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Title: All the Colors of My Heart
Rating & Any Needed Warning: M to NC-17 for language and LEMONS.
Pairing: Bella & Edward AH
Summary: After having a realistic erotic dream involving a mysterious man literally right before her one month trip to Italy, Bella meets Edward by chance encounter on a nine hr red-eye flight from Seattle. When things get hot & heavy in the plane, Bella questions if the feelings will translate to the real world. With an intriguing offer on the table from businessman Edward to show her around Italy, Bella wonders what the future has in store for her, for four weeks...and beyond. She's counting on her heart to guide her.
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns everything Twilight. I own the words that are placed in this particular order.
****This chapter was the WINNER of the Host's choice Award for the Love is in the Air O/S Contest! ****
Chapter 1: All the Colors of My Heart
Where the fuck is my other shoe?
I was late.
I took an afternoon nap before I had to get to the airport for my evening red-eye flight. It was only supposed to be a quick thirty-minute power nap, but I slept for one full hour. This nap resulted in an erotic dream that was an amazing, sexy, and perfectly detailed dream featuring a man I desperately wished to discover in life. We had sex on the deck of a modern-looking houseboat then continued moving into all of the glorious rooms to break in each one with hot, sweaty, passionate love making. It was as if we were marking our territory with our bodies, using each other to say, this is forever and you are all mine.
I could feel the sun's warmth on my body and see the crystal clear blue water in which the boat was sitting. The calm ripple of the waves glistened in the bright sunlight, shining patterned light onto the deck of the boat and onto the windows. We were there for our honeymoon and with the emotions I was feeling, it felt incredibly realistic. There was loving and meaningful sex between us and I felt love and euphoria. I felt a connection to Mr. Dream Guy that I longed to have in the real world.
The problem was that even with all the incredible details, I couldn't describe what the man looked like. I knew he had amazingly big hands that did astounding things to me, not to mention that he was hitting all the pleasure spots with his quite substantial dick. I was incredibly attracted to him, like a moth to a light, but it was a vacant feeling because there was no face or true person to match the pleasure. It was divine and orgasmic, and unfortunately just a vibrant dream.
Damn, add this one to the fantasy list. It was beyond extraordinarily hot.
I hadn't had sex in over a year, and my mind and body were calling out for it, even in my dreams. I wonder if they have houseboats in Italy? When I was looking through all the websites and literature about the sightseeing in Italy, it must have been a detail my subconscious had picked up. Too bad I was late or I would have googled it.
It was only when my dog licked my toes that I fully realized everything had been a dream. Glancing at the clock, I also realized my alarm had failed to wake me . I thought dream guy might have had a foot fetish… and I actually liked it. My giggle woke me and made me realize that Dream Guy was only a part of my very horny and creative imagination and wildest dreams. There was a sad undertone at this realization though, because that meant that I didn't know anyone like him in the real world.
I had just gotten out of the shower and I needed to be at the airport in thirty minutes. I had been so turned on by the dream that I had to take care of business before leaving, and I got a little carried away while in the water. Thank you, removable shower heads. My long, brown hair was still wet, having just towel dried it. Shit. I looked into the mirror and applied a little foundation, blush on my cheeks, and added a bit of mascara, keeping it simple in just about five minutes.
I was feeling sexy, so I put on my Victoria's Secret see-through black, lacy bra and matching panty set. Sexy undergarments are always a guaranteed confidence builder. Even if no one saw them, I knew they were there. I ran to my closet in just my lingerie as time ticked away at a ridiculously fast pace. My ass was up in the air while I frantically searched the bottom of my too-packed closet. All my suitcases were luckily packed yesterday with the exception of what I was supposed to be wearing to the airport. All I needed was my other damned shoe and I'd be on my way to this once-in-a-lifetime trip. I tossed aside shoes left and right.
How many fucking pairs of black heels do I have?
"Oh! There you are, you sneaky fucker!" The glossy black-colored high heel was found and two made a pair. I was wearing a short blue shirt-dress with a black ribbon bow over the waist and finally my sky-high black heels. Those damned heels were coming off as soon as I got on the plane, though. "Beauty is pain," as the saying goes. I could never walk into an airport sloppy, even though I'd love to just get on in some yoga pants and an over-sized shirt—especially on this trip. You never know who you might bump into. On the last trip I made to New York, I bumped into my ninth grade ex-boyfriend and his new… boyfriend. Awkward, but at least I looked nicely put together.
So, the new rule for a traveling single girl like me was: dress like you'll run into your ex or your next. It changed my entire traveling experience.
I'd been waiting for summer to arrive so I could visit Jasper and Alice in Italy, where they've lived for a year already. They were on orders from the United States Army for a three year PCS and were based out of Aviano Air Base. Alice had begged me to come and visit them, and I couldn't miss the opportunity. It was just too good to pass up, and I really missed Alice and Jasper too. Besides, when would I have another chance to visit another country without having to pay for a hotel?
From all the pictures I'd seen on Facebook, Alice and Jasper Alice and Jasper were renting the most charming little two-bedroom apartment. I was so excited to visit and see it come to life in person.
By the time I made it to the airport, first-class seating had already boarded the plane. I sat down waiting and frowning as I saw I had been placed in the last group to be called for seating. I'll be waiting for a while. My hands ran nervously through my wavy, air-dried hair; My leg was bouncing in anticipation of what was to come. I'd never been on a flight that had been this long before, and I'd be traveling alone. I was a little worried that I'd get cabin fever, but hopefully I'd just sleep the entire time.
The flight would be nine hours and fifty minutes long, and take me from Seattle to Amsterdam. I had never been able to sleep on a plane with a stranger next to me, no matter how tired I was, but hoped that with the length of time it would take to reach our destination, I'd be able to get some sleep. Once I arrived at my destination, I would then board another plane from Amsterdam to Venice for another one-hour and fifty-minute flight. Alice would be picking me up in Venice where we'd travel by car to her city.
When it was finally my turn to board, I got up with my rolling carry-on luggage in one hand and my Kindle and sweater in the other. I viewed the layout of the plane noticing it had two seats on either side of the plane, and four seats in the middle. I walked in looking for my seat, 21J on the right side of the plane, towards the back and behind the wing.
A young-looking man was already in his assigned aisle seat next to mine with his nose buried in a hardcover book. With my hands full, I stood there awkwardly waiting for him to feel my presence so I could put my things down on my seat. I was too shy to speak to him and disturb him from his reading.
He didn't notice me.
I started looking for an empty overhead bin, since I was standing there looking like an idiot anyway. I'd been at a complete stop trying to decide what to do with my carry-on and had caused a mini backup of people trying to file in behind me. I cleared my throat to get his attention to point out the fact that I needed to get to my seat, when the man finally broke his trance out of his book. He looked up at me with gorgeous jade-green eyes. I took in the man's face, his incredible face, a strong, defined jaw line, and sensual plump lips. All of a sudden I couldn't remember what I was doing there and I just stared at him with amorously inviting glances. My tongue licked my lips subconsciously, and I didn't even realize I had done it until I felt the wetness lingering on my apparently hungry, deserted lips.
I want his lips all over mine.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't see you there. Did you need help with your bag?" The man asked me politely.
"Huh?" I managed to say out loud.
He looked at me with a curious expression on his face.
Think through the question, then answer. Speak, Bella.
"Would you mind setting these down on my seat? And, if you wouldn't mind, would you also help lift my bag for me?"
He nodded and I started passing my sweater and Kindle toward him and reached into my bag to pull out my blanket. There was no way in hell I was bringing out the dorky looking travel pillow with that man next to me. I would have brought it out had my airplane neighbor been another girl or someone older.
A creaky neck it shall be.
I couldn't help but notice that the man was probably around my age, and he was either separated from his family or traveling alone.
Have I hit the airplane passenger lotto with this guy sitting next to me on this flight?
He set my things down on my seat, then stood up. He brushed past me, grabbing my bag, and I felt goose bumps form on my arm. Shit, is he doing that to me or am I just cold? He started searching the overhead bins and finding one, lifted my bag inside. I watched how his long, toned body moved and I caught a sneak peek of his abs as he lifted the bag above his head. He returned with a smile and I smiled back, making my way to my seat. The seats actually had leg room and as I settled in, I crossed my toned legs, showing off one of my best assets, and the super high heels I was sporting.
I know what men think of heels.
I lamely thanked him for helping me.
It wouldn't be proper to thank him with a passionate kiss would it? Damn. Didn't think so.
I knew it was going to be a long trip so I started thinking of how to get started with conversation, but he spoke first.
"Hi. Is your final stop Amsterdam? And are you going for business or pleasure? I'm Edward, by the way." He took my hand and I shook it, his big hand engulfed my own little one.
Oh. Big hands.
"Hi, Edward. I'm going for pleasure, but I'm headed to Venice, Italy. I'm visiting my best friend and her husband who are stationed just outside of the city. I'll be there for one month, until July." I smiled then continued, "This will be my first time in Italy and Europe in general. I'm really excited."
I'm going for pleasure. Oh God, let it be pleasure. Please let it be pleasure.
Our hands were still connected as I said my entire little speech. It wasn't quite a handshake; our hands were just kind of sitting there. I wondered if that was my or his doing. His eyes were a wonderland, like a forest of mossy trees and I could get lost in them. I wanted to continue speaking so I had a reason to stare into them and not freakishly stare for no reason.
Oh…where was I? I snapped out of the hypnosis.
"My name is Bella, nice to meet you. So, what's your story? Where are you headed and what for?" I managed to utter out loud.
Hands released. Connection lost. Bummer.
"I'm also on my way to Venice, but I'll be in Amsterdam for a day, meeting with a business partner, and I'll fly out that afternoon or evening. My family owns a couple of properties in Venice and I'm also taking care of some financial business matters for our company. We operate out of Seattle but we have ties in Europe. Once that's out of the way, I'll be there in Italy for the rest of the summer keeping up with the business operations and also maintaining the properties for my family." He talked with his hands and a light in his eyes.
"Wow. That is amazing. So, you work for a company that sends you off to beautiful places? How awesome! It must be nice!" I exclaimed with a possibly jealous smile.
"Yeah, I'm definitely lucky. My parents were smart with their business ventures, and with my business degree, they were able to put me in charge of the International Operations, which so far are concentrated in Europe," He stated in a serious, professional tone.
"Oh, I didn't realize that when you said your company… I mean I thought that you meant the company you worked for. If your family owns a company, shouldn't you be in first-class and not in economy with the rest of us lowly people?" I somehow managed to say out loud in broken thoughts and sentences.
Word vomit.
"It's not so bad over here." He chuckled.
My face felt hot as I blushed profusely. I realized as soon as I said the words that I sounded incredibly idiotic.
"Besides, it was a last-minute trip. No more seats left in first-class. I guess I'll just have to endure it." He chuckled again and I noticed the laugh lines around his eyes as his smile reached them. If I wasn't before, I was officially charmed by Edward.
He would rock my socks, if I was wearing any.
Believe it or not I was turned on by his laugh, his sexy laugh. Shit. I'm in trouble. I laughed back. So, to recap, he was hot, had a sense of humor and seemed to work for a successful company.
Three points for Edward.
I wanted to know more about this ridiculously handsome man next to me, so I started thinking of conversation we could have. I wondered if I would be bothering him. This was going to be a long flight.
I decided to take a chance anyway. Talking with him just seemed so effortless; I was not being fake or overly flirty or shy.
"You seemed to be really into your book earlier. What are you reading? If you don't mind me asking," I said with a grin.
He smiled with an unfair weakening-of-my-knees type of smile as his eyes lit up.
"One of my favorites. It's called, Ticket to Ride by Dennis Potter. I haven't read this book in a while, but I decided to tackle it again, since it's going to be a long trip to Amsterdam."
I smiled back; I could tell he had liked my question, and was clearly passionate about the subject of his book and reading. I also smiled because I was rereading one of my favorite books too. I had never heard of his book before, so I was just about to ask him what it was about when he kept the conversation alive by asking me another question.
"You have one of those electronic book readers. Are they any good?"
"Oh yeah... I love it. I've got a pretty good book collection in this thing. My goal is to reread my favorite book, East of Eden on the way over. That is, as much as I can before I fall asleep."
I smiled when he looked at me with a puzzled look or what appeared to be concentration on his face.
"I don't know how I feel about those things. I'm a want-to-physically-touch-something type of guy."
Gulp. What were we talking about again? Oh right… physically holding books.
"Ah, well, it works for me; I'm a want-every-new-type-of-gadget type of girl. I actually prefer older and classic literature. Second place on my favorites has got to be the novel, On the Road, oh, and Wuthering Heights."
"I've read all of those. They are great but I figured you to be more of a 'mainstream book' kind of woman."
What the hell does that even mean? How does a mainstream book reader look? I didn't get it. I didn't have a chance to ask. A flight attendant came up to us and looked for seat-belts, breaking my thoughts.
I'd been enjoying getting to know him so far; at least I knew he enjoyed reading. The flight attendants prepared everything for takeoff and we got settled as they explained the safety precautions, the movies that would be played, and the refreshments offered. I kept sneaking glances at him, just wanting to keep his image etched into my brain. Why do beautiful people have that kind of power? It was as if I was under some kind of man-spell. The plane got really quiet as the attendants explained the details of the flight. No one was really speaking around us and we followed the lead of the rest of the passengers by being attentive listeners.
I turned toward the window as we took off. I always loved seeing the way it looked on the way up. We ascended into the sky, and watched as we flew into the clouds and saw how everything became smaller outside. The sun was setting, creating a beautiful pink and orange skyline that we were now flying in the midst of. I saw through the reflection of the window that Edward took a good long glance at my legs before looking out of the window.
"Beautiful," we both said at the same time then turned to each other and laughed. I had said it with double meaning. The sky looked beautiful, yes, and so did his reflection in the window. I pretended his words also had double meaning, because it just made things more interesting.
Score one for Bella?
After that last word and laugh, it got quiet between us again. We both put our attention back to our books and got lost in the words and the characters' worlds. I felt a little nervous as I was reading because he was so utterly good looking and distracting to be in such tight quarters with me. I attempted to read, but I couldn't move passed the same damned paragraph. I read and re-read it for about thirty stupid minutes. I got frustrated and decided to get under my blanket and try to sleep. I wasn't sixteen anymore, I shouldn't be nervous in the presence of a good-looking guy; I needed to act my age. I unbuckled my seat-belt and uncrossed my legs. I see and feel Edward shift himself as I bent down to put my Kindle away and pick up the blanket that I had placed under the seat. I kicked off my heels, trying to get myself comfortable.
"Mmmm." A small noise escaped from Edward, followed immediately by a clearing cough. I froze mid-bend as I heard it and slowly brought my eyes back up to meet his. My hands gripped the blanket closely to my chest.
His eyes darted quickly away then he asked to anywhere other than me, "Are you cold?"
What the hell. Did I imagine it or is he trying to cover up a moan?
"I can't really concentrate on my book so I'm gonna take a nap," I said honestly.
"Yeah, me either. I always bring a book with me, but the only time I am really into one is before takeoff and waiting to board."
I placed the blanket over my legs as I leaned the seat back. He unbuckled his seat-belt and did the same with his own seat.
"So, Edward, you live and work in Seattle?" I asked, trying to get back into a flow of conversation.
"Yeah, I've lived there my whole life, with the exception of college when I got my business degree from Boston University."
"I hope you don't mind my saying this, but you look pretty young to have completed your degree and be in charge of international operations for a company."
He chuckled and I got a glorious glance of perfect teeth.
"I'm twenty-six; how old are you? Are you still in school?"
"No, I'm done with my undergraduate education. I'm twenty-three. I'm a third-grade teacher and I work at a private elementary school. I do plan on going back for a master's degree, but for now I'm content with my job and career opportunities."
"Really? A teacher? My daughter goes to a private elementary school. She's four years old. She's in pre-k."
I attempted to conceal my disappointment that he probably wasn't single with an immediate question.
"Which school does she attend?"
"It's called Bertschi School."
He's married and his daughter goes to the place where I work. Why are the good ones always taken? There goes that fantasy.
Why have I never seen him there before? I sure as hell would never forgotten his godly face.
"Oh wow. I literally just got hired there at the beginning of the school year. It is a beautiful school," I stated, going back into teacher Bella mode.
"What a small world. Yeah, her mother and I had been waiting until she was eligible to be put into pre-k, and we just got in this year. Do you have kids?"
"Oh... No, not yet. I'd love to have kids, but first I have to find a man."
That sounded so incredibly wrong on multiple levels.
I shook my head, getting flustered. "I mean… see the thing is… what I meant to say is, I'm single and I don't want to have kids until I'm married."
He looked amused at my complete lack of brain-to-mouth filter.
"Got it. You'll love it. It's fun being a dad, but I'm not married to her mother. Emma was unplanned, but of course, we have no regrets. I dated her mother in high school. It didn't work out when I left for college. When I got back to Seattle, we rekindled our relationship. She got pregnant, and even though we tried to make it work for our daughter, we just couldn't. We were different people. We soon found we weren't as compatible as we thought we once were." His face got red all of a sudden. "Oh gosh, I'm telling you too much of my life story. I'm keeping you from your nap."
"No, of course not! Finding out about a person is much better than sleeping. I want to know your story."
My smile seemed to relax him.
"Cool. I'd like to know more about you too. Why are you traveling alone if it's for pleasure?"
There's that word again, pleasure.
"I couldn't pass up an opportunity to visit my best friend and her husband in Italy for the first and perhaps only time in my life without having to worry about also paying for hotel costs."
"Nice… you know, I'm very familiar with Venice and Italy as a whole. I could show you some of the highlights."
"That's a very intriguing offer, Edward."
"Awesome. I would love to show you around..." He paused then asked, "So, did you go to high school in Seattle?"
"No, I lived in Washington but in a very small town called Forks."
"Oh, I know of it. It's not that small. How do you like Seattle compared to Forks?"
"It's great. I lived in Phoenix when I was younger, but I didn't get to experience all the big-city life like I can now. It's been fun. I've explored a lot of what the city can offer since graduating from high school, and there is always something to do." I said, giving my honest opinion of my new hometown.
"Yep. I grew up in Seattle and definitely consider it my hometown. Even though we have properties in places like New York and California and Italy, it will always be my answer to the question of where I'm from. It's just a unique city and it's home."
I nodded my head in agreement. Now that I knew he lived there, Seattle just became my favorite place, too. There was some silence between us and I heard people chatting nearby. Several overhead lights went off around us. I played with the corner of my blanket, looking for something to do.
"This is going to seem very forward, and I hope you are not uncomfortable with what I'm about to say..." He said with a low tone. His head was turned in my direction, but he didn't look me in the eyes.
My heart sank and I felt nervous as hell. I gulped and nodded for him to continue.
"I think you are a gorgeous woman. You are interesting and you have fantastic taste in books. I'd like to know if maybe you'd like to exchange numbers so we can talk more, you know… outside of our airplane encounter."
My eyes got big, not expecting any of what he had just said, and I was stunned into silence. I looked into Edward's so-beautiful-it-hurts face and saw him start to second guess my silence. He looked down at his hands.
"Thank you for the compliment. I would love to exchange numbers," I said simply, with a grin on my face that made my reply sound strong and confident.
Even though I sounded the part, I was anything but confident at that moment. My heart was doing somersaults in my body and I was pretty sure my skin might have looked as pale as a ghost. He looked up with a smile that made me melt—again. If I was in Vegas, the red light on the slot machine would be flashing as I saw the number of credits I'd won multiply as others stood around gawking at me in envy. Edward just said I was beautiful and interesting. Wow. What a way to start off my trip. What should I say back? You too! You are my fuck-hot dream guy. You wanna get hitched and have our honeymoon on your houseboat?
