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Ulysses S. Grant NHS
Jefferson Nat. Expansion Memorial
Santa Fee National Historic Trail
California National Historic Trail
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
Oregon National Historic Trail
National Frontier Trail Center
George Washington Carver National Monument
Wilson Creek National Battlefield
Homestead National Monument of America
Pony Express National Historic Trail
Chimney Rock National Site
California National Historic Site
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Scott's Bluff National Monument
Scott's Bluff National Oregon Trail
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park
Mormon Pioneer National Monument
Grant-Kohrs National Historic Ranch
Glacier National Park
Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge
Klondike National Historic Site
Gates to the Artic National Park
Yukon Charlie Rivers National Preserve
Denali National Park
Chugach National Forest
Wrangle St. Elias National Park
Wrangle St. Elias National Park
Wrangle St. Elias National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Sitka National Historic Site
Klondike National Historic Park
North Cascades National Park
Lake Chelan National Park
Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Mount Rainier National Park
Cowlltz Valley Ranger District – Mt St. Helens
Mt. St. Helens National Park
Mt. St. Helens National Park
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Lewis & Clark National Historic Park
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Redwood National & State Park
Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
Lassen National Volcanic Park
Great Basin National Park
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
Arches National Park
Canyonland National Park
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
Colorado National Monument
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Pea Ridge National Military Park
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving." ~Lao Tzu


