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If you got some problems on ASIX USB to LAN products, please download the
How to identify authentic ASIX USB to LAN Products
document to double check if your USB to LAN device includes an
Non-authentic ASIX USB to LAN solution inside or not? If yes, please contact the manufacturer of your
USB to LAN device to get proper drivers instead. ASIX DOES NOT GUARANTEE AND PROVIDE ANY SUPPORT FOR
The AX88772C USB 2.0 to 10/100M Fast Ethernet controller with Microsoft AOAC(Always On Always Connected) support is a high performance and highly integrated ASIC which enables a low cost, small form factor, and simple plug-and-play Fast Ethernet network connection capability for desktops, notebook PCs, Ultrabooks, cradles/port replicators/docking stations, game consoles, digital-home appliances, and any embedded system using a standard USB port.
The AX88772C can be used in any embedded system with a USB host microcontroller requiring a twisted pair physical network connection. Featuring a USB interface (compliant with USB specification V2.0 and V1.1) to communicate with a USB Host Controller, the AX88772C also integrates on-chip Ethernet MAC and PHY (IEEE802.3 and IEEE802.3u compatible) and embedded memory. Additionally, the AX88772C needs only a single 25MHz crystal to drive both the USB and Ethernet PHYs.
The AX88772C offers a wide array of features including IPv4/IPv6 checksum offload engine, Protocol Offload(ARP & NS), Auto-MDIX, and IEEE 802.3x and back-pressure flow control. The AX88772C also offers multiple power management Wake-on-LAN features, including Magic Packet, Microsoft Wakeup Frame, Link Status Change, 32 bitmap Wake on LAN Patterns and Wake Packet Indication that allows the AOAC platform to enter a low-power \"Connected Standby\" state and wake on a desired network pattern.
Apple macOS 10.9 to 10.15 Drivers Installer
Linux kernel 5.x/4.x/3.x/2.6.x Driver
Windows 10 32-bit Driver
Windows 10 64-bit Driver
Windows 10 32-bit/64-bit HLK/WHCK drivers setup program
Windows 8.1/8.0 32-bit Driver
Windows 8.1/8.0 64-bit Driver
Windows 8.1/8.0 32-bit/64-bit WHCK drivers setup program
Windows 7 32-bit Driver
Windows 7 64-bit Driver
Windows 7 32-bit/64-bit WHCK drivers setup program
Windows XP/Vista 32-bit Driver
Windows XP/Vista 64-bit Driver
Windows XP/Vista 32-bit/64-bit WHQL drivers setup program
Windows Embedded Compact 2013 Driver
Windows CE 7.0 Driver
Windows CE 6.0 Driver
Windows CE 5.0 / Mobile 5 / Mobile 6 Driver
UEFI X64/IA32 Drivers
UEFI ARM/AARCH64 Drivers


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It's been the week for "little touches", and I have just a few more that I need to share!
First, from Oh Happy Day, a great tutorial for painting baby food jars (and turning them into adorable shabby chic flower vases). They would be perfect for a baby shower tea party, or even a bridal shower!
How about using twine to make flowers to decorate a table… or turn into a bunting? Check out this post from Meridian Road for examples of how to use the twine flowers… and THIS POST from the Bug Bytes, with the tutorial on how to MAKE the flowers.
From MarthaStewart.com, I found a simple tutorial for making Flowery Swizzle sticks. Talk about a "little touch" that makes a big impact!
And finally, a simple but FAB "little touch", we have a variety of Personalized/Customized Wedding Hand Fans in the Diva Entertains shop.

subset: commoncrawl


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Private Appointments
If you wish to book a private appointment with Claire Marie and her team for that special event
Please conatct the store and we will book you in the diaryxx
Think Pink Warwick, Ladies Day !
No Carnival is complete without a Ladies Day, so the last day of the Warwick's May Racing Carnival is dedicated to this hugely popular theme. Ladies (and Gents as well, of course) – we would love you to join us for what promises to be our most glamorous race day event of the season, Think Pink Warwick, Ladies Day.
Claire Marie and Hats & Co are confirmed for Warwick's Annual Fashion Show. Come and check out the latest styles!
To enjoy the day at its best, get dressed up and book a seat in the inaugural Tickled Pink luncheon with part proceeds being donated to Breast Cancer Foundation. Entertainment is being confirmed to include special guests and a wide of variety of leading local acts and performers
Read more at http://warwick.thejockeyclub.co.uk/events-tickets/whats-on/think-pink-warwick-ladies-day#035k8yr74QjUYuGj.99
Tickets available from Warwick Racecourse or at Claire Marie xx
Wednesday May 18th ..


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- Dennis Avery, R.I.P. - June 22, 2020
- I Finally Read Walden - May 5, 2020
- COVID-19 Reading: A Sand County Almanac - April 21, 2020
The front page story in today's (4/21/2011) Chicago Tribune, "Climate change: More intense rains could swamp Chicago's aging sewers," by Michael Hawthorne, is mostly of interest for its entertainment value.
It is amusing that the Chicago Tribune, for years a willing mouthpiece for the most alarmist voices in the debate over climate change and other possible environmental threats, would run yet another piece about the supposed threat of "global warming" one day after Chicago's temperatures hit a low not seen since the 1940s. Chicagoans who had to scrape ice off the windshields of their cars this morning could be forgiven for wondering if the paper's reporters ever bother looking out their windows before they write such tripe.
This article also appeared on the same day as disclosures that the United Nations' prediction rising sea level and flooding would create millions of "global warming refugees" by 2010 was completely and utterly wrong. But of course, no sign of those stories in the Tribune.
I don't think anyone takes the Chicago Tribune seriously about environmental issues these days, and that is probably one reason for its falling circulation. Day after day and year after year, its headlines proclaim deadly threats to public health, all sourced to news releases by a few environmental activist groups that profit from fear. Yet day after day and year after year, the air and water and food in the Chicago region gets cleaner and safer. (That's not an opinion, that's fact, according to EPA's own numbers.) Do the Tribune's writers really think its readers are so stupid?
It didn't have to be this way. Folks at The Heartland Institute, just a few blocks from Tribune Tower, including communications directors Dan Miller (who recently retired) and now Jim Lakely (who took his place), have repeatedly offered to provide Tribune reporters with the scientific experts needed to balance their coverage. To say we've been ignored is to be polite.
Maybe if/when the Tribune gets out of bankruptcy, its new owners will finally recognize the folly of its current editorial bias and make the personnel changes needed to restore some credibility with readers. Let's hope that time isn't too far in the future.
I found the following sentences late in the story to be quite interesting:
Most mainstream climate scientists agree that rising global temperatures are changing precipitation patterns because of increased evaporation and greater amounts of moisture in the air. There is greater uncertainty about how fast climate change is happening and how human disruption of natural climate cycles will affect day-to-day weather.
While sharp political differences remain among interest groups and elected officials about how critical it is to respond to climate change, or whether to respond at all, local planners around the nation are looking ahead and bracing for the worst.
This betrays muddled thinking, but it is also a little bit promising. It is muddled because while all climate scientists (not just "mainstream") believe rising temperatures would change precipitation patterns, there is no agreement on how those patterns would change. There are big differences in regional forecasts, so you can find a study to back virtually any forecast you care to make. Droughts? Flooding? Take your choice.
These sentences are a little bit promising, though, because they come close to acknowledging what many scientists and those of us at The Heartland Institute who have followed the debate closely have been saying all along. That is, simply put, that there is no scientific consensus on the causes or consequences of the modest warming trend of the second half of the twentieth century, and that there is even more uncertainty as to what, if anything, should be done about it.
"Bracing for the worse" is one way to describe a policy of adaptation (reinforcing infrastructure to protect against extreme weather events regardless of their causes) rather than fruitless efforts to change the weather by controlling human emissions of greenhouse gases. It is the preferred path, not because of "political differences," but because scientific uncertainty about future climate changes and economic realities make it so.
Old media outlets like the Tribune will be the last ones to report the end of the global warming delusion. Most will disappear without ever admitting their mistakes, to be replaced by more reliable media outlets. But this article might signal a small step toward the day when the Chicago Tribune either stops reporting on global warming at all, or starts getting the story right.


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When I graduated from UCLA with a degree in Math and Economics, I had planned on taking a different path in life. I entered the corporate world of mortgage lending and later married my college sweetheart whose family has been manufacturing costume jewelry for decades.
In 2008, I joined the family jewelry business full time. Early on, I got a glimpse of true entrepreneurialism and learned that building quality products at affordable prices, while delivering superior customer service was the key to happy customers. While it was great, I wasn't fulfilled. Something was missing. I longed to create a brand I could call my own, while combining my family's expertise in jewelry with something I love.
Life happens and before I knew it, I was raising two young toddlers. I took a hiatus to focus on my kids while struggling with both my entrepreneurial spirit to create beautiful products and desire to contribute to our family income. My focus was on the home, while my heart stirred with a desire to build my own unique product line that fused my love of fragrance with the family's jewelry business.
By May 2013, I could wait no longer. It was time to take action. I called a dear friend who shared my love for scented products and we co-founded the JewelScent brand. Unfortunately, she had to resign within our first year to tend to personal health issues, but remains a close friend to the company.
Fast forward to February 2015 when we held our first JewelScent leadership conference with an intimate gathering of women that shared my entrepreneurial spirit and love of JewelScent's products. After hearing stories of their personal journeys, it was then that I realized my vision was coming to fruition. Not only am I creating a brand, I am creating opportunities for women to be part of a community while achieving rewards, recognition and income. Today, we are blessed with a wonderful team and a vibrant consultant organization.
I'm so grateful for the opportunity to share JewelScent with you. I hope that JewelScent highlights your good days and brightens the bad ones. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Co-Founder & Chief of Product
Everything should start with a handcrafted scent. Our process results in a unique product, higher quality and a fair price to you.SEE OUR PROCESS
We love hearing suggestions from the community when crafting new scents. Tell us what you think and what you want to see next!SEND US A MESSAGE
Welcome to JewelScent
Yay! Great news.


