text:
Courage: 2015
Year Seven
Edited by Beaulah Pragg
Smashwords Edition (2018)
Copyright © respective authors (Bahar Parsaei, Becky Bates, Hanna Wikstrom, Holly Abell, Kate Gardiner, Lucy Murray, Marissa Gaffney, Matthew Brown, Ngaio Shaw, Olivia Hawtin, Olivia Schupbach, Paige Bowman, Rosa Blake, Tess Nord) 2016
Cover image copyright © Wei Li Jiang, 2015. Used with permission.
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Table of Contents
The Mystery Of 88 Tenth Avenue - Bahar Parsaei
When Nana Died - Hanna Wikstrom
Little Elephant - Kate Gardiner
When Everything Takes Flight - Lucy Murray
The Prison I Called Home - Marissa Gaffney
From Matamata to Rio - Matthew Brown
The Peanut Butter Sandwich - Ngaio Shaw
Above the Blue - Olivia Hawtin
But What If? - By Olivia Schupbach
The Courage To Kill - Rosa Blake
My eyes scanned the flat, closely inspecting every inch. It wasn't the best house I'd seen, but it wasn't the worst either. It was quite modern. Judging by the looks of it, you could see that it was built no less than two years ago. I didn't want to stay in New York. I wanted to go back to California, but on the bright side I didn't have to stay here for long. I just needed to live here until I turned twenty one, which would give me access to all the money my parents had left me in their will. Taking a deep and not-so-fresh breath, I picked up my luggage and confidently walked over to the door. There was a little bell ring on the door directly above the doorknob. I rang it and waited patiently. No answer.
I tried again. Once again, no one opened the door. I wrapped myself tighter in my leather jacket as my long black hair blew into my face. If the owner of the house doesn't hurry up and open the door I will probably freeze to death out here, I thought.
Frantically, I started pressing the bell non-stop while I knocked on the door with my foot. As I was thinking about smashing open a window, the door opened and a guy looked out. "What do you want? I'm busy!" he asked with an annoyed expression.
I stared at him in awe. Is this really what my lawyer meant when she said that the owner of the flat was a person with great responsibility? This boy was probably no older than me! The boy stared back at me impatiently. "Well? Are you just gonna stand there staring at me?" he asked.
I pulled myself together and picked up the document that my lawyer had signed. "I am the flatmate that you accepted. My name's Elizabeth Hunter," I said as I handed the letter over to him.
He looked at it with clear disinterest and then tossed it behind his back. "Okay, sure. Come in." He beckoned me in and went back inside.
He didn't even offer to help me with my bags! I thought as I dragged my six overstuffed suitcases and duffel bags into the flat.
The flat was bigger than I had expected—sort of like the TARDIS in Doctor Who, it was bigger on the inside than on the outside. It had a nice cream coloured carpet with some black leather couches and two huge sixty five inch TVs. The kitchen had three coffee makers and a shelf filled with all sorts of candy. Everything was incredibly high-class, which made me feel very odd in my leather jacket, ripped jeans and converse. The boy, whose name I didn't even know, flopped onto one of the couches and turned on one of the TVs, which was placed straight in front of the couch.
I stared at him with a disapproving look. "I'm supposed to be your flatmate and I don't even know your name," I said, hinting that maybe he should be opening up a bit more.
The guy turned his focus away from the TV and looked at me. "If you really need to know, my name is Jay and this isn't even a flat. I just said it was a flat so that I can get some money!" he said, laughing. My jaw dropped in disbelief.
"Why on earth would YOU need more money?" I shouted. "Look at your house and the furniture. You have two sixty five inch TVs AND two leather couches!"
Jay looked at me like I had just shouted the worst insult at him. "Well, let's just say that I went a little overboard with the furniture shopping and that now I don't have enough money to pay the rent," he said with a tone that suggested I should change the subject. I was about to ask where my room was when a ten-year-old boy jumped into the room and belly-flopped onto the couch beside Jay.
"Hey, Big Brother!" the boy said enthusiastically. Then he turned to look at me with the same expression that Jay had greeted me with. "Who's she?" he asked Jay as he pointed at me.
Jay sighed. "This is Elizabeth. She is our 'flatmate'," he explained. Then he turned to me. "Elizabeth, this is the other person that lives in this house who is also unfortunately my younger brother William." He was clearly not happy that his TV time had been interrupted again.
I looked down at William. He had the same dark brown spiky hair as Jay and the same colour eyes, but apart from that, he was totally different. There was an awkward silence which was broken by the noise of some cars beeping outside. I stepped forward. "So Jay, where is my room?" I asked.
Jay glanced up at me. "Did you say something?" he asked, his attention still on the TV.
The anger rose up in me. I grabbed the TV remote and turned it off. "Can you please stop watching TV and listen to me for a second? I said where is my room?"
Jay looked taken aback at my actions with the remote. "It's upstairs in the left corner," he said and then held his hand out for the TV remote. I sighed and dropped the remote in his hand. I went through the corridor that led upstairs.
As soon as I reached the top of the stairs, my Phantasma started. I hated the sensation so much, but it was something that couldn't be controlled. There was something special about it, though. It only started when there was a ghost around.
All my friends had told me that my Phantasma was special, but they had no idea how hard it was. You would see ghosts all the time, everywhere you went. I'd only found out that I had it when I was twelve, which was six years ago. Back then, I thought I was so special to have the ability to see ghosts, but all that changed. I still, to this day, feel guilty about the fact that my brother followed me on a ghost hunt under my insistence and died. I hadn't been able to stop the ghost that attacked him. After his death, I had made a promise that I would never make contact with a ghost again, so I ignored the alarms screaming "Ghost alert! Ghost alert!" inside my mind and turned to the left to go and find my room.
The door was painted a light blue colour with a grey doorknob. Inside was quite plain. There was a bed and a dresser with a huge wardrobe which was situated beside the bed. I looked at myself in the mirror beside the weirdly huge wardrobe. My straight black hair was messy as ever and dark brown eyes looked extremely tired. I didn't fit in with the rest of the room which was clean and tidy.
"Elizabeth!" Jay's voice shouted from the living room. "Come down here. I need to talk to you."
As I went out of my room, my Phantasma perked up again. I shook the feeling off and walked downstairs to where Jay was standing.
"I'm going out to see some mechanics because the car has sort of broken down," he said as he put on his black leather motorcycle jacket. "Would it be okay if I left William with you?"
"Sure," I muttered. To be honest, I didn't really want to spend the rest of my night with a ten-year-old kid, but I didn't really think I had a choice.
"I'll be back in no more than two hours. See you soon!" he said as he walked out the door.
William jumped onto the couch. "Come on Lizzy, let's play video games!" he shouted as he threw me a remote. Things just couldn't get worse could they?
Five hours later, I put the remote down and looked up at the clock. I got a huge shock when I realised that it was three hours past the time that Jay had promised to be back. I knew where the mechanic store was, but it would be at least an hour if I had to get there by foot. I knew I had to go and find Jay, but I also knew that there was a ghost in the house. My Phantasma hadn't been very strong which meant that the ghost wasn't very strong either. I went over to William, who was lying down on the couch.
"William, I'm going to go out for an hour. You need to stay here. Do you understand?" I asked.
"Sure, have a good time wherever you're going," said William.
I took my white jacket from the coat rack by the door and went out into the cold.
I reached the mechanics quicker than I had expected. Jay was there talking to one of the people. When he saw me, his expression changed."What are you doing here? I thought I told you to stay and take care of William!"
I looked at him angrily. "If you hadn't notice, Mr. Jay Maxwell, you have been gone for over five hours now," I said.
"I'm finished now anyway, so come on, we need to go back." he said.
Jay didn't talk to me all through the way back home. I could hear him muttering something under his breath, but when I asked he didn't answer. As we reached the front door, my Phantasma started again—though stronger this time. The alarms in my head were twice as loud. Jay opened the door and stepped inside.
"William, I'm home," he said. "William?"
He rushed upstairs to check William's bedroom. I followed him up.
There was no sign of William. He had completely disappeared.
Jay threw a huge tantrum. "Why did you leave him? I gave clear instructions that you were to stay with William until I came back! Who cares if I was gone for over two hours it's not like I had died or anything!" he shouted.
I got red in the face. "He's your brother so he's your responsibility. I just arrived here today and you're already giving me my own responsibilities, one of them being to look after your annoying as brother!"
Jay stared at me blankly before quietly replying, "He might be annoying, but he's my brother." Then, for the first time, I realised that Jay cared about something other than TV. I gave him a determined look and said, "Don't worry, Jay. We'll find William. I promise."
Jay was looking at the door of the closet with a weird expression on his face, as if he was in a sort of trance.
"Jay? Jay are you even listening to me?"
Jay suddenly snapped back into reality.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
He looked at me in a weird way and asked, "Have you ever got that feeling when you're in a room and it's like there's something else in the room with you, but you can't see it? You know like there's another person, but no one's there, and you get that really creeped out feeling?"
I looked at him in shock for a few minutes and then it hit me. Of course! Jay didn't have Phantasma, but he could still feel that the ghost was there, even though he couldn't see it. I just nodded to him and looked around at my surroundings. I had never been inside William's room, but my Phantasma was stronger than ever. Like my room, William's room had a huge closet.
My senses came back to me and I walked over to the closet. Even by putting my hand on the door, I could feel that there was something supernatural in there. Without thinking, I turned the doorknob and walked into the closet. Jay's voice sounded from behind me. "Elizabeth what are you doing?"
I ignored his question and beckoned him to follow. Just as I had thought, there was a mini black wooden door right at the bottom of the closet. It was unlocked, which saved me the job of looking for keys. I crouched down and crawled through the door. Jay looked unsure, but with a surge I grabbed his arm and pulled him through.
"What in the world are you..." he started, but I stopped him. I put a finger to my lips and carried on, looking at my surroundings. It was a big room. Probably an old storage or attic. My Phantasma got stronger and stronger until... I saw it.
A big ghost—probably a Poltergeist, though they weren't supposed to be visible. Its face wasn't visible which made it impossible to tell how strong it was. It was hovering beside an unconscious William, who lay on the floor. By the looks of William's white face the ghost had already sucked out a quarter of his life force, and that was never good. Jay, who of course couldn't see the ghost, rushed forward to help him. I held a hand out to stop him.
"Do you have any silver?" I asked. Jay looked at me like I had gone mad.
"Silver? How is silver gonna help?" he hissed.
I gave him a look that said 'don't-question-me'. He looked at me in a 'you-are-just-crazy' way and took off his watch.
"I have a Rolex watch. Is that going to help?" he asked.
I gave him a dubious look. "I don't think there's any actual silver in a watch, but it's worth a try." I said as I took the watch. "Any more?" I asked.
He turned his pockets inside-out and looked at me questioningly. I sighed. "So much for being a billionaire," I said.
Jay looked around the room and grabbed a little box that was gathering dust in a corner and handed it to me. "Is this gonna help?" he asked. I fiddled with the lock for a while until it clicked open. I studied the contents closely. Necklaces, rings, lockets and pendulums were stuffed into it carelessly and it was overflowing with little coins. I nodded approvingly.
"Yes. Yes these are absolutely perfect." I put the jewellery in a pile with the Rolex.
"Here's the plan," I said. "You can't see it, but there's a ghost here and ghosts hate silver. When I throw these silver items at it, I want you to grab William and run as fast as you can out of here and don't make a sound." I explained
Jay opened his mouth to argue, but then decided against it. I took my position in front of the ghost. All my fears came rushing into my head. I had faced ghosts before but only weak ones. I had definitely not faced a poltergeist before. I revised everything I knew about poltergeists. They were blind ghosts and could only find you by movement and noise which meant that as long as I didn't make a noise I should be fine. I pulled myself together, grabbed the silver items and aimed them straight at the poltergeist. With all the force that I could manage, I thrust the things at the ghost. The figure started to fade slowly starting from the top to the bottom. I felt pride that I had defeated the ghost and shame that I had broken my promise of never being in contact with a ghost.
Jay had already got William and was on his way back to the house. Checking for the second time, I made sure the ghost was gone and slowly backed out of the hidden room. The silver items had all been burned with ectoplasm. Jay would be so mad when I told him that his Rolex watch was burnt.
When I entered the living room, William was still unconscious and Jay was sitting on the couch. "Did you get my Rolex watch back?" he asked.
I laughed. "You're rich. Go buy another one."
He stared at me. I stared back. "So are you going to thank me in some way?" I asked.
He gave me a smirk. "Sure. Thanks. And don't think that saving William is going to stop me from getting the rent from you. Did you expect that?"
l smiled back. "That's exactly what I expected."
Once upon a time…oh wait wrong story. So Bahar is a girl that was born in Iran, but moved to New Zealand when she was six. Even though she knows that she will never see a ghost, she is still keeping an eye out just in case. She spends her free time with her friends and at Starbucks. She enjoys writing stories and eating pizza. Though she hasn't written any stories about pizza yet.
Paige Pancakes had never quite mastered the talent of expecting the unexpected, though no one really could have expected the sorry events of the day to come. It wasn't like there was any fault in Paige either. She was an intelligent and sporty child, loved dearly by all and most gregarious. And it didn't just stop there. Paige looked after her body and was a most attractive young lady. Her bright sense of humour brought much joy to her classroom. She enjoyed touch rugby, netball, hockey, and the arts. Her most favourite thing to do was play with her cheeky seven-year-old brother, Stanley, whom she dearly loved and treasured. Yes, Paige had a perfect life, until a fairly ordinary day turned into the worst and most horrible day of her life.
The prim and proper headmaster of Fairville Intermediate marched into Room Twenty Two with a grim expression on her face just before morning tea time and requested to speak with Paige. Paige was annoyed, as she and her best friend Becky were working on a fun project together, but was not surprised, for she was often called into the headmaster's office for various academic and sporting reasons. Paige was bewildered, though, over the fact that Mrs McDermott hadn't just asked for her over the intercom. Hopefully it wasn't something serious. The intercom was probably broken, she surmised. They strode down the hallway together towards the headmaster's room for the obscure meeting.
After reaching the small tidy quarters, Paige took a seat in the hard wooden chair across the desk from the wizened woman. She saw the sadness in Mrs McDermott's eyes and wondered once again why she was here. She was about to say something when Mrs McDermott cleared her throat and began to speak. "Your brother is in a coma in hospital, Sweetheart. While biking to Fairville Primary, Stanley turned a sharp corner and was hit by a bus. He is extremely lucky to be alive. I'm so terribly sorry, dear," she finished.
As soon as the words sunk in, Paige's heart leapt into her throat and she felt tears sting her eyes. "No! No! Not Stanley. You must be mistaken! It wasn't him. It was someone else!" Paige screamed, sobbing in pain, though deep in her heart she knew it was true.
"Go through to the office and the secretary will drive you to the hospital where your parents are waiting." Mrs McDermott's soft voice reminded Paige that she was in the room. Paige nodded vigorously through a fountain of tears and hurried over. She desperately wanted to see her darling Stanley. She hoped Stanley was alright. The thought that he might have died already made her walk even faster.
After a short car trip, Ms Rolanda dropped Paige at the large bleak hospital and a kindly young nurse escorted her to a small waiting room. Her eyes darted around finding her parents sitting on a patterned couch, their hands grasped tightly together. She saw the fear and worry in their eyes. "Where's Stanley!" she exclaimed. "I need to see him now!"
Her mum blinked away tears and explained gloomily that he was currently being operated on. He had major head and brain injuries, a dislocated hip, his leg was broken in two places, and he had bruises all over his body. Paige began to shake with crying. She wriggled into her Dad's comforting arms and felt like she wanted to die.
After four strained hours of waiting in the same space, fidgeting, chewing nails in concern and attempting to read magazines, a male doctor with a grave, wrinkled face appeared in the doorway and updated them on Stanley. "We're doing our best, but he's not looking too good," he told them. "Stanley's limbs are healing and bandaged, but he has severe brain damage and is heavily comatose. You can see him now, but please be very quiet and aware that he will be in huge amounts of pain beneath his unconsciousness."
Paige and her parents tiptoed along the hallway and into a small white room, anticipating how horrible Stanley would look. At first, Paige assumed they had walked into the wrong room, and almost turned around. Stanley looked like a completely different person, but the sign at the end of his bed read, 'Stanley Pancakes'. They saw a pasty white face, as pale as a ghost's, sticking out of layers and layers of blankets. Many machines were hooked up to his body in various places. His usual cheeky and adorable expression was replaced with blankness. Paige felt like her heart was being torn into tiny fractured pieces. She had to turn away from his poor feeble figure and deathly face. After half an hour of squeezing Stanley's hand and talking softly to him, the emotionally depleted Pancakes family retreated back to their house in solemn silence, making plans to return the next day.
Back home, Paige didn't feel like dinner, and excused herself for an early night. As she lay in bed, tears stung her eyes—not for the first time that day—and she passionately hoped that this wasn't the end of Stanley's small life. She couldn't bear a single day without her brother's contagious smile and twinkling eyes. It was a long, hard, lonely night for poor Paige.
The next morning, she woke to an eerie silence and her whole attitude dropped like a weight right down to her slippered feet. She spent that day in depression and devastation, trying to forget the horrible happenings that were imprinted on her mind every moment. Becky comforted her with all the love in her radiating heart, but Paige was immensely miserable and the day dragged by like a month. She yearned to see Stanley awake and well. All day, Paige wished and wished for him to be better and as bright as birds when they next saw him.
At the end of the school day, both of her parents met her at the gate, looking as gloomy and forlorn as she did. They explained that they were going to visit Stanley again, and Paige obligingly agreed. She desperately wanted to see her darling brother, and even more so wished for him to be sitting up in bed, smiling his beautiful wide grin with holes from missing teeth, when they entered the bleak scary hospital room. Her parents embraced her briefly, and then helped her into the back seat of the car.
Dark raindrops streamed down the window and ominous black clouds blanketed the sky. The weather completely resembled Paige's upset and weary mood. As soon as their silver Honda pulled up the gravelly hospital driveway, Paige flung open the car door and sprinted to her brother's room. She ignored the scolding nurse and went straight in. Her heart dampened as she saw the shocking sight of her terribly poorly little brother. He looked like a frail old man. Even though she couldn't bear it through the pain, Paige forced herself to go to school the next day in her grieving state.
The weeks went by in sadness and despair and Stanley's condition got worse and worse. He was obviously going through agony beneath the coma and his wounds were not healing without his brain in full function. Paige and her family supported each other and went on with their normal life, however there was a hole in their hearts where Stanley's cheery smile was meant to be. Only Becky could relieve her eternal pain and gave her endless kindness, and many hugs. School was truly tough as many people treated her awkwardly, and every second without her little brother went by like an hour. Teachers tried to comfort her, but their words dripped with sickly sweetness.
After about six difficult prolonged months, Paige's mum and dad sat her down on the couch and told her gravely that the doctor had explained to them that the chance of Stanley recovering was about one in a thousand. They knew that he was in pain and wanted to do what was best. They had found the right time to let go but, as Paige burst into exasperated sobs, they told her they would wait until she too was ready, since she and Stanley had been as close as Siamese twins.
Giving Paige the decision was meant to comfort her, but in fact it put a large weight on her shoulders. She was absolutely torn. The idea of turning off Stanley's life machine brought her immense fear, but it was clear that he was suffering deeply. She firmly told herself that Stanley was sure to wake up soon.
Over the next couple of days, her decision painfully lingered in the back of her mind and she tried everything she could to awaken Stanley. She squeezed his hand and whispered comfortingly in his ear. All her efforts were in vain though, and Stanley's pale eyelids remained closed.
That night Paige lay in bed with a hard lump in her throat and tears stinging her eyes. Great fear hung over her heart as she thought of the task she would most probably have to do at some point. She cried with all her heart that night as the thought of losing her irreplaceable brother was horrible.
After another week dragged by Paige had reached the climax of her fear, but was immensely worried about Stanley's pain. She didn't want him to be going through that and so told her parents at dinner that night, with tears in eyes, that she had made the decision to let him be free. It hurt her heart like a dagger but she knew it was what was right. Her whole body shook with crying and her parents brought her into a warm embrace.
Standing by Stanley amongst many relatives and friends the next day was hard, but she knew it would have been what he wanted. As the doctor unplugged the various blinking machines from his limp body, almost everyone in the room was crying. The little remaining colour on his pale skin was slowly sucked away, leaving the sobbing group with a malnutritioned ghost. Everyone paid their respects to Paige and her parents and slowly walked out of the door wiping away their tears.
The following days went by with Paige and her parents feeling like an important organ was missing. They supported each other and received many benevolent gifts, but were immensely upset. Paige went through minor depression and couldn't even remember his funeral but as the weeks went by the pain eased. Stanley always would have that special place in their hearts. Paige slowly began to adjust and accept life without him. She was glad she made the decision and Stanley was no longer suffering. A huge weight was lifted from her shoulders, because sometimes it hurts more to hold on than it does to let go.
I tapped my foot impatiently as I waited outside the door. My boots were buried in the snow and my hair was wet with rain. How long was this going to take? I heard a click as someone unlocked the door from the other side. I hurried inside as soon as it was open.
"Sorry dear," apologised Nana. "I was a bit busy to get to the door straight away."
