tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521504142160283512024-03-13T09:45:35.687-03:00Carol SteelMy written and visual journal is
50% me the writer and 50% you the reader...I write to touch you.Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.comBlogger664125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-58817930019270680042017-08-12T09:53:00.000-03:002017-08-12T09:53:06.547-03:00A Fresh Perspective<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, I've not posted anything new recently. I have decided that my energies are better spent concentrating on my poetry. I miss doing the blog but can't do everything. My priority is the poetry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been lucky to have found a writer's group, published a little, won writing competitions, completed a writing mentorship. I am nearly finished my first poetry manuscript. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I want to complete the work I've begun and do it well. That requires commitment and self discipline. It requires focus and settling down to what it most important. Poetry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for reading my blogs and following my journey. Wish me luck with the next steps.</span>Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-3096549410263990962017-05-29T17:19:00.000-03:002017-05-29T17:19:59.905-03:00The Late Season<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This poem, "The Late Season" is about aging, the journey we each make. It was published in the December 2014 issue of Galleon III, and a slightly different version of this poem was the winner in the 2014 Writers' Federation of New Brunswick's Individual Poem Competition.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Late Season</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the edge of the field,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">wild asters wither.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Goldenrod and</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">yellowed grasses</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">bend seed heads </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to the soil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brazen colours burst</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">reveal brown silhouettes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Darkness shrivels the days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The chickadee flits</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to the feeder,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">sings,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">takes one seed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">at a time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been told that words like "darkness" are to be avoided in poems, as they are overused and too vague to convey concrete images. It is better to "show" than to "tell"; something I constantly struggle with. A writer must trust the reader to make meaning from the poem. I tend to over explain, wanting to ensure the reader gets what I'm saying. Less explaining, more trusting, better crafting. It's good to learn from my poems and to receive feedback.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The competition judge for this poem was Sean Wiebe of Prince Edward Island. He had this to say about "The Late Season":</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">'Carol Steel's poem has an Impressionistic quality to it. Her simple and direct language is judiciously chosen, without literary effect getting in the way. Here is a good example of straightforward language used to maximum effectiveness. The painting of rural scene offers a picture of the edge of a field "bending" toward the remaining years. The delicate juxtaposition of "goldenrod and / yellowed grasses" with "the chickadee flits" is Impressionist pigment in words.' </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The task of learning to write poetry is a hard work, and it is gratifying to receive pointers, questions, suggestions about what works and what could be written in more effective ways. I appreciate the balance of both. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How else will I learn?</span>Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-16241815189539859922016-04-25T08:54:00.000-03:002016-04-25T08:54:25.946-03:00Brother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zH3hX8p_vxA/VxY0w7Cvb0I/AAAAAAAAGLs/Baha4d-lgw0rqaZWU5ydjCa-QDTySk_lACLcB/s1600/0Y3A3376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zH3hX8p_vxA/VxY0w7Cvb0I/AAAAAAAAGLs/Baha4d-lgw0rqaZWU5ydjCa-QDTySk_lACLcB/s640/0Y3A3376.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the methods I've used to learn more about writing poetry is to copy a poem by someone else, then study how that poet created the images and made the poem work. It sounds simple, but isn't. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I copy the poem longhand and leave every second line blank. Then I make several photocopies and use the pages as study work sheets. I begin by going over the poem line by line and making my own notes in the blank spaces about what happens and how in the poem; what metaphors are used and how they are working together; how the sounds of the words echo each other and echo the sense of the line, and any additional ideas this study process creates. This is a messy but fruitful project. I end up with many pages of notes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I learn something new about how to write, the importance of enjambment for example, the uniqueness of where the poetic line ends, or keeps hanging until the next line. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes this process leads me to a poem of my own. This poem "Brother" is loosely based on Ted Kooser's poem "Mother" from </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Delights and Shadows.</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Brother</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(after Ted Kooser's poem "Mother" from </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Delights and Shadows)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Late August already, and the mountain ash</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">sways, weighted with fruit, clusters of orange.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Colour so bright, it stops my breath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You have been gone thirty years today</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and have missed my two marriages and one long</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">divorce. I sat in that smothering house,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">restrained inside my own ribs, until the memory</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">of your words pulled me out</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">gasping.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Late goldfinches exchange ragged feathers</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">for fearless wings. Hydrangeas bloom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sturdy white blossoms deepen dusky pink.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This season bursts into the one coming</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and the air is delicious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This poem was published in <a href="http://w3.stu.ca/stu/aboutstu/publications/nashwaak">The Nashwaak Review</a>, Volume 34/35, the Summer/ Fall Issue of 2015. Thanks to TNR for this opportunity and permission to share.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For additional information on Ted Kooser, <a href="http://tedkooser.net/">click here</a>. For a copy of </span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amazon.ca/Delights-Shadows-Ted-Kooser/dp/1556592019">Delights and Shadows</a></span></i><span style="font-size: large;">, click on the title. </span></div>
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The photos and poems on my blog are copyright 2014-2016 Carol Steel, unless otherwise noted.</div>
