tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21304602899630345732024-03-18T20:55:23.568-07:00Cup of CosmosYou need to remember where you have been.
You need to remember where you are.
You don't need to know where you are going.
You don't need to know where you will end up.
Recognize the familiar.
Take advantage of the unknown.
Welcome to my Cup of Cosmos. Enjoy!
(and if you need a second cup, check out my other brewing blogs under my profile)Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-75850103929196612642015-05-25T08:09:00.001-07:002015-05-25T11:19:21.243-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman";">hi·a·tus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman";">hīˈādəs/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman";">noun<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Times New Roman";">A break or
interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Times New Roman";">A missing
part; gap or lacuna:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Any gap or
opening.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">You’re probably
wondering, “What ever happened to that tall blonde that used to write?” If you
live close to my mom, you check in and ask her. If you live far away, you just
keep clicking the refresh button in hopes that new thoughts will appear on the
page. In truth, I took an unplanned hiatus and closed down the World Wide Web
to live a real world life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is not to
say that I didn’t write. In fact, I kept writing and thinking and pondering.
But most importantly, I kept living, breathing and navigating my way through
the New Year. The winter here was brutal and in many ways I needed a hiatus
from it all. I bundled up and I hunkered down. There were not enough dry socks
or pots of tea to get through this winter, but somehow we managed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WKF8GNKSPsRI5syxU3fHxXwieCeRop7GL1T1A2bo146koqdaKVG-pk4i6FIbg_MhA6SsXH97WX4fWXMtBygfUmJFB_chN_Jr1nG5_EyZIMZeekNq0Rdbcdh9wOrGbHUXMazFTIPDCD89/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WKF8GNKSPsRI5syxU3fHxXwieCeRop7GL1T1A2bo146koqdaKVG-pk4i6FIbg_MhA6SsXH97WX4fWXMtBygfUmJFB_chN_Jr1nG5_EyZIMZeekNq0Rdbcdh9wOrGbHUXMazFTIPDCD89/s320/IMG_1162.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And then the
other night, on my walk home, I noticed that the blossoms were in full bloom,
the snow was gone for good and the neighbor’s French windows were open. As I
waited for a friend, I peered into their living room. A large farm table was
lit with candles and decorated with fresh flowers. All their friends were
gathered around the table, passing platters and plates of goodness. They looked
so happy. While I couldn’t hear their conversations word for word, I could make
out the laughter–the collective sound of friendship and good company. I
couldn’t help but wonder what they were talking about. I couldn’t help but wish
I could join them around the table. As I sat on my steps and watched, I thought
about all the conversations they must be having, the relationships they were
in, the hardships they faced, the jobs they had, the hopes and dreams of each
person passing plates around and around. I wondered…What was the best part of
their day? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I thought back
to this amazing film called “The Lives of Others” set in 1984 in East Germany.
The Stasi Captain, Gerd Wiesler spies on the playwright Georg Dreyman. Wiesler
and his team bug the apartment and set up surveillance equipment in an attic
and begin following Dreyman’s every move. Granted, this is an extreme, but it
sparks that same curiosity of what happens behind closed doors? What happens
beyond the French windows of the apartment across the street? What is their
story? Who are they? What do they do? Where were they all winter?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBN5lHJpXF-Hu54YBUb99cvuFWLhRImA9rTxSEaxuB7627LdUzGiI38EpDjWvOj7dsRt11kI9BaEmMH-LXgh_uLrqZjppZdWlkc8-F2H49crcs-__xmWecrZ-LPhSy5RGBHtmb2agf-Mht/s1600/IMG_1632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBN5lHJpXF-Hu54YBUb99cvuFWLhRImA9rTxSEaxuB7627LdUzGiI38EpDjWvOj7dsRt11kI9BaEmMH-LXgh_uLrqZjppZdWlkc8-F2H49crcs-__xmWecrZ-LPhSy5RGBHtmb2agf-Mht/s320/IMG_1632.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of the most
popular things to do in New York is people watch. There is no shortage of good
people watching. I always say that New York is like a giant human exhibition.
It is a walking, living and breathing gallery of people from all over the
world–every style, every height, size, color, personality, voice, and story.
The entrance fee is stamina (having the energy to keep your eyes open and
following it all). The show is ongoing. I forget this sometimes, look down and
drown it all out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But then I am
reminded again that I am part of this exhibition. Sitting at a bar with my guy, he leaned over and reminded me to look up from my drink saying, “Look at
that couple over there. What do you think they are talking about? Where are
they from? Where do they live? How long do you think they have been together?” We
made up their story. They weren’t that happy. She had moved for him. He was
settling. His hand resting on his forehead said it all. He had regrets, even
his draft choice. She was fed up, pulling out her phone and scrolling through
old screen shots pretending to be busy. They left the bar with their glasses
half full. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hxQBiSPSgI8CEfWTw9Hmom3txB7fWM8nNmjs3tVr9eAtXj8UfnOPM3JkFwJlv6_eUxgYcARtbxZakZ5Vpe0RmvBAu7unG_BV7pIIbPkgp2J2Gqb1VvmFhesHVtYIU9vraF2lbhF0tWjO/s1600/IMG_1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hxQBiSPSgI8CEfWTw9Hmom3txB7fWM8nNmjs3tVr9eAtXj8UfnOPM3JkFwJlv6_eUxgYcARtbxZakZ5Vpe0RmvBAu7unG_BV7pIIbPkgp2J2Gqb1VvmFhesHVtYIU9vraF2lbhF0tWjO/s320/IMG_1640.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And I said, “What
do you think they would say about us?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">His reply, “We
are perfect.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course we are
not. Of course this is never true. No one is perfect–not even the dinner party
across the street. But we can make-believe. We can dream. We can pretend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMefHbjQ0xLwk4XugriODFKgdrk8vW4u6p8vyFsnm29h7qtI2tYZyPKnKMzI5Cs1PwGRxidEI9EjDOIctVz4oKEWDmXHHxmtUGLmacaS0X-JSFEQXnkqiarWU89pwHjyxvYTwSeIGlOiOI/s1600/IMG_1638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMefHbjQ0xLwk4XugriODFKgdrk8vW4u6p8vyFsnm29h7qtI2tYZyPKnKMzI5Cs1PwGRxidEI9EjDOIctVz4oKEWDmXHHxmtUGLmacaS0X-JSFEQXnkqiarWU89pwHjyxvYTwSeIGlOiOI/s320/IMG_1638.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This cup is for
open windows, good conversation and fiction. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spring is in the air and my hiatus
might be over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-24711261831263412032015-05-25T07:58:00.001-07:002015-05-25T07:58:37.781-07:00New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iwLHvSQ5h9mjh7RldLUSL0z9S4ykeUK0Nor_m3sVObQHxJM2LiivkY7v1EqpCaKfkcuLFmQRKfjHaZI9UREKI1KmoywTdMKQW58cHmKmpWIE8jVO-ZmTRplUTKZeaOhTBeR5km826hzQ/s1600/IMG_0989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iwLHvSQ5h9mjh7RldLUSL0z9S4ykeUK0Nor_m3sVObQHxJM2LiivkY7v1EqpCaKfkcuLFmQRKfjHaZI9UREKI1KmoywTdMKQW58cHmKmpWIE8jVO-ZmTRplUTKZeaOhTBeR5km826hzQ/s320/IMG_0989.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Listen. Do you
hear that? It’s the sound of a new year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today it
snowed–the first dusting of the (new) year. It was that slushy stuff, the kind
that drips into the small openings of your jacket, steams up the back of your
neck, drenches those few hairs that strayed from your hood and turns your
mascara into dark mice under your eyes. Despite my cold and soggy edges I could
sense 2015 settling in. It’s like a new friend who you have just met. It’s a
familiar stranger. This is a year that we are just getting to know. Hi, nice to
meet you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I puddled out
into the white and grey coldness to meet a friend at one of our secret spots
for chai and good company I got to thinking about new years resolutions.
Earlier in the week I had been adamant about making a list, forcing friends to
ponder what they really wanted to do to make 2015 the best it could be. As per
usual, we brainstormed the common humdrum: better eating, more exercise, more
sleep. My list felt unsatisfactory. 2014 was a year full of so many rare gems,
many of which I didn’t plan for. And so this year I have decided to throw out
the list. The only rule that I will take from 2014 is to be ready, be
spontaneous and follow my gut. Life is a balance. It is not about frontloading
all of the things that we haven’t accomplished or didn’t perfect at the
beginning of a new year. I have to ask myself, will getting down on the floor
to hold a plank make me a better person in 2015? A happier person? Maybe.
Stronger? Sure, if I kept it up. But it is more likely that heading out into
the cold to meet a friend will better serve my needs in the short and long
term, making me stronger and happier all around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhAXHOsdPQQ9lmW9Lk6v-oaOBFwRJeYCEPirvl2j9oIrt2B0-Ys-o5IJHIdnGw4YYwp85pKhZJkY3zvugmRPtCerzmzjhiMNoX-eAS3Ys9GyvcigCrObWjAVvL5WJScvb_5BBFB48dyUn/s1600/IMG_1171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhAXHOsdPQQ9lmW9Lk6v-oaOBFwRJeYCEPirvl2j9oIrt2B0-Ys-o5IJHIdnGw4YYwp85pKhZJkY3zvugmRPtCerzmzjhiMNoX-eAS3Ys9GyvcigCrObWjAVvL5WJScvb_5BBFB48dyUn/s320/IMG_1171.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This year I want
to set my standards high. I want to hold out for the best things. I refuse to
settle. But don’t confuse these ideals with “resolutions”–these are not
resolutions, these are my rules. This is my lifestyle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #272727; font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We were not put here on
this earth to barely squeak by and settle for a lukewarm, watered-down version
of life, or to live in fear of what other people will think. Our lives can’t
rise any higher than our standards. Rise above settling in life or in love. And
next time someone tells you your standards are too high, don’t apologize. Tell
them, “Thank you.” The standards you set determine the life you get. And those
who know their worth don’t even entertain the lesser things. They hold out for
the best things.”</span></i><span style="color: #272727; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> –Mandy Hale<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #272727; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get
ready 2015! I am not slowing down for anyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #272727; font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
cup is for Hannah and Alyssa (because you can keep up with me) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #272727; font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
for Maynard (who sets a standard we should all live up to, year round.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #272727; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZza8XRB10s6lK8_qIVdNBR7g-6gadNrh1Hpvw3QTdiN2l1RiFaw_AQEp_igqD80XllkxVXkW_Y6A-G3IB6cwOJ5t5ZpIM4SKFpmhOdxWdTy7HABC1SLO2QNoM8eiDeXtAuHne0F2BdcgT/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZza8XRB10s6lK8_qIVdNBR7g-6gadNrh1Hpvw3QTdiN2l1RiFaw_AQEp_igqD80XllkxVXkW_Y6A-G3IB6cwOJ5t5ZpIM4SKFpmhOdxWdTy7HABC1SLO2QNoM8eiDeXtAuHne0F2BdcgT/s320/IMG_1076.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #272727; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-50587868628247506502014-12-11T21:04:00.000-08:002015-01-04T02:28:49.214-08:00What I Would Give...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurioqPoWVRsN8GI1tthrnEHja7BmtG3amKfRiz-CJ2ZkLzt8J5RBN430oDQ9pzh2UTerPcj9q3HYpdyuv6OGUH0sMgEEATmwoL-P9Ht6NWTvvb-xyscfEUUrddSuHssUnPBgjrPpV6S21/s1600/IMG_9924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurioqPoWVRsN8GI1tthrnEHja7BmtG3amKfRiz-CJ2ZkLzt8J5RBN430oDQ9pzh2UTerPcj9q3HYpdyuv6OGUH0sMgEEATmwoL-P9Ht6NWTvvb-xyscfEUUrddSuHssUnPBgjrPpV6S21/s1600/IMG_9924.JPG" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We each get one life
and that’s it. We get one shot at this, and we don’t get any do-overs, and for
me, it was time to put up or shut up and the way I saw it I didn’t have a
choice. This is what I was put here to do. I guess I am just a hopeless romantic,
and I am an idealist, and I believe in hopeless causes.” –Peter Kassig<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This has been tucked away in the deepest corners of my
heart, carried along with me throughout the day and is a constant reminder of
why I am here, why I do what I do, why I am who I am, and why I am so
incredibly thankful. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
November was the month of thanks and giving, and while I am
so glad that we take time to slow down, gather, give and reflect, I can’t help
but be thankful more than just one month of the year. My thanks and giving extends
well beyond the dinner table, surrounded by friends and family. My thanks and
giving reaches around the world as I think about what our global community is
currently facing, what our world is enduring and what actions still need to be
done–what giving is still left to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am thankful that I strive to be part of the solution and
not the problem. I am thankful that I would rather spend my whole life giving
than receiving. As I reached for hands to hold around the table this
thanksgiving, I quietly thought of the five Level 3 emergencies* that are
taking place around the world; Central African Republic, Syria, Iraq, South
Sudan and Ebola. I thought about the real definition of sacrifice, of what each
of us would give to make the world a better place. For some of us, it is far
too little, for others it is far too much. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Giving can be difficult–how much is enough? To who? For how
long? Some people will only give in exchange for a return. How will I benefit?