"No problem," I said as I warmed my frozen hands by the fire. Nana wandered into the kitchen.
"Did you get the shopping, Tyra?" she asked.
"Yes," I said, handing her the overstuffed bag of groceries.
"Ah," she mumbled to herself as she started unpacking it. "Eggs, milk, cheese, bread…" I took my long purple coat off and hung it on the coat stand. I shuffled out off my two-sizes-too-big snow boots and walked down the short corridor to the back door. Unlocking it, I made a dash for the shed. Once I was in there, I lit a candle and wandered through the cobweb-covered garage to the stable where we kept our horse, Mackenzie. She was lying down on her hay pile, looking tired. I grabbed a carrot and held it out for her. She lifted her head and stood up. Her beautiful black hair glistened slightly in the candlelight. I held the carrot out further.
"Come on, Mackenzie," I whispered to her. "Come get the tasty carrot." As she began to eat it I looked over her shoulder and realised that her food bowl was empty. I sighed. Mackenzie ate so much food we might run out of money to keep buying it!
"Tyra!" Nana's voice echoed through the house. "Time to get up!' She wandered into my bedroom as I sat up in bed and started rummaging through one of my drawers. "Now don't forget dear, I need you to go down to the market today to buy some more food for Mackenzie. And when you get back if you wouldn't mind collecting the eggs from the chicken pen. And the sheep need shearing, dear, if you could do that as well."
"Yes Nana," I said as I pulled on my long white dressing gown. I had a long list of jobs for today.
"Just this please, Sir," I said as I struggled to lift the enormous bag of horse food up for the man running the stall to see.
"That will be twenty dollars," he said. I rummaged through my pocket and pulled out a twenty dollar note.
"Here," I said, handing him the note. He put the note in the money draw and started serving the next customer. I began the long walk home, tugging the bag along behind me.
By the time I had made it to the front door, I was completely exhausted and out of breath. I knocked urgently on the door. No answer. I knocked again. Nothing. I banged my fist against the door.
"Nana!" I called. "Hurry up! This bag is heavy you know!" I stood there for another few moments before giving up and stomping around to the side of the house to look through the window. What I saw made me drop the bag of horse food in horror. I could see Nana through the window; but she was lying on the couch, as still as a stone. Nana was dead.
I curled up in a corner of the hospital reception room, my face wet with tears. Why did Nana have to go? The hospital said she only died of old age, but eighty seven? That isn't very old at all! I know I will have to get over it eventually, but I don't think I'll ever be able to.
A man in an official-looking suit walked into the room. I'd always hated official-looking suits. They were too officialish. "Tyra, is it?" he asked me. I nodded.
"What a pretty name," he said. "Anyway, I'm here to inform you that you have a plane flight to New York city at exactly eight am tomorrow. Your Aunt Maria has offered to look after you. You will need to have your luggage ready by four am and be at the airport promptly by five am."
'Five am?' I thought. That is way too early! Don't these people have any sleep? Are they Vampires? I shivered. Better not think about that.
"Yes, Sir." I nodded.
He showed me to a taxi waiting outside. "This'll take you home. I'd suggest that when you get there you pack your bags, and then have a bit of a rest. There will be another taxi coming to pick you up tomorrow at four am. I've organised a babysitter for you to stay the night, as you are too young to be home alone. Other than that, I'll see you at the airport at five." He smiled and shut the door.
As the taxi was driving down the road, I squeezed my eyes shut and shivered. Tall buildings. I'd had a fear of them ever since I was four, when my parents died in an earthquake and a building collapsed on top of them. Well, better not think about that either.
I started to ponder what I would take with me to New York. Well, since it was summer over there, I'd better pack suitable clothing and accessories. My red maxi dress, my tie-dye t shirt, my multi-coloured leggings… Is that enough? And I hadn't even begun to think about shoes yet! Oh my god, there was so much to think about when you were moving to another country in the morning, especially a really awesome country like America. And I was going to live in New York! I started singing a song to myself. "Celebrate good times, come on!"
It was only after I'd been singing for a full five minutes that I realised the taxi driver kept looking at me in that weird way like, "What the heck is up with you?" because I was singing at absolute full volume. Oh well, at least now everyone could see how happy I was!
I sat on the plane in complete silence, staring out the window. Why did plane flights have to take so long? I looked at the screen in front of me that was tracking how long it would take to reach America. The screen showed twenty two hours and fifty five minutes. 'What?' I thought. 'I've only been on this stupid plane for one hour? No way! Why couldn't they break the journey up with a holiday in Mexico? Then I could eat tacos all day long whilst wearing a sombrero!'
I woke to smell of delicious food. 'How coincidental!' I thought. 'They've made tacos for lunch! Mmmm, tacos. Finally, a decent dish!' All we had for breakfast was scrambled eggs on toast. Yuck! But then I had some apple juice. And then I had more apple juice. And then I ended up drinking twelve cups of apple juice in the space of five hours! Maybe this plane ride wasn't so bad after all.
The aeroplane swayed slightly as it began its descent over New York. I sucked on the lolly that the air hostess had given me. Before I knew it, the plane's wheels hit the ground and the air hostesses were opening the exit doors. "…and we hope you enjoy your time in New York city," the voice over the intercom finished.
I grabbed my handbag and climbed down the steps of the plane. I turned around to try and get a glimpse of the airport, but crowds of people pushed me onwards and I couldn't see anything. It was only when I got inside, and all I had to do was wait for Aunt Maria to arrive, that I got a proper look at the distant city. And that sight made me drop everything I was holding—my three purple suitcases, my red suitcase and my two pink handbags. The city was full of tall buildings! Everywhere I looked, there were crowds of them packed tightly together. I felt like I was about to faint, but then a cheery voice from behind me interrupted my thoughts.
"And you must be Tyra!" I turned around to see a lady wearing a long red coat and black high-heel boots standing behind me. She looked like she was somewhere in her mid-thirties. A girl about my age stood next to her.
"Yes, I am," I said with a faint smile.
"Well then, welcome to New York city! I'm your Aunt Maria, but just call me Maria. Don't bother with the 'Aunt' bit. And this is my daughter, Lydia." She gestured to the girl next to her. "I heard that your grandmother passed away. That must have been really hard for you."
I nodded.
Her face brightened. "But I like to look at the bright side of things. Now you can come stay with us!" She smiled at me, then at Lydia, who smiled in return.
"Yay?" I said uncertainly. I severely hoped they didn't live in one of those tall buildings.
Lydia kept trying to start conversations with me during the car ride, but they were mainly one-sided. One of them went like this:
"You'll really like our apartment, Tyra!"
I was silent.
"It's got a great view of the city 'cause it's on the top storey!"
Top storey?
"The building's, like, a hundred and ten storeys high!"
A hundred and ten storeys? No way, no way, no way! I'm never going there! I closed my eyes as we drove further into the city.
"Tyra, why have you closed your eyes?"
I opened my eyes. "Nothing. I'm fine."
Lydia laughed. "Cool. It would be so funny if you had a fear of tall buildings!" She laughed again.
You have no idea, I thought.
As we climbed out of Maria's purple Lamborghini, I got a good look at the apartment. It was fancy, that's for sure. Every window had a balcony and ivy climbed up the cream-coloured bricks. In fact, it was probably the nicest apartment I'd ever seen (not that I'd ever seen any in person). But it was tall. Lydia wasn't kidding about the hundred and ten storey thing. And it was only when Maria pointed to a high-up window and said, "That's our apartment right up there," that I realised she wasn't kidding about the top-storey thing either. All I could think was, OMG, OMG, OMG, how am I expected to live here? But I can't tell anyone. They'll think I'm crazy for having a fear of tall buildings!
I took a deep breath to calm myself and thought, Oh well. You're here now, Tyra, and who knows? Tall buildings might not turn out to be as frightening and dangerous as you think!
My legs were aching and I was out of breath by the time we reached the apartment. The elevator had taken us to storey one hundred, but we'd had to climb the rest. And I thought I was fit!
"So, Tyra," Lydia began eagerly. How could she have so much energy after that climb? It was like she did this every day! Oh wait… she did do this every day. "You wanna tour of the apartment?"
"Um… sure," I said, avoiding any windows and trying not to think about the fact that I was at the top of a hundred and ten storey building in the middle of New York City. Aka the-city-of-tall-buildings-and-the-scariest-place-I-have-ever-been.
"So, we'll start with the bedrooms," Lydia said as she led me down a long corridor with a deep red carpet. She pointed to each door as she told me what they were. "That's Maria's bedroom. She doesn't mind if you go in there. The rules aren't super-strict or anything. By the way, I don't call her Mom. She prefers Maria. And that's my room. I don't mind if you go in there either. It isn't that private—just don't go rummaging through my desk. This here is your room; complete with a four-poster, just like mine!"
My eyes scanned the bedroom. The floor was made from polished wood and a light grey carpet lay underneath my white four-poster. The cream-coloured walls looked great against the white draws, on top of which there was a glass bench. A large mirror stood against the wall. The pale curtains opened onto a beautiful view over New York city. Well, what everyone else would call beautiful and I would call the most frightening sight ever. Glass French doors stood in the corner and opened out onto a small balcony.
"It's lovely," I said to Lydia, making a mental note to keep the curtains closed at all times.
"So, I take it that you had dinner on the plane?" Lydia asked. I nodded. "Well I know it's late, but do you want dessert? Maria's made chocolate cake. We can have it with some ice cream whilst watching TV if you'd like?"
"Yes please! If you're sure it's no trouble."
"No trouble at all!" Lydia said as she walked out of the room.
"And by the way, now that you're living with us, you might as well call me your sister," she added with a wink. I threw my suitcases on the floor and flopped down on the bed with exhaustion. I made a mental list of everything that had happened to me today.
I took a plane flight from New Zealand to New York city.
I ate tacos and drank apple juice.
I found out that New York is the scariest place I've ever been.
I met Maria and Lydia.
I found out that Maria and Lydia are really rich.
I got taken to live with Maria and Lydia.
I got given a really cool bedroom.
I am about to eat chocolate pudding with ice cream whilst watching TV.
Yep, I think I'm having a pretty good time in New York city.
The room around me was shaking. My eyes snapped open. I'm dreaming, was my first thought. But when I looked out the window I realised how wrong I was. It wasn't just our apartment that was shaking. It was the whole of New York.
"Earthquake!" I heard Maria shout as she came rushing into my room. I leaped out of bed just in time as the top of my four-poster came crashing down.
"Where's Lydia?" I shouted over the noise.
"I can't find her! She's not in her room! She must have gone out before the earthquake started and she didn't get back in time!"
"We have to look for her!" I yelled.
"I tried! But I can't find her anywhere." Maria grabbed me by my shoulders and looked me in the eyes. "You have to help me!"
I looked frantically around the room. "Look! The door is still open. We can get to the staircase!"
Maria nodded and we hurried across the room, just as the earthquake slowed and eventually stopped. When we reached the stairs, Maria went first. As soon as she was out of the way I followed.
"Maybe we should split up. It will be quicker that way." I said.
Maria nodded. "Good idea. I'll take the left side of the house, you take the right." She hurried over to the nearest doorway. I rushed into the kitchen. I didn't have to look for long. Because right in the middle of the kitchen floor was a huge hole. And clinging to the edge of the hole was Lydia.
"Lydia! It's me, Tyra. Are you Okay?"
Lydia looked up. Her eyes were filled with fear. She looked so helpless. "Um, not really!"
"Are you hurt?"
"Yeah. My leg feels like it's broken, but apart from that I'm good. Oh, and I also happen to be dangling over a 50-metre drop, so I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't mind helping me up."
I would usually laugh at her sarcasm, but now wasn't the time for humour. I reached over and grabbed her wrists. With a lot of effort from both both of us she finally managed to roll over onto the floor. I was about to call out for Maria but at exactly that moment an aftershock began and some of the walls began cracking. I saw Maria run towards us, but she was cut off by a collapsing wall. As soon as the quake slowed I hurried over to the pile of rubble.
"Maria!" I yelled, in case she could hear me.
"Tyra? Are you alright? Where's Lydia? Did you find her?"
"I'm fine. Lydia's right here. Can you get out?"
"I can. The staircase is right here. But I'm not going until I know you and Lydia can escape."
I glanced over at the staircase. It looked safe enough to climb down, but Lydia couldn't walk.
"Yeah, we can get out."
"Is Lydia hurt?"
I looked at Lydia. Blood was seeping uncontrollably from the wound. If she didn't get help soon she was sure to die of blood loss.
"Lydia's hurt. Badly. But there's no time for you to go and get help. It'll be too late by then. I'll carry her down the stairs. Don't try and find us."
"Alright." Maria agreed. "But you have to hurry."
"Don't worry." I said. "I will."
I heard Maria's footsteps echo through the building as she hurried away. I rushed over to Lydia.
"How are you feeling?" I asked her.
"M-my head's sore. And I can't stop the blood. I feel like, like I'm going to pass out."
"Alright. I'm going to carry you down the stairs. It's the only way out. Your mum's safe, don't worry about her."
Lydia nodded.
I used all my strength to hoist her up off the ground and make sure I was comfortable carrying her. Then, slowly but steadily, I made my way over to the staircase.
As I sat in the ambulance and watched Lydia lying on the bed with a nurse next to her, I remembered how I had had to make a decision on whether to guarantee my own safety or to help Lydia. My mind had been spinning over the options. It had felt like I had two personalities.
Personality 1: Save Lydia. Her life depends on you.
Personality 2: No way! Escape whilst you can.
Personality 1: But if you help Lydia then she'll at least have a chance of survival.
Personality 2: But if you save Lydia then you're putting yourself into danger.
Personality 3: Why don't you just commit suicide and then you wouldn't have to decide!
I was so glad that I had chosen to save Lydia. Because now she was going to live.
Three months later
Lydia came out of hospital three weeks ago. Apparently that scratch of hers was really nasty. Good news is, she's better now. She won't be able to run as fast for the next month or so because she's got stitches in her leg, but at least the pain has mostly gone away. I'm kind of the hero of the family now because I saved Lydia's life. Maria was thanking me so much during the helicopter flight.
"Oh, Tyra, you saved her! How can we ever repay you?"
And I said stuff like, "It was no big deal. I just pulled her out of a hole and carried her down a staircase.. Maybe risked my own life as well, but whatever!"
We moved back into our apartment yesterday. The rebuild workers had been fast to fix it. It was perfect. Everything was exactly where we had left it and nothing showed any signs of damage. Maybe tall buildings are safer than I thought.
Hanna is an eleven-year-old girl who loves writing, playing the guitar and singing in the shower. She love animals, especially canines, and her favourite book is the School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani. She has a German Shepherd dog called Chewbacca (Chewie for short) and he is the cutest dog ever. Hanna's favourite animal is a wolf.
Why do they have to leave? They know how much I hate it when they leave. Of course it was another one of those 'holidays' that they went on without me. The truth is, my parents, Sandra and Will, are...spies. Tomorrow they are getting on their spy plane and going nine hundred fifty four miles to London. It's a secret that I can't tell anyone (except for you)! My parents have both been spies since they were twelve and are now both forty six. I, Clara, am seventeen, almost eighteen, so I can stay home alone, but I hate it. I am an only child. I had a brother, but he died a couple of years before I was born. I have only one picture of him, which I look at all the time. The photo is old and crumpled but it is better than nothing. It's a photo of him before school one day. He had scruffy brunette hair and a crooked smile that makes me grin.
My parents have been away twelve times (as far back as I remember). Every time that they go it is torture! I absolutely hate it when they leave. I always feel so lonely and abandoned. My parents think that I have a problem… but I don't, trust me. At least I don't think I do.
I storm out of the house. I can't stand it. Right now, I am walking down my lane. I just have to get away. Running makes all my fears go away. I have been out for eighteen minutes now—it's probably time to go home, although I don't want to. I get to the bottom of our drive, puffing and panting. I felt my face burning bright red, for two reasons: I am furious with mum and dad and I'm so tired from sprinting, trying to loose all my anger and sadness. I stroll up the drive, my legs feeling like jelly. I can hear Mum and Dad arguing,
"She doesn't like it, Will!" Mum yells.
"She has to get over herself, Sandra. She's almost eighteen. Plus, she has to get over this autophobia!"
My eyes well up. Dad is right, I have to get over it. Autophobia—the fear of being left alone—is pathetic!
I knock on the door. Silence. Mum opens up, her eyes red. She has definitely been crying. She gives me a massive hug,
"I'm sorry we have to leave," she whispers in my ear, "I love you. You know that, right?"
"Yes," I say, on the verge of tears. It is almost ten o'clock at night. Mum cuddles me all the way to my room.
"Love you," she said.
"Love you too," I sobbed.
Mum closes the door so only a small glimpse of light shines in. I lie in bed and cry myself to sleep.
I wake up to my pale blue curtains being drawn. The sun is blinding. I pull the covers over my head, then realize there is a black stain on my white satin duvet. Mascara.
"Rise and shine," Mum says, sounding joyful.
"How can you be happy," I moan. "Today is going to be the start of the worst week of my life."
"Cheer up," Mum says, "We're only going for a week".
"But in that time, bad things can happen."
"Like what?"
"First of all, your plane could crash or, when you're on your mission you could get hurt… or even die!" Saying this makes me cry. "Please don't go," I say. I put the waterworks on, full blast.
"Come on! Nothing is going to happen, Clara. I'm telling you."
"Okay, okay." I get up out of bed and put on my comfiest clothing, jeans and a t-shirt. I know that I can't stop them, whatever I do or try. I give them both a hug and a kiss and tell them to go on their way. I put on a confident face, watching them drive away, but my eyes start to water.
"Come on, Clara," I say to myself. "You can get through this!"
I go inside, get myself a packet of chips and watch my favourite show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians. I sit on the couch, weeping through whole series. After five hours and ten shows, I start to feel a bit better. Maybe this won't be so hard after all!
I push myself up off the couch. My legs ache from sitting down for so long. I see a picture of mum, dad and me. It is one of us at the beach, smiling as big and as wide as we can. I'd thought that I'd finally got over it, but...no. The tears start flowing again. I wipe my eyes and turn the picture around. I go to the landline and call Ariana.
"I'm all alone," I sob.
"Sorry, Clara, I told you, I'm in Hawaii, remember?"
"Oh yeah. Damn!"
"Sorry, if I could, I'd come back, but as you know, I'm afraid of flying alone."
"Okay," I say, trying to hold back tears.
"Bye, love you!"
"Love you too." I put the phone down and look up at the ceiling. It is an old trick my grandma used when she went to funerals. She knew the ceiling of the church like the back of her hand.
It is almost five pm. I need to start thinking about what I should have for tea. Fish and chips? Pizza? Subway? No. I don't feel much like food, but I needed to eat away my loneliness and sadness. McDonald's it is then. Hopefully no cops will pull me over for driving without a license.
I arrive at McDonald's, hoping my eyes aren't red and puffy. I buy a double cheeseburger and a large frozen coke. I hop in the car and drive off.
Oh no! I think. I can see red and blue flashing lights up the road. "Crabs!"
I quickly turn down a side street and park. Luckily, they drive past. A wave of relief comes over me. I start the car and drive off.
Finally, I arrive home, safe and sound. I open the bag and breathe in the delicious salty smell."Yummmmm!"
I get out a white china plate and put my cheeseburger on it. Something posh and something not! I think to myself.
I slump down on the large, soft, comfy couch and pull a fluffy blanket over me, then I turn on the news.
"Breaking news," the news reporter says. "Two secret agents are being held captive by the most dangerous villain out there."
I start to freak out. What if it's Mum and Dad? What if I never see them again? It shows a video from the room's security camera. Two people, a lady and a male. It is Mum and Dad! I can't hold it back any more. Tears flood out. My head falls against the arm of the couch. My life is over.
No, I think. I am not going to be a prissy girl who is too scared to save her parents. I am going to be a…hero. Mum had put five thousand dollars in an account for 'emergencies' only. I'm pretty sure that this is an emergency, I think.
I log onto my Mac Book Pro and look up flights to London from Barcelona. Air Europa or Albastar are the two options for flights today. I need to get there as soon as possible. Albastar leaves forty five minutes before Air Europa, so Albastar it is. I fill out the online form and press 'Buy'.
I print out my tickets and quickly pack my suitcase: three tops, four pants and three pairs of shoes (and of course I pack the other garments as well). I hit the road in my mint green Mini. It only takes thirty five minutes (according to my phone) to get to the airport. I arrive in the airport car park. I am going to leave my car there for a week so it will cost thirty dollars.
I park and walked in with my suitcase trailing behind me. It is quite heavy even, though it isn't even half full. I find my way to the 'check baggage' area and sit down on an empty row of seats. The flight is due to depart in one hour. They open the gate and I put my suitcase up and it is scanned. All clear.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Although, you may have thick hair during your teens, going bald at 20 is possible. It may cause you to panic as many young men do, and lead you to think of ways to remedy the situation.
Speaking to My Medical Mantra, Chitra Naik, dermatologist, BYL Nair hospital said, "Earlier, women experienced hair fall problem, but now, men are also complaining about the same. In this hospital, 150 to 200 patients come for treatment. Of which, 100 are youngsters. This includes the children from the age group of 18 to 25. Also, the hair problem of premature graying of hair is being noticed. If it is not treated on time, it can lead to hair fall and eventually, one can become bald."
She added, "Sometimes, it can be due to stress, children are often pressurise by their parents when it comes to their studies. This in turn, stresses the mind and body, which results in premature graying of hair. So parents should pay a special attention on their children."
Reasons for hair loss at an early age:
Hormonal change
•Lack of essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins and minerals can lead to severe hair fall that could account to baldness
•Due to side-effects of the tablets
•Hair colours, shampoo, conditioner and gel can lead to hair fall
•It can be hereditary
• Erratic sleep schedules
As per dermatologists, stress leads to hormonal imbalance in men, smoking, alcohol and tobacco consumption lead to hair loss.
Dr Deepak Hadawle said, "Now, the percentage of hair fall in men is increasing. To combat it, one should have nutritional diet."
Tips to curb hair fall:
•Eat 10 curry leaves every day
•Apply coconut oil on hair
•Include calcium-rich foods
•Consult doctor if you experience continuous hair fall


