text:
Six people have been injured after a Ferrari allegedly mounted the pavement and hit them, knocking one person off a bridge onto a car travelling underneath.
It is alleged that the car was involved in a race with a Range Rover when the collision happened at 10.30am close to Battersea Dogs Home.
One driver has been arrested of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and is being questioned by police.GCSE results day nerves for hundreds of thousands of students on 'tougher' courses
Zoe Saxby, from Flanagans pub just yards from the scene, said: 'Apparently the car involved was racing with a Range Rover and knocked someone flying off the bridge, and they landed on a car below.
'They actually went flying in the air and could have landed on the railway tracks. It also hit a few other people walking on the bridge.
'I didn't see what happened as I'd got to work about ten minutes after it happened but I saw the car with a smashed windscreen.
'The car supposedly was racing and lost control when they hit the pavement. We saw the ambulances turn up because people were injured, we got told that it was six people.'
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called at 10:28am to reports of a road traffic collision near Kirtling Street at the junction with Battersea Park Road.
'We sent a paramedic on a motorcycle, four ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic and an incident response officer to the scene alongside our hazardous area response team.
'London's Air Ambulance was also dispatched. We treated six patients at the scene and took them to hospital.'
A witness called Hannah told the Standard: 'We could tell it was obviously pretty serious by the amount of ambulances – about six – that were on the road, a police truck and a number of police cars.Real-life Forrest Gump hasn't stopped running for 963 days after bet with friends
'I just hope that everyone involved is okay, such a horrible thing to happen right before Christmas.'
A Met Police spokesman said: 'We were called to reports of a car in collision with pedestrians in Battersea Park Road.
'Six people have been injured and are being treated at the scene by paramedics. We await an update on their condition but injuries are not thought to be life-threatenning.
'The driver stopped at the scene.'


text:
Today is International Women's Day. On this day, we sharpen our focus on the issues that will help women and girls achieve their dreams by creating a more gender inclusive world in which all people have an equal opportunity to pursue their ambitions.
IWD 2017 celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also raises awareness of the serious challenges women around the world face every day, like domestic violence and the lack of access to education.
I'd like to share a song I wrote about domestic violence. It's a hard subject to tackle, but it is important to bring the conversation to the forefront if we are ever going to take concrete actions that will bring us closer to ending domestic violence forever.
The song is called, "Damn the Reason." It was important to me that the song took a compassionate rather than judgmental look at the plight of the victim and how easily someone can become trapped. The double entendre in the line, "Don't want to see myself in your eyes" shows that she knows how dangerous it is to be physically close to her partner, but it is also the shame she suffers at loosing sight of herself. But, shame will not survive if it is met with empathy.
Shockingly, 1 in 3 women around the world, regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, or class, will be victims of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. If we break the silence by speaking out and stand together, I do believe we can end domestic violence.
IWD is calling on us to make a change. Find out how you can take action: www.internationalwomensday.com/BeBold
Are you ready to #BeBoldForChange?

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A List To Starboard 1909
A List To Starboard
1909 - Download this document for free, or read online. Document in PDF available to download.
Download or read this book online for free in PDF: A List To Starboard 1909
Source: http://www.libroteca.net/Gutb/indexes/autores_s.html
Tue Apr 04 21:37:19 2017 1 The Project Gutenberg EBook of A List To Starboard, by F.
Hopkinson Smith This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever.
You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: A List To Starboard 1909 Author: F.
Hopkinson Smith Illustrator: F.
Hopkinson Smith Release Date: December 3, 2007 [EBook #23702] Language: English Character set encoding: ASCII *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LIST TO STARBOARD *** Produced by David Widger A LIST TO STARBOARD By F.
Hopkinson Smith 1909 I A short, square chunk of a man walked into a shipping office on the East Side, and inquired for the Manager of the Line.
He had kindly blue eyes, a stub nose, and a mouth that shut to like a rat-trap, and stayed shut.
Under his chin hung a pair of half-moon whiskers which framed his weather-beaten face as a spike collar frames a dog's. -You don't want to send this vessel to sea again,- blurted out the chunk.
-She ought to go to the dry-dock.
Her boats haven't had a brushful of paint for a year; her boilers are caked clear to her top flues, and her pumps won't take care of her bilge water.
Charter something else and lay her up.- The Manager turned in his revolving chair and faced him.
He was the opposite of the Captain in weight, length, and thickness--a slim, well-groomed, puffy-cheeked man of sixty with a pair of uncertain, badly aimed eyes and a voice like the purr of a cat. -Oh, my dear Captain, you surely don't mean what you say.
She is perfectly seaworthy and sound.
Just look at her inspection--- and he passed him the certificate. -No--I don't want to see it! I know 'em by heart: it's a lie, whatever it says.
Give an inspector twenty dollars and he's stone blind.- The Manager laughed softly.
He had handled too many rebellious captains Tue Apr 04 21:37:19 2017 2 in his time...