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There are the two types of scholarship, the DairyNZ Undergraduate Scholarship and the DairyNZ Masters Scholarship.
As well as the DairyNZ Vocational Training Excellence Awards which provides support and industry recognition for talented vocational dairy trainees.
Each of these are awarded to outstanding students with a strong career motivation towards the dairy industry. Scholarship winners are mentored and supported and are offered a tremendous opportunity to kick start their career.
Click through to the relevant sections below to find out more.
Vocational Awards
The DairyNZ Vocational Training Excellence Awards provide support and industry recognition for talented vocational dairy trainees.Read more
Undergraduate Scholarships
Each year, bright young Kiwis have the opportunity to apply for their share of more than $250,000 worth of scholarships on offer from the dairy sector.Read more
Postgraduate Scholarships
The dairy sector needs trained specialists in research and development. DairyNZ helps fulfil this capability need through a range of postgraduate scholarships.Read more
Recipients and Graduates
See our current scholarship recipients as well as vocational awards, graduates and 5-years-on profiles.Read more


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By Julia Sommerfeld, health editor
What it is: Soleil Sun Alarm, a dawn-simulator alarm clock ($79.99)
What it claims to do: Gently nudge you awake by gradually increasing the intensity of its built-in light, designed to mimic a sunrise. You can set your fake sun to rise over 15, 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes. And if you're a deep sleeper you can end your sun rise cycle with the back-up beeper, radio or strobe light. The maker claims that waking up to light resets your internal clock, making it easier to rise on subsequent mornings.
My experience: In the interest of full disclosure, let me say that I'm nocturnal by nature and have never met an alarm clock I like. Whether they beep, make soothing rainforest sounds or blare my very favorite song, I find alarm clocks to be singularly sadistic; it's a cruel irony that it takes three of them to wake me every morning.
So you can understand why I was hopeful about the sun alarm's promises of a kinder, gentler start to my day.
Boy was I in for a rude awakening.
I set the sunrise for the standard half-hour cycle, ending with a back-up beeper and strobe light at 6 a.m., just in case the simulated sunshine didn't do the trick.
But instead of waking up peaceably to the early glow of the simulated morning light – which I completely missed because my internal night owl grabbed a pillow and covered my face – I awoke to my Pomeranian marching in place on my chest and barking at my pillowed face. When I uncovered an eye, I discovered that the sun alarm was approaching peak intensity. I felt like I was in the white flash scene from one of those nuclear holocaust movies. Half-blinded, I could only make out a fluffy outline doing some sort of panicked gymnastics routine all over the bed, ending with a dive roll on my husband's head. He started shouting at the dog, but as soon as he opened his eyes and discovered that the dog was simply trying to alert us to the fact that a nuclear bomb had gone off in our bedroom, he started shouting at me. To add to the pandemonium, the back-up alarm and strobe light kicked on.
The good news is I got up, walked the dog and even got to work early. The bad news: My husband was mad at me all morning.
This scene was pretty much repeated every morning for a week, except I skipped the strobe light finale for fear of inducing seizures. (After Day 1, my husband said I had exactly one week to finish my business with this alarm clock or else he was moving out.)
But as it turns out, even unplugged and stashed in a drawer, the sun alarm is the gift that keeps on giving.
The clock's maker claims that the dawn-simulator helps reset your biological clock and can transform you into a morning person. That didn't seem to work for me; mornings are still as difficult as ever. As for the dog, she's woken up every morning since at 5:30 a.m., bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
What the expert says: "For someone who is naturally a morning person, this is probably a pleasant way to wake up," says Charmane Eastman, director of the Biological Rhythms Research Lab and a professor at Rush University in Chicago. "But the type of person who has trouble waking up isn't going to be transformed; they'll probably just put a pillow over their face."
If you're an intractable night owl hoping to become more of a morning person, waking up to morning light is a bright idea, says Eastman, herself nocturnal by nature. But while the sun alarm's light source is ominously called a "high intensity Krypton bulb" and certainly felt insanely bright to this user at 6 a.m., a single bulb is not nearly powerful enough to reset your biological clock, Eastman says. For that, you need real sunshine or, if you wake up before dawn, a light-therapy lamp using full-spectrum bulbs.
The best way to train your body to wake up earlier than it likes, Eastman advises, is to always rise at the same time every morning, even on weekends. As soon as you're up, get outside as soon as possible, go out on the balcony, walk the dog, whatever it takes to get sun on your face and body; this helps convince your body that you are indeed supposed to be awake and helps make future mornings less of a shock to your system.
Bottom line: If you have trouble getting your dog up in the morning, you might want to get this alarm clock.


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Lawyers are ready to help during these stressful times. Schedule your consultation >
Free Online Legal Resources
The Oregon Courts have held that limiting the economic and noneconomic damages in a medical malpractice case is unconstitutional. Therefore, no limits are currently in effect for either type of damage award. However, punitive damages are not awarded unless it is found that the defendant acted with malice or that the defendant acted outside the scope of his duties.
This article is intended to be helpful and informative. But even common legal matters can become complex and stressful. A qualified health insurance lawyer can address your particular legal needs, explain the law, and represent you in court. Take the first step now and contact a local health insurance attorney to discuss your specific legal situation.
Enter your location below to get connected with a qualified Health Insurance attorney today.


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|"In the groove," 5x5in., oil on masonite
$125 USD + $10 shipping and handling
Raining cats and dogs here on this eerily quiet Thanksgiving Monday. The kids are off of school, not for a day as they would have been in Canada, but a week, so the postings may be fewer.
We haven't seen rain like this in the entire time we've been in California and in tribute I thought I'd post this image of a runoff drain in San Diego. Would make for an amazing luge track, don't you think?
This feller and others like it are available at www.ivanostocco.com.


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Bamboo cups
During the summer this premium has been offered in around 900 Kruidvat stores throughout The Netherlands. The product was supported by TV, radio and print advertising. Nivea is soft, good for your skin and caring. With these elements in mind we came up with a trendy, colorful and sustainable premium. We designed and produced the bamboo cups from start to finish. Thanks to this very successful premium, Nivea's sales goal has been achieved.
Beach ball
Probably the best-known beach ball across Europe: the blue and white colored Nivea ball. Loopper received the honourable task of producing this summer's must-have. For entire generations this beach ball represents a happy feeling and playing on the beach during the summer holidays.
Activity book
With the aim to entertain the little ones Loopper received the instructions to come up with an original and challenging booklet. Our graphic design department let their imagination run wild and within moments the designs of the many drawings, assignments and stories were ready. Due to the big success of this first booklet two sequels have been produced since.
Hammam towel
Also known as the summer giveaway of 2015. Like every year, Nivea organizes a big promotion during the summer season and this year they had asked Loopper to produce various hammam towels. These towels are ideal for the beach, in the sauna or for the park. Where our graphic design team was responsible for the design of the towels. Our account managers, the office and factories in China were responsible for the entire production and transportation process.


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We looked into nature and its many aromas for inspiration to create the most complete body product line. For bath time, we developed products that cleanse, soften and perfume your skin, with floral and fruit fragrances, made of soft and natural ingredients.
The after bath is also important in the body care routine. Thus, Natuphitus thought of everyday moisturizing lotions and body splashes that leave a nice fresh feeling all day long.
Specific care is also part of our body product line, with deodorants, intimate soaps, softening oils, massage lotions and hands and feet lotions. All of it very fondly designed for you to take care of every part of your body.


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|Author :
|Jae K. Shim, Ph.D., CPA
|Status :
|CPE Credits :
|IRS Credits :
|Price :
|Passing Score :
|Course Type:
|NASBA QAS - Text - Technical - NASBA Registry
|Primary Subject-Field Of Study:
Accounting - Accounting for Course Id 1182
|Description :
Specialized Industry GAAP: Entertainment This course discusses all of the important authoritative pronouncements on GAAP for entertainment industries. This course addresses accounting principles, financial reporting presentation requirements, required and recommended disclosures for the entertainment industries such as broadcast, cable television, film, and music.
|Usage Rank :
|Release :
|Version :
|Prerequisites :
|Experience Level :
|Additional Contents :
|Complete, no additional material needed.
|Advance Preparation :
|Delivery Method :
|Intended Participants :
|Anyone needing Continuing Professional Education (CPE).
|Revision Date :
|NASBA Course Declaration :
|Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase and with a minimum passing grade of 70% or better to receive CPE credit unless otherwise noted on the Course History page (i.e. California Ethics must score 90% or better). After logging in click on the Course History links on your My Courses page for the Begin date and Expire date for the Final Exam.
|Approved Audience :
NASBA QAS - Text - Technical - NASBA Registry - 1182
|Keywords :
|Accounting, Specialized, Industry, GAAP, Entertainment, 2016, cpe, cpa, online course
|Learning Objectives :
Course Learning ObjectivesAfter reading this course you will be able to:
• Identify the accounting requirement for barter transactions in the broadcast industry.
• Identify key terms and how to treat different cost for the cable TV industry.
• Recognize the direct selling costs for cable television providers.
• Recognize different film costs, including participation costs, exploitation costs, and manufacturing costs, and their accounting.
• Recognize factors that should be used to estimate future cash flows for a film.
• Identify conditions for recognizing music as an outright sale vs. a license.
• Account for royalty payments to music artists.
• Recognizes the key provisions of the new revenue (ASC 606) and leasing standards (ASC 842) and identify the potential impact upon adoption of these guidelines.
|Course Contents :
Chapter 1 - Specialized Industry GAAP: Entertainment
Entertainment - Broadcasters
Sources of GAAP
Rules, Concepts, and Illustrations
Key GAAP
Program License Agreements
Cost Allocation and Amortization of Capitalized Program License Agreement
Balance Sheet Valuation of Capitalized Program License Agreement
Network Affiliation Agreements
Barter Transactions
Entertainment - Cable Television
Sources of GAAP
Rules, Concepts, and Illustrations
Key GAAP
Establishment of the Prematurity Period
Accounting for Costs during the Prematurity Period
Capitalization of Interest Costs during the Prematurity Period
Recognition of Hookup Revenue and Amortization of Capitalized Costs
Franchise Applications
Recoverability of Capitalized Assets
Review Questions - Section 1
Entertainment - Films
Sources of GAAP
Rules, Concepts, and Illustrations
Key GAAP
Revenue Recognition-Basic Principles
Discussion of Revenue Recognition Considerations
Costs and Expenses
Discussion of Cost and Expenses Considerations
Entertainment - Music
Sources of GAAP
Rules, Concepts, and Illustrations
Key GAAP
Accounting for Licensors
Compensation to Artists
Cost of Record Masters Incurred by a Record Company
Accounting by Licensees
Disclosure Requirements
New Revenue Standards
Considerations of the New Revenue Model
Options to Acquire Additional Goods or Services
Variable Consideration
Barter Transactions
Direct-Response Advertising
New Leasing Standards
Overview & Implications of the New Model
Review Questions - Section 2


