tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18434145256945578032024-03-28T03:24:08.714-04:004 Broad MindsFour unfinished women share wisdom and wit.Chris Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03400228290978730369noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-18453135016298917712015-05-31T08:49:00.000-04:002015-05-31T08:49:00.691-04:00NEW ADDRESS<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We've moved. Check out Carol's new blog at:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://knowhopeknowgrowth.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://knowhopeknowgrowth.blogspot.com/</span></a>Carol Fragale Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832865888789761328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-16837864238454751762014-12-20T14:29:00.001-05:002014-12-20T18:35:03.511-05:00Let It Go<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tOatidLUHn6fGGZOz85y5wE1Q4dmyt8449iHp3TRed1yjIflJpKDtXKgBubIud2YRKp0igAcq6k2c9xXRkjq1La6D0JshsIb8jrAEp6YgBMd_cvgyPCS5pDogq2QStEHP8zzHAAFVsM/s1600/let+go+kite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tOatidLUHn6fGGZOz85y5wE1Q4dmyt8449iHp3TRed1yjIflJpKDtXKgBubIud2YRKp0igAcq6k2c9xXRkjq1La6D0JshsIb8jrAEp6YgBMd_cvgyPCS5pDogq2QStEHP8zzHAAFVsM/s1600/let+go+kite.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Way before <i>Frozen</i> made “Let it Go” an over-sung household
mantra, my attempts to let go gave me periodic headaches. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Once I get attached, whether to a person, relationship,
activity, or idea, I tend to hang on—even after what others plainly see as the
expiration date.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Over the years, I’ve been chided for searching for the pony
in the room full of pony-doo, and beating the horse until way after it is dead.
There was even a decade when I proudly displayed a “When Life Gives You Lemons”
poster, oblivious to the notion that it might be wiser to ditch sour lemons
than make lemonade. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So here’s my current dilemma. A couple of years ago, three
women a.k.a. “broads” and I decided to start a blog. In creating 4Broadminds,
we each had our own goals. Two and a half years later, our goals have been met. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A while back, we asked ourselves whether 4Broadminds had run
its course. On some level, I knew it had, but true to form, I found it hard to
let go. My 4Broadmind’s posts have helped me soul-search, connect, and recently,
been a lifeline in figuring out how to live with cancer. There are definitely
more posts churning inside me. I kept asking myself, what happens to them if I
let 4Broadminds go?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then I remembered something a wise person taught me about
letting go. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Letting go doesn’t mean I can’t continue to have some
version of whatever I'm clutching in my life. When I finally let it go, I make room for something new and different—and maybe even better—to
grow in its place. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And so 4Broadminds, it is time to let go. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I’ll miss the camaraderie of co-blogging with Chris, Julie,
and Mary. I suspect there's a new blog inside me. It’s still percolating—the ups and
downs of everyday life and values, the love and support of family and friends, living with
cancer. I’m toying with calling it, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life on Purpose</i></b>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It’s meant so much to get to know you through your
comments and to let you get to know me. Your support and encouragement are
priceless. Thank you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stay tuned for the next chapter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Love,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Carol</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Carol Fragale Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832865888789761328noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-80239915028041735812014-11-26T08:05:00.000-05:002014-11-26T15:38:03.423-05:00Top Ten Reasons to Be Thankful for Being Bald<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KV1CAvSdLp0sZpeddTWcp4RdzzJxvFYfNz_NiWjDd3LAJhNGBmz-mE8HCxT7pwOqO_QzEDrP6ZWNuO9S8Rf9npEJuhsux5dpQlNe5TDZr5lnz8ggVlniu8h0nQFi9iBWMPC90-RVpDk/s1600/Hair+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KV1CAvSdLp0sZpeddTWcp4RdzzJxvFYfNz_NiWjDd3LAJhNGBmz-mE8HCxT7pwOqO_QzEDrP6ZWNuO9S8Rf9npEJuhsux5dpQlNe5TDZr5lnz8ggVlniu8h0nQFi9iBWMPC90-RVpDk/s1600/Hair+hat.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Recently, my friend, Tina, reminded me of one of her mother’s many sayings, “You get used to hanging if you hang long enough.