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Sunday, July 25, 2010
Everything writers see, think, and experience influences their work. How could it not? Now, it's true that people do ask writers, "Where do you get your ideas?" and that writers--out of facetiousness or desperation--give answers like, "From the Sears catalog" (or "From Ideas.com," depending on the writer's vintage). But the truth is that writers get ideas from every damn thing they see, hear, smell, touch, taste, think, feel, or do—including the books they read.
Naturally, one wants to develop a unique voice, but do kids learn to talk without ever being talked to? You have an individual voice, by virtue of being an individual. And your individuality is composed of your essential God-given spark of personality and of the sum total of the things you encounter in life. Now, whether each encounter is a bruising collision or a fruitful act of love…who knows? But all of it is grist to a writer's mill; so much should be obvious, if one reads at all widely.
Personally, I learned to read at the age of three, and have read non-stop ever since. I'm 58 now; you can read a lot of books in fifty-five years. I'm sure that every single book I've ever read has had some influence on me as a writer, whether negative (I've read a lot of books with the mounting conviction that I would never in my life do something like that) or positive.
When I first began to write fiction, though, I was deliberately looking for positive influences, and luckily had quite a few to hand. During the writing of my first novel (OUTLANDER/CROSS STITCH, which I wrote for practice, not intending to ever show it to anyone), I consciously considered the art and techniques of these five writers in particular:
Charles Dickens – Nobody does characters like Dickens did, and that's why his books endure. He told excellent stories and painted a vivid portrait of Victorian society, but that society consists of people who live, breathe, and speak on the page. I learned from him the art of evoking a character: naming and describing people in such vivid detail as to make them live.
Robert Louis Stevenson – One of the earliest and best of the romance writers—back when "romance" meant adventure and excitement, escape from daily life. TREASURE ISLAND? KIDNAPPED? THE MASTER OF BALLANTRAE? The titles alone are enough to transport you, but the clean prose and vivid characters bring you back again and again.
Dorothy L. Sayers – Mistress of dialogue, character, humor and social nuance. From her, I learned that dialogue is the single most defining trait of character, and just how much you can do with accent, idiom, and dialect. Also, that a character is embedded in his or her social matrix, and that matrix is as important as the individual's personal characteristics.
John D. MacDonald – John D. was a prolific writer, with more than five hundred novels to his credit, in more than one genre, but was best known for his Travis McGee mystery/thrillers. From him, I learned how to sustain characters over the course of a long series, how to maintain a narrative drive, how to write action, and how to pace a story.
P.G. Wodehouse – one of the most popular humorists ever. Pelham Grenville Wodehouse taught me how much sheer amusement you can derive from the English language—and the art of constructing a plot that works so seamlessly that it doesn't matter how absurd it is. And no one who's ever had the pleasure of meeting Bertie Wooster and his gentleman's personal gentleman, Jeeves—let alone his bevy of friends and nemeses (Gussie Fink-Nottle and his Aunt Agatha, to mention only two)—will ever forget them.
I learned a great deal from all these writers—and from hundreds more. What every
writer on this list of personal muses has in common, though, is great skill in the matter of creating characters. And character, I think, is the single most important thing in fiction. You might read a book once for its interesting plot—but not twice. When you meet a fascinating person in the pages of a book, though, you come back, discovering new relevance, seeing new depths—or just enjoying the renewal of a long and lasting friendship.
42 comments:
Diana, I couldn't agree with you more! I defy anyone to say that they are not influenced by everything around them as well as everything they read, be that academic work, novels, newspapers and anything in between.ReplyDelete
All this, coupled with one's own life experiences, both good and bad, give each of us a unique view of the world, no matter where in that world we come from and what culture. However, it is only when one is prepared and brave enough to step outside your situation and look critically at one's own culture/way of life/situation from someone else's point of view that a fully rounded person emerges. I think you have done this admirably throughout your Outlander series, as well as the Lord John series - it is a real lesson to us all of how to write and learn at the same time.
Hope you have a great time at Strathpeffer Games and can get some more research done whilst you are over here in Scotland.
Irene Paulton
Coming back again and again to your books has mystified my family. "How can you read those books over and over again?" It was hard to put a finger on why I do, but you stated it perfectly clearly. We come back again and again because of the characters. I know these are fiction, but sometimes I find myself asking, "I wonder what Jaime and Claire are up to?" Then I know it is time to begin reading the series once more. Thank you!!!ReplyDelete
Oh Jenny...your comment made me laugh because my family has asked me the exact question when they see me reading the Outlander series again. Luckily, I've passed my books on to co-workers and now I have people at work to talk to about Jamie and Claire. As teachers, we have to monitor the halls during passing periods and I love that I can run over and discuss the Frasers, even if it's only 4 minutes at a time. The characters have been so well written that they ARE real to us. Thanks, Diana, for giving us that little break from reality to keep us sane!ReplyDelete
Jenny and Amy - right there with ya - have read and re-read Outlanders so many times -Jamie and Clare are now real people and it IS like visiting old friends and seeing how they've been. My family doesn't get it either.ReplyDelete
Like they say in the trade; "there is nothing new under the sun." Writers get ideas from everywhere even from other writers. What makes it stand out? The same thing that makes oneself memorable: the personality of your writing, a unique voice, a style.ReplyDelete
I couldn't imagine myself not reading while writing. It is true that sometimes, I stop reading, while writing, if my mind is too convoluted conceiving an idea. But then, the legally schizophrenic mind, the mind of a writer, has the need to partially detach from its characters and drop in into a different adventure in order to breathe in new air that helps the writer move forward. It's like taking your family for a visit to friends. At least that is my personal experience.
I also have my favorites who in a way have influenced me. Just to name a few:
Isabel Allende; Paulo Coelho; Milán Kundera, and of course you Diana.
Thanks, Diana. Always a pleasure to read what you have to say about things.ReplyDelete
Aside from the Outlander series, I have a few other series that I love. Why do I love them? Because of the characters. William G. Tapply - Brady Coyne; Philip J. Craig - J.W. Jackson; Donna Leona - Guido Brunetti; Sue Grafton - Kinsey Milhone; J.D. Robb - Eve Dallas and Roarke. If I tell people they think it's ODD that I'd re-read mysteries. *G* But I enjoy the characters so much, it's like hanging out with them! (Not to mention, half the time I can't remember who done it *G*.) For me: "When you meet a fascinating person in the pages of a book, though, you come back, discovering new relevance, seeing new depths—or just enjoying the renewal of a long and lasting friendship." - it's all about the last bit....
Thanks. Diana.
Wonderfully written. And what you are saying is exactly how I feel about Jamie and Clare. They have become real people to me. Here's the perfect example for you. I have recently planted a garden in a community plot, and was wondering how I was going to keep all the vegetables I grow from going bad at my house. I found myself thinking "What did Clare do with her garden?". I often find myself thinking of them in real life, and have read the series at least 10 times. It's about time for me to read it again, to be ready for when the new book comes out. :)ReplyDelete
The books that have stayed with me over the years are the ones who characters speak to me in a real sense. Their features are completely clear to me and I can hear their voices having conversations with the other characters.ReplyDelete
The characters become that way because of the authors real life experiences. Diana, you know how to make a simple moment, like a Granny making cookies with her grandson, become an experience that is as real to me as if I were standing in that kitchen with them.
I know that I will read your books over and over again, because I find new things everytime I read them.
- AnonymousJuly 25, 2010 at 12:13 PM
I always wanted to write because I love to read. I was raised on a ranch in New Mexico and attended a rural school with three teachers for grades kindergarten though 8th. High school involved a bus ride of 64 miles every day, one way.ReplyDelete
I had all the time in the world to read. I married a cowboy and raised three children and glory be...when they were grown my husband bought me a PC! The world opened up, I took classes, learned HTML, built a webpage and began to write. I write for my own satisfaction and expect never to publish. But I enjoy it immensely, almost as well as reading.
When one of my grown daughters brought 'Outlander' and told me how wonderful it was I have been hooked ever since. I live with Claire and Jamie; my mother's people came from Scotland to settle in South Carolina in the years before the revolution and I like to think you sort of wrote their history. If so, I am deeply in love with my many greatsgrandfather!!
My list of influences has changed since then, you Diana, are the top of my list. There are many more but no one does it better.
Thank you for you books. I am a lurker here but part of my day is to check in to see what you are doing. I find that you are doing fine, and that is wonderful...
Speaking for myself, I do tend to be very influenced by books if the author has a strong voice. But so what? You just edit it out for consistency after you're finished, right?ReplyDelete
What I don't get is when writers tell me they don't really read books. I'm like, "Hur?"
Hi Diana,ReplyDelete
I am a lifelong reader and just wanted you to know that you are my all time favorite author ever. I absolutely love your books and don't think I get any more excited than when a new book from you is imminent! Thank you for providing the very best characters (adore Jaime and Claire) and story line around.
I completely agree. To pretend you are not influenced by other writers is sheer silliness. Whether it's apositive influence (or negative "I don't EVER want to do that!" as you said) helps you develop as a writer. I wish I could still write to Laura Ingalls Wilder and tell her how much her books influenced me and motivated me to want to be a novelist as a young child. I am happy to still be able to contact you and say that your writing (and Claire's wit) has found its way into my writing. :)ReplyDelete
Ahh, yes, creating fascinating characters that you want to revisit time and time again is key to successful writing, but so few authors are able to achieve it! I love all the characters you've created in the Outlander series and have re-read the books numerous times, but over the years and many, many books later, I have found very few authors that tempt me to re-read.ReplyDelete
I envy those that learned to read at an early age.ReplyDelete
One of the strongest influential characters in my life was a teacher (Notre Dame Nun) in my freshman year in high school. Because I wasn't a very accomplished reader in elementary school, I had to take a remedial reading course in high school. She didn't care what I read, novels, comic books, magazines, cook books. So long as I enjoyed them and understood them. I will never forget her for as long as I live. I read to my own children everyday when they were young and will do so with grandchildren as well.
Your characters seem to "come to life" on the pages. To me they were/are real people. I often wonder what's become of some of the lesser characters in the books? You make it so that one could actually believe that they were/are real people. I have to remind myself that they aren't real (very hard to do sometimes). And while I appreciate all of them, I must admit that it's the people of my world that have the greatest influence on me. And I hope that I've had some influence on them.
Since my high school days I've become a voracious reader and have read many kinds of stories. I make it a point to finish a book, regardless of the storyline or style of writing (it's very difficult sometimes.)I feel I owe it to the author as they've done something I only dream of.
Can't wait for the next adventure of Jamie and Claire.
Dear Diana,ReplyDelete
I have read books that were unforgettable for several reasons. A great plot, an excellent adventure, idiosyncratic characters, a favorite period of history, all these and more have caused me to collect books over my life's time.
Never have I been so moved by a story, by characters, the times, events and adventures as I have been moved by your books. If someone told me that I would visit a website where excerpts from a series of books were posted and where every aspect of that excerpt would be dissected, analyzed, argued and merited, I would've said they're ridiculous. Foolish.
How is it that a fictional man and woman matter to me as much as any dear friend? How could I fear for their lives? Wonder what they think or feel? Why do I cringe with pain or feel my blood pressure rise in anger as a result of judgments or injustices done unto them? And, for heaven's sake, why do I ponder the absolute joy and sheer fun it would be to have sex with a tall, red headed Scotsman when I am so happily married? Sheesh!
I love Charles Dickens. I really dig A.S. Byatt, Herman Hesse, John Steinbeck. But, you, Diana, are my favorite author. Your books are my go-to books when that certain something is missing in my life, when I need something to "make it all better."
Thank you.
You are an inspiration and so very gracious with sharing your time and talents. Thank you!ReplyDelete
I finally saw the Exile excerpt in the back of the Green Slime book - FANTASTIC. I can't wait for the release!
- HeatherJuly 25, 2010 at 6:51 PM
Thanks Diana, I am an avid reader also, I was the one when people asked my Mum where's Heather? She'd reply, She's Happily off in a corner with a book :-) I can't imagine not reading something every day. And like all of your readers Jamie, Claire and all are very real to me too. I can't wait for Exile to come along, :-)ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJuly 25, 2010 at 7:21 PM
I just checked out the website created for the musical that is being made, and I wanted to tell you again that I would REALLY love to be apart of the cast.
I am 14 living in Santa Rosa, California and I sort of love your writing. (who doesn't?)
Acting has been my thing for 6 years now and I've always wanted to be in a big production such as this.
Even being an extra would be fine.
My email is firstname.lastname@example.com
and I also have a facebook.
Please, please contact me about this, you don't know how much it would mean to me.
-Miranda Williams
- AnonymousJuly 25, 2010 at 7:43 PM
Man proposes, God disposes..................................................................ReplyDelete
Loved your post, and I completely agree with you.ReplyDelete
I've been trying to write for the past few months, I have a lot of stories in my head that I want to write, but I am a brazilian and I want to write my stories in English, so I've been reading a lot of books, learning writing techniques, etc. I have to say, Your books were the ones that helped me the most, my vocabulary has increased substantially and I learned a lot!