Where will my contribution shine and my difference be seen? Giving can come
with bragging. “You should thank me” or “If it wasn’t for me, none of this
would happen” or “pat yourself on the back.” Giving can raise uncertainty. Will
this work? What are the short-term goals? What are the long-term goals? Giving
can push demands. Where are the results? What is the fastest solution? Why can’t
I see immediate results? Or, raise the argument that giving alone simply isn’t
enough. Giving can come in so many shapes and sizes. It isn’t always a money
order. It isn’t always a check. Sometimes it is taking a risk, rolling up your shirtsleeves,
holding your breath and stepping out of your comfort zone. Sometimes it is the
heavy lifting, the serving, the handholding, the listening, the door holding,
the packaging, sending and unloading. Whatever size or weight, there is no
doubt that giving can feel good. I made a difference. I am a small step in the
right direction. I am creating positive change. I know I am part of a larger,
greater good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the rare gems in the world, giving is a part of them, it
runs in their veins and they don’t even think about the “action” of giving,
they are only concerned with the “reaction” of those receiving. Peter Kassig
was this person. James Foley was this person. Steven Sotloff was this person.
David Haines was this person. Alan Henning was this person, and many others. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This level of giving, of sacrifice, is impossible for most
of us to imagine. This level of innate “call to action” can seem almost silly
to some. However, for folks like Kassig, Foley, Sotloff, Haines, and Henning,
this is what they, what we, were put on this earth to do. We were put on this
earth to help one another, to have each other’s back, even when it is sometimes
the back of someone else who is on the other side of the world. This can be the
back of someone we don’t even know, someone who seems completely different from
us, but in actuality, is probably very similar. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have this call to action on a constant loop in my head. I
think about it every day. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by people with
that same giving loop. Like Kassig, I would say that I am a hopeless romantic,
and I am an idealist and I do believe in hopeless causes, because I see hope. I
see the potential for change, for peace, for a solution. However, this week, my
heart felt heavy. Sometimes the weight of this worlds problems seem too large,
too complex, and too deep to bear. But as human beings we are incredibly
resilient. We are incredibly strong. And in this time of giving, of gathering,
of reflecting, I feel hopeful. I feel hopeful for today, tomorrow and the next
day and I am most thankful for that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This cup is for all those hopeless romantics who believe in
hopeless causes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
*<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">UNICEF’s Corporate Emergency
Activation Procedure, categorizes UNICEF’s humanitarian response into three
levels: -<b> Level 1</b>: a country office can respond using its own
staff, funding, supplies and resources; - <b>Level 2</b>: a country office
receives some outside support from headquarters, regional office, other country
office; and - <b>Level 3</b>: an institution-wide mobilization is called
for. Level 3 is defined on the basis of five criteria: scale, urgency,
complexity, capacity and reputational risk.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-87380283122099518392014-11-30T16:31:00.000-08:002014-11-30T16:38:34.734-08:00Wanderlust Plans <div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRo3OEFVEvjoazKvAJxw14vhehLuvuvTXo3skHrYzW8jGQUyp4TmLdK2SKz1lAf0GWwReLyFIPdajcnBcuLVXKmjBsrSR3kDTca_6ynJFzTemwVx7KTnLtVnWwwlgdpnQtXWGep7nVOSD/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRo3OEFVEvjoazKvAJxw14vhehLuvuvTXo3skHrYzW8jGQUyp4TmLdK2SKz1lAf0GWwReLyFIPdajcnBcuLVXKmjBsrSR3kDTca_6ynJFzTemwVx7KTnLtVnWwwlgdpnQtXWGep7nVOSD/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I can’t sleep. This is about the millionth night in a row
where I am flat on my back, wide-awake. As I shed layers, add layers, kick,
toss and turn, put my hair up, take my hair down, wander in and out of my
kitchen, socks or no socks, window open or closed, I have decided that there
are two reasons for this sleeplessness. The first reason–my rem cycle is
attached to a different planet. My sleep strings are being pulled in a
different direction, a different time zone that didn’t exist in Turkey, wasn’t
found in Greece, was lost in Oregon, was absent in Colorado, and has been
missing since returning back to Brooklyn. The second reason that I can’t
sleep–I think 25 is for the birds and my mind is restless. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5NobqnexZjEOZjm0DHDu3qVXsrXauYijWdG5AK1YO6LucX3F1j7bq3BB4Q24SwvQnfBzrW_56chf0XPLf8bNi1f_g1q_-MOhHVNGgi72scFl4AUKCpvjAIVU2z-a_MiahEkBUOjh40ro/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5NobqnexZjEOZjm0DHDu3qVXsrXauYijWdG5AK1YO6LucX3F1j7bq3BB4Q24SwvQnfBzrW_56chf0XPLf8bNi1f_g1q_-MOhHVNGgi72scFl4AUKCpvjAIVU2z-a_MiahEkBUOjh40ro/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
25 is a sticky mess of trying to “live in the moment” and
“make plans” all at the same time. I juggle with this notion that we all need
to be “planners” and “go-getters.” In a city like New York, you would miss
everything if you started to plan. Planning will get you about as far as a cup
of coffee, and even then, it is better to approach the register and make a last
minute decision, then to plan before hand. Tall? Grande? Caffeine? Decaf?
Hot? Cold? If I had planned to be where I am now, I never, ever would be
sitting in my apartment in Brooklyn, with the job that I have in my cozy
apartment. New York is not a place for planners. This is one of the reasons
that I have come to like New York so well–it never requires a plan or asks for
one. If you plan for the train, you will miss it. If you plan for a fresh
bagel, they will all be sold out. If you plan for a brunch at your favorite
brunch spot, the wait will be a day and a year. If you plan to stay in your
apartment, your landlord will raise the rent by $200.00, forcing you to move
out. If you plan to stay at your job, they will hire you as a temp, and give
you 6 months notice to vacate. If you plan to meet the man of your dreams on
the streets of New York, you will be wandering around this city until you have
blisters the size of golf balls around your heels. New York expects you to keep
your chin up, to jump on the first opportunity or sublet that pops up, and to
go with your gut. New York expects you to eavesdrop, landing you a job through
gossip and mingling. New York pushes you to your limits, moving you forward,
and insists that you keep up. In New York, gut instinct is the key to survival,
and planning would only slow you down and set you back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At 25, the roads diverge between the “planners” and the
“gut-followers.” Planners begin to settle, they usually have a front lawn, and
they are meticulous in what will happen today, tomorrow, and next year. They
plan around numbers– age, bank accounts, zip codes, area codes, 401-K’s. They
strive to make long lists, checking off every box, and focus much more what
“needs to happen.” The “gut-followers” prefer to be surprised and live moment
to moment. They travel light, refuse to land in one place, and are constantly
on the move. “Gut-followers” rarely follow the rules, drawing outside the lines
and strive on being “different.” They don’t worry about the long term and
figure that everything will work out one way or another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This isn’t to say that you can’t be a little bit of both…but
at 25, we begin think harder about the life that we want to live and how we
will live it out. Only a few generations ago, everyone was a planner. Once you
got a job, that was the job that you had for the rest of your life. Once you
got married, you bought a house and settled down. Today, there are endless
options. Jobs come and go, we are transient, exploring (for some of us, well
beyond our comfort zone) all the possibilities, and if you are like me, having
too many plans would get in the way of all that life has to offer. However, I
want to be clear–“gut-followers” can get a bad rap. We are not as careless as
we may seem. We are not flakey. We are not as haphazard as it might appear. We
want everything that “planners” want. Chances are, we have a plan, it just
isn’t set in stone. We are flexible. The “gut-followers” just don’t want
everything mapped out, they don’t want to be told what to do, they don’t need
all the answers right away, and they see themselves getting to the same place
as the planner, using a different route, a different timeline and prefer to be
surprised. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxPfJc4HrxoIWn-J53d5OHhiEK3kXcyn-zoy-Nm88pI7u_B6Ma_stkUVvVjEgcvWJTLGlBmwBFwzRTHIF_55lba3Omvp2Af4SUIHP-IETTVt90FnGJ1KNN5OLQUvoRnZQOGYEljv7a2Pt/s1600/IMG_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxPfJc4HrxoIWn-J53d5OHhiEK3kXcyn-zoy-Nm88pI7u_B6Ma_stkUVvVjEgcvWJTLGlBmwBFwzRTHIF_55lba3Omvp2Af4SUIHP-IETTVt90FnGJ1KNN5OLQUvoRnZQOGYEljv7a2Pt/s1600/IMG_0450.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Curled up in a cozy armchair on the upper westside, I held
my brand new niece. At a week old, the world is her oyster, and she doesn’t
need to have a plan. She is free to live the life that she chooses. She can
plan as little or as much as she wants. And while I hope to be there for every
milestone she encounters, every setback, every leap forward, every
achievement, I want her to know that as a native New Yorker, she should
follow her gut and:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dream, dream, dream
the craziest dreams.” – Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…Because 25 years ago no one would have ever planned or
imagined that I would be sitting on the upper westside with my brother and
sister-in-law and baby Matilda sipping a latte in New York City. And because
all of us followed our gut—here she is and here we are. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This cup is for Matilda. Welcome to this crazy, amazing
world! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR_Q54z6OJ6cWjV1QbdbFjMKRW44v9C83MdY4sQup5WGYv4-9_CQNcTlXpWWc9WiN0LGIaidAJUXfn9vqZtZ-u0XNr5v14PuHIjqOYruiGDGsFrmqnbM-4mqZ6SX53KIh30ImnK93toci/s1600/IMG_9886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR_Q54z6OJ6cWjV1QbdbFjMKRW44v9C83MdY4sQup5WGYv4-9_CQNcTlXpWWc9WiN0LGIaidAJUXfn9vqZtZ-u0XNr5v14PuHIjqOYruiGDGsFrmqnbM-4mqZ6SX53KIh30ImnK93toci/s1600/IMG_9886.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-20005013537908099202014-11-30T13:49:00.000-08:002014-11-30T13:49:37.617-08:00October NotesOctober and November blew through the year like a gust of wind...and so I am catching up.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I remember it as
October days are always remembered, cloudless, maple-flavored, the air gold and
so clean it quivers.” –Leif Enger, Peace Like a River <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did you know that bourbon and apple cider is what fall is
made of? We made this discovery over the weekend, after we assembled a coffee
table in our living room and channeled Julia Childe and Nora Ephron and made a
chocolate torte and pumpkin spice cake to ring in autumn. I boxed up my summer
dresses, downloaded all my Greece pictures from the summer, and pulled out my
woolly socks and chunky sweaters. Fall has finally arrived to Brooklyn. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtQ1K672BzIKEE7p5UvMvM3Cq04l897Ds74Rxjhjkldvsk1xi-hvU3_2r8fCr1Jald-RhyVRf4WeAC-45UdYP8Oru3R6PYcEkQz-xLvh53O142Le08IIg0NTlEE6JvMor4ruFgHIEDNeB/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtQ1K672BzIKEE7p5UvMvM3Cq04l897Ds74Rxjhjkldvsk1xi-hvU3_2r8fCr1Jald-RhyVRf4WeAC-45UdYP8Oru3R6PYcEkQz-xLvh53O142Le08IIg0NTlEE6JvMor4ruFgHIEDNeB/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been feeling melancholy and settling into a lifestyle
of simpler things, small groups, sharing a glass of wine with a close friend,
taking part in intimate conversations about life, happiness and grand plans.
