, for all of my marriage. They took up one shelf of the cupboard, but we could never find a cup ad lid together, without exceptional effort. So, I thought of this: <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFkUqVDeufE/VSJM5tmGoLI/AAAAAAAACpw/gpr8Myyp0TQ/s1600/20150406_040542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFkUqVDeufE/VSJM5tmGoLI/AAAAAAAACpw/gpr8Myyp0TQ/s1600/20150406_040542.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Store your travel mugs in a box. </span></td></tr>
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Store your travel mugs in a box ... with lids and throw out all the rest of them away. This box holds the three that actually have lids. The rest were tossed. And I can slide the box out, when they are needed. So simple! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Break up your egg cartons into two sides, and use both sides to store items that would go in your big utensil drawers, such as can pizza cutters, and potato peelers. Use these to have specific places for all of your utensils. To keep the utensils organized, you can also use the tray containers, found at the Dollar store, or Walmart. <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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9GpV-ULyGXE/VSH3SPjhvAI/AAAAAAAACm8/-1WXnXmhHQ8/s1600/20150405_121813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9GpV-ULyGXE/VSH3SPjhvAI/AAAAAAAACm8/-1WXnXmhHQ8/s1600/20150405_121813.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Break up egg cartons and use to store utensils.</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> and for your knives: <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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6WMJ_g9dPBI/VSIZISXBK1I/AAAAAAAACns/_gVn5ir8haI/s1600/20150406_002243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6WMJ_g9dPBI/VSIZISXBK1I/AAAAAAAACns/_gVn5ir8haI/s1600/20150406_002243.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Egg carton halves used to store knives. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. In the picture with the egg carton containers, you can also see the drawer organizers storing the scissors and can openers. These are also great for organizing utensils. These ones cost me a $1 or $2 each and were bought a while ago. </span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And this next picture features ideas number 7, 8, and 9. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">7. Use plastic containers from for your rice and beans.(These pour!) I got these at the dollar store, for $2 each. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">8. And cereal in a cereal container. Got this at the dollar, for about $2.00. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">9: Put your spaghetti in a pourable container, with a lid. This one from Walmart was about $5.00. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBdejO91BFY/VQ6Flfku64I/AAAAAAAACjQ/BSgwdOLYTjg/s1600/20150315_162020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBdejO91BFY/VQ6Flfku64I/AAAAAAAACjQ/BSgwdOLYTjg/s1600/20150315_162020.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bulk food in containers.</span></td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">11. These Rubbermaid bulk storage containers for sugar and flour, and other bulk foods. These were the probably the most expensive items we bought, for about $24 for two sets of three containers. I have been wanting to get my bulk food into containers, but now we finally have! These keep your food away from potential invaders (a constant threat, here in the woods.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7OEkWEpfTcw/VQ6FkdhySnI/AAAAAAAACjI/bshXmc02idM/s1600/20150315_162040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7OEkWEpfTcw/VQ6FkdhySnI/AAAAAAAACjI/bshXmc02idM/s1600/20150315_162040.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rubbermaid containers for flour and sugar. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">12. These sweet baskets from the Dollar Store for small loose items, like gravy packages, or chicken coatings, or extra salad dressing bottles, whatever you need. These are great because they keep these items up, and easy to access. <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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm2NHys57aw/VSJM4K1UzdI/AAAAAAAACpo/lIpH-Bisir4/s1600/20150406_040606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm2NHys57aw/VSJM4K1UzdI/AAAAAAAACpo/lIpH-Bisir4/s1600/20150406_040606.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Baskets for small food items in the pantry. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">13. Store your plates and bowls in a drawer (if you have an extra big one.) My husband suggested this, and it's brilliant! This was a totally new concept for me, because I have never had a house with big strong drawers like this, before. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">And it made me realize how much space we waste by storing them in a cabinet. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sultS242eiU/VSH3HVaNwQI/AAAAAAAACm0/x_-6m0vi6ro/s1600/20150405_121903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sultS242eiU/VSH3HVaNwQI/AAAAAAAACm0/x_-6m0vi6ro/s1600/20150405_121903.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Plates and bowls stored in a drawer. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">14. Store your pots and pans with all the lids on, so you never have to find the lid again! I know this idea is not original, but I had always tried to save space by stacking the pots, and storing the lids elsewhere. Now that I have tried it this way, I honestly feel less stressed, because I know that pots won't fall down, and I won't have to search everywhere to find a lid that fits. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocaHiXU0QfCSsfgdirM60tbCs4dJdd4Lb9lLwQhxr-dQ7k5L6TkQbb-S3r6OL9mRO5qLH-qxfj4LpA5FIyBJcNfPfpqQpturjHxtLOmhf8yt71_i2I32iVsZQ3DfQZfVtR3KmJWwO6-Q/s1600/20150405_121942(0).