<br />Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-69811592736350012222016-04-20T09:12:00.000-03:002016-04-21T06:27:03.563-03:00My Interview by Quest<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-liBebq6cNqU/VxdvEfw20hI/AAAAAAAAGL8/pCcKOhcAFWIoh5f5NRfuzvr4RvvasjkrgCLcB/s1600/0Y3A3337-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-liBebq6cNqU/VxdvEfw20hI/AAAAAAAAGL8/pCcKOhcAFWIoh5f5NRfuzvr4RvvasjkrgCLcB/s640/0Y3A3337-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am delighted to have been interviewed by</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Quest</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Prayer Bench</span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> newsletter.</span><br />
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<a href="http://us7.campaign-archive.com/?u=66fdcae3eff6e1565eeaef40f&id=cafcb5c301&e=4d2d5fa022"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a link to the interview</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, in which I respond to questions about my poetry and which includes two of my poems: <i>The Late</i> <i>Season</i> (published by <a href="http://galleonliteraryjournal.com/">Galleon III</a>) and <i>The Orb Weaver</i> (published by <a href="http://w3.stu.ca/stu/aboutstu/publications/nashwaak/vol_34">The Nashwaak Review</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to Janice MacLean for asking me to be part of this month's communication to the followers of <i>The Prayer Bench</i>. To find out more about <i>The Prayer Bench</i>, <a href="http://prayerbench.ca/">click here</a>.</span><br />
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All work by Janice is copyright to her; my poems and photos are copyright to me. The photo of me reading at the Attic Owl Reading Series, which is included in <b>Quest</b>, was taken by George Griffin, used with his permission.<br />
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<b></b><b></b><b></b><br />Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-64715781377499857092016-04-18T08:24:00.000-03:002016-04-18T08:24:43.246-03:00Common Mergansers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll share some poems on my blog from now on, but only ones which have been previously published by literary journals. The reason? Most journals consider posting on a blog to be "publishing" and will not accept anything which they consider to have been previously published.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This poem was included in the Summer 2015 Volume 46, No. 182 of <u>The Antigonish Review</u>. I am happy that TAR accepted one of my poems and thank them for that opportunity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Common Mergansers</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We heard them coming,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> notes out of tune,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> flying low and straight,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">racing their shadows</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> over the water.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> They splashed down</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">to drift and to fish,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> in front of the cottage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "There's something about</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">these ducks," you said,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "they take every damn trout.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fishing isn't as good</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">as it used to be.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Nothing is."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I felt the mud</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">cold sludge</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> between my toes,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> the strike of your hook.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A friend told me that fisher folk hate Common Merganser ducks as they are capable of cleaning out entire fishing holes with their hooked bills and efficient diving tactics. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy this poem. I think it captures those moments in relationships when we each say unkind things to one another. Because we know each other so well, we know where to sink the hook. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can find out more about <u>The </u><u>Antigonish</u><u> Review</u> literary journal by clicking on <a href="http://www.antigonishreview.com/">this link.</a> Thank you to TAR for publishing my poem.</span><br />
<br />Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-78372389522315334732016-04-13T14:31:00.000-03:002016-04-13T14:31:57.743-03:00I've Been Absent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKrr0BSIjFM/Vw6CAQCwB7I/AAAAAAAAGK4/hcW3oohNwuQ5e8MAA-d4sKeT44vMlyDswCLcB/s1600/0Y3A2852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKrr0BSIjFM/Vw6CAQCwB7I/AAAAAAAAGK4/hcW3oohNwuQ5e8MAA-d4sKeT44vMlyDswCLcB/s320/0Y3A2852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello</span>.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been absent from my blog for some weeks. Life has squeezed my writing out of the way for a short period. I'll be back very soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for your patience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Carol</span>Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-67423293862229383692016-01-24T11:24:00.000-04:002016-01-24T11:24:21.620-04:00Attic Owl Reading Series, January 28, 2016<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwNsvIxS8Co/VqTm67X-VhI/AAAAAAAAGJs/3L3U_PUX6rU/s1600/0Y3A2902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwNsvIxS8Co/VqTm67X-VhI/AAAAAAAAGJs/3L3U_PUX6rU/s640/0Y3A2902.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">January</span> <span style="font-size: large;">28, 2016, I will be one of the readers at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/atticowlreadings">the Attic Owl Reading Series</a> in Moncton at Café C'est la Vie. On the Attic Owl site, there is a link to my blog in order for people to learn a bit more about me. That is a problem for those searching out my poems.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because poetry which has been shared on a blog is deemed to have been published, I don't put my poems on my blog. That way, they are eligible for consideration by literary journals. I have just started to submit my poems to publishers in the past fifteen months. Six have been published in Galleon III and IV, in the Nashwaak Review and The Antigonish Review.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I began writing poetry after I retired early from a career in mental health education and promotion, and following two serious illnesses. Epiphanies. Now or never moments. Write, right now or else....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While visitors to my blog won't see poetry, they will discover my love of photography and the natural world, plus my lifelong fascination with how relationships work, or don't. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will read some of my poems at the Attic Owl Reading Series this Thursday, 6 pm at <a href="http://cafecestlavie.ca/">Café C'est La Vie</a> in Moncton. Come listen. Enjoy the work of botanist, novelist, artist and poet, <a href="https://janetimsdotcom.wordpress.com/">Jane Tims.</a> There will be music. The Café is licensed, serves great meals and will be full of lively folks interested in the arts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There will be a donation box to accept your coins and bills which help defray the costs incurred by <a href="http://leedthompson.wordpress.com/">Lee D.Thompson</a>, who does such a great job of promoting and organizing these events.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you will come and enjoy the evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Words in colour will take you to another site with more information, if you click on them.</span></div>