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Fred Tutman is a grassroots community advocate for clean water in Maryland's longest and deepest intrastate waterway. He holds the title of Patuxent Riverkeeper, an organization that he founded in 2004. He is among the longest-serving riverkeepers in the Chesapeake region and the only African-American riverkeeper in the United States.
Fred also lives and works on an active farm located near the Patuxent that has been his family's ancestral home for nearly a century. Prior to riverkeeping, he spent nearly three decades as a media producer and consultant on telecommunications assignments across the globe, including a long stint working with and advising traditional healers in West Africa and covering the Falklands conflict in Argentina for the BBC.
After a late-life sojourn into law school, Fred now teaches an adjunct course in Environmental Law and Policy at historic St. Mary's College of MD. When not exploring the Patuxent River by kayak, he performs trail maintenance on the Appalachian TraiI, farms and blacksmiths in his spare time.
Fred also serves on a variety of Boards, Task Forces and Commissions related to the work of protecting the Patuxent and the natural environment. Among them, Fred serves on the Board of the Environmental Integrity Project, as a Governor appointed Commissioner on the State's Patuxent River Commission and on the Board of Waterkeeper Alliance, the international group that licenses Waterkeepers. He is the recipient of numerous regional and state awards for his various environmental works on behalf of communities.


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My Nonprofit Reviews
vanessa hauc
225 profile views
1 reviews
Review for Common Ground For Conservation, Miami, FL, USA
Common Ground For Conservation is an amazing Organization that are really commited to raise awarness about the importance of taking care of our environment, Mildred Real is a passionate, full of knowleage and wonderful individual that is doing an amazing job. I am a journalist and in the 4 years that I know them , they have always help me, giving me relevant interviews about a very wide scope of subjects!
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
For every single interview that I requested Mildred and Carlos were able to guide me and give the the information I needed it!
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
none, maybe more funds for them to develop their project futher.
Role: Professional with expertise in this field & Interviews.


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Jay-Z, Warren Buffet and Forbes on Sucess, Luck and Giving Back
The first Forbes 400 summit paired one of the most successful recording artists of all time, Jay-Z, with the most successful investor of all time, Warren Buffett, on the latter's home turf of Omaha, Neb. In an hour-long videotaped interview at Buffett's office building, these two icons shared their very different perspectives on success, wealth and the social obligations that come with each.
Andy Rodie