I’ve spent Friday nights with my fancier kicks stored away in my closet,
wandering the kitchen in leggings and messy hair, standing over boiling pots of
winter soups, lighting expensive candles for no one but myself, and finding the
quiet corners of home to be the most inviting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a city that never sleeps, it is up to me to find the time
to hibernate. And with a new job that comes with the same 9-5 routine, I have
made it a goal to find ways to make no day quite the “same” as the last. I
refuse to set a pattern of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">same-ness</i>
in a world that revolves around “same.” And so I have started a list to throw “same”
out the window, and take autumn by storm with new ideas, new routes, new
recipes, books, ideas and plans. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PI2F8dS2Vq3hCx65ElR9CQyDK7BThr85AW0bumb6mPqEXEahLo_Fvkd_3Nl7LHDcI_0zLiPDNp9iWrdpoivfbQxAMxq7K_IOT7-9d9W5vQ1jP6tCWNR3blbK02h1PJ7QjW2d9aB9EF2E/s1600/IMG_6830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PI2F8dS2Vq3hCx65ElR9CQyDK7BThr85AW0bumb6mPqEXEahLo_Fvkd_3Nl7LHDcI_0zLiPDNp9iWrdpoivfbQxAMxq7K_IOT7-9d9W5vQ1jP6tCWNR3blbK02h1PJ7QjW2d9aB9EF2E/s1600/IMG_6830.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
• Change the way you walk to work; get off at a
different stop, walk further, walk on the other side of the street, walk with
your chin up, take your ear buds out, give life a listen, and get lost in your
own neighborhood. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">• <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Add something new to an old recipe. This week I
took a simple boxed cake and added chopped apples and cinnamon to give it a
little extra chunk and a little more kick. I added bourbon to apple cider, and
I added fresh chopped carrots to my chili. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">• <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Change up your routine. Run in the dark. The
other night when I got home, instead of changing into leggings, I changed into
my running clothes and headed out into the dark.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">• <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Instead of reading before bed, run through
French flashcards. Learning a new language before falling into dream land can
only help cement all those tricky verb changes right?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
• Buy expensive candles. Lots. And keep rotating
them. Most importantly, never save them for a special occasion.<br />
• Dump a toxic friend. Dump the friend who only
makes you feel terrible about yourself, who never put in the time that you put
into the friendship. Dump them. Life is too short and we are too old for this.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
• Wear a different perfume. I bought a new
perfume, it’s made from pine trees (can you tell I am homesick?) and I have
worn it to work a few days in a row, carrying a small forest on my wrists. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">• </span></span>Clean in the morning. Sweep while the coffee is
brewing, before you head out the door. You will be amazed what a nice surprise
this is when you get home in the evening. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">• </span></span>String twinkle lights (that are supposed to go
outside) inside, and put them in your kitchen, above your sink and counter, in
a hap–hazard arrangement, plug in, and enjoy. You will find that you actually
do spend more time in the kitchen enjoying them.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm5lsVoDiXXsGGk4t_iN7BTh-EcLQCVixI-AgisG-j9UaxcxYYfK2C6c_FCDAdWcBykhUFiTuElVNKsWq0LdUQdgob4dygvbE8fJOgcfTXoeTZpSudsLVT2lyQydxrN8eqdjz9buV635l/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm5lsVoDiXXsGGk4t_iN7BTh-EcLQCVixI-AgisG-j9UaxcxYYfK2C6c_FCDAdWcBykhUFiTuElVNKsWq0LdUQdgob4dygvbE8fJOgcfTXoeTZpSudsLVT2lyQydxrN8eqdjz9buV635l/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">These are just a few of the changes that I have made (so
far) to ensure that no day is the same, because routines and same-ness is </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">so yesterday</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This cup is for fall. </div>
Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-56998080778297244372014-09-26T08:21:00.000-07:002014-09-26T08:33:37.819-07:00Savings Account <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQhClqofscpljdOlryTNC6m3zfMSM1fOkl_RVukSFWHPLqKZ9O_j3N9t14NaWXxQ99sYIgTQKr_fVkdFnfMa6sXZ9jQNwHI6HynZJvlRgL5nUEJUsgoU6WU9QXwITxXqvL0Bv_D6mcl-5/s1600/IMG_9625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQhClqofscpljdOlryTNC6m3zfMSM1fOkl_RVukSFWHPLqKZ9O_j3N9t14NaWXxQ99sYIgTQKr_fVkdFnfMa6sXZ9jQNwHI6HynZJvlRgL5nUEJUsgoU6WU9QXwITxXqvL0Bv_D6mcl-5/s1600/IMG_9625.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">This fall I am starting with
a clean slate. August was like that thread in the sweater that you pull and the
whole thing begins to unravel into a big heap in your hands. No amount of
mending could begin to fix the holes, and so, with a heavy sigh, I start over.
This is all prompted by the fact that I lost my laptop to a series of
unfortunate events. In the end, I lost two years of images captured from all
over the place, pages and pages of refugee research and peace-keeping solutions
to humanitarian problems that plague our world, and folders filled with things
I can’t even remember (but that I am sure were extremely important, detailed,
and could have been famous someday). Alas, it is lost, and it made me take a
step back and think about everything that I still have and the all the other
ways we manage to collect, document and save memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">After I lay on my hardwood
floors, mascara running down my face, sobbing like an uncontrollable five year
old on an airplane, I sat up and realized that nothing was truly lost. I didn’t
need my computer to remember my life for me. That zipper that doesn’t align on
my shoulder bag I got in the market reminds me of that afternoon in Vietnam,
drinking Fanta and dodging scooters. The journal filled with watercolors of the
pacific reminds me that all those salty summers are still logged. Calling up a
friend to reminisce about that time we got stuck on a tinder boat in the middle
of the Mediterranean brought back that queasy feeling deep in my gut. Wandering
into my Brooklyn kitchen and reaching for a fresh bag of ground coffee brings
me right back home. As summer winds down, I can’t help but notice that my tan
has faded, but that mosquito bite at the base of my ankle has turned from a
scab to a scar that will be there for the rest of my life, reminding me of that
perfect night that we cooked out on the esplanade overlooking Manhattan. That
scratch on the hardwood floor is when we thought it would be a good idea to
drag the dresser (without taking the drawers full of clothes out) the day I
moved in. The postcards that decorate my kitchen wall are a timeline of zip
codes, thoughts and happenings from friends and loved ones who have managed to
track me down as I nomad from place to place. There are so many other ways to
collect memories of the things that are important to us besides the digital
world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">With all that in mind, I
challenge you to print something out. I challenge you to write something down
with a pen and paper. Pull out the sharpies and thumbtacks. I challenge you to
get your hands messy, to stain your shirt, to drip paint on your jeans, to tape
something onto the wall, to nail something into your foundation, to leave a
mark that will never fade. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7RBlSPSGA0bKB6wcr2dRrBIvIXL5uJWUdSJojo22urLcd8Gmauip5QRCdfGQllboXFNFeFkzFO5LlrvyNmKEsTNpJY5ru6aZVRR1kKbpfz7EJM8CAXn6qJ21mejEpV4vKCUegj9REg5_/s1600/IMG_9245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7RBlSPSGA0bKB6wcr2dRrBIvIXL5uJWUdSJojo22urLcd8Gmauip5QRCdfGQllboXFNFeFkzFO5LlrvyNmKEsTNpJY5ru6aZVRR1kKbpfz7EJM8CAXn6qJ21mejEpV4vKCUegj9REg5_/s1600/IMG_9245.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59YVD8RN1Y1LYEcnhXyUiNJWluWVoQzpKE8yHLQDjl7cLDWNStWKdtOBhVt76aYxeCMGV8HnQoyfpcoXYWt5tld2IvGcGA_7xtSyRlkxbvmhn5t-BwK2nB7N8iQ816D3AvfIWiaYYpwpz/s1600/IMG_9284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59YVD8RN1Y1LYEcnhXyUiNJWluWVoQzpKE8yHLQDjl7cLDWNStWKdtOBhVt76aYxeCMGV8HnQoyfpcoXYWt5tld2IvGcGA_7xtSyRlkxbvmhn5t-BwK2nB7N8iQ816D3AvfIWiaYYpwpz/s1600/IMG_9284.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Cpm_ivcfLaNEI1j8sxw8W0BeGS-mkra4OzNJAtgSNYBfig2y0cw4Y13LD9fsyHLPChrqc3xCV0L5dxH3Ad_eNbiZ7IbiiKAb1hjCsPrCWAm2hcdwxnbAtjSzhiTHBDQi4d1m8dQJGNU-/s1600/IMG_9452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Cpm_ivcfLaNEI1j8sxw8W0BeGS-mkra4OzNJAtgSNYBfig2y0cw4Y13LD9fsyHLPChrqc3xCV0L5dxH3Ad_eNbiZ7IbiiKAb1hjCsPrCWAm2hcdwxnbAtjSzhiTHBDQi4d1m8dQJGNU-/s1600/IMG_9452.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry5AggxCThJ-Jw3ByVfs0t4pIzdSqoe0Z84pnWwf9BlmXDLDcQS0-w2zJhvCH0cyGsTXiI9Y5lnnTh77BgsqhZju_vkQaN4h2_6WmA4cBtyWFbtkxJb6xGZ542VTWvZ8YlcdV8onIOfs9/s1600/IMG_9845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry5AggxCThJ-Jw3ByVfs0t4pIzdSqoe0Z84pnWwf9BlmXDLDcQS0-w2zJhvCH0cyGsTXiI9Y5lnnTh77BgsqhZju_vkQaN4h2_6WmA4cBtyWFbtkxJb6xGZ542VTWvZ8YlcdV8onIOfs9/s1600/IMG_9845.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprMUQf9n7LKy-U-LVrzja3pnbnel1auv8jHPjfqU-vzGYPpNsN9RYB3pihPtMDNoGf3oSWy7sSfemtKO8G5vikfo4D-ldGkpIz71vadAY0331EkwKTuu9JPrP3z_Ne2SKJKPvaxPe0ltv/s1600/IMG_9864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprMUQf9n7LKy-U-LVrzja3pnbnel1auv8jHPjfqU-vzGYPpNsN9RYB3pihPtMDNoGf3oSWy7sSfemtKO8G5vikfo4D-ldGkpIz71vadAY0331EkwKTuu9JPrP3z_Ne2SKJKPvaxPe0ltv/s1600/IMG_9864.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This cup is for Claire, because you get it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-83671269633364282022014-08-02T10:17:00.000-07:002014-08-02T15:24:02.417-07:00August<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EkLP6jlM9W10QxQn94IWKbq0EcwGNy5EdBnSYYSHv3HeSworC4ZJnrzumHKgvejPOfcDKDkqKNiFB9WFOvsi2Oph_pbBarq4-HVAxP3Opa_xIceFRIfFz3eXTakKH8G0fnWGx9gdHE6P/s1600/IMG_5910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EkLP6jlM9W10QxQn94IWKbq0EcwGNy5EdBnSYYSHv3HeSworC4ZJnrzumHKgvejPOfcDKDkqKNiFB9WFOvsi2Oph_pbBarq4-HVAxP3Opa_xIceFRIfFz3eXTakKH8G0fnWGx9gdHE6P/s1600/IMG_5910.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to meet you for mussels. Will you meet me in
Manhattan, at my favorite mussel place across from the park in the east village?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you ever think I would say those words? Manhattan. Are
you stunned that I made it out east all by myself? Looking back, it is hard to
imagine. I know! You would have been right up the road. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could order wine because I am old enough to drink now and
you would be so surprised by how tall I am when I stand up to give you a hug as
you walked through the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
hair is blonder, I pierced my nose, but you would spot me instantly because you
know me, and I look the same. Remember, we have the same walk? I would
recognize you anywhere. You are sporting your baseball cap, classic button down shirt and jeans. You smile
that hundred-watt smile and we sit down. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would take one long stare, looking deep through the frames
of your glasses, and then down, the pen and paper that you always kept in your
breast pocket, studying your hands. I miss those hands. Those hands that
built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would reach out to touch
your arm, reminding myself that this moment was real. Where would I even begin?
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are so many days, so many moments, celebrations,
shenanigans and heartache that you have missed. Knowing me, I would probably
end up telling you more about President Obama (how I met Brent in the freezing
cold at Inauguration) then about my recent graduation from my MA Program. Yep,
this girl got her MA. Your niece (who would never leave home, not even for
sailing camp) got an MA in International Affairs. Your niece who (at age 7)
closed her eyes when you put on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Speed </i>for
movie night wants a career in post-conflict peace building. I will probably
forget to mention that I sailed around the world, but instead pull out my
iphone….You instantly want one. I would tell you that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nest</i> is no longer available, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">PAPER</i> is sure to intrigue you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would be surprised that we both lead nomadic lifestyles,
and you would appreciate and understand why I can’t settle down. I lived in LA.
Can you imagine? I learned how to parallel park the Subaru in Venice Beach. Oh,
and I worked for Bill Clinton, and if I had mentioned that you two had
previously met, he would have remembered. Who would have thought, right? And!
And! I am a Beaver! Granddad will never live it down! I am the only Beaver in
the family! I know! Crazy. But don’t worry, I still cheer for the Ducks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am going to take some time to gossip about the family. I
am going to lean in and tell you all the things that drive me crazy, the stuff
that would make you laugh. Your laugh, I can hear it. It’s perfect. You won’t
believe some of it, your eyebrow is raised. Believe me, this shit happened.
What a weird world, right? Don’t you wish you could have seen this for
yourself? Aren’t you glad you weren’t around for some of this? I know. I know. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Guy, the squid polenta in Croatia, it was jet black and I
tried it! They have peeps for every occasion now, even the 4th of July, they
come in blue and red! And they have mini–peeps! And, there is this cheese
called Humboldt Fog that will change your life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wouldn’t share the dark memories. I would resist telling
you how much I hate August. I would skip over the details from that summer
where all I could manage to keep down was chocolate soymilk. I won’t tell you the
feeling I felt lifting the mask off my face in the intensive care unit so you
could have one last look–the extreme loss I have felt every day of your absence.