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Home > Novel (Fiction) > Thriller/Mystery > The Alternative: Chapters 1-5 > Chapter 1
The Alternative: Chapters 1-5
Author's note: These five chapters have proved to be EXTREMELY difficult to write, and I hope my work has paid... Show full author's note »
Chapter OneSomeone was at the door.
It had been ten years since Sam had heard the saccharine ringing of the doorbell. No one had visited him in that time, and he had not expected that to change even after he was dead and buried. He had no friends, no acquaintances. He rarely went outside, and lived in seclusion, away from the world—away from his persecutors. Day by day, all he did was gaze lifelessly at the peeling wallpaper of his squalid "house" and drown himself in his regrets, waiting for his time to come. It would not be long now. He anticipated it with a puzzling mix of relief and…something else. Something he could not name….
But that wasn't important now. This was a monumental event.
Someone was at the door.
Sam reluctantly stood up from his appalling excuse for a couch and sauntered to the door like a drunkard. The sandalwood floorboards, turned a dull taupe by several years of uncleaned dirt and dust, squeaked noisily under Sam's feet as he walked with a painful slouch, as if he were carrying a great stone pillar on his back. Before opening the door to whoever was cruel enough to pay him a visit, he shot a vacant glance at the long, rectangular looking glass on the wall. In the mirror, he saw the same thing he had seen since he had run away from Summerfall; his abhorrent face laughed at him, his sagging skin danced with his despair, his rotten teeth smiled at his eternal sadness. Only his eyes, his pale green eyes, found no merriment in his misery. Whenever he looked into his eyes, all he saw was disappointment.
Sam was unsure what kept him from escaping. Life had become a prison. It was not worth it anymore. There were trees all around his house. There were several long, sturdy branches. There was a rope up in the attic. He felt he had every reason to escape and yet…he didn't. What kept him from relieving himself? What poisoned his mind that had kept him alive this long? Perhaps it was fear; Sam had done too many horrible things in his life to have any doubt where death would take him. Perhaps it was optimism, hope for change; Sam did not hesitate to scoff at this.
Sam's mind drifted, and he hesitated.
…Perhaps…perhaps it was…
The doorbell rang again. Whoever had come to see him was growing impatient. Rebuking himself for letting his mind wander so far into the forbidden depths of his past, Sam reached for the doorknob and yanked on it. The door flew open with a sudden, startled squeal, and Sam faced his visitor.
A cold wind blew, carrying change with it. Sam felt it in the air. Someone was at the door, and with him was change. Something was going to change. Everything was going to change. He felt it.
Something seemed off about the man. He was dressed normally enough, albeit professionally. He wore a black pinstripe suit with a purple tie, which insulted Sam slightly as he was clad only in a cheap plaid shirt and faded denim jeans, the only clothes he had been able to afford. A black fedora cast a dark shadow over the man's face, which, from what Sam could tell, was unusually slim and wrinkled with laugh lines. It was the face of a snake.
Sam took a small step back upon seeing the man. The weather was an echo of Sam's life: dark and inclement. Wind fought its way to the flimsy front door of Sam's house, and the man took one calm step forward.
Sam's eyes narrowed. "Who the hell are you?"
The man responded only with a smile.
"I asked you a question."
"Would you be Mr. Summerton?"
Sam fell silent. He hated that name. It was his name. He loathed it, but he could not hide from it. "…Yes."
"My name is Findlay Parish. And I have the answer to all your problems."
That unnerving smile again. Sam frowned.
"No, thanks," he growled. "I know what the answer to all my problems is, and it's not anything you could sell me."
"You've been diagnosed with lung cancer, have you not? This is…quite unfortunate."
Sam froze, his face filled with shock. Gingerly, he touched the small lump protruding from his sternum. He had never seen this man before in his life. He had no friends, no acquaintances. He rarely went outside, and lived in seclusion, away from the world. No one knew about his illness. He had been diagnosed with it a year ago. The doctors had brushed him aside, recognizing his life for the worthless endeavor it was. No one had cared. No one had known. But now, Sam stood face to face with the one man who did know…somehow. And it scared him deeply.
Parish quietly took another step forward and walked past Sam, who was still standing in the doorway, dumbfounded. He continued speaking right where he had left off.
"…And at the ripe age of only twenty-seven. This is very…very unfortunate. How could this happen to you, Mr. Summerton, when you had your whole life ahead of you?"
Sam chuckled grimly. "Do you think my life was ever worth anything anyway?"
"'Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile'," Parish proclaimed. "Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds of his generation or any generation since, said that. Please, Mr. Summerton, would you close the door?"
Sam reached for the door and slammed it shut. The wind's distant howling abruptly ended. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"You still want to live…don't you?"
Sam eyed Parish suspiciously. "I have nothing to live for."
"You have so much to live for. You just don't think about it."
Sam could not believe this man's stupidity. Had he not taken a moment to observe his surroundings? The majority of the items in Sam's house had not been bought, and the things that had been acquired through decent means of trade were acquired through bargaining, pleading, coercing, begging, entreating, imploring—not money. The paltry amount of money Sam did have was painted black with blood. Sam did not have his own personal savings stored in a bank account for safekeeping. He had committed atrocities to sustain himself, and it had been worthless in the end. Worthless. All these horrible things had happened to sustain his worthless, worthless life. He had not lived his life for others. He had not lived it for anything. His mind flew to Peach—
No. Do not think about that. Do not think about that….
Sam was silent. His wild eyes glared at the corner of the room, unseeing. Parish stared at him, puzzled. Struggling to control his fickle, feeble emotions, Sam took a deep, trembling breath.
"I have nothing to live for," Sam repeated.
Parish grinned and shook his head. "You lie to yourself."
"I have nothing to live for," Sam repeated firmly. "When will you understand? I have not done a single thing to help another human being my entire life. I…I'm evil. I never lived for the good of others; I hurt and betrayed people to help myself, to feed my own desires. You know nothing about my life. I have nothing to live for."
Silence. Only the groaning of the walls and the creaking of the floorboards could be heard as Sam put his face in his hands, on the verge of tears, his emotions shattering yet again. Parish just stood there, staring at him with a phantasmal grin that somehow spoke volumes about him while simultaneously hiding so much more. Sam knew that trusting Parish would likely be the wrong path. He did not know anything about this mysterious man, and what Parish said next was nothing short of shocking.
"So you have nothing to live for, eh?"
A brief, eternal pause.
"…What about sweet, little Clarissa Blackbourne?"
Sam's head moved like a bird's. His heart careened upward into his throat. Sam whirled around to face Parish, the air plucked from his lungs. He found himself back in Summerfall. He saw Blackbourne Manor. He saw the elegant three-story Victorian-era mansion hiding under the vivacious, verdant canopies of gargantuan oaks and sprawling maples; he saw the beams of sunlight filtering through the leaves, spraying the ground below with their luminous colors; he saw the wide cobblestone road, lined with dogwoods blooming infinite shades of white and pink, stretching up to the house's exquisite front porch, which surrounded the entire estate; he saw the girl, sitting on the wooden porch steps, her beautiful diamond face hidden in her hands, tears leaking through her fingers, staining her dress—
"Yes. Sweet, sweet Claire. I know you remember her. And she remembers you. Yes…she remembers you all too well…."
Sam gritted his teeth. Anger gnawed at his brain.
"Stop. Now."
"Ah, yes, she remembers you very well, Mr. Summerton. She thinks of you every day."
"Shut up!"
"Her poor broken heart—"
"Oh, I don't think she can bear it much longer—"
Sam flew across the room faster than he ever knew possible. The choleric chaos within his mind forced an enraged shout of fury out of his mouth, and he clenched his fists, ready to strike Parish down. He had done many terrible things. It would not matter. He prepared to strike.
Parish effortlessly put his hands up to Sam's chest and gently shoved him away. Sam did not even stumble; he only took a step back and felt his indignation recede to the depths of his brain as if it had never been there in the first place. Everything had returned to normal in the blink of an eye. This was not normal.
Sam was, once again, dumbstruck. "How…?"
"What if I told you that you could save her?"
Sam froze. Then he smiled a cold, rancorous smile. "You're joking. That's all you've been doing ever since you invited yourself into my house. Why don't you just leave me alone?"
"Because I'm not joking. I am here to help you. You are a lonely, angry man…but that can all change. I can offer you that change."
For the first time in an eternity, Sam howled laughter. It was a frigid, unnatural sound, and he did not like it. Parish's ghostly, omniscient smile remained.
"My life is rotten!" Sam shouted wildly, his anomalous smile fading into oblivion. "My life is rotten to its core! Nothing can change it! That's the joke! That's the joke, isn't it? And, Mr. Parish, it is hilarious!"
"Mr. Summerton, please sit down."
Sam collapsed down on the couch, which expressed its disapproval in a mousy squeak. Parish walked in front of Sam and slowly reached into his suit pocket. The smile was still plastered on his face.
"You can't do anything to help me." Sam was still fiercely skeptical, his life too sour for him to believe it could be saved. "And I don't want you to help me either." He paused, knowing he had just uttered a lie.
Parish knew as well. "And Claire?"
"Don't mention her. Please…don't…."
"You won't have to dread her name anymore, Sam."
Parish drew something from his pocket and concealed it within his fist. A sudden curiosity commanded Sam, and his arm slowly stretched out for the hidden object. Parish's grin widened, and then he retracted his closed fist. Sam withdrew his hand as well, studying Parish's fist with ambivalent wonder.
"I don't understand," Sam mumbled as if in a dream.
"You don't have to. All you have to do is recognize your life's true worth. Now…I am going to ask you to think of Claire."
"Don't tell me this a joke."
"It is not a joke, just as your life is not one. You tell yourself that, and you lie to yourself. You think her heart cannot be mended, but it can. You think your wrongdoings cannot be forgiven, but they can. You think your life cannot mean anything, but it can. You tell yourself that you will welcome death. That is not the truth. In reality, you would give anything to have one, just one more chance at life."
"I…I don't know…."
Sam felt his arm reach out.
"Yes…yes, you do. The knowledge is within you. Forgiveness is within you. Courage is within you. Death will not save you. God wants you to redeem yourself. You will not go to Hell for what you have done, for I assure you…there is an alternative. An alternative to death, an alternative to Hell…."
Sam's palm opened up, and Parish placed something in it.
"I give you the Alternative."
Parish closed Sam's fist and gently lowered his arm. Sam was incredulous, unbelieving, unthinking. This all seemed…right. Sam brought his hand up to his eyes and opened it. In his hand was a tiny circular receptacle containing…something. He did not know, but he was beginning to believe now that this was no joke. The receptacle was black, decorated with crystals and jewels of all kinds, sapphires, rubies, peridots—things that were not easy to acquire. In the center of the receptacle's outer layer, the gemstones coalesced to create a colorful collage depicting a hummingbird at flight. The prospect of redemption was whispering in his ear.
The Alternative, in all its strange, unearthly glory.
"The hummingbird represents the enjoyment of life, joviality, happiness….This is your solution, Sam. The answer to all your problems. This will give your life worth."
Sam looked at Parish dubiously, still not truly believing. "I…I don't know what….What does this even do, anyway?"
"Open it."
Sam opened the jeweled receptacle. Visions flashed before his eyes. Peach. Sandy. Jimmy. Claire. A vial containing a clear liquid shined before him. He stared at it. He heard the distant purring of a hummingbird's wings.
"Eternal life. Once you have drunk from the vial, you will never die. You can try to hang yourself, or drown yourself, or put a bullet through your cerebrum, but it will never work; the Alternative will keep you alive. You will live forever. You will be immortal."
Sam was stunned. "This is…impossible…."
"Only if you tell yourself those lies."
"…This is a joke….You can't possibly be serious!"
"This is no joke."
"Impossible! That's what this is!"
"Mr. Summerton…nothing is impossible."
"You can't just say that and expect me to believe you. I won't know unless I drink from the vial, and whether or not I do that…is my choice."
"…So you will choose not to redeem yourself?"
Sam did not answer.
"You will wait in this house, you will wither and die…and you will go to Hell?"
No answer.
Parish folded his arms, his smile long departed. Sam looked into the man's face and found an echo of what he always saw in his own eyes in the looking glass: disappointment. It was not a joke. It was real, genuine disappointment, and it reached Sam's very soul. Sam looked down at the vial and watched the clear liquid undulate within it. He was lost in Summerfall. He felt the grass shudder beneath his back as he lay behind Blackbourne Manor with Claire; he felt the warm rays of sunlight on his skin; he felt Claire's smooth, fragile hand in his, trusting…loving. He didn't know what to do.