I am very focused on improving my writing and English in general, so I will read these books you were influenced by, and try to sharpen my skills a little bit. I haven't read most of the classics yet, like Dickens and Robert Louis Stevenson...
Hi, Miranda!ReplyDelete
Well, see, there isn't a stage production at present, though there -might- eventually be one. Right now, what we have is a recording of the libretto--the songs alone. There's no script as yet, let alone funding, theatre, etc.
It's also a pretty minimalist production; very well produced, but sung by only four (very talented) voices. Um...all of them adults (with the exception of the two young sisters who sing the Gaelic of the "Ist tu fuil..." song). Granted, a _big_ stage show would likely have a chorus that might employ younger people, but as I say, we aren't there yet.
Being ambitious is a good thing, though--go on asking and being out there! And the best of luck to you, too. [smile]
Dear Elisa--ReplyDelete
Wow! The idea of writing novels in a foreign language is remarkably ambitious--but I wish you all the luck in the world with it! (And I'm very flattered that my books have been any help to you.)
"When you meet a fascinating person in the pages of a book, though, you come back, discovering new relevance, seeing new depths—or just enjoying the renewal of a long and lasting friendship."ReplyDelete
Well said, and succinctly put, the reason I have favorite books that I reread time and time again. When you love (or hate) a character, you want to see if and how they develop as a person, and what happens to them as a result of their own and outside influence. This is why people are so invested in some books, and why they become furious at authors - they feel as if the characters are 'betraying' them in acting other than the person believes they should. I personally have always felt this is narrow minded and immature - characters, if written properly, are influenced by their surroundings and experiences, the same as real people are; they don't always act and do what they should do. It is the mark of a great writer that we forget that their characters are NOT real people, off living their life somewhere, and that we could find them if we tried. (Now the sucking up part.) You have the trick of making me forget and that's why I love your books.
Now I'm off to renew my friendship with Bertie!!
Dear Diana,ReplyDelete
maybe I got you wrong with what you originally wanted to say - but I don´t think, it´s silly, not to want to read during writing...
I´m kind of writer, that doesn´t read during writing... I do not read because I don´t want to be influenced by others words... No: I don´t want to zone out, that´s all...
You have the admirable ability to write many projects alongside (is that the right expression?). Further you write exzerpts and put them together to a novel. Others don´t... like me. I start with the beginning of a story and follow the protagonist through the book. For this I have to dip inside the story - it´s kind of meditation - and your right: I´m writing fast in these moments. Well: Having a daughter and a househould and my job at the fairtrade-company and being human (drink, eat, sleep) I have to break this meditation-mode; but it´s a lot easier to get back if you don´t start to read books in addition to write. That means: no books during writing... (well, to be honest: I´ve read _your_ books - but they are the only one I read during writing because of my tree-projects :-) )
Best regards
Dear Susan--ReplyDelete
Whatever lets you get words on the page is the right thing to do. [g] But I just said that I don't think avoiding reading _to avoid being influenced_ by what you read makes sense--not that you shouldn't/couldn't avoid reading for other reasons, which is what you're doing.
So well said. Period. Thanks for this! I hang on your every word regarding the process of writing itself. You are rather a hero of mine. :)ReplyDelete
Thank you for becoming a writer, & doing such a fine job of making characters come alive and apart of our lives. Which is just ONE of the reasons I completely love the Outlander series. I feel like I'm coming home. :)ReplyDelete
I was in an used book store the other day and picked up an old book (written in 1954) called The Scotswoman by Inglis Fletcher. The main character is Flora MacDonald and I smiled because without your books I don't think I would have a clue who she is or what Culloden was. So far it is a nice book. Thank you for your attention to detail in all things but especially with the history portion. I learn AND I'm fully entertained! The best of both worlds. Hope your are recovering nicely. Have a wonderful day.
Dear Diana,ReplyDelete
ah... so I got you wrong and now see clearer ;-) That´s it when english is not the mothertongue and experience isn´t really there. But I have to say, I´m getting better, since I met you and am forced to talk in other languages then German and Italian ;-)
Dear Diana,ReplyDelete
I was so struck by your observation that books are re-read not only for their plot. As a budding writer myself, I agree completely: the dialogue gives the reader an opening into the mind and personality NOT shown by the writer; that part of the character that we, as readers, make OURS.
Your explanation was so succinct that I plan to shamelessly point others toward when asked why I so love writing dialogue and getting inflection and idion "right" the first time around.
I've just discovered the "Outlander" series, thanks to a fellow writer-friend who knows me VERY well, and frankly read them cover to cover non-stop for a month. I feel as though these wonderfully-rounded characters are dear friends, complete with their quirks and foibles, strengths and courage.
Thank you for getting the idea to "try" to write a novel. Me thinks you pulled it off, m'dear!
- Heather CJuly 26, 2010 at 10:28 AM
hi, diana,ReplyDelete
i am one of many that read and re-read books, often during the first reading, too. i'll go back over a section that really spoke to me, or really made me wish that i was that particular heroine. (oh, he's kissing her again? let's do that again!) i find myself in the story with the characters, and they are so real to me. in fact, jamie is my make-believe boyfriend (just don't tell my husband!!)
i am also a writer--and i find that i like to go back and read over several times what i have written, to tweak it, or just to enjoy what i was able to pen. i agree that charles dickens is a major influence on writers, because he was so good at creating and naming characters, as well as making the reader wonder where he's going next in the plot. i feel that way about jamie and claire and the rest of the gang.
i find that reading other writers helps me to write. i (usually) enjoy the read while i learn. i can't go one day without at least reading something before bed. i am currently re-reading "voyager" and finding things that i missed the first time, whether is was a piece of action, or how you said something.
so, i guess what i'm trying to say is. . .thanks!
If I ever write a book , you are going to be one of the people on my blog like this one.
The things you write down, even the things u say in ur podcasts and interviews (which I have saved from youtube) are so so quotable...
You are absolutely write, books read are one of hte major influences on how a person writes himself. But ... the way Claire narrates the books, and the way Roger's third person narrates them are slowly insinuating themselves into the way I think and talk.
I can safely say, that even though I was entertaining company before, sicne I have read Outlander books , I have become something of a pro in making ppl laugh and think... and not just in english. I wish you would keep writing forever :p
I used to be active on compuserve, but i sorta lost touch with it... but Ive never been able to lose touch with outlander books. One of them is always on my ipod - just to laugh during the day, and out of the several thigns I read spontaneously, one of them is always an outlander book. I wish there was someway we all could thank you for these :)
Infact, I have this weird thing, where I expect every guy I ve been dating (for more than 1 month) to read Outlander atleast. Just to get an idea of how men should be. Is this crazy? I dont know, but they think so. One of them actually thought I was crazy and well, yada yada... lol
I am digressing...
I had the lcuk to meet you when you were in toronto, but I could only get my books signed, since it was crowded. But I do hope to talk to you for a few minutes someday, when you are here abouts again (are you ?).... Also, do you wear purple/lilac ?
Lots of love
oops.... I meant 'you are absolutely right*', not 'write'...ReplyDelete
Dear Diana,ReplyDelete
I couldn't imagine going that long without reading either! The only books I avoid while writing are novels that take place during my time period - I feel I have to do my own non-fiction research before I start reading others' interpretations. Afterward, though...
And yay for Dorothy Sayers!
Dear Rashu--ReplyDelete
Not lilac; I look yellow in it. [g] A very deep purple, with either a red or blue undertone, looks OK on me, though.
Thanks, and yes, I do generally go to Toronto on booktours, so will hope to meet you there next time!
Diana -ReplyDelete
Really nice write-up of what makes a book great, and one day you should absolutely be included in that list! Your characters are the main thing that keep me coming back to Outlander again and again. Even after finishing the series to date, I find myself thinking about Jamie and Claire and their many families and friends all the time, they feel that real!
- mongerwhoJuly 28, 2010 at 7:58 PM
Thank you Diana! Now you have given me the gift of finally being able to explain to people why I read some books over and over again. I usually just say "they are my friends". But then people look at me like I'm sad or crazy.ReplyDelete
Thank you also for creating many more books with characters that I never get tired of.
I hope you have a good summer.
P.S. This is my first blog comment/fan letter ever.
This was an amazing and extremely helpful post! Thanks for it. Now I'm just curious but when you say that you "consciously considered the art and techniques of these five writers in particular"...was it more that you actually studied the way they wrote by analyzing their books or was it more that you had read their work and it was sort of lodged in your brain? Like how sometimes after you read a long engrossing book and next thing you know you find yourself speaking in the fashion of the book.
Dorothy Sayers is actually one my all-time favorite authors and after reading her books I would just sit their in awe of her main character...Lord Wimsey...just wondering how she created someone who spoke like that! I was actually secretly hoping her style of writing would rub off on me subconsciously haha.
Oh and also!...Sorry so many questions but do you favor novels written in the first person or in the third person? I know that the Outlander series and the Lord John books are all written in the first person ...did you debate on which person point of view to use when you began writing?
Dear Maliha--ReplyDelete
Err....maybe you want to read my books a trifle _more_ consciously. [g] Only OUTLANDER is written in the first person. NONE of the Lord John books has any first-person stuff at all, while all the other Outlander books are written with a combination of viewpoints (Claire is the only character with a first-person point of view, ever. Everyone else--Brianna, Roger, Jamie, Lord John, Young Ian, William--has third-person viewpoint).
Which I suppose answers your last question. [cough]
As to the first one, mostly I'd just read those authors repeatedly--but I'd _noticed_ what they did. I didn't sit down and say, "Oh, ah, how did he/she do _this_?", because I already knew how. But it wasn't just a matter of falling into someone else's voice, either; I did _know_ exactly how John D. MacDonald handled the question of Travis McGee's past in each knew book, for instance, or how Dorothy L. Sayers used idiom and accent to depict class distinction (and how those in turn affected character and plot).
But you know, it's just whatever works for you, in terms of reading, analysis, or whatever. Anything that lets you get words on the page is the right thing to do!
Oh my! I feel like a complete imbecile. I just looked through the Lord John books again and realized that indeed they are written in the third person. My apologies..I read them a very long time ago it must have slipped my mind. As for Outlander I think I was just thinking of Claire's narrative. But yeah you clearly have a knack for mastering both persons. I usually end up liking books that are written in the first person better just because I feel that I connect with the main character MORE that way; but it is becoming clear that that's not necessarily true always. I mean I loved the Lord John books and I became really attached to his character too--And like you said (and I stupidly screwed up) that is indeed written in the third person. So really it just depends on the author and HOW he/she paints his/her characters.ReplyDelete
So yes thank you! That does answer my question about the person point of view. And thanks again for the fabulous entry and all the insight on writing. You're writing has been/is a great inspiration for me!
It's the characters that bring us back over and over again, but it's also the quality of the writing, the vivid descriptions that create such strong visual images, and, yes, the plots. Even though we know what's happening, it's still exciting. You can read a book for the first time only once, but subsequent readings enable us to enjoy other aspects. The first time through, it's a mad dash to Find Out What Happens.ReplyDelete
And why do people (not Outlander fans, of course :) ) think rereading is strange? No one would ever say, "Oh, you've heard that music once; why are you listening to it again?"
Judie--I, too, like Donna Leon, JD Robb, and Sue Grafton, but I'm not familiar with Tapply and Craig. I'll have to check them out...thanks! And might I suggest Robert B. Parker, especially the Spenser novels. Spenser and Susan Silverman are right up there in the relationship class with Claire and Jamie. (But his books are MUCH shorter.)
Oh, and try Dana Stabenow's Alaskan mysteries, featuring Kate Shugak. I believe Dana's a friend of Diana's.
There are other series I like, but you're right; the best ones are the series with the strongest characters.
Diana -- I also learned to read at age 3. In addition to having all those years of books (a few more than you), I am also afflicted with the blessing/curse (sometimes it's one, sometimes the other) of being a very fast reader. What about you, if I may ask?
Dear Bluebird--ReplyDelete
I read _all_ the time, no matter what else I'm doing--and reasonably fast, yes. In an average (i.e., not frantically busy) week, I'll probably read 2-4 novels, plus assorted newspapers, cartoon anthologies [g], and other stuff.
Thank you for this amazing post! I am in awe of your writing skills and this post allowed me to see who has influenced you. You also make me want to go and read the authors you mentioned and see if I can pick up on what you noticed in their writings. Lastly I have to say that not only is the Outlander series timeless, but the characters are the most developed and captivating and real and relatable and engaging and wonderful and and and...
I recently reread An Echo In The Bone and was stunned by how many memorable moments I forget! I reread something Jamie said to Claire the other day and the only thing I could think of was 'DAMN Diana is so brilliant I can hardly stand it.' You had me in tears.
"When a man dies, it's only him AND one is much like another. Aye, a family needs a man to feed them, protect them. But any decent man can do it. A woman... A woman takes life with her when she goes. A woman is infinite possibility."
I wish this was printed somewhere in the Bible... absolutely englightening.


