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July 18, 2016
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
2139-43, 2119-20, 2096, 2075-7 Support
2164-8, 2175-6, 2183-5 Resistance
Bloomberg World index along with many other Sector ETFs have NOT broken out like the SPX did, but remain near former highs, which could allow for some consolidation to unfold.
Key Takeaways
Worst over for Financials? A good bounce, but more work needs to be done
The surge in yields over the last two weeks has proven to be a good catalyst for a meaningful bounce in Financials. This group remains this year's Worst performing sector, the only S&P sector down on the year, with -1.46% returns, through 7/15/16. Yet, last week returned the 2nd best performance of any of the S&P GICS Level 1 groups, higher by 2.57%, second only to Materials. This was a important positive for the broader market given that Financials represent over 15% of the SPX, the second largest group by capitalization. Much depends on further signs of improvement in US growth for this group to work, as this directly impacts the trajectory of interest rates.
Bottom line, it still looks early for intermediate-term outperformance in Financials, but a good start- We've seen a minor bounce in the group after holding right near key trendline support that has held the group in relative terms right near where it bottomed in the past vs SPX. (So it held and bounced right where it needed to) On an absolute basis though, Financials looks to have stalled in the last trading day right near key trendline resistance on the bounce. Two Key Takeaways: First- Financials should be starting a larger bounce into August/September, relatively speaking, and the last couple weeks were encouraging. Second, on an absolute basis, the area at 23.80-24 is an important area of resistance that lines up with former highs from last year. Until this area is exceeded this initial bounce could "Back and Fill", pulling back to 22.75-23.15 over the next 3-5 days before pushing higher. The ability to exceed $24 would be the first instance of this long-term trend being surpassed since last Summer, and will have successfully gotten over an area that held on two prior rally attempts, one in late 2015 and another into late May, both which failed. A breakout now has NOT yet happened, but WOULD likely happen if yields can continue their upward ascent on higher US Economic growth, and is something to be watched for carefully in the weeks ahead.
In terms of the broader market, the SPX and DJIA managed to climb to new all-time highs, yet many of the other indices such as DJ Transports, Russell 2000, and NASDAQ Composite remain well off their peaks. The S&P Mid-cap and S&P Small cap indices have also risen to challenge former highs, but have NOT YET broken out, while the Bloomberg world index is now right back near April lows, also potentially a temporary hurdle. Overall, the SPX breakout is important, but also important that other indices follow suit and begin to take out monthly highs and show strength as well. For now, the LACK of other indices showing similar breakouts does not mean that the US Rally can't be trusted, as these moves take time for other indices to line up in unison. But it is a worry that Europe is still lower by 20%, the DJ TRANSPORTS and Russell are down 10-15% from highs. Eventually either these will need to move up sharply , or the S&P could fade and pullback, negating this breakout as being false.
Technically it's unlikely that the SPX suffers any more than a short-term pullback to consolidate overbought conditions. The degree of bearishness towards stocks a month ago coupled with Advance/Decline lines hitting new all-time highs with impressive sector rotation were good signs that a more meaningful rally could happen, and that this giant one-year + Trading range could be resolved by an upside breakout rather than failure. While sentiment has started to move quickly from bearish to near bullish territory, and breadth has begun to back off in the last week while prices have edged higher, the structural improvement in DJIA and SPX are meaningful and should provide for additional gains into the Fall. Sectors like Healthcare and Discretionary and now Financials are starting to perform, so this also is a bullish factor that supports this move on a 1-2 month basis.
At present though, prices seem to have moved a bit too far too quickly and the 9% move in 12 trading days will need to be consolidated. Sector ETFs like XLI, XLY, XLK, XLE, XLB, have all moved to former highs and/or areas of trendline resistance that will make further gains difficult to come by. So despite the SPX having broken out, many of the underlying ETFs have not, and are up against key areas. Near-term overbought conditions coupled with former highs in resistance and a bearish seasonal tendency for late July could all weigh on the market in the coming 3-5 days. However, pullbacks should be used to buy dips and position for a move up above 2180 to near 2250 before any real pre-Fall peak.
Short-term Thoughts (3-5 days) : Bearish- As mentioned above the fact that many of the constituent ETFs are up near former highs while near-term momentum remains overbought and breadth has eased in recent days. Additionally, sentiment has grown more bullish, with DSI (Daily Sentiment index) readings in the high 80's. There should be a selloff down to at least 2096 in S&P futures, potentially to 2074 over the next week before this rise can continue. Though prices haven't confirmed a pullback is underway the surrounding evidence for a minor drawdown is becoming compelling. Over the next week, use pullbacks to buy dips, but likely its best to hold off until at least 1/3 of this prior rally has been retraced.
Intermediate-term Thoughts (2-3 months): Bullish- Last Week's breakout to new high territory for SPX likely should soon be followed by other indices such as DJIA while NDX, CCMP should push up to test former all-time highs from last year. While the ongoing lagging in Transports and Small caps is a concern, as these remain 10-15% from all-time highs and similarly, most of the world remains well off all-time highs, it's right to stick with US stocks until some evidence of counter-trend sells arise or breadth starts to falter meaningfully in a way that would lead to a top in stocks. Both daily and weekly momentum as per MACD are positively sloped, while monthly is sloping upward and close to turning back positive for the first time since early 2015. Bottom line, with Advance/Decline at new highs, it's difficult to fade the market, and the lagging sectors have all started to bounce in a way that should lead to some mean reversion in these sectors. Key cycle dates for trend change lie in late August, and very well could lead to a peak in stocks, but for now, it's right to stick with this trend on an intermediate-term basis until ample signs of weakness arise. The other concern is that given the degree of deterioration in momentum last year into those August lows, even this push to new highs won't allow momentum to get anywhere near where it was back in late 2014/early 2015 and this is a 12-18 month concern. For now, for this time frame, additional intermediate-term strength still looks probable with key targets at 2180-5 and then 2250.
Absolute and Relative Charts of the Financial Sector, including sub-group relationships, Treasury yield charts
Financial Select Sector SPDR- (XLF- $23.52) Still too early to think a major move is underway in Financials, but the progress in the last couple weeks has been encouraging. As this daily chart of XLF v SPX shows, Financials have been guided by an intermediate-term downtrend from last Summer which has marked no less than two major highs going back since the latter part of 2015. The highs from both Nov/Dec 2015 as well as late May in 2016 were both repelled right at this area, and last week's rally was also halted there, at 23.80-$24. While the near-term uptick in momentum has been impressive, the ETF is being held at this trendline and should limit the performance of Financials in the short run after a big move in the last couple weeks. However, following consolidation, if prices manage to get back up and exceed $24, this would be a very strong signal that this group, along with the major US Market likely, should continue much higher into the fall.
Financials relative to SPX- Encouraging ability to hold where needed and Bounce, but more progress necessary- As this relative chart shows, Financials managed to stabilize and bounce at an exact area of key trendline support which has held this sector in the last six months. The ability to hold where it needed to and then turn back higher is a bullish development overall for Financials, but yet more work needs to be done before suggesting this group can start to trend higher meaningfully. Similar to the SPX, some backing and filling looks necessary. Of the top performing stocks in the last week: LM, LNC, MET, RF, FITB, STT, GS, hardly any of these look attractive heading into late July given their 5-8% gains last week as part of ongoing poor near-term technical patterns. For now, most of these will be much better risk-rewards if the group can pullback a bit over the next week
The Citigroup Economic Surprise index managed to eclipse 0 for the first time since early 2015, showing a measurable uptick in economic data beating expectations right at a time when most had begun to hunker down post the BREXIT decision. This goes a long ways toward confirming much of the initial thought that Yellen had expressed over a month ago that a Summer hike was feasible, until the BREXIT uncertainty reared its ugly head. Now that this uncertainty has passed and US economic growth seems to be ticking higher, Fed Fund futures should once again start to price in a Rate hike for 2016. Furthermore, additional escalation in bond yields would go a long ways towards helping the Financial sector begin to perform much better. Overall, keeping a close eye on how economic reports are influencing bond yields helps to add some insight regarding how the Financial sector can perform.
10-year Treasury yields managed to bounce hard in the last two weeks, and now lie just below an area of key resistance to the upside that should prove important in holding yields after this first major move higher. Until 10-year yields can get above 1.70%, this rise in yields should be used to sell into, (meaning Buy Treasuries) in thinking that rates have bounced too quickly, similar to stocks in the last couple weeks. After a pullback, the first meaningful area of upside resistance will be this downtrend line from late May. For now though, bond bears have had life a bit too good in the last couple weeks and its likely that yields start to stall out after this initial surge.
Regional Banks starting to thrive. The ratio of Regional banks vs the broader Banking sector (KRE vs KBE) has just begun to lift back to new highs after nearly four years of consolidation. This ratio did bottom in 2013 but now is beginning to accelerate in parabolic form of late and has just moved back to new all-time highs. This should bode well for continued outperformance by the Regionals in this environment within the Financial space.
