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Thursday, March 27, 2008
Dating vs. Courting
As many of you know, Vespera has been dating the same guy for about a year now. The two of them knew each other from a multicultural teen group for over a year before they started dating. He escorted her home from the group several times (they rode their bikes to the park where the group meets) before they were dating. He stopped to chat with us on the porch on those occasions. Eventually he asked her if we'd let them go biking together over spring break. She came home & talked it over with us. They went biking & he told her he liked her. They've been "dating" ever since. Dating means that they bike & rollerblade together when the weather is warm. They meet up here on Friday nights and draw, play music, dance, read, do homework, and talk either in her bedroom (which is right off the living room), on the porch, or in the living room. Many evenings he's here for dinner, especially in the summer.
So, they got to know each other in a group setting first, then they started spending time just the two of them in public places & chaperoned by us. This has been a time of having fun together, getting to know each other well, and making decision about whether this is a relationship they wanted to stick with or not. I have to say that their hearts have been protected along the way. They did not jump into this with the intention of getting too serious too soon. They started dating because they were attracted to each other, they saw things they liked & admired in each other, and they wanted to build a deeper friendship to see where it may lead. They didn't start using the word "love" for a long time. More recently they've worked through some conflicts & misunderstandings, and they've begun to talk of love...and the word "marriage" has entered the conversation.
It seems like, in some ways, this *looks* like courting, and in other ways it's definitely dating. I actually think if they'd been courting with the intention of deciding whether the other person was potential marriage material, they wouldn't have started dating in the first place...because it's too scary to commit to something like that at the outset. It seems to me that their hearts would be less protected if they have marriage in mind from the very beginning. Then it's like they're committing to something they don't even know very well yet. I understand that courting isn't *supposed* to mean that you've committed yourself from the outset, but, honestly, to even bring the word marriage into the equation at first is to put pressure on the relationship and make it carry more weight than it might otherwise. It, in fact, makes the heart more vulnerable.
Yet, this relationship between Vespera & Novio also looks a lot different from a typical high school dating relationship. It's almost entirely in their maturity, though. They see each other as real people, as honest friends. What distinguishes their relationship from other relationship is not just that they hold hands and kiss. They *know* each other. They've taken the time to hear each other, to keep each other's secrets, to talk about the things that matter. I don't see that a whole lot among teenagers. I think when people say they don't want their kids to date, they're talking about dating that is mostly based on a physical relationship. Why can't we teach kids that dating is something different without the pressure of courting?
And, it seems to me that if we expected teens to treat each other in a more mature way in dating relationship, they just might. The very fact that we don't have very high expectation from "dating" may just be what leads to the problem.
2 comments:
whoa, heavy stuff that is so worthy of thought and prayer. I "dated" about five guys long-term and had many shorter "relationships" too. It was painful, but that wasn't because of the package (i.e.courting vs dating)it came in. It was the package I was in that caused the trouble. Because of my immaturity, my lack of self worth and insecurities in those years. No matter if I called it courting or dating, I was still the same vulnerable girl and would have hurt either way. If I had a true sense of who I was and what my value was (not to mention if I had fully understood the value of the relationship), that's what would have made the difference. I'm rambling and not being clear, but I'm agreeing :) I like your thoughts... as usual.ReplyDelete
I so much appreciate you input! Thanks! I agree that whether you call it dating or courting, what goes on has a lot more to do with what's going on inside a person. Maybe parents get hung up on setting a lot of rules because it's easier than dealing with what's going on inside? I don't know. I just hope to do something different...and, perhaps, a little better. Mango & I have a pretty good support network to help us through this stuff, and we're so grateful to have inherited a little wisdom from those who came before us.ReplyDelete


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Monday evening we took JW and Maite to the theatre to celebrate his birthday. We saw Enron, which is coming to the end of its run but still attracting full houses. What I found most extraordinary was that Arthur Andersen, which was one of the 'Big Five' accounting firms, collaborated with the top Enron management in practices that were bound to result in disaster. Presumably the law has been tightened up in the US since then, to make it impossible for unscrupulous corporations to indulge in similar forms of accounting trickery.
What I didn't realise, and the play doesn't say, was that the consulting arm of Arthur Andersen split off at the beginning of 2001 as Accenture, now a Fortune Global 500 company, with over 190,000 employees in 200 locations in over 120 countries, generating net revenues of US$21.58 billion in its last financial year. Somebody should write a play about that.

subset: commoncrawl


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Okay, so on the exercise front I'm getting better! I made more than 1/2 of my workouts last week and although this week is starting out terrible I have faith that I will make more than 1/2 this week as well. They'll just be crammed in to 3 days. Bring on the doubles! Work is just kicking my ass right now and I feel like I can't catch a break. Paycheck, must remember the paycheck...and the benefits help as well. I should go workout RIGHT NOW, but I'm exhausted from sitting on my ass all day working. Sad, sad, sad. Yesterday I worked about 12.5 hours, left work at 8pm and went to the gym. Did an hour swim workout and arrived home after 10pm. Couldn't get my ass OUT of bed this morning to workout and now I'm tired again. Vicious circle. I'll be swimming, biking and running tomorrow. Maybe. At least swimming and biking. I have a long run Saturday and don't want to tire my legs out too badly...which is going to happen anyway if I do a double tomorrow...so why not go for the triple? Yes, this is how my brain works. Are you spinning yet? Did I mention that I signed up for my first tri of the season? Yep, on March 26th I'll be doing the Champions Olympic race. Again, I should be at the gym right now...
Food is going okay, could be a lot better. I go from not eating enough to eating too much junk. I mean, overall my diet is pretty good...if we compare to most Americans these days. I don't eat fast food very often, I actually portion out my ice cream, I cook at least 5 nights a week and my biggest treat meal is pizza. Not too bad right? Then there are days like today...I started out good with oatmeal and then I had this incredible craving for a doughnut! I never eat doughnuts as they really make me feel sick after I eat them...but one of my co-workers went out and got me a cake doughnut. THEN they brought in BBQ for lunch, Rudy's for those of you that live in TX. Good stuff. And THEN (yes, sadly there is more) I overdosed on coffee today (you didn't think it was possible for me did you?), forgot to drink water all day and when I got home (just a little bit ago) I ordered pizza for dinner...although it is all organic gluten free pizza....haha.
Two weeks until our life is turned upside down. Two weeks until I get to smell puppy feet and puppy breath. Two weeks until I'm up every 2-3 hours for potty breaks and the first sleepless night because the new baby will miss his momma and litter mates. Two weeks...is not a lot of time my friends.
Well, I'm sure hoping that the pizza will be here soon. I'm a hungry, hungry hippo right now. Alrighty, I'll be talking at you all later! Peace!


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Home - Power Tools - Screwdriver machines - Makita - Makita DFS451Z 18v Screwdriver Body Only
1/4" hex drive shank.
4mm max drywall screw.
Makita DFS451Z 18v Screwdriver Body Only runs off the Makita 18v li-ion batteries. Please note none supplied. This is the body only machine. 4mm max drywall screw. 1/4" hex drive shank. 0 - 4000 rpm no load speed. Led job light. High comfort grips.
1 years warranty as standard but if registered online within 30 days online at Makita can be extended to 3 years warranty.
Please note there will be no deliveries made on Bank Holiday Monday, any orders placed after 3pm on Thursday 27th April will be delivered on Tuesday 2nd May.
We aim to supply all products marked "in Stock" over £30 on a next working day basis provided the order is placed by 3.00pm. Free Next Day Delivery on orders over £75.00 including vat to UK Mainland. Under £75.00, a carriage charge of £5.95 will be charged. orders between £0.01 and £24.99 a carriage of £3.95 will be charged this will be sent via royal mail recorded delivery on 2-3 day service to UK Mainland. No deliveries will be made on Bank Holidays.
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This year I was there when Fenerbahçe was playing the last game to get the championship. It was great view, yes, hundreds of people were togehter, watching the game from giant screens which were set in the streets, yelling, enjoying. But, the nightmare turned true and Fenerbahce lost the game and the championship as well. It's terrible to remember even now!
text of Aysegul Durmus..


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HAMTRAMCK, Mich. - A police officer has been charged with using a Taser on his partner during an argument over whether they should stop for a soft drink.
Ronald Dupuis, 32, was charged Wednesday with assault and could face up to three months in jail if convicted. The six-year veteran was fired after the Nov. 3 incident.


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And we had a pretty relaxed day ahead of us.
We dreamed about our future honeymoon. More on that later because it's changed!!!
Then we went and looked at grooms-wear. As with many wedding adventures, this one was a little overwhelming at first. After 2 stores and a little modeling, we decided on the look we wanted and a time to get the guys together.
Then it started to snow.
Yup, it snowed in DC today. So far it does not appear to be sticking, but I a a little worried about icy conditions tomorrow morning. Oh well, nothing much we can do.
Well, except be prepared.
It looks like the precipitation has stopped (YAY!) and it should remain above freezing the entire evening (YAY!). But it will still be pretty cold the entire race. So much for wearing my short spandex and a short sleeve shirt. I pulled out all my cold weather running gear including gloves and a new ponytail hat :)
I also made sure we had all of our fuel ready to go. I plan to carry my hand held water bottle and fuel belt (but without the bottles) to carry all my Gu, IDs and cell phone.
After we were all set for tomorrow, it was time to relax. This included finishing a few Christmas gifts like the Hoot Hat.
Isn't it adorable? It's for Preston our nephew. I hope it fits, I followed the directions exactly for a 1-2 year old, but I feel like it's soo big.
And while I finished my project Jay and I enjoyed a little Wonder Years. Yes, we have been on a Wonder Years kick. 2 1/2 decades later, its still good.
Now, it's time to go enjoy some pre-marathon fuel.
I can't believe its almost here!