text:
European Wines of Bulgaria Seminar & Tasting
An event organised by Sopexa South East Asia. The Regional Vine and Wine Chamber TRACIA, Bulgaria, invited all registered participants to a seminar and tasting session.
The seminar in the morning was conducted by Mr William Seah (CSW, FWS), Mr MarkAnthony Chesner and Mr Vihren Velkov in the Boardroom II-III.
In the afternoon in the Nassim Room, the tasting session was organised with a wide array of Bulgarian wineries and at least 30 labels of Bulgarian wines were presented.

subset: commoncrawl


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Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7, NLT
There is a story of a young man who struggled to make ends meet. One day, he got six pieces of white cardboard paper and wrote down these six letters: "L-E-T G-O-D." This was to remind him to stop worrying and striving to provide for himself and his family, and to let God take over. He placed the cards upright on his dressing table so that he would be reminded each day to let God provide for him.
Well, days passed and nothing changed. He was still in lack and became even more worried, anxious and frustrated. One day, out of desperation, he prayed, "God, please, I really want to know how to 'let You.' I want You to take over and supply all my needs, but I don't know how to! God, please answer me." The window in his room was open. A wind blew in—whoosh!—and one of the cards fell off the table. It was the last card with the letter "D." The man looked up and saw the remaining cards spell the words, "LET GO."
My friend, the way you LET GOD provide for you is to LET GO! Let go and stop worrying about the problem. Cast it into the hands of Almighty God who cares for you and leave it there, and you will begin to see His grace and provision flow freely in your life!
Enjoyed reading this? Find out more in Joseph's latest book,


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[if you don't give a #@%& about Twitter, you can stop reading this right now.]
I will attempt to make this as short and sweet as possible, to be frank without over-sharing.
I am taking a break from Twitter, specifically, for a while, starting on Sept. 20th. (I have already slowly pulled away from blogging in this space and have pretty much stopped reading blogs given the onslaught that is graduate school.)
This is not (necessarily) because I think things are getting out of hand over there, or that it is a medium that is inherently broken or anything like that.
I love Twitter. I believe in it.
Yeah, I said it. Most of my in-person friends do not understand this part of my life, and I have grown tired of trying to explain it, but I can trace some really significant friendships to the forum, and I cannot express how much I have learned (especially in the last two years) from my timeline, not to mention that it is where I get much of my news (and I don't think this is wrong). I think Twitter has the power to do good.
I just need to turn my attention away from an ever-refreshing external thought stream for a season, which could be one or two months, or this whole semester; I'm not sure yet.
I am taking time to explain this for two reasons:
1. There are people reading this right now whom I primarily interact with in that space–connections I would be sorry to lose. So, I am flagging my impending absence so you won't forget me 😉 and to encourage you to add me as a friend on Facebook, send me an email, or drop me a line on Voxer.
2. If you are reading this and have been thinking of doing something similar, or adopting some other difficult method of mental de-cluttering, I hereby give you permission to do so– not out of any obligation, but only if you need it, out of kindness to yourself.
grace and retweets to you,