"Very well."
Parish's funereal tone of voice jerked Sam from his fantasy. The man's face was worn with grief, and, with a somber adjustment of his fedora, he began to walk slowly to the door.
"You have told me that you don't need help," Parish moaned. "If you will believe the lies you have told yourself…so be it. I have a busy schedule. I must help those who actually want helping." Parish turned away. "Good day, Mr. Summerton."
As the mysterious man strode towards the door, Sam gazed down at the open receptacle, down at the vial within. He did not think it was possible. Something as outlandish and spectacular as this simply could not be possible. It was a joke. It had to be, and yet…he found no reason that an ordinary man would go to such extreme lengths to augment his already burdensome woe. Perhaps it was a joke, and Parish was just a devilish man, entertaining himself by destroying the hopes of the hopeless. Perhaps it was real, and this could change Sam's life forever. Perhaps…
A violent gust of wind hammered into Sam's body, tossing his auburn hair and tugging at his dirty plaid shirt. Parish stood in the doorway, his dark silhouette casting a spectral shadow upon the floorboards.
"You have the Alternative in the palm of your hand. The choice is still yours, Sam. I hope you will choose life."
The door slammed shut, and the hush seeped in.
Parish puzzled Sam. Why would he come here of all places to give Sam of all people a second chance? Why did Sam deserve it? There had to be more to this. As long as the truth was hidden from Sam, he felt he would just sit here without purpose, staring at a vial whose purpose was just as unclear. However…what if there was a purpose, and Sam was merely overlooking it? And purpose or not, did it really matter…?
Parish's words echoed within Sam's mind:
"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."
Sam thought of Claire. He saw her pale blonde hair blowing in the wind as she ran through the forest, her arms spread out like an eagle, her imagination gone to places unknown…
Claire had always been a strange girl, but that had not made breaking her heart any less horrible. Parish had known that, much to Sam's disbelief. It scared him that a man he had never met before had such disturbing insight into his past, his faults, his crimes—everything. Parish had known about Claire, and he may have even known about Sandy, or Jimmy, or Snowport, or Peach…
"This is insane," Sam muttered aloud, his eyes locked on the vial. What did the vial contain? Would it bring immortality? Would it bring apocalypse? How could Sam know?
"You will wait in this house, you will wither and die…."
Sam looked up from the vial and glanced around the living room. The bare walls and the dusty floorboards mocked him with their abominable poverty, and he immediately looked back down at the vial. He did not want to die in this place. When he looked down at the Alternative, his eyes beheld no mockery; only hope. Hope for the hopeless. Redemption.
"If you will believe the lies you have told yourself…."
This was no joke. This was no lie. Sam knew now. The Alternative was real. He didn't know how it could be…but he didn't know how it could not be either.
"You have the Alternative in the palm of your hand."
The vial beckoned to Sam. He plucked it from the receptacle and held it in front of his face. Was this really the answer to all his problems? He had forgotten about the rope in the attic. Death seemed like an alien idea, an idea only the wildest imagination could conjure. Eternal life was reality. It was right in front of his face.
"The choice is still yours, Sam."
Sam stood in front of Blackbourne Manor. He heard his footsteps on the cobblestone walkway; he saw the mansion in front of him. The sun's heavenly light sieved through the tree branches, splashing the ground below, whispering of second chances. Sam's eyes fell to the garden in front of the porch, where, rejoicing in the returning light of spring, there lay beautiful, resplendent rows of wildflowers, zinnias, hydrangeas, and violets; Claire loved violets. He ascended the porch steps. No squeaks escaped from under his feet.
"The choice is still yours, Sam."
He uncapped the vial.
There he stood on the veranda, staring at the front door in breathless anticipation. Each step he took, the sound of the hummingbird's wings grew louder.
"The choice is still yours, Sam."
The door loomed in front of him.
"The choice…."
He raised his hand.
He raised the vial.
"I hope you will choose life."
Sam heard himself knock on the door. He heard footsteps coming from inside the house, hurrying to answer.
Claire was coming.
"To life," Sam uttered.
He drank.
The hummingbird's wings fell silent.
Join the DiscussionThis book has 22 comments. Post your own now!
ellwist said...
May 30, 2015 at 3:00 pm
May 30, 2015 at 3:00 pm
Was Sam made to be unsympathetic? I know he calls himself out as a jerk, but usually that lets the reader go "oh, no you're not", but all I'm getting is "yeah, you're a real big jerk". If it is, then congratulations--you have successfully made the third jerk protagonist I've read of since Gillian Flynn and Ken Follett, and I absolutely love it. But I guess it really depends on where you stand. I loved the atmosphere of these first few chapters overall, though its a little too wordy for my tast... (more »)
CNBono17 said...
May 13, 2015 at 7:23 pm
May 13, 2015 at 7:23 pm
I'm thoroughly impressed; you had me from the beginning. I know there were comments made about the pacing, but I like the fact that you save a lot of the backstory until later, allowing the reader to learn how to sympathize with the characters first, before what happened is revealed. On a tangent from that, when are you going to finish? Having only six chapters of a novel that clearly is going to build and build and build is nerve-wracking and frustrating for the reader. (Although, as the writer... (more »)
kingofwriters replied...
May 18, 2015 at 8:42 pm
May 18, 2015 at 8:42 pm
Wow! Uh...thanks! I actually stopped writing The Alternative a while ago. I wanted to write something more light-hearted and adventurous, and that's actually what I'm working on right now (although my newest story does have its own fair share of dark themes, I assure you). After seeing how many people liked it, though... I dunno. I might go back to writing it later on in life! There's no doubt that it's a great story! But you don't think it was too descriptive? I've tried to be less overly de... (more »)
CNBono17 replied...
May 19, 2015 at 10:43 am
May 19, 2015 at 10:43 am
I think there's a difference between verbosity and description. Your descriptions are superb, although there are a few points where the fancy words kind of hit you in the face and the reader has to look them up. (I like a few of them, though…) As for the dark themes thing, I actually don't usually like this kind of thing, but after reading your feedback on that forum thread, I looked you up and this was the first thing on the list. And it's well-written enough that I could get into it. I'll b... (more »)
kingofwriters replied...
May 22, 2015 at 4:59 pm
May 22, 2015 at 4:59 pm
Yeah, I just submitted the more light-hearted story and it should be up soon! I submitted it once before, but TeenInk decided to be stupid and post it without any of the words. -_- Hopefully it doesn't do that again, 'cause if it does, I'll probably kill something. Probably a carrot. The light-hearted story is really hardly light-hearted, though. It's just more light-hearted than The Alternative, but it's definitely not happy overall. Like I said, it has its fair share of sadness and dark them... (more »)
Chrissiana said...
Oct. 24, 2014 at 3:06 am
Oct. 24, 2014 at 3:06 am
great! i love all of it! Have u writen any-more books?
kingofwriters replied...
Oct. 26, 2014 at 11:08 am
Oct. 26, 2014 at 11:08 am
Yeah...I've tried. It's gotten a lot harder for me to get inspiration for some reason, and I haven't really written in a while. But I REALLY want to start writing again; I just don't know if I wanna keep writing The Alternative or if I want to try something new. :/
kingofwriters replied...
May 18, 2015 at 8:51 pm
May 18, 2015 at 8:51 pm
I tried something new. And it's awesome. :D
IMSteel said...
Oct. 1, 2014 at 1:26 pm
Oct. 1, 2014 at 1:26 pm
I've only read the first chapter, but I promise I'll read the rest during the next couple of days. I'll review each chapter as I read it. Now, I would first like to congratulate you on snaring my attention with the first line, and then holding it throughout the chapter. The pace of the story was perfect: slow enough to deliver information without it seeming rushed, and fast enough to keep the plot moving smoothly. Great job on that! You did a fantastic job on the main character; my intere... (more »)
kingofwriters replied...
Oct. 1, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Oct. 1, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Uuuuuh...about me not overusing adjectives...you'll probably be rethinking that after reading Chapter 2! :P As for the fact that I repeated a phrase, I was doing that purposefully, but I can see how that might come across as lazy. I wanted to use repetition to make that certain fact more significant, but I don't know. I might change it. Emphasis on the "might". Then there's the random names I threw around that you obviously knew no... (more »)
Extraterrestrial said...
Sept. 24, 2014 at 7:38 am
Sept. 24, 2014 at 7:38 am
Chapter two! I think I see now why you're worried about later chapters, but not chapter one... chapter one has this tense and foreboding atmosphere that just draws the reader in. Chapter two doesn't have the same feel. However, this isn't a bad thing. I personally feel that a story can't be all flat and one-toned all the way through. It has to change. And even though this story focuses more on character development than plot or suspense, I think you've created enough of a con... (more »)
kingofwriters replied...
Sept. 30, 2014 at 7:53 pm
Sept. 30, 2014 at 7:53 pm
Yeah, I agree with you; Sam's infatuation with Claire is kind of abrupt. As for the reader not having a clear reason why Sam loves Claire so much...that is actually the kind of mindset I wanted to create. I understand that the reader doesn't know why Sam loves Claire; that's 'cause he doesn't really have a reason. He just thinks she looks beautiful, and that's why he loves her and dreams of her every day. Do you think there's too muc... (more »)
Extraterrestrial said...
Sept. 22, 2014 at 6:05 am
Sept. 22, 2014 at 6:05 am
Are you guys invested in everything that's going on? Really? Are you even asking us that? Because it should be pretty darn obvious that YES. YES. YES WE ARE. Holy macaroni, I am so invested right now, despite the fact that I've read is the FIRST chapter. This is amazing. You had me hooked from the first sentence. It's short, it's simple, but it manages to convey the fact that having someone at the door is an uncommon event, which awake... (more »)
kingofwriters replied...
Sept. 22, 2014 at 10:41 am
Sept. 22, 2014 at 10:41 am
Yeah, I'm not really worried about the first chapter; that one is good! It's the later chapters I'm more worried about, especially Chapters 4 and 5, because they're a lot longer and there's a lot more room for error in those chapters. Also, you should probably know that this story is only very loosely a Thriller/Mystery story; it's much more about the characters than the suspense, and that's why I was worried about whether or not readers would be invested in it: it doesn't exist purely to thrill... (more »)
Kestrel135 said...
Aug. 26, 2014 at 9:48 pm
Aug. 26, 2014 at 9:48 pm
This is for chapter 4 - things have been really busy so I haven't had a chance to read 5 quite yet but I will try to get it in soon. Again, your writing is very professional and uniformed, and you have created characters so real I could imagine walking into them on the street. This isn't a story I would ever want to miss! The whirlpool of emotions you created in this chapter was wonderful, enticing, and most importantly, believable. Your portrayal of those emotions was also quite unique ... (more »)
kingofwriters replied...
Aug. 27, 2014 at 11:10 am
Aug. 27, 2014 at 11:10 am
Wow, thank you! I was actually kind of worried about Sam's breakdown, because I thought readers would be kind of overwhelmed by Sam's emotions at that point. I'm glad you liked it though; I really wanted to do a good job of getting Sam's desperation and neurosis across to the reader, because while he wants to repair the damage he's done and become a good person, there's a lot more to him than that. As for Sandy, I agree that there were multiple times wher... (more »)
Kestrel135 said...
Aug. 24, 2014 at 9:02 pm
Aug. 24, 2014 at 9:02 pm
This was an incredible read! Though I only had time to read the first three chapters, they were thoroughly rewarding. Your vocabulary was beautiful and combined with how well you used it truly impressed me. Sometimes - though only rarely - there were almost too many of your wonderful words in a single sentence, breaking the flow of the words and making it a hassle to get through. I only noticed this a few times, however, and they only minorly distracted from the story itself. Also, it's poss... (more »)
kingofwriters replied...
Aug. 24, 2014 at 9:59 pm
Aug. 24, 2014 at 9:59 pm
You have NO IDEA how much your comment means to me. Thank you so much for reading, and while I hope you decide to look at Chapters 4 and 5 (those are the ones that I think need the most work) I think this comment is more than enough to help me out. I do agree with you about my overusing the vocabulary a bit; I've been rereading and working on omitting needless big words so that it's more accessible to readers who don't have a giant vocabulary, like...you know, most people. :... (more »)
Kestrel135 replied...
Aug. 25, 2014 at 9:47 am
Aug. 25, 2014 at 9:47 am
I'm so glad I can help! Later today I am planning on reading chapters 4 and 5, and I will be sure to send you my feedback when I do:)
kingofwriters replied...
Aug. 25, 2014 at 10:53 am
Aug. 25, 2014 at 10:53 am
Thank you so much! You're awesome! :D I gotta warn you though, Chapter 4 in particular is REALLY long, and probably will need the most feedback out of the five chapters... :P