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Dear Grandma,
I wish you were here with me
remembering the hot rice porridge you made for me
missing the smell of Buddhist candle diffusing
I know that I cannot see you anymore
feel sorry everytime you cried for your husband in North Korea
I guess you felt the same feeling when you realized that the border is blocking you two
I still don't understand why, same Koreans, should fight
Hate and anger towards each other
I remember you teaching me to love them
Because you knew that we were all suppose to love each other
I know you miss your son, who was shot by head during the war
and your daugher, who was raped and mercilessly killed by the soldiers.
I know you cried every second, as your wrinkles on your face told me
But you never cried infront me, because you knew that there is hope and that there is a reason of life.
Dear grandma, I still miss you
But I will trust that you are up there,
drinking coffee with your children and friends,
like if life was suppose to end like a happy story.


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My camera is in my car and I don't feel like going down to get it so... yeah.
I went with Coleen (Lighting Chick Knits from Sucky Knitting Girls) to the Baltimore Knitting Group's Field Trip. It was great fun. We met up at All About Yarn, where I purchased two size 1 24 inch addis that are not naturas so hopefully they won't snap like my natura's did, and two balls of Dale Stork in color 105 (it's variegated blues. I know, ME! Variegated yarn! Why! That's so.... not shocking at all.) I plan to use this yarn to try making toe up socks at the same time on two circs.
Then we went to some coffee place and ate and knit and chatted for several hours. It was good stuff.
And then, because I was so close, I went ahead and went up to Celtic Knot Yarn Shop.
They have sari silk for sale there now! They also are now carrying that new yarn, "Meditation" that smells like Lavender when you knit with it. I managed to limit myself to only 3 skeins of the silk, because I can actually use it to make something for the-woman-allergic-to-wool, aka Mom.
I also managed to finish my Batman Motif (after ripping it 3 times) yesterday evening, and I have to say I am pleased with it. The rest of the sweater should progress along nicely.
That's it, pictures later.
OH! Don't forget if you are in the Columbia, MD area, Sucky Knitting Girls meets at the Panera Bread on Dobins at 7pm!!!!! Come join us!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
3 comments:
- Coleen said...
Now see... did I really need to know about that yarn at Celtic Knot? No... I don't think so! :)
Had a great time with you yesterday.
See you tomorrow!
- PuppyMomma said...
They have that lavender yarn at Cloverhill too! I almost bought some on Saturday (they have their anniversary sale on my birthday every year) because of the sale, but I settled for that new sock yarn with aloe and jojoba in it instead. I'll be bringing it with me tomorrow night. I did go to All About Yarn on Friday though, and bought yarn for Eunny's Argyles, so hopefully she'll have whipped up the pattern for me. See you tomorrow!
- Amie said...
See you tonight, you sucky knitter you!
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text: Today it was our turn to serve breakfast. Luckily though because we weren't diving today we we able to sleep in and serve breakfast at 7:30 instead of 7:15. When breakfast was over we all loaded onto the taxi and headed to our service project. We drove to Soldier Bay to pick up trash and there was a lot! We picked up three truckloads of trash and in that I think we found three tires and two huge gas tanks. Then we headed to the marina for lunch and shopping. I bought a really funny CD called Boatsongs Collection Volume Two. We then headed back to our hotel to present our projects. My group was presenting second so I was nervous at first but I think our presentation went really well. We had no major slip ups and we answered all their question adequately. I'm writing my blood right after the presentation because we have a packed night. Soon after posting this we are going to mass and the to a farewell dinner. I'm really sad to have to leave but I'm glad that il, get to see my family.


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You are here: Home > Buying a Wood > East Anglia > Dahl Wood - SOLD
Dahl Wood is accessed via a stone track and is surrounded by areas of private woodland. Many fine specimens of mature trees can be found, these include cherry, larch, hemlock and oak, whilst the understory has a covering of holly.
The woodland has several distinctly different areas. The west has a sprinkling of holly and a wonderful grassy glade which would be an ideal place to picnic or camp. A number of mature cherry trees here give dappled shade in the summer.
To the north the lane frontage is open and large specimen trees fill this area. Whilst to the south near the entrance beech and cherry trees tower above clumps of early summer foxgloves. The woodland is level, has good access and is ideally suited for family forestry and amenity use.
A healthy wildlife population of foxes, deer, rabbits and hares can be seen in the woodland and numerous birds species live here, including the red kite, tawny owl and woodpeckers to name but a few.
The woodland has been named after the author Roald Dahl who lived locally. It is well worth visiting the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in the nearby town of Great Missenden.
Dahl Wood once formed part of the Hampden Estate, who managed this and other nearby woodlands for generations.
Easily found and accessed off Pink Road and being under an hour's drive from London and 30 minutes from Oxford. The town of High Wycombe is only a short drive from the woodland and has an excellent variety of shops providing everything a woodland owner could want.
Particulars and plans were prepared by our local manager, Matt Marples.
The purchasers of the woodland will be asked to enter into a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of adjoining woodlands and meadows.
The woods boundaries are marked with painted red boundary stakes and markings on trees. The northern boundary is the lane. The western and eastern boundary are stakes and the southern boundary is the woodland ride.
Matt Marples
07979 755 118
Read more about Matt.
This wood is no longer available. For more woods in the area, please see the regional page or contact our regional manager. To be notified as soon as new woods become available, please subscribe to our regional mailing lists, or subscribe to notifications in one of our apps for iPhone and Android.
OS Landranger: OS No 181
Grid ref: SP 829 018
Nearest post code: HP27 0RJ
The woods boundaries are marked with painted red boundary stakes and markings on trees. The northern boundary is the lane. The western and eastern boundary are stakes and the southern boundary is the woodland ride.
Our regional managers are often out working in our woodlands, so if you email an offer and want to be sure it has been received, please phone our manager on his or her mobile phone. The first offer at the stated price which is accepted, whether by phone or email, has priority.
Please take care when viewing as the great outdoors can contain unexpected hazards and woodlands are no exception. You should exercise common sense and caution, such as wearing appropriate footwear and avoiding visiting during high winds.
All woodlands are sold at a fixed price, and include free membership of the Small Woodland Owners Group and the Royal Forestry Society, as well as £300 towards paying for a course (or courses) to help with managing and enjoying your woodland.
These particulars are for guidance only and, though believed to be correct, do not form part of any contract. Woodland Investment Management Ltd hereby give notice under section 21 of the Estate Agents Act 1979 of their interest in the land being sold.
© 2018 Woodland Investment Management Ltd | Disclaimer | Contact us