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"In Warfare, preparation is the key. Determine that which your foe prizes the most. Then site your heavy weapons so that they overlook it. In this way, you may be quite sure that you shall never want for targets."
- — Lion El'Jonson, Tenets of Strategy and Supremacy
Lion El'Jonson, known also by the cognomen, "The First," and the honourific "Primaris Angelus Mortis," and often times referred to as "The Lion" during his lifetime, was the Primarch of the Ist Legion of Space Marines, the Dark Angels.
Following the events of the Horus Heresy, Jonson and his crusading fleet returned to his homeworld of Caliban. Inexplicably, they were fired upon by the Dark Angel forces garrisoned there under the command of his once-trusted mentor and surrogate father, Luther, who had been entrusted with the custodianship of Caliban in the Lion's absence.
Luther would eventually betray the Lion after allowing himself to be seduced by the offers of Chaos, rallying a good portion of the Dark Angels who had been left behind by their fellows to garrison the Legion's homeworld to his cause and attacking the Lion's fleet as he returned to Caliban.
The titanic struggle between the two former friends resulted in the destruction of Caliban and the loss of the Dark Angels' Primarch, as well as the escape of Luther's allies who had sided with the Ruinous Powers.
Known as the Fallen Angels amongst their former battle-brothers of the Ist Legion, it became the overriding goal of the Dark Angels and all of their Successor Chapters (collectively known as the Unforgiven) after the Second Founding to hunt down every one of the Fallen and get them to repent their betrayal of the Emperor and of the Lion.
Perhaps one of the greatest secrets of the Imperium of Man, known only to the Emperor Himself, is that the Lion is still alive and resting in stasis, buried deep within the Dark Angels' mobile fortress-monastery, The Rock.
There he waits, now fully healed from the wounds he received during the fall of Caliban, to be awakened to lead the Dark Angels in one final crusade to save Mankind from all the enemies who threaten it with extinction.
Early Life
"Of all the Primarchs, save perhaps Mortarion, Lion El'Jonson stands apart. Partially this is due to his taciturn nature -- a brooding silence hangs over him at all times. Yet there is something more...something buried beneath his noble exterior. Perhaps this is a result of his upbringing, growing to maturity alone in the monster-ridden forests of Caliban. Even at a council of war, the Lion moves like an apex predator. He is always watching, always planning, always hunting. He unnerves even his brothers."
- — Remembrances of Malcador the Sigillite
During the event that isolated the infant Primarchs from the rest of the Imperium, Lion El'Jonson was cast to a hostile, feudal Death World infested with monstrous, Chaos-warped Great Beasts that was named Caliban by its inhabitants. The humans of Caliban had regressed to a feudal state, yet still retained sufficient technology to produce armour similar in appearance, if not quality, to Imperial Power Armour and firearms similar to Bolt Pistols. Caliban was kept relatively safe from the Great Beasts by the Knightly Orders such as the Order and the Knights of Lupus.
The Lion was discovered as a feral child by the Knights of the Order, including the greatest man of the age, Sar Luther. Luther then named the boy Lion El'Jonson (meaning "Lion, Son of the Forest" in the Calibanite dialect of Low Gothic). In a very short time after this, the Lion replaced Luther as the greatest man on Caliban and became the Grandmaster of the Order. The Lion killed a great many of the death world's Great Beasts, including one of only two Calibanite Lions on the planet, the other being slain by the psyker and Supplicant of the Order, Zahariel El'Zurias, with the aid of the latent psychic ability later called, "terror sight," that allowed him to slow down the perception of time long enough for him to find an opening in the animal's defences.
During his career as a Knight of the Order, the Lion led a planet-wide crusade of all the Knightly Orders (save for the conservative Knights of Lupus) against the Calibanite beasts. If not for Luther, this crusade could not have occurred, as his influence was required to persuade the other Orders to participate. During the course of this crusade, both the beasts and the Knights of Lupus were exterminated. It was on the ceremonial last hunt of the beasts that the forces of the Imperium's Great Crusade would finally arrive on Caliban and reunited the Space Marines of the Ist Legion with their gene-father.
Arrival of the Emperor
Eventually a unit of the Emperor of Mankind's forwards scouts from the Ist Legion of Space Marines arrived at Caliban and identified the Lion as one of the Emperor's missing sons, the Primarchs. Jonson was immediately given command of the I Space Marine Legion when the Emperor realised he had not only found one of his lost sons, but the genetic father of the Astartes who had landed on Caliban. Luther and the other members of the Order who passed the Legiones Astartes' trials were transformed into Ist Legion warriors, either as fully-fledged Astartes if they were young enough to undergo the implantation of the gene-seed organs, or through genetic manipulation to increase their physical abilities if they were too old for the process, like Luther. After the new Astartes were ready, Jonson publicly re-named the First Legion the Dark Angels after an old Calibanite myth. Luther, too old to be a Space Marine, was the first to be genetically modified and became Jonson's second in command, as he had been during the Calibanite crusade against the great beasts. Jonson then left with the Emperor and the newly re-named Dark Angels to continue the Great Crusade.
Great Crusade
The Lion was granted command of the 4th Expeditionary Fleet of the Great Crusade in orbit of the planet Sarosh. The Saroshi had recently expressed their interest in becoming part of the Imperium, and the Imperials were eager to allow them in, believing that these people seemed to possess the same secular beliefs as they did in the Imperial Truth.
But the Saroshi secretly worshipped Chaos entities in the Warp they called the Melachim ("kings" in ancient Hebrew) who may have been the Ruinous Powers or their lesser daemonic servants. They saw the atheistic stance of the Emperor's Imperial Truth as nothing less than a philosophy of pure evil since it would deny the very existence of their gods.
The Lord High Exacter, the leader of the Saroshi bureaucracy, denounced El'Jonson and the Emperor to their faces aboard the Dark Angels' flagship. El'Jonson responded by impaling the Lion Sword through the fanatical Saroshi leader's body. However, unknown to the Dark Angels the Saroshi had also brought a nuclear device aboard their shuttle, intending to assassinate the fleet's entire command structure, including Jonson.
However, Luther and a junior Librarian named Zahariel managed to eject the shuttle into space, causing only minor damage to the flagship. After this incident, Luther, Zahariel and two hundred other Dark Angels were sent back to Caliban in disgrace for allowing an enemy to get a nuclear device aboard the Primarch's flagship. They were to oversee the recruitment of new Space Marines into the Legion from the Calibanite population.
As the years passed, news of Jonson's victories kept coming back to Caliban. The jealousy which Luther had first felt on Jonson's appointment as Supreme Master of the Order grew with every report, and the position Jonson had given Luther was not one suited to his ambitions.
He slowly changed from an honourable knight to a man full of jealousy and hatred towards Jonson, because he felt he had lost out on fame and glory. Additionally, new reports indicated that Luther discovered a book of Chaos lore on Caliban that gradually caused him to turn from the path of righteousness until he was consumed by the temptations of the Ruinous Powers and was transformed into a Chaos Champion.
A Lion and a Wolf
At some point during the Great Crusade, the Dark Angels and the Space Wolves Legions were assaulting the planet Dulan that had not given in to the Imperium's demands to become a compliant world. The leader of the rebels had insulted Leman Russ by naming him "The Emperor's Lapdog." Russ and his Space Wolves planned to assault rebel leader's stronghold for this blemish on their honor. While they were busy planning, the Dark Angels took the initiative and brought the fight to the capital instead and the Lion himself killed their leader. Russ found the Lion with the dead leader at his feet and immediately attacked his brother Primarch. They fought for a full day and a night, the combat ending only when the Lion threw Russ through a table. When Russ got up he started laughing at the foolishness of their quarrel. The Lion, incensed that his brother appeared to be mocking him, hit him square in the jaw, knocking Russ out cold. Russ awakened many hours later to find that Lion El'Jonson and his Dark Angels had already left the planet. Honour Duels are still fought between members of the Space Wolves and the Dark Angels to this day over this incident, which sometimes results in fatalities.
Horus Heresy
Suppression of the Gordian League
During the 200th year of the Great Crusade, the Dark Angels Legion was carrying out an Imperial Compliance campaign against the Shield Worlds of the so-called Gordian League -- a confederation of human worlds who were allied with degenerate xenos. During this campaign, in 005.M31, the Dark Angels high command received word that Warmaster Horus and the XVIth Legion had renounced their oaths of allegiance, along with Primarch Angron's World Eaters, Mortarion's Death Guard and Fulgrim's Emperor's Children. They also received word of the atrocity committed against the doomed world of Istvaan III, when Horus ordered it to be virus-bombed, rendered it a lifeless planet. The Warmaster knew that the Emperor would respond with all the force he had available. Jonson believed that the Dark Angels' deployment to the Shield Worlds was part of an effort to scatter the Imperium's most loyal servants as far as possible in order to minimize the number of Legions Horus would have to face at any given time. Even so, a strike force of seven full Legions posed a dire threat to Horus's survival, as they made their way towards Istvaan V.
Battle of Diamat
Jonson's forces were too deeply enmeshed in the Shield Worlds to respond quickly to Horus's treachery; the best estimates of the Primarch's staff indicated that it would take them nearly eight months to conclude their offensive operations, even on an emergency basis, and reposition themselves for a strike against Istvaan V. Even if they could move more quickly, Horus's agents would be able to alert the Warmaster in time to organise a counter-strike. However, Jonson believed that a small, hand-picked force, might accomplish what an entire Legion could not. The Primarch issued orders for many of their reserve squadrons to resupply and prepare for immediate deployment to the Tanagra System. Their primary target was to secure the Forge World of Diamat. They could not afford to let the Warmaster acquire the substantial supplies and ordnance needed to fortify the world of Istvaan V against the approaching Loyalist strike force. Jonson would personally lead the expedition to Diamat, with a battle group of fifteen warships. Secrecy was vital, as the Primarch was aware that the Warmaster's agents were more than likely tracking the Dark Angels' movements. Jonson went to Diamat in order to secure several powerful continental siege machines; vast artillery pieces that could devastate the most powerful fortifications.
The small fleet of Dark Angels vessels arrived in the Tanagra System just five days after the destruction of Horus's landing force at the Xanthus star port. With no way to secure the siege machines held in storage in Diamat's depots from Jonson's Astartes, the admiral of the raiding fleet had little choice but to withdraw back to Istvaan. The Warmaster's final gambit had failed. Following this small victory, Jonson met with his fellow brother Primarch, Perturabo of the Iron Warriors Legion aboard his flagship Invincible Reason. Perturabo informed Jonson that the IVth Legion was enroute to the Istvaan System, to face the Warmaster and his Traitor Legions upon the black sands of Istvaan V. Ferrus Manus and the Iron Hands Legion had hastened ahead of them, hungry to claim the Emperor's vengeance against Horus. Perturabo than lied to Jonson, explaining that he had hoped that his Legion could provision his vessels at the Xanthus star port above Diamat before continuing to the combat zone. Of course, they were now unable to, as the Ist Legion had destroyed the star port.
Perturabo then inquired to Jonson how he had learned of the existence of the siege engines. Jonson explained that he had learned of it fifty years earlier when he was studying the history of the Great Crusade and saw a reference to them in a despatch from Horus that had been sent to the Emperor. He'd commissioned the colossal siege machines from the masters of Diamat during the long siege of the xenos fortress-states on Tethonus. The war machines took much longer for the forge masters to complete than planned. By the time they were finished, the campaign on Tethonus had been over for a year and a half, and Horus had moved on to other conquests. So the weapons were put into a depot here against the day when he would come to claim them. But then the Istvaan III Atrocity occurred. When Jonson had received word of Horus's perfidy, he knew that ultimately the Warmaster's path would ultimately lead to Terra. Even if he were somehow to prevail against Perturabo and the other Legions sent to confront him in the Istvaan System, the Warmaster couldn't claim total victory so long as the Emperor was safe in his palace. No, for Horus to triumph, their father had to die. And that meant a long and costly siege of Terra. Therefore, the Warmaster would come to claim the siege engines of Diamat.
Jonson informed his brother that he would be unable to accompany the Loyalist fleet to Diamat, as he had to make all haste to the Shield Worlds and prepare the rest of the Ist Legion for the trip to Terra. In fact, he thought it best if no one outside Perturabo, himself and the other Primarchs ever knew that the Lion was there. He didn't want the Emperor to believe he did anything at Diamat with an ulterior motive in mind. Perturabo agreed that it was both a prudent choice, and a very humble one. Jonson explained that his actions were done for the good of the Imperium, not for accolades, nor for power. Jonson confessed to his brother that he believed Horus had become their father's favourite son for no other reason than fate. Had he been the first one he'd found, Jonson believed he would have been the Warmaster. The Lion believed that Horus would inevitably be defeated and that the Emperor would need to choose a new Warmaster very quickly if the Great Crusade was to continue. He asked for Perturabo's support. The two Primarchs reached an understanding -- Jonson granted permission for the Iron Warriors to take possession of the siege guns at their convenience -- on one condition, of course. Perturabo raised an eyebrow, inquisitively. Jonson made his brother promise that the siege weapons would be put to good use. Of that, Perturabo assured, they most certainly would be utilised in that regard.
Thramas Crusade
Following the victory of the Drop Site Massacre, Horus called a meeting of the Primarchs of 8 of the Traitor Legions (minus the participation of the Alpha Legion's Primarch Alpharius) aboard his flagship, the Vengeful Spirit. Five of the Primarchs, including four who had fought at Istvaan V, met in person, including Horus, Fulgrim, Angron, Mortarion and Lorgar. Three appeared through the use of hololithic emitters that transmitted their signals through the Warp, including Perturabo, Night Haunter and Magnus the Red, who had only recently joined the Traitors after the Scouring of Prospero when the broken remains of his XVth Legion had been transported by Tzeentch into the Eye of Terror to the Planet of the Sorcerers. The Thousand Sons, bitter at what they perceived as their betrayal by the Emperor, now willingly became the ninth Traitor Legion. The council of Traitor Primarchs made their plans for the next step in their war against the Emperor and then each Legion went its way according to its assigned role. The Night Haunter's fleet had already departed, bound for the planet of Tsagualsa, a remote world in the Eastern Fringe that lay shrouded in the shadow of a great asteroid belt. From there, the Night Lords' terror troops would begin a campaign of genocide against the Imperial strongholds of Heroldar and Thramas, star systems that, if not taken, would leave the flanks of the Warmaster's strike on Terra vulnerable to attack. This campaign would also delay the Dark Angels Legion from reinforcing the Loyalists. The Thramas System was of particular importance, as it comprised a number of Mechanicum Forge Worlds whose loyalty was still to the Emperor.
This bitterly contested campaign, known as the Thramas Crusade, dragged on for nearly three standard years. In an attempt to sway his brother Lion El'Jonson to Horus' cause, the Night Haunter left a deep-void beacon in the patrol path of one of the Dark Angels' outrider vessels. The beacon was set to transmit coordinates in advance, so that the two Primarchs could meet and parley on the planet of Tsagualsa. Night Haunter wanted to break his former brother either mentally, physically or both to obtain his objectives. The Primarchs were accompanied by two warriors from their personal Honour Guards to the parley. The meeting began amicably enough between the two as they conversed with relative civility. This amity lasted only until the Night Haunter slandered El'Jonson, and in return the Lion struck his former brother. This melee further degenerated into an all-out brawl between the two sides. As the Night Haunter strangled the life out of El'Jonson, one of the Dark Angels Honour Guardsmen ran his sword through the Night Haunter's back, saving his Primarch's life. Eventually both Legions sent reinforcements in response to this incident. Each side dragged away their respective Primarchs from the scene of the combat. Both Primarchs survived this brutal confrontation and went on to continue the contest between their Legions for control of the Aegis Sub-sector.