text:
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text:
The Lord My Shepherd
I find it no conincidence that I post about warnings and the enemy starts. Yesterday evening a very dear friend of mine was robbed outside the grocery store. She is fine physically, but her purse was stolen (Coach bag at that) with her wallet, checkbook, cellphone, everything inside. Then today there was a group of young boys that I didn't recognize walking down my street, going between houses, just looking suspicious. I call the police and they "disappear" and at last check were nowhere to be found.
So I got my Word out and started to just claim me some promises from my Jehovah-raah. Maybe they'll help you today too.
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress. I will never be shaken." Ps 62:1-2 Think about those words. God is my fortress. The Creator of the galaxies is around me, protecting me, guarding me. Then I will never be shaken. When my car is broken into, I will never be shaken. When my friend is robbed, I will never be shaken. When suspicious people are lurking, I will never be shaken.
Now it may seem easy to say those words but believing it down in my heart...well that's another story. Fortunately, the Lord reminded me of my time with Him at the beach when He gave me Mark 5:36. (Jesus said) "Don't be afraid; just believe." So today I choose to believe. I choose not to sit locked up in my house in fear.
I choose to "say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" Heb 13:6
Thank you Jehovah-raah for taking care of this lost sheep today. Thank you for surrounding me with your Presence and for being my Fortress. I choose to believe Your Word and not to live in fear. Thank you for protecting me and my family. I love you Father. You are worthy to be praised!!!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The Lord My Shepherd
Posted by Valarie at 12:38 PM 4 comments
Monday, October 29, 2007
We all hate to see that in the subject line in our email inbox don't we? It's so funny because most of the time...sorry to anyone who sends them to me...I don't even open them and read them. Sometimes I do, however, and occasionally they are funny or cute or whatever. But for the most part they go straight to the delete folder because I'm scared to death to give this dinosaur computer of mine any potentially lethal virus it can't recover from.
Lately though I've been getting these "warning" fwd's. Warning about political candidates and where they stand, warning about movies that are harmful to my kids, warning about exposing kids to household cleaning products, warnings. It can drive a person to lock your kids in the house and never go out again, if you've lost your mind anyway! haha Seriously though it's strange that these warning fwd's have hit me so much lately.
So, how does God meet my rising anxiety? With a message from Dr. Rummage yesterday that laid it wide open for me. "Developing Spiritual Discernment" was the title and I Thess. 5:19-22 was the Scripture. For time sake I'll just give you his points. To have spiritual discernment we must 1. FOLLOW God's Spirit. 2. LOVE God's word. 3. TEST ALL THINGS. 4. Embrace the TRUTH. 5 REJECT falsehood. (emphasis mine) This is how we're gonna experience maximum joy in this life. Do these things. Easy enough right? HARDLY!! Living a Christ-centered life is WORK people. There's no free ride, easy train, life. We gotta do the hard work. We gotta say NO to the movies we know aren't good for our kids. We gotta say NO to relationships that we feel are not in our/their best interest. We gotta be willing to be unpopular, to be unliked, to be DIFFERENT.
So while I appreciate the warnings I get it's not the first time I've heard of these things. I think we have a tendency to get so wrapped up in our own little bubbles of life that we lose our "Kingdom Vision". Jesus told us thousands of years ago "Watch out that no one deceives you (political candidates). You will hear of wars and rumors of wars (Iraq/Iran/Afghanistan/North Korea), but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." Mth 24:5-6 with my inserts. Ya'll none of these warnings are new and yet I get these things from people who seem surprised. Look at the hope, even in the middle of all that stuff Jesus was talking about. Do you see it? "but the end is still to come" Ya'll, He's coming! If we're His, He's coming to get us! He's coming to rescue us! Praise His Name!
"'Yes I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." Rev 22:20
Posted by Valarie at 11:57 AM 3 comments
Friday, October 26, 2007
My treat last night...
My man took me to the Celtic Woman concert last night. (thanks for the tickets Ty!) It was incredible!! You may not like their style but their passion for their music will draw anyone in. My man loves the percussion! (of course the girls are easy on the eye too! haha) Enjoy!
Posted by Valarie at 7:36 AM 2 comments
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Good stuff...
Well, land sakes. God is good ya'll and He just cracks me up! After the day started like it did I have to tell you how it ended. I still am not feeling all that great, but with the illnesses I have, such is life. My thorn, if you will.
After my kids got home we went to go pick up my other kids (the Jeu De Vine's) to take them home. On Wednesday's I usually have to sit with them for 30 min or so til Grandma gets home so we're sitting on the couch yesterday and the middle child comes over and starts showing me this "cool book" her mom has. It's called "Prayer Portions". Now I don't know if any of you have ever seen or participated in this book, but every time I've ever done it, I get the BIGGEST zit on my face! No lie! The purging just causes this incredible mass on my face! =0) So as she's flipping thru the book she gets to this section on personal prayer and praying over personal sins and she takes her little finger down the list and says "Oh, self-pity, that's a tough one don't ya think Ms. Val?" Yeah. I know!!! I didn't know if I should smack her or hug her! hahaha So I had to spend a few minutes with the Father making sure my grief wasn't taking me to a place of self-pity. OUCH!
Ok. So then, my middle son gets home and he's struggling BIG TIME with his science homework so we miss church because I had to help him. He has a test this morning so we had to nail it down. (Lord, help it come to his mind today.) So I get everyone in bed and my man comes home from church and I'm telling him about my day and apologizing to him for blasting him, via email (the chicken route), for putting one of my favorite shirts in the dryer and shrinking it. Yeah. Special. Oh yeah, forgot to mention that the girl from earlier also pointed out "Demanding your rights. That's a tough one too isn't it Ms. Val?" in the personal sins book. (See why I get a zit every time I pick up that book?) So, I had to fix that too. SPECIAL!
So as if that wasn't enough, I turn on Life Today for some Wednesday's with Beth. If you didn't see it, go to the Life Today site and watch it. LAND SAKES! So she's talking about Paul and Silas in prison from Acts 16:16-35. Yeah, you know where this is going don't you? She starts talking about how praise can alter our attitude on a daily/hourly basis even. She said the more we engage in praise and not speak about our misery the more we'll want to praise despite our feelings. Ok, I want to know which one of you called her and told her about me? haha She reminded us how powerful the mouth is and instead of staying in the cycle of feeling sad, lonely, depressed, opressed, whatever and then speaking about how bad we feel, making us feel even worse (sound like anyone you know? sure sounds familiar haha) we should just open our mouths and praise the Lord! Praise Him even when the first word isn't sincere! It will become sincere, heart-felt praise, because of who God is!
She talked about the season she's come thru - losing her dad and all - and how she was getting ready to speak but didn't "feel like it" so she put on her Kirk Franklin music - which I have to just stop right there for a minute. Get the visual with me. Here's this tiny, little, dare I say 40-50ish white woman (sorry Ms. Beth) gettin her praise on with Kirk Franklin! That just cracks me up!! Anyway, she was listening to "Revolution" - the song I put on my blog last night - and how when Kirk said "Do you want a revolution" she looked at her ipod and said "Yes I do - woo woo" I'm tellin ya I about fell off the chair. Even my man was rollin!!! I just had to share that with ya'll. It doesn't at all pertain to me, but it's still so stinkin' funny!!!! LOVE IT!!
Ok, so this morning I choose praise. "I will rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word." Ps 119:147 "I will life up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Ps 121:1-2 "I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone." Ps 71:16 "I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving." Ps 69:30
I praise you Father! If you choose to never bless me again I will still praise your name! I love you Father! I thank you Father! You are Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Rapha, my Jehovah-shammah!! Thank you Lord for loving me, for caring for me and for reminding me that it's time to stop the misery cycle and praise!!
Posted by Valarie at 7:34 AM 2 comments
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Land sakes after the day I've had did God Almighty send me a Word thru our sweet Siesta Beth tonight on Life Today or what?!
Forgive me Father for keeping myself in a cycle of misery this day when I should've been opening my mouth to praise you! I love you Father and you alone are worthy of my praise! I choose to praise you! I choose your peace in my heart and not the lies the enemy is feeding me!! I choose you!!! I love you Father!
Posted by Valarie at 9:22 PM 1 comments
Appropriate for how I feel today!
God I thank you that YOU know how I feel. I praise you even when I feel like staying in the bed! Thank you for running to me today. You are good! I love you Lord.
Posted by Valarie at 11:30 AM 1 comments
Tis the season...
Well here it comes. The season. While Christians have every reason for this to be our FAVORITE time of year - being thankful for our Saviour, our family, etc and then celebrating His birth - it's also the busiest time and for some of us, the saddest time of year. (no doubt the enemy planned it that way)
The enemy is starting early on me this year. November 12 was the day my daddy died and as I get closer and closer to that day the harder and harder the evil one works. My body is tired, it's achy, it's just yucky! I feel like just getting back in the bed and sleeping all day. My lupus is starting to act up a bit, my joints are more achy than normal and I had my thyroid check-up last week and it is TOTALLY out of whack which does nothing but exasperate all of these symptoms.
So as I approach the 5 year anniversary I'm leaning more and more on the Lord. I know my dad is happy. I know he's with Jesus, he's with his parents and my mom's parents and I know he's rocking my babies. You would think that after 5 years it would be easier but it's just not! Yeah, I don't think about it as much, but I still miss him so badly.
Ok, enough. Anyway, I just covet your prayers. I work so hard at putting on my happy face for my man and for my kids and for my friends but today just isn't one of those days. Today, I just wanna curl up in my Abba Daddy's lap and let Him love on me! I'm so thankful He cares enough to do just that! Thanks for praying for me ya'll and sorry this wasn't a very fun post.
Posted by Valarie at 10:56 AM 4 comments
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Quick note...
Hey all. Just a quick note. Lucy (aka Tracy) is back to blogging land! Her demon possessed computer has been healed and she's back! Go check her out. I know she'll be glad you popped over.
Posted by Valarie at 2:38 PM 1 comments
Monday, October 22, 2007
Distractions, distractions, distractions...
Does the enemy get on ya'll's nerves as much as he does mine? Man oh man, he was not happy that I intended to get me some alone time with my Abba Daddy this weekend! He started working on me Thursday with the whole van break-in thing. (sad but I don't know if I told ya'll my van was broken in to - nothing stolen) But he was even working on me at church last night. Tireless I tell ya. He knows his time is short so he's gonna do his best to slow me down. But here's a newsflash Satan, YOU LOSE, I WIN THRU JESUS!!!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Yesterday at church was just an AWESOME day! Great time in worship, great sermons and my sweet friend Lisa gave me a copy of Jim Cymbala's "Fresh Wind Fresh Fire" so I spent the afternoon reading it. AWESOME BOOK! I was gonna post all the ways the enemy used people and circumstances to distract me this weekend, but I think I'll spend some time lifting up my Jesus instead!
Friday night my girl Leigh spoke and don't you know an older lady prayed to receive Jesus!!! Is that amazing or what? God is good! Saturday someone hurt my feelings REALLY bad but then several girlfriends sent notes of encouragement and love and I just felt the Father telling me it was ok and not at all about ME but what the other person was dealing with! If that's not a miracle of God I don't know what is!! Can I get an amen?! By Sunday afternoon that person had emailed to apologize and ask forgiveness. God is faithful! Then last night at church Dr. Rummage brought the fire as he started a series on worship. Oh my lands! There were a lot of choir and orchestra members all around us and we were all shouting amens and clapping - just gettin downright Bapticostal! LOVE IT!! (You missed it Melissa! haha) God is moving!
Then this morning my "God Calling" was titled Home-Building. Here's a couple of lines. "You are building an unshakable faith. Be furnishing the quiet places of your soul now. Fill them with all that is harmonious and good, beautiful and enduring." Is that the best? After a weekend of a roller-coaster emotional ride - one that was intended to be a quiet time I'm encouraged to keep furnishing those quiet times! Don't you just love God? He's so loving and gentle and kind to us. He is faithful!
Posted by Valarie at 12:15 PM 2 comments
Saturday, October 20, 2007
God alone is worthy of worship! What else is there to say...
Posted by Valarie at 9:16 AM 1 comments
Friday, October 19, 2007
Be still...
Ya'll. The Lord is good. Sometimes it's so loud in my life. It's so loud in my head! (all those voices =)) My plans are to really take some time this weekend and be still. "Be still and know..." Not be still and question. Not be still and worry. Not be still and wonder. "Be still and know..."
My prayer is that you'll do the same. Even if you can't physically be still, take time to be still in your heart. In the hours when the little ones are tucked in tight and the man has begun his nightly "noise", in the hours in the morning before the stir begins, be still. He LOVES it when we take the time and He speaks...
Will you listen?...
Posted by Valarie at 1:26 PM 0 comments
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Ps 4:8
A few weeks ago I went to the beach with my girlfriends and we had a BLAST! We stayed up til the wee hours of the morning talking about so many things but mostly about the Lover of our souls. It was great. You may remember that I wrote about fear and what a stronghold it had on me. I didn't realize how many areas of my life it had crept into but I really dealt with it quite a bit that weekend and released a lot of it to my Abba Daddy.
Well, the enemy was paying attention. It's 8:20am here and it's already been quite an eventful morning. As my man went to take the babies to school my van had been ransacked, his truck had been jimmied open and the bag he carries to church and another box were laying out in the yard. Someone had broken into our vehicles. As he quickly assessed things and went on to take the kids to school I was left to clean up. Nothing appeared to be missing because I'm usually good about not keeping anything valuable in my car - however there were 2 baby dolls left in the van and THANK GOD they were ok. That would've been MAJOR DRAMA! haha
As I went to pick up the broken box in the yard I realized it didn't come from Jimmy's truck because of the contents. My next door neighbor is a policeman and I looked at his car and the trunk was popped and the door was partially open - they had hit him too. They did manage to steal some of his equipment but no weapons - THANK GOD! Also, my other neighbor's home was broken into about 2 weeks ago.
This neighborhood used to be a really good one but things are changing despite the installation of street lights. I guess that's the way the world goes. No neighborhood is really exempt. My friends live in an upper scale neighborhood in the area and their home was broken into as well. "In this world you will have trouble".
While we were at the beach I talked about my fear of sleeping with all the lights off. I know. It's pitiful. My friend Lisa shared a verse with me then and I know the Lord planted it in me for this morning! Thank you Lisa for speaking this Word over me and thank you Father for being my shelter, my strong tower, my hiding place!
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Ps 4:8
Father God thank you for protecting our property and our lives. Lord I pray for the person who is so desperate to break in to cars in the middle of the night. Lord may they find You, their only safe haven. Lord, please continue to protect my family and our home. You alone, O Lord are my safety and I thank you for loving me enough to keep my family from harm. Your plans are to give us hope and a future so Lord I now thank you for completing those plans in us and I cling to the only hope I have. YOU! Thank you Father. I love you and I praise Your name! All these things I offer to you thru the name above every name, the name of your son Jesus. Amen.
Posted by Valarie at 7:22 AM 3 comments
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
I've told ya'll 100 times that this is NOT my favorite word, however, as I've opened myself up to the Lord more and more, it's certainly becoming more common. (I started to say easier but that would be a lie! ;-0) I've learned that the power God wants to release in me won't come until I obey ALL His commands! Now, God knows that there's NO WAY I'm gonna obey them all on every turn, otherwise what would the Holy Spirit have to do, but He wants me trying my hardest. He's there cheering me on at decision time, then when I blow it He's there to pick me up, dust me off, chastise me if need be and send me off to try again. That's what an Abba Daddy does! Don't you just love that?