text:
Greg Budig
Author & Illustrator
Saturday, December 31, 2011
"A New Years Wish"
Wishing you and yours a healthy and prosperous New Year!!!
Posted by
Greg Budig
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Friday, December 30, 2011
"The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats
I've been thinking a lot lately about inspiration, things that left an indelible mark on my memories, things that inspired me to create. I really hadn't realized it until after my second book, "Still (A Winter's Journey)", was in print as to how much it parallels this book..."The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats.
I really don't remember how old I was when I first got this book. I do remember being in grade school at St. Mary's in Morris, MN when I got it, and I remember getting it through Scholastic Books. Getting the flimsy, tissue paper thin Scholastic Books order form in school was a monumental moment for me as a child.
Being able to pick out a new book was something magical and rare..
.there weren't exactly a ton of book stores out there on the windswept prairie back in the late 1960's!
But I remember what caught my attention from all the other tiny little book pictures in that circular was the cover. There was something about that little boy in the red snowsuit that peaked my interest.
The story centers around a little boy named Peter who wakes up one morning to find that it has snowed overnight! His normally dirty inner city world has turned into a winter wonderland and he sets out to explore and have an adventure. First he builds a snowman, then makes snow angels, climbs a snow mountain, makes patterns in the snow with a stick...he generally makes the most of this snowy day. Later that night, he dreams that the sun has come out and melted all the wonderful snow! But much to his relief it was only a dream and a fresh layer of snow greets him the next morning!
Ezra Jack Keats used a technique of mixing opaque watercolor with paper collage to create incredibly expressive yet simple illustrations. His use of color was remarkable! The vibrant red of Peter's snowsuit against the wintry landscape and the crystal clear blue sky is so striking. And the snow was
not white...
it was a kaleidoscope of muted blues, purples and pinks.
This deceptively simple story has a lot to say. It does what every good picture book should do, it transports the reader and listener into a special world created by the author and once there, he lets you follow Peter through his snowy adventure.
This book reminds me that I have much to learn about story telling and illustrating, sometimes I need to learn when to stop telling and start showing.
So that is the story of Ezra Jack Keats "The Snowy Day". If you haven't already enjoyed this book, I urge you to go out and purchase a copy for yourself to share with a special child in your life. And while you're at it...purchase a copy of one of my books as well!!!
Just kidding!...but seriously if you feel compelled to do so, it would be greatly appreciated!! No pressure...really.
Take care
Posted by
Greg Budig
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Wednesday, December 28, 2011
"Reflections on a Brown Christmas"
An illustration from "Still (A Winter's Journey)"
This is as close to a wintry scene as we have had here in the upper Midwest...not exactly the stuff of Bing Crosby
A part of me, the sentimental, romantic side of me, missed the atmospheric wonder and soft holiday glow that the snow provided as a backdrop to the season. The other part of me, the jaded, realistic side, thoroughly enjoyed not having to shovel it or drive through it every morning on the way to work.
I was in heaven!!
It seems the artist and writer in me, the part of me most connected to the carefree days of childhood, yearned for the snow. Visions of frosted window panes and snowflakes like goose down ran endlessly through my mind. That part of me wanted to be immersed in the solitude of the new fallen snow...but it seems that part of me doesn't reside within me like it used to.
Blame it on age, life, lack of free time...well, free time away from dozing in the recliner. Sometimes what ambition and energy I do muster, I need to focus on trying to accomplish all the other endless chores I've let pile up around here. I seem to no longer have time to be childlike anymore, and that's rather sad to admit.
And so we embrace our brown Christmas, we take it for all it's worth and enjoy the fact that our outdoor decorations won't be frozen into the ground until sometime in March. And besides...we can always dream for next year!
Posted by
Greg Budig
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Saturday, December 24, 2011
"At Christmas Time"
As a child, before the world became complicated, I remember Christmas as a season of lights in the darkness.
I woke up early that morning tucked deeply beneath the warm familiar
blankets on my bed, I was lost in a world of half dreams. I could see the warm glow of Christmas lights reflecting through the lacy patterns of frost on my bedroom window, I thought of everything and nothing all at the same time.
I was six years old and it was the morning of Christmas Eve Day!
If I close my eyes now as a worn and somewhat jaded adult, I can still see and feel those images of Christmas. The warm and magical glow of colored lights against the cold, empty darkness of December. As I lay there, I remember hearing the soft sounds of holiday music as it crackled through the speakers of the old AM radio down in the kitchen. The tune was so sweet and familiar...but now has been lost to my memory. I stepped from my bedroom and into the hallway, up the stairwell the soft radiance of red and green shimmered from the lighted tree down in the living room, my mom always made sure that the Christmas tree was lit first thing in the morning. Framed against the grey blue morning outside, the tree was a beacon of Christmas! It was a symphony of red, green, blue and gold as the strands of long silvery tinsel reflected and danced with the colors of the lights. Time worn glass blown ornaments gleamed like priceless trophies against the needles of the majestic evergreen. I could scarcely speak as I was mezmerized by the all encompassing, Christmas celebrating beauty of it all.
As the years passed and the magic of Santa sadly faded away, I remember going for walks in the muted blue grey shadows of dusk to see the neighborhood lights. I saw rows and rows of lighted roof lines and scattered illuminated trees, plastic Santa's and snowmen seemed to march through the yards, each one calling out "Merry Christmas!" I could see the trees inside the houses glowing warmly and brightly, wreaths and bells and candles and holly...the air itself seemed to glow with the colors of Christmas. And then I would pass a lighted nativity, the solemn silent figures stood in reverence through the dark and lonely night...waiting for the star to shine again.
Now as I am older, I still look for the lights of Christmas. We take our children out for rides to see the magic and listen to the music, each of us remembering these things in our own different ways. Sometimes we run so fast at this time of year we forget to look, we forget to dream, we forget to remember. We forget the magic we once all had inside us...and we forget to look for the lights of Christmas.
See the lights? There are always lights at Christmas. Shining through the windows, there above the stable. Silent Night. The dreams we have at Christmas will always shine within us like lights against the darkness...at Christmas time.
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Greg Budig
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Monday, December 19, 2011
"Now is the Time!"
I should really make this quick, as now is the time to get ready for Christmas. I know I have a number of things I should do today, always something left to buy, or bake, or see, or make...
Thing is... Christmas will come no matter what we do...
or don't do.
Such is the season I'm afraid, we have been warned since damn near Halloween, so why do we
seem to run out of time. I can't really say what we expect though, all these time restrictions are more or less self imposed, it is by choice that we stress ourselves out over this. So what's the point you might ask?
I suppose this is just a personal note to myself,
and to whoever else might be reading this
, to just stop for a moment and breath.
Okay...feel better now? Great, now just relax and have a Happy Holiday Season and a wondrous New Year!!!
I knew we could do it!!!!
Posted by
Greg Budig
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Thursday, December 8, 2011
"The Music of Christmas"
This album,
"The Perry Como Christmas Album"
, is forever etched into my memory. I consider it a recording masterpiece.
Now I know there are those naysayers who don't necessarily think of this as a good thing. In fact they would probably presume that this would be a sign of a deeper more troubling mental condition...the condition known as
chronic lameness.
But who am I trying to kid...I just love Christmas music! From the day after Thanksgiving to midnight on December 25th, I'm going to be listening to the stuff and enjoying every sappy frickin' minute of it!
I think it all goes back to a ritual my family used to do during the Christmas season,
I don't really remember
how it started, but I remember these moments as being some of my fondest memories of childhood. I remember how we would turn off all the lights in the house,
well, all the lights except for those that pertained to Christmas
, and we would then bask in the glow of the multi-colored, tinsel laden, ornament covered, star topped Christmas tree! And our soundtrack?
Why our beloved collection of Christmas albums!
Perry Como, Gene Autry, Bing Crosby...nothing but the classics! We would heap these treasures onto the old turntable, sit back and let the music take over. Typically there would be some conversation of course, usually between my older sisters and my mom, but usually it was nothing too overly pressing. Of course various snacks would appear, my mom would bring out cookies or candies, there was no lack of feasting for us at this time of year!
But mostly, it was about the lights and the music. Our tree, typically a live tree, was wired with the largest, most heat emitting bulbs on the market. The fresh smell of pine in our house was also a by-product of the sap in the tree being super heated to nearly the boiling point...I'm surprised the whole thing didn't spontaneously erupt into flames! Our music was recorded on vinyl, non of this digitally remastered, compact disc, high definition crap...we reveled in the warmth of their imperfections!
It was at this time that I would truly be immersed in the sights and sounds around me. Watching the snow falling gently outside the window, it danced passed the colored lights above the front door, and then slowly dissolving into the darkness of the night. Listening to Perry Como singing
"Ave Maria"
and realising that this was the most beautiful thing that you had ever, or maybe
ever, hear in your life.
It was a magical time to be sure, a time to gather as a family and listen to the sounds of the season, a time to
simply enjoy the simple
beauty of Christmas.
It was then at that moment, when we were all lulled into the sweet transcendence of Christmas bliss, that my dad would flip on the kitchen lights as he came into the house after work saying,
"Hey, who turned all the lights off!"
The cold slap of fluorescent light shook us all out of our trance, but only for a moment...
"Turn that light off and come into the living room!"
we would all yell.
Soon we would all be gathered together again in the colored darkness, my dad would hungrily cut up cheddar cheese and summer sausage to eat with crackers... and the happy sounds of Gene Autry would once again fill the air!
Merry Christmas!
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Sunday, December 4, 2011
"And so this is Christmas..."
And so it begins...another holiday season. Creeping upon us like a sack carrying, soot covered figure in the middle of the night, it seems to catch us while we are sleeping. There is so much about the Christmas season that is artificial, cliche and overtly commercialized, but there is also so much that is personally original and g
enuinely real.
Christmas is about memories, either real or imagined, memories that often times define us as human beings. As a child, Christmas was a time of
light in the darkness
to me, it was the quiet times I remember the most.
Christmas is also about traditions, a link to where we come from. From the foods we eat to when we opened our presents. Oddly enough, my mother always made that fine German staple of
every Christmas Eve. She wasn't a woman stuck on ethnic tradition I suppose, rather she made something we all liked instead of the traditional German potato salad and carp. So lasagna became our traditional Christmas Eve meal!
"Buon Natale!!!!"
Every year we strive to make this
"The Best Christmas Ever!!"
...a Christmas to end all Christmases. But why? Maybe it's the desire to recreate an ideal that we've been grooming in our minds for years, trying to bring back a bit of our childhood, the reasons are many.
"And so this is Christmas
...as John Lennon once wrote, ...and what have we done?" "Another year over, and a new one just begun." The message is simple and so should be the holiday, I myself hope to follow this example...for once.
"And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun. The near and the dear one, the old and the young."
Merry Christmas!!!!
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Greg Budig
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Monday, November 21, 2011
"A Celebration of Food!"
The turkey sits in the fridge, slowly thawing, getting ready for the food frenzy that is in two days...the feast of Thanksgiving! Everyone seems to love this holiday, a day to overeat, watch television and sleep...sounds like heaven to me!!
I personally enjoy the planning and preparation of the meal. There's something so basic and traditional about simmering the nasty bits,
(the heart, liver, gizzard and turkey neck)
in water, onion, celery and garlic
the evening before to make stock
for the stuffing. Oh sure...
you can buy chicken stock
, but why let those perfectly good organ meats go to waste?
Stew those bad boys up! Let them simmer for hours until the entire house is filled with the savory aroma of Thanksgiving!!
I love getting up early Thanksgiving morning to start cooking, seasoning the bird and getting the sausage and mushrooms ready for the stuffing. Having a couple cups of freshly brewed coffee with my lovely wife is also part of the morning celebration...which eventually turns into a couple glasses of wine as the feast begins to take shape. Having a glass of crisp white zinfandel at 10:00 a.m. makes the holidays even
You can't cook gourmet without wine.
Turkey, sausage and mushroom dressing, Yukon gold mashed potatoes with homemade turkey gravy, acorn squash, brussel sprouts, buttered corn and soft dinner buns...oh heavens yes!! Cranberry sauce? Of that I am unsure. I have never really been a fan, though I do enjoy a cold glass of cranberry juice cocktail...maybe this year he will give cranberry sauce a try.
Afterwords we will all gather for pumpkin pie with whipped cream...as is the American thing to do!
So enjoy your Thanksgiving anyway you want to. Watch the parades, have a little wine, sleep all afternoon...oh yeah, I guess there's football on somewhere. Enjoy!
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Friday, November 11, 2011
"And the Winner is....."
I recently submitted my newest book entitled
"At the End of the Day"
for nomination to The Minnesota Book Awards. I haven't received my official e-mail confirmation yet, but I'm fairly confident that my package of five books with nomination form and entry fee have made it safely to St. Paul, MN
I go into this
with the full realization
that I haven't got the slightest chance in hell of ever winning this thing, but I figure that at least it will get some good exposure
for my new book. I'm not trying to be overly modest or anything here, I'm just being realistic. Who knows, maybe I'll be surprised...
but don't count on it.
We all like to be recognized for our talents. Most artist, whether they admit to it or not, can trace their passion for what they do back to a need to be noticed. I can trace my own identity as an artist back to kindergarten when my teacher gathered the entire class around me during art period and proclaimed
"Looks like we have quite the little artist here!"
I had found my purpose.
Randolph Caldecott
In the world of children's book illustration, the
Randolph Caldecott Medal
is as good as it gets. Winning the Caldecott gives an illustrator instant recognition
, countless new admirers and a whole lot of reasons to be noticed! When my first book
"I Hear the Wind"
was in production, I dreamed about it somehow beating the odds and winning the Caldecott! My rise to the top of the literary world would be the stuff of legend! My name would suddenly be mentioned in the same context as Maurice Sendak, Chris Van Allsburg
or David Wiesner. I would be immortal! I then read the submission guidelines
Only hardcover books were eligible for consideration. My book had been hastily released in softcover after being delayed for almost two years, I was in fact, ineligible. I was crushed. It was eligible for The Minnesota Book Awards, much to my relief, and so I sent it in hoping for the best. And guess what? It didn't win a thing! Not even honorable mention!!
And so again I will try for literary immortality and hope the judges decide in my favor. This book was released in hardcover, so I may even submit it for the Caldecott Medal this year. Keep your fingers crossed...but don't hold your breath!
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Greg Budig
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Sunday, November 6, 2011
"My Little Corner of the World"
This is what I call my creative place, my atelier...
my studio.
In this little 5 x 6 ft. space, tucked neatly between the upstairs railing and the wall, I sit and create artwork for my various book projects. The space itself could be considered wasted space by most people, I suppose one could shove a dresser or bookcase back there, but it just seems a little, oh I don't know...
out of the way.
My drafting table was a cast off from my wife's workplace, no one else wanted it, so she brought it home. It fits perfectly between the railing and the wall! My cheap, imitation wood, three drawer filing cabinet, (I've had that thing for
, I think I bought it at Shopko) also fit like a glove. Even the office chair was a freebie...my entire studio just sort of fell together, a bunch of rejects that fit perfectly in a wasted space, just wonderful!
I have a little radio/cd player tucked under the drafting table for music, though I usually hear every sound that goes on downstairs from the open stairwell directly to my right anyways, I've dropped more than a few paintbrushes and pencils down those stairs. I have a window a little off to the right as well, we had to put a tiny jog in the railing to compensate for it, otherwise the railing would have ended up in the middle of said window. But that's okay! That tiny jog allowed the perfect spot for my cheap, imitation wood, Shopko filing cabinet. Things
happen for a reason.
And so there I sit, wedged in the corner between the stairway and an over sized dresser at the end of our upstairs bedroom. It is rather cozy I must say, sometimes a bit of a squeeze to maneuver around in that tiny space, considering that I am
the most compact person on the face of the earth. But it's my space, my place to create, to paint, to think...to dream. I should really go there more often, but sometimes the ambition to get up there needs a little prodding.
I sorely realize that I would be a much better artist if I would only sit down and sketch once in awhile, just do a painting for God's sake!! I seem to be a binge artist... I can spend months away from my drawing board, but once I get in the groove of doing some illustrations I can spend countless hours involved in my work. I feel a little rusty at first, but as soon as I get back into the swing of things I seem to make some artistic progress. But once the project it complete, I'll be gone for another couple months, that just seems to be my way of doing things.
Typically I get back into the mood to paint at this time of year, which seems to be happening now, I've got a number of illustrative ideas running around in my head
right at this very instant!!
I hope to tackle an older story this winter, I created a number of illustrations for this story in the past...most of which don't impress me anymore. I thought I was done with this story a couple years back, but now I know I can do better...it's time to get back into that wasted space and start working again!!
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
I had forgotten about November, with her lonely grey eyes, she waits in silence for her time to begin. She has always been known as a rather quiet child, so somber, so patient, so glum.
Who can compare to October and the splendor of fall or the spectacle we call Halloween. November has charms, though they are earthy and quiet, more of a feeling than things that are seen.
I had forgotten about November, with her soft cloudy hair, it covered the sun like a shroud. She speaks in a voice that is often times mute, but some times it rumbles and howls!
So we welcome November as she slowly glides in, like a fog or a mist or a rain. For the time of November is a time to reflect... a time to remember again.
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Thursday, October 20, 2011
"My New Book Has Arrived!!!"
Well...here it is!!!
Fresh from the printer and ready for the best seller list! Well at least hopefully to a bookstore near you.
It was a long wait, but I'm thrilled with how well it turned out, the colors are fantastic! My next plan of action is to send it out for hopefully some good reviews and to submit it to the Minnesota Book Awards and hope they see some merit in it. Would be a nice honor to win, can't say my chances are all that great, but you never know unless you try.
This book was originally slated for release last spring, but due to circumstances beyond our control, it was delayed until late October.
So to all my loyal fans out there, here it is...enjoy!!!!
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Saturday, September 24, 2011
"Lives Well Spent"
Ernest Peter
I was saddened to hear the news of the death of
Mr. Ernest Peter
last week. Ernest left this earth after 93 well spent years, quite an envious accomplishment in my book.
Ernest, along with his wife Judith, have been the driving force behind Stemmer House Publishers since 2003. It was also that same year that Stemmer House agreed to publish my first book entitled
"I Hear the Wind"
, it would be the first book for the new ownership.
Craig Thorn IV
The editor-in-chief at that time was
Mr. Craig Thorn IV
. It was Craig who first showed interest in my work. Every other publishing house I submitted
"I Hear the Wind"
to sent me rejection letters, but Craig saw something in those black and white illustrations that he liked.
Not only was he the acting editor at Stemmer House, he was also a member of the English department at Phillips Academy in Andover.
The e-mails and phone conversations we shared while editing this book were an exciting learning experience for me. He made me feel like my words were actually worth reading. He made me feel like maybe, just maybe, I could be a writer.
It was after the editing process was finished and the book was in production that Craig informed me that due to health issues he wouldn't be active in the day to day operations anymore, that was in late April...he died of cancer in June.
Both these men gave me an opportunity at something I had only dreamed of, a chance to be published and a chance to share my words and pictures with the world.
After Craig died, Ernest believed enough in my work to publish two more of my books, with the prospect of doing a fourth. Now with his passing, his wife Judith seems poised to carry on. I haven't heard any definite plans, but they are moving forward with my newest book entitled
"At the End of the Day"
. Time will tell as to what will be the future of Stemmer House, I can always speculate...but that would be a waste of time.
For now, I take time to salute these two men who believed in me and decided to give me a chance.
For this...I am forever grateful.
Thank you.
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Greg Budig
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Saturday, September 3, 2011
"So When Is This New Book Coming Out?"
Okay...so I lied. The new book didn't come out in late spring like I promised, it didn't come out in early summer,
or even mid summer!
And the way things look, late summer is looking pretty frickin' shaky as well. Let's face it, I have no idea when this thing is going to see the light of day!!
Well that's not exactly true. I was informed by my wonderful compositor Michel Newkirk that it was indeed either going to or is at a printer somewhere in the U.S.A. That much I know is true.
So I will sit and wait with the rest of the world until that fateful day when my twelve author copies (as stipulated in my contract mind you!) arrive on my doorstep. Michel has been a wonder through this whole project, my lifeline to the status of my book. She has supplied me with countless e-mails that have led me through the entire lay-out process for the book, for that I am forever grateful!
The proofs she sent me were amazing! I'm really excited to see this thing become real and not just a PDF file on my computer. My only hope is that the printer is able to do justice to the full, deep color of the original artwork, something I was not totally over joyed with on my last book entitled "Still (A Winter's Journey)". "Still" looked okay...sort of like old sepia tone photographs. But when I realized how much of the varied blues tones didn't come through in the final printing, I was a little heart broken.
But I've come to realize, unfortunately, that sometimes things don't work out they way you would like them to.
I wish
my first book entitled "I Hear the Wind" would have been released in hardcover as originally planned. Even my publisher has agreed to that fact, he now admits that not releasing that book in hardcover was a mistake.
I wish
that at least
of my books would have been included in the Library of Congress catalog, all the other books released by Stemmer House at the same time were, but not mine.
I wish
my publisher would be a little more motivated on my newest book. They haven't even submitted an image to Amazon yet for the books page, and the book description from the publisher states...
"Reflections on the passing of summer's day."
REALLY?!! That's the best you could come up with?!! I was
extremely underwhelmed
with that lack of effort. They even had the title of the book listed wrong...it's called "
the End of the Day" not "The End of the Day".
I wish
my books could have had more national exposure and been sent to Publisher's Weekly or Booklist for review. I am eternally grateful to the smaller
yet just as important
book review sites that have reviewed my books, but getting a starred review from Booklist can have libraries all over the country buying your books.
I'm sorry for coming off as a bit of a sour puss on this subject, I guess I've dealt with and accepted these realities over the last five years, I should keep listening to those inner voices that tell me...
"You should consider yourself lucky and be grateful for all the success you've had... at least you've been able to get published!!!!"
But sometimes isn't it nice to maybe,
just maybe
, get what you really want instead of settling with what you're given? Maybe on the next book...
So when is the new book coming out? Hopefully soon...I'll try to keep you posted!!!
Take care
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Greg Budig
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Tuesday, April 12, 2011
"Where Has The Time Gone!"
It suddenly dawned on me one day..
.don't I have a blog or something like that out there?
I seemed to have woefully forgotten about this whole blog thing I started.
So I decided I'd better revisit this thing and see if I even remember how to post on here. Obviously I did, so here goes nothing.
I am currently wrapping up work on my newest book entitled "
At The End Of The Day"
which will tentatively be released some time this spring...most likely late spring, say like sometime in June. The editing process went on a little longer than I'd like, a lot of major changes where made, but I think we finally reached an agreement on the text. I then set about the task of doing the illustrations, which included rethinking some of the already completed illustrations. I needed to see if they still fit into the revamped manuscript.
Being able to work on this full time would have been wonderful, but since I'm restricted to working on this in the evening and on weekends, my time is somewhat limited. The process went well and I am now working on the final illustration, I'm thinking it will involve fireflies, something magical and captivating I hope.
I have posted above a close-up from one of the newest illustrations. It involves dandelions as you can see and it really turned out well in my opinion. So I hope to finish up soon and get this all off to my publisher so they can get this book going.
Well, I'd best close here, but I promise to keep all of my loyal blog fans up to date with all things
Greg Budig!!
You are eight of the greatest blog followers around!!!!
take care
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text:
We keep some of our knives on a long, thin magnet above the kitchen sink. It's the same type of magnetic knife rack commonly used in professional kitchens, and it's also perfect for storing bakeware in the pantry. Take a look:
Oh wow, I'm so pleased! Charlie did a wonderful job of installing the magnets, and we were able to free up an entire shelf in the pantry. We bought the magnets at Ikea, and they cost $9 apiece -- totally worth it. Also, (according to Charlie) they were simple to install. If every inch of storage space matters where you live I highly recommend giving this a shot. The sound the pans make when the magnets suck them in is pretty cool as well.