SPDR S&P Banking ETF- (KBE- $31.89) Similar to XLF, the Banks have pushed higher as part of the downtrend from last year and also find themselves just under a key area of trendline resistance that should make further progress difficult in the short run. The area at 32.80 should be important in causing resistance to this move that causes some slowdown in this push higher after a steller bounce from $28, just a couple weeks ago. For now, it's right to be very selective in this space until this move has had time to consolidate. The area above $32 up to $32.80 should be used initially to sell into gains in KBE, thinking this stalls out and backs off a bit after this recent rise.
Brokers have bounced vs Banks, and now reaching key resistance which means some of the gains in GS, MS and other Investment banks/brokers likely should stall out this week after the bounce. The ratio chart above highlights the IAI (Broker Dealer ETF) vs the XLF, (the Financial Select SPDR ETF) . The sharp rally from late June has reached an area that's been important from last November/December highs. A stalling out is likely given that 10-year Yields have also reached key resistance. Consolidation that takes place where this ratio could pullback and make a higher low before rallying back above this downtrend would make this far more attractive environment for the Broker dealer stocks. For now, this rise looks like a selling opportunity short-term.
Insurance stocks look to be starting to peak out after a strong period of outperformance throughout 2015 vs the Financial space. The peak in early 2016 was tested into last week, but looks to have failed which is causing a pullback in many of these names over the last few days. While the uptrend from late 2014 remains intact this will need to be watched closely given the rapid move higher in yields in the last few weeks.
REITS managed to move back to new high territory in the last couple weeks, and the intermediate-term pattern in REITS continues to look very good as VNQ moved over both 2015 highs as well as exceeding highs from 2007. While a meaningful uptick in rates would hurt this group and cause this to turn back lower and/or underperform, the technical structure remains quite attractive. Given that yields have rallied up to near key resistance in the short run, any pullback should likely help REITS continue to show outperformance. This last week saw underperformance in many of the REITS which have performed well all year, mostly yield related.
Financials vs Utilities, as shown in ratio form by XLF v XLU, has rallied back up to near key resistance per the downtrend line extending from late last year. The act of getting back over prior lows that were breached represented the first positive, while getting back over this trendline would argue for a meaningful move higher in Financials vs the Utilities, where Financials would be overweighted and Utilities underweighted relatively speaking. Overall, if yields continue to rally in the next few weeks/months, this should help the Financial sector continue to show good strength, while Utilities should have more meaningful underperformance.
This report expresses the opinions and views of the author as of the date indicated and are based on the author's interpretation of the concepts therein, and may be subject to change without notice. Newton Advisors, LLC has no duty or obligation to update the information contained herein. Further, Newton Advisors, LLC makes no representation, and it should not be assumed, that past investment performance is an indication of future results. Moreover, wherever there is the potential for profit there is also the possibility of loss. The information provided in this report is based on technical analysis. Technical analysis is generally based on the study of price movement, volume, sentiment, and trading flows in an attempt to identify and project price trends. Technical analysis does not consider the fundamentals of the underlying corporate issuer. The investments discussed or recommended in this report may not be suitable for all investors. This memorandum is being made available for educational purposes only and should not be used for any other purpose. The information contained herein does not constitute and should not be construed as representation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or related financial instruments in any jurisdiction. Certain information contained herein concerning economic trends, Fundamentals, and/or Technical analysis, and performance is based on or derived from information provided by independent third-party sources.
Readers should conduct their own review and exercise judgment prior to investing. Investments are not guaranteed, involve risk and may result in a loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investments are not suitable for all types of investors. Newton Advisors, LLC believes that the sources from which such information has been obtained are reliable; however, it cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information and has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of such information or the assumptions on which such information is based. From time to time the publisher, his associates or members of his family may have a position in the securities mentioned in this report: HAS, INTU, AMT, and LRCX. This report, including the information contained herein, has been prepared exclusively for the use of Newton Advisors clients, and may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, republished, or posted in whole or in part, in any form without the prior written consent of Newton Advisors, LLC.


text: HomeStreaming Stream Smarter: Compare the Best TV Streaming Services BY Allconnect | Fri Jan 06, 2017 Since the dawn of DVR, TV subscribers have come to expect more and more on-demand entertainment. And from that expectation, TV streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video were born. Now while new ones seem to pop up nearly every day, some of the best streaming services are still holding strong – and even getting better. But with each streaming service being a little different, we thought you could use a helpful, easy-to-understand, side-by-side comparison of each well-known one. So, let's jump right in and see which stream is the smartest move for your entertainment. What's the Best Streaming Service for Me? You've heard of the big players before: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, Sling TV, HBO Go. But are they worth the hype? To make life easier for you, we've considered all the important things –price, media library, popular shows featured, and more – for the sake of simple comparison. But, it's also important for us to note that it's quite alright if there isn't a one size fits all streaming service for you. In fact, most folks tend to subscribe to two or more of these. In addition, as you read through all the details, be sure to keep in mind that nearly every one of these streaming services have tiered pricing structures. That means the folks who want to pay a little bit more each month will get an advanced version of the service. These benefits include things such as higher-quality video, more accounts that can simultaneously stream video, fewer or no commercials and ads, or even access to more (exclusive) content. And as you're reviewing these streaming services, don't forget that these may be separate and apart from the streaming devices themselves (such as a Roku or TiVo, for example). (Sources: NewTechnologyTV.com and TomsGuide.com. Also, download a PDF version of this chart here.) And for a good visual breakdown of which streaming services get along with which streaming devices, check out this chart as well. Of course, there are a number of other, standalone streaming services out there as well that are still worth noting. These include: WWE Network MLB.TV Showtime Starz Crunchyroll Sony PlayStation Vue Google Play YouTube Red Fandango NOW Cinema NOW Crackle Twitch Vevo SeeSo Vudu However, each of these gets dinged for one reason or another. Some just aren't popular enough (yet) to have a sizeable user base, their content is lacking or too specific (only one sport, only one network), their prices aren't competitive, or they have some other big barrier for viewers. How Much Will Cutting the Cord Save Me? Whether or not they call themselves "cord cutters," TV viewers today are changing their relationships with their TV service and entertainment providers. And, in response, TV providers are constantly adapting to the needs of their subscribers. They're offering new packages, viewing formats, shows, movies, pricing plans, and more to keep their customers watching. "TV providers are constantly adapting to the needs of their subscribers to keep them watching." Moreover, now that consumer demand is so great for both TV and movie content – as well as for the ability to enjoy both at will – media streamers have become a huge player in this arena. In fact, these are becoming such popular and consumer-demanded items that some TV providers, such as AT&T, are giving away the streaming devices to go along with their streaming services. It's similar to how cable TV companies such as Cox, Time Warner, Xfinity, and others have been offering free DVRs with their TV packages for years. Of course, there are definitely some advantages to getting an additional standalone streaming service to supplement your current TV package. But, for those considering slimming down or getting rid of traditional TV entirely, the important question to ask yourself is this: How much does cutting the cord really save me? To find out, you can use this straightforward cord cutting calculator. After putting in the numbers, you may discover it's the smarter move for you to trim or cut the cord. Or, you may discover that your current TV service provider is already bringing you almost every one of the shows and movies you love at the best price possible. So the next time you're researching TV service providers for your home, be sure to let Allconnect know. We can help you find the TV providers that include DVRs, media streaming devices, and even media streaming services as part of their packages. Because should get to watch everything you want to watch – no matter what network or streaming service it's on.

subset: commoncrawl


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Topic: ATP Tennis Calendar
Hey Everyone!
Was thinking about the ATP Tour and current tennis calendar. Tennis has one of the longest seasons in sports and with numerous injuries of late and complaints by some current stars (looking at you Rafa) that the season is too long, I've been thinking about what changes could be made to improve the tennis calendar.
The current season runs from New Years into mid-November. I'm trying to think of how the tour could be changed for the better while retaining most of it's current form. Though the various governing bodies and interests in tennis (ATP, ITF, Davis Cup, the federations, contractual agreements with individual tournaments, etc) limit radical change, I am curious what proposals and ideas people would have to improve the season.
For example, one idea I've long thought the ATP should do is to turn the Asian swing into indoor tournaments and eliminate the European indoor season (Bercy, Basel, Vienna, etc). This would shave a few weeks off the season and allow for a longer off season.
What does everyone think? What changes would you make if you could to the Tour calendar? Feel free to think radically in an ideal world. Would you add/eliminate any Masters? Extend or shorten the clay or grass seasons? What to do about Davis Cup?


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I was mistaken...
Back on August 31, I wrote about the perils of not paying attention. Seems I was mistaken that I wasn't paying attention.
Nope, I wasn't doing the needed maintenance and such on the camera. All those spots in the picture were on the sensor (more accurately the sensor's filter), and were only really visible depending on the camera's settings. I discovered this was the case when I photographed the ruins of the Mosheim School, a relatively popular place to photograph west of Valley View, TX last week.
So, Saturday the 26th I ordered the stuff (Photosol.com Sensor Swabs and Eclipse solution) to clean the sensor. Watching the video, and doing the research on line (some good advice from ByThom), it looked like a piece of cake. And ultimately it wasn't hard, I just had to do it 9 times to get the sensor clean.
Once you get the method down, it takes all of 30 seconds to clean the sensor after a minute or so of prep. The hardest part is getting up the nerve to do it.