I won’t go there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’re dipping the crust in the salty mussel broth. It’s so
good. The wine is almost gone. There is not enough time to get through it all. Everyone
is still sailing along. I’ve missed you. I will always miss you. And I wish you
were here. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This cup is for Guy–<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">SNF</i>. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-48760680931706535532014-07-21T12:06:00.001-07:002014-07-21T12:06:39.566-07:00Currently Submerged<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3MhFyBRQnxMRJZCWfW303J7-0Y4q7sF65k1fvSbzc02ymRT-mMlBZz4ERIED4b2LNvZukMuCRI0tHVWgw2QCWam5J_rN8wTMS0-x5AGKGQaZESYGGYIV0X2gHoQvctVCM46C75iJOTcR/s1600/IMG_7755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3MhFyBRQnxMRJZCWfW303J7-0Y4q7sF65k1fvSbzc02ymRT-mMlBZz4ERIED4b2LNvZukMuCRI0tHVWgw2QCWam5J_rN8wTMS0-x5AGKGQaZESYGGYIV0X2gHoQvctVCM46C75iJOTcR/s1600/IMG_7755.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Follow the motion of the ocean.<br />
The shock of the first dip.<br />
The cold pacing through every nerve ending<br />
And slowly subsides as arms and legs adjust to the current.<br />
<br />
Neck deep.<br />
<br />
The current.<br />
Push. Pull.<br />
Push. Pull.<br />
Push. Pull.<br />
<br />
Follow the motion of the ocean.<br />
The saltwater settling into my hair.<br />
Exfoliating my skin, sinking deep into every pore.<br />
<br />
Neck deep.<br />
<br />
The current.<br />
Try to keep up.<br />
Float.<br />
Meander.<br />
Splash.<br />
Breathe.<br />
<br />
The horizon.<br />
The power of tranquility.<br />
The depths of the ocean.<br />
I'm suddenly small.<br />
A bottomless, blue abyss.<br />
I'm in deep.<br />
Submerged.<br />
<br />
Follow the motion of the ocean.<br />
Tred. Focus. Relax.<br />
The tides. The waves.<br />
<br />
Neck deep.<br />
Push. Pull.<br />
Blue on blue.<br />
The saltwater residue sits on my lips<br />
stings my wounds, tangles my hair.<br />
Hands and feet turn to wrinkled prunes.<br />
The shore is calling.<br />
<br />
The current.<br />
Push. Pull.<br />
Push. Pull.<br />
The sloshing of the tide.<br />
The motion of the ocean.<br />
<br />
"The sea, once it casts its spell,<br />
holds one in it's net of wonder forever."- Jacques Yves Coustean<br />
<br />
Follow the motion of the ocean.<br />
Submerged.<br />
<br />
Knee deep.<br />
Touching land.<br />
Looking back for<br />
one last salt water breeze.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEyI611WzzdMRigLzXw_BHpdFtX7eJg_mzJeVTE8-pfn_zk3BJmUtd5lgqFoaVlRjFiyIMw7L2hK2CktYx687cKiCH4AXsepTWpsH132esAdO06JvWSuRIL0KbMOaOJX5UPabAMPAAp2Q/s1600/IMG_7844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEyI611WzzdMRigLzXw_BHpdFtX7eJg_mzJeVTE8-pfn_zk3BJmUtd5lgqFoaVlRjFiyIMw7L2hK2CktYx687cKiCH4AXsepTWpsH132esAdO06JvWSuRIL0KbMOaOJX5UPabAMPAAp2Q/s1600/IMG_7844.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyCMMwP06m5tnyAcgoWJnPdxl2SdTQj1kYo5H9X0b6QDU9G505vPnT6fRLQwQM5XK74yu8YbxxMLBQMhISsLoJGT6DBZbHaCIcfLZnLXKsIrth95Yq1KPEY2Ysn8Tw7u5OlPaah66ty30/s1600/IMG_7572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyCMMwP06m5tnyAcgoWJnPdxl2SdTQj1kYo5H9X0b6QDU9G505vPnT6fRLQwQM5XK74yu8YbxxMLBQMhISsLoJGT6DBZbHaCIcfLZnLXKsIrth95Yq1KPEY2Ysn8Tw7u5OlPaah66ty30/s1600/IMG_7572.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-40195955708180645112014-07-02T09:05:00.002-07:002014-07-02T09:08:24.749-07:00To Real Love<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUQxw6vgXQbs2zad-gA80hIz3fxwWvjacrIrzVnf6n-qzVQ6OqfxzZ4qSdSivZQzsrId5pIgmcUSZoV3hgbZrhYfjUnFVZoRQUwodWQ7ryEzLJRfc8prs8adXqZveiu12Aq9VXnHPIO95/s1600/Santorini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUQxw6vgXQbs2zad-gA80hIz3fxwWvjacrIrzVnf6n-qzVQ6OqfxzZ4qSdSivZQzsrId5pIgmcUSZoV3hgbZrhYfjUnFVZoRQUwodWQ7ryEzLJRfc8prs8adXqZveiu12Aq9VXnHPIO95/s1600/Santorini.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">John Lennon once said, "love is real, real is love." This week I understood exactly what he was saying. Before a backdrop of blue on blue, with a saltwater sea breeze, the sun hitting my face, I watched two friends define real love. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2Fr062_-JKEVg4tinI73TkDV9lQ0rDvHRIIWeWWawd-iAIlnmkNT36D-DPz8jHfKD4CLpTpGae4STxRKX662pJxr-2TC3RjVB9epbW2xzYTqPKSDeVsIA8RsnH3KteGNNn-tMBCemRS6/s1600/IMG_8243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2Fr062_-JKEVg4tinI73TkDV9lQ0rDvHRIIWeWWawd-iAIlnmkNT36D-DPz8jHfKD4CLpTpGae4STxRKX662pJxr-2TC3RjVB9epbW2xzYTqPKSDeVsIA8RsnH3KteGNNn-tMBCemRS6/s1600/IMG_8243.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not only are these two the definition of real love, they turn dreams into reality. Never could I have ever imagined standing on a volcanic island, champagne in hand, baby's breath in my hair dancing to "You and I" with my best friend. Everything about it was real. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fBoLfrwBmQTTtvwtY9jUPpKQgF7rfpqGBQ7Vfc_hNO53cjKZH5oLJMRAKJior37DoeApgjNqw0bIajwVhXyGYanNKQ9Rlj8cXPxaBahqYiDI1ig7vf-39HME83d1eQqQPtry_5s6bN8m/s1600/IMG_8246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fBoLfrwBmQTTtvwtY9jUPpKQgF7rfpqGBQ7Vfc_hNO53cjKZH5oLJMRAKJior37DoeApgjNqw0bIajwVhXyGYanNKQ9Rlj8cXPxaBahqYiDI1ig7vf-39HME83d1eQqQPtry_5s6bN8m/s1600/IMG_8246.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I will be the first to admit there have been times in my life where I forget "real love" exists or what it looks like. The kind of love that stops you in your tracks. The kind of love that shakes you to your core, pumps through your veins, fills your chest with butterflies, pushes and pulls you in all directions and overwhelms your head and heart. This kind of love can only be felt when you find the perfect match, your other half, your companion... your forever person. But this week I remembered what "real love" looks like because I saw it, I felt it, and was fortunate enough to be part of the definition of "real" in the context of the week (which was all love). And so to this real love, I would like to give a toast. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To real love. To Emma and Sammy. You inspire me everyday to live life to the fullest. You remind me to slow down and live in the moment. You are the energy that I hope to channel everyday. You are the creativity, the wanderlust, the warmth that I want to emulate. You are the partnership that I hope to find someday. You are the laughter, the stories, the beach walks, the sandy dogs, the saltwater, the meals, and the adventures that I will remember and cherish forever. You are the happily ever after. You are the definition of "real love." Here's to you.</span></i></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y2nuOf5amFGRwXG-BsfP2rnEIMpGWfNudHDLyHQXKxuRZbgrMa6KgeRg7lyjsMfTOzCeB1EAmYeVG3yItpTWXyLDIhbz2jd7J9vApu4P56ohJMhKsHIES6SoIIj0yH_aSPU8rWJf5YUM/s1600/Greece+Emma+and+Sammy+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y2nuOf5amFGRwXG-BsfP2rnEIMpGWfNudHDLyHQXKxuRZbgrMa6KgeRg7lyjsMfTOzCeB1EAmYeVG3yItpTWXyLDIhbz2jd7J9vApu4P56ohJMhKsHIES6SoIIj0yH_aSPU8rWJf5YUM/s1600/Greece+Emma+and+Sammy+.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stomp. Stomp. Clap! This cup is for you! </span></i></div>
Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-8220206212877082812014-06-11T14:34:00.000-07:002014-06-11T14:36:24.465-07:00Mixing Bowls <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJ1f_gcVK0P6Vd2tUgEMZv-LU9pGaWb4K9edKZjZ8nXi_xttv6G_wbBrvZBX-5FX-pvYvEI-M6o6mtRL6Qx3WZrFM8gF1SXdn4NLY_yqJ-KvX6TlCuvHj6UohEhKeVweqwLWnWxfgqwTQ/s1600/IMG_6948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJ1f_gcVK0P6Vd2tUgEMZv-LU9pGaWb4K9edKZjZ8nXi_xttv6G_wbBrvZBX-5FX-pvYvEI-M6o6mtRL6Qx3WZrFM8gF1SXdn4NLY_yqJ-KvX6TlCuvHj6UohEhKeVweqwLWnWxfgqwTQ/s1600/IMG_6948.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We shared a single mixing bowl of fresh pasta, ripe cherry tomatoes and greens, with two forks and a bottle of wine. In the midst of major transitions, it almost felt like a normal mid summer evening. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had spent weeks wining and dining in some of New Yorks finest hotspots. We had our fair share of the pricy, the chefs choice and tasted the latest in review. All to say that I think my favorite meal took place on my back patio, barefoot, messy and tired, eating al dente out of a Costco Tupperware.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This week I'm thinking about France. Hunched over boxes and throwing away papers I'm imagining a green landscape. Bubble wrapping prints I'm thinking of inky fingers and transparent creations hot off the press. Lugging bags to and fro I stay cool remembering long afternoons lingering over gelato, wine and cheese. This month I am sending a slew of messengers to France while I make my way to the Greek Islands. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am looking forward to the Mediterranean. I am hopeful that the salty air will clear my head. I can't wait to celebrate two amazing friends. I am ready for an escape to calm and quiet. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Summer is the time to reboot, to soak up some much needed vitamin D and gather. It's a time to explore, adventure and collect your thoughts. Summer is the chance to throw together a meal in a mixing bowl, get your arms sticky with peach juice and smell fresh cut grass. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These are the things I have to remember as I complain of having to wear shorts, wait on humid subway platforms, slather on sunscreen or endure spaceship sized mosquitos. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This summer I am going to make time for picnics, read good books, journal, and roam the farmers market. This summer I am going to make a point of slowing down, breathing and checking in with my head and my heart. This summer is a clean, white page of new beginnings and more mixing bowls filled with goodness. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make a Mixing Bowl of Goodness:</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gluten free pasta</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Olive oil</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fresh sliced cherry tomatoes </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fresh Arugula </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Feta cheese </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Salt and Pepper</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cook pasta to al dente </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Toss with olive oil, tomatoes and arugula</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add a generous amount of feta </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Serve in a mixing bowl with two forks</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Grab a friend, a mom, a roommate, or a neighbor, a patio and a bottle of wine </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoy slowly</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This cup is for my mom, aunt Nancy and Chris-- thinking of France with love. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-43794282512944330682014-05-29T15:02:00.001-07:002014-05-29T15:02:30.531-07:00On the Move<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">a
year from now we'll all be gone<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> all
our friends will move away<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> and
they're going to better places <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">but
our friends will be gone away<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">nothing
is as it has been<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> and
i miss your face like hell <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">and
i guess it's just as well <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">but
i miss your face like hell<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">been
talking bout the way things change<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> and
my family lives in a different state<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> and
if you don't know what to make of this<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> then
we will not relate <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">so
if you don't know what to make of this<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> then
we will not relate<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">rivers
and roads<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> rivers
and roads<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> rivers
'til i reach you<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>–The
Head and the Heart<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">As I peel the photos off the wall and put books
into boxes I can’t help but play this song over and over to fill the empty
space that was my home for the past two years. This month, we are all moving
on… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to better places</i>, new chapters,
new zip codes and new horizons. As recent graduates, some of us are growing up,
signing leases, getting engaged, and investing in house plants (the ultimate
sign of nesting) and settling down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Others (like myself) are floating, becoming nomadic, carrying the weight
of multiple zip codes and trying to keep track of where all the boxes are
stacking up before finding the perfect landing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWghTcK-z1lM05n362HC1dvWjUFzoeqaK2zZ4-zhFBJifCvUCsgdNmdQSrhTF2Sx08DK-ioS6FLtKqGmPZEywHF8n-71BY5o4XOLbGYsSXdW5kOIGQ76tn_uFuoZvtKvyw9YgdSPRo9bSk/s1600/IMG_6585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWghTcK-z1lM05n362HC1dvWjUFzoeqaK2zZ4-zhFBJifCvUCsgdNmdQSrhTF2Sx08DK-ioS6FLtKqGmPZEywHF8n-71BY5o4XOLbGYsSXdW5kOIGQ76tn_uFuoZvtKvyw9YgdSPRo9bSk/s1600/IMG_6585.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The current issue of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kinfolk</i> talked about nesting and home, something that I have always
cherished and find to be one of the most important cornerstones of life. For
the past 15 weeks I have had three different zip codes, four different rooms, and
have made a home in a suburb, a city, a downstairs, an upstairs, a cubby hole and a couch.