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />That got me thinking about how back in July, being bald alarmed me. Five months later, I’m still glad baldness is temporary, but I also see an upside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here’s my list of T<b>he Top Ten Reasons to be Thankful for Being Bald:</b><br />10. You save a bundle on shampoo and conditioner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />9. Month after month, you never have to shave your legs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />8. No eyelashes to get stuck in your eyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />7. You get to laugh out loud when your friend, Dot, recites Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Bear, Fuzzy Wuzzy Had no Hair!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />6. No jaunts to the hairdresser to choke on nail lacquer or hairspray fumes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />5. Your annual skin check at the dermatologist is easier when she can actually see your scalp.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />4. You never have a bad hair day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />3. No fretting about grays.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />2. You can put on your husband’s goofy hair hat, rock the Guy Fieri look, and remember not to take yourself too seriously.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><b>And the # 1 Reason to be Thankful for Being Bald</b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><b>This too shall pass. </b>Your hair grows back!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />“They” say you don’t always get the hair you had before chemo. Salt-and-pepper might grow back gray and curly might come in straight. I liked the wash-and-wear-just-enough-curl in my old hair, but to show up Fuzzy Wuzzy, I’ll take what I get.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Did I miss anything on my Top Ten Reasons to Be Thankful for Being Bald? And, what’s on your list of things you once dreaded and learned to be thankful for?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />P.S. To thank you for stopping by, I’m running a Thanks-Giveaway. Win e-book copies of <b>CAPE MAYBE </b>and<b> PEACE BY PIECE.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b></b><br /><b>Easy to enter:</b><br />1. Follow this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carol-Fragale-Brill/112297472164769?fref=photo" target="_blank">link to my Facebook Author Page</a> <br /><br />2. Like my Facebook Author Page (on the banner at the top)<br /><br />3. Look for the Thanks-Giveaway post and confirm in comments that you liked the page<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That’s it; 3 simple steps and you are entered. For a bonus entry, share the link on your FB timeline or tweet so your friends can enter too.</span></div>
Carol Fragale Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832865888789761328noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-38217622891671953142014-11-08T08:23:00.001-05:002014-11-09T09:48:42.807-05:00What Not to Say to Someone with Cancer<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBmKmvUhuBOnV17ob-CdOyCRTlFM5rLTeYD_WadoTomVU_hSpH6im9z650VWpmrKFSYO4qTJschOecBUE6vlh6BU-V2NobjLfFi4elZMKRYiPs8hGX3Zg5-bKB-5qruXchYU_SOsOojM/s1600/quiet+uto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBmKmvUhuBOnV17ob-CdOyCRTlFM5rLTeYD_WadoTomVU_hSpH6im9z650VWpmrKFSYO4qTJschOecBUE6vlh6BU-V2NobjLfFi4elZMKRYiPs8hGX3Zg5-bKB-5qruXchYU_SOsOojM/s1600/quiet+uto.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">by Carol Fragale Brill</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Are you old
enough to remember the old Art Linkletter show, “Kids say the Darnedest Things?
It turns out, adults do too. Since sharing I have cancer, I have heard some
doozies. Maybe it’s that facing someone with an illness or disability unsettles
us to the point where we grope for words, or ramble and unintentionally blurt
out the not-so-empathetic thing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Here are some
of the “darnedest” things I wish I could un-hear. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cancer
Stories with unhappy endings </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-
“My (fill in the blank; sister, mother, cousin, neighbor) just <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DIED</b> from cancer.” Or even worse “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Died from the same kind of cancer you have.</i>”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I can’t tell you how many times, after hearing I have cancer, the first thing someone tells me is about someone that died. Most of us have at least
one personal story about someone who suffered an unpleasant cancer death. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Unless I ask you, this is
not a good time to remind me that people die from cancer. If you feel compelled
to share, make it a hopeful story about someone who beat the sucker and is cancer-free.