He pulled out his phone and we exchanged numbers, programming them into our phones. I felt like I'd won a major prize and it was only a phone number.
I finally spit out, "I'm not gonna lie… I thought you were married as soon as you said you had a daughter… and I was… disappointed. Not about your daughter, just the fact that you were married. Even after I found out that you weren't together, I would have assumed you'd be in some sort of relationship. I mean just look at you." I motioned with my hand over him.
I'd embarrassed myself again. I wondered how many different shades of red my skin had turned since meeting this man. Way to play it cool, Bella.
He smirked back at me and I liked it. I liked it a lot. Cocky bastard. He remained quiet to allow me to continue.
I recovered my train of thought before continuing, "But if you hadn't asked for my number before we went our separate ways, I would have asked you myself. I would have waited until we were leaving so if I was rejected, I could play it off…"
No, not really. I would have watched him leave and then regretted not saying anything.
"Cool. Well, I'm glad that we have settled that," he said with a sexy-ass smile.
"Settled what?"
"That we both find each other attractive, because I kind of want to do something."
"Oh yeah?" I said as I arched an eyebrow, a shy smile automatically formed on my lips.
He took my hand and brought it up to his lips and placed a friendly kiss on the knuckles of my hand. He released it and I felt like was under water, not at all on the surface of my actual life. It it also made every fiber of my being want, or even need, this man .
"It has been a pleasure to meet you, Bella."
"Uh-huh, same here," is all I managed to utter.
It had been a friendly kiss, nothing even passionate or sexual about it. If I were more confident and there wasn't a plane full of people nearby, I'd grab his face and force my lips to his. If he could do all of that with a kiss on my knuckles, what would he do with a kiss to my lips? What would a grab to my thigh or waist do? Would I get a screaming orgasm to a touch of something other than my hand? Well, fuck me. I was intrigued and entranced by everything that I knew of him so far.
We eased our way into small talk,discussing our pets and the weather and families. Eventually, more lights around us dimmed as people got tired. My own eyes were losing the battle of staying open and fighting the drowsiness, and no matter how much I would have loved to just stay up and talk to this gorgeous man until we arrived, I lost. With my blanket draped over my legs, and heavy eyes, I felt the fuzzy want of sleep. The last thing I remembered before letting myself completely fall asleep was Edward and images of a houseboat.
A creak in my neck woke me up in the silent darkness. The blanket was now pulled up to my neck. I didn't remember bringing it up.
Oh shit. It was all a dream.
But, it was not.
Edward's eyes were closed and a slight snore came from his mouth. Even in sleep and in darkness, he was the most gorgeous man I'd ever seen. It must have been late, probably several hours since I had drifted off because I didn't hear anyone talking and the movie was no longer playing. As I looked over at my row, I saw no one was awake. The creak in my neck was painful and moving made me flinch. This was the result of sleeping in a cramped plane seat. My head had been turned to the left for who knows how many hours. I liked that my body subconsciously had me leaning toward Edward, even when I was out cold. I pulled myself forward, rubbing my neck. I needed to get up and stretch. Edward's long legs were stretched out. He must have been really uncomfortable in his seat, but he was actually sleeping soundly. Apparently, he hadn't pack a blanket or requested one, poor guy. I wondered if I could make my way out without disturbing him, but it looked a bit impossible. I sat there planning how to get around him, but couldn't find a way unless I practically straddled him.
I finally decided to just go for it, lightly dropping the blanket from my body and scanning the rest of the plane. I looked forward and back and it appeared everyone in my sight was asleep. I moved myself gently, starting to stand.
"Hi." A sleepy Edward greeted me.
"Hi. I'm sorry I woke you. I just need to get up to stretch," I whispered, while pointing to the aisle.
He moved his legs so I could squeeze through and I headed to the back of the plane barefoot. I moved my head in a circular motion, my hands rubbing my neck and shoulders; I walked slowly and stretched my body. I went into the bathroom, not bothering to lock it; I just wanted to check my reflection to make sure I didn't look too terrible and used the extra time to just stand without being in someone's personal space. When I finally headed out of the bathroom, I saw Edward standing outside the door. He didn't say anything, but he wore a shy smile on his face as he backed me up into the restroom. I matched his smile with my own. The door closed and he locked it in one swift movement.
His eyes looked sleepy but intense as he slowly leaned into me. A hand was draped around my waist in the tight quarters; it sat there teasingly as his eyes darted from where his hand was placed and looking into my eyes. The goose bumps from earlier reappeared and I felt them travel the length of my body like a charge of electricity. He held steady there, like he was trying to gain confidence to do more.
I decided to help him with his decision. My arm went up to reach the back of his head and I grabbed a hold of his glorious, messy, bronze-colored hair. I made the first move, pulling his head closer to mine as I pulled on his bottom lip slowly with my lips. He let me lead with the tempo. His mouth opened and our tongues matched each other's intensity as they tangled together, slowly dancing. We played in each other's mouths, exploring, delighting in each other's senses. I smelled the strawberry scent of my shampoo mix with Edward's cologne or masculine soap scent. It was, for lack of a better word, heaven. He grabbed me and lifted me onto the sink as my legs went immediately around him to help keep me steady. There was barely room enough for one person. We let out throaty but stifled moans in each other's mouths. I grabbed his shirt, letting my hands find home with one his chest and the other on his muscular back. I lightly allowed my fingernails to scratch and pull on his back. He grabbed my breasts and I felt my nipples perk up, hardening at the touch. He pulled back the top of my dress and licked my right breast in circles before taking the nipple in his mouth and sucking it. He moved on by licking between my breasts. I grabbed his back and licked his neck before lightly sucking it, my hands getting tangled in his hair.
"Let me make you feel good," I said softly.
But he ignored my request. He moved on to the left breast, once again playing with the other in one hand and licking and sucking my left nipple. All I felt was pleasure and want. His hardness pressed against me taunting me from his jeans. We continued touching and kissing, feeling each other's bodies, but there were no actual clothes removed. No matter the intensity of my feelings I was having, I didn't want to join the mile-high club in a disgusting cramped bathroom.
"Let's go back to our seats. I don't want to do this here. I'll take care of it for you there," I whispered into his ear, then nibbled to show I still wanted him and I wasn't blowing him off.
We got ourselves back together, our clothes wrinkled and mangled. My leg was shaking as he lowered me and I kissed him urgently again, telling him to wait a few seconds.
I headed back to my seat, my lips swollen from the kisses. I felt my lips with my hand and smiled; it was so intense and sexy and just plain right. My head was in a cloud of ecstasy. He came back and sat down. I give him a flirty smile and grabbed his hands, pulling the blanket over us.
I whispered softly into his ear. "Close your eyes, I'm going to make you cum." I pulled the zipper of his jeans and he did the rest.
He shuffled under the cover of the blanket and pulled his jeans and boxers partially down to allow me to work. His eyes darted back to mine and I leaned over to him and said, "Close your eyes. Trust me." He did as I said with a smile.
I ran my hands over his thighs and felt the hardness and length of his probably painfully hard cock. I heard a hiss escape from him as my heart beat wildly in my chest. The size and girth surprised me. I figured he'd be packing, but I had been underestimating. He was much better than average. I was an explorer, finding treasure as I familiarized myself with him. I teased him with my hands, sweeping over his cock, stroking him gently. It would be the main event, but I didn't want the rest of him to be neglected. I ran my nails along his testicles and gently felt and tapped them. My middle finger and forefinger went around the top of his scrotum tugging gently away from his body. He whispered my name and I knew he wanted it badly as his breath hitched. My heard raced as I played around alternating between hard and soft grasping, getting turned on by the soft moans and panting from Edward.
My hands moved to his hardness and I started with a slow and light touch, with one going the full length of his cock, I bit my lip. It thrilled me that we were surrounded by sleeping people and had to be quiet.
"Fuck." I moaned softly, putting a hand quickly through my hair.
I wanted to please him. I brought both hands back onto him and with a firm grip around his cock , I alternated between rolling it in between my palms and stroking it from the base to the tip. His eyes remained closed as I felt him trying to contain the moans that were now building up. I followed the lead of his hitching breath and his soft controlled moans to help me find what he liked.
I built up the pressure with each approving moan as I moved closer to him and whispered into his ear while moving my hands in a rhythm, "Do you wanna cum for me, Edward?"
That set him off and I could tell he was going to find his release. I disappeared in between his legs under the blanket to catch what would spill. My mouth went around his cock and, feeling his seed spread, I sucked him clean. I felt him wiggle with relief and ecstasy. He swept my hair back and I heard a mumbled, "fuck," from him.
Yeah, I swallowed. And... It was the first time I had ever done so.
"Shit, that was fucking hot. Now it's your turn, Bella."
Oh. Okay. I get a turn. Yes!
Edward whispered into my ear and gently bit my earlobe.
"Your turn to close your eyes, baby."
He placed his lips against mine, kissing me firmly and deeply . His hand reached in between my legs, pushing my dress up. He felt the outside of my panties and the wetness that was there because of him. He added pressure in the form of his fist at my sex opening as I softly moaned. He pushed my panties to the side so the small piece of lace fabric was out of the way. With one hand at my sweet spot, his other hand went to my mouth as he slipped two fingers inside and I gladly suck them. He pulled them out then kissed me on the mouth, urgently. I pulled my panties down half-way and I gasped, almost panting with desire and want. He reached down and pulled my panties off completely, tossing them onto my seat. He pushed my legs apart. His eyes met mine and we seemed to connect by sight alone. He pumped a finger in and out of me, then added a second. My legs stretched apart even further to give him free access.
The pace started slow, then built faster. He rubbed my clit in a circular motion. I couldn't help the steady moans and I fought to keep myself quiet. My g-spot was found with his long fingers and it felt like I was on fire. It was exciting and stimulating to be in a public area doing this, sharing this high above the clouds. There really was nothing like it. I imagined him entering inside of me and I pulled his head toward mine with both of my hands as my body rocked with absolute pleasure. I orgasmed and silently moaned into his mouth. As he removed his fingers, I whimpered at the loss and the sensitive nature of my sex spot. We both leaned back as we caught our breaths. Eventually we put the lower parts of our clothing back on.
He grabbed my hand and wrapped it around his own, placing it next to his rapidly beating heart. I felt the beating of my own heart and his beat at a similar rate as we lay there with our hands connected. There were no words as we drifted off into sleep.
The pilot's voice came over the speakers, making his announcement about customs and paperwork as I stirred from my sleep.
"Folks, we have begun our descent to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, where the current weather is partly cloudy 20°C, 68°F. We will be at the gate in about twenty minutes. We'd like the flight attendants to prepare the cabin for arrival, and we want to thank you for flying with us today."
The arm rest between the seats was still up and it appeared I had slept with my head resting against Edward. The blanket was still draped around us in our own little bubble of warmth. My eyes opened and I saw a mess of bronze-colored hair mixed with my own long, brown hair. A peaceful Edward was still sleeping. His hand was resting on my thigh. I stretched my leg and his hand gripped my thigh tightly. I smiled at the grip. He looked absolutely breathtaking and innocent while asleep.
I couldn't believe what had happened during our flight. What would happen to us once we parted ways? Did he do this with other women? What if this is the last I ever saw of him? Should we have had sex in the bathroom so I could feel how he felt inside me?
I'd really like to kiss him again; I really would like to see him in all his naked glory.
I had never done anything like this before. I was not the one-night-stand type. In the little time I'd known Edward, I'd acted like a take-charge kind of gal. This part of me wasn't known until I met Edward, and I liked it. A better version of me had formed because of this one encounter. There was something about him that was making me truly appreciate the saying, "Carpe Diem" and I wanted to thank him for it.
I moved forward as I started hearing the chatter of the people getting louder. I rubbed Edward's hand on my thigh to gently wake him so I could move and get ready to bring my seat back upright.
I took in the scenery from the sky and it looked so nice, trees and buildings starting to become clear. I made a note to remember to come back to actually experience what Amsterdam and the Netherlands had to offer. It all looked lovely from here.
When I felt his gaze on me, I turned back around to greet him.
"Hello there. We'll be landing shortly," I said softly to him, a bit of worry appearing on my face.
He sat up and began running his hands through his hair and then leaned back over to me. He cupped my chin with his hands and looked into my eyes; I started melting again at his gorgeousness, when he leaned over and kissed me.
He pulled away and tells or asked, "Good morning?"
"Um… yeah, I don't remember what time it was supposed to be when we arrived."
"Actually, I think it will be about 2:00 p.m., Amsterdam time."
"Yes, that's it," I said remembering the itinerary I thought I had memorized.
The plane neared the ground and there was a slight bump when the plane landed on the runway and began to slow.
There was an awkward silence as we both were probably considering our actions of a few hours ago.
I was nervous now that he was awake, scared that I would be rejected. Maybe he was putting on a front because he was forced to spend the night with me. If this had been a one-night stand, would he have snuck out and left to wake in an empty bed? My mind ran rampant with thoughts of rejection; the confidence I'd experienced earlier had been crushed. I wondered if this was all some master plan to get me interested in him enough to fool around in the bathroom and seats of an airplane. I doubted that he had given me his correct phone number.
I let out a sigh that I hadn't realized would be as loud as it actually sounded. I sat there with my head full of paranoid what ifs. The plane moved slowly to line up to the aerobridge, and still there was no further conversation between us. He broke the silence first.
"Bella, I'm sorry… I have to ask. Do you think it was a mistake hooking up?"
I looked at my hands, quite ashamed at all the scenarios that were running through my head. He couldn't read my mind; I should have just played it off as tiredness.
"No. I just… I mean I think it may have meant more for me." The words were truthful.
What the hell is it with words just free-falling out of my mouth before I even think things completely through!
My eyes closed. I was utterly embarrassed that I had said that. If I wasn't already just a one-night hook-up, getting too serious would chase this guy out of my life so fast, my head might spin.
"Listen, Bella. I don't regret what we did. I like you—a lot, and I would love to explore getting to know you better, if you would allow me to. We may have done this backwards, but I really don't know how to explain the great attraction I have to you. I want to know you."
People started rising from their seats around us and gathering their belongings as we were being let off.
I was speechless. He seemed sincere and I wanted to believe him. I really wanted to believe those words.
"I want to know you, too," I said with budding confidence forming again.
"Let's try this again. Hello. My name is Edward Anthony Cullen. What is yours, Miss?" He smiled and took my hand in his in a handshake.
People were pushing past us with their belongings and filing out as we remained sitting.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Isabella Marie Swan."
"Ms. Swan, now that we've exchanged phone numbers, I would really like to hear from you once you arrive in Italy. My original offer is still valid. I would love to show you around once I'm done with business matters."
"Okay," I said, but truthfully I didn't know if I would take him up on his offer. I didn't know if I could be bold enough to make another first move.
He helped me up from my seat and retrieved my bag from the overhead compartment, waiting for me to pack my items back into my carry-on. We walked side by side once we were out of the plane.
"When does your flight leave and what airline will you be going on?" he asked.
"KLM. It departs in fifty minutes."
"Oh. We better get you to your gate soon, they may already be boarding. I'm very familiar with this airport; let's see where you have to go." He placed a guiding hand on my back momentarily.
When he showed me to my gate, I pulled out my phone and mumbled something about needing to text Alice to let her know I'd arrived. Once that was out of the way, I saw that they were once again calling the first-class seats to begin boarding. I was in the first group on this flight to be seated after the airline called first class. Edward looked down at me as they announced the next group of passengers to board. I hadn't realized how tall he looked next to me, even with my heels on. We were in seated positions almost the entire time we'd known each other. He looked strong and impossibly beautiful. How did I manage to meet him? He was totally out of my league.
"This is my boarding group," I said softly, my confidence deflating like a popped balloon. I felt like I didn't want to leave him even though I'd got so much to look forward to in Italy.
We looked at each other, both of us silent and unmoving. What was the goodbye procedure for someone you just met? Someone you've also just spent almost ten hours with, which also happens to be someone you kind of joined the mile-high club with?
"Hey, so you never told me why you thought I was a mainstream book-type of girl?" I asked trying to break the mood and remembering the question I had wanted to ask before we were interrupted.
He looked at me. His eyes seemed to go straight to my now faster-beating heart. He shifted a bit to whisper in my ear, "Because you are too young and pretty to be that into classic literature. Those are the types of books reserved for required school readings, not 'just for fun' reading. But that's why I like you so much; you are the opposite of what I thought you'd be."
He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and brought me to his body in a hug. I gladly accepted it wrapping my arms around him and smelling his scent. He leaned down and gave me the softest, most gentle kiss on the lips.
We didn't say goodbye; it was left at that. We released our arms from each other and with a last look at his face and a gentle smile on my face, I made my way toward the aerobridge and walked through. I couldn't look back. Would this be the last time I ever saw him? I wanted to remember Edward in that sweet moment. I couldn't think about that now. I wondered if he looked back at me, as I left. I wondered if I'd ever know.
When I got to my assigned seat, my travel partner had not yet arrived. An older man with salt and pepper hair assisted me with lifting my bag into the overhead bin. I sat down and stared out of my assigned window seat, waiting for the plane to fill with noisy passengers. This flight was much shorter, but it would probably feel much longer to my now saddened blue-colored heart. A youngish woman sits next to me and smiles. She put ear buds in her ears right away and turned on her iPod.
I walked out of the plane. It was good to finally be on the ground. I was beyond exhausted from the traveling. I think it had to have been about five p.m. I walked to the baggage claim area and waited while bags traveled down the belt.
I turned around to see Alice running to me. Jasper followed closely behind her.
Alice reached me first and tightly wrapped herself around me in a gigantic hug.
"It is so great to see you, Alice! And you too, Jasper!" I exclaimed with as much energy as I could muster. I really was excited to see them.
Jasper grabbed me and lifted me off the ground in a hug.
"This is going to be so fun… I love that outfit, Bella, and your heels!" Alice practically sang while wrapping her arms back around me.
I laughed at her enthusiasm, but I was tired and all I really wanted to do was have her point me to a bed so I could sleep and try to get used to the time difference. I hoped I would have that same dream again, only with a real-life person starring in it, perhaps Edward.
As we waited for my bags to appear, I turned on my phone and got a beep and buzz for two new text messages. They were sent almost exactly at the time I was scheduled to leave Amsterdam.
Text 1 of 2:
Hope you have a great flight. Rest up tonight. I'll call you tomorrow so we can talk more about my showing you around.
Text 2 of 2:
Don't think you can get out of my giving you the tour. I've got an authentic Italian houseboat I'd like to show you.
Wait what? Houseboat?
I looked down at the messages, feeling giddy and excited. If my heart were on display, it would be turning a rainbow of vibrant colors that matched my emotions. My heart and mind were happy, euphoric and enchanted by the unknown mysteries of a possible real-life, Mr. Dream Man.
But ever the pessimist, I couldn't help but think, maybe that was just my heart?
Please review and let me know what you think. All comments and feedback encouraged!
This was the winning chapter for the O/S contest. I left it open for continuing because at the end because I cared too much for the characters to let them go!
To see the other entries in this contest, please visit the contest page: http:/www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/u/2675313/
THANK YOU, Blahblahblah and DeeDreamer at PTB for their assistance!
* Come talk with me on twitter: twitter dot com/Lo21_
See ya next chapter!