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocaHiXU0QfCSsfgdirM60tbCs4dJdd4Lb9lLwQhxr-dQ7k5L6TkQbb-S3r6OL9mRO5qLH-qxfj4LpA5FIyBJcNfPfpqQpturjHxtLOmhf8yt71_i2I32iVsZQ3DfQZfVtR3KmJWwO6-Q/s1600/20150405_121942(0).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Store all your pots and pans with the lids on! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">!5. And also related to the picture above, try storing your most-used pots and pans right above the stove, if you have the room. It is so nice to just grab the pot you need, right at the source. I used to have a mish-mash of sauces and rice up there, but this is so much nicer. Easy to simply grab and cook. With our pots and pans this way, I honestly feel less stressed about the idea of cooking! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">16. And this next one, I want to give credit to this very cool blog/<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ASlobComesClean" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Youtube channel</span></a> I came across yesterday, called <em>A Slob Comes Clean</em>. She is so inspirational! She says to <a href="http://www.aslobcomesclean.com/2012/02/how-i-store-plastic-food-containers/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">store your plastic containers with the lids</span></a>. Those that don't have lids or containers, throw away.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWNgpNSLqw4/VSH2Yv1K22I/AAAAAAAACmU/pWsTkSnJN3I/s1600/20150405_121854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWNgpNSLqw4/VSH2Yv1K22I/AAAAAAAACmU/pWsTkSnJN3I/s1600/20150405_121854.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Store your food containers with the lid on! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">This makes so much sense to me, because I absolutely hate digging through my huge pile of random containers of every size and sort, finally finding a container, and then NOT A LID! Story of my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">I have now purged out those mysterious lids without containers, and voila, I present the "every container has a lid" drawer. I swear this is the first time this has happened in my life. Love it! Thank you, <a href="http://www.aslobcomesclean.com/about-me/" target="_blank">Dana White</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">And that's all I have time for. I will try to get more ideas in a later post. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">A related article:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><a href="http://prairieprincess.hubpages.com/hub/Storage-for-Small-Bathroom" target="_blank">Storage Ideas for Small Bathrooms</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And now, just one more picture from our walk in the woods, in this rather reluctant spring, here in Canada. Hope you have an excellent week, and have had some refreshing this Easter weekend. <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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gaMiCSq-qz0/VQ7a8ZW7XqI/AAAAAAAACkY/2e5no5biBb8/s1600/IMG_20150321_163123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gaMiCSq-qz0/VQ7a8ZW7XqI/AAAAAAAACkY/2e5no5biBb8/s1600/IMG_20150321_163123.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The time between frozen and spring: life in a Canadian forest.</span> </td></tr>
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Love Sharilee. Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below. Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairierprincess?ref=hl">Facebook page.</a> or receive posts by e-mail by <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/122503/join">joining here</a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699977798421832433.post-12182919941348662532015-03-08T15:51:00.000-05:002015-03-09T12:29:20.388-05:00Life Doesn't Have to Be Perfect. In Fact, it Never Will Be!<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hey, how is everyone? I know it's been a while since I posted, and I have lots to catch up on! By the way, spring is officially on its way, but you could never tell by looking at our front yard: </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ukPFtDjcLEk/VPytYFlhkhI/AAAAAAAACh4/xjsxD0PUYdE/s1600/blue%2Btoned%2Bview%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bfront%2Byard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ukPFtDjcLEk/VPytYFlhkhI/AAAAAAAACh4/xjsxD0PUYdE/s1600/blue%2Btoned%2Bview%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bfront%2Byard.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">About four feet of snow tell us spring is not quite here! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But first, I wanted to share something that I have been learning lately. And it is this: </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Sometimes you have to just simply accept that perfect is never going to happen. And that's okay. </i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me share an example from my own life. As a university student, my major was for <a href="http://prairieprincess.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Teach-Shakespeare-to-Reluctant-Learners" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">teaching high school English</span></a>. I loved to write, and high school English was where I felt <i>very comfortable</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And after graduating, I have taught high school English. <i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>For four out of the approximately ten years</b></span></i> that I have taught.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The other years, I have taught E.S.L. to adults, grade two, alternative high school, junior high Social Studies, and <a href="http://prairieprincess.hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Survive-As-a-Substitute-Teacher" target="_blank">substitute teaching</a>, where you teach almost every class in the school (even gym -- groan.