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Chemo
Horror Stories</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">. “Do
you know how often after chemo, cancer returns with a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vengeance</i>?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In what universe does a
person in the midst of chemo treatments need to hear cancer and vengeance in
the same sentence? The only thing the local store-owner who said this to me
accomplished is making me want to avoid <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">him</i>
and his store with a vengeance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Before starting chemo, I
was freaked out enough about losing my hair, the possibility of nausea and
vomiting, and the long list of other potential side-effects shared by my doctor
without being bombarded with unsolicited real-life accounts of organ damage,
excruciating mouth sores, fingernails that turned black and fell off, or life-threatening
dehydration. There is only so much cancer and chemo horror I can take-in
without completely wigging-out. If I want to hear the gory details, trust that
when I’m ready I’ll ask you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And for the record, my
experience with chemo isn’t nearly as nasty as those alarming stories. That’s
what I’d like someone embarking on their own chemo journey to hear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
royal “We”. </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We</i></b>
will get through this,” “Just six chemo treatments? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We</i></b> can do that.” <u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">On a recent episode of
Parenthood, I almost cheered out loud when a character who plays a cancer
survivor complained about how much “we” statements bugged her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Not all “we” statements bother
me. I love to hear “we” when you mean you and someone else like, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i></b>
are praying,” or “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i></b> want to help.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I know my cancer causes
distress to those who care about me. I believe when you say “we” you mean you want
to be there and support me. Instead, what
I hear is you believe you’re experiencing the same thing as me--that you have as much
skin in this game as Jim and me. <br />
“We” can wish it were different. The reality is this cancer is happening inside
only <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> body. That changes my life
and Jim’s in ways it doesn’t impact anyone else. There are parts of having
cancer I have no choice but to do alone—parts even Jim can’t do for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Melissa Etheridge, a
cancer survivor, says it poignantly in her beautiful song, “This is Not
Goodbye,” </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Where I go now, I go alone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">This path I walk, these days of stone.</span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Before using the royal
“we” it might help to ask yourself, “How does her cancer change my day to day
life?” If you are doing pretty much what you always did, consider ditching the
“we.” </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I know no one intends to upset
me when they say these darnedest things. Innocent or not, some remarks nearly
pushed me over the edge in the early weeks after my diagnosis when I was numb
and fragile—when it was nearly impossible for me to hear a sad cancer story and
not project the same thing happening to me. While I’m getting better at not agonizing
and melting down, there are still things that rattle my hope and that I’d
rather not hear.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This was a hard post for
me to write. I don’t know if others with cancer feel the way I do, so in spite
of the title, this post is about <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i></b> with cancer, not <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we </i></b>with
cancer.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Please share in comments and
help me better appreciate and understand the flip-side, What does hearing a
person has cancer—or any serious illness or disability—feel and sound like
to you?</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And, follow this link to hear Melissa
Etheridge’s song, “This is Not Goodbye”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksihRX4kPtM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksihRX4kPtM</a></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />Carol Fragale Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832865888789761328noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-85948811981480804702014-11-01T16:18:00.001-04:002014-11-07T14:57:56.905-05:00Perfect Love: Arriving in April<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Georgia;
panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
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-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
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;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
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;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by <i>Chris Brady </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><i>Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild. </i><br /> ~Welsh Proverb<br /> </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The reality of becoming a grandmother has been percolating in my mind since learning my daughter-in-law was expecting. And now it is even more real as we know the baby is a girl. I have six months to study up on grand-parenting. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">And I can't help but wonder, what kind of grandmother will I be.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I have great role models: my mom and my mother-in-law come easily to mind. Each in her own way forged strong bonds with my son, spending a lot of quality time with him. My mom was the first phone call when school would phone me that he was sick and I was stuck at work. And my mother-in-law would take him for spring break in Florida and a summer week in North Carolina. He hit the mother-lode in grandmothers.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />A granddaughter seems like such a gift to me as a mother of a son. I recall my own <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiBue3y9l6rKTYYBfSEHKHSTMfXcLfgylHQkTQ2AF9g9vkePtyBAQwZzfL3vkd90v5qa-zWUD91AUMaiVeYS2ojLGLWxa4E5Ui60oYpGaNTiqCRqvAB9g7zh90TauLF7HIQ0dS3Wv7cY/s1600/Nannie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiBue3y9l6rKTYYBfSEHKHSTMfXcLfgylHQkTQ2AF9g9vkePtyBAQwZzfL3vkd90v5qa-zWUD91AUMaiVeYS2ojLGLWxa4E5Ui60oYpGaNTiqCRqvAB9g7zh90TauLF7HIQ0dS3Wv7cY/s1600/Nannie.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nannie and me circa 1960.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