So as we walk this road of our lives, let's do our best. Obey when it's not fun. Obey when it's not easy. Obey when it doesn't make sense. Obey when you don't feel like it. Obey. Surrender. Release control. Easy? NO. Worth it? EVERY TIME!!
Now it's your turn. Leave me a comment about where it's the hardest in your life to obey. Money? Marriage? Safety of kids? Whatever. I'm anxious to "hear" what you have to say.
"This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world." 1 John 5:3-4a
Posted by Valarie at 8:33 AM 5 comments
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
God Calling
If you don't have a copy of "God Calling" PLEASE go get one!!! It is incredible! It's the Word of God put together as a letter from God to you daily.
I usually have my copy with me as I start my morning, however, yesterday I had left it on my dresser as I carried my Bible and study books to our place. So, last night shortly before bed I saw it and realized I hadn't read it so I picked it up. Are you ready? "October 15 Feel Plenty Live in My Secret Place and there the feeling is one of full satisfaction. You are to feel plenty. The storehouses of God are full to overflowing, but you must see this in your mind. Be sure of this before you can realize it in material form. Think thoughts of plenty. See yourselves as Daughters of a King. I have told you this. Wish plenty for yourselves, and all you care for and long to help." YA'LL!!!!!! I about had me a holy fit right then and there!!! God was answering me as I was posting about contentment. How in the world people think the Bible is an old book of myths and that it isn't relative today...well it's just beyond me!
So, this morning I open it up and it's a lengthy one so I won't type the whole thing but here's a few lines. "October 16 The Imprisoned God As all reform is from within out, you will always find the outward has improved too. To do this is to release the imprisoned God - Power within you. That Power, once operative, will immediately perform miracles. Then indeed shall your mourning be turned into Joy." OH MY LAND SAKES! Is it just me or are ya'll about to shout too? Didn't God just speak to me about releasing His Power in me yesterday and then He confirms it again today?! OH MY LANDS!!!!!!! I know there are some that would call this "coincidence" but I'm telling you that God speaks to those who are ready to listen! When you call it chance, you're not ready to hear Him but when you call that the Voice of the Almighty - HOLD ON TIGHT!!!
Ya'll, He longs to speak. He has so much to say. I've been busy making myself clean and ready to listen - not an especially pleasant experience - but my, oh my is it worth it!!!! To think, that the Creator of the Universe, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Noah, Jacob, David and so many other heroes of our faith wants to speak to ME! ME, of all people! Stubborn, selfish, hard-headed ME?! Yes, me, Daughter of the King! Me, the apple of my Father's eye! And you...the precious child He's longing to hold in His lap! He's waiting for us sisters, won't you come along...
Posted by Valarie at 12:06 PM 0 comments
Monday, October 15, 2007
Addendum to Contentment
I was in the prayer room at church this evening with some ladies from my Sunday school class and the Lord said I should clarify something. I AM content with my circumstances. I AM content with the resources available to me. What I am NOT - and hope to never be content in is my relationship with the Lord. My worship of the Lord. My hunger for the Lord. That was the contentment I was referring to. Hope all of this makes sense to ya'll. Thanks.
Posted by Valarie at 9:04 PM 0 comments
You know, lately it seems that I've heard more and more people using the word content. Things like "I'm learning to be content with my home." "I'm learning to be content in my marriage." "I'm learning to be content in our church." "I'm trying to teach my kids to be content with what they have." Content.
I looked up content in the old Webster's 10th and listen to this. "To appease the desires of, to limit oneself in requirements, desires or actions, to hold in, contain" I'm not so sure I like that definition. Then I look to the Word for content(ment) and up comes the familiar Phil 4:12-13 verses. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (NIV) Now, I love these verses and have used them and shared them with others during difficult times in my life. I think, sometimes we even use verses to the point that they become cliche' - if that's even possible!
This ending of the letter to the Philippians from Paul was written about him receiving gifts from the church for preaching. He was telling them that he didn't need anything - though it was their duty to care for him - because he had learned to be content in every situation. I think we sometimes aspire for contentment and end up missing a blessing. Now, I DON'T think that means we need to get ourselves so wrapped up in wanting more that it becomes sin, but I do think God wants more for us and wants to give us more and we end up missing it because we're so busy being "content".
Look again at verse 13. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Let's think about that. I can do everything. Does this really mean everything? I think it does. The verse says "I can DO everything" not "HAVE everything". I think as Americans we get our "doing" and our "having" a bit mixed up at times. I think about other countries where people line up outside of churches waiting for one service to end so they can get into the next one, or where they meet in the shade of trees in a field as their "church", or sit in an empty building with a mud floor instead of an air conditioned, padded seat "sanctuary". Don't get me wrong, we don't have to go to that extreme to have a real church. We are blessed and I'm thankful to live here but I think it's time we tap into the power at our disposal!
Look at Eph 1:17 - 20. It speaks about the power that we have thru Christ. vs 19 - 20 "and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms." Do you get that? The very same power that it took for God to raise Jesus Christ out of that grave and seat Him on His throne is the same power in which "I can do everything"! Anything I need to do, NOT anything I need to HAVE, when I ask God to extend "his mighty strength" in me, HE WILL DO IT! I know you're gonna say "As long as it's His will." You're right about that, however, when you're asking for that kind of power from the place of contentment in HIM, I believe He'll grant your request! In fact, I've seen Him do it in me!
I've asked to do things in the past and truly believed it was His will for me, but then He ended up showing me whose will I was truly seeking and it WASN'T His. OUCH! So when I think of contentment and it's "limiting desires, actions or requirements" I say phooey on contentment. I want more! I want more of the "power of His mighty strength in my life"! I want more of Him!! I want to serve Him more! I want to love Him more! I want more for my man! I want more for my kids! More of Him! More of my Abba Father! MORE!
Posted by Valarie at 3:54 PM 4 comments
Sunday, October 14, 2007
2 quick things!
First I just wanted to tell ya'll about this AWESOME site you need to check out. www.5minutesformom.com Land sakes they're givin all kinds of free stuff away! LOVE FREE STUFF!!
Also, on a serious note, please pray for Ashley Adams tonight. If you don't know her story go to www.ashleyadamsjournal.blogspot.com. She's not doing well today. Thanks ya'll.
Love to ya.
Father God, I beg you to heal sweet little Ashley. However your will be done, Lord do it in this sweet little girl. Thank you for her life. Thank you for her family. Bless them with a supernatural presence tonight Lord. You are Jehovah Rapha, and we pray now that you will heal her. Thank you for loving us enough to offer us healing either here on earth or ultimate healing in Your presence thru the blood of your Son Jesus. Thank you Father and it's in Jesus name I ask and beg these things.
Posted by Valarie at 8:08 PM 0 comments
Friday, October 12, 2007
Weekend Worship
Hope ya'll enjoy this! I know I do!
Posted by Valarie at 3:20 PM 1 comments
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Til the storm passes by....
This old hymn is one of my momma's favorites. I can remember her barely getting the first few words out and she'd start ballin' so bad she couldn't even sing. I remember as a child thinking that I didn't understand why she was so upset because there were no storms in our life. (or so I thought) Then I remember as a teen being mortified because she'd start ballin' and I would worry that everyone would THINK there was a storm when there wasn't. (again, or so I thought) I now know that there were storms RAGING around my mom. Storms in her heart, storms in her marriage, storms in our church, but she did her job to protect ME from them and for that I am ETERNALLY grateful. I got to grow up - for a time at least - not knowing why in the world that storm song got my momma so upset.
I wonder now, if I have done the same for my kids. Jimmy and I have been thru so many storms. Losing babies, losing my dad, losing my brother-in-law, losing our home, losing jobs. So many things. Too often I'm afraid I haven't sheltered them as much as I should have. Thinking it was best to be honest, maybe it was TMI for their little minds. God forgive me for that.
Another storm is brewing for us. One that will surely break their little hearts. We're going to have to move AGAIN. You see, we've finally moved into a neighborhood with lots of kids and they have friends over every day and there's someone for EACH of my little ones but now we have to move. The couple that owns the house we're renting has decided to sell and we can't, and don't want to buy it so here we are. So, once again, I get to break the bad news and watch the hurt on their sweet little faces. So guys, PLEASE pray for us. Pray that God will place us around other kids when we move and pray that I'll have the words that will make this as easy as possible. It KILLS me to have to do this to them again, but I know that God is in control and has a plan. Convincing my little ones is gonna be the tricky part.
Needless to say, I haven't told them yet, so if you're reading this and will come in contact with my kids I BEG YOU NOT to say anything to them. Just pray!! Thanks!
"In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place.
'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try,
For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by"
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.
When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by."
Posted by Valarie at 11:37 AM 3 comments
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
"Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) is to make more disciples. In the spirit of this award, the rules are simple. Winners of this award must pick five other "Disciples" to pass it on to. As you pass it on, I just ask that you mention and provide links for (1) this post as the originator of the award (Dan King of management by God), (2) the person that awarded it to you, and then (3) name and sites of the five that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ…"
Thanks Leigh! My first award! YAHOOOOO! Pretty cool.
Now my job is to nominate 5 others so here we go:
1. www.sharibraendel.blogspot.com
2. www.lisawhittle.blogspot.com
3. www.concordmomofone.blogspot.com
4. www.raisingfive.blogspot.com
5. www.mandythompson.wordpress.com
These are some blogs I check up on regularly. Love to all and keep spreadin' the Word!
Posted by Valarie at 7:57 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
"Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven"
Well the conference was just AMAZING!! I'm not sure why all the other women were there because God clearly had a fresh "Breath" just for me! (isn't it funny how that happens for each of us - love that about Him!) God moved in me this weekend in such a way that I laughed, I cried and I even had the "nerve" to put on a t-shirt that was a size too small, a skirt that was WAAAAYYYY too short and my boots and participate in a mock fashion show of "What not to wear" for the speaker I was shadowing! Now, realize that in the past this would not have been a stretch for my personality. I'm kind of a dingbat, if you know what I mean. However, I had allowed the enemy to use his demon of fear and judgement to encamp around me in the wee hours of the morning Sat. morning and I got up and wasn't going to do it. BUT GOD, reminded me that I had committed to it, and that there are women who have just never been TOLD that how they dress doesn't glorify Christ. That sometimes God uses an "over the top" example to make us go "Wow, I never realized....(fill in the blank)". So I got up, hiked up my skirt, zipped up those boots, squeezed that shirt over the girls (shirt that said "Modest is Hottest" by the way - heehee) and I strutted my stuff in front of all those women! TOOOO FUNNY!! They got the point, I believe!! ;-)
So the Father gave me one fresh Word after another all weekend. Jennifer Rothschild could've just spoken my name her Word from God was so applicable to me, Elizabeth Luter - oh my lands - gave me a Word that I am claiming and I'll tell ya'll about that on another post (not quite ready to share that one yet) and Lysa Terkeurst, well every time I've ever heard her speak the Lord has used her message in my life and He did not disappoint again!
Isn't that just like God, ya'll? He's PERSONAL! He's in every one of our lives! It might seem like He's only relevant to a select few - Super Spiritual Beth Moore types, but that is a lie from the enemy!! He cares about all of us. He cares if I'm home cleaning the toilets. He cares if I'm changing a flithy diaper for the 10th time that morning. He cares if I'm going to volunteer at school. He cares if I'm cooking - AGAIN! He cares if I'm going to a job where I'm not appreciated. He cares ya'll. He's there for us. He's near. He wants to help us. He wants us to ask for His help. It's all about relationship.
"Breath of Heaven hold me together, be forever near me, Breath of Heaven.
Breath of Heaven light of my darkness, pour over me your Holiness, Breath of Heaven."
Posted by Valarie at 9:13 AM 2 comments
Friday, October 5, 2007
Worthy Is The Lamb
I told ya'll I've had a crazy week, but as I get ready for Breath of Heaven, this song says it all! I love you Lord and I thank you for everything I have, everything you've done, everything Father. You are worth!! I praise you!!!
Posted by Valarie at 9:09 AM 4 comments
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
14 years ago today!!!
Today is the anniversary of the second best day of my life! Second only to the day that I asked Jesus into my heart (May 12, 1980). This is the day that the most handsome, the funniest, the most caring, the most sensitive, the most compassionate, the most loyal, the most passionate man I have ever known took me for his bride!!
14 years ago today I (in true drama queen style) put on the biggest gown I'd ever seen, poofed my hair as high as 1993 would allow, opened my heart and gave myself like I never thought I would to Jimmy! He has lovingly handled it with great care to the best of his ability for 14 years! He has treated me like a queen! He has loved me, DESPITE me! He has given me his entire heart, leaving no corner of it closed off to me. That had NEVER happened to me before.
I thank God every single day for bringing this man into my life. His plan for us hasn't always been an easy road to take but we have taken it TOGETHER! Never straying or getting distracted by anything else!
I love you Jimmy, more today then I ever dreamed possible. I thank you for being my husband, which I know isn't easy and I know the Father is gonna give you a special crown in heaven for it!!!! ;-) You know that I went into this marriage expecting it to fail. Expecting you to be unfaithful. Expecting to leave. That was because at that time in my life, I didn't have my expectations in Christ and I'm so sorry for that! I'm so grateful to you for NEVER giving up on me and now, I know that God intends for this marriage to end when one - or both - of us is in His presence and not a day before! I will love you til that day comes! I'm Forever Yours!
I love you baby!
Posted by Valarie at 10:05 AM 2 comments
Monday, October 1, 2007
Pray for Tracy/Lucy
Hey ya'll. Some of you may know Tracy over at All Things Lucy and that she hasn't been blogging for a while. Her computer is completely, totally dead. No signs of life, whatsoever.
I wanted, however, to ask ya'll to pray for her. Her husband co-owned a restaurant and they closed it last week leaving their entire family without jobs. Tracy has just gone back to school and they have 2 teens. You would think that she'd be losing her mind, BUT GOD (don't ya love those words) has granted her His peace and assurance that He has a plan, and that He is in control. So, we need to pray that God will thwart whatever plans the enemy has to attack her family during this time and continue to surround her with His peace.
Thanks ya'll.
I love ya Tracy!
Posted by Valarie at 3:15 PM 2 comments
Well my weekend was a complete whirlwind and it's not going to get much betther this week. My prayer is that the Lord will keep me focused on the things I need to take care of but keep my eyes open to His "Stops" for me along the way.
I went to WV this past weekend to visit my sister. She's still so depressed. Sept. is a HORRIBLE month for her. The month her husband died, the month of their anniversary and his birthday. Tough stuff. Ya'll say a prayer for her. The enemy has encamped his demons of depression, guilt and grief around her and she's just drowning. Her only Lifeline is the Lord but right now she's having a hard time focusing on the line He's casting her. Pray ya'll!
Then this weekend is our Breath of Heaven conference at church. I'm just so excited! I did Jennifer Rothschild's "Fingerprints of God" study and it was great. Really got me to thinking about looking for the Prints of the Potter on my life. Anyway, if ya'll would like to come, I'd LOVE to meet you there. Ya'll can all stay at my house and we'll just have a great big pajama party!! (won't my man die for me making that invitation! hahaha) Go to www.bohconference.com for details ya'll!
God has been good to me this weekend. He's kept me calm and peaceful - even while dealing with my mom - He's given me strength and safety and supplied my needs. He's just so good. I just love Him. That's all that matters. Not much else to say, I just love my Abba Daddy!
Posted by Valarie at 12:10 PM 0 comments