These various homes I have shared alone, with a family, with a friend, with a roommate or with 25 other roommates. And this has been the month of homes and moving. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">This has been the month of closing chapters, turning new pages, and gathering. </span>This
month I sent out a change of address, which has already expired and will no
longer apply by the time you read this post. As the last post card went out the
door I decided to move (again). This week I am packing up my little nook on East
15<sup>th</sup> street and heading (hopefully) uptown to quieter corners. This
week I am packing up my home in DC and coming back to the island that I am not
quite done with. This week I am taking down two years of postcards and pictures
and boxing up books from graduate school that I will fondly flip through once
in a blue moon and keep on a coffee table someday.<br />
<br />
For East 15th I will miss most:<br />
<br />
• My window that looked out onto the street, where I curled up to watch the snowfall and the blossoms bloom<br />
• Cider on the stove on chilly fall nights<br />
• Late night cups of tea with friends gathered around the table<br />
• The rooftop and all the conversations that took place there (the Empire State Building lit at night)<br />
• The countless friends who were always up for an adventure (Nemo will always be a favorite)<br />
• My creaky hardwood floors and my built–in bookshelves<br />
• My late night walks down East 15th<br />
• My running route to the Westside Hwy.<br />
<br />
For DC I will miss most:<br />
<br />
• My roommate (who finds beauty in every found treasure and cooks me amazing food)<br />
• My backyard, where I could sit on the sunny top stoop and sip a cup of fresh brewed coffee<br />
• The space to host, where I could gather all my friends<br />
• The proximity to the mall, where I could run happily for hours<br />
• The quiet of a neighborhood and knowing your neighbors<br />
<br />
This week I am thinking
about new chapters. This week I am thinking about change. This week I am nostalgic. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">I am now officially a graduate who has yet to find
a zip code, but has a master’s and is extremely excited to be back on this
crazy island with all my people. New York City, you pulled me back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">This cup is for my MILANO family, with whom I share
it all </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">And for every home who has opened its doors to me–thank you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-76718061599568486482014-03-23T15:41:00.000-07:002014-03-23T15:42:45.755-07:00Marching Forward<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNekt_AZLC2IkfZ0qtxIfBi74wavaFiYfrbkm0yn8SnAKkDuUlclLkXygst0zIIjOFwPHh_scW9NHbZQmRGDA-cp5XmU_KAjs265C3AtCOckuMbJsbBkM-wakPbhY0RcmL9Y8ho7LafTh/s1600/Washington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNekt_AZLC2IkfZ0qtxIfBi74wavaFiYfrbkm0yn8SnAKkDuUlclLkXygst0zIIjOFwPHh_scW9NHbZQmRGDA-cp5XmU_KAjs265C3AtCOckuMbJsbBkM-wakPbhY0RcmL9Y8ho7LafTh/s1600/Washington.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This evening, as
I walked home, it was light for the first time in months. The sky was robin's
egg blue and it was finally warm enough to shed a scarf and feel the breeze on
the back of my neck. It was perfect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Just like the cherry blossoms, I am
not yet ready to burst out and face the changing of the season, but I know that
I am on the cusp of change, a new chapter and a new time. My corner has
been a place of hurrying quiet. The kind of hurrying that happens when you take
up a third zip code, sign on to a new job, close one chapter before realizing
that a new one is unfolding right before your very eyes and fall quiet amidst
the chaos. I have been so fortunate to have a supportive team to wake up to
every morning with a cup of coffee, that welcomes me home at the end of each
day with a hug and a home cooked meal and has made me a part of their family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I am so lucky to have found a new
home, one that I fell in love with at first sight. Before a single box had been
unpacked, I knew that it was the space where I wanted to spend lazy weekends
reading the newspaper, where I wanted to host cook–outs in the backyard, where
all my friends could gather around the living room and take part in long dinner
parties. And in the midst of all this I turned a year older. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5Dj0qafncgVhp6iIr4K-arWKr9kV5JeL74FSfdi2ekL7LoiVTY2ZCyF_fKImUa0MyQdCawb6yaaqNhnO_pUZ9QaqcZ8y8dHhphfaTcNVaMFZVIPi5RKSYVrVCqKNBrl1POHx5hvqx4yP/s1600/Breakfast+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5Dj0qafncgVhp6iIr4K-arWKr9kV5JeL74FSfdi2ekL7LoiVTY2ZCyF_fKImUa0MyQdCawb6yaaqNhnO_pUZ9QaqcZ8y8dHhphfaTcNVaMFZVIPi5RKSYVrVCqKNBrl1POHx5hvqx4yP/s1600/Breakfast+.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Such Singing in the Wild Branches</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"> (2003)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">It was spring and finally I heard him among the first leaves— then I
saw him clutching the limb <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">in an island of shade with his red-brown feathers all trim and neat
for the new year. First, I stood still</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">and thought of nothing. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Then I began to listen. Then I was filled with
gladness— and that's when it happened, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">when I seemed to float, to be, myself, a wing or a tree—<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">and I began to understand <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">what the bird was saying, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">and the sands in the glass <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">stopped <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">for a pure white moment <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">while gravity sprinkled upward<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">like rain, rising, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">and in fact<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">it became difficult to tell just what it was that was singing— <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">it was the thrush for sure, but it seemed <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">not a single thrush, but himself, and all his brothers, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">and also the trees around them, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">as well as the gliding, long-tailed clouds <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">in the perfectly blue sky— all, all of them<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">were singing. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">And, of course, yes, so it seemed, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">so was I. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Such soft and solemn and perfect music doesn't last <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">for more than a few moments. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">It's one of those magical places wise people<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">like to talk about.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">One of the things they say about it, that is true, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">is that, once you've been there, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">you're there forever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Listen, everyone has a chance.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Is it spring, is it morning? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Are there trees near you,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">and does your own soul need comforting?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Quick, then— open the door and fly on your heavy feet; the song <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">may already be drifting away. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">— Mary Oliver</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a;">This cup is for my DC family</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a;">And for Stephanie</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-83710638951713529042014-01-23T17:15:00.002-08:002014-01-23T17:19:33.602-08:00Half Baked<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmWUB9N4Tr5i4LGqm34PJrr3zgyVjTM_S-Fv86suKXmygnmYxYT1S1BOxx2NpwX4E647EKOQWhRRRueJT1NfK60XNpIAuhi7uTUSMWdYVH4DDQVG21-m9Tq8G6wXrzw4YSL7_R2EO-Du9/s1600/IMG_6105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmWUB9N4Tr5i4LGqm34PJrr3zgyVjTM_S-Fv86suKXmygnmYxYT1S1BOxx2NpwX4E647EKOQWhRRRueJT1NfK60XNpIAuhi7uTUSMWdYVH4DDQVG21-m9Tq8G6wXrzw4YSL7_R2EO-Du9/s1600/IMG_6105.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Time is more valuable
than money</i>. Take it from me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week I am moving away from one of the most expensive
cities on earth and what I will tell you (as I am packing) is that time is
something I hope to gain in my next spot and money is something that I hope to
use less. After a week at the beach, I found that I never looked at my watch.
It helped that I never had a place I needed to be, but still, even with my own
body clock screaming coffee every few hours, I didn’t look down at my wrist,
not once. I rarely pulled out my phone and I practically forgot the password to
my email. In just one week you say, with your eyebrows arching like the manhattan bridge—impossible. But it’s true. Time is a precious thing and for
the week, finding a broken sand dollar was a nice change from handing everyone
around me a crisp twenty dollar bill, and not once did I care what time it was.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it turns out, finding time to do nothing is exactly what
we need. To this day I am convinced that the west coast gets just as much done
as the east coast. When did the human race start racing? Some may argue that
rushing gets more done, but I disagree. New York is an island of rushers. I can
tell because they are rarely looking up, they step out into the street long
before the walk signal emerges, and they run for cabs like their lives depend
on it. Oregon is a rainforest of calm, cool and collected. With coffee shops
that let you sit idle for hours, with cashiers that want to discuss much more
than the weather, but want to dig deep asking about family trees and yearly
traditions (even in the express line) and cars that stop for every pedestrian
they see (even the ones that are a mile away). We are an oasis of waiters and
drifters.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Personally, I would rather linger and meander then push,
rush and hastily get things done. I would rather sip than slug. I would rather
hold the door behind me than let it slam shut on someone else. I could argue
that rushing is a sign of being disorganized, or only giving a small part of
yourself to every task–what my mom terms–<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">half
baked</i>. I’m certain that if you never worry and never hurry, you will amount
to much more than you would have had you been rushing. After all, time is time.
What will you really gain from rushing? What will you gain from pushing? Is it
really worth the money? Is it really worth saving a few extra lousy minutes to
rush? You will lose those minutes and you will never get them back, not for all
the money in the world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For some, it can be hard to take time to slow down. At
times, I have been known to schedule myself into my own schedule. A block of
time will simply say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">RJS</i> and this is
a time where I know I can catch up on anything from notes to friends, sleep, a
long run, reading or just simply wandering, finding a new coffee shop.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have noticed a new trend in 2014–the urge to set aside
time. Blogs, magazines, books, and articles all supply tips and tricks to set
aside time for long dinners, slow walks, and ideas for slowing down. My
philosophy–make it a lifestyle–not a time slot. Unplug, unwind, breathe. There
are only 24 hours in a day. Slowing down doesn’t mean it won’t get done, it
means prioritizing, and making the most of the busy time so that you have extra
time to linger and wait around the edges, because at the end of the day, time
is priceless. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This New Year, I challenge you to linger. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This cup is for Charly–because you decided to stay</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And for
Alix, who is happy to make hanging out and lingering a lifestyle </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(note: I had
the best time with you girls). </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-78417315774460868522014-01-20T20:29:00.001-08:002014-04-10T17:39:59.043-07:00Roots <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCbPngLSeYlLTsd4yzOjsGg77DOpi8eXxXKLoKhKFQtvJkaSc6fxAdO8WdmUcS9xsvWqvTIEGZI3Juxaq_LZkfg0mbMwNZkrdpTDw5WxSuuKoX52HJPTDWmFX1b7X-WzAZu3CXetvmMIg/s1600/IMG_5665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCbPngLSeYlLTsd4yzOjsGg77DOpi8eXxXKLoKhKFQtvJkaSc6fxAdO8WdmUcS9xsvWqvTIEGZI3Juxaq_LZkfg0mbMwNZkrdpTDw5WxSuuKoX52HJPTDWmFX1b7X-WzAZu3CXetvmMIg/s1600/IMG_5665.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a new year, but I haven’t felt it yet. Maybe it is on
account that I went sans sparkle this New Year’s eve and rang in 2014 from the
quiet corners of my home. Tucked in the folds of my family with a glass of
bubbly before crawling under the covers long before the New Year reached my
time zone. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The start of a new year is like a fresh pad of paper. Clean
white pages, wrinkle free, and no rough edges. The possibilities are endless.
Hopes. Dreams. Goals. Desires. Schemes. Grand plans. Where to begin? Sharpen
your pencils folks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started the New Year thinking about lists. As I scribbled
down resolutions, plans, notes, books to read, and recipes to try, I took some
time to think about my roots. The other night I sat under (an almost full) moon
in the car with my mom talking with my aunt. By blood, she is not my aunt, and
when I ask my mom who her cousin is to me, she responds, “Who knows, some stuff
is really complicated.” The truth is, I don’t care where our family ties cross
and connect, we are related. As I huddled over the speaker with my mom, I
watched our words form into small cold clouds. Our conversation led to family
ties and stories that arched over long spans of time, covering generations,
pulling in women I will never get the chance to know. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hanging up the phone, I felt lucky. There are so many women
in my life who have taken on the role of aunts, grandmothers, cousins and best
friends. The stories of my genetic ties live on through these women, and regardless
of bloodlines, I am forever tied to them. They have taught me everything from my
grandmother’s favorite flower, to the importance of applying mascara before
leaving the house. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZtSc6HiJlmyLovqTDRdxBacI8uDBVS1ytXnPJuVojhHzl9jly8RY_OqQCnOgwQ7cY9BukcXK5_BYMGO4RsJo6sBBdPms2L76CRkr28V41weBHQu3SQl8qiILyrY_95-6DCRyBHArBG8_/s1600/IMG_5766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZtSc6HiJlmyLovqTDRdxBacI8uDBVS1ytXnPJuVojhHzl9jly8RY_OqQCnOgwQ7cY9BukcXK5_BYMGO4RsJo6sBBdPms2L76CRkr28V41weBHQu3SQl8qiILyrY_95-6DCRyBHArBG8_/s1600/IMG_5766.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week I lunched with a woman whom I closely identify as
an honorary grandmother. She is effortlessly classy, from her thank you cards
to her jewels. She is gracious, thoughtful and warm. She is one of the few
women that I know that was close friends with grandmother, and I can’t help but
feel deeply connected as I pull her into a hug. She is my link to the past, my
grandmother connecting us, and regardless of genes, she is and always will be a part of my family tree. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, my 2014 list is short. I am working on it little
by little. The truth is, I don’t make plans, I wait for them. Not a day goes by
that I am not dreaming of something or someone, but I can’t get too wrapped up
in plans. I like keeping my pages clean, crisp, and plan free, so that when
something comes along, there is a place for it. If you end up planning
everything there will be no room for the surprise houseguest, the recipe that
you clipped out of an airline magazine and wanted to try, the friend that calls
to invite you on a trip through South America, or the beach house that becomes available you’ve had
your heart set on for years. Most of the time I am happy to be plan free so
that I can make time for those extra links in my family tree, those spur of the
moment phone calls in the dark, and a reason to keep listing, logging and wondering
what tomorrow will bring. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXKC8sYlgXbQF44gg3xay1Dz6W8jHzCscHt32ZXir-CVFrt3YVMUzr1C9B05Nfvk7TIK8rwUTcMGHc7yiNYc3qw11Y1r1m5L8PyU6OuffybZL1C49a3RGjPIWk2MRcpK3KWVV9GU1uVbl/s1600/IMG_5669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXKC8sYlgXbQF44gg3xay1Dz6W8jHzCscHt32ZXir-CVFrt3YVMUzr1C9B05Nfvk7TIK8rwUTcMGHc7yiNYc3qw11Y1r1m5L8PyU6OuffybZL1C49a3RGjPIWk2MRcpK3KWVV9GU1uVbl/s1600/IMG_5669.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><i>Beginnings of
2014</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Reading
</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Nelson
Mandela-A Long Walk to Freedom</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Into
the Wild by John Krakauer</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->A
Living History by Hilary Clinton </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Aimless
Love by Billy Collins</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Listening</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Head
and The Heart</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Running</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->In
the trees, on the trails, through the woods</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->With
friends</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Alone</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sleeping</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->In</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Early</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Often</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cooking
from:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
Kinfolk Table</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Vegetable
Literacy</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Plenty</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p> This cup is for (Aunt) Gina, and (Honorary Grandmothers) Bernice, Gaye, Barbara, Caroline, and Mary.</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-27062247988131151642013-12-28T15:38:00.004-08:002013-12-28T15:44:19.355-08:00Eye Spy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Curled up in my window seat I watched the world from
cruising altitude, the lights of the cities below twinkling bright white and
gold, and I couldn’t help but think how quickly the landscape turns into a
starry night sky from above. My window was foggy, my face pressed up against
the glass as I descended towards the west coast. I was home. There is always a
wave of relief when I touch down on home turf. Heels are replaced with Danskos;
fitted blouses are traded for polar fleece, and messy hair and black down
jackets are accepted at all high-end restaurants. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuxYsNkP6mb0vjgjBz1maXomtjMoWfN0m01549WX0upvstdjQz6vr_cirq2ql0ulNVSb3VYzKpll90J8rVJZQQ26RjELvRUc2JTa4crm1JbTyIRpm8gANAl_Z7uUG7P727lN-UK0bSXQY/s1600/IMG_5884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuxYsNkP6mb0vjgjBz1maXomtjMoWfN0m01549WX0upvstdjQz6vr_cirq2ql0ulNVSb3VYzKpll90J8rVJZQQ26RjELvRUc2JTa4crm1JbTyIRpm8gANAl_Z7uUG7P727lN-UK0bSXQY/s320/IMG_5884.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A close family friend once told me that our eye color is
based off the places that we love most–places we are meant to be. For example,
if your eyes are a deep forest green, you long for long walks on muddy trails,
sticky pinesap between your fingers, and twigs in your hair. If your eyes are
amber brown, you yearn for arid desert trails, chasing rattlesnakes high into
the mountains, the warm sun hitting your face. For those crystal icy blue eyes,
you prefer flying down the side of a mountain, thrive off speed you can only
get on the slopes, and look forward to gathering around a campfire to warm
frozen fingers and toes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOid1MirdM7w4inOb6kfl5zDCclAn66rokt7xuK_hWjs4Hjw8gQL1hyphenhyphenL8tqdvHstaTKG0637YZfkwsfudmxiANZGN5qsKKpSkLm_S1fAEhf_EvBA9B5f6Xi53kDVMxfGdASlmjMoq0pl3P/s1600/IMG_5864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOid1MirdM7w4inOb6kfl5zDCclAn66rokt7xuK_hWjs4Hjw8gQL1hyphenhyphenL8tqdvHstaTKG0637YZfkwsfudmxiANZGN5qsKKpSkLm_S1fAEhf_EvBA9B5f6Xi53kDVMxfGdASlmjMoq0pl3P/s320/IMG_5864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for me, my blue-green eyes dream of deep blue oceans, sea
green waves crashing against the shore, a cold tide filled with plenty of kelp.