experience as a granddaughter, and memories of my maternal grandmother “Nannie” still make me smile.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />She wasn’t a cool grandmother in the modern sense, and I can’t say that she imparted any great wisdom that guided my decisions (more likely I wasn’t paying attention). But I remember her presence throughout my life, and I treasure the things we did together, just her and me.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />I used to stay overnight with her a few days a week when I was in high school. She was about 85 at the time, living with my aunt, who was often away. We would walk to the Acme, which was about a half mile away, to shop for dinner. This involved crossing the six lanes of the Roosevelt Boulevard with no traffic light. When I would hesitate at the sight of oncoming traffic she would jog into the street in her black old lady shoes fearless of the danger, pulling me along for the run.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /> “They wouldn't dare hit an old lady,” she proclaimed. And three lanes of cars would stop for us, with not a beep out of them. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />I won't be running in traffic with my new granddaughter, but I hope we share some adventures together so that she can smile about our time together after I'm gone.<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Arriving in April 2015, she has no idea how much love awaits </span><span style="font-size: small;">her.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Share your grandmother stories so that I learn from the pros.</span></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Chris Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03400228290978730369noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-31640772400941882472014-10-27T10:57:00.000-04:002014-10-27T12:40:19.021-04:00A Time to Every Purpose<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZqUg5GUwXwJzuEMWmfHkUTkV5PahJ0wQU0MJ76XZ6sm5RgxgEt0oRjgH4V-HpwiX4tXgeKhAm3lw-xR-JyjZIWClspzjIy0NdvIpr0c0qfdeh7xIlftuYTo4Lbpd96CH_NQUcCSqgbJJ/s1600/CMP+Lighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZqUg5GUwXwJzuEMWmfHkUTkV5PahJ0wQU0MJ76XZ6sm5RgxgEt0oRjgH4V-HpwiX4tXgeKhAm3lw-xR-JyjZIWClspzjIy0NdvIpr0c0qfdeh7xIlftuYTo4Lbpd96CH_NQUcCSqgbJJ/s1600/CMP+Lighthouse.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, it’s
4:30AM and here I am, writing this blog post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For nearly a week, I have been trying to put pieces together into
something coherent and meaningful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
the words will not behave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s not
writer’s block, exactly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I write
about the joy of libraries?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About my
favorite childhood authors?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About the
need for more female protagonists in children’s books?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or do I write about my idiosyncratic
appraisal clients, such as the one who left a bag of figs dangling from my
mailbox just yesterday?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I “cheat” and
fall back on a piece about my bad “car karma,” including Migo’s first ride in a
tow truck last week?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have plenty of
material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My little notebook is full of
paragraphs going in a variety of directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Which is,
perhaps, a reflection of the rest of my life. Since I have come home (and been
blessed to realize that Cape May <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i>
home), my life has been exuberantly full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have a pleasantly nagging backlog of appraisal work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I can’t DIY in This Old House, I have
been trying to corral the “Cape Maybe” contractors that gave Carol the title
for her second novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, time for
line dancing class, fitness class, even Migo’s obedience class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time to catch up with friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time to feed my “Amazon Prime”
addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been giving my life 16
to 18 hour days, and I have no trouble falling asleep!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I still
write every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Journal, Facebook,
garrulous texts…in addition to appraisal reports and my notebook musings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I notice that my voice is starting to change,
and I wonder where that will take me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because my
return to "Kansas" has also made me keenly aware of time. I see the winter months
not too far ahead of me, both literally and figuratively, and realize I may be
moving much more slowly then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still a bit scattered, getting it all
back together, but I do have direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, when I
awoke and embraced this morning’s gift of time, I found myself thinking of </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Byrds’ “Turn, Turn, Turn.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe the pieces will come together in