<br />Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-64937396131949175422016-01-01T08:40:00.000-04:002016-01-01T08:40:39.700-04:00Happy Beginning of 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AB2AqOTVA4c/VoV1mZ7vnvI/AAAAAAAAGJc/FSVDcH5ga_g/s1600/0Y3A2773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AB2AqOTVA4c/VoV1mZ7vnvI/AAAAAAAAGJc/FSVDcH5ga_g/s640/0Y3A2773.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy new year, happy endings and beginnings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the small gorgeous gifts which nature offers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Look closely, breathe deeply, relax into delight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each moment is new.</span></div>
Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-59477565120703239372015-12-31T09:04:00.002-04:002015-12-31T09:04:58.290-04:00Happy New Year's Eve 2015<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/-lsck-mmdR0k/VoUmlD-kOFI/AAAAAAAAGJM/yf75DP3qMsY/s1600/0Y3A2781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lsck-mmdR0k/VoUmlD-kOFI/AAAAAAAAGJM/yf75DP3qMsY/s640/0Y3A2781.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mourning Dove sunning on the deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When you find your sunny spot, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">stay, enjoy and then move on. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year's Eve, 2015. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">May your New Year move </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">through many sunny moments.</span></div>
Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-24097925839867939422015-12-25T08:14:00.000-04:002015-12-25T08:14:35.642-04:00Merry Christmas 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFBCbxnQeGo/VnwAF73O2DI/AAAAAAAAGJA/KP1KKNJkJpk/s1600/0Y3A2698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFBCbxnQeGo/VnwAF73O2DI/AAAAAAAAGJA/KP1KKNJkJpk/s640/0Y3A2698.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Good Morning and Merry Christmas to everyone.</span></div>
Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-47115007025042570902015-12-24T10:22:00.000-04:002015-12-24T10:22:55.281-04:00Almost There<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1woSfrVgcA/Vnv_Phw_DrI/AAAAAAAAGIw/MXch4PnxCbE/s1600/0Y3A2716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1woSfrVgcA/Vnv_Phw_DrI/AAAAAAAAGIw/MXch4PnxCbE/s640/0Y3A2716.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The house is clean and the turkey is in the oven. We're almost ready, almost there, feeling the tingle of anticipation, a gentle glow spreading over us. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Christmas Eve to all.</span>Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-14316449546561094732015-12-20T08:57:00.000-04:002015-12-20T08:57:55.721-04:00Let Christmas Unfold as it Does<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FMwzK8y8x8/VnajkSPSLHI/AAAAAAAAGIg/aYtuIS4pIA4/s1600/0Y3A2695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FMwzK8y8x8/VnajkSPSLHI/AAAAAAAAGIg/aYtuIS4pIA4/s640/0Y3A2695.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">It hasn’t been the pre-Christmas
season I’d imagined.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">I’ve been ill with a cold which
morphed into sinusitis, complicated by adverse reactions to another
procedure’s prerequisite meds. But, it will end. I’ll get better. I’ll live.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">I’ve done no baking this year as
I didn’t think anyone would want my green-gold seasonally coloured snot anywhere near their food. Prior to getting sick, I had made my own Christmas cards and written all the
inside notes. I added quotes to the cards and discovered some which spoke to my own
feeling-sorry-for-myself state of mind.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">“Don’t spoil Christmas by anticipating how it will be.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let it unfold as it does,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">and be grateful for whatever comes.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Tori Sorenson</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">So I am grateful for:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">lots of rest</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">outside Christmas decorations done in early November</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">the invention of tissues</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">a tree finally decorated</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">daughters who helped with shopping</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">antibiotics</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Gary’s care</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">reduced expectations</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I look forward to feeling well again soon and being able to smell the fragrance of the fir tree, warmed by the fireplace.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">And, I remind myself of the words of Dr. Seuss. “Maybe Christmas, the
Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">I’ll be grateful for whatever Christmas offers this year.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-89366636580590666632015-12-09T09:30:00.000-04:002015-12-09T09:30:38.243-04:00Dear Elizabeth<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_HrAq4FUyU/VmgnERdVCFI/AAAAAAAAGIE/V79Upacp1KA/s1600/0Y3A2729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_HrAq4FUyU/VmgnERdVCFI/AAAAAAAAGIE/V79Upacp1KA/s640/0Y3A2729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span id="goog_1179525558"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Dear Elizabeth<span id="goog_1179525559"></span></a></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">It’s New York at the <a href="http://wptheater.org/">Women’s Project Theatre</a>, a full house.
The audience settles and reads the Elizabeth Bishop poems left as “A Poem for your
pocket” on each seat. Programs rustle, anticipation mounts, the house lights
brighten then dim, a cockroach scurries beneath a desk on the stage. We are
there to watch </span><u><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Dear</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Elizabeth</span></u><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">,
a play written by Sarah Ruhl, originally published as </span><u><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Words in the Air</span></u><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">
in 2008.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">The play is based upon the thirty year correspondence and
friendship between the poets <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/elizabeth-bishop">Elizabeth Bishop</a> and <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/robert-lowell">Robert Lowell</a>. Their
relationship is complicated. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Pulitzer-winner Bishop, who was lesbian, was left
financially stable enough to be able to travel as she wished, a love for travel
reflected in her work.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Lowell, also a
Pulitzer recipient was twice divorced and his third marriage ended when he died
in 1977. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">All the words in the play are taken from their letters and their
poetry, and force the audience or reader to look at their lives not as story, but
as lives lived.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><i>Bishop’s and Lowell’s admiration for each other’s work is
immediate and their letters are full of compliments and professional
observations and suggestions. Their friendship is an ever-evolving affection,
with each seeing the other as that rare person who understands the need for a
balance of solitude and public image. There are oblique references to
infidelity, depression and alcoholism.</i> (BWW Review, Michael Dale)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">The play begins with the poets as adults, so no mention is
made of Elizabeth’s childhood in Great Village, Nova Scotia, her Canadian connection.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Dear Elizabeth</span></u><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> unfolds as letters are read from two
wooden desks placed on opposite sides of the stage. The cast frequently changes.