My happiest place is walking along the edge of the ocean, with my yellow lab.
With each step the sea foam washes up under my feet, my jeans soggy around the
edges of my ankles, the salty air leaving tangles in my hair. The dark grey
clouds clear the people off the beach and I am the only one for miles,
wandering through the fog. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is it about the ocean that can cure the head and the
heart? Is it the wide-open horizon, a clean slate that calms the mind? It is
the air? The salty, sandy, cold wind that clears the head. Is it the rhythm of
the waves? The tide washing in and out that assures you there is something out
there bigger than you–bigger than all of us. Is it soaking wet (happy as can be)
Labradors that greet you here and there? Is it the small fires that dot the
beach at night, huddled with friends, family, and strangers alike? Is it the loss
of time? The days that last forever, from long walks, to endless cups of coffee,
the movies and board games that last long into the night. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgIArdQqC0CQAIINdQ0EKD81awgxEwjNPi2A5gmYCQDMb0M26i-akCSOtM5paeUizLe3uf1EJvs-6k3jDo-NdtMqHIbjHe_vvG3rfejDC7vaLMTfwntsxsRbDdpyMpZ19HRZwI2TcX00A/s1600/IMG_5915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgIArdQqC0CQAIINdQ0EKD81awgxEwjNPi2A5gmYCQDMb0M26i-akCSOtM5paeUizLe3uf1EJvs-6k3jDo-NdtMqHIbjHe_vvG3rfejDC7vaLMTfwntsxsRbDdpyMpZ19HRZwI2TcX00A/s320/IMG_5915.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The year is coming to a close. It’s a time for reflection, a
time for gathering and a time to be thankful. It’s a time to be home, in the
eye of your perfect place. Here at the beach I am able to simplify my whole world
into a long walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a day wandering
along the edge of the ocean, I sit and look out over the waves, the blue green
of the ocean looking back at me, I breathe deep and take it all in. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63fO22zt1PDihSZeHeUJGGsccGmyhmXP0sOn92Kcv6oDYzlVPfw4yUUr4npGWdpYm7BEzLr0K6YG8UWXBgtXM7ExYG3YlusghoeATgneaVsvOzh4L1dpNHHma4Xj0sUs8G7loRYMHtrDc/s1600/IMG_5865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63fO22zt1PDihSZeHeUJGGsccGmyhmXP0sOn92Kcv6oDYzlVPfw4yUUr4npGWdpYm7BEzLr0K6YG8UWXBgtXM7ExYG3YlusghoeATgneaVsvOzh4L1dpNHHma4Xj0sUs8G7loRYMHtrDc/s320/IMG_5865.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p> This cup is for Suzzie: What a tradition this has become, so lucky to run into you year after year</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p>And Emma, Sammy and Theo: because you know exactly why this is my favorite place on earth</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-26222725810358997982013-12-09T20:28:00.000-08:002013-12-12T07:45:04.148-08:00Because of You. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvWeoNWltTr3nhzWNgKsrkjIroD3CMM72O2IeKMt7lX09MpmUmkC3CHcs4LnbPonv1aAH3Cma1AJrPswy3seFg-dwcIaz_oLUVAIHbSMoK7q4dFryuEIk_rtSY-KIrJwwQrZ1cAjpVbfN/s1600/IMG_5171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvWeoNWltTr3nhzWNgKsrkjIroD3CMM72O2IeKMt7lX09MpmUmkC3CHcs4LnbPonv1aAH3Cma1AJrPswy3seFg-dwcIaz_oLUVAIHbSMoK7q4dFryuEIk_rtSY-KIrJwwQrZ1cAjpVbfN/s320/IMG_5171.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>This week I can literally feel the weight of my heart. The
ache is so heavy that the strength to carry it through the day feels almost
impossible. This week the world lost two amazing individuals, two people that
not only changed the world, but changed my life. This post is for them. With
all love, from me. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will never forget the first time we met. From the very
beginning, you made it seem like we had been life long friends. You made New
York feel safe. You made New York feel like a home. You made New York friendly.
You made New York calm and normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not a day went by that I didn’t look forward to seeing you as I made my
way through the revolving glass doors. You would meet me, extending your arms
out, pulling me into a hug, kissing me on the cheek, whispering,<i> “How was your
day”</i> into my ear. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your hundred-watt smile lifted me up on my worst days, and
was contagious to everyone around you. You knew every face, every name, every
person. No matter how fast I was running, you never let me get by without shouting
my name, without saying hello, without reaching out to grab my hand. On days
when I felt invisible, you made me feel like the most beautiful. On days when
everything felt hard, you made everything seem easy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will never forget hearing the news of the Boston bombing
crackling over the radio, your compassion and calm drowning out the chaos to
the events that were unfolding. You held my hand, squeezing it tight and told me
everything was going to be okay, that we must live everyday to its fullest. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will always remember those afternoons, gathered around,
sharing snacks and food. You always had good food. Where did all that food come
from? Remember that day that you told me all about quinoa? You were so proud of
your healthy snacks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will miss hearing stories about your family, weekends you
spent with your son, and updates on your favorite movies, music, and newest New
York hang outs. But most of all, I will miss you. You were remarkable. You were
the brightest light and while <i>66 West 12<sup>th</sup> Street </i>will never be the
same, your light will shine on–always. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This cup is for Will. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And Mandela–</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are the other eternal flame, the guiding light to every
individual in this world who is striving for peace, freedom and equality. Your
strength, courage and determination not only changed history, but changed the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will carry you in our
hearts and our minds–always–and uphold all that you gave us. We will remember
what is important, that, <i>“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have
lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will
determine the significance of the life we lead.” </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is our responsibility to carry on your legacy, to walk in
your footsteps of the doers and the dreamers, to channel your determination and
your strength, your wisdom and your words. Your legacy will live on in every
living being as we continue to make this world a better place, for ourselves,
and for generations to come. I am because you are. We are because he is.
<i>Ubuntu</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">In honor of Will and to donate please visit <i>: <a href="https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/yjl3/memorial-fund-in-honor-of-william-gary">https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/yjl3/memorial-fund-in-honor-of-william-gary</a></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-82696752071800469442013-10-25T16:44:00.001-07:002013-10-26T18:48:50.518-07:00Happy Anniversary<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4zVe1q0loHLGyw6o-sgq8dOgOpNnsvR3R9Hjrwvn7hy88TqtrtPw0m_JN2YG2EkLGyH2GWNWkX9KqrYrOgXL3E0P9bctEZhm6qxS0AKS0pYYCyh_N2mboYlJwymwjtpTnPOIhogLTQBa/s1600/IMG_2314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4zVe1q0loHLGyw6o-sgq8dOgOpNnsvR3R9Hjrwvn7hy88TqtrtPw0m_JN2YG2EkLGyH2GWNWkX9KqrYrOgXL3E0P9bctEZhm6qxS0AKS0pYYCyh_N2mboYlJwymwjtpTnPOIhogLTQBa/s320/IMG_2314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Today marks our one and a half year anniversary and
I got to thinking about our relationship. You are the twinkling lights, the
moonrise and the sunsets over the city skyline. You are the crazy storms,
frigid cold, and snowflakes hitting my eye lashes. I blame you for those
unbearable hot and humid days that make me feel like a limp, wet, mop. I get
frustrated with you, your popularity, and the crowds that you attract. I crave
quiet walks and calm, and I end up having to share you with everyone (and their
little dog). You are so popular that the traffic is in constant gridlock,
honking and yelling at the chance to get to you. No matter how fast I
power-walk, I never get to you on time. You never hold my reservation.
Sometimes, I wait for hours in lines for you and stand in heels on subway
platforms wishing I was home. I always make it, but sometimes you force me to
switch trains, to get derailed, to trip. You give me blisters that will last a
lifetime. Some days I am lucky. I make the train right on time, I get a
seat, and the car doesn't smell. The lucky days are the days when no one
stops and asks me for change, whistles, hoots or catcalls. Why do you let
them do that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Sometimes you can be such a slob. You get gum on my
shoe, the kind that ends up everywhere and no matter how much peanut butter I
slather on, it never comes off. Most of the time you smell fine, never great,
but fine. But sometimes you smell awful. Sometimes you reek of urine--and it
never really goes away. You let garbage pile up all over the streets, and you
never really clean up. You are the reason that air conditioners drip onto my
clean clothes as I am walking to work. You are the one who lets black snow
collect in the gutters. You are the one who let's the mosquitoes fly into the
room and eat me alive. You don't flinch at the thought of a cockroach, and
mice are your idea of the quintessential roommate. You are the one who
doesn't recycle and probably dumps all that trash into the ocean for the next
generation. But, even with all that, we're making it work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6mYpMhYq_z_r4biEHn07mebyq8MY4Akdyo39Df_W6OoAXMvGxpnonKy7UXCa9-nsNE7v6w4IV_psQiDC4Kyqdfrboco5aJQzl5ibzEeD2Q1x3P6IZWPau1DGMybdx7XZRN1d5WRLrHqb/s1600/IMG_2302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6mYpMhYq_z_r4biEHn07mebyq8MY4Akdyo39Df_W6OoAXMvGxpnonKy7UXCa9-nsNE7v6w4IV_psQiDC4Kyqdfrboco5aJQzl5ibzEeD2Q1x3P6IZWPau1DGMybdx7XZRN1d5WRLrHqb/s320/IMG_2302.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">My favorite days are Sunday mornings, wandering
through the farmer's market. My favorite days are long walks in Central Park in
the fall, when I can wrap myself in cashmere scarves and dance in the
leaves. My fondest memories are staring up at the Christmas tree in Rockefeller
Center; wandering down Fifth Ave looking at the holiday window displays, ice
skating at Bryant Park, and the impromptu snowstorm on my birthday with all our
friends. Do you remember the scavenger hunt that lasted the whole day last
fall? Do remember our midnight walk through the park during Nemo? Do
you remember my excitement picking out my bracelet from Tiffany, and my delight
as I held the little blue box tightly in my hand? My most favorite
days are taking long runs along the West Side Hwy, countless dinners with
friends, and meandering through galleries on Saturday afternoons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">No matter what, you always put up with me. I get
grouchy. Your loud music drives me crazy. You're never a cheap date and you
refuse to go home early. You prefer a night on the town to a laid back cup of
tea and cozy movie at home. You’re the first long term relationship that has
drained my account weekly (for $10 salads and $6 lattes). You're the only
date that has cost me countless glasses of $18 wine. You club. I hate clubbing. If
you were in charge, you would prefer that I wore heels day and night, and I'm
sure you would toss my Uggs. You hate my Patagonia, my Nike and my Northface.