text:
Radiation Dose Data from the Fixed Point Surveillance Network
The Fixed Point Surveillance (FPS) network monitors radiation dose to the public in real-time due to radioactive materials in the terrestrial environment, whether they are airborne or on the ground. It includes contributions from both natural and man-made sources. The FPS network measures the total external terrestrial gamma dose both as the Ambient Dose Equivalent H*(10) and as the physical dose Air KERMA (Kinetic Energy Released in unit MAss of Material). The contributions to external dose from 3 radioactive gases Argon-41, Xenon-133 and Xenon-135 are also reported as Air KERMA.
The tables below show the Air KERMA dose data available from the FPS network, normally as monthly summaries updated 4 times a year. The most recent H*(10) dose rate data may be found on a shared international website EURDEP (European Radiological Data Exchange Platform) hosted by the European Union:
Report a problem or mistake on this page
- Date modified:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
We both chose the fish and chips.
We took dessert home with us.
Then across the driveway to our favorite coffee shop….
We both chose the fish and chips.
We took dessert home with us.
Then across the driveway to our favorite coffee shop….
This morning the weather was wonderful, so I was inspired to take a walk to school. I'll let the reader judge the interest value of the pictures. Hopefully next year's photos will be far more exotic.
Moving from Germany to China, we scoured Foyle's bookstore in London and found the classic guidebook Nagel's Encyclopedia Guide of China. We found some National Geographic back issues in California that eventually led us down the Yangtze and to the sky burial rock in Lhasa. There were no traveler's guides to China back in 1983.
When we left Malaysia we found lots of guide books in Hong Kong, but most memorable were the books of Paul Therox: The Consul's File and The Great Railway Bazaar.
Again guide books were hard to find for Saudi Arabia, but the book "Princess" had just come out. Scary stuff. Living there for four years didn't change that impression of what we called "the magic kingdom."
We interview in the UAE for our jobs here. At that time we picked up the book "From Rags to Riches" which chronicled the early growth of Abu Dhabi, but also foreshadowed the growth we have witnessed.
Moving to Kathmandu
Everest and the Toenail – Like us, empty nesters living abroad. The post about the flight from the US, leaving the kids, hit home.
Bill the Pincushion was a practice character in "Minotaur", a game created for the Mac by Jason Jones. No matter how hard you hit him, he would just keep moving through the maze. Bill the Pincushion takes on a new meaning with the list of shots (and pills) required for our new home in Kathmandu: Td/Tdap, MMR, Polio, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, TyphimVi, Rabies, and Japanese encephalitis. Those are required. Meningitis is recommended.