Battle of Perditus
Three years later, in 008.M31, the Dark Angels receive intelligence from an Astropathic message from the nearby Perditus System, they act accordingly and move to intercept. Upon arrival, they interrupted the month-long conflict between the Iron Hands 98th Clan-Company, led by Casalir Lorramech and a large Death Guard contingent, led by First Captain Calas Typhon. Both sides had been fighting over an ancient sentient device, known as the Tuchulcha Engine. This device was a part of a triumvirate of similar sentient devices (another being the Ouroboros and a third, unnamed engine) which when combined could create temporal rifts that bridges space and time. On its own, the Tuchulcha was capable of precise and extremely efficient Warp jumps. Faced with the prospect of fighting the entirety of the much larger Ist Legion fleet, both sides retreated from the planet's surface at the Lion's request.
Wary of both sides' motives, especially First Captain Typhon's, the Lion prevented the device from falling into the Death Guard's hands for his own nefarious ends. He then proceeded to serve his own ambitions and requisitioned the device for his own use. The Lion then ordered the destruction of Perditus, much to the consternation of both commanders. He then used the Tuchulcha Engine to make a Warp jump, but during their sojourn through the Immaterium, they were beset by Daemons. The Lion reinstituted his Legion's Librarians to fight these nefarious warp-spawned creatures. As this was in direct violation of the Emperor's Decree Absolute at Nikaea, this caused a dispute within the Legion, that eventually came to head, when the enraged Lion slew Chaplain Nemiel. During the height of the battle, the Lion encountered the Greater Daemon of Tzeentch, known as Fateweaver, who attempted to convert the Primarch to the cause of the Ruinous Powers, but failed miserably, as he had nothing to sway the Lion to their cause. The Lion told the foul creature that absolute loyalty to the Emperor was reward enough, and impaled the Lord of Change through its black heart, and quipped whether he had 'foreseen' his actions.
Hunting the Night Haunter
Utilising the Tuchulcha Engine a second time, the Dark Angels were able to execute a meticulously planned ambush on the Night Lords' fleet while it was in transit across the Tsagualsa sub-sector that saw the back of the Night Lords Legion broken and their Primarch mortally wounded after having faced his brother El'Jonson once again in mortal combat. Thanks to the skilled coordination and superb execution by the Lion, the Night Lords fleet was devastated, losing dozens of capital ships and approximately one-quarter of their Legion fleet to the Dark Angels' assault. Unfortunately, the remainder of the Night Lords fleet fled the Dark Angels' wrath, taking their critically wounded Primarch with them before the Lion could finally end his wretched life.
Unfortunately, the remainder of the Night Lords fleet fled the Dark Angels' wrath, while the recently recovered Night Haunter, First Captain Sevatar and the elite Night Lords Atramentar Terminators led a desperate boarding assault action upon the Dark Angels' flagship Invincible Reason. This resulted in the death of all but a dozen of the Atramentar and the capture of Sevatar and the remaining survivors. Konrad Curze fled El'Jonson's wrath, evading the Dark Angels for months, stalking the shadows within the bowels of the mighty capital ship, and continued to wreak terror and chaos amongst the mortal crew. He also killed every hunter-killer team sent by the Lion to hunt him down. After losing several squads of Dark Angels, the Lion himself took up the hunt for Curze, stalking him throughout the Invincible Reason for the next sixteen weeks. However, he could never find his elusive brother Primarch. At some point, the remaining Night Lords captives somehow managed to affect their escape and fled into the void.
Arrival to Ultramar & Imperium Secundus
With the torrential Ruinstorm raging, blocking out the light of the Astronomican and causing warp travel to be all but impossible, the Imperium was effectively cut in half. The Dark Angels come to the realisation that they are unable to return to Terra to assist in its defence, even with the advent of the Tuchulcha Engine. Miraculously, they managed to lock onto the beacon of the strange alien device known as the Pharos, on the world of Sotha, which guides the Ist Legion fleet safely through the Warp and to Ultramar's capital world of Macragge. There, they were greeted by Roboute Guilliman and Sanguinius, whose Blood Angels Legion were also guided to the Realms of Ultramar by the Pharos.
The three Primarchs were instrumental in the foundation of the "Imperium Secundus" as a means of continuing the fight against the Traitors and securing the Emperor's great work. Guilliman proclaims Sanguinius as the rightful heir to the Emperor and declares him the new ruler of Imperium Secundus. Lion El'Jonson is made Lord Protector of this new empire of humanity and supreme commander over all its military forces, a title that is similar to that of Warmaster. Unfortunately, the foundation of Imperium Secundus is marred when Curze escapes from the Invincible Reason and rampages across Macragge, intent on spreading as much terror and chaos as he can. Eventually, both Guilliman and the Lion confront the cornered Curze. Their attempt to kill him are unsuccessful as the Night Lords Primarch had laid a cunning trap. He brings down an entire chapel upon the two Primarchs through the use of planted explosives and flees the scene. Guilliman and the Lion are only saved through the direct intervention of the Loyalist Iron Warriors Warsmith Barabas Dantioch, who was communicating with Guilliman at the time of the attack, through a portal that was opened by the Pharos. On instinct, the Warsmith reached through the portal and pulled the two Primarchs to safety on Sotha.
Battle of Zepath
Feeling directly responsible for the Night Haunter's rampage on Macragge, the Lion continued to obsessively hunt his wayward former brother for the next two years. In 011.M31, El'Jonson eventually is able to trace a slim lead on Curze's whereabouts to the Zepath System, which had since fallen to the Word Beaers and World Eaters forces during their Shadow Crusade. Farith Redloss, the lieutenant-elect of the Dark Angels' Dreadwing, was charged with leading the hunt for Konrad Curze upon the world of Zepath. The Dark Angels quickly uncovered the horrors perpetrated by the Word Bearers for their dark rituals. Eventually, the Dark Angels took part in multiple engagements against the forces of both Traitor Legions, which culminated in the capital city of Numentis. The Traitor forces were utterly annihilated by the victorious Dark Angels and the world was left in the care of its surviving population.
Exile of the Lion
Continuing his obsessive hunt for the elusive Night Haunter, the Lion and Guilliman continuously clash over policies, especially in regards to the security of Imperium Secundus, and how best to deal with rebels on Macragge, that the Lion was certain Curze had something to do with. Following a suicide bombing of an Astartes convoy, the Lion uses the Ist Legion to establish martial law on Macragge. Certain that Curze is hiding within the rebellious Illyrium region, the Lion advocates the use of a massive orbital saturation bombardment of the region to ensure Curze's death. Facing resistance from both Emperor Sanguinius and Guilliman, the Lion instead, opts to deploy his Legion's Dreadwing in order to flush out Curze and the rebels.
During an attack on the city of Alma Mons, the Lion finally corners the elusive Night Lords Primarch and the two come to blows. After a brutal confrontation, the Lion eventually emerges victorious, and questions his brother why he had turned away from the Emperor, in which Curze simply replied, 'why not?'. Curze went on to explain that there was a monster in his head that he could not stop. Though he finally had Curze at his mercy, the Lion couldn't bring himself to kill his brother, and instead pummeled him again. He then ripped off Curze's backpack from his battle-plate and then lifted him over his head, and then brutally brought him down across his knee, breaking Curze's spine and paralysing him. The Lion then brought the grievously wounded Curze before Sanguinius and Guilliman to stand trial.
A Triumvirate was later held, where Curze defended his actions, but refused to admit his guilt. Since each of the Primarchs had been created to perform a specific function, Curze was merely acting according to his own nature, and therefore had committed no crimes. The Night Lords Primarch then further divided Guilliman and the Lion by accusing the latter of secretly ordering orbital bombardment in direct violation of Guilliman's orders. Enraged, the Lion sought to kill Curze, but was halted by the words of Sanguinius and Guilliman snatched El'Jonson's Lion Sword and broke the blade across his armoured thigh. El'Jonson was furious, but Sanguinius dismissed the Lord Protector and ending the Triumvirate. The Lion was then banished from Imperium Secundus. Taking his leave, the Dark Angels withdrew from Macragge only hours later. Standing in the chamber of the Tuchulcha Engine aboard the Invincible Reason, the Lion brooded over recent events, he questioned his actions over the course of the last few decades -- the banishment of Luther, the death of Nemiel as well as other decisions he had come to regret.
As the Dark Angels made their final preparations to depart back to Caliban, the Lion went back to the Tuchulcha Engine's chamber. He then ordered the device to teleport himself and Holguin, 'Deathbringer', the voted-lieutenant of the Deathwing, back to Macragge. As Sanguinius prepared to execute Curze for his crimes, both the Lion and his lieutenant teleported directly into the chamber and told Sanguinius to stop. As troops entered the room, demanding the Lion to surrender, El'Jonson explained his reasons for the intrusion. He reasoned that Curze had the ability to see precognitive visions of potential futures, and repeated the Night Haunter's claim that his death would one day come at the hands of an assassin sent by the Emperor. If this was true, the Lion reasoned, then it was proof that the Emperor was still alive. Sanguinius knew the Lion's explanation rang true, as he recognised that his own precognitive visions of his inevitable death would also eventually come to pass. When Guilliman demanded to know what would become of Curze, the Lion knelt before his two brothers and promised that he would be Curze's gaoler.
Return to Caliban
Jonson, wracked with grief over the inability of his Dark Angels to reach Terra in time to prevent the fall of the Emperor during the Siege of Terra at the end of the Horus Heresy, returned to Caliban to reinforce his Dark Angels and recover from the shock of the Heresy. When the starships arrived in Calibanite orbit, they were fired upon by a savage salvo of defensive fire from the surface. The fleet pulled back and Jonson tried to find out what was happening. He learned from a merchant ship that Luther had poisoned the minds of the Space Marine garrison on the world and taken control. It could only be seen by Jonson as the taint of Chaos. Jonson's fury was let loose and the planet suffered. He ordered a systematic orbital bombardment of the planet, to rid the world of Chaos for all time.
The planet burned and its defences were whittled down to nothing. Jonson led his forces personally against the defenders who had taken refuge in the Order's Fortress-Monastery. Jonson found Luther and saw him to be completely corrupted by Chaos, almost nothing of his old friend had survived. Luther, now a Chaos Champion, had been elevated to a strength equal to that of Jonson by the Chaos Gods and the two met in a combat the likes of which would not be seen again. They levelled the monastery around them but the planet was also taking a heavy toll. The bombardment began to crack the surface of the planet, the Dark Angels in orbit unable to see the damage they were doing.
Final Battle
The battle between Luther and Jonson was titanic, but ended with a psychic attack which appeared to mortally wound Jonson. Luther then realised what he had done, as if a veil of deceit had been lifted from in front of his eyes. He fell to the floor, unwilling to fight any more, but it was too late for Jonson. The enraged Ruinous Powers of Chaos realised they had lost again, and sent a massive Warp storm to wrack the surface of the planet. It then broke apart under the strain, destroyed all but for the monastery of the Order which had been protected by potent defensive force-fields. When the Dark Angels descended to what remained of Caliban, little more than an asteroid upon which stood the Order's fortress-monastery, they searched the ruins and found Luther mumbling that Jonson had been taken by the Watchers in the Dark and would return one day and forgive Luther for his sins. The Dark Angels could not find any trace of their Primarch. The rest of the Dark Angels who had been converted by Luther to the worship of Chaos were sucked into the Warp and scattered across the galaxy. From that time forward they were named the Fallen Angels or simply the Fallen.
Fate of the Lion
During his duel with Luther on Caliban, Lion El'Jonson suffered a severe psychic blow which left him mortally wounded. He was then briefly pulled into the raging Warp vortex. Luther survived the contest, but proved mentally unhinged and was taken prisoner by the Dark Angels. He was placed into a stasis cell deep within the bowels of The Rock (the remains of the Order's mightiest fortress-monastery and all that was left of their world Caliban), to contemplate his crimes against the Chapter's Primarch, his continued existence a secret known only to each successive Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels, whose cell can only be accessed through the use of the Sword of Secrets, the Chapter artefact which is the mark of the Supreme Grand Master's office. Jonson, who had been briefly spirited away into the Warp during the destruction of Caliban, eventually emerged and was taken into a hidden and unreachable chamber deep within the heart of The Rock by the Watchers in the Dark and placed into stasis to keep him alive. This is a secret known only to the Emperor of Mankind Himself who, despite his living death, still sees all upon the Golden Throne. Even the Supreme Grand Master of the Chapter is not privy to this last and greatest secret of the Dark Angels. Some amongst the Dark Angels whisper that one day the Lion will return to lead one final Crusade intended to achieve the Dark Angels' greatest victory for Mankind and finally bring justice and redemption to the remaining Fallen Angels. None know that this legend has more truth to it than they realize, or that their lost Primarch now sleeps peacefully at the heart of their own fortress-monastery.
- Lion Helm - The Lion Helm is a sacred object of the Dark Angels Space Marine Chapter. It is said to have been worn by Primarch Lion El'Jonson and takes the form of a winged Mark VII Space Marine Power Armour helmet. The helm is carried by a Watcher in the Dark. Built into the helmet is a protective force field which can be activated even when the helm is not being worn. The Lion Helmet is currently worn by Supreme Grand Master Azrael.
- Lion Sword - The Lion Sword is the great sword of the Primarch of the Dark Angels, Lion El'Jonson. The sword was broken in antiquity and lost. It is now rumoured to be carried by the mysterious Fallen Angel Cypher who seeks to reforge it and present it to the Emperor of Mankind, obtaining absolution and forgiveness for all of the Fallen who wish it.
- Citadel Journal 47, "Angels of Death", pp. 21–25
- Citadel Journal 37, "Tacticus Dark Angels", pp. 78–85
- Codex: Angels of Death (2nd Edition)
- Codex: Chaos Space Marines (3rd Edition, 1st Codex)
- Codex: Dark Angels (6th Edition)
- Codex: Dark Angels (4th Edition)
- Codex: Dark Angels (3rd Edition)
- Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)
- Codex: Space Marines (4th Edition)
- Codex: Ultramarines (2nd Edition)
- Deathwatch: Core Rulebook (RPG), pp. 44–46, 197
- Deathwatch: Rites of Battle (RPG), p. 236
- Deathwatch: First Founding (RPG), pp. 46–53
- Deathwing: Rules & Mission (1st Edition)
- Hammer & Bolter 17 & 18, "The Lion" (Novella) Parts 1 and 2 by Gav Thorpe
- Horus Heresy: Collected Visions
- Horus Heresy Vol. 1: Visions of War, pp. 13, 273, 278-279
- Index Astartes I, "The Unforgiven," pp. 4, 13, 18-23
- Index Astartes II, "For the Emperor!: Space Marine Chaplains," pp. 19, 56, 58-59
- Warhammer 40,000 Rulebook (6th Edition)
- Descent of Angels (Novel) by Mitchel Scalon
- Fallen Angels (Novel) by Mike Lee
- Age of Darkness (Anthology) edited by Christian Dunn, "Savage Weapons" by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
- Shadows of Treachery (Anthology), Edited by Christian Dunn & Nick Kyme, "Prince of Crows" by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
- The Primarchs (Anthology), "The Lion," (Short Story) by Gav Thorpe
- Angels of Caliban (Novel) by Gav Thorpe
- Angels of Darkness (Novel) by Gav Thorpe
- Lion El'Jonson: Lord of the First (Novel) by David Guymer (Cover)
|The Primarchs
|Loyalist Primarchs
|Lion El'Jonson • Jaghatai Khan • Leman Russ • Rogal Dorn • Sanguinius • Ferrus Manus • Roboute Guilliman • Vulkan • Corvus Corax • Lost Primarchs
|Traitor Primarchs
|Fulgrim • Perturabo • Konrad Curze • Angron • Mortarion • Magnus the Red • Horus • Lorgar • Alpharius Omegon