You probably wish that I wore more makeup and put more effort into brushing my
hair. If it was up to you, you would request that I got my nails done everyday,
pointing to a nail studio on every corner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyY8rzR_ZZde3QxxrtDDdXtfk0Kp7akidrW6Hp4CDfvZBT2sZ9dWEX0g0KBshmX-bwif__MYL9fHj2PjiFJrmJ4JIw_79vtRkUghKojh5Z62Bd3GpJxjRilUUV-9M7EKjQ2M5ctkbHY-d/s1600/IMG_2496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyY8rzR_ZZde3QxxrtDDdXtfk0Kp7akidrW6Hp4CDfvZBT2sZ9dWEX0g0KBshmX-bwif__MYL9fHj2PjiFJrmJ4JIw_79vtRkUghKojh5Z62Bd3GpJxjRilUUV-9M7EKjQ2M5ctkbHY-d/s320/IMG_2496.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I know how much you love me, but I wish we had a
bigger place. I wish you would let me get a dog. I wish you would help me find
a job. I know you think that the corner office with the glass windows is
readily available, but it's not. I know you're a Democrat, but then why do we still
fight about healthcare, our zip code and monthly budgets? I know you love the
subway, but why can't I have a car? You're idea of a local brew is a bottled
beer. You're idea of a large latte is a 12oz (and that will never cut it). You
would prefer a limo, and I would prefer a bike. You’re impartial to mountains,
but I miss them with my whole heart. You think that there are plenty of trees
in Central Park, but I know, deep down, it's not a forest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I feel so lucky to have a window. I'm glad I can
drink water right out of the tap. I'm glad we have survived the really hard
days, so that I can better appreciate the good days. You and I have come a long
way. We have grown, both inside and out. I am not sure where this journey will
take us--but, New York, I am so glad we have made it this far. New York, at the
end of the day, I don't have any regrets. I knew exactly what I was getting
myself into from day one, even though you continue to surprise me every single
day. You shake me to my core. You rattle me. You get under my skin. You pull at
my heartstrings and you push me in more ways than I know how. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XZuT8AFaGBfo3C1OEUSvDEVARvHQurTWESvwNlDbTAGSZfYX8L8dvxLu_HRY3NBNNJwXBddziFYIb3p2Q0xgSBTKUw1LQ1b6LIiQY4y_RefjnxQlVLHB_bWBm5OI_OSPxB7V9LByHMJr/s1600/IMG_2139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XZuT8AFaGBfo3C1OEUSvDEVARvHQurTWESvwNlDbTAGSZfYX8L8dvxLu_HRY3NBNNJwXBddziFYIb3p2Q0xgSBTKUw1LQ1b6LIiQY4y_RefjnxQlVLHB_bWBm5OI_OSPxB7V9LByHMJr/s320/IMG_2139.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I hope you continue to remind me to be thankful. I
hope you continue to remind me how lucky I am, no matter how crabby I get. I
hope, that no matter what happens between us, we always remain friends. Do
opposites attract? I'm not sure (nor am I convinced). This relationship runs
deep, and there is no one out there quite like you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Dear New York,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Here's to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Happy Anniversary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Me.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-53933204628481204872013-10-23T14:53:00.001-07:002013-10-23T14:53:47.868-07:00Game Time
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PnDSTPzWnlPWOKIZZJbEUv9l3WMkFv0luYeIZfL4Nzk-HoXAUjHqA0pLNwBIaMUUDNIgfUXOekq4QkIAGk8fLK1LppouZ35j9LAKTG778FUPhKaTHr4JBxRBqMtDC4apxOSTG-c8oQzz/s1600/IMG_2217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PnDSTPzWnlPWOKIZZJbEUv9l3WMkFv0luYeIZfL4Nzk-HoXAUjHqA0pLNwBIaMUUDNIgfUXOekq4QkIAGk8fLK1LppouZ35j9LAKTG778FUPhKaTHr4JBxRBqMtDC4apxOSTG-c8oQzz/s320/IMG_2217.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had a good friend who threw his pencil up in the air and
walked out the double doors of his undergraduate career with less than ten
weeks to go. At the time I remember thinking, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seriously? Buddy! You couldn’t hold out for just ten more weeks?! </i>I
tried to wrap my brain around his. What message was he trying to send? What could
have been so bad that it left him hopeless and helpless and fed up with the
system? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But this week I wanted to throw my pencil up in the air,
shut down my laptop and walk. For the first time, I could finally understand
exactly how he felt. Not because I don’t like what I am doing, but because this
stage of the game is when you begin to question everything. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If I make a play, what should it be? Where
will it lead? Who is on my team? Am I ready for a curve ball?</i> The stakes
are high, the competition is fierce. My team is so incredibly supportive and we
are all capable of winning, of scoring a home run, and everyone is cheering in
the stands. But, under the pressure, I begin to question: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do I want to be in this game?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deep down I know that I do. I know that not every hit will
be a home run, but I’m in it for the long run. Maybe it’s just a matter of
sitting on the sidelines to realize how much I value the game, and how win or
lose, everything is bound to work out. But I can’t help but want to trade in my
pencils and books for some dandelion picking, and cloud gazing–the kind of
distractions I used to catch instead of the ball. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My parents never told me what I should do. They never forced
me to stay in the game if I didn’t want to be there–they still don’t. Instead,
the “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shoulds</i>” come from my own self-coach.
The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shoulds</i> are bossy and I get the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shoulds</i> confused with the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">coulds,</i> confused with the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">woulds</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What
you SHOULD do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What
you COULD do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What
you WOULD do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The longer you’re in the game, the shorter the time span of
the “would do” or “want to do” game plan is used–replaced by “should do” and
“could do.” Where is the balance? How can you win the game and still follow
your heart? Remembering the wants and not forgetting about the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">coulds</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shoulds</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the day I think it has to do with less
worrying and more doing. Just play and keep playing. Don’t worry so much about
the scoreboard, the ranking, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shoulds,
coulds</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">woulds</i>. Instead,
focus on the now and don’t lose sight of why you’re in the game to begin with.
Keep your eye on the ball. These are the reminders I need to keep telling
myself. With my pencil in hand, game on! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This cup is for Diana–We are in it to win it! </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-13786093482239982802013-10-12T15:31:00.001-07:002013-10-12T15:31:21.670-07:00Soar
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmhr9JWXCGomLWiXy2p3zKzOvSudSfg05XcFLwQdO85R1fWyzK8IvJM2R8UP1KTY8PXo7sx65M342dlSqLzyyWAa-R-xFz3yL9-luSBD6OVooXjMou3SaeTPSPsqZ2u_HMfagrri8B1kW/s1600/IMG_2185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmhr9JWXCGomLWiXy2p3zKzOvSudSfg05XcFLwQdO85R1fWyzK8IvJM2R8UP1KTY8PXo7sx65M342dlSqLzyyWAa-R-xFz3yL9-luSBD6OVooXjMou3SaeTPSPsqZ2u_HMfagrri8B1kW/s320/IMG_2185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This has taken me a long time to write, a long time to
process, a long time to find the words. But, yesterday I was at the park and we
were at the swings. I felt the breeze hit my face. Little voices laughed and
squealed as they soared toward the clouds. It was one of those cool mornings
with a bite in the air. It was one of those mornings where the light hits the
leaves just right, giving the park a golden glow. It was one of those perfect
New York autumn mornings. My heart ached. I thought of you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought of your smile, your infectious laugh that would
fill a room. I thought of all the love and light that filled the warehouse when
you walked in. I have fond memories of hiding in shipping boxes, the look on
your face when we surprised you! I thought of all the times you would reach out
for a high-five. I thought about all the times you made me laugh. I thought
about the undeniable love that you held for Meaghan, the kind of love that I
hoped to find someday. I thought about the dedication and positive attitude
that you brought to every job, every task. I thought about how you made
everyone around you feel like the most important person in the world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And here I was at the park. Here I was gazing up at the
trees, up at the sky. My throat felt raw. My heart. My heart. I thought of
little Julius. I thought of little Julius climbing into the swing and soaring
up into the clouds. I thought of him smiling and laughing as he swung higher
and higher. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope that one day I can take him to the park. I hope that
one day we can meet at the swings and I can tell him all about the old days at
TOMS. I hope I can tell him all about his dad–what an amazing person he was,
not only as a husband and father, but as a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we will swing. We will swing as high as our TOMS will
take us, and we will be thinking of you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This cup is for Hammer, I will think of you always.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And for Meaghan & Julius…I will be waiting at the
swings. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(If you would like to give, please visit: <a href="http://www.forjulius.com/">http://www.forjulius.com/</a>)</i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-78848338058233761182013-09-29T10:36:00.002-07:002013-09-30T20:23:52.059-07:00Secret of Life<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdZgsTHL2fWrdRUweQSXbTqfbbU5Vzf4i2dtA1C26iyEWu-8JLSRxG7AcGmqbjVBS97Ua2N6ci4pNockHzjtNt4rqSlvAZc-xVRZqmDJY7rOp7nahyphenhyphenzB3COG3gA1jVO5LvsGsW-1rOTKD/s1600/IMG_2140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdZgsTHL2fWrdRUweQSXbTqfbbU5Vzf4i2dtA1C26iyEWu-8JLSRxG7AcGmqbjVBS97Ua2N6ci4pNockHzjtNt4rqSlvAZc-xVRZqmDJY7rOp7nahyphenhyphenzB3COG3gA1jVO5LvsGsW-1rOTKD/s320/IMG_2140.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It finally feels like fall here in New York City. I got to
spend the weekend with small friends and we had to hunt for socks and extra
layers before heading out to the playground. Swinging in the breeze it smelled
like fall, and on the way home we stopped for warm cocoa and snacked on crunchy
apples. This is my favorite time of year. The mysterious puddles in New York
begin to disappear, the mosquitoes head South, and I can finally pull my air
conditioner from the window and throw all my shorts into storage. For me, this
time of year is not bitter sweet. I am an Autumn girl through and through. This
is my happy place. Hand me the heavy knits, pass the apple cider, bake me
something with pumpkin, and pile the logs onto the fire–I am ready. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The farmers market is bursting with color and boot sightings
are taking place on every street corner. It is all I can do to stop people and
ask, “Where did you get those!?” Want. Need. Want. These are the days of foggy
mornings and crispy leaves. These are the afternoons of long shadows and
lantern lit bedrooms. These are the evenings for extra blankets and big coffee
mugs. These are the days. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This month has been particularly busy, and I am feeling
inspired. I only wish the days got longer and not shorter–more time for painting,
more time for reading, more time for calm. I feel like I am lost in a corn maze
of work, with no end in sight. Every turning point is another assignment,
another task, another challenge. I am hopeful there is a cave for hibernating
at the end of this corn maze. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“This is the real secret of
life–to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And
instead of calling it work, realize it is play.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5in; text-align: justify;">
–Alan Wilson
Watts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
This cup is for Caitlin and Eben–Cheers! And to Nathan, welcome to the world! </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-11768904799776786992013-09-01T17:22:00.001-07:002013-09-01T17:25:09.783-07:00Gathering<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4ylWY8-d__5o4XKp8ss3gEOA6cXYBgcEPIhibTXLNrhwCLw020z57oAFseZ4e_izWZYlxVx8rJT0e-4AAdpXmU4u0MslhnxSC05wZZYiZtMN-Nm9X3jkDz7FGyfx4_YTSrJkjMMy4B9p/s1600/IMG_4038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4ylWY8-d__5o4XKp8ss3gEOA6cXYBgcEPIhibTXLNrhwCLw020z57oAFseZ4e_izWZYlxVx8rJT0e-4AAdpXmU4u0MslhnxSC05wZZYiZtMN-Nm9X3jkDz7FGyfx4_YTSrJkjMMy4B9p/s320/IMG_4038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lately, I have been thinking about gathering around the
table. Last week I attended a small off Broadway play called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Kitchen Table</i>, starring a dear
friend who I also happen to share a kitchen table with. A play by Erin
Breznitsky and directed by Tamara Winters, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Kitchen Table</i> was a series of vignettes that told the story of what happens
around the kitchen table–those deep conversations that take place, the tough
decisions, the laughs, the tears, and the heartache. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I left the theater thinking about the kitchen tables in my
life. My childhood kitchen table had a wooden lip along the bottom that stuck
out just enough to bruise my knee every time I forgot it was there. I have fond
memories of sitting under that table with my yellow lab and looking at
everyone’s shoes, tempted to untie all the shoelaces. My childhood kitchen
table is where I spread out the glue and the glitter for crafting and creating.
It’s the table where stories were written, writers gathered together to talk, parties
were hosted. That table is where we had long soup dinners, where I filled out
my college applications, where we talked about vacations, current events,
shared ideas, laughed, cried, paid bills, threw New Yorker’s, spilled, read,
worked, and relaxed. That table was always set with candles–it still is. My
grandfather always sits on the far end, and my yellow lab can still be found
under it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My current kitchen table is long, it can accommodate
anywhere from 1 to 20 people. It always has a current issue of The New York
Times waiting for the morning coffee drinkers. Occasionally it is adorned with
small white tea candles or fresh flowers from the farmer’s market. That table
has a long history, holds stories long before my time, and has gathered
together people from all walks of life, from all over the world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Someday I want a farm table. I want to feel the grooves and
the splinters. I want to gather an array of benches for friends and loved ones.