text:
After my last shift at the bakery, in mid December, I left with a big box containing a variety of loaves. Gillian gave me a lift to the house where I was staying, and I busied myself with final preparations before my driver arrived at noon to collect me.
So where was I going? I had decided to go to London. London of all places! The big city that in my estimation was devoid of country greenery and fresh air and the kind of truly organic, just round the corner fare that I had grown accustomed to in Hay-on-Wye.
A friend had invited me to come and stay in London months earlier.
"No, thank you." I declined graciously. "London's not for me," I said.
But as December drew closer, my job search widened to include London, and as the list of job rejection emails increased, my sense of insecurity about the future likewise increased.
Then, one day, I opened one of the email job alerts I'd set up and my heart skipped a beat when I saw an opening at Ascension Trust, a charity I had done some freelance writing for several years prior.
"That job is mine!" I told myself. In a society where equal opportunities was a farcical concept, I knew this was my only chance to keep off the same downward spiral that had propelled me to leave the UK initially.
I contacted my friend in London and accepted the offer of accommodation. And on December 13, 2004, I headed off for London, in anticipation of being shortlisted for the advertised post at Ascension Trust.
And if that didn't work out favourably, I told myself, I'd just have to find something else. . .


text: Do you have concerns about the health and welfare of an elderly family member or loved one, especially during the winter months. Perhaps you have growing concerns about your mother or father. Are they safe and warm inside their home when the temperature drops below freezing? What happens if they get a cold or the flu? Winter months can be hard on seniors, particularly those who live alone. Cold, short winter days can lead to depression, while common colds or the flu can quickly become much more serious if not treated properly. It's is natural to worry about family, but you can rest assured that your loved one is being well cared for as a resident of Wedgewood South. At Wedgewood South, residents' needs and desires always come first. The non-profit, faith-based assisted living community operated by Lutheran Social Services offers a lifestyle of comfort, convenience and care.Residents at Wedgewood South receive 24-hour staff assistance, a spacious private apartment with private bath, three meals a day, medication management, housekeeping and much more. Wedgewood South is comprised of four "homes" which together make up the community. Each home makes up a wing of the facility and features its own kitchen, dining area, living room, and laundry. Care attendants are assigned to each home, so residents have the comfort of working closely with the same staff over time.During the cold winter months, this family-like atmosphere goes a long way to ensuring that residents have the opportunity to stay active and social. For example, daily games and group meals give residents a chance to socialize without having to go into the elements to see friends. And should a resident feel under the weather, the staff is there to provide care and comfort. Medications are monitored for proper dosages, and the staff keeps a watchful eye on residents to ensure a minor health issue doesn't become a major health crisis. Visits from home health providers are welcome, and Wedgewood can provide scheduled transportation to medical appointments.From the moment you step across the threshold of Wedgewood South, you feel the warmth and comfort of a gracious home. Other features available to all residents include:• Emergency alert system• Security on all doors• Organized activities• Individual service plans• Scheduled transportation• Whirlpool room• Storm shelter• Brandes Chapel TheatreTo introduce families to the difference assisted living care can make, Wedgewood South is pleased to offer respite care. With respite care at Wedgewood South, guests have the opportunity to experience the community and all of the amenities. Wedgewood South is currently accepting new residents; when the need is immediate, residents can usually move and be settled at Wedgewood South in less than a week. All suites have private baths, select suites starting at $2011; call Susie King or Kim Edler for information. Wedgewood South is located at 9812 Vinton Ave., telephone (806) 798-1011.