their good time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nA2IYnGRYac" width="420"></iframe></div>
Mary Frances Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05487593284800783899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-91889645424508129372014-10-17T09:21:00.000-04:002014-10-17T09:21:51.589-04:00When Small Acts of Kindness are HUGE<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/AVvXsEjbvKGBQhEoM0wEILLkI_fUm5JT6ScDbsfpunmIswnHS_hff063mXHm1bPt8Hw8uvZHLJUzLBVGvMydXay745_S4DjW-IT_VM7_FC126zM9LuTBtG7wTJ0sWU9bFRXyBL_U1QQppNbyB5g/s1600/kindness.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvKGBQhEoM0wEILLkI_fUm5JT6ScDbsfpunmIswnHS_hff063mXHm1bPt8Hw8uvZHLJUzLBVGvMydXay745_S4DjW-IT_VM7_FC126zM9LuTBtG7wTJ0sWU9bFRXyBL_U1QQppNbyB5g/s1600/kindness.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;">by Carol Fragale Brill</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A couple of
blogs ago, I wrote about my worry that chemo treatments and losing my hair
might make me look sick or unable. I imagined people would gawk at my
scarf-wrapped head—or worse, dart their eyes away from me, rendering me
invisible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Like so often
when I wring my hands and project about the future, those worries were a waste
of energy and time—teaching me once again that worry is like making loan
payments before you get the loan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Repeatedly, the
small gestures of others have reminded me how the littlest ripple of kindness
can grow into a wave. Like the first time I wrapped my head in a “dress-up”
scarf and self-consciously ventured out to an upscale restaurant for dinner
with Jim. The waiter gushed about how attractive he found “my very stylish
scarf.” A seemingly little gesture—for me and my self-esteem, it was absolutely
huge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I can’t tell
you how often strangers—mostly women but also a good number of men—go out of
their way to make eye contact with me, hold my gaze, and smile in a way that
telegraphs encouragement and support. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My favorite
example of a stranger’s small act of kindness might be the woman who came up to
me in the grocery store, gestured discreetly at my head-wrap and said, “I had
that same hairstyle three years ago.” She winked and added, “Don’t worry, it really
does grow back.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Even more
encouraging than her headful of hair was her healthy appearance—living proof
that you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can</i> kick cancer’s butt. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The concept
of small acts of kindness might sound cliché. For me, these little ripples from
strangers help normalize a time that often feels anything but normal. And, far
from making me feel invisible, they validate my experience and boost my self-esteem.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So what small
acts of kindness has someone showed to you? And, what can you do today to start
a ripple that churns up a kindness wave? </span></div>
Carol Fragale Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832865888789761328noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-32113835530572493722014-10-03T07:15:00.002-04:002014-10-03T07:21:37.803-04:00Would You Cast Your Fate to a Coin Toss?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
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-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
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;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
mso-themecolor:hyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
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;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>by Chris Brady</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>360 words </i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Carol’ Brill's recent “<a href="http://4broadminds.blogspot.com/2014/09/bald-is-beautiful.html" target="_blank">Bald is Beautiful</a>” post about losing her hair during
cancer treatment is a pretty hard act to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life is on cruise control compared to what
she is going through right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her decision to quit hiding her
baldness, to let people see the face of cancer, was a courageous step away from the safe and familiar. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I thought about her choice as </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I listened to an audio book, <i>Think like a Freak</i>, by the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Freakonomics</i> collaborators<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. If you don’t know
these authors, they are an economist and journalist who study human
behavior and package their findings in amusing and easy to read books, blogs
and podcasts. Their research frequently overturns conventional wisdom and has practical applications in our lives.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Freakonomics</i> authors
wanted to help people who were stuck in neutral to make some big life
decisions. <a href="http://freakonomics.com/2013/01/31/would-you-let-a-coin-toss-decide-your-future-full-transcript/" target="_blank">They asked them to accept the fate of a coin toss.</a> More than 30,000 people
participated in the toss and the follow up surveys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzygEE3AT0FrNn-K-Q4i7wsnHIwGHR3Hhu0bT3lnT5L6r7xvMXtMj2sAkYtuji_84l1khtk3WggfzSVyJWsxzkXyRPn7oYJkKx4q7fHCOVtyA-3dpgDNia5dGIyscCbxuraNZEFSct5I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-03+at+6.51.25+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzygEE3AT0FrNn-K-Q4i7wsnHIwGHR3Hhu0bT3lnT5L6r7xvMXtMj2sAkYtuji_84l1khtk3WggfzSVyJWsxzkXyRPn7oYJkKx4q7fHCOVtyA-3dpgDNia5dGIyscCbxuraNZEFSct5I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-03+at+6.51.25+AM.png" height="250" width="400" /></a> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How did it turn out for people who accepted the coin toss result? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pretty good for the large majority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are probably explanations for that