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Kim Kang Woo is a South Korean actor. Born on July 11, 1978, he made his acting debut in the 2002 film "The Coast Guard" while he was still in his last year at Chung-Ang University. He earned the nickname "Mr. Right" with his subsequent roles in the television dramas "Breathless" (2003) and "Three Leafed Clover" (2005) because of his wholesome characters. Kim Kang Woo became a star after he starred in the hit film "Le Grand Chef" in 2007 and has starred in many films and dramas since, including "Haeundae Lovers" (2012), "Golden Cross" (2014), "Missing Noir M" (2015) and "Goodbye Mr. Black" (2016) and "My Husband, Mr. Oh" (2018). Kim Kang Woo also has released a number of songs as a solo artist and in collaboration with other artists. In 2010, he married his longtime girlfriend Han Moo Young, who is the older sister of actress Han Hye Jin.
- Born
- Jul 11, 1978 (age 41)
- Star Sign
- Cancer
- Height
- 180 cm
- Weight
- 70 kg
- Talent Agency
Joo Ji Hoon, Kim Kang Woo, Kim Yoo Ri, And Jin Se Yeon Bid Farewell To "The Item" With Final Words
"The Item" Cast Shares Points To Look Out For In The Upcoming Fantasy Drama
3 Reasons To Tune In To Joo Ji Hoon's New Drama "The Item"
Watch: Joo Ji Hoon Embarks On Dangerous Quest In Suspenseful New Teaser For "The Item"
Joo Ji Hoon And Jin Se Yeon Are The Epitome Of Duality Behind The Scenes Of "The Item"