text:
Add us on BBM Pin 55DBCBDA for Updates
Barely one week after leading telecommunication services provider,
Airtel Nigeria, unveiled the fourth edition of the Red Hot Promo, an
annual reward initiative and one of Nigeria's biggest and most credible
consumer promotion platforms, winners of various exciting prizes have
emerged from across the country.
Mrs. Kemi Siwoku, 48, who is a trader in Lagos State won N1million, 20
customers have won N100,000 each, while 18,000 others have received
airtime worth N9million between 6th and 8th of December.
Excited to emerge one of the first set of winners in the promo, Mrs.
Siwoku expressed her appreciation to the telco for rewarding customers
on the network through the Red Hot Promo.
"This is unbelievable…. I am really dumbfounded …. What a wonderful way
to end the glorious year of 2016," an ecstatic Mrs. Siwoku exclaimed
when contacted on phone by officials of Airtel.
Airtel said over 360,000 customers will win different prizes in this
year's edition, making it the biggest ever, since the launch of the Red
Hot promo four years ago.
The 2016 Airtel Red Hot Promo will see Airtel give away N200 million in
cash prizes. Eight lucky customers will win the weekly grand prize of
N10,000,000 each while 60 Customers will become instant millionaires,
winning N1, 000,000 daily.
600 customers will smile to the bank as N100,000 daily prize winners.
Over the 60 day period, 360,000 participants will also emerge as N500
airtime winners, bringing the total number of winners in this year's Red
Hot promo to over 360,000.
To participate and win in the promo, Airtel customers simply need to
recharge their lines, buy any voice or data bundle or take the deal of
the day by dialling *340# to enter into the daily draw. The promo is
point based and customers earn points based on the value of recharge or
bundle they buy.
According to Airtel, multiple recharges earn customers more points,
which in turn increase their chances of being selected in the daily
draws. Customers who take the deal of the day by dialling *340# also
earn additional points, which increase their chances of winning. Points
represent the number of entries a subscriber has in the promo and the
more points a customer has accumulated, the higher the chances of
Participants accumulate and keep points they earn all through the
duration of the promo. Customers' numbers will, however, be in the draw
only on the days they recharge, buy a bundle or take the deal of the
day. Customers can check the number of points they have accumulated in
the promo by sending 'POINTS' as SMS to the short code, 340. This SMS is
zero-rated, completely without charge. The promo will run till February
3rd 2016.