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It's been made clear to me during my years of training and practice that pediatricians are meant to be happy, comforting people who love to cuddle babies and who want to fix boo boos and all sorts of other adorable things. So fine, I wear socks that have sheep and teddy bears on them because, let's be honest, they are what I would choose to wear anyway. And I try to be a nice person. I try to smile at work and even just out on the street. I try to pick up trash when I find some. I open doors for people. I give up my seat on the T to older people or women who are burstingly pregnant.
I try to be a good person. I try to behave.
But then Michelle Bachmann went on national television and said that the vaccine for HPV, a vaccine that prevents cervical CANCER, causes mental retardation.
The words that I have in response to this heinously irresponsible statement are not words I'm allowed to say in front of my daughter. In fact, those words, those dirtiest of insults that I have at my disposal, are not dirty enough for the venom I feel.
To be in the public spotlight, as Bachmann and other politicians are, brings with it a certain responsibility. It is a responsibility that should be akin to the one that I accepted when I became a doctor. You should promise to be nice. You should promise to do what is best for people and not what you think will be politically advantageous. You should promise to make sure that the things you say, things people will rely on to make important life decisions, are actually true.
Bachmann has failed in this before and she failed again and again this week as she continued to spout completely false allegations. So just to be clear. Women DIE from cervical cancer. There is now a vaccine to PREVENT more women from DYING. And to say that the vaccine is dangerous before a national audience because "a woman...said her daughter...suffered mental retardatio as a result" (of the vaccine) without ever looking into the credibility of such a claim is atrocious.
What sort of executive leader would this woman be if someone told her that Canada was evil and was planning to invade Buffalo and so she ordered a military offensive based only on hearsay? Have I gone to far? No, I don't think so. But she has.
What can I do about it? Not much. But I did just write a check to Planned Parenthood. I guess that's a start.
13 September 2011
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It's so great that people are investing in their health more and taking ownership of it. It can be so empowering knowing that you are in charge of YOU. Although it sounds so simple, and perhaps obvious, your health is something that can be easily overlooked. What we put in our bodies each day has such a huge effect on us internally and externally. I love sharing my new recipes with you guys, they are all quick and easy! But most of all, they are no fuss, super healthy and delicious. I hope you enjoy my latest smoothie creation!!!!!
xoxo Saundra
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup frozen organic strawberries
- 1/ cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/2 cup vanilla greek yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla Vega sport protein
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Garnish with banana slices on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
– You can increase the amount of frozen fruit, to achieve desired consistency.
– Try substituting the strawberries for frozen pineapple, for a tropical twist.
Do you have a favorite smoothie recipe you want to share? I am always looking for new ways to eat healthy and get creative with food. You can send your recipes to email@example.com.