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Photos of Thrapston in Northamptonshire in England, United Kingdom
of Great Britain.
Northamptonshire, Thrapston, Market Day.
Thrapston is a town in the county of Northamptonshire in the East Midlands of England.
There is a totally new addition to this website with thousands of contemporary
and old photos of Churches - church photos
England>>>>>> >Ireland> >>>>>>Scotland
Wales>>>>> Isle of Man>>>>>>Channel Islands
>Film and Movie Stars >>>> Home>>>>>> >About
>Privacy Policy>>>>>
Copyright Statement
northamptonshire, thrapston lnwr railway station 1906


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Thursday, May 7, 2009
Over Hill, Over Dale...
My route of choice just received a fresh drop of gravel and some grading. The Jake is built to withstand a hefty punishment, but it is not built to navigate through sand or gravel, so I took it down some unexplored roads (which have yet to receive a spring grooming).
One hill pretty much looks like the other when you're looking at it through a camera's viewfinder. It's a different story when you're pushing the pedals, of course. But I am gratified to see how quickly my aging bod is acclimatizing itself to the new regime.
Posted by Whisky Prajer at 11:49 AM
Labels: wheels
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Click Here To Watch Katey
Katey wants to look at the culprit fucking her from behind. Katey has long brown hair. This woman is bending over so that a huge penis can enter her ass. You can see her shaved pussy. A guy is standing behind her. The hand of the brunette is resting on the couch. It serves as a support while a guy is pounding her from behind. This cute woman has a nice ass. Katey is on top of the black leather couch. There is a white curtain hanging behind her. A wooden cabinet is found on one side of the room.


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Posted by Shawn & Annette in Twain Harte News on February 27, 2012
It just started snowing, big huge flakes. My Motherlode is calling for a light dusting but I don't see it. It's really coming down out there.
Winter Storm Watch Issued For The Sierra Nevada
A small storm system will move through the area on Monday.
Although only light precipitation is expected, the snow levels could drop to as low as 1000 through 2000 feet.
Snow accumulations in both the Mother Lode and the Sierra Nevada, will range from a dusting to three inches.
Strong gusty winds are expected in the mountains through Monday morning.
We shall see shortly. This could be the one.
Related articles
- Sierra Nevada Snowpack Still Below Average After Recent Storms (sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com)
- Snow Falls in Yosemite, Sierra National Forest Just in Time for President's Day Weekend (prweb.com)
- Rain turns to snow… (twainhartetimes.com)


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Product Description
A specially formulated foundation that gives an amazing coverage to cover blemishes, brown spots and acne.
At Dermedica we use Oxygenetix after:
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Can Oxygenetix be used as an everyday make-up?
Yes, Oxygenetix was formulated for post-operative healing and full, undetectable coverage, continued use promotes youthful, healthy skin through oxygen driven cellular turnover in a breathable, second skin formula.
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EXPRESS POST (within Australia) is a quicker method of delivery. Expected delivery time is between 1 to 5 BUSINESS days depending on your delivery address proximity to the Express Post networks .
STANDARD POST (within Australia) is a standard delivery by Australia Post. The delivery time can take 5 to 10 BUSINESS days depending on your delivery address.
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Purchases under $255 (inc GST): the postage fee is $40 for standard registered post(allow up to 3 weeks from the date of dispatch within the capital cities) or $65 for express registered post.
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Welcome to reSP
reSP is a free plugin for JetBrain ReSharper tool to assist SharePoint developer.
Using ReSharper you have an online static validation of code, markup, XML and Javascript. Once installed the reSP plugin pay your attention to the problems in SharePoint API (SSOM, JSOM) usage, potential performance issues, invalid ASP and XML and provide productivity tools like IntelliSense and live templates.
Code inspection is performed automatically in design time for all opened files. Also, it can be applied to a whole solution or project.
Depends on issue severity the problem text is highlighted in different ways and corresponded color marks are added to the marker bar. Mostly each of highlightings has a quick fix action (look like a bulb). And you can apply this fix on the current file, current folder or project or whole solution.
reSP plugin comes as a single bundle with two different editions:
- Basic - includes validation rules.
- Professional - includes productivity features like code completion, live templates etc.
You can enable/disable reSP features in the ReSharper Product & Features dialog.
Supported platforms
- JetBrains ReSharper 9.0 or high
- Visual Studio 2010/2012/2013/2015
- SharePoint project types:
- Farm solution
- Sandboxed
- Console application
In July 2013, JetBrains has launched a free command line version of ReSharper. It's compatible with ReSharper's plugins (can load them from the gallery). You can use it for CI purpose.


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Still crazy (in love) after all these years
A brain imaging study reveals that some people are as giddy as teenagers in love, even after two decades of marriage
WASHINGTON — New research on brain activity confirms that people can be madly in love with each other long after the honeymoon is over.
Researchers led by Bianca Acevedo at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York wanted to know if romantic love — or at least the brain activity it triggers — could last in a long-term relationship. To everyone's relief, the answer is yes. The group presented its results November 16 at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.
The new data suggest that people who have been madly in love for an average of 21 years maintain activation in a brain region associated with early-stage love. "We now have physiological evidence that romantic love can last," says coauthor Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J.
Most couples who have been together for many years experience a change from a frenetic, obsessive love to something more