text:
At the Feb. 2 National Prayer Breakfast, President Trump promised to "get rid of and totally destroy" the IRS regulation which states that as a condition of their tax-exempt status churches cannot endorse or oppose political candidates. He stated this regulation infringes on the "right to worship according to our own beliefs."
President Trump is totally misinformed on this IRS regulation. It has nothing to do with the right to worship. This right is guaranteed by the first amendment to the constitution.
If a church wishes to endorse politicians, it is free to refuse its tax-exempt status and endorse as it wishes. Individual pastors and church members can endorse whoever they please but not as an official spokesman for their church. America has a long tradition of not using pulpits and TV ministries supported with tax-exempt dollars for partisan political purposes instead of for religious purposes.
Churches have been and remain able to speak out on moral, social, and ethical issues. They have a right to state their doctrinal beliefs as it relates to issues in the public domain from the pulpit and in their church ministries.
If we open our churches to manipulation by political candidates, they will cease to be known for their doctrinal beliefs and instead for their political goals. Instead of having Baptist and Methodist churches we will have Democrat and Republican churches.
When those who wanted to destroy Jesus' ministry tried to get him to take a political position regarding the Roman government, he said, ""Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's". President Trump and those religious leaders who want to use our churches for political objectives are violating the spirit and the message of Jesus' teachings.
Ron West