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Love makes us all feel amusing. That sense of giddy disorientation, unsinkable ecstasy and complete fascination with a brand-new love can be so overwhelming, that it's difficult to imagine it's all about emotion. While the outcomes hardly make love less mystical, they do start to shed light on why it can make people feel so funny.
Helen Fisher, a research study professor of anthropology at Rutgers University, is among many scientists who believe the flush of a new love is boosted by natural stimulants in the brain, norepinphrine and dopamine . She discusses that high levels of these natural chemicals can make people lose their appetites and their desire for sleep, simply by considering their brand-new infatuations. "These are fundamental traits commonly connected with romantic love and with these natural stimulants," she states. "What else could describe the method you continuously think of a person, about the method you wish to read them your bad poetry?"
"When a person is passionately in love, it is provocative and exceptionally amazing , and if the loved one is not there, traumatic," states Volkow. "The reality that drug dependency and passionate love might activate the same actions, signals to Volkow that drug addiction is especially hazardous given that it taps into a natural feeling.
She points out that recent studies show the exact same regions of the brain consisting of the frontal cortex which is activated when a drug addict is high and when somebody in love is looking at a picture of a loved one. Researchers at University College in London just recently tape-recorded changes in the brains of individuals who explained themselves as "truly and madly" in love.
Old good friends, apparently, do not rather cause the exact same stir. Fisher is performing similar research studies and is scanning the brain activity of people newly in love.
As most understand; nevertheless, the rush individuals feel from new love typically does not last forever. And Fisher is likewise interested in understanding the biological stimulants and anthropological explanations for all phases of love.
She argues that there are three main phases to a love relationship: lust, romantic you could try this out love and accessory. The first, she says, is " to obtain you trying to find anything at all" and is driven by hormones like testosterone.
The romantic love stage, which develops the brain chain reaction explained by the London researchers, serves to "force you to focus your breeding energy on one person at a time."
And the fmal, less steamy stage of Click Here accessory is to guarantee that any children produced by a love match has parents a minimum of through its early years.
Research study shows read the article there may also be chemicals connected with sensations of accessory. The animals right away formed attachments when scientists injected a natural chemical called oxytocin into the mice. When they injected chemicals that obstruct the result of oxytocin, Fisher states; the mice "avoided their partners and acted like cads."
Current studies have zeroed in on the chemistry of love, exposing what kind of chemical and neurological activities occur at various phases of human and animal relationships.
Love is enhanced by natural stimulants to the brain, noreinphrine and dopamine .
Gushy romantic feelings just like the high of drug addiction.
When thinking of the enjoyed one, areas of the brain stirred.
The stages of love, desire and attachment are affected by body