outcome. After all, once we choose a path we do our best to make our choice a success. But sometimes just making the choice is the hardest part, isn't it?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I liked the idea of trying my big question on a coin
flip.</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I asked if I should retire early. It's a difficult choice as I love what I do and appreciate the financial security I'm building. (Women in my family live a long time.) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But I see how carefree and happy people off the work grid are too and I wonder what great experiences await me as I accept the golden handcuffs of employment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So I flipped and I have my answer, which I am keeping to myself for a while as I process it. I took the best two out of three options. I'm feeling good about it too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>What's your burning question? <a href="https://www.freakonomicsexperiments.com/#coin" target="_blank">Would you toss a coin to help you to decide?</a></i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Chris Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03400228290978730369noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-17931454821740283722014-09-26T12:07:00.000-04:002014-09-26T12:33:26.883-04:00Bald IS Beautiful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhMVMFkgKu1XSD6rt8yO43Bo5WbXjsP24UXNQINfS2oyTG0RW27D8cUiB-HVHaZuAjEqdPn0ZsWCp6lonf78r25GKna19PiJmCRLOlmtOIlC7KqCaLp8QwC3rjQ0BMiSrvXdTYAKuXQQ/s1600/joan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhMVMFkgKu1XSD6rt8yO43Bo5WbXjsP24UXNQINfS2oyTG0RW27D8cUiB-HVHaZuAjEqdPn0ZsWCp6lonf78r25GKna19PiJmCRLOlmtOIlC7KqCaLp8QwC3rjQ0BMiSrvXdTYAKuXQQ/s1600/joan.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">by Carol Fragale Brill</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Over the last couple of
months, my family and friends have repeatedly reassured me that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bald is Beautiful</i>. While I appreciate
the sentiment, I didn't believe them and chalked it up to everyone just being supportive
and kind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And then I saw Joan Lunden's
picture on the recent cover of <u>People
Magazine</u>. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">To say I am in awe and inspired that Joan Lunden bared her head on </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">PEOPLE</span></u></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">— a magazine read by an estimated <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">43 Million+</b> people and seen my who
knows how many more—</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> is a huge understatement.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Asked
about her decision she said, </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">"It was such a tough decision. .
."And it wasn’t the comfortable decision — knowing you were going to be
seen by everyone in such a vulnerable way — but I know it was the right
decision. I knew I could be a voice for a quarter of a million women . . . and
I wanted to show that your health is more important than your hair. Your hair
grows back after you stop chemo, and then you have your life."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I wonder if in weighing her
uncomfortable decision she grappled with all the </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">reasons not to do it—if like me, she came up with a long
list of what-ifs and buts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There’s
a saying I learned from my Scottish friends, Bella and Julie that goes
something like—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">if ifs and buts were candy
and nuts, every day would be Christmas</i>. The first time I heard that saying,
I had no idea what it meant. Now, I think it means we can— and often do— stockpile
excuses not to do stuff—especially the hard stuff that forces us to face fears
or risk being seen as vulnerable. </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Before I actually lost my hair, I was sure
I’d keep my head under wraps with everyone but Jim. I can count on one hand the
family and friends who have glimpsed it. And, then, Joan Lunden showed the
bravery and beauty to let </span><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">People</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> put her bald head on their cover. I
had to ask myself, if she put it out there for the millions who read <u>People</u>, is it time to suck-up
the fear and insecurity by doing my small part?</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Unsure
and uncomfortable, I talked it over with Jim. He asked me why, after being so
private up until now, I’d want to take the risk.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
best answer I have is that the sooner I accept that being bald is part of my
life right now, the sooner I take away its power and move on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">So, it seems like the best way to honor Joan Lunden’s
bravery, is to (gulp) find the guts to follow her lead and
do the same thing here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSk3OUgiUa7ilM1yEhBXrXuhS4q7c3nckp8ZuJpfZwP8J26kb7xRDhskpZx-ZFWPZMS2xFtD8JR8H48sQhtVYFFf4FsJ3mIRUjpRXvEVyVETo6sltknn-IqnMaGI_Pc5tUL_ALvk2x6jU/s1600/bald+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSk3OUgiUa7ilM1yEhBXrXuhS4q7c3nckp8ZuJpfZwP8J26kb7xRDhskpZx-ZFWPZMS2xFtD8JR8H48sQhtVYFFf4FsJ3mIRUjpRXvEVyVETo6sltknn-IqnMaGI_Pc5tUL_ALvk2x6jU/s1600/bald+me.jpg" height="165" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />Carol Fragale Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832865888789761328noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-44187253967425489812014-09-22T14:56:00.000-04:002014-09-22T14:58:49.616-04:00Beach Bucket List<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOpZne0RyLHb5khopdveNLKcWTiqpaQVS3V1mPYAyRtWHUycGWZc5364GMDLArtCp0VNBBujC0C0yBBsQTUt8KoQYn2wjyUZiTRi71RwAgbp4Yr9mO9PAgKdhD3J6jpVrFInSsWUxfOi8/s1600/Front-Signresized.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOpZne0RyLHb5khopdveNLKcWTiqpaQVS3V1mPYAyRtWHUycGWZc5364GMDLArtCp0VNBBujC0C0yBBsQTUt8KoQYn2wjyUZiTRi71RwAgbp4Yr9mO9PAgKdhD3J6jpVrFInSsWUxfOi8/s1600/Front-Signresized.gif" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It started as a conversation with my