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I was gifted with some funky unusual cabs…. love the colour combo's in them all.
This is something i have been working on for the past few weeks… i think the colour combo that has come from it really
stunning. The pendant is quite biggish so simple bail for the back ..


text: Haunting Legacy: Vietnam and the American Presidency from Ford to Obama June 24, 2011 allowfullscreen About This Video Run time: 52 minutesA conversation with authors Marvin Kalb and Deborah Kalb was moderated by Ted Koppel on Friday, June 24 The United States had never lost a war - that is, until 1975, when it was forced to flee Saigon in utter humiliation and abandon South Vietnam to a victorious communist army. The legacy of this first defeat has haunted every president since, especially on the decision of whether to commit troops to war. In "Haunting Legacy," the father-daughter journalist team of Marvin and Deborah Kalb presents a compelling, accessible, and hugely important history of presidential decision making on one crucial issue: In light of the Vietnam debacle, under what circumstances should the United States go to war? The authors spent five years interviewing hundreds of officials from every administration and researching in presidential libraries and archives, and they've produced insight and information never before published. Equal parts taut history, revealing biography, and cautionary tale, "Haunting Legacy" is must reading for anyone trying to understand the power of the past to influence war-and-peace decisions of the present, and of the future.


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35: Maggie's Eating for Two
Maggie and Adam get laid low from various illnesses. Shadow has gremlins. But Sucre is great, arepas stuffed with cheese are even better and soon we'll be in Salar de Uyuni! Adam falls in love with a train graveyard. Maggie bears witness to a terrible car accident. Drive safe, everyone. No texting.


text: Note:This is something I wrote in a test at school the other day as a 'Horror Story'. I was pretty proud of it, and have recollected as much as I can in this text and I just wanted to try out the 'writer's corner'. This isn't an exact copy, as some things I obviously can't remember. And if there's any mistakes - I wrote this up at 2AM, so i'll go through it again in the morning if it bothers you that much Naow enjoy and tell me things you like/don't like.Also note that I never intended for this to be scary. I just wanted to describe a setting where a horror story could take place in a bigger book/movie. The original aim was to write it in a 'gothic' fashion, but I don't know if I actually stuck with that If somebody could tell me if I succeeded in the gothic thing, or even if I scared you with it (which isn't the aim xD but its great if you do :3), that'd be great Now...On forth;A thick, grey veil of mist settled upon the worn cobblestone path as coal black raven flew upon it, descending on a flattened rat carcass, crushed weeks earlier by a carriage. The raven picked at its flesh, and ascended above the treeline - of which there was none, as not a single plant, be it tree or bush, had leaves - dripping droplets of crimson into a murky white pond as the mist grew thicker and thicker.A fat, spotted toad, flushed out by blood, leaped out of the pond and into a dead bush, as if expecting leaves to be there to shield it from the rain that was now falling from the invisible sky. It stepped out onto the path, desperate to feed itself. It looked around in all directions to try to catch even the slightest sign of life.Unfortunately for the toad, it didn't look well enough, as a fat black rat sprung out from a decaying bush to its right and tossed it onto its side. As the toad tried to flip itself back over, the rat sunk its bacteria-ridden teeth deep into the toad's neck, spraying red arterial gore all over the path. It dragged the toad carcass away, into a small hole.The raven flew above, and descended for a final time into a graveyard. Its pond was full of insect life and the headstones covered in flowers. The mist, once again, grew thicker. As the raven walked towards a black altar, located at the bottom of the yard, the insect's buzzing fell silent and the unkempt grass wiltered. When the raven reached the altar, it began to crack, and the raven dissapeared into a black orb.Out of the abyss came a seven foot figure, dressed in black robes and its facial features shrouded by a black cowl. It walked slowly along the path leading to the gate as it pulled out its sword, and dragged it along the floor. It reached the gate, that was now rusted shut, and pushed it open with ease. It stepped out onto the path's divergence... and in the mist came a figure.An old, bearded man unknowingly strolling to his fate.


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Published May 23, 2015
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Nowadays teenagers are facing the big challenges about their hair growth, hair fall and grey hair. Gray hair problem is started in the young age not like their older generation.White hair is the natural process of growing old. We all know we will get the grey hair in our old age like 40's and 50's. But younger generations are getting the gray hair in their 20 years.
There are some reasons for the premature grey hair in teenagers. They have to know the right reason to prevent their hair turning grey. Excessive brain functioning, extreme anxieties, depression, excessive thinking about a problem is becoming the main causes for premature greying hair in teenagers.
In this fastest modern lifestyle the biggest problem faced by the teenagers is premature greying hair. Tension and stress that they are affected is more nowadays. This is the main reason to turn the hair grey in their young age. The aged people will get tension and stress often. So that, the aged people are getting grey hair in that period. If the teenagers stay with such feeling it will make their hair grey. So be relaxed always.
Regularly we are using shampoo, bath soaps which can also the be the reason for this. In the older years our ancestors used a powder from the tree, usually called as arappu powder, and shikakai, chick pea flour, moong dhal flour, which helped their hair to stay shiny and black hair till their 60' and 70's without hair loss. The most important useful home remedies which are used to stay youthful in our lives are Curry leaves, goose berry, hibiscus, carrot and lemon.
- In the recent research, excessive dandruff leads to grey hair. So you have to clean your scalp without dandruff always. To remove dandruff mix the lemon juice with the henna apply it on the scalp and rinse it which will cleans the dandruff.
- Nutrition deficiency is also another cause for the grey hair. The younger generation is being in diet for maintaining their body to slim.
- A recent research says copper deficiency is the main reason for the grey hair. Because copper produces the melanin which will give the color to our hair. So copper deficiency is one of the main reasons for the gray hair. The copper content is high in sea food. Crab, lemon and mushroom.
- There is a natural medicine for some cases, who does not know the reason for the grey hair. They have to take the flush of Ridge gourd, grind it well and soak it in coconut oil for an hour, apply it on your hair soak for one hour then rinse it off.
- The great secret behind the black hair of the Indians is Curry leaves. We can add the curry leaves in our recipe or soak it in the warm oil, and use it for applying your hair, used to prevent the hair turn to grey.
- Make a dry powder of curry leave and soak it in the boiled coconut oil and keep it for a week. Filter it and use the oil for hair application to keep your hair black and to stop the hair loss. If you apply the lemon juice to your hair before take a head bath is good to your eye and hair.
- Gooseberry juice application is also good for hair. Cut the gooseberry into small pieces and soak it in the gingelly oil for a week and massage it twice in a week will improves the hair density. Continuous intake of carrot and drink the carrot juice without sugar is not only good for health, but it is good to your hair too. The carotenoid is important to your hair. At any cost don't apply carrot juice to your hair.
- Don't dry your hair in the sun. Apply oil to your hair. Younger generation is not interested by going out with the oily face and hair. Especially girls are interested to be with a free hair and shown that they are bright. If you are really cared about your hair, then you should not use the soap and shampoo and other chemical products.
- Soak your hair in coconut oil or gingelly oil then you take bath. Massage your scalp properly then pour the water. This will improve the hair healthiness and improve your overall health and younger look.
- Eat foods rich in iron, minerals and vitamin A and B. The use of Indian gooseberry, in the foremost among the home remedies, is found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair.


text:
In Healing Arms
by DS Bauden
Disclaimers: The characters in this story belong to me and only me. They may resemble a couple really cool women we know and love, but it ain't them, they're mine, did I say that yet???
Love/Sex Warning: Aww yeah, lots o' lovin in this tale. Some good, some bad, but it's all about the story right? Riiiight. So with that said, if you are not old enough to read this, please hit the "save" key until a later date.
Time Line: This is a follow up story to A Fresh Start. You may want to read that first in order to find out what the hell is going on in the storyline =)
Thank you's: Thanks to all of you that sent your feedback for A Fresh Start, it inspired me to continue the tale of these two lovely ladies. So without further adieu, please read on.....
Part One
"You are in such trouble when I catch you Alexandra."
Sydney growled.
"Yeah, well, you have to catch me first." Alex teased and ran towards the house.
Sydney was doing her best to wash down the horses. This, of course, involved a large, pressurized hose. Alex watched her friend tend to the horses, while she slowly approached her without being noticed. Initially her intent was to scare her lover, but once she saw the unattended hose, she lost all sense of control.
After dousing Sydney unmercifully, Alex ran to the main house to seek the safety of Eddi, her aunt and best friend. She found Eddi asleep in her rocking chair in the family room.
"Damn, now where can I hide?"
"Oh no you don't. You aren't getting away this time little missy."
"Now Sydney, you know I was only fooling around." She held her hands out in front of her and stuttered as she found herself backing away from a drenched, mildly agitated woman.
"Fooling around eh? Just what does "fooling around" entail? You sneaking up on me, you grabbing a hose and soaking my skin, and then you laugh and run inside to look for cover?" She playfully stalked and growled.
Alex just swallowed hard, not knowing what her Aussie lover had planned for her revenge. "Umm, yes?" She winced.
Alex found herself being backed into the entertainment unit while Sydney drew nearer with every tick of the grandfather clock in the corner of the room. Sydney's breath tickled Alex's ear as she bent down to give a warning.