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New Mom Tips 'n' Tricks...
I've only been a mom for a little over 7 months. But in those few months I've learned a lot...and yet, still have a lot more to learn. So I wanted to share some tips 'n' tricks I've learned so far. There's so much to learn as a new parent that any and all information is valuable in my opinion. So hopefully this information will be helpful for others - whether you're a new mommy or just planning to become a mommy in the future at some point!
1) Buy gripe water.
Camden is a super easy baby. But when he was a newborn gripe water was a life saver. I didn't start giving it to him until he was a few weeks old though (approved by the pediatrician, of course!) Gripe water is great when they've got an upset tummy or a case of the hiccups that they just can't seem to get rid of. One word of caution though - once the bottle is opened it says to throw away after 6 weeks - just something to keep in mind (maybe start off with a small bottle of it - it is expensive and you don't want to waste it.)
2) Get a video monitor.
I think this is a given for most people these days. It doesn't have to be a super expensive one - just one that'll allow you to see your baby. Babies make a lot of noise when they sleep. Being able to see the baby lets you know if he/she is really awake and needs your attention. If you didn't have a video monitor you might go in to their room with every sound they make and could possibly wake them up unnecessarily.
3) Swaddle! Swaddle! Swaddle!
I know - I know. Not every baby likes to be swaddled. But I STILL recommend buying a swaddler and bringing it to the hospital with you. If you swaddle your baby from the very beginning I firmly believe they'll take to it. And I don't mean swaddling with a blanket - get a real swaddler (like this one that we LOVED!)
4) Promote good sleep habits and environments the first day you're home (not only at night time but have a nap routine as well.)
For us this meant a few things that I'll outline (FYI - not to brag or anything but my EBF baby was sleeping 10+ hours a night around 5-6 weeks old and was sleeping a good 6+ hour stretch when he was around 3 weeks old...all in his crib!)
- Start a bedtime routine the very first night you're home. For us that means going upstairs, putting pj's on him, turning on the sound machine, feeding him, reading a couple books, say our 'good nights' and 'I love yous' and turning the mobile on. At 7 months old we still have this routine (with the exception of the mobile - we don't use every night but still do use and often we'll sing a couple songs to him after we're done reading before we put him in the crib.) It doesn't matter what you do as part of your routine. All that matters is that you stick to this routine each night.
- Don't be too quiet around the baby when he/she is sleeping (especially important in the very beginning!!) When I was home on maternity leave the TV or music was always on. I vacuumed while he slept. If someone called I didn't talk in a low voice. I'd bring him down to the basement in his sleep cove while I ran on the treadmill and watched a show on my iPad. He slept through it ALL.
- Don't engage with them in the middle of the night. Have a night light or small lamp that you can turn on so you don't need to turn on the room light. Don't talk to them. You want them to learn that the middle of the night isn't party time. Whenever Camden would wake up in the middle of the night, I'd go in, turn on the little night light, change his diaper, nurse him, and put him right back in his crib without saying a word to him. Sometimes, he would need a little extra attention and we'd either pick him up and rock him for a few minutes or just rub his back so he'd settle himself enough to get back to sleep. He has always been GREAT at putting himself to sleep.
- Promote the difference between day and night. We have blackout curtains in his nursery. But during his nap times I make sure the curtains are open. I did the same thing when he was super little and he slept in his sleep cove downstairs for naps - the living room curtains were open and/or a light was on.
- Even though these bullet points make me sound super strict, don't forget to cuddle and love up on your little one. Babies thrive on routine and consistency but that doesn't mean it should be like that ALL the time. I've definitely had many times he napped on my chest and I've rocked him to sleep - those are the moments I treasure more than anything...babies and mommies both need those special bonding times <3
5) Listen to your intuition and do what works best for YOU!
So if none of the stuff I listed above fits your life or what you think is right - then don't do it. It's your baby. Your life. You know what's best for your baby. What worked for my baby might not work for yours. And what works for you might not work for me. And that's OK. So get to know your baby and figure out what works best for you all. Having your baby's best intention as your #1 priority is all that matters. Listening to your gut is THE #1 piece of advice I can give :)
There is so much I have learned and yet still so much to learn! What are some of your top parent tips and tricks?
I'm scared...
...that people judge me because both my husband and I have to work.
...that I'm not spending enough time with my son.
...I'm not putting enough effort into my marriage.
...I'll never find that work/home balance I so desperately crave.
...that one day my son will prefer his nanny over me.
...I'm not making the right decisions when it comes to raising Camden.
...to even think about having another baby. Camden's such a good baby I'm afraid of what #2 might be like! :-p
...that I'll never feel rested again.
...of actually having to raise & teach a child (discipline, manners, values, etc) This whole baby thing is easy compared to that I think.
...I'm going to have to miss out on a lot of things in Camden's life because I do work.
...of 'messing' him up.
I'm just scared. This whole raising a child thing...it's hard. And it's scary. It's overwhelming and life changing. And if anyone says it's not - they're lying.
bigger than all that is the fact that being a mommy rocks! Those gummy smiles. The slobbery kisses. Those chubby arms reaching up for you. The SNUGGLES. Those are the things that REALLY matter.
What are you most scared about when it comes to raising kid(s)?
Dear Matt...
Dear Matt,
June 21, 2015....the first day of summer...the longest day of the year...your 33rd birthday...AND your first Father's Day. Wow - what a day :)
I don't even know where to begin. Not only are you an amazing person, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, teacher and everything else...you are the most amazing daddy ever. I knew you'd be an exceptional father. But I had NO IDEA just how amazing. Camden is by far the luckiest little boy ever to have you as his daddy. Since day one, you have stepped up to the plate. You're not afraid to do anything when it comes to him. You change blow out diapers. You get down and play with him. You use silly voices just to make him laugh. You snuggle him. You help out so much around the house. You do it ALL. Not only do I adore you and love you, but that little boy of ours lights up when you're around. You get the biggest smiles and laughs out of him and it makes my heart swell. I fall more in love with you every single day and I couldn't imagine a better person to share all this with.
I hope you know how loved and appreciated you are every day. Camden and I love you more than you'll ever know. Thank you for being YOU.
Love you always and forever <3
Five on Friday...
It's been forever since I've done a Five on Friday so today I'm changing that! Linkin' up with April today...
1) Sunday is Father's Day AND my husband's birthday!! I am really looking forward to it and can't wait to give Matt his presents (one in particular especially - I'll be sure to share with ya'll on the blog next week!) We're going out to breakfast as a family then will spend the afternoon/early evening visiting with family - it should be a pretty great day!
2) There's just something about the warm weather that makes me want to drink fun, fruity drinks. Last summer I was pregnant and I REALLY missed sitting outside having a drink with the hubs or when out at social gatherings. So this summer I'm making it a point to enjoy some downtime and enjoy a drink once in a while (1 drink is my limit though since I'm nursing still!) I've been pinning a lot of fun drink recipes...this one I'm especially excited about (we have lots of mint growing in our garden so this is a great way to use it!)
3) Thanks to Ruthie I have discovered Jane.com. Yup - I am officially obsessed and will be spending some of my Christmas money on some new clothes! They have so, so, so many cute things at such fantastic prices. What are you waiting for? Go check it out...like NOW! :)
4) Matt is participating in the CrossFit Catalyst Games again this year tomorrow. Unfortunately, I don't think Camden and I will make it there to watch him (his heats are during Camden's morning nap) but we'll be thinking of him all morning. Good luck babe and have fun!
5) Tonight Matt has graduation at the school he teaches at and therefore, I'll have a couple hours to myself...I don't even remember when the last time that happened and I can't wait (though I'll probably just end up going to bed as soon as Camden does....exciting, I know!!)
My Nursing Story...
I was going to apologize for all the baby related stuff I've been blogging lately...but then I realized it's sorta my life now. And this blog is about my life...so yeah, sorry not sorry :)
Ever since I can remember, I've always wanted to be a mom (though I most definitely went through a period where I wasn't sure I did want kids!) I've always loved babies. I've always been good with kids. Though I've always wanted to have kids...I never remember wanting to breastfeed them. In fact, I always said I wouldn't. The thought of it sort of grossed me out way back in the day to be honest - it was weird to me (and still sorta is to me to be honest even though I know it's the most natural thing in the world.) Not to mention I'm not one of those people who are comfortable with their bodies and nakedness in general. Plus, I was never really exposed to nursing - no one in my family nursed any of the babies we had in the family while I was growing up. Breastfeeding wasn't such a big thing back then - not as much as it is today. So I figured that when the day came and I had kids I'd just give them formula.
But as I got older and breastfeeding became a 'hot topic' I started thinking more and more about it. Once I learned more about it I had the mind set of 'Yeah if I have kids I'll probably nurse' but it wasn't a huge deal to me - it's not something I felt overly passionate about. Once I got married and Matt & I started thinking about having kids I thought more and more about it. Once I became pregnant, it was one of those things we discussed. It was a big decision. I had 100% of Matt's support if I wanted to nurse...and I had 100% of his support if I decided I didn't even want to try it. Ultimately, I decided I was going to give it a shot. I wasn't going to stress over it. If it worked out - great. If not, that's OK too. Either way our baby was going to be fed and nourished and that's all that mattered to us.
We attempted nursing shortly after Camden's birth. He really wasn't interested in it at all. In fact, the whole time we were in the hospital he just didn't seem all that interested in eating. I'd say half of our attempts were successful and the others not. While in the hospital, I met with a lactation consultant a few different times to help with Camden's latch (he just wouldn't open his mouth wide enough to get a decent latch!) When we left the hospital I wasn't discouraged that he didn't latch on great right away and that we were still struggling. I wasn't putting a ton of pressure on myself that I absolutely HAD to breastfeed. Once we got home he nursed much better. It took a little while for him to finally get a really good latch but eventually he did. Throughout the first couple months a lactation specialist from my health insurance called me every couple weeks to check up on me. I'd ask any questions I had - she'd give me advice on getting him to latch better - etc. It was great and definitely helped me through the first few weeks.
Nursing continued to go well while I was on maternity leave. I never experienced the pain I've heard a lot about. Sure it wasn't smooth sailing the whole time, but I never had it as bad as I've heard some moms have - and I'm so grateful for that. Once my maternity leave ended, I stressed a little bit about how I was going to keep up with nursing and pumping (especially since I personally hate pumping.) But I decided to go on with the same attitude - I'd at least try it out. If I could do it - great. If not, no big deal - we'll switch to formula and be grateful I had at least been able to nurse for the first 9+ weeks of his life.