text:
While Andres has now weakened into a tropical storm, Blanca continues to strengthen and is now a Category 3 major hurricane centered well southwest of Mexico.
This is the earliest on record that two major hurricanes have formed in the Eastern Pacific. There have been four other seasons that have had two major hurricanes develop before the end of June.
While Andres brought only rough surf and rip currents to Mexico, Blanca will bring more direct impacts as it continues to strengthen over the next few days and eventually approaches Baja California.
Blanca will continue to meander well away from Mexico for the next 24 hours before moving northwestward for the rest of the week.
The expected track will take this tropical system closer to the Mexico coastline as it moves northward, but the worst conditions will remain well offshore. Even through Blanca will remain over the open ocean through Saturday, large surf and dangerous rip currents will increase along the coast of Mexico from Acapulco to near Puerto Vallarta.
While the heaviest rain will also remain offshore, the increase in moisture will lead to enhanced showers and thunderstorms across parts of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco. Flooding is expected to be localized.
This weekend, a track toward Baja California is expected; however, moving over cooler waters would result in significant weakening prior to a potential landfall in southern Baja California. Even though Blanca will be weakening as it approaches Baja California, the storm will bring the threat of damaging winds and flooding rainfall this weekend with landfall either Saturday night or Sunday.
Landfall is possible between Cabo San Lucas and Puerto San Carlos. These areas suffered widespread damaging after Hurricane Odile made landfall across the region last year. While Blanca is not expected to be as strong as Odile at landfall, it will still be capable of producing life-threatening conditions such as damaging winds, flash flooding and mudslides.