"Paybacks are truly a bitch my dear Alexandra. And believe me when I tell you, I always get my revenge." Sydney purred.
Alex found herself short of breath and completely at a loss for words, which was very rare for the young honey haired woman. She looked into the most challenging blue eyes she had ever seen, and knew she was no match for the tall raven haired woman staring down at her. She just had to wait until her time had come. It was very exhilarating to her senses. Sydney, she discovered, was a very creative person. 'I wonder if everything she does is as imaginative as the things she does in bed.' Her thoughts sent shudders throughout her body, and her movements were not lost by Sydney.
"What's the matter Alexandra? Cat got your tongue? Hmm?" She smiled and gracefully exited the room leaving a slackjawed Alex resting her body against the entertainment center.
"My God, what that woman does to me. Christ." She wiped her brow and made her way into the bathroom to wash her face and calm her nerves.
A couple of months had passed since the two women had met. Alex had arrived to her Aunt Eddi's ranch after losing both of her parents in a tragic car accident. Her aunt had graciously opened her home and her arms to her niece. Living alone in Chicago with the emptiness that evolved around her, was not a life that Alex wanted. Her aunt's offer came as an answered silent prayer.
The funeral went as well as to be expected. Most of Alex's family had attended the wake the previous night and attended the funeral procession the following day. Everyone gave their condolences to Alex not wishing to trade places with her for anything in the world. To lose both of her parents the way that she did, they half expected her to whither away herself. These people didn't know the strength inside this young woman. Neither did Alex at this time in her life.
Her Aunt Edna arrived a week before the traditional formalities had begun. She had arranged the burial for her sister Donna and her husband Tom. She knew that Alex wouldn't know how to handle the arrangements by herself. Hell, she didn't even know what she was doing. How often do you have to plan such an event? Hopefully, this was one of the last times she would have to do it. Burying her own husband was hard enough, but now her sister was taken away, along with her husband. It was very surreal to her. 'It's not nearly as hard on me as it is on her.' She thought to herself as she watched her niece hugging and talking with estranged family members.
The day was almost over, and most of the guests had left Alex's home. The after gathering was nicely catered, and the mood was as light as it was going to get on such a tragic day. Alex just wished away her migraine as she forced herself to meet the sorrowful stares she received for the duration of the day. Eddi walked up to her when she thought she had had enough.
"How are you honey? Do you want to call it a day? I can
take care of the clean up down here."
"No Eddi, I will help. It's the least I can do. You planned everything while I did nothing."
"Nothing? Oh honey, you were finishing your schooling and had to move back here for the summer. You had plenty to do yourself. These things have a way of timing themselves very badly. Not that there will ever be a good time for this." She trailed off and found herself embracing a sobbing, scared little girl.
"Oh Eddi......what am I going to do now? I have lost almost everything in a blink of an eye." She sobbed into her aunt's shoulder.
"I know sweetie, I know. We just need to take things day by day. It's all we can do. But we have to keep going. Your mom would want that for you. I know she would have." She said as she cradled Alex's shaking body. " You want some tea?"
"Yeah......I think it may help my head...it's just pounding..."
"Alright kiddo, go sit down at the table, and I will bring
two mugs with me. I gotta let out the last of our guests and I'll be in. We
can talk if you want to. Or we can just stare, cry, scream, or whatever your
lil heart desires. Okay?" She kissed the top of Alex's head.
"Thanks Eddi, I love you so much. Thanks for being here for me."
"Oh sweetie, there is no other place that I would be right now. Now scoot, I'll be in there in a couple of minutes."
"Alright Eddi, I'm just gonna say goodnight to Tracey." She said as she watched her aunt go into the foyer of the house.
Alex's best friend Tracey Miller came in from the front room
and embraced Alex in a hug. "God hon, I'm so sorry. I wish there was more
that I could do for you."
"Thanks Trace, I know. I just can't believe that this happened. You know, two weeks ago I was just talking with mom about summer plans and I how much I couldn't wait to see her when I got home." Alex pushed back a sob.
"I know honey, I know...." Tracey kept Alex in her arms until the fair haired woman pulled away. Tracey looked from her deep brown eyes into sad green ones and felt her heart break for her childhood friend.
"I'll be alright Trace. Eddi's with me, you can go home
if you want. I'm just gonna go to bed. I have the worst friggin headache."
"Well that's not surprising. Take care of yourself Alex. I love you, you know." She winked at Alex.
"I love you too Trace. Thanks for being here for me."
"What are friends for?" She questioned as she ran her fingers through her mass of curly blond hair.
"Well you are the best friend in the world. Good night." Alex hugged her friend again, kissed her cheek and watched her walk towards the front door.
She padded her way to the dining room table and sat down.
Alex's eyes roamed the room she was in. Every shelf on the bookcase had at least one picture of her or her parents. She scanned down to the rolltop desk and found a gift she had made her mother when she was ten. It was a picture frame that had "My Favorite Mom" etched into it, with a picture of her and her mother in it. 'Like I had more than one.' She said to no one. 'Now I don't even have one.....' She stopped and put her head in her hands and continued to weep.
Edna made it back with the promised beverages and sat down next to Alex. She let her hand stroke Alex's back as she watched her swollen green-eyed niece down the healing liquid.
"Alex, I want to ask you something, and you don't have
to answer until you are ready, okay?"
"What's wrong Eddi?"
"Nothing Alex, I just want to ask you something."
"Okay Eddi, shoot."
"I want you to consider something for me." She said as she took one of Alex's hands in her own.
"I would really love it...if you came out to live with me...in Montana. I know it's far away from your friends and your school, but you make friends like bees make honey, and well, we got schools up in Montana as well."
Alex's face wrinkled up and she again began to cry.
"Oh honey, I'm sorry. I should have waited to ask you that
later on, I am so sorry."
Sniffling, "No Eddi, don't be sorry. I am just so thankful to have someone in my life like you. Thank you so much for that. Please let me think on it though. I have so much here, it would be such a huge change for me. I just don't know if I am ready for more change. Is that okay? Can I answer you in awhile? I mean, I won't take forever, I just need some time to really think it over."
"Of course sweetheart, take all the time you need. I'm not leaving for at least a week, so please, just think it over, and let me know. I just would hate to think of you in Chicago, by yourself. I mean, I know you have school and your friends, but this house, well, I know how many memories you have here. I just want you to be happy honey."
"I know Eddi, and I love you for it. Thank you."
"You are welcome, sweetie, and I love you back."
Alex was awoken from her reverie by a questioning stare.
"I'm sorry did you say something?"
"Yes Alexandra, I asked if you were okay. You looked like you were a million miles away."
"I was actually, I'm okay though, don't you worry."
"When it comes to you, I worry. Just reflex, get used to it." Syd smiled and opened her arms to Alex.
Alex buried herself in Syd's strong embrace. She loved when her partner let her guard down and was just Sydney; loving, nurturing, and warm. But there was something in her that couldn't keep that wall from building back up. Alex wished she knew what it would take.
The last couple months had been wonderful. She had met someone that truly felt like the other half of her soul. There was trepidation behind the azure blues of her lover though. Sometimes she would find Sydney lost in thought. She looked frightened sometimes, but when asked, she always had something to say about it. Alex just let her think she was off the hook, when actually it saddened her to know she wasn't trusted enough to be let in on her secret.
Sydney didn't trust anyone she thought to herself. Sure she had friends that she spoke of, and she would go out from time to time with them as well, but the only one with her full trust was Eddi. Alex was almost jealous of their relationship. They would have long talks that sometimes went deep into the night. Alex had tried many a night to stay awake with them, but sleep usually found her halfway through. Time and time again, she found herself in Syd's arms being carried up to their room to bed.
Alex knew from the beginning that it would be an uphill battle to gain the trust of Sydney Thompson. It was, however, a fight that she had no intention of losing. The time it took for her just to give Syd a compliment and not have her read too much into, was exhausting. 'She must have been really hurt at one time. I just wish she would talk about it, maybe it would help her. She's got to know I would never do anything that would hurt her.' She mused as she pulled out of Syd's arms.
"So, what do you want for dinner? I think I should cook."
She smiled up at her lover.
"If you think that cooking dinner is going to get you off the hook, you've got another thing coming." Syd smirked as she put her hands on her hips.
"Sydney, I am sorry about the hose thing, really. Please forgive me."
"Oh I forgive you my little city mouse, but I will have my revenge. Mark my words."
"Revenge on what? What the hell did I miss?" Eddi walked into the kitchen to find the heated discussion.
"Hey Edna, well it looks like your innocent little niece here likes to play with water." Edna peered over to look at a very amused Alex. She then looked back to Syd who looked as though she was waging war inside her head.
"Now look here girlies, if anything gets broken, I will put the hose on ya both! Just calm yourselves, Christ Almighty, a girl takes a nap for five minutes and all hell breaks loose...."She trailed off as she went to the fridge to get some juice.
"I swear to God, I don't know what gets into you girls." She said as she drank the juice from the container. She swallowed the liquid and looked into the stare of the two women.