subset: commoncrawl


text:
I cycled from New York, NY to Boston, MA today with my good friend Dave Miller.
By the numbers:
Departure 0445
Arrival 0005
Distance 221.30 mi
Riding time 14h 25m 24s.
Average speed 15.3 MPH
19h20m on the road.
Overall: a hard, hard ride that finally puts this silliness to rest. More later. Thank you and goodnight.
Preliminary Ride Report: Intercity Express
Posted by José Hiram Soltren at 21:56


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I see so many pictures of people with dementia yet they're nearly all of people so much older than me. The campaign for early diagnosis will start to bring the average age down of those with the condition. The image people have in their head tends to be one of an elderly person in a nursing home, lonely and in a world of their own. Whilst, tragically many cases like this do still exist, I can assure you there are many people with dementia out in this small world of ours, determined to 'outdo' this cruel condition; determined to make the most of life and make valuable contributions. Determined to bring about change and raise awareness
I hope I'm one of those people. Next time you think of someone with dementia, don't think of someone with no hope in their lives – think of me instead. As you can see, I haven't suddenly grown 2 heads and I can still smile and be happy.


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Write down your payment due dates. After you get the payday loan, you will have to pay it back, or at least make a payment. Even if you forget when a payment date is, the company will attempt to withdrawal the amount from your bank account. Writing down the dates will help you remember, so that you have no problems with your bank.
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If you're in a tough financial situation, it can be hard to think clearly. Hopefully this article has helped you find a few of the answers you are looking for and can help you decide if taking out a Payday Loans Mayday Payday 20564 Byqizeliw advance is right for you. Getting a financial situation under control means you have to think smart and think fast while making educated choices.
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Lake Garda: cultural routes, walking and hiking
Travel Guide Lake Garda, what to see along the routes most striking cultural comprising the main present on its shores and islands most picturesque, with walks and hikes to do in the charming lakeside landscape.
Itineraries Lake Garda
Including in the provinces of Trento, Verona and Brescia, Garda is of glacial origin and is the largest lake in Italy whose main tributary is the river Sarca, while the only outlet is the River Mincio. In the lake there are five islands of which the largest is the 'Isola del Garda, followed by extension the' Island of San Biagio, the 'Island Trimelone and two smaller ones, the' Island of Dreams and 'Island of Olives .
Lake Garda offers the visitor landscapes and interesting cultural routes, also bordering on it quaint towns that absolutely deserves to see and visit.
One of the most famous places of Lake Garda, also known for its spas. The town is a town in the province of Brescia and is set on a long, narrow peninsula jutting into the lake. It 'a very attractive destination for its ruins dating back to Roman and medieval times. On the tip of the promontory are the ruins of a large Roman villa, called "The caves of Catullus" built between the first century BC and the first century AD, belonging to a rich family from Verona, was probably one of the residences of the Latin poet Catullus. This place is an excellent vantage point on the lake, as is the Scaligera Fortress, located in a defensive position, was built in the fifteenth century by the Scala.
It is located in the southwestern part of Lake Garda, is a town in the province of Brescia and is the largest city between those that overlook the lake. Its historic center is characterized by elegant palaces and beautiful churches, opens on the lake, while a tangle of narrow streets leading to the Medieval Castle, with great scenic charm. The walk along the lake offers charming views, also you can also take advantage of some beaches with sun beds and umbrellas (beach Desenzanino, beach golden beach and Revolver).
It is located in the western part of Lake Garda, is a town in the province of Brescia. The town was a Roman settlement named Salodium, as witness the ongoing archaeological finds. It 'was the capital of the Magnificent Motherland, an institution based territorial formally dominated by Venice, but with wide margins of autonomy. A Salo between the XV and XVIII century are many traces left by the Serene Republic. The ancient fourteenth century walls, built by the Scala of Verona, were the two gates that surround the entrance to the oldest part of the city. At Victory Square, overlooking the scenic waterfront, is the fifteenth century Palazzo della Magnifica Patria, built by Sansovino in Venetian times, now the town. At the loggia of the Palazzo houses the Civic Archaeological Museum. Do not miss a visit to the prestigious Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunciata, impression Gothic-Renaissance the first stone was laid October 7, 1453, the designer was the architect Filippo of Cows. This small town between 1943 and 1945 was the site of some ministries of Italian Social Republic, for this reason called Republic of Salo.
Town in the province of Brescia, is located on the western shore of Lake Garda. The town is a real botanical garden for the variety and beauty of the plants that live in this environment. Gardone Riviera holiday commemorates the late nineteenth century, when the first German tourists started to come, in the beautiful villas and large hotels. A Gardone below are cafes, hotels and shops. Gardone above hosts the Italian Vittoriale, home of Gabriele D'Annunzio that he gave before he died, to the Italian people. It 'a complex of buildings, squares, gardens and fountains that preserves the home of the poet, the war museum, the MAS, which was used for the "Beffa of Bakar, the ship Puglia (set on the hillside), the mausoleum (it is located at the highest point of the Vittoriale and preserves the body of D'Annunzio), an auditorium, outdoor theater.
Town in the province of Brescia and beautiful center of the western shore of the Upper Lake Garda. Limone is located in a beautiful landscape characterized by beautiful panoramic views and lush Mediterranean vegetation. The village is famous for its lemon groves and is a very popular tourist resort.
Town in the province of Trento, is the main center of Garda Trentino and is located in the northwest corner of Lake Garda. This has been called a Mediterranean oasis, which is also situated at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites. Very beautiful Piazza III November overlooked Lombard-Venetian style buildings, nearby is the Scaliger Castle, a fortress on the lake, the Civic Museum and Art Gallery.