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9 Month Session with McKinley | Pontiac IL Baby Rantoul IL Newborn Photographer
Tree Farm Mini Sessions | Champaign IL Family Rantoul IL Child Photographer
2017 Tree Farm Mini Sessions | Bloomington IL
Christmas Holiday Mini Sessions | Pontiac IL Baby Champaign IL Child Photographer
Loved the Christmas Holiday Mini Sessions this year at the studio!! With the addition of a couch, now available for family sessions, it really made for some cute snuggly photos!
Pontiac IL Baby Champaign IL Child Photographer
Likes Family Session | Peoria IL Family Washington IL Baby Photographer
Family of 5 Fall Family Session with the Likes Family
Peoria IL Family Washington IL Baby Photographer
Matilda Jane Mini Sessions | Bloomington IL Child Photographer
I am collaborating with a Matilda Jane Trunk Keeper to bring you something fun and special. For those of you that do not know, Matilda Jane is a boutique line of clothing for babies, children, teens and adults. They have the cutest line of clothing and accessories for girls of all ages. You can check out there page HERE.
So the way this works:
You sign up for a session – we are hosting these at Ewing Manor in Bloomington
You let me know what size clothing you will need and our Trunk Keeper will bring a wardrobe of clothing to choose from for your session
You can also wear your own Matilda Jane Clothing to your session
I take pictures of you and/or your girls wearing and modeling this adorable clothing
You receive 10 digital images of your choice from the session and print release
$75 of your session fee goes towards NEW Matilda Jane Clothing from our Trunk Keeper
3 Month Session with Lucca | Heyworth IL Baby Pontiac IL Newborn Photographer
Oh Lucca was full of smiles and tons of chubbiness for his session with me. I can't believe how much he has changed. The amount they grow in just only 3 months never ceases to amaze me. They start to emerge with their little personalities and curiosity. I love that I get to be a part of capturing these sweet milestones for so many wonderful people. Lucca got tired at the end of this session, I took advantage and we took some super sweet sleeping photos. Those little curled up hands, long lashes and that little peaceful face. I hope they cherish these for a lifetime!
Heyworth IL Baby Pontiac IL Newborn Photographer
One Year Milestone Session with Kambri | Pontiac IL Baby Rantoul IL Newborn Photographer
Why are all my newborns turning one? Time goes by so fast with these little ones.
I loved Kambri's session. She was so smiley, running all over and giggling at everything. I love the way she looks at her mom and dad with such adoration. That….is unconditional love.
I love watching families grow and love one another. We had a gorgeous night with this three. A perfect sunset, cool breeze and a beautiful family.
Happy Birthday, Kambri.
Pontiac IL Baby Rantoul IL Newborn Photographer
Newborn Session with Nora | Fairbury IL Newborn Danville IL Baby Photographer
I loved this sweet family! They have such beautiful little girls. Nora is well loved, for sure! Her sister was absolutely delighted to get in the photos with her new baby sister.
I also loved the colors from this sessions — I haven't use lavender with a newborn girl in such a long time, so setting up Nora's newborn session featuring lavender was so exciting!! I loved using my hand dyed Flokati rug and matching bonnet from Violet Dove Organics.
Headbands/tiebacks by The Dainty Meadow and Huckleberry Baby Prop
Fairbury IL Newborn Danville IL Baby Photographer
Newborn Session with Jameson | Clinton IL Baby McLean IL Newborn Photographer
Jameson was a dream to photograph. His mom brought along a little red fire truck to showcase, as his dad is a volunteer firefighter! He slept like a dream and even showed off his big bright eyes.
Meet Jameson
Clinton IL Baby McLean IL Newborn Photographer
6 Month Session with Tucker | Pontiac IL Baby Clinton IL Newborn Photographer
6 month sessions are among some of my favorite sessions to do during a baby's first year. So much progress, so much personality and love. They are so happy. A nice reminder of the simple things in life — love and happiness.
Pontiac IL Baby Clinton IL Newborn Photographer
2017 Valentine Mini Sessions | Now Booking
Valentine's Day Mini Sessions are now open for booking and approaching quickly!! Don't hesitate to book! These are perfect for attaching to your children's candy, gifts for your family and for capturing the sweet little faces of your children!!
Link to book: http://chandikeslerphotography.bigcartel.com/product/valentine-s-day-mini-sessions