text:
ever want to smash something perfect to see it break for the sake of excitement we dynamite the beautiful to feel foreign fingers and the chemicals in between we risk a destructive shortcut to something we all need adrenaline and the creativity it ignites Advertisements
Tag: fingers
gathering to let go
i gather what was lost -closure that had left my heart in want was at my feet all these years patiently lying in wait as a loyal companion for my fingers to sew the binding a gift I give myself and for them a gift of forgiveness and of letting go I untangle myself from […]
a curl wrapped around my finger
a curl wrapped around my finger two pairs of tangled knees two grins four eyes smiling
walking outside
walking outside the warm breeze greeted hello beautiful is what it said triumphantly the sun bright as ever shining my eyes squint and shut feeling wisps of hair fingertip brushes bellyskin is the softest of all arms stretched up warm cheeks warming toes I say good morning smiles follow
what does one do with a friday night
what does one do with a Friday night when Thursday you nearly gave yourself away digest express drink it down paint it black keep your eye on the light that pours through the pinhole in your defenses don't think- smile enjoy revel relive feel all the feelings all the fingertip bruises all the maybes all […]
my thoughts on thinking of you
My thoughts on thinking of you If you only knew what I think of you. I would tell you if I could, but it's too big. Sometimes, maybe you can feel it buzzing from skinny pink fingertips, but you will never know the weight of it so heavy you may never rise from our bed […]
if you could only know
If you could only know to come to trust how I see you words fail in their telling concepts too large defy explanation sometimes maybe you can feel it humming buzzing pulsing radiating from skinny pink fingers but you can never know its true weight it would burden so heavy you may never rise again


text:
Did you know that in conventional cultures broth can be an important ingredient within their cuisines? It could be the basis of not just a fantastic meal, but also for excellent health. Chicken broth in particular has healing qualities.
Broth is loaded with gelatin. The body needs gelatin to produce powerful connective tissue everywhere in the body. It also builds the tissue in the joints, easing individuals aches and pains. It aids heal intestinal disorders, the blood, lungs, Muscular Dystrophy, osteoporosis, periodontal ailment and many more disorders. The components of broth are required by every component of your body.
How do you make broth? essentially it is just boiling along the bones of chicken, turkey, beef, rabbit and also fish. It's the lengthy simmering process that extracts all individuals essential nutrients out of the bones to produce a wealthy gelatin broth.
Save the bones from a quantity of dinners like roasted or fried chicken and freeze them. You need a complete day you can keep a pot on the stove. take the bones out of the freezer, fit them in a very large store pot and fill it with water. Turn the heat on large and even though it's coming as a good deal as a boil, throw in a very half onion, a few cloves of garlic and about a few of tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar. The vinegar is what extracts the minerals out of the bone into your delicious healing broth. (Don't use white vinegar.)
After it arrives to a boil, turn the heat along to a simmer or medium heat and include having a lid. You are heading to let this simmer all day, viewing often to refill with water when it gets low. in the direction of evening, you can let the fluid cook along to about half. It should be a deep yellow or gold in color.
If you desire to add some veggies to it add the complete vegetable, or if you have peelings, skins, or tops saved, throw them in. let these cook in the broth for half an hour. Then turn the heat off, let it cool, and strain the bones off. You can now freeze the broth in little containers for little meals, and fit one or two in the refrigerator for a fast cup in the mornings prior to you start your day. The broth will set up using the gelatin just like Jello. this is specifically what it is designed to do.
Now you possess the basis for fantastic dinners prepared to go. You can effortlessly fit together sauces, gravies or even a twenty minute soup in the evening along with your property made broth prepared to go.


text:
The 2nd Wellington impactNPO event is almost on us, and we are excited to introduce you to the four charities you will be helping at the weekend. Another two will be announced shortly!
Wellington Rowing Club is looking to improve their website to re-engage their members and wider community.
New Zealand Drug Foundation needs a tool for people who choose to use a drug which is a companion to their recreational use or which is a place to go at the first hint of cravings or issues.
Vulnerable Support Charitable Trust are looking to get assistance creating a marketing plan to help them with their mission, with focus on a website and social media.
Wellington Time Bank are looking for a reduction in their administration time to allow them more time to make home visits to the most vulnerable members they look after.
And more details on each……
Wellington Rowing Club is a large not-for-profit sporting Club with over 220 members. Communication, both internally within our organisation and also externally with the Community, has been a problem for the Club
New Zealand tends to leave people who use drugs without support until, for some, their increasing use becomes a major problem in their life and for those around them. We need a tool for people who choose to use a drug which is a companion to their recreational use or which is a place to go at the first hint of cravings or issues. The sooner someone recognises there is something unusual about their use, the easier it will be to change and prevent problems. PotHelp.org.nz is our current self-help tool with 14 actions, videos, an online journal and mood tracker for people who use cannabis. It has the right idea but needs improvement to be more helpful and more widely used.
If we can support more people who use drugs like cannabis, methamphetamine or opioids by offering a self-help tool that lets people manage their use from the moment they start, we may be able to prevent people from turning their life upside down with dependent use in the future. Dependent use is difficult to stop, and the social costs and actual costs of helping someone are higher. The New Zealand Drug Foundation is a charity striving for an Aotearoa free from drug harm. We accept, for better or worse, that drug use is part of our community and we must work to reduce harmful effects rather than simply ignore or condemn it.
The mission of the Vulnerable Support Charitable Trust is to amplify the good and support the vulnerable. The Trust operates "Take 10" which is a community-led initiative supported by a range of partner agencies. Take 10's objective is to support the reduction of alcohol-related harm and alleviates demands on emergency services and local hosts by providing a centralised base for vulnerable youth.
Take 10 operates on a weekly basis offering a water station, rest area, mobile phone charging station, travel information, medical help, safe refuge and advice.
Wellington Timebank
Through exchanging skills, time and knowledge outside of the traditional economy, we foster relationships of trust and reciprocity. We harness the real wealth of the community and the value of each and every individual." Their problem is a lack of efficiency in their administrative work that take time away from staff who also make home visits to the most vulnerable members they look after. In their words: "We currently run multiple systems to track individual member information, including website registration, a proprietary system from the USA called Community Weaver, Trello, ANZ online banking, MailChimp, and Google Drive. At the moment, information from these sources has to be collated manually, meaning admin tasks take waaaay too much organiser and volunteer time. We'd love to have a program that can collate this information for us. Ideally it could do things like track member sign up progress, check if members have paid their membership fees, track the activity of new members to identify who may need additional support getting started, and update emergency contact details from one place to another. We'd like to see people go from sign up to trading within four weeks. We'd like to take down our volunteer time per member signup to 90 minutes, and coordinator time for changes down to 3-5 minutes.


text:
Unfortunately I returned home from holidays to sad news. I didn't sew for the remainder of August, instead slowly sorting through four biscuit tins of crafting items with mixed emotions as you might imagine. I wanted to share some of these things with you as it's always nice to see crafting implements of days gone by and I need some help identifying some of them!
Unlike me, this lady had a penchant for scissors with 5 pairs in these four tins alone (I am told there are more if I want them – I wouldn't use them though as I really like my left-handed fabric scissors). I've also never seen a tailor's chalk holder like that but I imagine it's quite useful.
This next little lot tickled me. Coats bias binding for 27 1/2 pence – the half pence went out of use in 1984. The lace is a little faded but what a racy colour of red, don't you think?
Next up just a tiny selection of the thread that was stored in the tins. Some are wooden like these ones but most are plastic spools. One of the biscuit tins has dividers in so I sorted the thread back into it by colour. Limes and yellows were the most popular and I got wondering whether this was because my relative liked to sew garments in those colours or if the thread is leftover as she made those shades less frequently?
And finally, can you help me to identify any of these items? I think the top left is a stitch holder for knitting but the other two have me baffled. Any ideas?