Once I started back at work my supply went down a little and I wasn't getting much when I pumped. So we started supplementing his bottles with formula (at daycare he gets a 4oz bottle - 2oz of formula and 2oz of breastmilk.) I nurse him in the morning and I nurse him before bed (and, of course, at all feedings on the weekends.) And here we are - he's 7 months old and we're still at it. I never expected us to be this successful. I never thought I'd enjoy nursing as much as I do. Don't get me wrong - you won't find me nursing in public or posting any strong opinions on social media about it. But I am proud we've lasted this long. I don't know how much longer I'll nurse for - we just take it day by day. But whether I stop nursing today, tomorrow, or in 5 months - it doesn't matter. It hasn't always been easy but I'll always be so grateful for this time we've had.
If I had any advice for any new moms it'd be to give yourself a break and don't put too much pressure on yourself. But if breastfeeding is something you really want to do - don't give up. Give it time. Talk to friends. Get a hold of a lactation consultant. Just hang in there. And if it doesn't work out or you choose not to breastfeed - don't be hard on yourself. It's not the end of the world....I promise.
Any questions please get ahold of me - I'm more than happy to answer any questions and/or concerns and share my nursing experience.
Well here we are...Monday morning...never my favorite that's for sure. I haven't done a weekend recap in quite some time (who am I kidding?...I haven't been blogging in general lately...) Anyways, of course, the weekend flew by - they always do but even more so during the summer. With the nice weather we're always trying to cram so much more into the weekend.
Friday I picked up the little man from daycare and scooted to the bank quick. He fell asleep during our quick errand so when we got home I got to snuggle with him until he woke up - it was pure heaven! Then we played until it was time to go upstairs to take a bath and go to bed. After Camden was in bed we ate dinner and then I headed to Target. Gosh, I love Target - seriously. I can spend hours just wandering around...spending money I don't have.
Saturday morning I got my run in before it got too hot and humid - it's so nice to have my work out done and over with by 9am! Camden had a good morning nap so I was able to get the house cleaned - woohoo! After his nap and feeding we headed out to go strawberry picking. It was easy picking so it didn't take long at all. During Camden's afternoon nap I was able to prep the strawberries and get a few more things done around the house while Matt did some work outside. Saturday night Matt's cousin watched Camden while Matt and I went out to dinner with my parents and sister and brother-in-law to celebrate all the summer birthdays. It was the first time I've been away from Camden for bedtime :/ Once we got home we started the new season of Orange in the New Black...but I was so exhausted I didn't even make it through the first episode - oops!
Sunday morning Camden was up shortly after 6, so I got up with him and we played in his room and I was able to organize his dresser drawers. I hit up Pilates and got home to help finish up some prep for the week and clean up the kitchen. Once Camden was fed, we were able to spend some time outside - Matt brought his guitar out and Camden had his maraca and we all jammed for a bit :) After that, we all got cleaned up and dressed then headed out to run a bunch of errands before going to a birthday party! After the party we headed home to play and spend time together as a family. Camden went down pretty early (not great naps that day!) so after he was in bed we finished the laundry, ate some dinner, and made a bunch of baby food!! I've gotta say - making Camden's food has got to be one of my most favorite things. It's so easy...last night I made him squash, peas, zucchini, and sweet potato. It took me less than an hour to make a few weeks worth of food - can't beat that!
And that my friends was our weekend. What did ya'll do?!
CMC - 7 months
Dear Camden Matthew,
You are the light of our lives - seriously. You are such a good, good boy...and we make sure to tell you this every day!!
Even though you're still a little peanut, you are hitting so many milestones lately. It's so much fun watching you grow and learn new things. You play so much now - mommy and daddy just love spending time together as a family...whether that's playing on the floor with you, going places with you, going for walks, or just hanging out together. We can't get enough time with you - we love every second we get with you.
You still love to cuddle (when it's on your terms) and it just melts momma's heart. It's my most favorite thing when you scooch up as far as you can on me and just snuggle in. You really notice us these days - always needing to know where we are. And you are just like mommy and daddy...you love to people watch. You just like to soak everything up around you and know what's going on...you are quite the inquisitive little guy.
Since you're constantly on the move we have started having to say 'no thank you' to you when you go for something you aren't supposed to (like daddy's guitar, mommy's magazines, etc.) We have done a little bit of baby proofing for you but we definitely need to do more!!
I still can't believe you are 7 months old...it baffles your daddy and I. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing you home - yet in the same breath I can't remember you ever being that small. You are an amazing little guy and we love you more than we can say. We aren't the perfect parents and we'll make many mistakes along the way - but I hope you always know how LOVED you are. You are an amazing, sweet, smart, easy-going little man and bring us more joy and happiness than we could have ever imagined. We soak up every second we have with you - we never want to forget any of it...soon hanging out with us will be the last thing you want so we're taking full advantage of it now :)
We love you, Camden!
Mommy & Daddy
WEIGHT - We don't go to the pediatrician's office until he's 9 months. However, at the cardiologist appointment at the end of May he was around 12 and 1/2 lbs so I'm guessing now he's close to 13lbs.
LENGTH - no idea - maybe 26.5-27"....total guess though!!
HAIR - the same - his bald spot on the back of his head is filling in nicely. In some pictures his hair looks red but it's not really - I think it'll be a light brown/dirty blonde.
EYES - blue and BIG - it's the first thing everyone compliments him on <3
CLOTHES - 0-3 and 3 months for Carters clothes - still a little peanut. I think he'll be moving up to 3-6 pajamas soon though as they're getting too short for him in the legs and arms.
DIAPERS - size 2 diapers but we do have some size 1 ones we will put on him just to use them up.
SLEEP - He is usually asleep by 7:15 (unless it's a rough night getting him down) and sleeps through the night until 6am usually (sometimes earlier though - ugh!) He still takes 2 longer naps (usually an hour to an hour and a half each) and then typically a quick cat nap at around 5 (usually about 30 minutes long.)
DISLIKES - being tired, waiting to be fed (he gets VERY whiny!), getting off schedule, having something go over his head (like a onesie), and sitting still for too long!
LIKES - mommy & daddy (he has become very attached to us lately), his feet(STILL!), having someone build a tower with his stacking cups and knocking them over (total boy!), scooching all around, music, playing with my hair, jewelry, and all his toys and eating!
EATING - this kid LOVES to eat. He still nurses or has a bottle at 7am, 11am, 3pm, and 6pm (4oz bottles when he's at daycare plus a 5oz bottle after he nurses before bedtime.) We also feed him solids twice a day, about 1 tablespoon worth at each feeding. I've been making his food and I LOVE it. It's so quick & easy. So far he has had oatmeal cereal, carrots, sweet potato, winter squash, avocado, green beans (not a fan at all!!), and peas. After peas we'll start on fruits.
MILESTONES - he sits up like a champ!!! He started doing this about a week or so after he turned 6 months old. He scooches all over - when he sees a toy he wants there's no stopping him - he gets across the room VERY quickly!!!!!! He also gets up on all fours and wants to actually crawl SO BADLY!!! I think this is gonna happen any day now to be honest. SLOW down little one...you're growing up way too fast!!! He also has 2 teeth now (bottom ones) and currently working on the top ones :)
OTHER - All went well at the pediatric cardiologists. He doesn't have any heart defects - just an innocent heart murmur.
Fitness - 7 months post partum
Well here I am - almost 7 months postpartum. I figured it was time to do a fitness update since I haven't done one since I was 12 weeks postpartum.
So where do I stand? Weight wise I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight, give or take a pound or two. I've been back to this weight for quite a while now. BUT that doesn't mean I've got my body back. In fact, it has taught me a very valuable lesson...it really is JUST a number on the scale.
Let's take a step back. I've always relied on the number on the scale. I know it's bad to do...BUT I'm a numbers gal. So I figured once I saw that number on the scale I'd be content. Boy was I WRONG. Just because that number is back to what I'm used to seeing doesn't mean by body is back...by any means. My body is most definitely not the same....and it may never be the same. My stomach, thighs, and butt have always been my weak spots. I definitely carry my weight in these areas. With that being said, right now my stomach is obviously my biggest complaint. But I can't even really complain. Why you ask? Because I haven't been putting the work in like I need to. Sure, I started working out just 2 weeks after giving birth. Sure, I ran a half marathon 8 weeks after having Camden. Yes,I've been working out religiously. So why aren't I where I thought I'd be? My diet. My diet has SUCKED to be honest. I haven't been eating clean like I should be. I pretty much eat whatever I want whenever I want....and it shows! I firmly believe abs are made in the kitchen. Don't get me wrong - I love, love, love working my abs (planks are my jam!) Sure, when I flex my stomach I see a little bit of muscle definition. But I don't walk around with flexed abs. When they aren't flexed I have loose skin...just like most women after they've had a baby (or two...or three.) My belly button looks weird too. And I'm not sure that loose skin will ever go away - even if my diet is spot on. But I also know I haven't been as dedicated as I need to be to get my stomach back to what I'd like it to be. So right now that's one of my biggest goals - watch what I eat and try to eat clean but also splurge once in a while (hello S'more Oreos!)
With all that being said, I'm finally back to loving running again. It took me a while to actually enjoy it again. I've been able to get outside for runs which I know has helped this immensely. My pace has also gotten much better - I'd say I'm probably pretty close to being back at my pre-pregnancy pace (which isn't fast by any means but I'm OK with that.) I'm also really loving the free weights and using the weight machines at the gym. I know I need to lift in order to gain back the muscle I lost while pregnant. So along with getting better with my nutrition I need to focus on weight training - gaining back some muscle. I want definition. I want to be toned. I want to be able to lift heavier weights and get strong.
Soooo that's where I am - could be doing better...could be doing worse. But I'm taking it one day at a time and doing the best I can. Some days are better than others, of course, but as I say with many things...IT IS WHAT IT IS!
Life Lately...
You'll have to excuse my absence from this little space of mine. Working close to 50 hours a week...having an almost 7 month old (who never sits still anymore!)...working out 5-6 times a week...keeping on top of every day things as well as everything else that pops up...putting time and effort into my marriage...yup, it's enough to make this mama not want to have to worry about posting anything. So, of course, this space has been neglected. But ya know - it happens. I hope to get into posting more regularly but I'm pretty sure I've said that multiple times since having a baby...and it hasn't happened. BUT one of these days I will get back into it...until then hang in there with me - I'm doing the best I can :)
As you can see, life is just busy - but isn't that the case with everyone? And now that the weather is cooperating there's even more to do - visit parks, go to festivals, go swimming, play outside, go for walks, go to parties, go boating, plan our first family vacation...all sorts of good stuff!! I'm really looking forward to this summer with our little guy - even if we'll be even more exhausted than we already are!! :)
This weekend we're going to the public market for the first time in a long time - and of course it's Camden's first time. We love the public market and are really looking forward to going as a family. It's strawberry season so I can't wait to take the little man strawberry picking next weekend (even if he can't have any this year!) And, of course, we plan on doing lots of fruit picking besides strawberries - cherries, raspberries, apples - I love it all!!
What are all of your plans for this summer?
And, of course, a post isn't complete without a few pictures showcasing what we've been up to...
Hey ~ I'm Renée...just your ordinary, 30-something Accountant, new mommy, wife, runner, foodie, & Pinterest addict! Welcome to my newest adventure...stay awhile...look around...and keep comin' back!
January 2018