text:
So we didn't have any serious plans. The movies was the only thing set in stone. The date was open. We were going to meet in front of the Movie theater at 7. The movie started at 7:30. We were going to see Death Race, which happens to be about a car race in which inmates must brutalize and kill one another on the road to victory. I know, really crazy concept. Whatever.
Ther are 2 sides to me. There is the coordinated Ace, who is always early or on time. Then there is the "Ican'tdecidewhattowearsoI'llchange3or4timesuntilIthinkI'mready". She just happened to get the second Ace. I was trying hard to be on time. I failed miserably. I was only about 5 minutes late though. I would've been longer, but I decided against stopping and getting gas. I didn't want to be late, I was though.
So I arrive and find her in the casino waiting at one of the slot machines. We get our tickets and go into the theater. It's packed. I guess we weren't the only wanted who wanted to see jail races in armored cars. So the movie doesn't start for another 15 minutes. In this 15 minutes my phone rings twice. Once it was my roommate. I took the phone. I have to admit I was little nervous. He thought I was at the bookstore again, so to keep with my story I had to answer the phone. He was trying to get in contact with his brother, who never answers his phone for some reason. Sometimes if the stars align he'll answer the phone for me. That day no stars were out I guess because he didn't answer. The funny part of this whole thing is that I can get incoming calls in the theater, but I can't make in out. I ended up having to walk out of the movies and all the way in to the casino just to do this. So after running back to not make things awkward, the phone rings again. Guess who it was. I said guess dammit! Nope. Nah. Wrong again. It was Mo. She seems to have some kind of timing doesn't she. I know you guys are thinking, "How does she manage to make every story that he has?". You tell me. I had called her earlier and she was finally returning my call. I quickly hit the ignore button and sent here a text that I was in a movie. She sure know how to include herself somehow. You gotta love.
Just so everyone knows I have a hard time being in a movie theater. I love to go, but the people drive me crazy. I either get the guy with the long legs who keeps kicking my chair, the child who keeps kicking my chair, or the first date talkers. Today wasn't any different. I see this little woman coming my way. She sits a chair down. I think nothing of it. 2 minutes later walks in and takes the seat next to me. Out of all the seats in the damn theater he sits next too me. I give him a quick "dude side eye". He gives me the same look. I'm thinking, "Look fucker! I was here first. You should move and keep your shitty looks to yourself.". It's like the right away in traffic. Every guy knows the damn rule. It's no secret. I'm thinking he's going to move. Nope. Know I'm stuck sitting next to the chubby Hispanic dude and his girlfriend who thinks it's nice to put her feet in his lap.
The movie is pretty entertaining. It won't win any Oscars, but it was worth watching and I also got to see the trailer for the new Fast and Furious movie.
We pile out with the rest of the moviegoers. We decide to grab drinks. The casinos in Vegas are always packed with lots of things to get into. We decide to settle down in the common area. She wanted to catch some of the Olympics while it was on. The area was packed with big screen T.V.s that were playing everything from the horse races to baseball.
The first round of drink come and we are still doing the "greet and meet" stuff. I have my back turn to the bar. From behind me I hear something about the Raiders football team. The guys says, "I bet on the Raiders and they lost.". No shit! I turn to see who's talking about the Raiders. Not sure if any of you watch football, but the Raiders aren't a premiere team more. It was one of the bartenders. He say it again and I can't help myself but to laugh. I ask him, "Did you just say you bet on the Raiders?". He confirms. I laugh pretty hard at him. I can't help it. Anybody in the right mind would not bet money on that team.
He was a pretty loud dude. I should have taken that as a sign. I continue laugh. The bar laughs with me. He looks at me and says, "I'm getting shit from the guy who looks like Tyrese!" Everyone laughs. He then says, " If you keep on, I'm going to get security to escort your young as out of here. I know you got in here on a fake ID. You can't be a day over 19. Keep it up Tyrese. Keep it up." (Google Tyrese) Everyone is rolling, even me. This is not the first time I've been heckled while out. Just never on a date. I quickly turn and get back to watching the Olympics. Just to make things go back to normal. We laughed a little more about the guys remarks. Kind of spiced up the night.
So things are flowing perfectly. Conversation is all over the place. Its good business. The waitress comes over to the table with another round. Problem is we just got the last round. She thought we said get another. I ask her, "Are you trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me?" Without missing a beat she says to me, "Yea. I'm trying to get you drunk off Michelob Ultra. I'll be here all night trying then.". I should learned to keep my mouth close, huh? I asked for that one. Again we all start to laugh and a couple of the people start laughing that are sitting around us. I got to get a grip on being the center of attention. Damn me for being so selfish.
So the date is steaming along and all of a sudden she says something I thought someone would never ask me. She says, " Do you like Nascar?". "DO YOU LIKE NASCAR?" "DO YOU LIKE NASCAR?" Who the hell asks a black man that question. It's almost like asking a black man if they like fried chicken. Who does that people. I think I gave her the dirtiest look a person could possibly give someone. That's just one of those question that I don't get ask everyday. I don't ever get asked that question. I went off on a 10 to 15 minute rant about the what disqualifies Nascar from life. I thinking I'm ruining it by rambling and then I look over at her. Her face is red and shes laughing her ass off. They only thing she can muster out is, "My cheekbones hurt!". Who knew. She says "Well I know what not to get you for Christmas.". Hey the girl has a sense of humor.
So After a few more beers we decided to call it a night and head our separate ways. She ended up parking in the wrong section. I as in gentleman mode and offer her a ride to her car. We take the elevator up to my car. The first date in the 2 seater. Remember earlier that I told you if I stopped for gas I would have been late for the date. I should have listen to my first thought and just got the gas because I now have an awkward moment on my hand. I'm out of gas and the car just stopped in the middle of the parking garage. Luckily I have enough juice to at least park the car. Seems cool with it. She laughed the whole time. I told her she was to blame for asking that damn question about Nascar. It threw my whole night off. She said since I am blaming her she'll take me to get some gas.
A gas can, $3.97, a ride back to my car, a hung and a kiss on the chic and a Burger King #1...hold the pickle, tomatoe and onions...I have another date in works.
3 comments:
- fiwa said...
woohoo...sounds like y'all got the chemistry goin on!
Is that your "stink eye" look? I would have slunk away if I'd been that dude. Seriously - why do people ignore 50 empty seats to sit right next to you in the theater? What is up with that?
Ok, I forgive you for being a blog-tease, this was a good post.
- Mo said...
Hee Hee. You can't escape me.
Just for the record, when you threaten to shoot my ass and tell me I can't be that busy that I can't call you back, I will call. So what if my timing is off?
Like I said before, I like this girl already.
The dude who called you Tyrese might want to get his eyes checked. Just saying.
I still can't believe you ran out of gas.
What I want to know is what you ended up wearing and did she ask about Nascar because she likes it?
- Brad said...
Dude, sounds like a great date. Why the long face Ace?
I haven't dated in so long I would even know how to anymore.


text:
Xica da Silva Watch Online
FeaturesRelease date : January 9, 1983
Genre : History, Drama, news, americana, refugees
IMDB Rating : 8.5/10 (71197 votes)
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Xica da Silva Trailer English
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-Xica - Wikipedia.Xica (Portuguese: Xica da Silva) is a 1976 Brazilian comedy film directed and written by Carlos Diegues, based on the novel by João Felício dos Santos, which is a ...--Convent - Wikipedia.A convent is either a community of priests, religious brothers or religious sisters ; or the building used by the community, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church ...--List of Brazilian telenovelas - Wikipedia.Brazilian telenovelas; Title Translation Debut End Channel Notes; Cúmplices de um Resgate: Accomplices to a Rescue: August 3, 2015: SBT: At 8:30 p.m. (BRT/AMT)--EBX Group - Wikipedia.Other activities. REX is EBX Group's real estate company. Founded in 2008 to identify real estate opportunities, the company began operations in 2011 with a ...--Ilona Staller - Wikipedia.Bibliography. Filippucci, Lucio; Giovanni Romanini; Ubaldi (1989). Les aventures de Cicciolina. France: Média 1000. Graphic novel about her life (in French)-


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I also thought I'd share a few peeks at what my stall looks like when I do craft fairs - I have way more products at craft fairs than I do in my Etsy shop, which is for various reasons, but I am working on adding new stuff to my online shop so everyone can buy them :) Here is a shot of the table... One of the hardest things I've found since starting Ladybird Likes is working out how to display things at craft fairs, without it looking boring or becoming too messy. I thought I might do a separate post on craft fair displays - what do you reckon?
Well I hope you enjoyed that look at my stall - I really wish everyone could come to the fairs I do and that travelling wasn't an issue! We could sit and natter and eat cake and drink tea and look at all the pretty things for sale (and probably end up buying lots too!) If anyone knows of a particular good/interesting market or craft fair in their local area please do let me know - I'm always looking for new ones to try out, and don't mind travelling a bit :) xoxo
PS. sorry some of the photos above are a bit out of focus - it was a grey sky when I took the photos, so the building was quite dark, meaning I had to use a slow shutter speed. That, combined with the fact I have the shakiest hands in the world, meant the pictures weren't great. Note to self, always take your 50mm lens when you go away!


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I'd like to see a story about Eve falling in love with Lilith. I think it should be a big, fat passionate romance. I think Lilith should feed Eve pomegranate seeds by the light of a full moon. Both of them have terrible reputations in the Old Testament, and I think they should find comfort in each other's arms. I think it would be a good story.
In the old version, Eve is either too stupid or too naive to understand that the snake is really the devil in disguise. The snake (aka devil) tempts her. He says, "Here take a bit out of this apple." And so she does, after all its a beautiful apple, and she is a simple girl. Little does she know that as she bites deep into the apple--- she is now responsible for the fall of man.
In Lilith's story, the snake makes yet another appearance, but this time he isn't talking to her in the Garden of Eden, he's fucking her in hell. Excellent. In the new version, the love story, I think Lilith is the complicated one. We're not afraid of Eve, but we are afraid of her. She is seductress, child-killer, and shrieking owl. She has a lot on her mind. Some say Eve and Lilith are one and the same anyway, like the Roman god, Janus. It could get interesting.
Also, in this version, the snake is a symbol of wisdom, neither a demon or a god.
Image: John Maler Collier. "Lilith" oil on canvas, 1887. The Atkinson Gallery, public domain.