I want to make memories that will last a lifetime. This table will seat over a
dozen, with lots of leafs, heavy, and sturdy. This table will be one of a kind;
will smell of cedar and pine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And sometimes I dream about who I would invite to sit at my
dream farm table. Here is the list:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Barack &Michelle Obama</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Vera Wang</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Dar Williams</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Nelson Mandela</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Frida Kahlo</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Donna Karen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Lyle Lovett</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Dali Lama</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Jodi Williams</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Maya Angelo</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Christine Lagarde</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Amartya Sen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Mary Oliver</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Eleanor Roosevelt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Wangari Maathai</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Georgia O’Keefe</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Billy Collins</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Joan Baez</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Nora Ephron</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
…The list is still growing and I am still dreaming…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
This cup is for Mel, who brought a kitchen table to life on
stage, and who I am lucky enough to share a real kitchen table with here at
home. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-65386614431907473762013-08-01T07:36:00.000-07:002013-08-01T07:36:54.925-07:00Beneath the Layers<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fernweh</i>: An ache
for distant places, the craving for travel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLxcmWgdxiXKAAiK3p5eo8ERbUqtjR7FTPO7LD4Fs2j8WaP2KGfLL8Y8Sa7wiV93lv4mTCInOCMVCamXOTbM9EuhfHkmVRr2tH7inNLbbfWD20MrPboLG63MrkYzNPY8RaNY02cx7sub0/s1600/IMG_3880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLxcmWgdxiXKAAiK3p5eo8ERbUqtjR7FTPO7LD4Fs2j8WaP2KGfLL8Y8Sa7wiV93lv4mTCInOCMVCamXOTbM9EuhfHkmVRr2tH7inNLbbfWD20MrPboLG63MrkYzNPY8RaNY02cx7sub0/s320/IMG_3880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a case of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fernweh</i>
multiple times a year. It starts as just a small itch, and then slowly takes
over my entire body. There is no cure, except to pack and go. I can easily pack
up my entire life into one carry-on bag. I love the feeling of take off, the
anticipation, and the view from above–a feeling and a view that you can only
understand if you have flown. Looking down through the clouds, I can’t help but
imagine what is inside each little house, what is happening inside the world of
others, of strangers who I do not know. I wonder if they are like me? I wonder
if they (too) ever have a case of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fernweh</i>?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last 2 months I have been thinking a lot about layers: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Palimpsest</i>. Today is the first day of
August, my worst month of the year, and I can’t help but feel the layers of the
past rise to the surface. Just last month I was in France, in a small studio mastering
the process of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Intaglio</i>–a process of printmaking
that involves a copper plate that is covered in a waxy ground. With an etching
needle, you slowly sketch deep into the surface of the wax, and the exposed
metal lines are then etched by dipping the plate into an acidic bath until the
lines become deeper and deeper. This process is enhanced layer by layer. Each
layer added a depth and a complexity to the new surface and no print was
exactly the same as the last. With a simple mistake, there was no turning back,
only layers to add, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">palimpsest</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ0X6B_tfO8BMao7pivwO7uckssraQOpRh7fSpIkqHr9_G0QEbCKoDfkhKkMEVJQcHrzEURraX5YbUi_X_APck92Ug44LGVQeoUpXRd5FiFUODysYwYT0EulC1mPr0XUgcp3ZM2t0HSNd/s1600/IMG_4188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ0X6B_tfO8BMao7pivwO7uckssraQOpRh7fSpIkqHr9_G0QEbCKoDfkhKkMEVJQcHrzEURraX5YbUi_X_APck92Ug44LGVQeoUpXRd5FiFUODysYwYT0EulC1mPr0XUgcp3ZM2t0HSNd/s320/IMG_4188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later, I traveled to Wroclaw, Poland. As I explored the
city, feeling the cobble stone streets beneath my feet, the buildings fractured
and frayed from years of war and conflict, I couldn’t help but think of the special
and temporal relations between conflict and security that countries such as
Poland have faced, both the history and heartache, the palimpsest that builds
up over time. The deep lines in my plate were no different than the scares that
remain from years of war. Looking closely, the history of Poland’s atrocities
bled through the surfaces of buildings throughout the city, as paint peeled to
reveal a world that had once been taken over by someone else. While the city of
Wroclaw was fully functioning with the usual hustle and bustle of a modern day
city, I couldn’t help but feel the gray. I couldn’t help but sense the turmoil.
While I didn’t experience it and couldn’t always see it, I knew it was there,
hidden beneath the layers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFzjrsqz3GHf6FwCY756_TQIeehdGdiQPRY6ho2BBwCSMYz2aSOZGk9zLbpXbckPZ8cg5jYs3s2fGSpgld4jbiiaJ4MVKb4WYzG2izXz9E8UUfpO5t4CqdrNtghV1SnVIrRgDvg9j_em9/s1600/IMG_4176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFzjrsqz3GHf6FwCY756_TQIeehdGdiQPRY6ho2BBwCSMYz2aSOZGk9zLbpXbckPZ8cg5jYs3s2fGSpgld4jbiiaJ4MVKb4WYzG2izXz9E8UUfpO5t4CqdrNtghV1SnVIrRgDvg9j_em9/s320/IMG_4176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is human nature to cover things up and move on. It is
healing to have layers and we pride ourselves on thick skin. While history can
at times repeat itself, it is like a print in that tomorrow will never be the
same as today. And while the layers can hurt, they can also heal. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Palimpsest</i> makes us who we are and gives
us a deeper appreciation for just how fragile the landscape can be and just how
resilient it is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This cup is for August. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-69577404336099631972013-07-11T09:11:00.002-07:002013-08-01T06:04:47.870-07:00An Open Door<div style="text-align: center;">
"When you close one door, another door opens." </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
This past week a door that had been closed for over 40 years reopened. When I think about doors opening and closing, rarely do I ever think of reaching back to an old door, but this past week proved old doors can open to new relationships, rekindle old connections, and foster long term friendships. An old door can also find itself in a new place. In this case, a 40 year old door that had last been opened in Palo Alto, CA, was now a set of French doors that opened to a French terrace, that sat on a French countryside, and opened to a new era, a new chapter, and a new view.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LtmHxAwxblHi44ywbGvEPwcaUm8p0qoy0D6VU-ohayjwtunndFbFYu0mVYgxbCuG2hImJpbzILVlwuvm99AS5OJa3nIT7GZNGG1mon3UgggJvueyvLzhAVHug3E4iRxnLtVBPB0xdC-Q/s1600/IMG_4036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LtmHxAwxblHi44ywbGvEPwcaUm8p0qoy0D6VU-ohayjwtunndFbFYu0mVYgxbCuG2hImJpbzILVlwuvm99AS5OJa3nIT7GZNGG1mon3UgggJvueyvLzhAVHug3E4iRxnLtVBPB0xdC-Q/s320/IMG_4036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
France is beautiful. It was a perfect week spent with wonderful people in a picture perfect setting. To be honest, this week didn't even feel real and I had to stop and pinch myself---I'm here! It was bliss. It will take me a few more cups to gather the rest of my thoughts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wRpUYv0F0Z6j7jn2knWnacAqYmop-XgekSd1Gq2dTh3WPvIrNepKlEBfogOVqKodhnK6qUrHI-TmKza8zY8ZGQ0QJHJl-Oz2Ao4DPHF1JLJ6bCQIxpFFLDEAzrXTdh9fW3OFT_w3CCsF/s1600/IMG_4035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wRpUYv0F0Z6j7jn2knWnacAqYmop-XgekSd1Gq2dTh3WPvIrNepKlEBfogOVqKodhnK6qUrHI-TmKza8zY8ZGQ0QJHJl-Oz2Ao4DPHF1JLJ6bCQIxpFFLDEAzrXTdh9fW3OFT_w3CCsF/s320/IMG_4035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This cup is for Nancy (so lucky to have found you) and Rick (for the best coffee on earth.)</div>
<div>
And to Emily, Quinn and Z. for a fabulous dinner. And to Chris (wish you had been with us).</div>
Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-16803593537232501622013-06-20T19:30:00.002-07:002013-08-01T06:01:37.021-07:00Explore? Check. Dream? Always. Discover? You bet. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Once a year, go
somewhere you’ve never been before– Dalai Lama</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLgElvAp149zRlqdzc1yIaOLcMJM9WhVNi_Go_0bab5ng_bzeA8PREHdZY8lfnHS_FNE-HayRfz3ouBwv2U3a0NqKN7BM-AkFuLB44JBIHMmXL5I9fhPGG4XeajVJophYPp0U6ZmBLKve/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLgElvAp149zRlqdzc1yIaOLcMJM9WhVNi_Go_0bab5ng_bzeA8PREHdZY8lfnHS_FNE-HayRfz3ouBwv2U3a0NqKN7BM-AkFuLB44JBIHMmXL5I9fhPGG4XeajVJophYPp0U6ZmBLKve/s320/IMG_1336.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was recently in the camping store around the corner from
my house and as I got lost in the backpacking section–dreaming of far away
places–I overheard one of the employees say to another employee “If you really
are a backpacker your bag is always packed. She said that it was going to take
her a few days to figure out what to bring, but if you ask me, I am ready. I am
always packed and ready to go. Tell me when we are leaving and I will grab my
bag and be out the door.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am in the midst of packing. Everyone packs differently.
Some people make long lists, packing weeks in advance, while others pack the
day of and throw everything into whatever is near by. Some people bring
outfits, while others bring only what they have on and are lucky if they
remember a toothbrush. I know both kinds of packers and I have done both. This
past weekend, in a desperate attempt to get out of the city, I grabbed a clean
t-shirt, my swimsuit and a toothbrush and caught the first train out of town. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the world whizzing by outside my window, I felt the
change of scenery reflect off my face and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of
freedom and open space that you can only feel from getting away. A friend
recently told me that the best thing you can do is change your view–be it your
mindset, or what is outside your window–for me–I needed both. My train took me
to open sky, green space and good company. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week I am packing for a much bigger adventure. I sit
surrounded by stacks and piles of what may or may not come with me. I ponder my
packing list, adding and tossing as I go and in some ways, I wish I could just
throw my hair up, stuff a clean shirt in my pocket and head out the door. I
envy the guy in the backpacking section and I almost wish he was here to help
me realize I don’t need any of these things at all–just my journal and my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Packing Essentials for an Adventure</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Passport (complete with extra pages)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Sunscreen (healthy skin is in)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Earl Grey (kick start to the day and reminds me of home)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Hoodie (an airplane essential–never be afraid to layer)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Scarf (helps perk up an outfit, becomes a makeshift blanket)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Toothbrush (duh!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Journal (for all the cards, watercolors, sketches, and
treasures you collect along the way)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Pocket sized camera (say cheese!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Comfy walking shoes (because blisters can wreck a perfectly
good day)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A good book (to remind you to sit down and relax!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Postcards (for friends and loved ones) and don’t forget
addresses! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Face wipes (to clear the airplane/street grime from your
face)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A zip lock baggie filled with NYC (to remind me of what I am
missing)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A zip lock baggie filled with Portland (to remind me of
home)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This cup is for Eli & Dave–Don’t worry about what to
pack, just be sure to make memories that will last a lifetime... and to the (pre)travel butterflies...I feel you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130460289963034573.post-56096276746464447052013-06-06T12:07:00.000-07:002013-06-06T12:07:29.319-07:00Scattered Memories <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSQoAhfN1YoKd3SzoCeuoUQ-IrY1FMg4UdP3BKavJmguEyzG2ShC0_No4hyphenhyphenb8U5KajLpyUa1p8Mx_N5zja6Q-RhImvvU8ueL85knUeKt52y6gcKeg0FqlVcOMzoadCdsSC87bR7CAP9Lt/s1600/IMG_3575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSQoAhfN1YoKd3SzoCeuoUQ-IrY1FMg4UdP3BKavJmguEyzG2ShC0_No4hyphenhyphenb8U5KajLpyUa1p8Mx_N5zja6Q-RhImvvU8ueL85knUeKt52y6gcKeg0FqlVcOMzoadCdsSC87bR7CAP9Lt/s320/IMG_3575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am reaching deep for words–for a train of thought–for the
perfect thing to say–except I can’t find it. All I can say is that I will
always remember. I will remember sitting in the sun, taking in the summer sea
breeze, and eating a grilled Panini at Heather’s Café. I will remember when I was little, catching
your eye, shyly waving as I made my way through stacks of books, dodging
authors and shuffling through the crowd. I will remember dressing up and coming
to your art show, taking in the vast detail of tiny cities and intricate
features that made your gourds unique and beautiful–one of a kind. I will
remember your enthusiasm, your character, your grace. I will think of all the
support and guidance that you gave along the way, your encouragement, and most
of all your friendship. Sharing stories, sharing food, sharing art will be just
a few of the many things that I will miss. And no matter how long I stay in New
York City, I will always have your apple to remind me of this chapter, to
remind me of the true meaning of beauty and craftsmanship, and to remind me of
you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This cup is for Klaus. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040742356542766308noreply@blogger.com0