"What? It's not like either of you will ever drink out of this!" She said as she showed the prune juice to her niece and Sydney. "Can I help it if I like to be regular? Hell you should try it, you may get rid of some of that hostility!!" She smiled at them. " Then again, I didn't get sprayed with that hose either."
"Hey! Who's side are you on?" Alex whined.
"The dry one. Now what are you making for dinner? This girl is hungry!"
Alex just rolled her eyes and began opening cabinets looking for some ideas for dinner for her two best girls.
The fall semester came and Alex had decided that she would enroll for the Spring semester. Edna and Sydney had been very supportive of her decision and agreed that she may need some more time to get used to everything that has changed in her life. Starting a new school, in a new area, sharing a new home, with a new partner, and without her parents, was a little much for Alex to swallow at once. She was taking the days one by one and deciding that she needed it that way.
Thoughts of her parents were very frequent and mostly came at night through her dreams. Many a night did Sydney wake to Alex thrashing about trying to fight off the demons in her head and in her heart while she slept. Sydney would always wrap her larger frame around Alex and instantly she found the tiny woman relaxing in her embrace. Alex would always thank her in the morning for performing the exorcism, which she so lovingly called her bouts with the nightmares.
Alex really wanted Syd to come to Chicago to see her home before it was sold. The house had been on the market for about a month or so. It was a hard decision for Alex to make, but it made sense. She was in no financial shape to maintain her parents home, so she gave in and called the family lawyer and then a Realtor. Her parents had left her quite a bit of money, but she wanted to use it for schooling to work on her journalism degree. Her cousin Jack had given her some tips on some stocks and mutual funds for investing, but she was scared to death of the stock market. It just didn't make sense to her. So for now her savings account had a little bulge in it.
Alex's mind was alive at dinner, she was in the defensive mode. After she showered Sydney unmercifully with the hose, she was waiting for the turnabout. It was bound to happen sooner or later, she just wished it was sooner, then it would be over with. She decided that she would ask Sydney to come to Chicago with her tonight. 'I think she would really love to see it. I think Eddi could handle things for a week. Hmm, maybe I'll ask Eddi first just to make sure.' She thought to herself.
"You are awfully quiet Alexandra. Are you alright?" Syd questioned her unusually quiet partner.
"Yeah Syd, I am fine. Please stop worrying, really, I am okay." She looked at Syd with eyes that betrayed her truth. She had black puffy circles under her usually vibrant green eyes, which made Syd wish peaceful dreams for her every single night.
"Alexandra, I will always worry about you. As long as I
breathe, I will worry."
"Hey take it while you can sweetie, it's hard to find someone that will do your worrying for you." Her aunt interjected.
Smiling, "I guess you are right. Thanks Sydney, it means the world to me to know you care so much."
"I do care for you Alex, very much. I think I always will." She said as she gently stroked the inside of Alex's wrist with her thumb.
"Me too."
"Well with that established, can I have some more of those potatoes? Alex you outdid yourself. I love AuGratin, they are my favorite."
"Thanks Eddi, eat up. Sorry for the mushy stuff." She said smiling.
"Not to worry, it makes me sleep better knowing you have someone in your life like Syd. I knew it was going to happen when I saw the first looks you two gave each other. It was priceless. It was loooove at first sight. Alex could barely eat and Syd kept staring at her during dinner." The two just looked at each other and blushed at their memories Edna was reliving.
"It was quite the entertainment. I knew once I left for Indiana, I would come home to some kind of news. I am glad that I wasn't disappointed. Syd was just what you needed Alex, and I think the same goes for you my dear." She simply stated while pointing her finger at Syd.
"Whaa.....? I....wasn......." Sydney started sputtering
and looked at Edna with her eyebrows high into her bangs.
"Yes you were and you did, so enough out of you." She waved her fork at Syd, while Alex just marveled at how well her aunt could work Sydney. 'God, I don't think there is another person on this planet who could get away with half the stuff Eddi does with her.'
"Hey there, we lost you again..." Syd said breaking Alex away from her thoughts.
"I was just thinking is all."
"UH OH.." Edna and Sydney said in unison then laughed.
"Cut that out!! The both of you!! You know......oh nevermind, I will never win against you both." She said exasperatedly through a smile.
The two women just hi-fived each other and grinned stupidly at Alex, who in turn just rolled her eyes and continued to eat her delicious meal.
"Hey Eddi, can I ask you something?" Alex walked in to Edna's room as she got ready for bed.
"Sure hon, what do you need."
"Well it's not a need really. Well, it's more of a want kind of thing. I was ahhh.. just wondering if.. well if it won't be too much trouble...." Her aunt was patiently waiting for her request and interrupted her ramblings.
"Good God girl, I'm not getting any younger here! Just ask me." Alex just smiled and reapproached her aunt.
"Eddi I was wondering if I could take Syd to Chicago with me while I tried to pack the rest of the house up."
Edna sat and pondered the question for a moment and realized this may be a good thing for both of them.
"It will only be for a week or so I swear. I won't take
her from her chores too long. Do you think we could?"
"I think it's a wonderful idea Alex. I think it might do you some good to go back there for a bit. Syd tells me you haven't been sleeping all that well. Maybe you need to go there. Have you asked her yet?"
"No not yet, I was waiting to hear what you thought, and she is your employee after all so I wanted to make sure that it would be OK. I just would hate it if I took her from you while you needed her........"
"My goodness girl, you can talk at the speed of light. I am surprised I can understand you at all when you get going like that." She chuckled to her niece.
"I'm sorry Eddi, I am just really excited about this. I
really want to go and take her with me. I would love for Tracey to meet her
"Oh yeah, how is Tracey doing?"
"She is doing well, I talked with her last night actually
and she really wants me to come and see her while I'm home....umm....visiting...
anyway, she said to say hi to you."
"God how long have you two known each other now, ten years? Fifteen?"
"We have been friends since I was five. I have really missed her this summer. We usually sat poolside all summer or just hung out on the roof of her house and stuff. I missed that..." She trailed off and her aunt took her hand and squeezed it.
"Does she know about you and Syd?"
"Oh my God Eddi, she was the one that told me I was gay."
"Yeah, about two years ago she told me that I was going to get fed up with not getting what I wanted from men. Then she said to make sure that dinner plans, on me of course, were arranged when I figured it out. I guess a "I told you so" kind of celebration." She giggled.
"That girl is too much. So how did she take the news about
you two?"
"Oh please, my ears are still ringing. She is very happy for us though, and she can't wait to meet her."
"Who can't wait to meet who?" Syd poked her head into Edna's room. "I was wondering what was keeping you." She said looking at the two women standing close together in a deep conversation. " Alright, what's up you two? You look as though you are conspiring against someone. It's not me is it? Cuz I can outrun you both."
The two women started laughing and Alex wrapped herself around Syd's waist. "No hon, we aren't conspiring, I promise." She reassured.
"That's a relief, I can't be too sure around you two."
She turned herself to look at a smiling Alex in her arms. "Are you ready
for bed sweetheart?"
"Mmm, yes I am. Good night Eddi, we'll see you in the morning." Alex reached towards her aunt and gently squeezed her arm.
"Good night you two." The two were just out of the doorway when Edna's voice picked up a bit. "And could you keep it down tonight? I almost called an old friend to keep me company last night." Alex couldn't keep the blush from flooding her entire body and Syd could do nothing but wink and smile at Edna as she closed her door.
"Oh my God, I never thought she would hear us!!" A completely embarrassed Alex spouted.
"Alexandra, you could wake the next county if you wanted
to." She wiggled her eyebrows. "Not that I'm complaining, I rather
enjoy your vocal skills, amongst your other ones."
"Good answer mate." They laughed as they walked arm in arm into their room and closed the door for good measure.
Alex walked to the bed and folded down the blankets and fluffed Syd's pillow as she has done every night for the last two months. She tossed her socks into the hamper and got under the sheets. Syd followed suit and assumed her position while Alex immediately snuggled into Syd's shoulder. It was a routine that the two women weren't willing to break anytime soon.
"Yeah baby?"
"I need to ask you something."
"Do I need to get up?"
"Oh no, nothing like that."
"OK, then ask me. Ow!" She giggled at Alex's small jab to her ribcage.
"OK, well, lately I have been thinking."
"So, I have noticed. Is anything wrong?" Syd asked curiously.
"No honey, just listen, please." She paused and took
a deep breath. "I really want to go back to Chicago." Sydney's body
stiffened and she sat up to look at Alex, willing the tears away from her eyes.
"Chicago? Wait Alex, what are you saying? We just started something really great here. Do you really want to leave now?" Alex sensing a little bit of a misunderstanding gently pressed her fingers to Syd's lips.
"Sshhh. You didn't let me finish honey. I need to finish
packing up the house and I wanted you to come with me. That's all, I swear."
Relief swept through Sydney like a tornado and she thought she was going to pass out from the sensation of it all.
"Sydney? Are you OK? You look as pale as a ghost." Alex said as she felt Syd's forehead and wiped away a thin layer of perspiration from her brow. 'God she really hurt you didn't she? I hope we never meet, I won't be responsible for my actions.' Alex thought to herself.
"I..uh......I... would love to go with you. I need to ask
Edna if its alright though. She does depend on me to tend to the horses."