text: The Malaysia International Gourmet Festival is back. It features the some of the best restaurants in Malaysia. The event which runs for about a month opens it's doors for the public for food lovers to have a taste on some of the food from these restaurants. All food can be purchased by using tokens. For those who would like to purchase the tokens online, you will get a discount of 5%. Each booklet consist of 10 tokens which can be purchased on the spot for only RM50.00. So if you do not have any plans for this weekend and you would like to join this super gourmet safari trip, come over to Sunway Pyramid Blue Convention Centre. Food tasting starts from 11am to 11pm on 7 and 8 September 2013.


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The experimental, and long-elusive, HondaJet will make its public debut at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis.
It is an "advanced, lightweight, compact business jet featuring better fuel efficiency, a larger cabin, and higher cruise speed than conventional aircraft in its class," according to Honda, which denied the airplane's existence until its roll-out in December 2003.
The experimental jet is powered by two Honda HF-118 engines, intriguingly positioned on the upper surface of the wing in a configuration said to reduce drag at high speeds and eliminate the need for engine mounts on the fuselage.
The HondaJet has been conducting test flights from its base at Piedmont Triad Airport in Greensboro, N.C., for the past two years. Its appearance at Oshkosh will be its first public flight and first major exposure to aviation enthusiasts and the media.


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One of Singapore's most promising independent singer-songwriters, Charlie Lim's music has received critical acclaim and support across the region.
Since age 15 when he topped the state of Victoria in Australia for music performance, Charlie has gone on to perform at international venues and shows including premier Asian festivals such as Music Matters, Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival, Urbanscapes, Mosaic Music Festival, and Jaraseum Jazz Festival.
His songwriting and production contributions to the 28th SEA GAMES are significant and the haunting melody from his song "Still" is featured extensively in Act 1 of the Opening Ceremony show.


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On Saturday, I went to a garage sale and bought some vellum paper with snowflakes on. I had to try it out, so I went over to Splitcoaststampers and selected one of the sketch challenges, #510.
Here is the sketch:
Putting the card together with this sketch was going very well and I was happy with the way it looked, UNTIL:
I had a boo boo. :-(
Every stamper will tell you that accidents happen. You cut where you didn't mean to, you glue or stamp something in the wrong spot, or in this case, the card hit the Mossy Meadow Green ink pad.
It's a creative opportunity, they say! It doesn't make you feel any less disgusted. I really liked the way that card turned out, and then I wrecked it!
Well, I had to figure out a way to fix it. So, I decided to change it completely. Since the "Merry Christmas" was in the Mossy Meadow Green, decided to use that color as my background. Here is how it turned out. Not too bad for a re-work. :-)


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Three weeks ago, the third and latest entry in the Piccola Cucina restaurant chain opened on 75 Thompson Street. Chef and owner Philip Guardione's franchise of cozy Sicilian eateries has become a phenomenon in the SoHo area in the past few years, and his newest is poised to be his biggest success yet.
Even among New York restaurants, these three restaurants are unusual. Together, they are perhaps the only franchise in the world with three locations in a three-block radius. "Italians want to control everything," jokes Guardione. "Here, I walk for 2 minutes to go to the other restaurant. I can control the business every day. It's better for us."
While this seems to break every rule of restaurant management, so far it's worked terrifically. All three restaurants are packed every night, and although Piccola Cucina hasn't been written up in the Times or appeared in Zagat's yet, the franchise has an even more important sign of approval—a chic, devoted Italian clientele. Eating there on a Saturday night, rapid, boisterous Italian flows through the restaurant like Chianti. It feels a little bit like watching a Fellini film. "Italians know about food," says Guardione. "They grow up eating well, and learn to expect high quality."
Homemade pasta with only a few ingredients, freshly-caught grilled fish—none of it is really new, but that's kind of the point. As Guardione says, "Sometimes the best recipes are the simple recipes. People want to make very difficult dishes, but I prefer for people to understand what they're eating." This stripped-down, intimate approach is complemented by the restaurant itself; an open kitchen allows patrons to see their food being cooked, pasta is served fresh out of the pot, and the food is actually inexpensive (I recently had an excellent steamed lobster for $30—the New York equivalent of spotting a unicorn).
And for all their simplicity, Guardione's restaurants are not identical. The Enoteca serves small dish fare that he calls "Sicilian Tapas"; the Osteria specializes in larger dishes "for people who want to eat a lot"; the Estiatorio, the newest and largest, specializes in seafood. Modeled after a Sicilian fish market, that restaurant features floor to ceiling windows, nautical ropes on the walls, and a small Piaggio truck in the back. It's certainly a departure—with its 50+ seats, it's barely even piccola. Yet it still feels intimate.
Chef Guardione's three restaurants are:
Piccola Cucina Enoteca, 184 Prince Street
Piccola Cucina Osteria, 196 Spring Street
Piccola Cucina Estiatorio, 75 Thompson Street