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Papa Pique and Mama Coud - (PPMC) have a cute range of accessories such as bags, purses, hair ties, which come in come in a range of gorgeous fabrics based on classical, floral, gingham and polka dots. The fabric is also coated which provides great protection and are easy to wipe clean.
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Photos used under Creative Commons from sean.kelleher1, satanoid, Renee Silverman, pierre*peetah, madelinewright, Rega Photography, Voyages Lambert, IntelFreePress, ahisgett, roxa_123, RonAlmog


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The Big Book Launch!
"Assimilate My Purse," Maximumrocknroll, February 2007
It seems like whenever I need sleep the most is when I'm guaranteed to sleep the worst -- today I wake up feeling like someone is drilling a hole into the center of my forehead, thinking okay I have a book launch today, let's engage, let's engage. Sitting on the fire escape for my afternoon sun exposure, I have to face away from the sun and the view I usually live for -- downtown San Francisco all the way to the bay if I face left, the San Bruno Mountains in the center, the trees of Buena Vista Park all the way to the right. Usually, sitting in the sun makes me happy but today it just makes my body feel even more twisted and dried-out. When I sleep extra-terribly, I can't digest anything, and today is no exception -- I'm just going back and forth from eating to shitting, doesn't feel that effective really.
I figure that today's the launch for Nobody Passes, so I'll turn on the news and listen through the lens of passing. Doesn't take long for them to start talking about bipartisan consensus -- that's a passing crime if I've ever heard one. First thing they're talking about is Robert Gates, the Iran Contra war criminal on the path to becoming the next Secretary of Defense, and Senator Carl Levin, who is just so heroic because he actually supports withdrawal from Iraq -- I mean, who would've thought of that -- withdrawal from Iraq? What does this firebrand of the Democratic Party say about Robert Gates -- he says: I think he has an open mind. That's great -- a war criminal with an open mind -- Mr. Gates, torture or death squads? -- Oh, I have an open mind.
Next thing I hear about is how Congress is debating a resolution condemning the French city of St. Denis for naming a street after Mumia Abu-Jamal -- what an insult to our national security -- the US must defend capital punishment at all costs -- it's one of our greatest exports!
Then, a wetlands protection act that authorizes more drilling on the Gulf Coast -- That'll protect the wetlands! And then, we get to hear from San Francisco local Nancy Pelosi -- did you realize she was a woman? A woman! A woman as the Speaker of the House – wow the US is really ready for change. Anyway, Nancy Pelosi says that she doesn't support drilling on the wetlands, but she will not organize opposition. Now that's new leadership!
After that, I turn off the news and put on Nina Simone, but at least I've got some great material to add to my introduction. That's when I start to feel better -- when I'm practicing my introduction, after I've taken digestive enzymes and my stomach sort of feels calmer. Grant comes over to help me get the books to the library, and then Katia arrives to drive us there. I'm stressing out about whether the sparkly purple belt is the right choice with the rest of my purple and pink outfit, but the curls in the front of my hair are exactly in place, so that makes me feel better.
At the library, I'm a sketchy mess, finding it hard to breathe with so much going on -- it's intense how nervous I get before a launch -- it's hard to focus on anything. Then I'm up there at the podium, talking about the news from the news, running into Laura Albert (who invented the JT LeRoy Experience) while mailing a package, then on to deeper terrain with the visit to my father and that emotional space of simultaneously expressing everything while not pretending that ANYTHING was okay – it's that place of refusing to pass that I want to invoke with this book.
Then I'm talking about the book, how it arose from wanting to examine passing as a means through which the violence of assimilation takes place, and then I'm reciting a few of the subjects addressed within -- that's a fun (and long!) list, and people applaud right when I get to the end, which makes it even more fun. Then I talk a little bit about all the drama with my editor at Seal, which I wrote about in an earlier column and then also the book intro. And, ta-da-- a few anecdotes and I'm ready to welcome the contributors!
It's so much fun to see people reading their work live, to see all of these complicated and surprising intersections between lived identities and struggles and stories. I also like watching the contributors watch each other. Since there are 10 contributors reading at the launch, I've asked everyone to read 1-2 pages max, so that no one goes over five minutes (the library is really strict about time, and a security guard comes to kick us out around 7:45 p.m., just an hour-and-a-half after the event begins). Several times I get nervous that someone has forgotten the time limit, but actually everyone is on it. When the reading comes to a close, it's before 7:30 p.m., the time when I wanted the reading to end so that people could socialize and buy books and get their books signed. We even have time for a few questions, but the audience is silent. At this point, there are well over 100 people there (I'm counting), the seats go all the way from the front of the room to the far back. No one has any questions? -- everyone's passing here, I joke -- but the truth is probably that there is so much information that people are saturated with it, taking time to digest. There will be more time for questions at the City Lights reading in a few days -- for now I'm appreciating this sensation.
I sell about 35 books -- which is a ton -- it's also the only reading when proceeds from sale of the books will go directly to funding my Nobody Passes book tour, so that's great. The library is such an ideal venue for a launch-- the room is large, but comfortable and accessible -- the only problem is that they close so early, people have to rush out instead of socializing. I've had my last three book launches here, but I always miss the fact that people can't stick around -- there's so much energy and excitement. And there aren't many comfortable places nearby to go -- Katia figures out a Middle Eastern place that turns out to be a great idea because it's wide open and comfortable and the eight of us who gather there can actually hear one another. The lentil soup is good, too -- and they have this great homemade flat bread. I always like the social time right after a reading -- it feels extra-intimate.
Back at home, I'm incredibly exhausted but in such a different way from the beginning of the day. I don't feel edgy anymore, just satisfied and excited about the book and its possibilities.


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There are so many different choices in buying an engagement ring, how can you possibly choose? Valentine's Day is coming up and many people 'pop' the question on this day!
See this infographic below for tips in choosing the best ring!
Yellow Gold, White Gold, or Rose Gold? – Looks like White Gold is still the #1 choice for ladies. It goes with everything and never goes out of style, though rose gold is still very "trendy."
So many shapes of diamonds – How do I choose? – Yes, this can be pretty confusing, but try and pick the ring out together, that's the best way to find what she likes, obviously! If this is not an option, that try to pick the best shape that matches her style. Simple and classic is the round diamond. If you are unsure of what she would like, you can always choose this shape!
Figure out a budget – They have on this infographic below that (£6 pounds) $9.52 is what you can save daily for one month and it adds up to about $330 a month. They say that (£2500 Pounds) $3965 dollars is a typical ring budget, but there are no real rules. Set a budget that you can comfortably afford and stick to it!
Good luck in choosing the right ring! If you have any questions, stop by and speak to one of our diamond experts… or see our collection of bridal rings online here.
Blog post by ~ Jelene


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We had such a blast working with Liz and Tyler that I couldn't wait to work on their photos. Their wedding was short and sweet at The Chapel at Red Rocks by the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. After that we went on a short stroll around Red Rocks Park and ended at the beautiful and fabulous ViewHouse Centennial in Centennial, Colorado. Liz and Tyler were both champs and made our jobs extremely easy by being themselves and enjoying each other during the portrait session!
Liz found me on TheKnot.com and she is our first Wedding in Colorado. I will certainly remember their wedding as a very special day for all of us here at Red Wave Pictures.


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Many people dreamed of owning a waterfront property, especially in the Pelican Waters. There is something about the calm and serene landscape that makes you feel you are on a vacation right in your own home. Living closer to the water has many benefits that is why most waterfront properties are really costly. However, if you are really after the benefits like fresh and cleaner air, good view as well as high return on your investments, then real estate Pelican Waters QLD has today is your best bet.
However, just like any other ventures, it pays to be smart before you take the plunge and invest your hard-earned cash. Below are ways to ensure that the real estate Pelican Waters QLD has today is indeed a great investment:
Understand Your Budget
Before you visit any houses for sale Pelican Waters QLD has today, ensure you know your budget limits of and consider any future life events that may influence your income. You need to take a look at your present and future wage circumstance. If you are expecting a baby in a few months, there is no sense maximising your current budget. You may not afford your bills when the baby comes.
Consider the Layout
Try not to be deluded by appearances, particularly when the home or a room has been recently remodelled. If you don't change the design to make it more functional, you're not increasing the value of the home, so you may end up paying a premium for something that won't be useful by any means. Make a point to step back and be critical of how practical the layout is rather than how lovely everything looks at first glance.
Hire Trusted Real Estate Agents
If you are confused or uncertain about what to pick for a venture, you should work with an experienced real estate agent. They are more acquainted with the area and can hence make the suitable suggestions based on your requirements when searching for in a real estate Pelican Waters QLD has to offer. Besides, they are the best people who can help you find properties that would fit in with your financial plan.
Check Every Nook and Cranny
Make sure to check every drawer, cupboards and closets when you visit homes for sale Pelican Waters has for sale. Do not just trust the initial appearance of a property. You have to ensure that every nook and cranny is worth your investment. The sellers will not be offended when you look around. They are probably expecting you to snoop around before you buy. Do not just assume that a certain door is for a closet or cupboard. Open it to be sure.
Pay Attention to New Homes
Just because a real estate Pelican Waters QLD wide is new doesn't mean it has no issues. The demand for housing sometimes for contractors to build fast and use cheap materials, compromising on quality. Ask the neighbourhood and find out if they have any issues with their homes in the area. It should also be wise to understand the nature of the builder and what sort of guarantee they're putting forth on everything.
The above are just a few tried and tested ways to ensure that the property you buy is definitely worth every buck. When you want to look at homes for sale Pelican Waters has today, you can check various listings or visit http://www.pelicanwaters.com/ for more details. Talking to trusted real estate agents will also save you from unnecessary worries in the future.