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While we may think there has never been a news era like this before, these "newsfeeds" are strikingly similar to newspapers in the early 1800s. We can learn a lot by seeing how things worked two centuries ago. We might even learn some lessons on how to help today's news.
The news industry has always needed government support: A look back to the 1800s
More from Journalism NewsMore posts in Journalism News »


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Rioting resumed last night, 9/23 into 9/24/2014. The scale was reduced and the extent not near as widespread as on 8/10 and 8/17, but the results sickeningly similar. Fortunately, the scale was small enough that an aid call did not result. Still, buildings burned, other fires were set, businesses were looted, gunshots were fired all over, and Molotovs were thrown. Specifically, Whistle Stop, a restaurant for those not aware, was set on fire as were a number of other buildings. At this point, I'm not clear on the extent of the damage. I do know that it wasn't the only building victimized by arsonists.
What is of particular note is that Whistle Stop, along with a number of others which were victimized in the area, were looted along S. Florissant. S. Florissant is not to be confused with W. Florissant where the bulk of the activity has taken place thus far. For those unfamiliar with the region there are essentially two Florissant roads. It's actually more complicated but I'll keep it down to two for simplicity sake. South Florissant and North Florissant unsurprisingly run south and north accordingly while running along the west side of Ferguson. On the other hand is West Florissant which comes out of the city heading east and west, but starts to veer northwest as it heads through Jennings and finally takes a north and south route in Ferguson on the east side of that city.
The west side of Ferguson contains the historic district that is fairly nice and considered to be the "White" side of town. The east side of Ferguson containing W. Florissant and Canfield Apartments is largely known as the poor or "Black" side of town. The expansion of rioting into the nicer part of town is something that many have called for since the beginning. Apparently, we're now seeing this desire materialized.
So what caused this latest escalation?
Apparently, this was all in reference to a small fire which began at a Mike Brown memorial on Canfield road, near the sight of his death. Was the fire intentionally set? Were there any witnesses or evidence to support the arbitrary jump-to-conclusions mat consensus that some racist white inciter was responsible? No. However, the Post Dispatch was apparently not too worried about facts when writers decided to quote the local fire science experts who represent the residents of Canfield Apartments.
"There is no doubt about it. Someone waited until everyone was asleep and set it on fire. There is no way a candle did this; someone used gasoline."
With what is the self-proclaimed leader of the Canfield Apartment Watchmen basing his opinion? Apparently nothing. Utterly Irrelevant Capt. Ron Johnson arrived in the area sometime around 11 AM by himself evidently in need of some face time with a camera. He added to the confusion by both confirming that there is no evidence of wrong doing, but, according to the Post-Dispatch, also making sure to add that, " police were investigating a video showing a blue vehicle near the scene at the time the fire started." In other words, he implied that there was something to the rumors regarding the fire being intentionally set. A crowd of about 75 people apparently chased him off after he commented on the blue vehicle, according to the Post.
Of course, even if the fire was set by a fully costumed KKK member, the resulting actions of the community would still not be justified. I may be ill-informed as to the nature of the Klan, but I'm at a loss as to how a black-owned beauty supply shop which was looted last night has any connection whatsoever with the burning of the Michael Brown memorial. Then again, perhaps that makes it the perfect cover.
Another possible contributing factor to the recent escalation was the decision by the US Justice Department to exclude all non-residents and media from future city council meetings. All accounts of the meetings that followed indicate division but oddly uncharacteristically peaceful proceedings. In fact, the proceedings were so calm it seems to me that there might be more credence to the theory that the conflict has been driven by outside forces.
Those wanting tension and racial violence as well as their opportunity to demonize the police have thusly been missing out as members of the community have started to come together to hash out their differences. Unfortunately, peace runs contradictory to the agendas of many within the community and abroad who have been feeding off of the community suffering. In other words, if the memorial was intentionally set ablaze, the list of suspects is long indeed. However, a set of unattended candles sitting in the midst of memorial made up of paper objects, balloons, and stuffed animals are not exactly fireproof.
Two County Officers were injurred. One was hit underneath his eye with a rock or brick.


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The pronunciation of 'G' can be hard as in golf, or soft as in 'rage'. The worksheet helps students to practise their pronunciation of words containing 'g'
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Sexy Naomi Watts is said to be pregnant! The rumours say that Watts and her man Liev Schreiber are going to have a baby. Notice that Naomi Watts is 38 so this will probably be her only chance for being mother.
The representative of Naomi Watts didn't comment on this.
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Testing a new cruise around the beautiful Dalmatian coast.
Well life is hard here sometimes at Orbital and I was tasked with 'testing' a new cruise along the beautiful Dalmatian coast in Croatia. This cruise was on a much smaller ship… https://www.orbitaltravel.co.uk/blog/island-hopping-dalmatian-coast/
Cruise the stunning Dalmatian coast on board the MS Belle de l'Adriatique
Travel Extras Airport Parking Travel Insurance Beautiful lush islands, all with their own character, all waiting to be explored, sit effortlessly in the crystal… https://www.orbitaltravel.co.uk/blog/croatia-cruise/
We've introduced cruises in Croatia in 2014
Travel Extras Airport Parking Travel Insurance We are delighted to announce that we have introduced a new cruise destination in 2014. The beautiful MS Belle de… https://www.orbitaltravel.co.uk/blog/new-croatia-cruises/
We are currently developing an Augmented Reality (AR) Travel App.
Scans carried out on Tutankhamun's Tomb show hidden chambers.
Latest availability & offers for our European river cruises over Christmas and New Year.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For the latest travel advice including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information check here for up-to-date information


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Life after college is restless. You'll feel like a failure. Cause you had all the plans. Big, real plans. Didn't you? Except the congratulations stopped coming, and you don't have the cool city job you always had (or said you'd have). You'll kinda feel like you let everyone's expectations of you down. You'll kinda feel uncomfortable in your own skin.
Growing up. Life after school– life after the only life you've known. It's just something you grow into. Something that happens. Don't get me wrong, nothing will feel natural about it, and you'll feel confused about it all most of the time, but it's not something you have to wing or work hard at. You grow into growing up.
Then, all of a sudden, a boy you met in October will take you out on dates and cook you dinner when you've had tough weeks. You'll like words like "insurance," and "priorities," and "salary."
Then your skin will break out because, plot twist: finding a big girl job isn't as easy as you thought it would be, and you're suddenly competing with the people around you– this isn't made up competition like you've always known where you mentally convince yourself that you're second best or that you need to be better; this is real competition, where you're actually being compared to other people who are just as good of an option (and sometimes even better of an option) as you are. And the two weeks it takes to hear back about your job application at one out of the seventeen companies you applied at one Tuesday morning doesn't help hush any doubts or anxiety.
But then you'll be scrolling through your Instagram feed to find an old video, only to discover how much you've changed.
You're not a runner anymore.
You're not always looking for things to get into.
You don't have to be seen in the city or at the cool party or the newest coffee shop.
In fact, it'll suddenly become cooler to save gas and not spend five out of the seven days of the week driving to and from Atlanta just for some new adventure you've designed.
You'll feel like you're drowning, but you'll be taking steps forward.
You'll obsess over clean eating recipes and neutral tone clothes and selling everything you own like it's the equivalent to shedding our old skin.
The truth is, no one really prepares you for life after college. You don't get the same easy steps laid out for you like you got your senior year of high school. In fact, your probably get too many outcomes and not enough how-to's.
Except, one morning, you'll be flopped out on your bed staring at a computer screen of endless emails full of links to jobs you found through job hiring apps, surrounded by the majority of what used to be your closet that you decided to try and sell to make some money. There will be a boy who calls you on his lunch break just to hear your voice and ask you about your day. And suddenly, there's this unspoken understanding that somewhere along the way, you just became good at trying to figure it all out. More than that, you'll discover that somehow, someway– "trying to figure it all out," is a whole place on it's own.
So maybe you're not as lost as you thought you were when the summer after your college graduation ends and you don't have much to show for it aside from new places you got to see and registering for two classes that'll get you two steps closer to getting your graduates degree. Maybe you're not drowning as far off in the deep in as you felt. Because you're here, in a real place: trying to figure it out.
I'm learning that life isn't about trying to figure out how to tie a ribbon on all of it, but it is learning how to send thank you's up about all of the days you felt defeated.


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HYPOTHESIS: you can teach cooperative play through running certain scenarios with your kids.
PROCEDURE: For Superhero adventure this month I was thinking we might have our homemade costumes ready, but the sewing still has to be done. So we just went forward with what we had, and Lyric wanted to be Robin while Zephyr made up the mysterious Mister Y. I wanted to tell Zephyr that Mister E might be a better way to hit that pun, but thought better of it... His using a Y at the end probably signifies some new level of reading understanding, why get in the way of that?
I constructed 4 "gates" and placed them around my living room.
The idea here was to give them various gates they'd have to cover as I called them out, and since they wouldn't be able to reach more than one on their own, I could make them work together. It would be kind of like a cooperative game of "ship to shore", where the kids would race to carry out an order but they had to work together.
Lyric wanted to run a scenario with zombies on balloons, so I indulged him and said I was Brother Blood and I was calling in zombies from dimensional gateways. As I called out two numbers, the boys would indeed direct each other over to the right place. We'd pretend to fight off the zombies for a few seconds, then I would give them another countdaown to get to the right gate. I think 4 gates might have been too few, there were a few times I realized they could just stay at the number they were on rather than leave. Next time I'll try 8 gates.
RESULTS: the kids did end up working together and seemed to have a great time doing it. I think the format is very promising as a Nuclear Submarine, I'm excited to try building on it.
Superhero Adventure is always popular with Lyric, it's kind of what he wishes he could be doing all the time. In giving him that, I gotta call this a success.