The evening we attended, the actors were Ellen McLaughlin and Rinde Eckert,
with Polly Noonan as a kind of stage manager, stationed in an upstage corner.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Familiar with the work of each of these 20</span><sup><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> century
poets, the play is a delight for me. As a poet, I value the profound effect of
friendship and knowledgeable critiques of one’s writing, as well as the
necessity of dealing with real life while writing.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">I appreciate the kindness and generosity of my daughters in
taking me to see </span><u><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Dear Elizabeth</span></u><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">, as I know their own tastes would have
led them to another sort of play. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and appreciated
the evidence of their recognition of me, as poet.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">The cockroach provided a play within the play, scuttling
around Rinde’s shoes during the evening. When foot work became too active, it
took off for the safety of the travel props at the back of the stage.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Life intrudes into our stories without warning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Words is colour will take you to another site with additional information, if you click on them.</span></div>
<strike><br /></strike>
<strike><br /></strike>Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-51540850990111806172015-12-06T08:45:00.001-04:002015-12-07T09:27:50.203-04:00Travelling by Air<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><img alt="Monty Python's Holy Grail" data-frz-persist="true" data-frz-ratio="1.60" data-frz-src-array="[{'src':'/content/dam/comedy/2015-08/21Aug/python24-thumbnail.jpg','width':140,'height':87},{'src':'/content/dam/comedy/2015-08/21Aug/python24-xsmall.jpg','width':160,'height':100},{'src':'/content/dam/comedy/2015-08/21Aug/python24-small.jpg','width':320,'height':200},{'src':'/content/dam/comedy/2015-08/21Aug/python24-medium.jpg','width':480,'height':300},{'src':'/content/dam/comedy/2015-08/21Aug/python24-large.jpg','width':720,'height':450},{'src':'/content/dam/comedy/2015-08/21Aug/python24-xlarge.jpg','width':1280,'height':800},{'src':'/content/dam/comedy/2015-08/21Aug/python24-xxlarge.jpg','width':1500,'height':938}]" data-frz-use-parent="true" data-lazy-loaded="true" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/comedy/2015-08/21Aug/python24-large.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><b>Monty Python and the Holy Grail</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Sir Bedevere: 'Now, why do witches burn?'</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Peasant: '... because they're made of wood?'</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Sir Bedevere: 'Good. So how do you tell whether she is made of ... wood?'</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Peasant 2: 'Build a bridge out of her.'</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><b>A Cautionary Tale of Travelling by Air</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">My plane is late leaving LaGuardia, an hour late, which will
cut into the time I have to make connections in Montreal. I need that time for
customs, picking up my suitcase, going through security, dropping off the
suitcase and then getting though the next security before boarding my final
flight. If I’m lucky, I’ll have time to eat.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Everywhere in the Montreal airport, there are signs saying,
“This process will take 10 to 15 minutes. Following that, you have a 5 to 12
minute walk to your gate.” This is supposed to be helpful. It isn’t reassuring when
I’ve lost an hour, sitting on the runway at LaGuardia. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">I hustle through the Montreal airport, walking-running-sprinting,
paying attention to where I’m going so I don’t waste time getting lost. All is
well, though time is tight, until I reach the place where I hand over my
customs form and am about to return my luggage to Air Canada. I fumble handing
the form to the staff person. My hands are sweaty from hurrying. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">He looks at me, sees an older, overweight, sweaty woman who
appears nervous.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Automatically, he
points at an open door. Now, I have to go to a second level of security
screening. The officer decides I am trying to hide something.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Him: What are you declaring?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Me:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">(I think, holy
shit I’ll never make the plane now, but remain polite.) I bought two small
books and a DVD while in New York.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Him: You’re telling me that you were in New York for Black Friday
and all you spent was $60?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Me: Yes. I went to visit family, to spend time with
grandchildren.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">All I’m bringing back are
two books and a Monty Python DVD. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">(I
offer the additional information hoping it makes me look ordinary, boring and
non-threatening.)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Him: Are you saying that if I search your bag and your
purse, I won’t find undeclared items?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Me: </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">That’s what I’m
saying. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">I have a cold, caught it from my
grandson and I’ve been running trying to make my connection. That’s why I look
flustered.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Him: Yes,’ tis the season for giving. (No smile.) </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">I want to search your bags.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Me: That’s OK with me.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Can you help me lift the suitcase?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Him: You look anxious? Are you hiding anything? (He glares
at me.)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Me: (Trying hard to remain calm and polite.) No I’m not
hiding anything. I visited my family and I didn’t want anything badly enough to
take the train, then the subway into New York to shop over the Thanksgiving
holiday. I am anxious as I don’t have much time to get to my next flight.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Him: You are shaking and your eyes are watery.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Me:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Yes, I have a
cold, and yes, my nose and eyes are runny.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Him: I think you are hiding something.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Me: (I think every swear word I know.) I say: I am hiding
nothing but you are welcome to search. Perhaps you could help me lift this bag
to your counter.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Him: (Smirking.) You look suspicious because you dropped
your customs form and because you are sweating. (He stares and bends over the
counter to push his face closer to mine.) I can go through everything. What
will I find?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Me: (I stare back, feel bullied. I hope he catches my cold. He continues to stare at me silently. I blow my nose.)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Finally...</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Him: Have a good trip. You can go now.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Me: Thanks. (I think bad thoughts.)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">I run-walk to return
my bag to Air Canada: this contentious bag containing two small books and a DVD
and my clothes.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">It is 20 minutes until final boarding for my plane. I go