"She said it would be a great idea. So....what do you think, next week all right with you?"
"Sounds great to me. I think I need a vacation anyhow." She smiled.
"Thanks Sydney you don't know how much this means to me.
I can't wait for you to see the house. And, I can't wait for you to meet Tracey.
You guys are going to get along great. I can't wait!! Thank you, I really mean
"Honey, I am excited too. I have never been to Chicago."
"Well we don't really live in Chicago, we live in the suburbs about 30 miles or so north of the city. But we can go down there if you want. Its going to be quite a different scene from here. It's much louder and so much more is going on all the time. I don't really miss that part of it."
"Is your school near there?"
"No, I went to the University of Illinois which was in Champaign. That's about 3 hours from my house. It's kind of in the middle of Illinois." She had a sad expression on her face as she spoke of school.
"You miss it already don't you?"
"Am I that transparent?"
"Like glass baby." Syd slowly sunk back to the bed dragging along with her a saddened teary eyed Alexandra. She kissed the top of her head and began to stroke her hair down her back.
"I'm sorry Syd."
"For what?"
"I am always crying it seems lately."
"Honey it's okay, really. I am glad that I can be of some comfort to you. You know how much I care about you. When you are sad, I am sad. I will do what I can to make sure that beautiful face carries a smile whenever possible."
"You are so good to me Sydney." 'How did she ever leave you?' She thought to herself.
Alex turned to face her partner and gently kissed her lips. Syd returned the gesture and slowly deepened the kiss. Alex found herself opening her mouth in offering to Syd and was rewarded with a hot tongue probing her mouth. The two stayed like this for a long moment and then pulled back to stare into each other's eyes while soft hands caressed smooth facial features. They were breathing heavily and soon found sleep to be an option for much later.
"God baby, you make me so crazy." Syd purred into Alex's ear.
As shivers went throughout Alex's body she found herself pulling at her shirt to free herself of any obstacle keeping her away from Syd's bare skin. 'Just another advantage of Syd sleeping naked, not much to take off.' She mused to herself. Syd helped Alex with her shirt and her underpants followed shortly afterwards.
"I still don't understand why you dress at all for bed.
I never let you keep anything on anyway."
"I'm slowly seeing your point." She giggled as she pulled Syd on top of her.
Syd slowly steered her thigh between Alex's and both moaned at the contact that was made. Alex's wetness was no mystery to Syd who relished the fact that she was the cause of the excitement. Alex raked Syd's back with her fingernails as she felt the larger woman's tongue leave a blazing trail from her ear to her breasts. Syd latched on to one of Alex's erect nipples and began to gently nip at the tip. Alex arched into the touch and began stroking Syd's long dark hair.
"God sweetheart you feel so good."
"Good, so do you. You taste incredible" She said with a smile.
Syd brought one of her hands to the other nipple and began to tease it as she continued to suckle the other. Syd slowly began to grind her thigh into Alex's sex. Alex's moans grew louder and her body began to rock against Syd's thigh. Syd could feel her younger companion's desire building as she slowly moved up Alex's body and gently purred into Alex's ear.
"You know what sweetheart?" She said as she licked her earlobe.
"What baby? Tell me...." Alex panted in response.
"Paybacks are truly a bitch." She smiled and gently rolled over to her side of the bed leaving a thoroughly aroused and confused Alex to her musings.
"Whaa.....you can't be serious?" She managed to squeak out.
"Good night Alexandra, sweet dreams." She feigned sleep waiting for the explosion she knew was coming, trying desperately not to let out the laugh that was raging within her.
"Sydney Elizabeth Thompson, you aren't going to just leave me like this are you?!?!" She was completely beside herself.
"Like what honey?" She had to control her voice before she broke out into laughter.
"OH.....MY GOD. This is about the hose isn't it? You are going to let me sit here and stew in my totally "I WANT YOU NOW" state because of the hose, am I right?"
"Uh huh...that's right." She couldn't control the giggle that leaked from her lips.
"Oh no you don't. You can't raise my heart rate like this
and just roll over knowing that I won't be able to sleep for at least a week....."
Alex stopped as she heard Sydney's laughter betray her every whim. "You
are laughing at me, aren't you?"
Trying to regain her composure, "Yyyes..as a matter of fact...I am......" the fits of laughter continued and slowly she turned over to see bright green fire looking down at her. 'Uh oh, I'm in trouble.' Syd thought to herself.
"Now Alexandra, you know you had it coming. I told you
I always get my revenge.....and I did." She tried to be stern as she spoke
with a grin.
"You feel better honey?" Alex purred as she slowly maneuvered Syd to her back.
"Yeah, I guess I do, thanks for asking."
"Oh I'm not asking...........I'm telling........you feel better" She climbed on top of Sydney and straddled her midsection. Her wetness was spreading over Syd's stomach and the woman underneath couldn't control her erratic breathing once she felt it.
"Oh yeah, you feel much better baby." Alex said as she ground herself faster into Syd's strong abdomen. "Oh yeah........much better. Uungh" Syd couldn't help but grab the sides of Alex's hips and move her own body into her lover.
"Oh no, you wanted your fun, now I want mine. You can just sit there and watch." Alex sternly looked down at Syd's face that changed from confusion to passionate desire as she watched Alex move her fingers over her clit and began moving her fingers in a strong circular motion.
Syd licked her lips as she watched her lover writhe above her in ecstasy. She could tell that Alex was close and wanted so much to take her. Her senses were on overload giving her the strength to flip Alex over onto her back and thrust two fingers deep inside of her. Alex's protests turned into moans of pleasure. Syd continued to thrust into her lover as she moved southward to taste the sweet nectar waiting for her. She glided her tongue over Alex's clit creating another wave of building excitement from Alex.
"Oh baby, God...... you feel so incredible. I'm so close.....ungh" Alex panted out.
"Mmm.....let it go baby.....that's it......." Syd managed to get out while trying to keep rhythm with Alex.
She felt the younger woman's fingers grasping at her hair and knew she was almost there. Syd sucked at the swollen nub and gently nipped at its tip sending Alex over the edge of reality and directly to the clouds. Syd stayed where she was and absorbed all of Alex's body spasms. Alex's body began to calm as she caressed the head still nestled between her thighs.
"Ah.... revenge is a beautiful thing. Don't you agree Sydney?" Alex kidded as her breathing reached its normal pace again.
"Oh yeah....there's nothing like it." Sydney agreed and just smiled up at her lover. She climbed up her partner's body and cradled Alex in her strong arms.
"Now my sweet Aussie, what is your pleasure? You know I will give you whatever you want." She said as she nipped Sydneyís neck below her ear.
Sydney shuddered and felt her body move into Alexís in a subtle sensuous movement.
"I think I know what you need." She traced a circle
around Sydís nipple. "How's this? Do you like this?"
"Oh Alexandra, you feel so good."
"You know I will never tire of your voice cooing my name like that. Did I ever tell you how sexy your accent is?"
"I keep telling you I do not have an accent." She giggled and nipped against Alex's neck sending shivers down the young woman's back.
Alex moved her fingers around Syd's bellybutton and playfully inserted one of her fingertips inside. "You know, if I dipped somewhere else, I know it would be much wetter, what do you think?"
"I think you should test out your theory on that."
"Donít mind if I do." Alex slowly moved her hand through the soft dark curly hair above Sydney's passion. She lightly traced her lips without quite touching her desire.
"God Alexandra, please, don't tease. I need to feel you
"I will take you Sydney, don't worry about that." With that Alex slowly moved through Syd's river of desire and reveled in the feel of her lover. She gently brushed against Syd's clit causing her to jump from the contact.
"Ohhh, we are a bit excited now, aren't we?"
"Mmmmm, God you are such a quick study"î
"I had a wonderfully patient teacher. You feel like silk under my fingers Syd. I love when you get this excited."
"Only for you.....ungh......please........"
"What do you want Syd?"
Alex's movements were making speech almost impossible for Sydney. She rubbed Syd's clit in slow sensuous movements keeping in time with her body's movements. She played with the outside of her entry and gently dipped one finger into the dark wetness.
"Is this what you want Sydney?"
"Oh yes.....God yes....more.." Syd panted out.
Alex shifted her own body so that she was completely above Syd and staring down at her writhing lover. She plunged another finger inside Syd and was rewarded with a low growl from within her lover. She knew what Sydney needed and what Alex herself wanted more than anything right now.
"I need to taste you Syd. I want to feel you release into
my mouth. Get ready cuz here you come baby."
Alex thrust her fingers deep into Syd as she lowered her mouth to feast on her lover. She stroked Syd's clit fast and with purpose. She lapped and lapped and felt the stiffening of her lover above her.
"Oh God Alex....Iím .....ooohhhhhhhh!!!!!" She panted as her release shrieked through her body.
Alex grabbed the back of Syd's hips to ride out the greatest feeling she had ever known. She opened her eyes to look at Sydney only to find the precious blues staring right back at her in the throes of passion. Alex knew right then and there that the feelings she had for Sydney were a love deeper than any fairy tale she had ever read. To watch her lover's desire in her eyes sent chills throughout her body and she knew that Syd loved her, even though the 'L' word had never come up.