text: Welcome 2018 Local Economy Fellows! We are thrilled to announce and welcome our fifth cohort of 25 new BALLE Local Economy Fellows. Share March 20, 2018 At BALLE we are consistently humbled and inspired by the incredible leaders in our network. Our new cohort of Local Economy Fellows is no exception. We are excited to share our fifth cohort of BALLE Local Economy Fellows, 25 systems entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders who are pushing the boundaries of economic change and championing locally-based, regenerative rural enterprise. They are visionaries, innovators, and strategic connectors who are supporting and strengthening thousands of small businesses across the U.S. and Canada. Not only are these leaders joining North America's only Fellowship focused on advancing local economies; with the launch of this cohort, our Fellowship community will now include 101 individuals primarily from historically marginalized cities, indigenous communities, and rural populations, developing credible solutions in the face of isolation and lack of funding. Our 2018 cohort illustrates the depth and complexity of the challenges facing rural, indigenous, and second-tier urban communities. With energy, creativity, and determination, they are promoting sustainable land use; advancing community development philanthropy; supporting indigenous social entrepreneurship; helping communities connect to the creative power of artists; advocating for disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; equipping rural entrepreneurs with the tools needed for success; and much, much more. In collaboration with their communities, our Fellows are at the forefront of building healthy, equitable local economies, underpinned by the regenerative capacity of the natural world around us. "As a Fellow based in Baltimore I experienced the power of BALLE's work up close, weaving together efforts across our urban ecosystem," said Rodney Foxworth, the new executive director of BALLE. "I was so inspired to witness what that looks like in rural economies that are coming to life, in our Local Economy Accelerator last fall. A local Fellow was working in deep collaboration with local foundations and place-based impact investors, in communities and regions that are coming together to create a plan, and do the hard work of making progress together." For years, our Fellows have been working together to achieve incredible outcomes. Together this network is proving that when seemingly small, local efforts come together, it is possible to transform the economy toward one that works for all people. Here's how: Local, independently owned businesses create quality jobs and stronger communities everywhere, at a faster clip than large corporations. In 2014, independent businesses created nearly two million of the nearly three million private-sector jobs generated, or two out of three employment opportunities. Beyond that, each dollar that is spent with a local business has a multiplier effect as it recirculates within communities — creating more quality jobs and greater stability. Spending money locally matters. Fourteen jobs are created for every $10 million in consumer spending at Amazon, while 57 jobs are created for the same amount spent locally. The BALLE Local Economy Fellowship is a completely unique immersive two-year experience that equips local economy innovators with leadership and capacity-building skills, a peer network of leaders and funders across North America, and a national platform illuminating their models for other communities. By building this network and offering a curriculum of transformative personal and professional development, BALLE aims to accelerate the emergence of healthy, equitable local economies. "The Kendeda Fund supports the BALLE Fellowship program because it strengthens the collective actions of community leaders, and builds generative economic capacity in communities across the country. BALLE unlocks the innovation and creativity of its Fellows, and builds a supportive environment in which they grow, learn and thrive." — Diane Ives, Kendeda Fund, Fund Advisor, People, Place and Planet program Download a list of our 25 BALLE Local Economy Fellows here. Categories: BALLE Fellows, BALLE Leadership


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Edgar's Bakery - Huntsville, AL
Hi guys! Sorry for the break from posts! The last few weeks have been kind of stressful, and thesis defense is coming up SO QUICKLY! I'm about halfway finished writing it, but these last twenty pages have been really tough. I'm hoping to have everything finished, defended, and sent to the Graduate school by mid-March! I've also been planning some upcoming trips for the next few months, so I can't wait to post them here!
While I was home a couple weeks ago, my parents suggested we go get some sweet treats, coffee, and breakfast from a new local bakery! So, this week I wanted to tell y'all about my new favorite bakery up in Huntsville, Al – Edgars!
One of the things that I love about Edgars is that it started right here in Alabama! The story behind the Smith family's decision to open Edgar's can be found on their website (HERE) and I definitely recommend that you read it if you have time!
I got a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant – and it was so good! I wasn't particularly hungry that day, but I ate the other half later and it was still great! My dad got one of the wraps, and my mom got the same thing I did! You can check out more of the breakfast menu here.
The other AMAZING treat to check out when you visit Edgars are their sweets! They have really good baked goods, cookies, cupcakes, and squares.. I've never tried something and not liked it.


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Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.
-old proverb
1 month classroom lessons (4 weeks) for $90.
1 month online lessons (4 weeks) for $50.
Simply fill out form below so we can send you an invoice, and we will suggest either the online or classroom program depending on your location.
(Invoice will be emailed. You can pay by credit card, or by mailing a check)
Call us if you have any questions: 888-919-4225


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Canadian employers looking to hire Caregivers for their children or family members with disabilities will now be exempt from paying the application fee of CAD$1,000.
The Government of Canada just came out with new rules which apply fo families who earn less than CAD$150,000 a year and are looking to hire Caregivers.
The old Caregiver program was predominantly Filipino, with workers coming from all over the world to work long hours for minimum wage and the promise of the opportunity to apply for Permanent Residency.
Canadian families looking to hire a Caregiver for someone with a physical or mental illness will also be exempt from paying the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) fee.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) said in a statement that "the LMIA processing fee can create a barrier to receiving the caregiver support that they require. Having access to a caregiver may also allow those hiring the caregiver to return to or increase their participation in the workforce. Families that do not require care for persons who are incapable of caring for themselves due to a physical or mental condition or are earning $150,000 or more and seeking caregivers to provide childcare should be in a position to pay the $1,000 LMIA processing fee to hire caregivers to provide care in their home without creating undue financial hardship."
The Government of Canada expects over 3,000 Canadian families to benefit from the exemption, with more than 800 being further exempted from paying the LMIA fee.
Hi there! We hope you enjoyed this article.
FILIPINOSINCANADA.COM is a growing community of Filipinos in Canada. We haven't been around for very long, but we're super enthusiastic!
If you know someone who might be interested in learning more about the Filipino experience in Canada, please do share this post by clicking on the share button below. Thanks for helping our grow our community!
We'd love to hear from you! Please drop us a line for any questions, comments and suggestions: email@example.com
We're also very social. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and check out our fantastic photos of everyday life in Canada on Instagram.
We're just getting started, thanks for joining us on this journey!


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Tiger Leap - Terrace Dream
Tiger Leap - Terrace Dream
Frame Story
Bold. Practical. Modern. Ultra-flexible. Leap like a Tiger into anything with these sturdy confident frames. A strong brow line and super-secure nose pads mean you'll keep up with the big cats in these speedy sunnies without compromising ultimate style.
Color Story
Want to show your stripes to the world? Inspired by the cool blue hues of Dali City, Yunnan's traditional rick architecture, these shades combine a classic pattern, cool colors and a strong frame to make all your sunnies dreams realities. Walk through life with the skill of a tiger on the rice terrace.
- Lens Material: CR39
- Frame: Acetate Metal
- Weight (g): 48
- Size (mm): 150.5 (width of glasses), 55 (width of lenses), 47.8 (height of lenses), 19 (width of bridge), 145 (length of arm).


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Drink, Barbara Lynch Gruppo's craft cocktail bar located in South Boston's Fort Point neighborhood, is seeking a full-time Line Cook to join the team. This individual will be responsible for meat and fish fabrication, daily prep and cleaning projects, along with working service and maintaining a clean station. They are a small but tight-knit team, and they like to have fun while working hard. You will have the ability to incorporate your creative cooking style into their menu and they welcome your input and contributions.
Drink boasts a seasonally driven menu that changes regularly and the opportunity to work in a custom-built kitchen with dedicated temperature-controlled rooms for butchering meat and fish, a large cooking suite and the best possible equipment. Their Congress St. restaurants, Menton, Sportello, and Drink, share facilities and you will have the opportunity to be exposed not only to Drink's program but also to those of Menton and Sportello.
This is a full time, hourly position with evening and weekend availability required. Benefits include Health, Dental, Life, Paid Time Off and and EAP Program. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to Chef de Cuisine Ashley Gaboriault the email address below.
Drink, and entity of Barbara Lynch Gruppo, is an equal opportunity employer.


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Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
West Ham keeper Joe Hart SLAMMED by BBC pundit after howler against Stoke
JOE HART should not be on the plane to Russia this summer after his howler against Stoke.
That's the view of BBC pundit Chris Sutton who saw West Ham goalie Hart spill a Xherdan Shaqiri shot to allow Peter Crouch a tap-in.
A late Andy Carroll goal meant it didn't prove too costly as the Stoke clash finished 1-1 but the mistake was the latest of a long list for Hart.
Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope and Jack Butland are all battling for a place in England's World Cup squad.
Gareth Southgate will pick three to travel to Russia in June and Sutton believes Hart should stay at home.
Joe Hart has made a number of errors for West Ham this season
"There are three better goalkeepers than him," said Sutton.
"You cannot take someone because they are a nice bloke and good in the dressing room.
"If England get two injuries to goalkeepers you need your third keeper to be strong. That is how it should be judged.
"[England manager] Gareth Southgate isn't wondering if he is a joker, is he good in the dressing room? He is wondering if he is going to make a save and keep us in the tournament.
"After that, how can Southgate go away and feel he can trust Joe Hart in an England jersey again?"
Hart was England's No 1 from Euro 2012 all the way through to Euro 2016.
However a number of mistakes in France two years ago, including allowing a long-range Gareth Bale free-kick past him, saw him struggle to hold onto his place.
The 30-year-old has 75 England caps but hasn't been able to nail down a West Ham spot this season with Adrian occasionally chosen over him.