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With the 'Something Everyday' grab bag
( online available for a short period of time !! )
♥ ♥ ♥
ooh! Nicole's stuff is so pretty and always perfect! She'll love that her page was chosen! Well done Nicole!!!
Seriously, and I mean SERIOUSLY, this grab bag is worth EVERY penny! You will kick yourself if you don't get it... so go buy it!!
This page is stunning! And so is the grab bag. If you are on a limited allowance for digi-scrapping, you must get this!ReplyDelete
Congratulations Nicole! Your page is beautiful!!! And I agree with Linda: this grab bag is the deal of the year!!!ReplyDelete
OH WOW! Thanks so much for choosing my page! This grab bag is AMAZING! You will be so surprised with how much you'll get!ReplyDelete


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How to dress everyday dresses
Some students have said to me: To participate in the wedding, it is recommended to dress it. To get engaged, the recommended point is for a wedding dress. The company needs annual meetings, and it is recommended to dress up.
In fact, I said a few times before, in fact, dresses and the like do not need to specifically buy, the general slightly tailored dresses, such as small black dresses, small red dresses, summer lace skirts, chiffon skirts, can be matched by Dressed as a dress skirt, the focus is on getting your hair and make-up look, with shoes and bags.
The same dress, with different combinations, can attend different occasions. Ordinary little black dress is accompanied by sparkling accessories, pan hair, put on shallow-heeled high-heeled shoes, take a hand bag, wipe a red lip, and change into a small dress in seconds.
Read more at: bridesmaid dresses | wedding dresses melbourne
Posted by brookes at 12:31 │Comments(0) │TrackBack(0)


text:
but I choose not to cry now.
The hole you left in my heart cause pains,
but I choose not to feel it anymore now.
The eyes you used to watch in, still cries
but I choose not to show it out now.
The lips which used to lock with yours, now dries,
but I choose not to share love now.
The messages we shared, I still read,
but I choose to destroy them all.
The way you used to look at me, still flashes,
but I choose not to miss you now.
The first picture we took together, I still see,
but I choose to tear it now.
The track where we used to walk, I still remember,
but I choose to eschew walking out that way now.
The memories we built are still strong,
but I choose to fade it out now.
I choose to do all these things every day,
but every time I fail when I try,
because I know, one day, you will realize,
how much I cared for you, how much I loved you,
On that day, I will have you, again,
maybe that day will take a long time to come,
but I had promised to give you myself,
each minute of my life is for you,
I'm gonna miss you, but I'll wait for you,


text:
Andy Hitt, Jane Pateman
Journal of Paramedic Practice, Vol. 7, Iss. 1, 09 Jan 2015, pp 26 - 30
Background: It has been estimated that over 400,000 people have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) annually in the United States and Europe combined, of whom fewer than 10% survive to hospital discharge. In up to 70% of cases OHCA is caused by underlying acute coronary disease or pulmonary embolism, and as such the benefits of thrombolytic therapy during resuscitation attempts have been explored without there being a clear conclusion.
This paper presents a case series of four victims of OHCA who received thrombolysis, with adjunctive antithrombotic therapy, in the pre-hospital phase of their treatment. Three of these were attended by a critical care paramedic (CCP)-a paramedic with advanced training in emergency care-who received online physician support. The other victim was attended by paramedics and a physician who is experienced in pre-hospital emergency care.
Discussion: Although there is much debate about the efficacy of routine administration of thrombolytic therapy during OHCA, cases such as those featured in this paper indicate a need for clinicians to consider the merits of pre-hospital thrombolysis (PHT) based on individual patient characteristics and the circumstances leading to their presenting condition.
Conclusions: Lives can be saved with the timely administration of intra-arrest PHT but candidates should be selected with great care. This may be best delivered in systems where clinicians at scene are supported by expert medical advice, allowing clinicians to recognise and treat this small but important group of survivors.
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Dog Chews Wooden Kennel
My Collie keeps chewing on her wooden kennel. She chewed her last one so bad that the roof came off and it was no longer waterproof. I bought a new large wooden kennel, as she shares this with my Labrador, and she keeps eating this too. I can't keep buying new kennels, can you please help?~~ Joanne
Expert Reply
Hi Joanne,
When you say wooden kennel, are you describing a wooden dog house? If so, you can try covering the entire outside of the kennel with 1 X 1/2 hardware cloth. If you can get access to the inside of the house, you can cover it there as well. This should effectively keep your dog from chewing away at the wood.
If you do indeed mean an entire dog kennel run, I highly recommend that you stay away from wooden designs and purchase a chain link kennel and lay either a cement slab or pea gravel floor. This will also eliminate the destruction caused by your dog's chewing.
If you combine your kennel run and your dog house, attach the dog house from the outside of the fencing for the best protection.
I hope you find at least one of these suggestions helpful. Good luck!
~~ Kelly


text:
Made from 4oz. buttery soft cow hide. Each bag features raw edges with antique brass hardware and our signature red stitching.
Dimensions: 5.5" x 9"
Strap length for hips:
Small (30"-34" hips)
Medium (34"-38" hips)
Large (38"-42" hips)
*Every product will vary slightly in texture and color due to the distinctive characteristics of each leather hide.


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Thursday, 20 July 2017
in the pink with magic...
Today and tomorrow I am at Inspirations in Preston demonstrating my new range and Christmas craft dies by Creative Expressions so pop along if you want to see what I will be doing! They should have stock of the new range so it's a good chance to get the products that seem to be selling out so fast!
Today I thought I would share a card that is made using the magic stamps and my spring collection of stamps.
I stared by heating the magic stamp with my heat gun then I pressed the stamp into the Crafts Too rose embossing folder ( Part of the set on this weeks Hochanda shows) this made a large rose stamp. I then randomly stamped this over a piece of white card (8x8") using the rose, grenadine and ultramarine izink die ink pads. It does have a look at an early 1980's wallpaper to me! Next I cut a smaller block form the main piece and again heated and pressed this into the embossing folder this tine selecting a single rose. This i stamped, using the same colours, over the top to give a more defined rose pattern.
I cut this piece into a square for the backing and a strip for the side of the card and backed these in deep blue card from my stash. Next I stamped, using my press to impress of course!, the open flower spray from the Spring flowers clear stamp set onto more of the white card. I coloured and shaded this using the Clear Colour watercolour brush pens and using a water brush pulled out the colour to add the shading.
I matted this on blue and added a pale blue bow to bring the ultramarine colour to the front and finished!
I have been asked loads of questions about the press to impress stamp platform so I am planning a short Facebook live video for Friday morning explaining the way it works and the differences between the other platforms on the market ( you know me I like to explain what something is my favourite!)
42 comments:
A lovely card John and the stamp looks beautiful coloured like that. Hope you have a good day at Preston. xxxReplyDelete
Hi John.ReplyDelete
Thank you a lovely card, Have fun today.
Take care Kitty.
Eh up JohnReplyDelete
Not sure what wallpaper your Mum and Dad went for but our 80s one was pastel stripes & little diamonds, separated by a wide border with swags lol! Stylish eh?
But you know I like a bit of in your face colour so its my kinda card.
Must say, I was genuinely surprised and impressed at the crispness of image that you get from the magic stamps.
Enjoy Preston and say "Hi" to Barbara for me.
Ang x
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
Hi JohnReplyDelete
Lovely bright card.Love your stamp.
Hi John, a great card, love the randomness of the stamping and bold colours. Have a great time in Preston. Take care all. BxReplyDelete
Good morning John,ReplyDelete
Another great card, love it.
I did not purchase the Magic Stamps on Tuesday.
Mmmm!! think I will put these on my Wish List.
Thank you for all the inspiration, I have my stamps out and actually using them.
Have a great day at Preston
Patricia xxx
Good morning John. Another great card showing us all what these new products can achieve.ReplyDelete
Now it's ok you doing a live Facebook video but lots of us don't do Facebook! Can you not do one for on here.. please!!! I for one like the look of your stamp press and would like to know what the difference is between it and the ones that Adrian stocks. Hazel x
Such a clever card. I love it. Still haven't managed to catch up with your shows but hopefully today. Have a great day in Preston.ReplyDelete
Happy crafting,
D xx
Morning JohnReplyDelete
A lovely card i like the bold colours .
Catherine xx
Morning John, a beautiful card as always have been looking at the different platforms but can't make up my mind so looking forward to your video on Friday.ReplyDelete
Nancyd xx
Morning John, beauty in pink really says it all on this card, amazing. The people in Preston are in for a great experience, I know you will get lots of customers who will enjoy it.ReplyDelete
I want to watch the shows again to catch up on the magic pink foam and how you made your own stamp, what amazing stuff.
Stay safe, healthy and happy, hugs, June Smith xxx
What a lovely card again. One of the things which appeals to me about this style is that cards can be created which will go by ordinary mail. Many of mine need posting.ReplyDelete
Have a great day in Preston.
I agree with Hazel - a video he would be great please - you know your blog family would see it then.
Great card John. I too need to watch your shows again - I think the magic stamp is going onto my wish listReplyDelete
Marion S x
Great card. I'm disappointed that I can't make it to Preston on either day as I'm working.ReplyDelete
Hi JohnReplyDelete
A beautiful card, great colours.
B xx
Elaine H X
Hi John. Really lovely card. Enjoy Preston.ReplyDelete
Love Valxxx
Fantastic card. Laura OReplyDelete
Love this card John the stamp is brill the shades of pink are lovely thank you enjoy Preston xxxxxxReplyDelete
June horrocks xx
Morning John,ReplyDelete
Not sure about the backing on this one, I do like the overall design and the focal image.
Stunning cards John, have a fun 2 days at inspirations,ReplyDelete
Hugs Julie xxx
Gorgeous, xxxReplyDelete
I remember seeing something similar to the magic stamps several years ago but never tried them. These look really good - another one for the wish list! Lovely card today, John. Have a good time in Preston.ReplyDelete
Anne (Northampton)
Good morning JohnReplyDelete
Oh wow more inspiration I am eagerly awaiting my order so I can have a play.This card is so beautiful thank you for all your wonderful inspiration.
However I do agree with Hazel's request for a video for those of us who just don't do Facebook please, please can we have a video on here, thank you, it would be wonderful if you are able to do that for us.
Have a super time at Preston, I wonder how quickly your products will sell out there. soon I bet!
Margaret xxx
lovely card John, it has a very modern twist that I think even a teenager would love. I made myself a magic sponge after watching someone on tv doing it many years ago. It was made using small oblongs of funky foam glued together but it never worked very well.ReplyDelete
Love and hugs
Helen xx
Hi John, must confess I'm not sure about your wallpaper taste but each to their own!! I'm surprised at the clarity of the stamp though from your sponge. It will be great to get your take on the different stamping platforms around. I had a good trawl round tinternet and saw Crafts Too had done smaller ones then thought if John's chosen this one it must be good so went ahead and bought it. Have a good time in Preston, love from Jackie xxReplyDelete
Hello John,ReplyDelete
Something else for us to think about and try! However , I'm not keen on turning it into wallpaper! Lol. I'm sorry I can't get to Preston! It's not far away from me but I'd made other arrangements which I couldn't change! I'm really sorry as I'd love to have met you.
Have a great time!
Love Myra x
Fabulous card John, I love itReplyDelete
June x
Hi JohnReplyDelete
Beautiful card, love the colours.
Your great background would make a lovely cover for a notebook too.
Morning John, not sure about this one, as it's so different to your usual style.ReplyDelete
Lovely card John And great to see that you'll be bringing out diesReplyDelete
A bright and perky card design today. Great shows on Hochanda with exciting products coming from you. Wish I could buy some of your range here in the USA.ReplyDelete
Not sure about the wallpaper but love the idea of how it was made. After watching your demos I've ordered a stamp press so hopefully I'll be able to try some of your techniques.ReplyDelete
Hi John. You are doing it on purpose to upset me. I missed out on the magic stamps and the media plates when you were on TV because I love the effects you can create with them. I hope you can bring them back again soon.ReplyDelete
Hello John,ReplyDelete
Your techniques and stamping are spot on. It's great to give us all these ideas, and tools with which to do them,
Maureen xx
Love this card John. I do like the colours. Must find my magic stamps from years ago. I am sure Myra is very disappointed she cannot get to Preston as I know she would love to meet you. Enjoy Preston. Expect it will be another sell out. Take care.xxReplyDelete
Hi John this is a stunning card I love it. Enjoy your time in Preston. Take care. Hugs JackieReplyDelete
Hi John Fabulous card love the colours The magic stamp is amazing1 I too would love a video about your stamping platform on here as I don't do facebook1ReplyDelete
John this totally utterly gorgeous, i love the background andReplyDelete
the beautiful flower stamp.
OMG John love love love this card stunning & beautiful the colour's are so pretty.ReplyDelete
The flower is gorgeous
Gorgeous card John. Lovely backgroundReplyDelete