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Our Mission and Our Staff
We believe that Jesus Christ came to reveal the fullness of God's love for us, and we continue to celebrate that love through praise, sacraments, service, and community. Learn about our mission and meet our staff.
Become Active in Parish Life
Our parish offers a wide range of ministry opportunities. Whether you'd like to learn more, pray more, or serve more, we have a ministry for you.
Strengthen Your Spiritual Life
Making an offering of our time, talents, and treasure is an integral part of what it means to be a Christian. But at the root of everything we do is our relationship with our God. Use these resources to help strengthen your spiritual life.
News & Events
"I am the good shepherd...and I lay down my life for the sheep…and they will heed my voice." – John 10:14-16
When you pray, do you only ask Jesus for the things that you want? Do you ever ask Him what He wants from you? How do you listen for His response? Usually, the answer is in "quiet whispers", so take time every day, in silence, to actively listen for His response.
Our Prayers and congratulations to the children receiving their First Communion.
Mallory Carbaugh
Ethan Delia
Mason Dugan
Sydnee Madden
Lord Jesus, Bless the children coming forward to receive Holy Communion for the first time. May this day be an initial step into a life-long love of the Eucharist. Give them a hunger for this sacred food so that they turn to you for comfort, guidance and wisdom as they grow into full discipleship. Thank you for their innocence and goodness. May their hands, extended in anticipation of Your Body and Blood, inspire all of us to cherish this sacred Sacrament. Amen
Congratulations to our young people who we are sending forth
to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Laura "Catherine of Bologna" Bach
Zachery "Anthony" Coleman
Nicholas "Matthew" Gorschak
Kate "Rose of Lima" Isenberg
Trent "Sebastian" Karalfa
Emily "Therese of Lisieux" Knapp
Kate "Katharine Drexel" Knapp
Jesse "Raphael" Plowchin
Tara "Philomena" Vatavuk
Brendan "Thomas More" Veney
Spirit, strengthen these young adults with your gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. Grant that they may grow into the fullness of the stature of Christ. Fill them with the joy of your presence. Increase in them the fruit of your Spirit. Help them to experience and trust your dwelling within, so that they can count on your guidance today and every day. Show them the way to help one another become better disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing your love with our world and with each person they meet. Come, Holy Spirit! Come!
Read about Resurrection Parish's Paschal Candle
"I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who sat on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals.
THE 2018 CATHOLIC MINISTRIES DRIVE (formerly known as the Annual Catholic Appeal) has begun. Everyone should have received a letter in the mail from the Diocese. The Catholic Ministries Fund supports only specific ministries which are focused on: Caring for the Poor, Strengthening Families, Nurturing Our Youth and Forming Clergy and Laity. Please send all contributions to the Resurrection Parish Office. DO NOT SEND DIRECTLY TO THE DIOCESE. Make checks payable to Resurrection Church. Our "target amount" for this year is $34,284.00. Please read the diocesan letter posted on the link below concerning the Catholic Ministries Drive.
THE FOOD CLUB (formerly Cooking Club) will meet on Sunday, April 22 at 4:00 PM at Oratory Hall. This month bring a casserole or a one-pot meal of any kind that serves at least eight. All are welcome, kids too! We have over twenty people participating. Please join in the fun and share a Sunday supper!
COMMITTEE AND PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETINGS will be held on MONDAY, APRIL 23 in Resurrection Hall. Committee Meetings will be at 6:15 PM and Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:15 PM. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE.
SAVE THE DATE…….Saturday, April 28, all women and girls of the Parish are invited to attend a Ladies Social, "Movin' in the Spirit" at 1:00 PM in Resurrection Hall. Please bring a snack or dessert to share. We'll have a lot of fun!
AN ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST will be held on Sunday, April 29 in Resurrection Hall from 8:00 AM until Noon sponsored by the men of the Parish and the Knights of Columbus. Adults are $6.00 and children under age 12 are $2.00. Menu will include:Scrambled Eggs, Toast & Jelly, Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Pancakes, (maybe Waffles), Cheesy Potatoes Casserole, Fruit, Coffee, Tea, Milk & Orange Juice. Proceeds benefit the Parish through the Knights of Columbus.
ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE/ETHNIC FEST MEETING: The Activities Committee will be having a meeting regarding Ethnic Fest on Monday, April 30 at 6:30 PM at the Parish Center. The Activities Committee is requesting that the chairpersons from each section/booth (i.e. kitchen, bar, bake sale, kids games etc.) of previous Ethnic Fests be present for this meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and determine the continued sustainability of our Parish's participation in Ethnic Fest 2018.
THE LADIES' AUXILIARY will hold their monthly meeting on Monday, May 7 at 6:30 PM at Resurrection Hall. The lift will be open. New members are always welcome. Hostesses for this meeting are: Mary Ann Rager, Michelle Rager, Judy Rozich, and Carol Samo.
PASTORAL COUNCIL NOMINATIONS will be accepted AFTER EASTER. Please read carefully the insert attached below regarding making nominations.
CURSILLO WEEKENDS are being offered this spring. The men's weekend began the evening of April 19 and ended on April 22. The women's weekend will begin the evening of April 26 through April 29. The retreats are offered at St. Anne's in Ebensburg. Cursillo retreats have transformed lives all over the world and are an excellent follow up or prelude to the Alpha course. Enrich your faith this Easter by participating in one of these meaningful weekends. For information contact Mike and Juanita Kissell at firstname.lastname@example.com
Read details
related to this year's
Mission Trip
In today's gospel, the Risen One appears with the greeting, "Peace be with you!" The Easter Jesus eats with the disciples in the upper room. At the funeral Mass, the community turns for spiritual nourishment to the table of the Eucharist. When a brother or sister dies, we gather to be nourished with the Bread of Life. In partaking of the body of Christ, all are given a foretaste of eternal life in the risen Lord. The priest with the community offers to the Father the sacrifice of the New Covenant and shares in the one bread and the one cup.
Order of Christian Funerals, 1998/1989, Number 7. 2018
2017, Diocese of Al1oona-Johns1own, Liturgy Office, 925 South Logan Boulevard, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania


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Gold Price Slides as Traders Await Latest Fed Stimulus Decision
Gold prices were sliding on Tuesday as traders sat on the sidelines awaiting the end of the Federal Reserve's two-day policy-making meeting. Independent metals trader Eric Zuccarelli tells TheStreet's Joe Deaux that he is bearish on gold and says the price could go as low as $1,250 from its current $1,300 level. Zuccarelli says a lack of buying despite violence in Iraq and escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia suggests the yellow metal isn't poised to pop in the near term. In addition to a lack of buying in paper markets, physical demand for gold in China is softer than a year ago.


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Customer Reviews
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Dr. Kayvan Amini
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Scott Clark
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I want to thank you for the outstanding customer service. The purchase had become a major worry but your willingness to resolve the issues has made me a total fan of Motorgroup. The car is running great and I'm very happy. Please let me know when you have the warranty information ready. Best Regards, Ben
Ben Morrison
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Jordan, We sucessfully registered the 911 today. I am very pleased with the car thus far and have found it to be accurately advertised and appreciate the smooth transaction. I will follow with more info later. Regards, Alvin
Porsche 911
I want to thank you for the way you do business. The last purchase was one of the smoothest and best experiences I've had purchasing an automobile since I can remember. I will be sure to refer friends and relatives from up here in Jax and in your area as much as possible!! Sincerely, Joe
Joe Bledsoe
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Jordan, Thank you for not being the typical pushy salesman. I hear the car looks pretty sweet. Thanks again, John
Rowlett, Texas
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Thank you so much for the additional help in getting me EXACTLY what I wanted. You have a customer for life!!!
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Bernie Schofield
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Ommar Giruad
Miami, FL
Porsche 996 Turbo
Hi Jordan, Just thought I'd drop you a lineand thank you for a very pleasant transaction. Gary is a very nice guy and it went very smoothly. We forgot to include the transport fee so I will send you a check. Your Escalade listing was done very well and I'm sure it will sell. The S550 is in beautiful shape and rides just like the other one I had. I'm really enjoying it. Take care and keep up the good work!!!! Murray
Murray Kulha
Deland, Florida
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Jordan, Thanks for getting this done!!! Make sure the NAV CD covers CALIF. or I'll need to get one from you. Thx, Marty
San Diego, California
Porsche 911 Turbo
Just a quick note to thank you and Motorgroup for your outstanding support and superior service rendered when I acquired my Mercedes. Dealing with your company was a delight and extremely easy. Very Best Regards, Obren
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Jordan, Just received the car. What A Beauty!!!!! The pictures did not do justice for this car. Much better in person. I had taken it for a spin for just a mile due to tags and it runs better than expected. Thanks Again!!
Dallas, Texas
Porsche 997 Turbo Customized
Just wanted to say, "Thanks" for ALL your help!! The car is everything you said it would be and MORE!!!! I think I'm going to have to get used to the stiffer ride and road noise but only time will tell. Again, Thanks for being such a gentleman to work with! Simeon
Simeon Kohl
Mercedes Benz CLS63
Lighthouse Point, Florida