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Much has been inked about Ang Lee's breathtaking "Brokeback Mountain" and Bennett Miller's insightful "Capote" (the latter movie's strength emerging from its fine performances rather than great directorial skill). Like many highly anticipated films, both front-ended Toronto, but they did more. Their protagonists set the tone for a recurring theme that ran throughout many of the fest's most provocative offerings. They reside in some hell- or heaven-like place, sometimes both at the same time. Their position is more often than not of their own making. In "Brokeback Mountain," Heath Ledger's macho, emotionally challenged Ennis Del Mar lives in agony, for he is unable to fully live out his passion for Jake Gyllenhaal's more flexible Jack Twist. In his remarkable rendition of Truman Capote, Philip Seymour Hoffman takes us into the world of an astute, self-absorbed gadfly who, as a result of professional opportunism and inappropriate carnal lust, becomes a delusional prisoner of his own lonely inferno.
In the Lebanese film "A Perfect Day," co-directed by Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige–a movie gem that might be considered small in the context of such a large festival–Ziad Saad's Malek is another man is trapped in the jaws of hell. The film takes place over the course of one very long day. Breathing is an operative metaphor: Malek, who is in his late twenties, suffers from narcolepsy and sleep apnea syndrome, a respiratory disorder. He and his mother are in the processs of having their presumably murdered father and husband declared legally dead 15 years after he disappeared during the Lebanese civil war. In this confused country, and under constant surveillance by his overprotective mother, Malek hasn't a clue what to do with himself: He works construction, drives aimlessly around Beirut (sequences shot around various parts of the city are astounding), naps on seaside benches. A study in ennui, he nevertheless manages to keep a gun. His inferno is his stasis, his inability to act. (Parallels exist between Malek and downmarket provincial bullfighter Fernando Pacheco, aka "The Suicide, in the excellent Mexican documentary "Black Bull," co-directed by Pedro Gonzalez-Rubio and Carlos Armella. Pacheco, however, is a creature not only of poverty but of his own self-destructive tendencies, which include rape, paint sniffing, and general abuse. While Malek inherits his inferno, Pacheco more or less opts for his.)
Both a man and a woman lock themselves into their own private perceptive hells in Australian Sarah Watt's debut feature, "Look Both Ways," winner of the Discovery award. William McInnes's Nick is a photojournalist who, after discovering that he is racked with cancer, begins to view the world through a prism of dying and decay. Justine Clarke's Meryl comes from a different place: She is a death-obsessed artist who focuses on "what-if" threats to herself and others. That these two get together is no surprise. Watts embellishes her chief protagonists' primal responses with fine hand-painted animation and rapid stills sequences. Still, those textures are not enough to lift the overall film out of the twin morasses of too many characters and too tidy a tie-up. Anyway, Nick and Meryl's love upgrades them to a more heavenly way of experiencing life.
Heaven and hell, whether literal or figurative, are frequently ambiguous in the most enticing Toronto fare. As Christopher Marlowe wrote 400 years ago in Dr. Faustus, "When all the world dissolves/And every creature shall be purified/All places shall be hell that are not heaven." The title of Bosnian-born Danis Tanovic's follow-up to "No Man's Land" is "L'Enfer", or Hell, so there is little doubt about the film's point-of-view. Scripted by Polish screenwriter Krzysztof Piesiewicz originally as a Kieslowski project, Tanovic has tranposed this tale of three anguished sisters to Paris. It feels completely like a gallic movie. (That it stars Emmauelle Beart, Karin Viard, and Carole Bouquet adds to the French lustre quotient.) The film is beautifully shot and edited, though frequently overwrought—and it's dark, dark, dark. The baroque sensitibility is a far cry from Kieslowski. The estranged siblings are all hysterical, frustrated, unlucky with men. We never really understand why their mother, who believes she saw their father engaged in an act of pedophilia, felt the need to, Medea-like, "destroy" her daughters' shot at happiness. "L'Enfer" is, however, an engrossing watch.
Abel Ferrara takes a much more complex view in his masterpiece "Mary," his finest film in years. He deftly interweaves footage of a biopic on Mary Magdalene starring Juliette Binoche's Marie; network interviews of Jesus scholars conducted by Forrest Whitaker's hotshot TV commentator Ted; Marie's post-wrap crisis in the Holy Land, where she attempts to understand the disciple that was Mary Magdalene, to incorporate her into her own life, and to give the repressed feminine component of the divine its due; and the atheist Ted's crisis of faith when his newborn son lies near death. By cell phone, the believer Marie and the doubting Ted feed off each other. We expect Ferrara's huge Christ statues, but his new, fresh views of New York City, at least as experienced by the wealthy, out-of-touch Ted, are as surprising as they are shocking. Threatening and intimidating, they are a physical manifestation of the Ted's interior agony. The director is a man with a mission. "For Bush and Bin Laden to use the concept of religion for war is sad," he told me after the film. "What are the real teachings of Christ? To find the truth and what he stood for is important."
Korean director Kang Yi-Kwan's first feature, "Sa-kwa," winner of this year's International Critics (FIPRESCI) Prize—is a more focused enterprise. In this nuanced, controlled melodrama, in which Kang tosses just the right amount of family-based humor into the mix, Moon So-ri's Hyun-jung portrays a beautiful young woman whose private hell is being caught between two selfish men. One has dumped her, the other she marries on the rebound. As Hyun-jung loses her freshness and spark, Kang shifts backgrounds from bucolic nature scenes to depressing gray industrial landscapes. Human frailty in the face of life's harsh choices is no match for the sublimity of nature. Still, Hyun-jung manages to wrest control of her fate away from the males who would hold her back. Hell has escape hatches.
No one is less afraid of exploring the capabilities of human transgression than the American director Michael Cuesta, as he showed in "L.I.E." In the expressive, finely executed "Twelve and Holding"–perhaps my favorite film in Toronto–he shines his light even more on children than he did in his debut. They are really small adults, with all kinds of complex motivations. The film begins and ends with murders, of preadolescents by preadolescents. Cuesta and screenwriter Anthony S. Cipriano follow three young people, all portrayed by outstanding young actors. Jacob (Conor Donovan) has a facial birthmark that sets him apart. He is further isolated after losing his brother in a treehouse fire deliberately set by rivals. Malee (Zoe Weizenbaum) is a preteen with growing pains who can not help chase, even stalk, an older, troubled man. (That she reveals her body to him says a lot about Cuesta's fearlessness, especially in the current moral climate.) At wit's end, their obese friend Leonard (Jesse Camacho) locks his naggy, equally rotund mother in the basement. Besides friendship, what these youngsters have in common is a strong if conflicted relationship to their mothers, for whom they are occasionally instruments of action, even revenge. That action can be fatal. One person's hell is another's heaven. Using children for dark wish-fulfillment is not typical movie fare, and it is thanks to the Cuestas of this world that cinema can on occasion retain its rightful place as a subversive art.
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WOOF Contest – Top Picks for June 26, 2009
Zorlone – "Under the pale moon" - Events that occur to our mortal lives have been witnessed by the light of the pale moon. A poetry challenge to myself, inspired by the words of Robin of Robin's Nest.
Dragon Blogger – "Doggy Day Dream" - Whimsical poem about what dogs do when left home alone.
Jennifer M Scott – "Wicked Victory" - A surreal poem.
Jennifer M Scott – "At the Lake Haiku Series" - A series of haikus about swimming at the local lake.
Romeo -" Memories in the Shadows" - A short story about the past, the love one can recieve from a loving mother, a caring sister, and the onset of a terrible medical conditon- all linked together by a river flowing freely through an open field.
(WOOF participants should re-post all the links above by next Monday. The following links may be excluded as long as you include all the above links.)
Presenting the finest of the writer's blogs by the bloggers who write them. Highlighting the top posts as chosen by the June 26, 2009 WOOF Contest participants. Want in to join the next WOOF? The next contest ends July 3. Submit a link to your best writing post of the last 3 weeks using the form on this page. Participants, repost the winning link list within a week and you're all set.
Other WOOF Contestants for 06/26/09
About Writing
Writing Nag – "How Else Could We Discover the Stars?" - What is story and how can you add the elements of good fiction to your writing. A short piece of fiction is discussed.
Zorlone – "I am my father's son" - "This little tribute, to one of such great importance in your life, points out many things that you must have been taught from his word and deed. Such as the connection that you have to your ancestors, the responsibility that you feel towards upholding your family name, determination and education and perhaps you hint that life has made difficult the upholding of his ideals, yet he has persevered to be a great man and a great father." - Strawberry Girl
Romeo – "Memories of the Past" - A elderly man recalls the love of his youth, battling the ever-present loneliness that comes with age.
Dragon Blogger – "Rescue From The Witch" - Fantasy poem about hunters rescuing a girl.


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This past week we had the luck to see our baby girl turn one and throw her a big birthday bash in the company of all of out closest friends and family (even Amelia's aunt and cousin were there via skype and we loved it) and it was quite an event. I really wanted to make it special, but i wanted it to be more about the company of our loved ones and make it cozy and warm than about the decoration. It was a private celebration with about 27 of our closest friends and family (we have a big family).-
I never really cared for baby birthday parties before and i will probably tone it down in the future but the first birthday seems to me like SUCH a milestone i felt like i needed to go all out with the celebration. I initially started looking through Pinterest for inspiration but then i got all excited with it and felt like everything i saw i wanted and some of these things were waaaaay out of my crafting skills. Then, I proceeded to look through my embarrassingly big pdf folder of freebies and printables i've gathered over the years and saved up for special occasions and ended up frustrated and overwhelmed with everything (after all this is the first time I planed a) a whole party by myself and b) a baby party. )
*Its not like a had to plan it out all by myself, I did have a lot of people who offered to help but i was really particular about the things i wanted and i kind of had it planned out in my head 6 months ago so i decided to do it all. At the end I accepted some help because I didn't have enough time.*
Mini rant: (If you are not interested you can go ahead and scroll down to de pretty birthday inspiration)
I got this close to just throwing the towel and quitting but i felt really bad to not give my baby a special celebration as i know she deserves. So i kept going and it was not always easy and just happy times (Thanks to me and my jhsdfgjhds mood) and tears of frustration were shed (again by me) and now looking back I think it was worth every second of it all.
It really was a happy moment for all of us and I'm glad we did it and i am really proud of myself for being strong and being patient and I don't think I have to apologize for my not.so.great.mood because sometimes dealing with people is hard and sometimes you don't want to do it but sometimes you just HAVE to. You can't make those people go away. but what you can do is make de best out of the situation.
Now, getting back to the pretty pictures...
I'll try my best to link to every single source but some I don't know where I got, it's been several years since I started saving pdfs and pictures in my computer and sometimes its hard to keep up. If you happen to know where any of this images are from I would greatly appreciate if you inform me so I can link to the proper source.
1. Mini burgers fom The Appetizer Store
2. Party printables found at Hostess With The Mostess
3. Icre Cream Balloons from ?
4. Yummi treats from Party Bliss
1. Cake from Beyondbeyond.com.uk
2. Cake from ?
1. ?
2. Invitations from Beautiful Ordinary Day
4. Cake from ?
Printable we used on the invites from my favorite blog to get free stuff from. Eat Drink Chic is AMAZING! There is practically everything you might need to print/make yourself/craft for a special occasion or a special someone.
And of course the always handy, already made, easy to put together bunting template.
I really do have a lot of other pdfs and links to share with you, but boyfriend just got home from work and Amelia woke up so thats my call. I'll be sure to share later.


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Optimism trumped pessimism for B of A investors this week. Despite mixed news, and on top of a lackluster previous week, Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) stock roared ahead over the last five days, up 4.47% for the week midday on the last day of trading.
We're in the money
Before we dive into that, though, lets take a quick look at the markets and B of A's peers to see what they were up to over the past five days:
- Shares in Citigroup rose 3.04%.
- Shares in the country's biggest bank, JPMorgan Chase, were up 2.53%.
- And shares in Wells Fargo rose 0.37%.
In the markets:
- The broader S&P 500 was up 0.60%.
- The narrower Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.58%.
- And the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.04%.
Don't worry; be happy
We know B of A investors are optimists at heart. How else could the stock of a bank so badly damaged in the financial crisis -- and still so much in need of repair -- perform as well as it has over the last year? That optimism showed itself in abundance this week.
First, good news broke on Tuesday that B of A settled a long-running legal dispute with MBIA (NYSE:MBI), which got B of A off the hook for a potential $3 billion to $5 billion payout to the bond insurer over bad securities claims.
But that good news on Tuesday was followed by not-so-good news on Wednesday, with a California judge clearing the way for insurance giant American International Group (NYSE:AIG) to sue B of A over more than $7 billion in securities fraud. More bad news broke that same day, with a judge ruling that the federal government is allowed to move forward in parts of a lawsuit against B of A over bad mortgages it sold to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
Yet with the net weight of news arguing against a good week for B of A, hope won out. Maybe investors are just happy that their bank isn't named JPMorgan, and that their CEO isn't named Jamie Dimon. With the country's biggest bank drawing all of the fire for mismanagement and misdeeds, no one's focused on B of A: a superbank that actually has problems.
It was also an up week for all of the Big Four banks and the markets in general. As such, B of A might just be going along for the ride. That happens sometimes, for good or for bad, which is why The Motley Fool stresses a long-term approach to investing.
In the short term, your favorite stocks may be drastically up or drastically down. But in the long term, that jagged line will end up looking like a smooth, straight line. So focus on the fundamentals of the companies you're invested in, and check in on your stocks once a month, or even once a quarter. Your portfolio will thank you, even if your broker won't.