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Swimming Pool Equipment in Phoenix, Gilbert & Nearby Areas
Pool Equipment and Energy-Efficiency
The term energy efficiency is often times thought of as a buzz phrase, touting the latest trends in environmentally-friendly living, however as a pool owner, energy efficiency means so much more. Not only does energy-efficient pool and spa equipment reduce pool operating costs, it also cuts down on energy usage and saves water. And at Shasta Pool Repair, we are dedicated to giving both you and the environment a little break.
Pentair Pool and spa equipment offers a variety of energy efficient and environmentally friendly products that can help pool owners save hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills. While there is a greater initial investment to incorporate energy-efficient equipment, the rate of return in the long run is worth it. Plus, Shasta Pool Repair's exclusive five-year warranty, available on select variable-speed pumps, means you will enjoy years of electrical savings, as well as unparalleled coverage on your pool equipment.
High-efficiency, variable-speed pumps are a great way to make your pool more energy efficient, as these pumps use anywhere from 30 to as much as 60 percent less energy than the standard pool pump. Other benefits from variable-speed motor use is that your water runs slower during the circulation/filtration cycle, allowing your filter elements to last longer. Additional benefits include less wear and tear on moving parts and quieter motor operation while on low speeds. If the motor does not have to work as hard it simply lasts longer, as well.
Incorporating LED lighting into your pool and spa is also a great way to make your backyard more energy efficient. Not only is the life span for an LED light longer than traditional incandescent lights, you're also using much less wattage, saving you money by lowering your energy bill.
Automating your pool and spa system is one of the most effective ways you can make your backyard more energy efficient. Automated control systems, such as the Pentair Screen Logic system, allow pool owners to control their environmentally-friendly equipment wherever they are with a single touch on your smart device.
There's no reason for any pool owner to use more energy or spend more money than necessary in order to maintain their pool, and at Shasta Pool Repair, we're dedicated to giving you the most energy-efficient custom pool scape, using the best pool products in the industry, to enjoy in the most effortless way.
(*5 Year Shasta Equipment Warranties Available on select offers. See equipment specials for details)


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I recently bought Stephen Covey's new book "The 8th Habit" and have been spending some time listening to it. I must say, it is certainly thought-provoking. The essence of the book is divided into two parts:
1. Find Your Voice
2. Inspire Others To Find Their Voice
This book is all about anchoring your actions and decisions to your values and passion, and about providing encouragement and opportunity to others to give them a chance to make Meaningful contributions. Easier than it sounds, of course, but a very inspiring concept.
I've always remembered Covey's statement that a vital aspect of success in life is "Integrity in the moment of truth" - something it's easy to forget when the pressure is on and short cut approaches become more attractive.


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The Boston Red Sox appear to be more than in thick of the Johan Santana sweepstakes. But they may also be playing a different angle.
The Boston Red Sox appear to be more than in thick of the Johan Santana sweepstakes.
But they may also be playing a different angle.
The Red Sox and Yankees have been reported to be hot and heavy for the Minnesota Twins' Cy Young award-winning lefty, and ESPN.com reported yesterday the Red Sox look to be in the lead.
The Web site reported the Sox and Twins were discussing a trade that would bring Santana to the Red Sox for center fielder Coco Crisp, lefty pitcher Jon Lester, minor league hurler Michael Bowden and another player.
Santana, who would have to waive a no-trade clause in his contract, becomes a free agent after the 2008 season, and whoever lands him would have to pony up as much as a six-year, $150 million contract, according to ESPN.com.
The site also said the Twins are engaging both the Yankees and the Red Sox, and that those two suitors are bidding for the services of Santana as if at an auction, each hoping to drive the others' price higher.
ESPN's Peter Gammons said last night the Yankees will pull out all the stops to get Santana, including trading pitcher Phil Hughes and outfielder Melky Cabrera. The Yankees have indicated that pitcher Joba Chamberlain and second baseman Robinson Cano would not be part of a trade.
"I think Hank Steinbrenner will do whatever it takes to get him to the Yankees," said Gammons, who was at the Willowbend Club in Mashpee for a fundraising dinner for the Rehabilitation Hospital of Cape Cod and the Islands.
But he added that the Red Sox could take what they're reportedly offering for Santana and trade with the Oakland A's for All-Star righty Dan Haren.


text: Some of my favorite furniture pieces to do are custom orders for kids rooms and nurseries! I love it because A) it usually involves bold color and B) clients are more inclined to go outside the box and get creative with it! It is so fun for me to be involved in these client projects because I get a peak into their lives. I get to learn about their little ones, come up with a creative design and deliver a truly unique one of a kind piece for their spaces! Here are just a few examples of some of the fun designs I have had the pleasure of doing over the last few years! -Vanessa


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I'm using Varnish 3.0.3 on RHEL 6 as a caching load balancer in front of several Apache web servers and want to keep a log of when Varnish sees the back-ends change from healthy to sick and back again.
From the command line I can run
varnishlog -O -I "Back healthy|Went sick" and see lines like the following:
0 Backend_health - webserver1 Went sick 4--X--- 2 3 5 0.000000 0.000679
0 Backend_health - webserver1 Back healthy 4--X-RH 3 3 5 0.000622 0.000679 HTTP/1.1 200 OK
I'd love to write these sick/healthy state changes to a log file, but they are useless without having timestamps associated with them. How can I write these lines to a log file and include timestamps for each line?


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Johnnie Walker Black Label's complex layers of taste are created by blending more than 40 of the finest malt and grain whiskies in the world. 1 Liter.
Offer applies to participating products only: Bailey's Irish Cream 1L, Captain Morgan's Private Stock 1L, Johnnie Walker® Gold Label Reserve 1L, Gordon's Gin 1L, Crown Royal® Canadian Whisky 1L, Johnnie Walker® Black Label™ 1L, Johnnie Walker® Blue Label™ 750ml, Johnnie Walker® Double Black™ 1L, Johnnie Walker® Platinum Label™ 750ml, Ron Zacapa Solera Rum 23 Year Old 1L, Tanqueray Gin, Ciroc® Vodka, Johnnie Walker® Red Label 1L, Johnnie Walker® XR 21 750ml, Johnnie Walker® Island Green® 1L.
Discount applies to any two or more of the participating products from today through September 30, 2018. Discount will automatically be applied at time of checkout. Cannot be combined with other offer.


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Subscribe To Two New Last Airbender Clips: Fighting With The Elements Updates
I've already subscribed
Earlier today Yahoo! premiered the first full clip from The Last Airbender, and though it was a short one, it gave a good sense of the massive visual scope of the project, and put Jackson Rathbone-- a.k.a. one of the Twilight guys-- on display. Now Paramount has sent us two more clips from the film, and both of them focus way more on the action.
In the first one Aang (Noah Ringer) fights his way through a snowy village using his airbending skills, and in the second the villainous firebending Zuko (Dev Patel) faces off against Katara (Nicola Peltz) in some kind of underground cave. I really like the look of both of these clips, given that you can actually tell what's happening in the fights-- no easy feat these days--and the fire and airbending techniques don't look as silly as you might expect. The sound you hear is me slowly revising my expectations for the film. Check out the two new clips below.


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Call us 1-888-298-6993
Every detail of your trip will be handled by experienced agents, from the routing and aircraft selection, to ground transportation, in flight catering and services, andmore
Air charter service to and from Baker, Florida.
|Airport Name
|Airport Code
|Baker Airport
|Baker Municipal Airport
|Dotson Airport
|Sky Ranch Airport
Most people go on vacation to get away from the stress and strife that every day life brings. Standing in long check-in lines, and unnecessary lay overs that are found in commercial flights just add to it. The well deserved, relaxing vacation has just become another added stress and strife in life. Why not leave all those headaches on the front door step and charter a private jet and let the vacation begin. By chartering a private jet to Dotson Airport, from $airport code $airport name the hassles associated with commercial flights become a thing of the past. No more over head baggage to worry about, no more crying babies, just peace of mind. Besides there are more important things to concentrate on, rest and relaxation.
Chartering a private jet is the ultimate in affordable luxury travel. Private jet hire is available from most airports world wide to virtually any destination, including small airports. The supreme luxury offered when hiring a private jet charter for any occasion is phenomenal. The plush interiors are designed for an extremely comfortable and luxurious travel experience with reclining chairs, fitted carpets, and attentive staff.( ( Private jet charters from Dotson Airport $airport code offer some of the worlds most modern aircraft for private use. Whether for a single person, a business group, or even for hen nights and stag weekends, private jet rental ensures a perfect beginning to any event. A full package including exclusive use of a private plane and airport transfers in luxury and style are also available.
Every day people travel by air in order to get to a certain destination. On most occasions people travel via commercial airplane. While this is a good option there are some hassles that are associated with this form of travel. When traveling by commercial airline you will have to deal with long lines. security checks, baggage checks and delays. Using a private jet is the other alternative for air travel. With a private jet you will be able to avoid the hassles of commercial flights and have the most flexibility when traveling. A private jet is a great option to use when traveling by air. In order to get a private jet you will need to either buy one or rent one to use. When you look to charter a private jet from Dotson Airport, $airport sign, $airport name you will be able to travel on your own terms without any delays.
One of the best ways to travel by air is by chartering your own private jet. This becomes especially true if your vacation plans will take you to a remote location where the major airlines don't go to or if there are no direct routes. Flights that take 2 or 3 connections can become stressful since you need to worry about your luggage making it to the destination as well. For example, traveling to Dotson Airport $airport code $airport name through a private jet will be easier than having to book a flight with a major airline that requires 3 connections. Not only will you save time by not making connections, but you don't have to worry about arriving later than intended in case you were to miss one of those connecting flights and waiting for the next one.