text:
by Tessa Afshar
The British love their Sherlock Holmes. They love him so much that they have built a flat on Baker Street that supposedly once belonged to this fictional character. So it's not such a shock that they would come up with another Sherlock Holmes television production. Personally, I can't get enough of it. There are several reasons for this delicious fascination.
First, the series is full of unusual characters that delight you with their quirky personalities. They are far from perfect, but they somehow manage to inspire affection in the viewer. The famous detective is brilliant, but his social skills make a goat look sensitive.
Another element that makes Sherlock so absorbing is the wit. Some of the one-liners remind one of a cross between P. G. Wodehouse's Jeeves and a monologue by Johnnie Carson. As a result, the dialogue is consistently engaging:
Holmes: Anderson, don't talk! You lower the IQ of the entire street [every time you open your mouth].
Some of the new plotlines are inspired by the original Conan Doyle stories. But so much is changed about the plot that you can't assume you know what's going on just because you have read the story. Whether you like the liberties taken with the original plots or not, you have to admit that they are at least fresh. You want to try to solve the puzzle, but you also find yourself rooting for the characters.
As a writer, I see parallels between the techniques used by a popular television series like Sherlock and what makes for a satisfying read in a novel. Although I am comparing two completely different mediums, there are certain overlaps. Character, plot, dialogue, and humor can mean the difference between a fan that will return to your work a second time or regret the time they spent with your work in the first place.
In my novels, it is important for me to develop imperfect characters that still manage to make you like them. Like Sherlock who is emotionally challenged, vain, and arrogant, my characters have plenty of imperfections. But hopefully, like Sherlock, you still manage to develop genuine affection for them, because unless you have a vested interest in these protagonists within the first few pages, you will put the book down. Sherlock fascinates. Do your characters fascinate the reader?
Whether in a movie or a novel, dialogue needs to be absorbing. I write historical novels, but I don't see why I should write them with a heavy hand. How can you survive life without humor now or twenty five hundred years ago? I want my readers to laugh. I also want them to be moved to tears at the appropriate times.
My readers tell me that at the end of one of my stories they feel like they are saying good-bye to a friend. That's exactly what I'm after.
Character, plot, dialogue, and humor. They work on TV and they work in books. It's elementary my dear Watson (which, by the way, Sherlock never said.)
Tessa Afshar was born in Iran to a nominally Muslim family, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She converted to Christianity in her mid twenties. Her book, Harvest of Rubies, was nominated for the 2013 ECPA Book Award in the fiction category and was chosen by World Magazine as one of four notable books of the year. The sequel, Harvest of Gold will be released in July 2013.