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Title: Beastly
Author: Alex Finn
Pages: 304
Published: October 1st, 2007
Read: October 24, 2010
Summary: I am a beast.
A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.
You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.
Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.
(from Goodreads.com)
I'm always a fan of fairytale retellings. I think it's because I know most of them so well so It's fun for me to see what the author does with it, how they put their twist into it. I once read a book where an author turned the fairy tales into a darker side, it was completely intriguing.
Beastly, the retelling of Beauty and the Beast, also does an excellent job of pushing all the right buttons. Originally I'd heard of it from my friend Stray over on our group blog For the Love of Reading and ever since I'd been excited to get it into my hands.
This particular retelling takes place in New York and can we just say our main character Kyle is a total and complete jack a$! Well, I guess that would explain why he is the perfect beast character huh?! Still, I wanted to punch him half the time for his stupidity.
I do think that the author added so many amazing characters, like Will his teacher and Magda the housekeeper. I think Will cracked me up the most because he didn't care how rich the boy was, he wasn't going to take his crap.
Lindy, the female lead, was an adorable pick and well developed. Plus, I think I have affection for those who aren't fake in what they think and how they act. Lindy was a prime example of the perfect beauty, flaming red hair and all.
Overall, I thought the author did an excellent job of casting her characters and developing their personalities. Her plot content was fun and I fully enjoyed her turn of events. I think some of my favorite parts of the book were the online chat group sessions. LMAO, the "Unexpected Changes chat group", like it happens all the time. People are getting turned into something they aren't supposed to be by witches everywhere. Ha, awesome! So if any of you are looking for a story with a seriously cool mirror, a shoddy father who should be kicked in the lower extremities, a beautiful creative green thumb and a brilliant retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast, you must pick up this book.
Mr. Anderson: Welcome to the first meeting of the Unexpected Changes chat group.
Mr. Anderson: Anyone here? Or should I say, anyone going to admit being here?
BeastNYC joined chat
Mr. Anderson: Hello, BeastNYC
Mr. Anderson: Hello? I see you there, Beast NYC. Want to introduce yourself?
BeastNYC: Don't want to talk 1st…anyone else here?
Mr. Anderson: Yes, we seem to have a lot of lurkers who joined the chat before you.
Beast NYC: Let them talk 1st then.
Mr. Anderson: Anyone else want to give a shout-out to BeastNYC?
SilentMaid: Hello, BeastNYC. Should we call you Beast?
Beast NYC: Whatever. Doesn't matter.
Mr. Anderson: Thanks for speaking up Silent – pardon the pun. What sort of creature are you?
SilentMaid: A mermaid. Just a little one.
Mr. Anderson: You were transformed into a mermaid?
SilentMaid: Actually, I'm currently a mermaid, but I'm "considering" a transformation. I thought this group might help me make my decision.
Mr. Anderson: That's what we're going to talk about tonight – the experience of transformation, how you became what you are.
Froggie: wer u trnsfrmd, Andy?
Mr. Anderson: Well, no. But I've set this up to help you all.
BeastNYC: You're a girl, SilentMaid? I mean, a female, er, fish, a mer"maid"
Froggie: Hw cn u hlp us wen u dnt know wat is like
SilentMaid: Beast, yes I am. I'm thinking of becoming a human girl.


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Largely unbeknownst to the West, a critical battle for what is left of Aleppo (see pictures), once Syria's largest city, is raging between rebel forces and Assad's crumbling army, which in recent months has been reinforced with "crack" Iranian Quds troops. Notwithstanding Russian bombing runs, the Iranian expeditionary force suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the rebels several weeks ago, and Putin has rushed T-90 tanks with Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor to Assad's 4th Mechanized Division to change the tide of battle.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is boosting supplies, including advanced anti-tank missiles, to the rebels. Moreover, after a Turkish F-16 downed a Russian Su-24 tactical bomber which strayed into Turkish air space (the Su-24 didn't stand a chance) and Erdogan refused to apologize, Turkey has also been increasing supplies to the rebels.
Can Russian T-90s withstand American-made TOWs? Stay tuned. Although Israel doesn't have a dog in this fight, it has a lot to learn from the outcome.
[Was Gen. Qassem Suleimani, the commander of Iran's Quds force, severely wounded in the battle for Aleppo? As reported yesterday by the National Council of Resistance of Iran:
"According to reports from inside the Iranian regime's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Qassem Suleimani, the notorious commander of the terrorist Qods Force, has suffered severe shrapnel wounds, including in the head, while at Aleppo's southern front two weeks ago.
Qassem Suleimani's vehicle that was there for him to oversee an operation by the revolutionary guards and a number of hired forces was targeted by the Free Syrian Army severely injuring Suleimani.
. . . .
The IRGC counterintelligence section has imposed severe restrictions to prevent any leakage of information of Soleimani being wounded and has ordered all hospital personnel to refrain from answering any questions in this regard. The Iranian regime is worried that the news on Soleimani's injury would cause a complete collapse of moral of the IRGC forces and the militias in Syria. Even now, the revolutionary guards are quite frightened and anxious due to the large number of casualties they have suffered in the past couple of months in Syria."
If true (Fars News is saying that it's not the case), it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.]


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IPL 2017: Mumbai Indians - a proven recipe for success
With a set core and plenty of talent, the Rohit Sharma led side are ready for the final assault.
Mumbai Indians, the IPL champions of 2013 and 2015, started their campaign this year with a loss in the "Maharashtra derby" to RPS. Thereafter, till their recent loss on an away game to SRH, they had lost only 3 games. To have qualified so early for the playoffs allows them the rare luxury of testing their bench strength and take stock of exact combinations while matching it with current form.
That they are peaking nicely is evident from the red-hot form of Rohit Sharma and the additional options that power-hitter Lendl Simmons offers. An embarrassment of riches or a problem of plenty is what champion teams happily embrace. Mumbai's conquest has rarely come unstuck as different personnel at varied stages of the tourney have put their hands up and pulled their weight for their side's larger interests in quite an admirable and gutsy fashion.
It was the maverick Kieron Pollard, who with his hard hitting yet responsible batsmanship, took them home in that tense encounter versus RCB at Bengaluru. After Badree's hattrick, MI was on the mat. A lesser side might have succumbed from 7 for 4 in a tense run chase. But MI isn't your everyday T20 outfit and Pollard isn't just another batsman. With bulging forearms, the size of a railway sleeper berth, he put his head down, quelled his inner demons and shut the naysayers. And of course, MI prevailed.
Meanwhile, young turk Nitish Rana pulverised GL. Fours and sixes rained from his young blade even as the connoisseurs witnessed the mindless mayhem in amazement. His half-century at the Wankhede was a backbone of a sizzling run chase that shredded the Lions, leaving them clawless and toothless.
MI's batting line up is an assured unit and the confidence flows from the top-order. The opening duo provides blindingly blitzy starts. M/s Patel and Buttler, like a trusted stockbroking firm of the West, use the power-play to the hilt while laying sturdy platforms.
Unlike other IPL outfits that might rely heavily on willow-power, MI have plenty on offer with the ball to more than make up for a bad day with the bat. Take the case of the mature Jasprit Bumrah and his fast improving attitude. His unusual bowling action does not give any clue whatsoever to the nervous batsman at the business end as he unleashes unmitigated hell with his miserly and scorching yorkers. The cunning change of pace, orchestrated with confidence, stunted the seasoned power hitting duo of McCullum and Finch. The pair, trusted to clobber the ball in the super-over, struggled to put bat to ball, let alone score as Bumrah owned the moment.
Those are the kind of nerve-wracking matches that bind and forge a champion unit while fostering self-belief. A side that gets out of such hard scrapped situations emerges with heightened aspirations. That their opponents suffer, shaking with paralysis, is a byproduct of a well-oiled process.
And the riches in the seam-up genre don't end with Bumrah for MI. McClenaghan and Malinga provide the vital "Vitamin M" with their aggressive bursts at varying angles. And more often than not, they succeed, as evidenced by results.
The reinvention of Harbhajan Singh, replete with the sleight of hand akin to a sorcerer, offers glimpses of a raging off-spinner of old. His performances this year have been a reflection of his younger self - a time when he lured the crease-tied, hapless batsmen to school boy errors with poor shot selection and flawed execution.
Apart from shouldering the onerous task of bowling in the powerplay overs with economical run rate against batsmen straining at the leash, his calm demeanour takes the cake. He now appears a contended craftsman, plying his trade with no expectations apart from fulfilling his innate potential.
Time and time again, MI throws young, talented and unheralded players into the deep end and in doing so unearth quality players. The Pandya brothers emerged in this fashion while polishing their skillsets - akin to pure gold emerging from scalding heat.The beautiful offshoot of such methods is that MI has developed a core group.
Only an acerbic sceptic would suggest that they may have peaked a tad too soon in a long drawn tourney. For this solid team from India's maximum city, has all its bases covered and is ready to summon it's wherewithal from its deepest recess to outplay even the most resolute of opponents.
Also read: IPL 2017 Points Table and Standings