text:
This is a respond to a previously asked question about the A' Design Award and Competition. The full list of frequently asked questions can be accessed here.
#268: I like to participate with a project but I am confused about nomination prices. Could you give me the price of participation? If you win an award, how much it cost when you have won it?
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Thorens Fully Automatic Turntables | The Modern Classics
What is a Thorens 'fully-automatic' turntable? It's one of four models in our range which makes playing LPs as easy and safe as playing CDs in a CD player. The auto-mechanism used in selected Thorens turntables is a German-made, tried-and-tested precision metal component.
A fully automatic turntable greatly reduces the chances of damaging or permanently scratching your record's grooves or breaking the delicate stylus of your cartridge (which, depending on the type, can be costly to replace). It also means the platter won't keep spinning at the end of the record, should you get distracted and forget it's playing.
1. Place an LP or single on the platter.
2. Choose the speed (33⅓, 45 or 78RPM (Note: the TD158 does not have 78 speed). The speed selection determines the starting-point of the tone arm: 33⅓ = 12", 45 = 7", 78 = 10"
3. Push the 'START / STOP' lever to 'START'!
4. The platter starts spinning, then the tone arm automatically lifts, moves to the start of the record, then gently lowers itself down to the start of the first track.
5. Should you wish to interrupt playback at any time, push the lever to 'STOP' and the tone-arm will automatically return to the cradle/mount.
6. At the end of the record, the tone-arm automatically lifts-up and returns to the cradle/mount. The platter stops spinning.
7. Change to a different record (or leave the same one on) and push 'START' – and the process begins again!
Image on the left : The auto-mechanism is partially visible with the platter removed (TD170-1)


text:
Last week this illustration assignment came by my desk; how war affects our military, and to what degree. How much pressure are we placing on our troops here in America, with expectations and judgements? Were there pre-existing character faults at play?
With those questions in mind, I came up with the idea of words overlaying and creating a portrait of Sgt. Bales. The other idea I had was a Jenga game; pull out the wrong piece and it all comes tumbling down.
My father was in the military so I personally know what it's like to be a family member in the military. I had the chance to live in and see different cultures. But at the same time, my father was rarely at home, sometimes gone for months at a time during the Vietnam era. It can take a toll.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Was Sgt. Bales 'broken'? Opinion Illustration
1 comment:
- Lisa Stein said...
Love this Janet. Beautifully done, a difficult situation...
- April 6, 2012 at 9:51 AM
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text:
Monday, 14 May 2012
Female Adventurer with Sword and Shield
28 comments:
Our and your painting style and skill improve as we get older, great transformation.....and who doesn't like boobies!ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks Fran! I guess I've had plenty of practice over the years that the painting should show signs of improvement but it's always good to be told that!Delete
And as for Boobies....!
What a makeover! Certainly a lady of ample charms; great work Sir!ReplyDeleteReplies
Cheers Michael! She certainly has some stand out attributes!Delete
I sense a booby label is needed on this post!!! A great repaint!ReplyDeleteReplies
I might just do that and watch the page view counter go through the ceiling with visits from the non-wargaming fraternity!Delete
I am glad to know that should denizens of darkness appear, her buttocks are well protected.ReplyDeleteReplies
Well only if she doesn't drop her sword and bend over to pick it up........Delete
Great repaint of the figure and shield.ReplyDelete
Funnily enough, the last figure to have felt the wrath of Gordon's paintbrush is in one way similar to Bridget. I found that I was in need of a demon for both SoBH and SoTR scenarios, so a quick visit to the Reaper catalogue turned up a demon that I thought I'd like to paint, imagine Medusa (but better looking) with six arms each holding a weapon and of course with exposed boobies. I'll bung a piccie of her on my blog tomorrow.ReplyDeleteReplies
Well I'll definitely be coming across for a look!Delete
Good re-paint. Nice to give older (should that be agedly challenged?) figures a new lease of life.ReplyDeleteReplies
Now H, one shouldn't talk about a lady's age!Delete
But I think she's glad to be out of the box and on display
Don't knock the older figures, I still think that many of them are better in terms of character than many of the newer sculpts currently available. There was a good sense of realism in many of them back in the day.ReplyDelete
Great work repainting the old figure up!
You are absolutely right Ross, some of the older models have so much more character about them than the mass produced plastic stuff that is common place nowadays. And as I have a whole box of these old models to paint up I really don't need to buy any new ones for a long, long time (yeah right I know!)Delete
Great (new) paint job. Looks like she's had a facelift. Nice basing, those flowers make all the difference.ReplyDelete
Thanks Matt. Her original paint job was so bad that anything would have been an improvement but I am quite pleased at the way she has turned out.Delete
Excellent transformation.ReplyDelete
Is this really the same figure? What a difference! She looks much better! Only she's looking very angry! Maybe we stare to much at her boobies! :-DReplyDelete
Excellent painted!
Well if she chooses not to dress appropriately she will have to expect to get stared at!Delete
Boobies always bring them in!! I think you did a great job on the eyes too (I'm probably the only one here that has remembered she has eyes). One of these day's I'm going to tackle a nude (now that sounds naughty). But seriously, I think they are wonderful subjects for painters, classical studies of the human body. And Boobies!!ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you for noticing the Eyes Anne! I was suprised that they came out as well as they did.Delete
I look forward to seeing your painted nude, purely from an artistic point of view of course!
Hope you are okay by the way
They've got some really nice ones on Dark Sword, but I need to practice skin tones before I try to do one that is mostly skin. I've got 4 females with mid rifts showing that I'm working on now and we'll see how I do on those.Delete
Considering you don't like eyes, that face has come out really well (I was looking at her face, honest!). With a 'modern' paintjob, some of these older figures still come out pretty well.ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks EG! Painting up Bridget has given me some encouragement that some of the other old models in the box will come out equally as well.Delete
I've just installed iStripper, and now I can watch the best virtual strippers strip-teasing on my taskbar.ReplyDelete