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Adelle Hammond Ferguson, 88, of Winder, died Sunday, June 29, 2008.
Born in Barrow County, she was the daughter of the late Richard Franklin and Florence Wall Hammond. She was a member of Cedar Creek Baptist Church, and was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. William Carl Ferguson; and a granddaughter, Abby Ledbetter.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Rhondal H. and Debbie Ferguson, Winder, Philip and Ann Ferguson, Statham; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Charles Walden, Winder, Kathie and Tommy Ledbetter, Winder; sister, Lanelle Mitchell, Bold Springs; sister-in-law, Frances Hammond, Statham; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 1, at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Shuford Jones officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 25, Statham, Ga. 30666, or Cedar Creek Baptist Church, 403 Cedar Creek Rd., Winder, Ga. 30680.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.
Adelle Ferguson
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Friday, 28 May 2010
Friday Stitchy Feeling
Stitch magazine on my favourite things page and they included my "Abbey Fields" embroidery.
So if you happen to be in the newsagents this weekend take a peek in the back page.
Life's not been a bed of roses of late due to the recession so this has felt like a positive for a change.
My motto has to be "Stitching got me through it!"
Here is one of my brooches I'm stitching for the Mediaeval Fair in Stratford-Upon-Avon on June 12th.
It's suddenly sprung up on me, so I'm going to be industrious with my needle and threads.
I hope you have a great week.
M x
25 comments:
- jenny mccabe said...
well done on stitch magazine!! xxx
- 28 May 2010 at 21:18
- shirley said...
Congratulations on having your work in Stitch Magazine. I love your brooches they are miniature works of art and remind me of paintings.
- 28 May 2010 at 22:31
- Valerianna said...
Wow, lovely work!
- 28 May 2010 at 23:03
- Melody said...
Stitch Magazine...how cool for you! Congrats!
- 29 May 2010 at 00:27
- Lynn said...
congrats on one more published work of art. I love all yours and the one here is not exception. The added lace is a nice touch. Have fun at S onAvon.
- 29 May 2010 at 01:01
- éoline said...
Hello Michala!
I enjoyed to see you in Stitch magazine. Your country seems to be wonderful. I understand why you
have so much inspirations.....Happy stitching
- 29 May 2010 at 07:25
- Claire said...
Hey Michala, congratulations on your embroidery being in Stitch magazine, very exciting.
Love the brooch for the Mediaeval Fair.
I am sure our stiching/crafting helps keep us sane and get through some tough times.
When you have a spare minute! Pop over to my blog www.sweetbirdylove.blogspot.com I have just finished an embroidery inpsired by a Persimmon tree nearby and the tree looks like it would have come straight out of one of your sketches. I always think of you when I drive past, must take some more photos of it.
- 29 May 2010 at 07:45
Congratulations on the Stitch feature!
- 29 May 2010 at 09:19
- Heloise said...
I saw the article the other day. Congratulations.Thanks for teh link to teh photography web site.
- 29 May 2010 at 11:31
- meplusmolly said...
Yay! BIG Congrats to you, well your work is exquisite you know! ;0 x
- 29 May 2010 at 11:35
- karen said...
what a beautiful brooch, really, really gorgeous and congrats on the magazine feature! Go Girl!!
- 29 May 2010 at 13:33
- artymess said...
Congrats ...the brooch is adorable as all your work ..Lorna
- 29 May 2010 at 14:07
- Julie said...
I shall look forward to getting my copy of Stitch magazine next week. Good luck with the Mediaeval Fair.
- 29 May 2010 at 16:39
- Gina said...
Congratulation on Stitch magazine. Like the new brooch!
- 29 May 2010 at 17:38
- sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...
Well done Kayla, congratulations! Hope that you sell many of your lovely brooches next week. Also really like your painting in the previous post. Bye for now, Lesley
- 30 May 2010 at 21:27
- Jane said...
Well done!
I shall look out for the magazine next time I'm in town.
- 30 May 2010 at 23:06
- Art4Sol said...
How wonderful on being featured in another magazine!
I like your new piece using a bit of lace and printed fabric. Your work is always a feast!
- 31 May 2010 at 16:56
- Alexandra Mason said...
Congratulations on stitch magazine! Hope you have a lovely week xx
- 1 June 2010 at 16:15
Congratulations and good luck with the fair, hope you'll have lots of sales. Fioleta
- 1 June 2010 at 22:42
- Tammie Lee said...
how wonderful to be in the magazine! And this piece is lovely~
- 1 June 2010 at 23:25
- Frances Tyrrell said...
Congratulations on your spot in Stitch Magazine. I wonder if we can get it over here?
- 2 June 2010 at 00:27
- LOVE STITCHING RED said...
Congratulations on getting in the mag, it's sure to cheer you up. I will look out for it. Your brooch is absolutely gorgeous too. I wish you a very happy week
- 2 June 2010 at 22:22
- Ingrid said...
That brooch is gorgeous!
- 4 June 2010 at 14:04
- Jackie said...
Many congratulations you deserve it.
I love your sky painting in the previous post too.
- 4 June 2010 at 22:51
- raquel said...
That good picture, which you prepared for the brilliant fair as everything what you do, many successes
- 5 June 2010 at 21:03


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How Tyronn Lue Has Impacted Kevin Love
Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love is having a much better second season with the team than he had in his first season -- that much cannot be denied.
Not only are his per-36 and advanced numbers up, but also he just seems to be fitting in better, both on and off the court.
But has he been maximizing his potential? Is new coach Tyronn Lue prepared to do so? Let's see how the change from David Blatt has affected him in the early going.
Under David Blatt
In the first 41 games of the season, under former head coach David Blatt, Love prospered. Without Kyrie Irving for 26 of those games, Love was the clear number two option for Cleveland, and even with Irving's return, Love posted a Usage Rate of 23.2% -- up 1.5% from a year ago.
How exactly was Love used though?
According to NBA.com, of his 37.5 frontcourt touches per game, Love received 3.8 of those at the elbow, 5.0 in the post and 3.4 in the paint. Though he averaged over five three-point attempts per game, Love took more twos than threes, in large part due to his offensive activity around the key. In fact, he averaged 2.7 makes on 5.2 attempts from within 10 feet, making up 41.4% of his overall attempts.
During this timespan Love averaged 15.7 points on 41.3% shooting from the floor and 36.7% from beyond the arc. In addition to his scoring output, Love was also producing 11 boards per contest.
Even still, was Blatt really getting the best out of Love?
Under Tyronn Lue
Coming into his first head coaching job, coach Lue had a lot of things to say.
He stated his intent to get his players into better shape in order to speed up the pace of the Cavs' offense, but he also put a lot of emphasis on Kevin Love.
He explained that he would look to get Love more post touches and return him to the power player he once was in Minnesota. What Lue said, though, is entirely different than what has happened through the first six games of his tenure.
|FCt Touches
|Elbow Touches
|Post Touches
|Paint Touches
As you can see, Love's Usage has seen a slight decline under Lue -- probably because of Irving's continued improvement and integration into the offense. You can't blame Lue or Love there, but it is clear that what Lue wanted Love to do hasn't happened.
Who knows whether it's Lue, Love or anyone else's fault, but while Love is getting nearly four more frontcourt touches per game, he's gotten more elbow touches and fewer post touches since the transition to a higher-paced system.
This might have a lot to do with the pace of play, but if you want to make it a point to get someone post touches, you're going to do no matter the play style. As well they should, too. Since Blatt's firing on January 22nd, Love is averaging 1.056 points per post touch -- which ranks ninth among all players with at least three post touches per game in that timespan.
Although they do need to make more of a concerted effort to get Love in his spots down low, he hasn't been all that bad from the perimeter.
|3PT Freq.
Under his new coach, Love has shown a more deadly side in catch and shoot situations, vastly improving upon his percentages he posted under the recently departed Blatt while also shooting threes more frequently.
It's evident that Love is becoming a more dynamic offensive player with Lue at the helm. He's being asked to get his own from the block and play his part in pick-and-roll or drive-and-space opportunities.
As a result of Love's outstanding play not only recently but all year long, Lue has been outspoken about his star forward as an All-Star snub.
Sure, it's encouraging to see Lue backing one of his key players so early in his tenure, but he shouldn't sweat the small stuff. The Cavaliers are 5-1 in his first six games, and Kevin Love is a big reason why.
It remains to be seen if Love's productivity and Cleveland's winning ways will continue, but we'll just have to take that as it comes one game at a time.