through the next security point (10 to 15 minutes) and then run to my gate
(faster than the seven minutes it says it takes). I make it, sweating, out of
breath, feeling miserable.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Because of delays, I eat nothing since breakfast except
airline pretzels and water. I feel sick and shiver uncontrollably in the
uncomfortable, cold and noisy Air Canada Dash 8 which flies from Montreal to
Moncton.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">The air hostess is friendly, asks if I want water and free
pretzels. I say no. She asks if I enjoyed my trip.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">The answer is yes, except for this last day of travel with
Air Canada, coming back through Montreal.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><b>What have I learned?</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Don’t sweat or look nervous when passing through security’s
scrutiny.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">(Yes, I know they have a job
to do and an important one, however this issue of being hauled over and given
the gears for merely sweating has happened before. I’m sorry but I’m a damp
kind of person.)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Don’t fly with a cold. Wow! That was a painful lesson and
one I won’t repeat.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Drive instead of flying whenever possible.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Learn to sprint without perspiring.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><b>Why am I not complaining about my trip from Moncton to New
York?</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">I flew that part of the trip with West Jet.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Perhaps, the Monty Python writers could make a movie moment
out of the idiocy of harassing older, out-of-shape women in airport security.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The photo and quote above are from Monty Python's The Holy Grail.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-89948699358527325212015-08-31T22:28:00.000-03:002015-08-31T22:28:29.644-03:00Buy a Lily<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yOr3-GrmV3E/VeT7ycHq-sI/AAAAAAAAGDc/CtA0NCsSINA/s1600/0Y3A1240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yOr3-GrmV3E/VeT7ycHq-sI/AAAAAAAAGDc/CtA0NCsSINA/s640/0Y3A1240.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have two loaves of bread,</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zvt5aEzEGw/VeT73_43S_I/AAAAAAAAGDk/A8ZX8bXihKs/s1600/0Y3A1130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zvt5aEzEGw/VeT73_43S_I/AAAAAAAAGDk/A8ZX8bXihKs/s640/0Y3A1130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">sell one and buy</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEL6AG2wPaw/VeT79kR4q9I/AAAAAAAAGDs/qw-91q4LFqY/s1600/0Y3A1142-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEL6AG2wPaw/VeT79kR4q9I/AAAAAAAAGDs/qw-91q4LFqY/s640/0Y3A1142-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">a lily.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0_pnlUDsQU/VeT8FYu7QLI/AAAAAAAAGD0/Y72iEG2h8ls/s1600/0Y3A1533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0_pnlUDsQU/VeT8FYu7QLI/AAAAAAAAGD0/Y72iEG2h8ls/s640/0Y3A1533.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Buy a lily.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TwxOuzkILQ0/VeT8KWonHlI/AAAAAAAAGD8/oyYh4Ernq-k/s1600/0Y3A1536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TwxOuzkILQ0/VeT8KWonHlI/AAAAAAAAGD8/oyYh4Ernq-k/s640/0Y3A1536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Feed your heart</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFNRCWEL1aQ/VeT8XlmFMtI/AAAAAAAAGEE/mVCLr2AnMG4/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFNRCWEL1aQ/VeT8XlmFMtI/AAAAAAAAGEE/mVCLr2AnMG4/s640/IMG_1651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and your eyes.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AdBwsvEAW_o/VeT8ella09I/AAAAAAAAGEM/_9elqKvQ3V4/s1600/flowers%2B2013%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AdBwsvEAW_o/VeT8ella09I/AAAAAAAAGEM/_9elqKvQ3V4/s640/flowers%2B2013%2B003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Feast!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gnYzS0BofI/VeT8vi3TYII/AAAAAAAAGEU/IPy8uuOmuwE/s1600/IMG_9137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gnYzS0BofI/VeT8vi3TYII/AAAAAAAAGEU/IPy8uuOmuwE/s640/IMG_9137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have two loaves of bread, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">sell one and buy a lily. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(An old proverb)</span></div>
Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-51710836662291599432015-08-27T07:59:00.001-03:002015-08-27T07:59:53.006-03:00Gagetown Ferry NB<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMy7vwrW8es/Vd2xwTa-kYI/AAAAAAAAGCU/-S0WiQK3iMs/s1600/0Y3A1326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMy7vwrW8es/Vd2xwTa-kYI/AAAAAAAAGCU/-S0WiQK3iMs/s640/0Y3A1326.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At the <a href="http://www.villageofgagetown.ca/business/services/places-of-interest/our-free-cable-ferry">Gagetown Ferry</a>,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">long-horn cattle wade</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to stay cool</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Mf5RkVZYo/Vd2xzqU6jaI/AAAAAAAAGCc/vX28kiy2LTI/s1600/0Y3A1327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Mf5RkVZYo/Vd2xzqU6jaI/AAAAAAAAGCc/vX28kiy2LTI/s640/0Y3A1327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and ignore the ferry </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with its picture</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">snapping passengers.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLA-seUdOng/Vd2x1rNH_DI/AAAAAAAAGCk/Xdj4HwgQBJg/s1600/0Y3A1337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLA-seUdOng/Vd2x1rNH_DI/AAAAAAAAGCk/Xdj4HwgQBJg/s640/0Y3A1337.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The humidity, the heat</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">hold the river and the land.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Even a sunny day</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">is hazy.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xt8di2Sqoc/Vd2x3w2JDZI/AAAAAAAAGCs/xSmwUq3PXpA/s1600/0Y3A1342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xt8di2Sqoc/Vd2x3w2JDZI/AAAAAAAAGCs/xSmwUq3PXpA/s640/0Y3A1342.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A red dragonfly rests.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wf4GttWZw2E/Vd2x6DB-iUI/AAAAAAAAGC0/6VCHXvuDfC4/s1600/0Y3A1345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wf4GttWZw2E/Vd2x6DB-iUI/AAAAAAAAGC0/6VCHXvuDfC4/s640/0Y3A1345.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The calm river</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4o7F2vITvkg/Vd2x9pHh71I/AAAAAAAAGC8/VEj273TN_sA/s1600/0Y3A1349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4o7F2vITvkg/Vd2x9pHh71I/AAAAAAAAGC8/VEj273TN_sA/s640/0Y3A1349.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">is not peaceful.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYRcBNA5cU4/Vd2yAm9HvmI/AAAAAAAAGDE/g7v6Wsm4Uhw/s1600/0Y3A1350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYRcBNA5cU4/Vd2yAm9HvmI/AAAAAAAAGDE/g7v6Wsm4Uhw/s640/0Y3A1350.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Engines and shouts of laughter</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">break the quiet</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltn-DIOhyN4/Vd2yDqx7ZBI/AAAAAAAAGDM/VUhC1eSl-Yc/s1600/0Y3A1362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltn-DIOhyN4/Vd2yDqx7ZBI/AAAAAAAAGDM/VUhC1eSl-Yc/s640/0Y3A1362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">rock the water meadows</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The photos and words are mine. If you want more information, click on the coloured words to go to another site.</span></div>
Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-22433500721033632962015-08-26T08:36:00.000-03:002015-08-26T08:36:09.682-03:00What's Left?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocgGIoYp2sE/VdvIvoQRRZI/AAAAAAAAGBk/7F0I6IT8yiU/s1600/0Y3A1376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocgGIoYp2sE/VdvIvoQRRZI/AAAAAAAAGBk/7F0I6IT8yiU/s640/0Y3A1376.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After the petals fall </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">from the clematis vine,</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sTJau1364Fg/VdvIx_dTEpI/AAAAAAAAGBs/aTPRktnHLqA/s1600/0Y3A1379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sTJau1364Fg/VdvIx_dTEpI/AAAAAAAAGBs/aTPRktnHLqA/s640/0Y3A1379.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">what's left?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbY5JBA5GpM/VdvI5TzBRKI/AAAAAAAAGB0/8fbkOWHs6IM/s1600/0Y3A1381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbY5JBA5GpM/VdvI5TzBRKI/AAAAAAAAGB0/8fbkOWHs6IM/s640/0Y3A1381.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What's left is changing,</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3B4Tt2OHU0U/VdvI9Jn1s6I/AAAAAAAAGB8/k8ed5atUpFo/s1600/0Y3A1382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3B4Tt2OHU0U/VdvI9Jn1s6I/AAAAAAAAGB8/k8ed5atUpFo/s640/0Y3A1382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">rearranging </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0MRwB9mb2o/VdvJAipZ09I/AAAAAAAAGCE/beCy3TKSRns/s1600/0Y3A1385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0MRwB9mb2o/VdvJAipZ09I/AAAAAAAAGCE/beCy3TKSRns/s640/0Y3A1385.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">in its quiet, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">spectacular way.</span></div>
<br />Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-89407914698083658612015-08-25T08:25:00.000-03:002015-08-25T08:25:23.960-03:00Kayaks on the Bay of Fundy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6a1OGxrtE4/VdsLpHVrUKI/AAAAAAAAGAk/M2WDzICoXBM/s1600/0Y3A1497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6a1OGxrtE4/VdsLpHVrUKI/AAAAAAAAGAk/M2WDzICoXBM/s640/0Y3A1497.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We spent a day wandering near <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/nb/fundy/index.aspx">Fundy Park</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While lunching at a picnic table </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">near the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Molly-Kool-Centre-Inc/435156079850424">Molly Kool Centre</a> in <a href="http://www.villageofalma.ca/">Alma, NB</a>, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">we watched a "how-to" lesson on kayaking, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">across the river from us.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5D9-QjvGpdk/VdsLuOL76uI/AAAAAAAAGAs/8ojMQ1duHkw/s1600/0Y3A1510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5D9-QjvGpdk/VdsLuOL76uI/AAAAAAAAGAs/8ojMQ1duHkw/s640/0Y3A1510.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After they got into the kayaks, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">they had to stay close to shore </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and learn left-turn, right-turn.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aH1itnYzLLU/VdsLxbYjrRI/AAAAAAAAGA0/GkSj4wPUke4/s1600/0Y3A1511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aH1itnYzLLU/VdsLxbYjrRI/AAAAAAAAGA0/GkSj4wPUke4/s640/0Y3A1511.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the building where they first learned </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to work life jackets and paddles.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvJkU_2SYwY/VdsL6x5dwxI/AAAAAAAAGA8/ZoFOtBnNn0o/s1600/0Y3A1515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvJkU_2SYwY/VdsL6x5dwxI/AAAAAAAAGA8/ZoFOtBnNn0o/s640/0Y3A1515.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It took some time to get organized, to make sure everyone was comfortable, could paddle, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">could stay in the kayak.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWBqpq0DrUo/VdsL_PbEcFI/AAAAAAAAGBE/W1nUKRZpVX0/s1600/0Y3A1520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWBqpq0DrUo/VdsL_PbEcFI/AAAAAAAAGBE/W1nUKRZpVX0/s640/0Y3A1520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They were supposed to line up single file to exit into the Bay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not everyone understood the concept of single file.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XFETIZH2YcY/VdsMDqNKe8I/AAAAAAAAGBM/HupFGUOgvOI/s1600/0Y3A1523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XFETIZH2YcY/VdsMDqNKe8I/AAAAAAAAGBM/HupFGUOgvOI/s640/0Y3A1523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eventually, they were one behind the other ... nearly.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZSGFEeAFdE/VdsMICQ_RSI/AAAAAAAAGBU/xXpOtCg5_bk/s1600/0Y3A1530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZSGFEeAFdE/VdsMICQ_RSI/AAAAAAAAGBU/xXpOtCg5_bk/s640/0Y3A1530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We left as the cluster of kayaks sat in the foggy </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bay of Fundy, waiting for the stragglers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope they had fun and made it back safely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos are mine. Words in coloured print will take you to another site for more information, if you click on them.</span></div>
<br />Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-21827363732990475312015-08-06T15:23:00.000-03:002015-08-06T15:23:39.296-03:00To Bike or Not to Bike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lx66hnvG1Nk/VcKUow99mtI/AAAAAAAAF_4/pOTySKBbNn0/s1600/0Y3A1266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lx66hnvG1Nk/VcKUow99mtI/AAAAAAAAF_4/pOTySKBbNn0/s640/0Y3A1266.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To bike or not to bike? That is the question.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Gary has had motorcycles off and on, all his driving life. Fifty years of riding and now, after a shoulder injury, and a decision to downsize, the Harley sells to a new owner ... today.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The decision was and continues to be extremely difficult. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jnjvOv7nD5s/VcKUtX-dAUI/AAAAAAAAGAA/QGWz6pIoJZQ/s1600/0Y3A1269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jnjvOv7nD5s/VcKUtX-dAUI/AAAAAAAAGAA/QGWz6pIoJZQ/s400/0Y3A1269.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's nothing like driving by the fragrance of fields of clover in summer, the breeze, warm as a massage, feeling every nuance of the road. Nothing like the scent of moisture in the wind, the sudden downpour and sitting it out under a highway overpass or beneath a cluster of maples, just talking until the sun dries the road.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4nFwCEtkNw/VcKUwrfb6dI/AAAAAAAAGAI/yMYI480xv_E/s1600/0Y3A1270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4nFwCEtkNw/VcKUwrfb6dI/AAAAAAAAGAI/yMYI480xv_E/s400/0Y3A1270.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Selling the Harley is rough for each of us but particularly for Gary. Driving is Gary's favourite form of meditation. He forgets his worries and the to-do's, the bills and the challenges when he is on the bike.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Gary went out for a ride yesterday. These pictures are of him getting the bike ready and leaving the driveway. He enjoyed the time by himself, one last trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_PgWNoR7_Y/VcKUzbuK1nI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/JqfKvZA6Igw/s1600/0Y3A1284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_PgWNoR7_Y/VcKUzbuK1nI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/JqfKvZA6Igw/s400/0Y3A1284.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">But, it's time. "Not to bike" is the answer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a good run.</span>Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-14171639302668900402015-07-20T14:41:00.002-03:002015-07-20T14:41:55.016-03:00Men in the Trees<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<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/--FKaEWmZ9TY/VaxGufN7eNI/AAAAAAAAF-8/aFzVxjX50q4/s1600/0Y3A0840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--FKaEWmZ9TY/VaxGufN7eNI/AAAAAAAAF-8/aFzVxjX50q4/s400/0Y3A0840.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snk8ebLwqC4/VaxHCRE87bI/AAAAAAAAF_U/JKXVDfnB6mA/s1600/0Y3A0908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snk8ebLwqC4/VaxHCRE87bI/AAAAAAAAF_U/JKXVDfnB6mA/s400/0Y3A0908.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">“It gets to me; some days, it feels never-ending.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Gary says this at least once a week, referring to all the