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tarento watch
Singer Hiromi Go, 53, had the enviable job of posing with eight gorgeous semifinalists of the recent Lux Shine Audition. The winner will earn a scholarship and the chance to star in a commercial for the brand's hair products next year alongside a Hollywood actress. Go offered some words of wisdom to the women on surviving in the world of show business, telling them not to compare themselves with others. Later, he commented on the key to his own long career. "I'm like a 24-hour hot-water system," he declared. "I'm always on, never off." Each contestant has been provided with a ¥100 million "hair insurance" policy in order to maintain their luscious locks throughout the competition. The poll on the Lux website (www.luxfilm.jp) will be open to the general public until July 31, at which time four finalists will be selected to participate in the final audition scheduled for late September. Satomi Honda
Actress Ryoko Yonekura, 33, blew reporters away at Akasaka Garden City after turning up in a stunning backless dress and ¥800,000 necklace to accept the first "Platinum Goddess" award, held by PR firm Platinum Guild International and fashion magazine Domani… On the subject of awards, actress Meisa Kuroki, 21, is this year's winner of the "Miss Lily" prize, an annual honor bestowed by the International Flower Bulb Center to women who are judged to look the best with lilies… TV celebrity Yuka, 29, graces the cover of the August issue of fashion magazine Frau. Inside, she's featured in a 12-page spread titled "Loosening Up the Mind and Body," which boasts an impressive array of pictures of Yuka taken in Hawaii. CB
What: Next-generation electric bus
Where: Kanagawa Prefecture
Who: Keio University scientist Hiroshi Shimizu in collaboration with private and public transportation companies
Why: To help meet Kanagawa Prefecture's goal of developing a 3,000-strong fleet of electric vehicles in the next five years, Keio University is drawing up plans for "Japan's first electric bus made from scratch." The eight-wheeled, zero-emission vehicle will run on lithium-ion batteries that give it a range of 200km. It is also barrier-free and will likely be able to carry 60 passengers.
Source: The Mainichi Daily News
girl talk
Before taking your next stroll up Center-Gai, bone up on the latest gyaru-go so that you can talk the talk like a Shibuya Girl
Origin: abbreviation of mukatsuku
Meaning: angry; irritated
Origin: combination of geki ("ultra-") and achu, an abbreviation of atsui ("hot")
Meaning: to like someone or something very much
Origin: abbreviation of shikato suru (ignore) and meeru (email)
Meaning: to ignore someone's email
Origin: abbreviation of "pretty price"
Meaning: a bargain
Origin: literally, "two girls as one"
Meaning: coordinated outfits; "pair look"
Source: Fuji TV
Imagine the surprise at Metropolis HQ when our morning Takkyubin delivery included a massive dose of mammoth. Well, not actual fossilized remains or anything, but a case of the new Mammoth Meat!? snacks from Tohato. These thin, disk-like chips come in two flavors—Siberian Salt and Yakiniku Tare—and were developed as a "primal experience snack aimed at men who dream of life in the primitive age." After an office-wide taste test, opinion was mixed: some staffers felt they were "reminiscent of dog treats," while others found them to be salty and delicious. The chips go on sale August 3 at conbini nationwide (¥130 per 45g bag). And good news for all those on a low-mammoth diet: although the ingredients list mentions pork, there are no ancient woolly beasts inside.
the rant
"I was informed by the Brazilian Football Association that players in that country have taken around 300,000 shots on goal before turning professional. Here in Japan, it's only about 5,000. That's 60 times less. At a young age, players aren't used to shooting. That's why the J. League is boring—there are not enough shots on goal."—Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai, July 13, 2009
Source: The Asahi Shimbun
How much would you pay to experience love at first sight?
Men in their 20s ¥69,762
Women in their 20s ¥17,294
Men in their 30s ¥98,880
Women in their 30s ¥9,073
Source: Innovation Kitchen, via Mixi
"Deco-qlo" clubs are becoming increasingly popular among people who enjoy dyeing and adding decorations to apparel from Uniqlo (http://oc-i.jp/community/682)
The Pacific Asia Resource Center (www.parc-jp.org), a Tokyo-based NGO, is offering what it calls "Japan's first activist training program"
A local company called Office Agents (http://office-agents.com) rents out wedding guests for people who "don't want to tell their partner that they do not have many friends"
The Japan Beach Sumo Association (www.beachsumo.org), which holds friendly competitions around the country for kids and families, also seeks to "raise community awareness about trash and global warming"
A company in Tokyo called Tri-Wall (www.tri-wall.co.jp) offers eco-friendly coffins that emit "just one-third the amount of hazardous substances during cremation"


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Our mission at O'Hare Integrated Technical Solutions, (OITS) is not only to set a standard of excellence, but to exceed any, and all, expectations of our clients. We will always offer a diverse set of solutions, with the ability to make technology an asset to any organization. We will always maintain the ability to create a solution tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.
We strive to provide outstanding customer satisfaction, which is derived from our performance driven philosophy. With global capabilities, we currently fulfill contract, contract-to-hire, and permanent placement staffing needs.
OITS is a Veteran owned and operated IT solutions provider. OITS is dedicated to providing the cutting edge IT solutions that our customers need, while also lending qualified, professional support.Jerry Hare, OITSINC
Whether you need us to create a new Enterprise network, servers, clients, network equipment, security and all or any portion within the scope, our technicians are trained and ready. We guarantee to leave you with a fully functioning, secure, and stable network.
We also implement new products and services on existing networks. If you need a new server or network security appliance, conversion from one vendor to another, or just an update of your already in place equipment, we can help. Read more about our Information Technology Services and see a full list of the products we support. We also can provide on call technical support as needed. If you want professionals available in case of emergency, available to take overflow of tier 3 support calls, or just need temporary support to augment your staff as needed, we can help.


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Most birders of my acquaintance are also broader naturalists. They note butterflies, dragonflies, herps; they understand at least a bit about the ecosystems they frequent; they care about environmental issues, from conserving pockets of local green space to fighting climate change. In that context, what I'm about to say will probably not be that surprising or groundbreaking, but nevertheless: guys, trees are really really cool.
I always knew this on some level but my appreciation was renewed and focused when I took a tree identification class in Prospect Park this past weekend. It's an experience I can't recommend highly enough. Not only is it useful to be able to understand instantly when a fellow birder tells you that the Pine Siskin is at the top of the London plane or the Kentucky Warbler is skulking in the bushes just to the west of the big catalpa; it's also helpful to understand the world the birds inhabit. Seeing and touching the leaves of an aphid-ridden linden makes it suddenly clear why the tree in question is hopping with Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Knowing that a particular street is lined with oaks can let you anticipate a fall influx of screaming Blue Jays livening up the landscape.
And then there are factoids that are just fun. All those references to "lime trees" in Jane Austen (and Nick Cave)? They mean sweet-flowered linden, not the tree that bears the citrus fruit. Those massive London Planes that endure urban buffeting so well? The love-children of American sycamores taken abroad to botanic gardens. Hybrid oaks may show a bewildering variety of forms in their leaves, but their acorns will show their parentage. Seed form is also useful in figuring out the bewildering variety of introduced and cultivated maples.
If you get the opportunity, I recommend that every birder take a class or two on their local trees. It can only improve your birding. And hey, if a bird happens to appear while you're already looking up, that's a bonus.
Feature image by Ryan Hagerty, courtesy of USFWS
I agree! And it's fun to see how birds use different trees and snags for food and homes. I live on the Olympic Peninsula where we have an abundance of trees, and I love to watch raptors, owls, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and others zip through the forest and hide in the branches.
© 2013 10,000 Birds. All words, images, and opinions are the property of their respective authors unless stated otherwise.