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Whether you're a business owner who wants to improve your online engagement or a complete beginner, this diploma is perfect for you.
The Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing is our cornerstone certification and can provide you with an introduction to key digital specialisms, from mobile and social media marketing to Email, PPC and SEO.
Who is this course for?
The Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing is ideal for anyone involved in the planning, implementation or measurement of digital strategies – or anyone who would like to pursue a career in this area.
The Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing course is a rounded introduction to all the core digital marketing disciplines, and will prepare you to take up a more specialist role within the overall marketing domain.
What can you expect?
Through dynamic lectures, case studies and small group discussions, you will be exposed to the latest methods, techniques and tools for improving your organisation's Digital Marketing and brand-building efforts.
What will you learn?
The Digital Marketing Institute's panel of practitioner-lecturers has specifically structured the curriculum to focus on current trends and best practices in Digital Marketing. As well as creating innovative strategies, you will also learn how to leverage these strategies to gain competitive advantage for both your business and your career.
The Professional Diploma course focuses on the planning, implementation and measurement of your Digital Marketing strategy.
There are ten modules in the course:
Module 1 Introduction to Digital Marketing
Module 2 Search Marketing (SEO)
Module 3 Search Marketing (PPC)
Module 4 Digital Display Advertising
Module 5 Email Marketing
Module 6 Social Media Marketing (Part 1)
Module 7 Social Media Marketing (Part 2)
Module 8 Mobile Marketing
Module 9 Analytics
Module 10 Strategy & Planning
MODULE 1 – Introduction to Digital Marketing
The Introduction to Digital Marketing module enables you to harness the power of Digital Marketing as a core driver of the marketing strategy for your organisation. You will understand the foundation principles of Digital Marketing, and be able to distinguish how it differs from traditional marketing.
This module will also introduce you to the Digital Marketing Institute Methodology, an iterative framework that outlines the foundation tenets of Digital Marketing and the visual scheme that provides the basis for implementation of the different channels.
MODULE 2 – Search Marketing (SEO)
The Search Engine Optimisation module examines the various tactics for enhancing your website's position and ranking with search engines.
The module covers the key concepts and terminology used within the field of SEO and equips marketing professionals with the technical know-how, understanding and insight to build and maintain an effective SEO strategy.
You will learn about the range of specialist tools that are available to help common search engines find, view and rate websites. With this in mind, you will learn about on-page optimisation techniques and understand the process of effective keyword research and selection.
You will understand the importance of content updates and will learn about applying appropriate meta tags in order to drive site optimisation. Students will understand the concept of ranking and be able to perform a range of off-page optimisation activities to improve your site ranking and positioning, such as link building.
At the end of this module, you will be able to monitor and manage your SEO activity by setting a baseline and regularly measuring activity against expectation. You will also be aware of data protection and privacy issues associated with SEO.
MODULE 3 – Search Marketing (PPC)
The Pay Per Click module demonstrates how to implement and manage search advertising campaigns. Lectures will cover the key concepts and terminology used within the field of PPC and will equip you with the technical understanding and skills to build and maintain an effective PPC strategy.
You will understand the fundamentals of search marketing and appreciate the mechanics of how PPC systems function. Students will develop advanced keyword research and selection skills and learn how to apply these to Adwords campaigns.
You will be able to analyse current Search Marketing activity and target your campaign to key audience groups in order to enhance and improve click through rates. You will recognise the features of strong ad copy, and develop your skills in writing compelling ads.
Learn how to set and manage budgets for Adwords campaigns, and measure and analyse their effectiveness by exporting detailed campaign management reports in order to see how they align with established baseline expectations. You will also be aware of relevant data protection and privacy issues associated with PPC.
MODULE 4 – Digital Display Advertising
The Digital Display Advertising module equips you with the skills and knowledge to implement and manage effective digital display campaigns.
The module covers the core concepts and terminology associated with digital display advertising, and explores what is involved in developing and managing effective ad campaigns.
You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the creation and deployment of digital display advertising, learning about the wide range of ad display formats and how to select the most appropriate ad format for your campaign target audience.
You will be able to develop clear campaign objectives and measure and optimise your campaign based on firm results analysis. Students will be able to research and use a range of campaign publishers, and know what pricing metrics such as CPM, CPC, CPL and CPA entail commercially.
You will also learn how to use the standard Digital Media Planning Process to obtain the best possible return on your digital display advertising efforts.
MODULE 5 – Email Marketing
The Email Marketing module covers industry best practices for creating and delivering effective email marketing campaigns.
The module covers the four foundational aspects of email marketing: Subscriber Management, Email Design, Delivery and Reporting. You will learn how to develop and manage a subscriber database, and become familiar with the features within third party email systems and solutions.
You will be able to plan a marketing segmentation strategy for your target audience and recognise what makes for good email design in terms of user centric content, coherent layout and an attractive design.
Students will understand what split testing entails, and will be able to use key metrics to report on the effectiveness of your email marketing campaigns, including open rates, click-through rates, unsubscribes and bounces.
You will be able to monitor and evaluate email marketing analytics, and be aware of data protection and privacy issues associated with email marketing.
MODULE 6 – Social Media Marketing (Part 1)
The first Social Media Marketing module enables you to effectively engage with customers across a diverse range of social media platforms.
You will appreciate the emerging trends in the social media space and the opportunity afforded by the 'always connected' social consumer. You will recognise the suitability of different social platforms for your aims and objectives, and appreciate the challenges of social media.
You will be able to select and prioritise different goals for your organisation, your customers and your products and services, as well as recognise the different social media communication styles that apply to different audiences.
This module covers the key concepts and terminology used in social media, and you will be able to configure social media accounts across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Google +, as well as learning about the new emergent social platforms.
Understand how to implement appropriate privacy settings across your social media, and develop profiles that engage across a range of social media platforms.
MODULE 7 – Social Media Marketing (Part 2)
The second Social Media Marketing module explores how to implement social advertising features to build and sustain relationships with customers. You will appreciate the challenges of implementing an effective Social Media strategy for your business, with a focus on the importance of listening as the critical starting point.
Addressing social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, you will learn how to use advanced features such as Events, Groups, Promotions, Offers and Jobs. You will also be able to implement social plug-ins and integrate third party applications, such as ecommerce.
Learn how to set suitable goals for your chosen social media platforms, and create and manage your campaigns to budget and schedule.
You will be able to accurately measure the effectiveness of your social media campaigns using analytics, and be able to evaluate information about budgetary spend against baseline expectations.
Lastly, you will be aware of privacy and data protection issues associated with social media marketing.
MODULE 8 – Mobile Marketing
The Mobile Marketing module focuses on utilising the power of mobile technologies as a way to access increasingly mobile consumers.
You will understand emergent trends within the mobile space, and recognise the new opportunity afforded by "always on" mobile devices when interacting with specific audiences based on context and location.
This module covers the key concepts and terminology used within the field of mobile marketing and will equip you with the technical knowledge and skills to build and maintain an effective mobile marketing strategy.
Learn how to run effective SMS campaigns and explore technologies such as NFC, Mobile Sites, Apps and Bluetooth. You will recognise the importance of suitable campaign messaging, and the need to validate marketing activity with campaign trials, review and ongoing analytics measurement.
Apply our six step process for designing and developing effective Mobile Apps and understand how mobile marketing integrates with the latest advances in social media marketing. The module also covers data protection and privacy issues associated with mobile marketing.
MODULE 9 – Analytics
The Analytics module enables you to fully measure, monitor and optimise your Digital Marketing activities.
You will learn how to build an online reporting structure for your business, and learn about the range of specialist tools that are available to help you understand how to measure and monitor online traffic.
You will understand the rationale and business benefits of adopting a formal analytics programme, and learn how to set up accounts, profiles and permissions to apply analytics tracking across your websites.
Discover how to align business KPIs with your analytics goal configuration, and utilise the features of Google Analytics to develop a detailed profile of your target audience's location, demographics, technology, devices, interests and more.
Learn how to assess the effectiveness of your website's technical performance and download speed, and how to measure levels of user engagement and conversion by tracking activities such as downloads, video views, purchases and registrations etc.
Create and schedule customised reports and explore the real time and intelligence reporting capabilities of Google Analytics. As with the other modules, you will also be aware of data protection and privacy issues associated with website analytics.
MODULE 10 – Strategy and Planning
The Strategy and Planning module provides a structured approach for bringing together all the strands of the Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing, to create a coherent Digital Marketing Plan.
This module is based on the Digital Marketing Institute Methodology, which incorporates a nine step process based on three distinct parts. Part one includes a situation analysis exercise, a formal information gathering process, and an audience definition exercise.
Part two develops a set of clear and meaningful objectives for the Digital Marketing Plan. Appropriate tools are selected on the basis of the anticipated audience(s), and objectives and budget are set based on the channels detailed within the Digital Marketing Institute Framework.
An action plan is developed to provide a coherent project structure, including milestones, deliverables and resources. Part three of the Digital Marketing Institute Methodology emphasises the importance of an iterative process of monitoring, analysis and enhancement based on performance.
The Strategy and Planning module provides you with the skills to create a formal Digital Marketing plan for your organisation, which will allow you to implement a successful and effective Digital Marketing strategy.
Join the next course on 24 – 28 April 2017
Venue: MTREE Hotel, Puchong, Selangor
Apply Course Here


text: Ossama Othman wrote: > > * -rpath nastiness from libtool is now patched from within configure.in > > Can someone explain again why "-rpath" is such a nasty thing in libtool? > Why wouldn't we want paths embedded in a shared library? I guess I need > to look at Debian Policy again. They caused us many problems when moving from libc5 to libc6, because libc5-based programs with "rpath /usr/lib" insisted in looking in /usr/lib for their libraries -- which, of course, had the libc6 versions. We want to avoid that headache the next time. I don't think this is actually documented anywhere :) Richard Braakman


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1 1/2 years
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Arrived 28th April
Private boarding kennels Macclesfield
Lola is your typical young Staffie, full of energy but full of love and affection. She is always eager to please and wants nothing more than someone to give her the time and attention she deserves after only having the love we have shown her. She has never had a stable home environment and is the kind of dog who appreciates anything you do for you. She is a lovely dog and a pleasure to be around. The photos give the appearance she's a stocky girl but in fact she's quite small, she is a bit too lean and could do with putting on a couple of kilos, life in kennels is stressful for her.
She is very lovely girl who loves to be on the move but also loves cuddles, she will give you here belly at any opportunity. She loves to play with toys and originally came into the centre with another dog. The dogs were found abandoned, Lola has been with Warrington case centre since February while the case was ongoing. She can now be rehomed so has been transferred to our branch. When she came to the centre she had no medical issues, just a few scratches and scabs but nothing concerning. She was already neutered and microchipped, she is fully vaccinated. Her behaviour towards some dogs can be giddy but she also greets some in a calm manner, she seems to be absolutely fine with other dogs. She can be rehomed with older children just because she's so bouncy, springy nature! A beautiful little girl who will make someone very proud to be her owner.
If you're interested in adopting, please read the information here and please contact RSPCA Chesterfield & North Derbyshire on 01246 273358
RSPCA log no. 1163/7/2/17