Alex felt the last of Sydney's tremors cease as her name was being called out again and again. She slowly withdrew her fingers as a whimper of protest left Sydney's mouth. Alex moved up her lover's body to kiss her with a passion and a tenderness that only Syd could evoke from her. The two just cuddled and kissed themselves into a peaceful loving sleep.
Down the hall and in her room, Edna just threw her pillow over her head, again.
The sun always came up earlier for Alex than she'd like. This morning was nicer than most though. She knew that in just hours, she would be back in Chicago, and in the house that she grew up in. She couldnít wait to show Syd her home. She was excited for Tracey to meet the love of her life as well. The only thing that would be missing would be her dad and mom. She knew going back was going to be hard, but she was also hoping that in some way, it would help her with her demons. She was just grateful that she had someone like Sydney that understood all of what she was feeling and still wanted to go through that with her.
Sydney was looking forward to this trip. Her mind was reeling from so many emotions. She was terrified at her feelings for Alexandra. In the same breath she was so happy and tingly whenever she and Alex were around each other. The problem was that she was being brought back to a time in her life when she was the most vulnerable, and that scared the living shit out of her.
"Come on love, come to the States with me. You will love Montana. Please, just think about it Syd, for me. You know how much I love you. Let me erase of all your painful memories from here. We will be so happy together." Sharon pleaded.
"My entire life is here babe. I grew up here. My family's
station is here, you know how much that means to me. It's the only thing I have
left of my family, well other than Tim, I don't know if I can just up and leave
"That's what I would be doing though hon. School isn't for me, you know that. I can't stay here, it's just not me. The States are my home, I need to go back there. I would really love it if you would come with me. I guess it's a test of our love if you follow suit. After everything I have done for you, I can't believe that you wouldn't come with me."
"Don't doubt my love for you babe, you know I love you. I would do anything for you, you know that. This is just a huge step for me. Let me talk with my brother about the sheep station. If he gives me a proposal for it that I can live with, I will take you up on your offer. I promise."
"Oh love, you don't know how happy that makes me. I just know you'll make the right decision."
"I hope so." Sydney thought as she hugged her lover.
"So Timmy, do you really want it? I mean is this something
that you know you really want? I mean I know you know how to run it, you basically
showed me everything I needed to know. I just want to make sure that this is
something that you want for your life, your future." Syd said to her brother.
"Syd, when you took over the station, I wasn't really happy about not being a part of it. It's the last thing mom and dad had together. It was always apart of our family; Dad, Mom, and Bi......." Tim paused at his own words.
"You know you can say his name Tim. It won't bother me. Unless it bothers you to say it. I really hope that it's not the case though. He was a good kid Tim. Unfortunately he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. If anyone should be silenced from saying his name, it should be me. I know what the courts said, but it doesn't take away the fact that I was apart of what happened to him. I can now say that I have forgiven myself. But that is only because you forgave me too. So for the hundreth time, thank you for that. I would hate going through life without my older brother. I know that you will be a great foreman to the station too. Please know Tim, that I never thought you had any desire to have it, otherwise you KNOW that I would have shared it with you. It would have been great to run it with you. I just figured since you didn't say anything, that you were okay with it. I'm so sorry."
"Aw sis, don't apologize. I am just happy you thought of me before you sold it to some Joe off the street. Consider it sold, to the best and highest bidder. About Billy, I do forgive you. Sometimes it is still hard to hear his name though. He'll be around though, I'm sure of it. Mom and dad too. I think I will be surrounded by them everyday that I am there."
"I think so too Tim." Syd paused as she rose from her chair to look out to the fields of her backyard. "The only thing that I hate about this deal, is the fact that I am going to be leaving now. I will miss you. We have finally come together you and I. I am so sorry for all the years that we didn't speak. I just didn't understand death and why it happens. I didn't want to get it. You saw what I became, I was a monster that didn't know what love really was. God, and after Billy and mom died, I wasn't sure that I wanted to live at all. I am out of that hell now, and I finally know the value of family and loved ones. You are all the family I have left now. Well, besides Sharon that is. I love her with all my heart Tim. She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. Even after everything that has happened in my life, she is willing to take a chance on me. I just don't want to disappoint her in any way. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for her."
"I know, but....."
"Yeah but....but why couldn't you have fallen for a woman who lived on this side of the planet?" They shared a smile and embraced each other. "I will miss you too sis, I love you ya big softy...God she has you so whipped doesn't she?"
"Yeah well, love makes you do the strangest of things Timmy. Let's call dad's lawyer and legalize all of this eh?"
"You betcha."
"Alright sweetheart I'll see you when you get home. Don't
work so hard. I love you."
"I love you too Syd, I should be done with this project hopefully in about four hours or so. I will be home as soon as I am done here, I promise."
"OK Shar, take care hon." Syd said as she hung up
the phone.
"You too. Bye." Sharon said as she placed the receiver in the cradle on her desk.
The tall red head sitting across from her smiled wide as she approached Sharon like a hunter searching out prey for its meal.
"We got four hours then. You are mine until that time runs out then." She said as she straddled Sharon's lap.
"Oh yeah baby, we got a loooong time. I can do a lot to
you in four hours. What'cha got on under that skirt baby?" Sharon said
as she grabbed Tina's naked ass from under her skirt.
"You'd know better than anyone. Oooh yeah, I like that." Tina cooed into Sharon's ear.
"My poor workaholic, I think I will bring her a little picnic. She will be so surprised to see me. God I can't wait to see the expression on her face." Syd excitedly said as she packed up some dinner for her lover. She threw in a bottle of wine for good measure, and made her way out the door.
"Oh God........yes.......right there...ungh" Tina panted from on top of the desk. Sharon had her head buried in between Tina's thighs trying hard to keep up with the writhing body above her.
"Yeah baby....I can feel how close you are......come on baby....come for me.." Sharon coaxed as she thrust her fingers deep inside her. "I love the way you sound, God, I love you Tina....ungh......" Sharon said as she felt herself slipping over the edge of the precipice.
The two women found a rhythm between them and began to thrust their bodies for all that they were worth.
"Yes...yes.....yes!!!" Tina shouted.
"Yesssss Tina....Oh God!.....yes."
The two were oblivious to Sharon's door opening with Syd walking in. Her smile soon changed to a fierce angry howl.
"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" Syd shouted out as she witnessed the hugest betrayal of her life. Her heart was breaking into a thousand pieces and there was nothing she could do about it.
The two women climaxed just as Syd walked in and couldn't stop their bodies until it was too late. Sharon tried to move from underneath Tina, but couldn't coax her body to move.
"Syd....Syd wait." Sharon panted.
"What Sharon, is this where you say this isn't what it
looks like? Too fucking bad that won't work in this case. Who's your whore?
Nice to meet you I am Sydney Thompson, Sharon's girlfriend."
Tina saw the six foot, black haired woman approach her and began to get very nervous. She wasn't sure what she had planned.
"So Sharon, aren't you going to introduce us? We do have
so much in common don't we....?"
"Ahhh Tina. Well at least I know what name to shout out when I break your fucking head open!"
"Syd, No!!!" Sharon shouted.
"Oh sticking up for your new fling Sharon? Too fucking
bad. I gave up everything for you, and this is what I get in return? You Bitch!!!
You took me halfway around the world just to spit in my face? Fuck Sharon, you
couldn't have done that in Australia?"
"Oh Syd, you act as if this never happens." Sharon said very desensitized.
"It doesn't happen to me."
"I'm sorry you feel that way, because frankly Syd, it's happening to you, right now."
Syd spit at Sharon and grabbed Tina's head by her hair.
"Give me one reason I shouldn't beat the shit out of you right now?" Syd threatened.
"It wasn't my idea, it was Sharon's." Tina pleaded.
"Oh you see Sharon, your little puta can't even take responsibility for her own affairs. How old are ya darlin? Eighteen, nineteen? Robbing the cradle don't you think Sharon? God you are pathetic."
"Oh Syd, just look at us. You are the pathetic one. You
are so gullible. Someone tells you that they love you, and you leave yourself
open for things like this. I saw what you were in school, I knew what you had
done. I knew that I could have you if I made you believe that I loved the person
you were. All of your baggage was nothing more than an invitation to have my
cake and eat it too. I had more than just Tina here, and I always had a beauty
like you on my arm wherever we went. Everytime I came home I had someone waiting
for me in my bed. What a beautiful relationship." Sharon smugly said as
she nonchalantly slid into her chair and crossed her naked legs.
"So everything was just a lie? So I was just a pretty play thing with a fucked up life, that you took control over? So I was just a hood ornament for you, a God damn trophy? You fucking cu.......no, I won't say it." Syd let go of Tina's hair and less than gently patted her head. "I will just leave you to your pet. Don't come home tonight if you know what is good for you. I will be gone by the morning. Don't come looking for me either, I don't want to be found by you." Syd smiled as she warned. She kicked over the bag of food and slammed the door to Sharon's office as she left.
"Sweetheart? Are you packed?" Alex broke Syd of her reverie.
"Hmm? I'm sorry hon, what did you say?" Syd asked.