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.. The NFL and AUA Foundation will also debut new public service announcements to urge the men their risk of their risk for prostate cancer. Football Hall of Fame Football Hall of Fame player and prostate cancer survivor Michael Haynes, Like many other men, I know, was prostate cancer, the farthest thing from my mind and I had no idea how common it is, with African American men an even greater an even greater risk, Haynes , who declared in his second year, which is the know Your stats :: me. Well, I will do what I can to help people and their families to come to speak and to help them an understanding of the facts about this disease.
Moreover, the campaign entry into the AUA on Capitol Hill in support of the prostate Research, Outreach, screening, Testing, Access and treatment Act of 2013 (S. Introduced yesterday , would coordinate and increase prostate cancer research, education and healthcare.. With the support of a growing number of NFL greats and prostate cancer survivors, the national campaign mark prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September this year by their message the base with more than 500 events in hospitals around the country and a new series of public service announcements.The researchers used to think of that babies know fewer than two years old, not stays is object, Unless there is in the baby's view of. But in the midst -1980s, found new ways to experimentation with Babys to they do, indeed, that the items will not to disappear when you do not find at them – an approach announced as a subject permanence. But was not yet known what needed about items needed order remind their very existence.


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Our Daughters Need to Know Where We Stand
I am praying for you each week during the month. Next month, I'm going to ask for your help with a few things. Again, take courage and live as God's man, flaws and all. Don't let your struggles keep you from doing good. Come to the site and share your comments and thoughts, and encourage others! Until next week...
Kenny Luck
Kenny Luck is the founder of Every Man Ministries and the men's pastor at Saddleback Church. His 20th book – SLEEPING GIANT: No Movement of God without Men of God - is the proven blueprint for men's ministries, and was recently released through B&H Publishing. Leadership kits and church resources published by LifeWay. Watch and read more of Kenny's teaching here at EveryManMinistries.com.
October 2013 Volume 2
Free Men's Daily Devotional
Check out our new
daily devotional for men!
Connect With Us
Tell other men to sign-up for the Every Man Ministries News Letter, just tell them to text emm to 22828


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I have been journaling Dallas' full mouth reconstruction over the last few months. I did really well at first and then it sort of dropped off. Oh well! I still wanted to post what I had. It's out of order- starting with March and then going to December and January and skipping his late January and February appointments all together. (I guess we've just been busy and blogging hasn't been a priority). Here's the latest:
Dallas had his last of the major dental appointments last Friday, March 13th. He has spent over 30 hours in the dental chair, and it has been completely worth it! His teeth are still sore today from his last visit, but the bite is already better. He looks so amazing. I really feel like I got a new husband from this whole experience. He is still self conscious about his teeth, but not at all like he used to be. He is still looking forward to the day when his mouth doesn't bother him while eating though. Hopefully it will be soon! I love to see him smile with his mouth open (although now he smiles with his mouth shut just to tease me sometimes). Most of all, I love to see him laugh out loud and not close his mouth quickly to hide his teeth. He can just be Dallas.
When all is said and done, it was worth every penny. In fact, I don't think we have ever invested our money so wisely. We would recommend Dr. P.K. Clark and The White Cap Institute to anyone!
December 22, 2008
Today is a HUGE day in our family. Dallas started his dental work!! Because of many problems (soft enamel, grinding, bad bite, the list goes on) Dallas' teeth have been significantly worn away. We have been getting quotes from dentists and prosthodontists for years hoping that one day we would actually be able to do something about the pain it has been causing him. The day is finally here! Dallas is having a full mouth reconstruction by a specialized dentist named PK Clark that owns the White Cap Institute. He teaches dentistry (and specializes in crowns and implants) and gave us a deal to be able to use Dallas as a model. Dallas is having his entire top mouth ground down today. He will just have temporary teeth for a few weeks until they get the final teeth back from the lab in a few weeks. We took some before pictures so you will be able to see the "transformation". (It seriously feels like he is on Extreme Makeover or something. Except that we are paying for it... and boy are we. Major dentistry isn't cheap).
You can see how his teeth are worn down to the pulp. His molars are even worn down on the outside, if you can believe that.
I stopped in at 12:30 PM to drop off our last payment and to see him. He was completely out of it, thank goodness. He had been there for 4 hours already and he still had a good couple of hours left. I got to see his teeth all ground down and how his gums looked after the gum surgery. His teeth are so small now- about the same size as Will's. They are crowning or capping all of them. His gums look awesome! They are completely symmetrical and beautiful. His mouth was pretty bloody when I saw it. I'm sure he is going to be in quite a bit of pain today.
Dallas doesn't ever smile with his mouth open, so this is the best of the awkward "before" pictures I could get :o). It's bad. He'll kill me when he sees this posted on here.
I picked Dallas up at 3:00 PM. He is hammered! His jaw aches and his gums feel like they've been put through a shredder. On top of that he only ate a small breakfast this morning at 8:00 AM and he lost that because the anesthesia made him nauseated. His temporary teeth are just a plastic insert type thing (it's glued in) and looks different than the final product will. He looks SO DIFFERENT! It is going to take a lot of getting used to because it is such a huge change.
First set of temporary teeth- only the top are completed.
January 2, 2009
On December 30th Dallas was able to meet with the dentist and the guy that will be making his permanent teeth. After having the temporary teeth for awhile we had a few concerns. The teeth seemed pretty bulky and too large for Dallas' mouth, and he also felt that they were too white. He was very self conscious for a few days (who wouldn't be???). After talking with them we feel much better. They are going to scale the teeth down a little bit. Dr. Clark also adjusted the temporary teeth a bit. He shaved off some of the bulk and made them smaller so they look a lot more natural in his mouth. They are still just plastic teeth, but they actually look really good. I am used to how he looks now and I think he looks so handsome! He has another appointment on January 8th to adjust the temporaries a little bit more to make sure they are where we want them so that we can make final adjustments to the permanent teeth.
His gums have pretty much healed from the gingevectomy and are back to a normal pink color. He's glad he doesn't have all of the pain while he's eating or brushing his teeth anymore. I'm sure it has been awful. I watched him brush one time and couldn't believe the amount of blood he spit out.
We also learned that Dallas is getting top of the line crowns made. They will have zirconia centers instead of metal (what most doctors use). It is supposed to be the latest and greatest material for crowns and will keep them from turning grey as they age. The guy that is making his teeth is one of the top in the country. He left the best lab in the country to come to Salt Lake to start up a lab here. He is in such good hands and we feel so blessed to be able to be working with Dr. Clark and the White Cap Institute for this experience. We've been able to see all of the work, time, and experience that is going into his reconstruction and we feel like we are really getting an incredible deal.


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Hyderabad Inflatables (P) Limited was established in 2007 as a manufacturer, exporter and supplier of a comprehensive range of Inflatable Balloons and bouncies. Keeping in mind the diverse requirements of the clients we manufacture our entire range of products.
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Polish ideas of October
Following the Polish general elections that took place on 9th October 2011, Dr. Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Policy Advisor, analyses the situation of the Polish left and the landscape after the battle. Though a list which can be long, she identifies some that could explain the bad results for the SLD (Sojusz Lewicy Demokratycznej) such as the preparation of this election or the communication. She also make some comments about the new landscape. There is a clear regrouping on the right, a clear rise of the anti-clerical sentiments and there is a major question on how the new set up of the party system will settle.