“to-dos”, and the repairs needed on the house. This rant is always followed by
a discussion with me (or with himself) about the merits of selling over owning
our home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">That’s a hard decision. And, is one with which we struggle. But, no matter if we stay or if we go, home
maintenance must be done. And this summer, it seems like more and more needs to
be done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r9Jsiv9B6Bk/VaxGrySRwFI/AAAAAAAAF-0/8ZyNRFCTPiY/s1600/0Y3A0833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r9Jsiv9B6Bk/VaxGrySRwFI/AAAAAAAAF-0/8ZyNRFCTPiY/s400/0Y3A0833.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE OFFENDING TREE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Gary has accomplished many repairs himself; he is a capable, efficient man. He needs to focus
on what he has completed, instead of cursing and listing all the chores which
remain. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some of the maintenance has been too overwhelming for us to manage. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WX1i4_ije4g/VaxGzbVJv9I/AAAAAAAAF_E/LrDCAWajiFs/s1600/0Y3A0879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WX1i4_ije4g/VaxGzbVJv9I/AAAAAAAAF_E/LrDCAWajiFs/s400/0Y3A0879.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We
had our roof re-shingled in late June. Last week, we had an arborist come to remove an
enormous maple which had grown too close to the house, and was overhanging the
roof and the northwest corner of our home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">For a few hours, we were entertained by men in the tree with
chain saws and limbers and tree saws. What an efficient group they were! The
men took down the tree with patience and care, and no cussing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPQNFff4pII/VaxG2hB-o3I/AAAAAAAAF_M/2nkXj5lsKoQ/s1600/0Y3A0894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPQNFff4pII/VaxG2hB-o3I/AAAAAAAAF_M/2nkXj5lsKoQ/s400/0Y3A0894.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">But the work doesn’t end. We have frequent-flyer points at the
waste management site from weeks of shrub trimming, damage repair on
our hedges and smaller trees, and the subsequent trips to the dump.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are still more small repair and paint duties waiting for us, outside and inside ... the work that needs to done
whether we stay or sell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsbkhk4d6Lg/VaxHGh7Zq7I/AAAAAAAAF_c/4iHuGGxBiKE/s1600/0Y3A0909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsbkhk4d6Lg/VaxHGh7Zq7I/AAAAAAAAF_c/4iHuGGxBiKE/s400/0Y3A0909.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE HOLE WHERE THE TREE ISN'T</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Even selling and moving are challenges. The real estate
market is tricky, (a buyer’s market, we’re told) and we would need to sell our
house before offering on another or renting. So, in the meantime, we work at keeping
our house in the best shape possible. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZuAbIBqz-g/VaxHJMFi2zI/AAAAAAAAF_k/2aWFsfoqh50/s1600/0Y3A0922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZuAbIBqz-g/VaxHJMFi2zI/AAAAAAAAF_k/2aWFsfoqh50/s400/0Y3A0922.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The discussions continue.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-15843785760752444902015-06-20T07:25:00.001-03:002015-06-20T07:25:36.421-03:00Will We Stay or Go?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxkm_FXB6l4/VYSSkjYi3TI/AAAAAAAAF-g/h7icj1NBh7w/s1600/0Y3A0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxkm_FXB6l4/VYSSkjYi3TI/AAAAAAAAF-g/h7icj1NBh7w/s640/0Y3A0714.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I wonder how I will know, when it is time to sell our
home and move to another place, someplace smaller, easier to maintain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Will it depend upon my health, my energy, my
finances, my desire to spend time doing things other than house chores and
upkeep? Will it depend upon how many other demands there are for my time, my
attention, and upon who else needs help in my family? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am unsure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even though I, that is, we are unsure, we have begun
to plan and to discuss the possibilities. We have started to weigh pros and
cons of home ownership. To look at what selling means, what it takes away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We do not consider ourselves elderly, but we are
aging. One or the other of us has faced health challenges in the past five
years: emergency surgery, long term illness, cancer, mobility problems …
problems serious enough to make us stop and take a hard look at our living
situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have checked the costs of staying here against
the costs of renting or buying a much smaller home. With home ownership, we
build equity, but that is leveraged against the dollars needed for ongoing maintenance
and keeping the house in good repair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We know we don’t want to deal with the petty
politics of condo associations, or of living in a neighbour's armpit that condos require, so that is an option we won’t consider. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We’ve looked at hiring some help with our enormous
yard and its upkeep. We’ve talked about the real estate market; it is not
conducive to selling and doing well with a house sale right now. Will that market
turn around soon? Can we wait?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How much does it cost to stay put? We’ve had to put
on a new roof, a necessity. It had to be done whether we stay or we go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These questions feel like they contain nothing but
words about loss. And there will be losses: letting go of belongings, notions
of what a home should be, letting go of relationships with people, with pets. Some
losses will be difficult.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We do love where we live, and enjoy the privacy our
big yard and mature trees provide. We like our neighbourhood, appreciate the
variety of ages and lifestyles around us. We are attached to our home by
emotion and memories and dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But, life and reality are all about change. There
will always be changes, and yes, some bring a deep sense of loss but there will
also be a sense of something new coming, perhaps something better, easier. A
pleasant surprise?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For now, the conversation about how and when we will know it is time to let go continues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll keep you posted.</span></div>
Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-67622728534482717332015-06-02T09:06:00.000-03:002015-06-02T09:06:35.499-03:00Dandelion Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SW-pv0h3PDQ/VW2W8iaAF0I/AAAAAAAAF9s/kYOTBpOdI4E/s1600/0Y3A0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SW-pv0h3PDQ/VW2W8iaAF0I/AAAAAAAAF9s/kYOTBpOdI4E/s400/0Y3A0477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If we didn't know dandelions were weeds,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">would we love their sunny faces?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KlVmvN7XcKg/VW2XANFhEcI/AAAAAAAAF90/3cIRGANSLns/s1600/0Y3A0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KlVmvN7XcKg/VW2XANFhEcI/AAAAAAAAF90/3cIRGANSLns/s400/0Y3A0478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If we didn't know they were invasive,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">would we stare in wonder </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">at fields of yellow?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDm8KdSXOlk/VW2XCmAGp5I/AAAAAAAAF98/8lFcZ9xoZ3o/s1600/0Y3A0479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDm8KdSXOlk/VW2XCmAGp5I/AAAAAAAAF98/8lFcZ9xoZ3o/s400/0Y3A0479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If we didn't know they'd keep coming back,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">would we let them be?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ylskfa1ZNSA/VW2XFGeVYfI/AAAAAAAAF-E/YqMJA_GJUbQ/s1600/0Y3A0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ylskfa1ZNSA/VW2XFGeVYfI/AAAAAAAAF-E/YqMJA_GJUbQ/s400/0Y3A0480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If we didn't try so hard to be rid of them,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">would we appreciate their tenacity?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2SEFnaGHRjg/VW2XIG7cUxI/AAAAAAAAF-M/ZhFCbc4O5TU/s1600/0Y3A0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2SEFnaGHRjg/VW2XIG7cUxI/AAAAAAAAF-M/ZhFCbc4O5TU/s400/0Y3A0481.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If we didn't know they were weeds,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">would we love their transformation </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">into blow </span><span style="font-size: large;">balls of seed?</span></div>
<br />Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-56725118200274483822015-05-31T16:13:00.001-03:002015-05-31T16:13:35.572-03:00Crab Apple Blossoms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-smBe9PtSQ/VWtclDCPtxI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/NbPUmb_i3u4/s1600/0Y3A0553-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-smBe9PtSQ/VWtclDCPtxI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/NbPUmb_i3u4/s640/0Y3A0553-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Breathe the lilac scented air. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Breathe fragrance of crab apple trees </span><span style="font-size: large;">in bloom.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ahh!</span><br />
<br />Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-47892900983602592372015-05-21T07:48:00.000-03:002015-05-21T07:48:51.658-03:00#enlargethepicture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Lauren Wiggins" src="http://i.cbc.ca/1.3071275.1431455550!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_300/lauren-wiggins.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="358" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo is not mine but comes from the CBC news story linked below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">#enlargethepicture<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Twenty
Facebook Statuses)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">You
need to know<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">The
past is just a story<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">#enlargethepicture<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Open
to anyone who wants to enter<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">A
woman’s body is not dangerous<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">#feelconnected<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">At
the school, buns are rising<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">8.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">#gowiththeflow<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">9.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">The
boys are lined up<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">10.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Jelly
doughnut dimpled down the middle<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">11.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">One
share, 9 people like this<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">12.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">A
woman’s body will not make you do stupid things<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">13.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">That
black you see is your shadow<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">14.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">What
does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">15.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">The
answer is honest, candid, resonates<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">16.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">#feelssoright<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">17.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">If
you do stupid things<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">18.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">#twelvesecondslater<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">19.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">it
is because you choose to do stupid things<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 90.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">20.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Write
the next chapter</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The idea for the poem comes from “20 Imaginary
Facebook Statuses” by Natasha Tiniacos.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Click <a href="http://iwp.uiowa.edu/writers/natasha-tiniacos">here to learn more about her.</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">My</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> poem is composed of actual Facebook statuses posted by friends and acquaintances,
pulled from my account on May 19, 2015 -- just an arrangement I put together.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The assignment this week is to write a political poem in a style</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I haven't used before. Here I understand political to mean taking a stand. I chose gender politics, the </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">stereotypes and biases which fill our world. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In particular, I am interested in and annoyed by the fact that a </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">young woman was disciplined in her high school recently, for</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">coming to class wearing a sundress with her bra straps showing.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">She was accused of distracting the male students and of being an </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">enticement to bad behaviour. </span><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/lauren-wiggins-moncton-teen-takes-stand-against-unjust-school-dress-code-1.3071203" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">Click here for link to CBC story.</a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Aren't young men and all men responsible for their own choices of </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">behaviour? Aren't we all, each one of us?</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I apologize for the uneven spacing of the previous lines. Blogger is misbehaving.</span></span></div>
Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152150414216028351.post-61386373432711473722015-05-19T16:52:00.000-03:002015-05-19T16:52:27.800-03:00Dance in the Puddles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vK-JWiWO5tM/VVuTXFXX6AI/AAAAAAAAF8w/Ap1wjwkWNeo/s1600/0Y3A0333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vK-JWiWO5tM/VVuTXFXX6AI/AAAAAAAAF8w/Ap1wjwkWNeo/s640/0Y3A0333.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So, it's raining;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">dance in the puddles.</span>Carol Steel http://www.blogger.com/profile/01331628292567383426noreply@blogger.com0