"Sydney are you alright? It looked like you were out of it when I walked in." Alex walked over to Syd and placed a hand on Sydney's arm. She felt her flinch under her touch and slowly pulled away.
"I'm sorry Alexandra, I didnít mean to......"
"Sydney, I know you are bothered by something, I just hope that one day you will feel that you can trust me enought to talk about it." Alex said comfortingly as she picked up the rest of her bags and went downstairs.
"So do I love, so do I." Alex thought to herself as she wrapped her arms around herself for comfort.
Continue to Part 2
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Imprinted with a beloved pet, person or event photo, commemorative tiles may be taken home or permanently installed on the interior wall of P.A.W. Animal Shelter, and serve as an everlasting tribute to the love and bond between animals and their families. Thousands of visitors each year see these furry faces decorating our walls and many will visit their own personal tile again and again to remember a special pet or person.
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The Most Intense Workout You'll Ever Try Will 'HIIT' Your Fitness Spot at Barry's Bootcamp SOMA
I first went to check out 'The Best Workout in the World®' that A-list celebs, models and even Olympic athletes swear by when ClassPass launched in London over a year ago and haven't gone back since. Loud music, the instructor that runs around shouting, exercise that I wasn't used to and treadmills (oh my, I HATED treadmills then) left me confused and angry that I could barely last an hour of the famous workout. Twelve months and a hundred of fitness classes and gym sessions later I gave it another try by stopping at Barry's Bootcamp SOMA in San Francisco. Super intense, challenging, fun and totally one of a kind fitness experience that is designed to shock your body and get you to spend 1000 calories per class, it's now on the top of my fitness list for these five reasons.
1. You'll 'HIIT' it hard like there's no tomorrow
When the lights go down, the music turns up and your Barry's experience begins. HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) combines intense, high-energy bursts of activity with short periods of lower-energy activity, followed by a cool-down. Half of the time you will work out on a treadmill and half of the time you will be doing squats, luges, planks and other weight training to wake up your muscles.
HIIT means higher calorie burn in a shorter time, and a faster metabolism that leads to calorie and fat burn that continues for the 24 hours following the workout. With regular HIIT exercise you can expect to increase your athletic endurance, look great and feel awesome.
All Barry's locations are equipped with Woodway treadmills that are considered to be the best in the world. The runs at Barry's are varied, so you'll never be bored and will surprise yourself with the sprints, inclines, dynamic mode runs you can perform.
The resistance training includes the use of hand weights, resistance bands, booty bands, and other equipment to tone and sculpt your body. To get toned, you should go for weights just heavy enough to make your muscles burn for 1-2 minutes of repetitions (ask your instructor to help you choose the weights). For those who want to bulk up, there are heavier weights (that you can't lift for more than 8-12 reps).
2. You will enjoy the challenge
As I used to hate treadmills and kept my runs low-key (think jogging rather than running), I was dreading the treadmill part. As the workouts are split into short intervals and instructors give you a range of running speed and incline, even if you believe you are the laziest person in the world, you will discover that you don't have any excuse but to do your best in these super short intervals and you'll surprise yourself with how much you can handle.
Weights training is equally challenging and manageable - just keep reminding yourself that the intervals are short and you should do your best while the interval lasts. Your body (and mind - expect endorphins overload) will thank you later for your hard work.
Each day at Barry's is dedicated to different parts of your body so you can plan your workouts accordingly depending on what area of your body you want to focus on:
MONDAY - Arms & Abs TUESDAY - Legs & Butt WEDNESDAY - Chest & Back THURSDAY - Hard CORE (abs, baby, abs) FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY - Full Body
All the classes incorporate core exercise as core plays a huge role in our health and fitness.
3. You will feel part of the big happy family
As Barry's Bootcamp SOMA class is big and the room is dark, no matter what shape you are in and what level of fitness you have, you can focus on your own training in your own pace and intensity.
It doesn't mean however that you are completely lost in the crowd: if you are new to the class you will get a warm welcome as well as instructors will keep an eye on you, cheer you up when you need an extra push and give you pointers on the technique to improve your performance.
4. You can reward yourself with a post-workout protein shake
There are dozens of protein shakes to choose from at the FuelBar (from Green Machine to Banana Peanut Butter shake) - place your order before the class and pick it up once you are done sweating. See what your Barry's Bootcamp trainers order at the Fuel Bar.
Packed with protein and nutrients, they will help you replenish the energy you spent in class and help your body build muscle.
5. You'll get addicted to feeling awesome
Each time you will be leaving the studio feeling super proud of yourself for completing Barry's Bootcamp and you'll be swept away with the endorphins and muscle happiness.
As you would imagine, there is a cost attached to becoming the new you with Barry's Bootcamp. In San Francisco expect to spend $32 per class (with a welcome rate of $27 for the first class) with discounted rates available when you buy more classes. Luckily, Barry's Bootcamp is also on ClassPass so you can make it part of your fitness routine at a lower cost.
Barry's Bootcamp studios offer men and women change rooms with showers, complimentary MALIN+GOETZ products, Digilock® combination lockers, complimentary towel service, and restrooms. If you want to look as good as you feel you can purchase Barry's Bootcamp merchandise at the studios. Select locations feature TRX® ceiling suspension systems to add even more exciting exercise elements into the Barry's Bootcamp formula.
Have you tried Barry's Bootcamp? What was your experience like? Get in touch - I would love to hear from you.
Barry's Bootcamp SOMA
236 King St, San Francisco
(415) 546 3996


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The Ptarmigan, a single level, overwidth tiny home...and maybe our favourite yet?!/
The Ptarmigan is a single level tiny home that feels much different than any home we've built before. Going overwidth comes with its own set of hurdles, but the outcome is simply unbeatable.
This home is built on a custom 14,000lb GVW trailer to a width of just over 12'. Custom birch cabinetry throughout the home and luxurious fir trim combine with the modern black fixtures and clean lines to make a contemporary and self-contained suite, perfect as a retirement home or as a secondary source of income.
The kitchen has space for a combo washer/dryer and a bar fridge under the counter, along with plenty of counterspace for an electric cooktop. Soft-closing drawers and cupboards throughout. A custom fir pocket door separates the living space from the bedroom (as well as the bedroom from the bathroom).
The bedroom features a custom wardrobe and end table sized to accommodate a queen sized bed, and the ensuite bathroom is equipped with safety handles placed beside the shower and toilet facilities. The toilet is a standard flush toilet and the water heat in this home is a small electric tank, held in a custom storage box above the toilet.


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ICON | Cheryl Tiegs
Photo of Cheryl Tiegs and Peter Beard by Ron Galella, 1982.
[Tiegs] negotiated the right to merchandise products under her name, but she's being superprotective of her credibility. "There's a Farrah doll," she points out, "but there's no Phyllis George doll." —an excerpt from People Magazine, 1978
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- This event has passed.
HQB & MNHS present: Resilience During Tough Times
November 17, 2018 @ 12:30 pm - 3:00 pmFree
Join a multigenerational conversation about lessons from resiliency during tough times. Examine a video, community photos, and artifacts that reflect experiences of facing injustice during the 1960s and today. Click here for more information.
This program is made possible by the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008.


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The Independent Hotel Show 2015 has delightfully welcomed the British Hospitality Association (BHA) as a key partner of the show. The BHA is the leading membership organisation championing the British hospitality and tourism industries and promotes the interests of hotel owners and other businesses in the sector.
Dedicated to driving growth within hospitality and tourism, the BHA's alignment with the Independent Hotel Show demonstrates their combined commitment to support, inspire and engage with the UK's burgeoning boutique and luxury hotel sector.
Commenting on the collaboration Sergey Shishkin, Business Development and Relationship Manager at BHA says:
"The luxury and boutique hotel sector embarked on a strong future and we are delighted to announce the British Hospitality Association has been appointed a key partner of the Independent Hotel Show 2015.
"This flourishing sector has a lot to offer and it is only by sharing ideas and promoting the interests of our members that the hospitality and tourism industry can continue on its journey to prosperity.
"We encourage all independent hoteliers to join the show to gather valuable insights, strengthen networks and maximise ideas which could ultimately help the business profitability."
Miranda Martin, Event Manager at the Independent Hotel Show adds:
"Securing partners that support the ethos of the Independent Hotel Show is of the upmost importance and we are thrilled to have the British Hospitality Association on board. It is paramount that we work with organisations such as the BHA and represent and reflect the interests of the UK independent hotel sector."
Registration for the Independent Hotel Show 2015 is now live and the show promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with a packed seminar programme and new features such as the 'Independent Think Tank' designed for targeted workshops and events. The show will run from 20 to 21 October 2015 at Olympia West, London.


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If you're looking for a little bit of marketing, design or creative brilliance to add oomph to your business without blowing the budget, let us introduce Our Tiny Marketing Co.
Our wide range of skills, combined with a 'can-do' attitude means we make things happen quickly and efficiently whilst keeping costs low for you. If you're a start-up with lots of little marketing tasks that you're stumped by, if you're a small business with ideas that need to be brought to life or if you have an ongoing marketing plan that needs implementing in a budget friendly way, just take a look at what we do. There's lots to gain, no job's too small and we'd love to help you out.
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