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Our scalps should be treated with the most care. I will admit I don't nourish mine as much as I should. I suffer from a dry scalp which causes itchiness and irritation. Most of the time, my hair stylist washes and styles my hair so we mainly use her salon products and I occasionally bring her whatever products I am excited to try – hoping that the results will yield a clear and clean scalp. In addition to my dry scalp, I also suffer from dry and somewhat brittle hair (whowuddathunkit), so I get irritated when a product claims to do miracles in moisturizes your hair, but in reality, it stripped it even more. When I was sent Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo, my mind went to a notion of "Good bye, itchy scalp!," because my hair was currently getting on my last nerves. So I guess you're wondering how I felt about the shampoo after trying it for the first time.
As someone who strives to use natural products as much as possible (Not 100%), I was pleased to see that this product contained over 98 all-natural compounds that helps promote scalp health. Ingredients I instantly recognized was jojoba oil, argan oil, rosemary oil, and lavender. Now if this was for my face, I would've been extremely skeptical in using it since essential oils typically break me out. But with my hair follicles, it's a different story. Like I mentioned before, my hair is very coarse and dry, so moisture is NEEDED. My intent with trying this shampoo was to alleviate my scalp itchiness which is more prevalent on the top of my crown. Especially when it is overdue for a wash.
After smelling the product (who else does this?), I fell in love with the pleasant scent of tea tree, and also seemed to have that lingering scent of eucalyptus which always opens my sinuses. You know a product is natural when it doesn't sting your nose or isn't too overpowering..lol. So I washed my hair about 3 times because I felt like my hair was really dirty. Did I mention that this product is sulfate free? Sulfates are aggressive detergents made of sulfur-containing mineral salts. The most common are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). They strip our scalp of vital moisture and are also harmful. While I was so concerned with seeing the results of the amount of itchiness, I didn't even think of how it would make my hair feel. The shampoo lathers pretty nicely (I was surprised of this since it is mostly natural) and feels soft. The product also claims to clear away dead skin and soothes scalp blemishes. I'm not exactly sure what scalp blemishes are but I will say, the itchiness didn't subside as much as I wanted it too. What did happen though, is my hair has been extremely SOFT. So much to the point that I can't stop feeling it and everyone has been complimenting me on how great it looks. At first I thought it was due to my deep condition, but now I believe it is from the shampoo.
Recently, my choice to deep condition has been a number on rule in my hair care routine. A couple of months ago, I purchased Shea Moisture's Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Masque. This has been a cool product, but I honestly can't remember my hair being this soft which is why I know it has to be the shampoo. I leave this on for about 20-30 minutes. It contains shea butter, peppermint and apple cider vinegar. So if you're looking for hair masque that strengthens and restores and under 10 bucks, you may want to try this.
A combination of the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo, Shea Moisture hair masque and Moroccan Argan Oil ( I use this while blow drying my hair) will be my hair care routine for the next few months because my hair has never felt softer. Although the shampoo didn't remedy my itchy scalp as much as I would like, I did notice on their site a recommendation of the Hydrate Shampoo for itchy scalps.
To see more of Maple Holistics products, click here. To try free samples of their products, click this link https://www.mapleholistics.com/free-sample/. Their free samples program gives their audience the opportunity to try out the products at no cost, all while learning about an all natural, cruelty free company based in the U.S.
This was product was sent to me in collaboration with Maple Holistics. All opinions are my own. Thanks for reading! xoxo


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Like the Jackson Five there are currently 5 of them. You may have seen some of them before. I give you theeee Lilmeeeen!
They are still a work in progress as I am still looking to get a sense of how I want to colour them (digital or analogue, that is the question) but I thought I would share.
Have fun today!


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Baitullah Mehsud at a news conference, 2009. (Courtesty Reuters)
For good reason, U.S. and Pakistani officials are eager to declare Hakimullah Mehsud, the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehrik-i-Taliban (TTP), dead. A TTP-sponsored attack in 2009 on U.S. Forward Operating Base Chapman killed seven CIA employees. And the TTP has repeatedly hit Pakistani government targets with impressive brutality. Most recently, it released a video of its execution of 15 captured Pakistani soldiers, which declared, "This will be the fate of you all."
Thus, when, on January 15, news outlets across the world reported Mehsud dead, killed by a U.S. drone attack, many must have breathed a sigh of relief. But those reports may have been premature. Over the past two years, several similar announcements -- some even by prominent officials such as Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik -- have surfaced, only to be proved false by Taliban videos shortly thereafter. Mehsud even took credit for the 2010 attempted Times Square bombing months after supposedly dying. For their part, TTP spokesmen have adamantly denied that Mehsud is dead, or that he was even in the area of attack. Of course, it issued similar denials following the drone strike that killed Baitullah Mehsud, the previous TTP head, in August 2009. This Mehsud could be dead, wounded, or unscathed, but considering the increasing capability of U.S. intelligence and its ability to execute on it with drones, chances are high that his days are numbered.
It is tempting to assume that the assassination of an uncompromising Pakistani Taliban leader would be an unmitigated benefit for the United States. But the reality is not that simple, especially given ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The United States has hinted at initiating talks with various anti-coalition groups, including with the Taliban in Qatar and Hizb-i-Islami in Pakistan and Afghanistan. But it has left negotiations with the TTP entirely to Islamabad. (And that is intentional. Islamabad would likely be quite hostile
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"What?" cried Jim. "You came up with the idea!"
They paused around the corner, hiding, panting, shushing each other, listening out for the other boys. They could hear voices in the distance, and feet going off in the wrong direction. Their breathing caught. They stepped out of hiding and started walking towards Jim's house.
"They'll kill us if they catch us," said Jim.
"We can outrun them. Once we're at your house, they can't get us anyway."
"I don't know why I keep listening to you, Bill."
"Cos we have the best fun when you do!"
The two of them fell about laughing.
"The look on Fatty's face when you got him!" exclaimed Jim, contorting his face into a comical shape.
"Yeah, or Nick's face!" Bill pulled a face back at Jim.
The two of them carried on walking down the street, in high spirits. Suddenly, from behind a tree, a larger boy setpped into their path, hefting a sizable water balloon.
"Run for it!" Yelled Bill.
But as the two of them turned, they were confronted by Nick, bearing down on them, water balloon in hand. Bill turned back to face Fatty, Jim kept his eyes on Nick. Fatty and Nick were trying to look serious, but were still dripping from their soaking earlier.
"Gotcha!" Fatty shouted, gleefully. "Thought you'd try and trick us, Bill? 'We'll use these balloon on the girls,'" he said, in a mocking tone. "Oh yeah, you got us good. You and your sidekick." He nodded towards Jim. "You left us with two balloons, idiot!"
Fatty and Nick circled the boys, threatening them with the balloons, laughing as they flinched.
"It was just a joke, Fatty," said Bill.
At that moment Fatty and Nick let fly with their balloons. They exploded spectacularly on impact, thoroughly drenching Jim and Bill.
"Joke's on you two!" laughed Fatty.
Nick was stood opposite, in hysterics. Then Jim and Bill joined in.
"Let's get back to yours, Jim," suggested Bill, after the laughter had died down.
"Yeah, you got any icecreams?" asked Nick.
"Man, my mum's gonna kill me when she sees how wet I am," said Jim, as they all started walking off.
"You've always been a bit wet, Jimbo," Fatty jibed.
This is the fourth post of flash fiction week III. Tomorrow: Kit Fox.
Matt Ellen is a programmer from the UK. He reads lots of scifi and fantasy and likes to write nonsense, especially in limerick form. See more of his work at sgdi.tumblr.com.


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I am positively ecstatic with the way everything turned out, as it somehow managed to exceed all of my expectations! It was a beautiful day and we were surrounded by so many loved ones - what more could we ask for?! I would love to share the details and {lots of} pics, if you would like to see!
Deciding on a theme for her party came pretty easily as I wanted to tie in Fall, yet keep it unique to Claire. From the time I was about 19 weeks pregnant, the song "Sweet Pea" by Amos Lee has been a favorite, so Apple of Our Eye seemed like an appropriate theme.
Being in November, I instantly knew I wanted the party to feel cozy! We decided to do a spread of comfort foods and simple sweets.
Our menu included the following:
Beef & Vegetable Stew
Chicken & Dumplings
An assortment of Cornbread and Rolls with Honey Butter
And for the sweets:
Mini Sour Cream Apple Pies
Spiced Cupcakes
Chocolate Cake Pops
This entire menu was prepared by our awesome moms and Chris' Aunt Kathy (who is known for her sour cream apple pie!)
As for the location I had some trouble initially deciding on a place. The problem was finding a venue large enough to accommodate our large family and close friends, with indoor and outdoor space in case of rain, and not too pricey. But thanks to a wonderful connection, we found the absolute perfect space that fit all of our needs. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better location and a delightful bonus was that we had beautiful weather!
Because there were going to be quite a few kids of various ages we incorporated some fun activities which included, decorate your own cupcake, a craft table with coloring pages and a photo booth. The photo booth was a splurge, but so worth it! Everyone had a blast, plus it gave me peace of mind knowing that if I missed getting a photo of anyone, I would get a copy of all the photo booth pics! We provided a bunch of silly props and got a great response from everyone! I'll be sure to share a few favorites after I go through them this week :)
We provided a table of various pictures of Claire, including a collage featuring one of each of her monthly pics we took this year. And best of all was the INCREDIBLE and detailed scrapbook my Aunt Judy made for Claire. What a special piece for our daughter of the special moments and adventures she experienced her first year of life. It ended up being a really neat way for guests to see how much she's changed since she was born and a great use for the many, many photos I've snapped of our girl! I am forever grateful for the time and effort she put into this keepsake.
So without further ado, here are the pics. Enjoy!
{The Barn}
{With our Birthday Girl}
{Collage of Claire's monthly photos}
{Cupcake decorating station}
{Sweets Table}
{Scattered munchies::Mini cupcakes & Kettle corn}
{Fill Your OWN Goodie Bag-Huge hit with the kids!}
{Favors:Homemade Popcorn Balls}
{Our little walking machine with Grandma}
{Beautiful day to play outside with friends}
{Parris & Whitney}
{After she devoured her beef stew!}
{Note to self: Coloring table is a hit with kids AND teenagers}
{Sweet friends!}
{Grandpa Curtis wins the prize for largest birthday present!}
{Our dear friends, the Hills and Van Unens}
{It's cake time!}
{Dig in, Sweet Girl!}
{Birthday smooches!}
{The Hansen Fellas}
{Me & My Girl}
{Birthday love from Mama!}
Thanks for looking :)