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Getting My advertising To WorkInaccurate, incomplete, and inconsistent knowledge in meta tags could and did result in internet pages to rank for irrelevant lookups.[nine][doubtful – examine] Web page providers also manipulated some characteristics in the HTML source of a website page within an try to rank nicely in serps.[ten]
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The China Bust: Tic Toc – Kel Kelly
China is in the process of allowing its currency to rise. The reason for this is to address the worsening inflation rates in the country. Allowing the yuan to rise will indeed stop, or slow, inflation, but the way this fix works is not the way that is usually assumed. Neither will the effects of this policy be what most observers assume, i.e., just milder inflation. Instead, it will be an outright economic bust.
This article explains the real story behind the commonly espoused explanations regarding the taming of China's inflation. It also breaks down many of the peripheral issues on the topic that are regularly discussed in the press, and exposes the false theories associated with these issues.
Currencies and Prices
In explaining how a rising currency will help tame inflation, most pundits relay that revaluing a currency to a higher price will cause import prices to be cheaper, thereby lowering domestic prices. For example, Credit Agricole CIB economist Dariusz Kowalczyk stated,
Policymakers have sent a clear message that currency appreciation will be used as a tool to counter imported inflation [due to near-record global prices for oil and other commodities].
Similarly, Bloomberg news reported that
Chinese officials may also seek to speed up gains in the currency, also known as the renminbi, to fight inflation, lowering the cost of imported U.S. goods such as Boeing Co. aircraft and Microsoft Corp. software.
The truth is that there is no such thing as importing or exporting inflation, because each country or currency area has its own individual currency, which is separate from another region's currency. Prices within a particular currency area can rise only when that particular currency is inflated. (A rare exception is when other currencies also circulate within the same currency area, and an increase in the quantity of the other currencies causes prices to rise in that currency. But even in this case, the depreciating currency will likely soon stop circulating as it will be shunned for the stronger currency.)
But currency changes can indeed affect prices by way of changes in the supply of goods. A country whose currency is artificially undervalued — such as China — will artificially export more and import less. If the currency is allowed to rise towards the market exchange rate, it will begin to export less and import more.
All else being equal, a higher-priced currency will indeed result in a lowered price of imported goods. When imported goods cost less, consumers have more money to spend on domestic goods; purchasing power increases. Or, if the amount saved from spending less on imports is spent on acquiring greater amounts of the imported goods, there will be less demand for domestic goods, causing domestic prices to be lower. In either case, what has lowered prices is a stronger currency.
Click below to continue reading:
via The China Bust: Tic Toc – Kel Kelly – Mises Daily.


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Privacy Policy
It is the policy of Appmosys (the company that owns FoneHome) to respect your privacy regarding any information we may collect while operating our websites and App.
Information we Collect
When you create a FoneHome account we use your email address as your user name. When you run the FoneHome App on your device we collect several other pieces of information including but not limited to: your device name, model, unique ID, and phone number (Android only). As you use the App to track your device, we store information including, but not limited to: the device's current latitude and longitude, speed, heading, IP, wireless SSID (Android only), and battery information.
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Appmosys takes your privacy and the security of your information very seriously. All communication between the FoneHome App and our server is encrypted so that no one else may view your data. In addition, when you view the FoneHome website, all communication between your browser and the website is encrypted using SSL. The location of your devices will only be visible to you, however, Appmosys reserves the right for its employees to view your account information and any associated device data if it becomes necessary for debugging or assisting you with your account. Please note that for your security, Appmosys will never delete any location data recorded from your device until it reaches its quota for stored locations, after which old location data will be replaced as new location data is received.
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Like most website operators, Appmosys collects non-personally-identifying information of the sort that web browsers and servers typically make available, such as the browser type, language preference, referring site, and the date and time of each visitor request. Appmosys' purpose in collecting non-personally identifying information is to better understand how Appmosys' visitors use its website. From time to time, Appmosys may release non-personally-identifying information in the aggregate, e.g., by publishing a report on trends in the usage of its website.
Appmosys also collects potentially personally-identifying information like Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Appmosys does not use such information to identify its visitors, however, and does not disclose such information, other than under the same circumstances that it uses and discloses personally-identifying information, as described below.
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A cookie is a string of information that a website stores on a visitor's computer, and that the visitor's browser provides to the website each time the visitor returns. Appmosys uses cookies to help Appmosys identify and track visitors, their usage of Appmosys website, and their website access preferences. Appmosys visitors who do not wish to have cookies placed on their computers should set their browsers to refuse cookies before using Appmosys' websites, with the drawback that certain features of Appmosys' websites may not function properly without the aid of cookies.
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text: Daniel Defense Ddm4v7 5.56 16" 30Rd 02-128-13192-047 For Sale from GunPros | Positive feedback: 94% View | Verified Seller | 1614 Completed Sales View Sellers Items /UserImages/146370/986419406 12239418.jpg Description: DANIEL DEFENSE®DDM4V7™ WITH M-LOK RAIL•Finish: Cerakote® Elite Deep Woods™•Mid-length Gas System •MIL-SPEC heavy phosphate finished 4140 steel pinned low-profile gas block •M16 profile BCG •MIL-SPEC trigger •MIL-SPEC heavy phosphate finished barrel Government profile •DD Flash Suppressor •DD MFR XS 15.0 (15" handguard with M-LOK attachment points) •30-round mag •OAL: 32.25" - 35.875" Read More Condition: New In Box Brand: 02-128-13192-047 UPC: 815604018845 Location: WV Trades Accepted: No Read More Shipping Notes: See Description Read More Share Item Item #: 986419406 SKU: 02-128-13192-047 Stock No.: 118162-S10 GunPros Seller Since: Jul. 2012 Seller Level: Gold Seller + This seller is an FFL City: ellenboro State: WV Price: $1,575.99 Buy It Now Add To Cart (Price reflects 4% cash discount.) Please Login/Register to Order Login or Register to buy This Seller Accepts Online Payment Shipping: $24.95 (or Arrange local transfer) Accepted Payment Methods: Returns: 3 Days Send Message to GunPros You must login or register to send a message to this seller. Contact Seller as Guest Message To Seller Email * That Email Address is already in use. If you typed your email correctly, you are already registered and you should login or click here for the password recovery system. First Name * Last Name * Phone * Address 1 * Address 2 City * State * -State- AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT DC DE FL GA GU HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR PA PR RI SC SD TN TX UT VA VI VT WA WI WV WY Zip * Already have an account? Login Your Recently Viewed Items