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A master vendor agreement is a legal written document which is formed between a client and a consultancy in which all recruitment services are provided by a single agency. The supplier then has to take all the responsibility of recruitment.
This agreement is made between
Macro Company
3rd Avenue
Dallas, United States of America
Direct company
2nd turn
San Francisco
United States of America
Where in, Macro company is the master vendor and Direct Company is the vendee. Both the parties have entered into an agreement on the following conditions:-
Termination of the agreement:-
Dispute Settlement:-
Hereafter, the contract is said to be valid.
Signature of Master Vendor
Signature of the agency
Category: Vendor Agreements
Name ( required )
Email ( required; will not be published )


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Feb 05, 2013
Fraser gets England training call
It's been quite the meteoric rise for Saracens Will Fraser over the last two seasons that has seen him cement a starting place in the first team, get an England Saxons debut and yesterday, he was called up to train with the full national side as injury cover for Ben Morgan.
The 23-year-old describes his season so far as "crazy" but is quick to praise his Sarries team mates for his consistency; "Playing in a pack as competitive as ours certainly has helped me this season, they are many experienced and seasoned internationals here at Saracens which have made my job a lot easier."
Indeed, Fraser describes how a relatively injury-free campaign has aided him in his development and ultimately a regular spot in the Sarries back row.
He said: "I've been lucky with injuries, in particular the absence of any major setbacks has provided me with a lot of game time this season to develop my game and I'm loving every second of it."
The effervescent nature of Fraser is palpable, and he has every reason to feel upbeat.
This year has seen him being involved in England Saxons squad, with him scoring the winning try in a tight and finely balanced contest against the Irish Wolfhounds in Galway and after a training session with the squad at Allianz Park yesterday, a phone call saw him quickly packing a bag to join up with the England squad as part of their preparations for the Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday – quite a busy few weeks!


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With the right attitude, nothing is impossible
It is important for us that you commit to your work and are a good team player. We believe that inspired, committed, and motivated personnel exceed expectations and achieve the best results.
Our company employs over 4,600 skilled professionals globally. We have our own production facilities in Finland and Russia, as well as sales companies and Vianor outlets in dozens of countries.
In addition to passenger car tyres, our group manufactures heavy tyres for trucks and harbour, mining, and forestry vehicles and offers premium car care and tyre services via the Vianor chain.
As a large group of companies we have a multitude of positions, and our teams need specialised experts as well as multitalented professionals with a diverse skill set. You can find many interesting tasks in the fields of IT, purchasing, logistics, finance, sales, and export.
Our R&D designs and tests materials, structures, tread patterns, and rubber compounds suitable for tyres and carries out relentless product testing in order to find new test-winning tyres.
The production involves, in addition to physical work, many positions that demand precision as well as quality and production control skills. Sales and tyre mounting skills are put to good use at Vianor.
Our company provides you with opportunities to grow and develop in-depth expertise, as long as you are ready to take on new challenges, question existing practices as necessary, and bring new ideas to our business.
Good work will be rewarded
We share our company's success with our personnel. One example of fair treatment in our company is that our remuneration system covers all of our employees. We pay bonuses to our personnel based on reaching the set goals and the company result. We also give recognition to employees who have been with our company for a certain time.
We reward research work as well as feasible inventive ideas. Inventiveness has a long tradition in our company, and it provides opportunities for our personnel to influence their work and the work environment and for us to support management and leadership.
Our goal is to have the personnel actively contributing to the operation of our company and the development of their own work and to utilise their ideas extensively. This way, our personnel function better, which in turn improves the results of individual employees and our company.
An excellent team on top of it all
We can offer you interesting challenges, opportunities for development, and colleagues like nowhere else. We share a belief in working together and also enjoying other people's success. A good team works well together, and many even participate in club activities or spend the evening with their colleagues after work. Building good relationships between colleagues is also supported by our strong company culture.
The entrepreneurship, shared development of ideas, and active participation by our personnel support the improvement of professional skills, profitable growth, and strategic implementation in our group. Everyone has an opportunity to grow and learn in our company. Read more about employee well-being and opportunities for competence development.


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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
How to Make Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes
I have dried tomatoes for several years, but I have had trouble rehydrating them easily for use.
Last year I tried placing them in oil - and found a winner. They were ready for instant use on pizza or salad. This year, I made sure that I had two jars of these tomatoes stored for winter. An added benefit is that one quart jar will hold a pan full of tomatoes - a great space saver in the pantry.
Here was the steps I followed.
1. Dehydrate tomatoes. I followed these directions for drying tomatoes. I like to dry them until they are leathery. When making tomato powder, I like to dehydrate a little longer until they are crispy. But for oil-packed tomatoes, I like them to still be bendable but with no moisture remaining.
2. Next I set up a dipping station. For safety, I dip the dried tomatoes in apple-cider vinegar. I use tongs to dip the tomato slices in vinegar, allow to drip for a few seconds, then layer them in a quart jar.
I continue dipping and layering until I have used all the tomatoes.
3. I then fill the jar with olive oil - making sure the tomatoes are completely covered with oil. This seems like a lot of oil but it won't be wasted. After using the tomatoes, I love to make salad dressing with this tomato-infused oil.
As the the tomatoes soak up the oil, they may sink down further in the jar. If you are making more batches of dehydrated tomatoes, you can add more vinegar-dipped tomatoes to the jar, adding more oil if needed.
4. Store the jar of oil-packed tomatoes in a dark place.The color of the tomatoes will change but they will stay tasty for over a year.
5. To use, fish out a tomato with a clean fork. Chop and add to a salad or pizza. Enjoy the intense flavor of summer.
7 comments :
I smile...a couple of years ago I had a bumper crop of tomatoes and decided to try "sun dried tomatoes" like they sell in the stores. I had images of Tuscan hillsides with pristine pans of tomatoes drying in the Italian sun. Imagine my disappointment when I found out that those "sun dried tomatoes" are made in factories and it is against the health dept rules to leave them out in the sun! (so much for my mental images) I have frozen them before and put them in oil, but I am going to try your method as mine have gone 'off' after awhile ! Thanks for the hints!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 23, 2015 at 10:23 AM
I'm drying tomatoes this year for the first time. I will try this as it sounds yummy and useful.ReplyDelete
This is intriguing! Probably not something I'll end up ever doing but it's interesting to read about :)ReplyDelete
Great idea! Thanks for sharing. I have dried tomatoes before but I haven't tried putting them in oil.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousAugust 31, 2016 at 12:07 PM
How long does this keep in the fridge? I'm thinking about making it, but if it doesn't keep long, I'll dehydrate the tomatoes and freeze them. Then in November, add oil and basil/rosemary to give as Christmas gifts.ReplyDelete
I love your posts and keep your family in my prayers. Thanks for sharing this recipe, I hope to try it soon!ReplyDelete


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1. Emma is okay for the moment. I almost hate to write that, but it also feels good. It was a wonderful Christmas present. We're dog-sitting my parents' dog this weekend. He adores Emma, and she seems to be reveling in the attention and change in routine.
|Sweet Emma!
3. Brie, blue cheese, walnuts, and apricot jam is a truly amazing combination. We had this dish on Christmas, and now I can't wait to make it again. Nick isn't a blue cheese fan, so I did half without blue cheese. It's good without the blue cheese, but with blue cheese it's amazingly delicious.
4. I had my yearly MRI to check on the hepatic adenomas on December 14th. I wasn't really expecting results until after Christmas, but I got them the next day, and they were great. The largest one is now about a quarter of the size it was when the whole thing started two and a half years ago! We'll continue with a yearly MRI just to keep an eye on things, but it's looking good.
5. We started a new Christmas tradition with our next door neighbors. We've always exchanged baked goods, but this year we swapped out nights of cooking. It was fun, a little different (especially since there seem to be so many baked goods at Christmas), and getting a night off from cooking can be a nice gift.
6. We still have almost everyone's Christmas presents. For various reasons we weren't able to see most of the friends and family we normally see on or close to Christmas. The cats are thrilled by this since it means they still have boxes to sleep on and bows to tear up.
7. The upside to not getting to see everyone is that we were able to have a very relaxing day spent in our pajamas. Nick was off for Christmas, and it was wonderful to actually have a holiday together.
|It still looks like Christmas here.
9. The other downside is that I really, really like one of the presents we got for my best friend Crystal. It's a really pretty garnet ring. She and I wear the same size ring, so the temptation is real. Very real. But she's my best friend, and I think she will really like it.
10. My phone/technology issues aren't going away this year. I tried to call a friend last night and my phone informed me that it had been deactivated. After lots of frustration and on-line chatting with the company I discovered that because I have a new debit card (same account, the credit union just seems to really enjoy issuing new cards) my payment was declined. I had to text the information to my sister because you can only make payments over the phone. I'm not sure what plan I have now, but the phone is working again and Nick has promised to fix everything back to the way it was once he gets home from work tomorrow.
|Not the best picture, but it's a great ring
12. We've started a list of all of the things we want to see/places we want to go that are within a day trip from home. There are so many things fairly close to home that we've been talking about doing, but never seem to get around to. We're hoping a list will help.
13. January is Pantry Challenge Month. It's a good way to get back on track after the holidays and use up all of those impulse buys from the grocery store.
14. We are finally completely finished with AT&T, a.k.a. The World's Worst Internet Service. We switched to Charter about three weeks ago, and it has been wonderful. Netflix doesn't freeze, we can both be online at the same time, and it doesn't take forever to attach pictures now.
15. Despite having a smart phone, I'm still sticking with my usual day planner for 2016. I just don't get along well enough with the phone to trust my entire schedule to it.
16. Even if you're not the type to make resolutions for the new year, there's just something promising about a new, blank calendar. Maybe it's just the idea of a fresh start.
So what about you? What's new in your world for 2016? Or what is staying the same?