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do I wish I could teach high school English? Well, that is my ideal, yes. I absolutely love the deep discussions, love helping students communicate. I love literature. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My ideal year of teaching was right before I met my gorgeous husband-to-be. It was the perfect set-up: teaching 100% English, with a shot of Drama the side. Perfecto.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But ... it wasn't meant to be. That blissful year came to an end, and as the newcomer to the division, the job went to someone else, who wanted to move up from teaching junior high English. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perfection came to an end, and I was moved down to teach grades five/six. I felt so out of my comfort zone, that I ended up leaving the division. And moving me and all my boxes across the country. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xPF_jNN_RE/VPyuKEudz0I/AAAAAAAACiA/mTRdWQEE2Q4/s1600/vern%2Bfixing%2Bthe%2Btruck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xPF_jNN_RE/VPyuKEudz0I/AAAAAAAACiA/mTRdWQEE2Q4/s1600/vern%2Bfixing%2Bthe%2Btruck.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was my future husband helping me move across Canada</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I kept searching for that ideal job, again, but alas, high school teaching jobs are at the top of the pyramid of teaching jobs. Those that have these jobs rarely leave them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Plus, the place where I had moved (<a href="http://prairieprincess.hubpages.com/hub/My-Husband-And-I-Are-Opposites" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">for love -- read that story here</span></a>), had worse employment rates than my home province. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I did other things. Worked for Statistics Canada. Then taught alternative school. Started writing again. </span><br />
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And then I taught grade six. Yes, if you remember, grade six was the level I had turned down before, because it was out of my comfort zone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And it still was. Out of my comfort zone, that is. But I worked really hard to learn the curriculum, to learn how to reach 11 and 12 year old kids. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For two years. Then, I decided to go back to writing. I was just exhausted from stretching myself, feeling like it would never be good enough: my teaching, my classroom, me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I <a href="http://prairierprincess.blogspot.ca/2014/09/welcome-to-life-in-woods.html" target="_blank">re-started this blog</a>, printed up business cards, and started writing for the local paper. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWSZmL3MTIRu0RDatb_ZShvgxNtG3bIe_uImDve6oRb9Y3TX-eD8VeeL5iGXeHbF_ZY-CE2HVJ9qT58yjhpMQWYFb1NbCRdg6zKR9CzRrcbrZ7-RzLr_Wo5lI9cvVvE300Moqq_KW960/s1600/sunrise+off+the+winter+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWSZmL3MTIRu0RDatb_ZShvgxNtG3bIe_uImDve6oRb9Y3TX-eD8VeeL5iGXeHbF_ZY-CE2HVJ9qT58yjhpMQWYFb1NbCRdg6zKR9CzRrcbrZ7-RzLr_Wo5lI9cvVvE300Moqq_KW960/s1600/sunrise+off+the+winter+lake.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View of Lake Winnipeg, in the early morning. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While covering the school's Christmas concert for the newspaper, my old principal asked me if I could come back and teach grade six, the job I had left. The other teacher had left. He was in a pinch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I did. Now, a two-month contract has stretched into six months. And I am looking at coming back next year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What changed? What changed was me. I finally saw that things don't have to be perfect. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I stopped longing for that perfect job, and just started accepted the life that I have been given right now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My house is not perfect. I am not perfect, and my classroom is not perfect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And that's okay. I will only do what I can. And it feels pretty good. I started to finally learn to live this verse:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #b45f06; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">"...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."</b></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>--- Phillipians 4:11b</b></span></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkTgwWHzRN8/VPyxCxlLz_I/AAAAAAAACiM/Xesr6IyeU84/s1600/jo%2Band%2Ba%2Blazy%2Bcaturday%2Byesterday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkTgwWHzRN8/VPyxCxlLz_I/AAAAAAAACiM/Xesr6IyeU84/s1600/jo%2Band%2Ba%2Blazy%2Bcaturday%2Byesterday.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My kitty, Jo, demonstrating complete relaxation yesterday. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And so I encourage you, today, to accept what life has given you. Life doesn't have to be perfect. It never will be. But do what you can, with what you have.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And remember: those things that are the hardest, will eventually become the things that make you the strong person for others who are walking the journey behind you. </span><br />
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Love Sharilee.
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">** All photos are property of the blog's author, and cannot be reproduced, without written permission from the author. </span></i></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you like what you are reading, you might want to also consider joining me on Facebook or leaving me a comment or e-mail to let me know you are reading.</div>Sharileehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067148382299727349noreply@blogger.com12