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The comparison of emotional cycles to the natural cycle of the four seasons; from the cold winter to the joyful summer.
As the weather in winter suggests, things are cold. Lakes get frozen, snow falls and covers the trees. Sunrise is late and sunset is early. Colourful flowers and long warm evenings are but a distant memory.
In this phase of emotions, we are lost, confused or in pain. This could be for an endless list of reasons, however I find the most common in this life is that of things ending. The lack of permanence. The human heart longs for permanent love or peace, but that does not exist here. Here everything ends. All of nature gives us these examples: their cycles of life and death, and life again. The same flowers do not stay beside each other forever, they complete their cycle and decay (in winter). All of natural life testifies to the complete impermanence of all that exists. Our hearts, however, do not want things to end, they do not want that love to go away. So when it comes to the season of endings, winter, we suffer. We do not like to say goodbye, for our little hearts break.
We never really want to imagine a whole lifetime ahead of us without that person or phase of life we are saying goodbye to. Like a branch will crack and fall from a tree, the overwhelming pain leaves us speechless, or unable to breathe. If we were to scream from despair, it would just echo into the emptiness that this place is.
Although outside is dark and gloomy, one of the joys of winter is being able to go inside, into the warmth and perhaps drink something hot. This means that although on the outside everything in our lives may be cold and unpleasant, there is always a chance to go inside and find peace.
What I don't understand is that if we suffer so much because some things we love are impermanent, how do we not see that the suffering itself will also be impermanent? We despair so much at the realisation that everything ends, but we do not consider the implication that the desperation also has to end?
But no, they cannot see. So, like the long winter nights, people stay in darkness, unaware of how close spring really is and unaware that, like everything, this also is merely a phase. They stand in the middle of the snowfall, felling the sharpness of the cold, the deep cuts in their hearts. Like an eclipse has occurred on their hearts. I'm not saying this isn't real, or the pain is overrated, of course the cuts are as deep as they feel. What I am saying is that winter is a necessary season, without which the new life of spring would not be possible. Heartbreak is the heart's way of purifying itself. The snow and cold cleanse nature, after all of the blossoming of the months before and in preparation for new life to grow.
Through our suffering, we cleanse ourselves and prepare the depths of our beings for new life and new ideas to grow forth. Pain is not a punishment, it is not a torture, it is a season. Embrace it, feel it, but do not fall into the delusion that it is permanent or does not serve a purpose. Do not let your loss define you, for although it does hurt, it simply signifies that change is in progress; as a part of our lives dies, a new part will soon be born. Within this transitional phase is a door to change and deeper understanding of life.
Just as after the long cold winter comes spring, after tears and heartbreak comes relief. With hardship comes ease. New flowers start to grow again in spring, leaves start to show on trees, temperatures become more bearable and all of nature comes alive again. This is the human heart after much suffering; new ideas come forth, changes occur, and the ice begins to melt.
This is probably best defined with 'hope'. We do not yet see a full manifestation of growth within nature; flowers start to grow but they are not fully grown. There are still cold mornings or evenings, there are still some days that remind of the winter that has passed just as there are some days that bring a promise of the summer to come. In this phase of emotions, we realise that there is more to come. We are not there yet, but it is a step outside of the aching pain of winter. We capture that hope, we get a glimpse at the light that exists. Most importantly, it is the realisation that, just as life starts over, we also start over. Like every morning the sun rises after a night of darkness, continuing the cycle of life, death and life again.
One of the issues people face in this phase is that they fail to appreciate the process of growth, expecting the full blossoming of summer without the growth of spring. Adding to this the worry that the full blossoming may not occur. This worry, however, is not found in nature.
A flower does not worry if it 'wont make it' to blossom. Birds do not get panic attacks wondering if they will find food/water: they know it exists and how to find it. When birds, or other animals, migrate during change of season, they do not take anything with them. They don't have a suitcase 'just in case'. Plants don't try to put sunlight into a bag when night falls, worried that it may not appear again when morning comes. This is because they know that wherever they go they will have everything they need. That is the rule of nature.
So why does the thought of change bring us such anxiety and worry? Do we really think that we are exempt from nature's laws?
Are we able to migrate, at the change of season, without our suitcases? Are we able to close our petals at night, without attempting to capture the sun beforehand?
This is how people get stuck in this season; again by getting lost in the worry that the next season will not come. Just as when in winter they do not see that the impermanence that caused their suffering will also relieve that suffering, in spring they do not see that growth and rebirth of the heart is inevitable. Again, like an eclipse of the sun, darkness (lack of understanding) is drawn over some hearts.
The appreciation of this season brings great happiness; like the fresh air of the morning brings anticipation of a day ahead. If rain falls, it is only to nourish and bring forth life. Find joy in the preparation for what is to come, work on the ideas that come forth with the rebirth of the heart, go back to basics and fall in love with the process of starting over. It is a mix of gratitude for the chance to start again and a sense of anticipation of how this chance will develop.
From the initial blossoming of spring comes the full development of summer. People love this season: long hot days, holidays, breaks from school or work. Flowers are shining their brightest, animals surround us, trees are full of leaves.
In our hearts, we have manifested the new seeds and ideas that came about in the previous season. The hope of happiness and contentment that we had has transformed itself into them actual feelings. Like the fully blossomed trees, all of our leaves have grown. We are living what we once planned and hoped for. If spring could be considered going back to basics (rebuilding a foundation in our lives), summer can be seen as adding decoration. Playing with the colours of the season, doing things in our lives that go beyond having a basic foundation.
The mistakes that are often made in this phase is that of forgetting the impermanence of all things, along with not realising this is just another season. Although it is a very joyful season, we have to remember that, like the previous ones, it will also pass. Excessive attachment will cause excessive suffering when it inevitably ends. This does not mean we should not enjoy it or feel the happiness, it simply means we should remember that it is only the passing moment that is beautiful.
Perhaps the beauty of life's moments lies in the fact that they are only moments. Eternity embodied in a moment. I find beauty in our attempt to cling to what is not meant to last and in the fragile essence of the passing moment that will continue to live only in our memories. Its so tragically human, so tragically real. Beauty, in this world, in this moment, through which we get a glimpse of infinity, and then its gone.
Again, this is not about avoiding life, but about realising its nature. The truth will set you free, not the beautiful illusion. If we live the illusion that the beauty of summer is permanent, we will suffer incredibly when it passes. If we realise the truth that it is a season, we will still be hurt when people leave or times change, but it will not lead to our destruction.
In the mean time, breathe in the warm air, the fragrances of nature and join in the dance of summer evenings. We should also not feel bad about feeling happy ("I don't deserve it" or "this happened before, so I shouldn't be happy now"). You suffered the cold winter, you kept believing in the hope of spring, you do deserve to be happy. You do deserve to sit in the sun and live in that light. You can't deny your heart a season, and who wants to deny the summer.
Inevitably after the climax of the summer, things gradually commence to change. Leaves start to fall off trees and nature slowly retreats. The party of summer has come to an end, but there is still incredible beauty in the colours of autumn. Autumn is a season of gradual transition, just like spring. There is beauty in the gradual decay, just as there is beauty in the gradual growth.
Like when we feel that something is gradually fading away; it is still with us but it just is not the same. As with the other seasons, this is a process that we must allow to happen. It is when joy begins to mix with loss, like a painter will take two colours and mix them together. A half faded smile that emanates contentment and resentment at the same time. Aren't the autumn colours themselves a mix of different colours? Isn't a flower blossoming and decaying at the same time?
As nature prepares to cleanse itself during winter, it lets go of all that was born in spring and brought to life in summer. Just as when we prepare our hearts to rest and be reborn, we have to let go of all the ideas/places/people we once had and brought to life.
Recently in the world we don't really see four seasons anymore; summer jumps out of winter or vice versa. Or autumn will linger on when the winter should have already arrived. Maybe this also represents how people's emotions are not following a natural path, but are rather filled with confusion and rapid change from one extreme to another.
What each season contains each year is different: although on a superficial level it may appear the same. Summer may look the same each year, but it is not. The flowers are a slightly different shape, the colour is a slightly different tone. It is never identical. This means that although we go through our seasons of loss and growth, the external manifestation of these is always different. Different situations, different people. If we did not say goodbye to a previous situation, we would not be able to experience a diverse situation and encounter new people, see new places, learn new lessons. Our lives have the capacity for infinite change, which is especially made easy in this era: all we have to do is travel somewhere new, start over, maybe even alter how we look and there we have a new life. Regardless of this, we can never escape the laws of nature, of our own nature: everything ends, and everything beings again.
The seasons are the framework within which we have our life experiences and learn our lessons. Just as people are different, so is nature: some parts of the world have different types of seasons (different people have different cycles). Some flowers and plants blossom in winter (different people need different conditions to grow).
Perhaps if we are lucky, some things will remain with us through a lot of changes. Leaves grow, leaves fall, flowers show their colours then they decay, but behind all of this is another reality. The hand of eternity hides behind the veil of moments, the face of eternity disguises itself behind that of impermanence. What remains with us through all these seasons is what is actually real. Eternal love cannot fade, a purpose that leads to the infinite cannot disappear. We learn our lessons through the change of seasons and through nature's rhythms, but that which does not leave, and simply waits for us to learn and come through, is not a lesson. We may like a lot of things in this life, but only what survives the grinder of time is a part of us. The death and rebirth of our hearts is part of a learning process; what does not go through this process is not a lesson, but a part of what we are. Like a house stands still as the seasons pass, the rocks that just do not move from the seaside, or the stars that refuse to separate from the night sky; they simply belong there.