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Our Attorneys
Peter Thompson has specialized in personal injury, medical malpractice, and employment discrimination law for over 20 years and has successfully resolved thousands of cases for his clients. Peter is "AV Preeminent" rated by Martindale-Hubbell ©, a well-respected peer review organization that rates lawyers based on input from judges and other esteemed members of the legal community. An AV Preeminent rating is awarded to the most outstanding lawyers in a particular field of law and is the organization's highest possible rating. He has also been designated a New England "Super Lawyer"© from 2007 to the present and is listed in U.S. News "Best Lawyers in America"© directory, the oldest and most highly-respected peer review guide in the legal profession worldwide.
Peter Thompson is also well known both nationally and throughout Maine for demonstrating high ethical standards and for caring for his clients. In a recent review published by one of Peter's clients, the client stated:
"My family and I can never overstate our appreciation for Peter Thompson, who is as capable as he is kind. Having him in my corner made all the difference when I got hit with an insurance denial. We recommend him highly and remain deeply grateful that he worked so hard on my behalf." (Click here to see Google review.)
Another client commented:
"One of the most important things was a feeling that Peter cared and was there to answer all my questions, big or small." (Click here to view client testimonial.)
For Peter, to be a good lawyer, you must do more that just fight aggressively for your clients and achieve excellent results; you must also consistently address your clients' needs and concerns in a timely manner and develop relationships based on trust and respect. His firm and its reputation have been built around this philosophy.
Attorney Thompson is also a strong supporter of non-profit organizations including the Disability Rights Center (former board member) and the Brain Injury Association of Maine (former board member). A frequent lecturer at Brain Injury Association conferences, Peter is a leading expert in legal issues affecting brain injury survivors. He is also the Legal Director of the Consumer Health Law Program (CHLP), which provides legal assistance to individuals and families who have been denied health insurance benefits. Through his work with the CHLP, Peter has assisted hundreds of people obtain medical services that their HMOs denied. Peter is committed through his private practice and his work with these organizations to helping Mainers level the playing field and obtain fair treatment from insurers and other large companies.
Peter has successfully litigated several nationally-reported cases including Arnold v. United Parcel Service, Inc., 136 F.3d 854 (1st Cir. 1998) and Duckworth v. Pratt & Whitney, Inc., 152 F.3d 1 (1st Cir. 1998).
Member: Million Dollar Advocate Forum
Education: Bowdoin College, B.A. University of Maine School of Law, J.D. (Managing Editor, Maine Law Review)
Professional Associations: American Association for Justice, National Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, Maine Trial Lawyers Association, Maine State Bar Association, National Employment Lawyers Association, and Maine Employment Lawyers Association.
Award, Merits & Honors: New England "Super Lawyer"; U.S. News "Best Lawyers in America"
Chrissy is a member of the firm and has specialized in personal injury law for 14 years. She has successfully handled thousands of accident cases in both Maine and Massachusetts. Prior to joining Peter Thompson & Associates, Chrissy worked at an insurance defense firm litigating cases for several years. This experience gave her valuable insight into how insurance companies and their attorneys operate--insight she uses to get the best possible results for our clients. In 2010 and again in 2011, she was designated a New England Super Lawyers "Rising Star" in the field of personal injury law, one of only a handful of attorneys in Maine to receive this award. In 2012, Chrissy was selected to the prestigious National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 list. In addition to having a reputation as one of the State's top personal injury lawyers, Chrissy is well-known for the compassion and respect she gives her clients. Chrissy has received ratings of 5 out of 5 stars by clients in anonymous surveys on Lawyers.com and consistently receives high ratings on client survey responses.
Chrissy previously clerked for the Honorable David L. Martin, United States Magistrate for the District of Rhode Island.
Education: Franklin Pierce College, magna cum laude, BS; Roger Williams School of Law, J.D.
Professional Associations: American Association for Justice; Maine Bar Association; Maine Trial Lawyers Association.
Awards: Super Lawyers "Rising Star", 2010 and 2011; National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, 2012.Mark Dunlap
Mark Dunlap has specialized in personal injury law for over 30 years. Mark has an "AV Preeminent" rating by Martindale-Hubbell, a well-respected peer review organization that rates lawyers based on input from judges and other esteemed members of the legal community. An AV Preeminent rating is awarded to the most outstanding lawyers in a particular field of law and is the organization's highest possible rating. Mark has also been listed in the U.S. News "Best Lawyers in America" directory since 2008 in the area of personal injury law. Having been lead counsel in over 125 jury trials in his career, Mark is one of Maine's most experienced and well-respected trial lawyers.
Representing clients in trials in Maine courts, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, and in appeals in the Maine Law Court and the First Circuit Court of Appeals, Mark has participated in the determination of a number of legal decisions that have helped to shape the course of Maine law. He has also been a member of the bar of the United States Supreme Court for more than twenty years.
Education: Bowdoin College, B.A. University of Maine School of Law, J.D.
Professional Associations/Memberships: Maine Trial Lawyers Association, Maine State Bar Association, Maine Bar Foundation (Fellow), Gignoux Inns of Courts, Cumberland County Bar Association (Past President), Cumberland County Bench/Bar Liaison Committee (Chairman), and Maine Supreme Court Advisory Committee.
Awards, Merits & Honors: U.S. News "Best Lawyers in America" (since 2008), U.S. News "Best Lawyer" (2014), and Martindale-Hubbell "AV Preeminent" rating.Sebastian Okun
Sebastian is an associate at the firm's Falmouth office where his practice concentrates on personal injury law. He is experienced in representing clients with a wide range of physical and emotional injuries sustained as a result motor vehicle accidents and dangerous premises conditions.
Sebastian graduated from the University of Maine School of Law, magna cum laude, where he was the managing editor of the Ocean & Coastal Law Journal. Before joining our firm, Sebastian interned at the Federal Defender's Office in Portland, Maine.
Education: University of Colorado at Boulder, B.A.; University of Maine School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude.
Professional & Bar Association Memberships: American Bar Association, Maine State Bar Association, Maine Trial Lawyers Association


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Sunday, August 1, 2010
"Kent", I asked you, "how did you get to be so funny?"
"Because I never broke my funny bone."
You have a quick wit, and a desire to make others laugh. I see a class clown in our future.
A few nights ago at dinner, Parker was doing something that was giving us all a chuckle. Kent, in your munchkin voice, you said, "You're such a character Parker!". Except to us, it sounds like, "Yaw such a cawicktuur Pawkuur!"
Seriously. I love when you use vocabulary fit for an adult in your Elmer Fudd voice. It is such a hilarious combo.
In talking about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the car with Parker, I heard you say, "Parker, do you know that the Turtles are animation?"
You just turned 4 child. When did you vocabulary explode?
Posted by Bethany Patrice at 8:23 PM
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These past few months, I've gotten pretty good at hiding. Especially from people. People I do not want to see.
The bad thing about returning to the small town you grew up in is that you're going to run into people you know. Constantly. Old teachers, neighbors, former coworkers, "friends" from high school, parents of "friends" from high school, random people who went to school with your sisters' 25 years ago and happen to think you are them… the list is rather lengthy, so I will spare you.
The problem with running into people I know is… that… I don't want to. I really, really, really do not want to. Because if I run into you, you will want to know "what I've been up to". Nothing. I have been up to nothing. Seriously. There is absolutely nothing new in my life. I'm not that interesting. And I have laundry detergent and grapes to get so, if you would kindly get out of my way, that'd be great.
But, of course, I can't say that. And of course, they'd never buy it. Sure, I haven't seen you in 10+ years but that doesn't mean I've been up to anything… Um, no. You've surely been up to something. Even if it's just running a meth lab out of your basement. Things have changed since we last saw each other. It's inevitable.
I'd love to respond with something hysterically immature like, "It's none of your beeswax" or "Yeah, I can't really talk right now because I never liked you" but none of those are an option. I mean, they are, but not for me. I'm too nice. I'll think all these things in my head, but I will never, ever say them. And since I'm not going to say these things, I may as well tell you the truth. But, what is the truth? I've been finding myself conveniently skipping over the whole marriage chapter of my life and talking solely about career. And then if they pry further, I'll either say something cryptic like, "Well, I find myself suddenly single" or "Yeah, my personal life kind of… imploded" or just deny and say "Yeah, I'm married. It's good. Nope. No kids… not yet!" The thing is, if I haven't seen you in 10+ years… it's really none of your business. So, can we just stick to the weather? Or your parents' health? Seriously, I'm begging you.
This is not an option in a small town. It really isn't. There's so much gossip, and everyone knows everything about everyone else, so if you run into someone, they need the scoop so they can pass it along to all their friends and eventually everyone will know about your current circumstance and everyone will stop asking. BUT, since I really don't want to deal with the hassle or the awkwardness, I've been hiding from people. It's quite simple really.
First of all, you become hyper aware of the makes and models of cars people drive. If you see that make and model in a parking lot, you do not proceed any further until that car is gone.
Secondly, you always enter and exit stores with your head down. You do not look anyone straight in the eye. Even if it's your own mother. Your own mother won't even recognize you if you don't give her the opportunity to. You see someone you know? You put your head down and move past quickly, pretending like you never saw them. They won't call out to you. They're still trying to figure out if you are who they think you are.
Thirdly, no matter what kind of errand needs running, you are in and out like a flash. No dilly-dallying. No "browsing". You get what you need and you get out. You move quickly and with purpose. Even the store clerk won't remember you.
Lastly, if you can, a disguise is always helpful. I'm not talking fake glasses and a mustache… although… kudos to you if you can pull that off. A ball cap and glasses will suffice. It's amazing how people don't recognize you without your hair showing and your eyes encircled by frames. I actually had my old history teacher wait on me at a restaurant, and with my ball cap and glasses on, he didn't give me a second glance. It was awesome.
So, yeah. You could say I've become pretty adept at hiding. For right now, it keeps the nosy gossips away and gives me peace of mind. Heck, maybe in a few months I'll be able to go shopping like a normal person and just tell everyone my ass hat story with a smile.