friend, Lorraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has never been to
White House Subs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could Lorraine,
who has lived at “the Shore” longer than I have, miss out on such a gastronomic
icon? She got me thinking…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
guess we all have our faves, our secret haunts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sure, AAA, AARP, GWCOC, and all the other tourist-driven organizations<span style="color: #0070c0;"> </span>promote “must see” standards from Atlantic City
to Cape May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there are so many
out-of-the way treasures to delight locals and visitors alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is an even dozen of my favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feel free to add these to your beach bucket
list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And share your favorites!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>White
House Subs, 2301 Arctic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you love subs (aka <em>hoagies</em>) or if you just love nostalgia, you gotta stop at White House Subs. The freshest rolls, the most decadent meats, the throw-back (opened1946) ambiance: you can't beat it. Don't just take my word for it, though. Celebrities from Frank Sinatra to Mr. T, along with myriad Miss Americas, have eaten here. Their photos adorn the walls, to prove it!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Oyster
Creek Inn, 41 N. Oyster Creek Road, Leeds Point, NJ<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This restaurant’s location may keep it
a local secret: in the pine barrens, down a dark, wooded two-lane road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this is great seafood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think cracking crabs on sheets of brown
paper. Live music. “Down Jersey” atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t let the remote locale and the stories of the Jersey Devil
intimidate you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Crabby’s
Suds and Seafood, 1413 Route 50, Belcoville, NJ<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another seafood sensation off the
beaten path. Unless your beaten path is Route 50 en route to the Shore. More great crabs. More "Down Jersey" atmosphere. Different all-you-can-eat specials every week night. Go. Now.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Show
Us Your Shoes” Parade, Atlantic City, NJ<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So you know this post isn’t just about
food, I’ve included this “can’t miss.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This time, it’s a parade!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may
not have the time or inclination to attend the Miss America Pageant (though you
really should, since it’s back in AC, which needs all the help it can get right
now).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you really do need to take in
the “Show Us Your Shoes” Parade, along the Atlantic City Boardwalk the night
before the pageant. Lovely young women ride in luxury cars and, when encouraged
by the crowd, lift high their shoes, which are decorated to show off their
state or their pageant platforms (ha!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you want a seat, you must by a ticket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But part of the fun is standing along the
Boardwalk as the sun goes down…and that’s free.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">First
Night, Ocean City, NJ<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am delighted to say that I attended
the first “First Night” in Ocean City and </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">have </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">returned numerous times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ocean City offers a family-oriented,
alcohol-free extravaganza on New Year’s Eve that just gets better every year. From big band soundsto the Ocean City Pops, from face-painting to fireworks,
the party starts at dusk and goes past midnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buttons are required, at a manageable fee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy New Year!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Airport
Diner, 2602 Bay Avenue, Ocean City, NJ<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you know Ocean City has an
airport?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s right next to the golf
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the airport has a great
little diner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want a classic
diner breakfast or a hearty diner lunch (comfort food recommended), the Airport
Diner is the place. And you might even see a plane or two land while you dine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Mildred’s
Restaurant, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ocean Drive and Prescott
Road, Strathmere, NJ<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Okay, so a lot of this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> about food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, that’s what you do on vacation – go out
to eat, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you’re going, be
sure you get to Mildred’s in Strathmere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course, you have to know where Strathmere is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just go to Sea Isle and head north </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">on Ocean Drive, or go to Ocean City
and head south and over the Ocean Drive bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mildred’s is on the beach, across from the trailer park, and offers
great homemade pasta and real South Jersey Shore atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><u>Leaming's</u>
<u>Run Gardens, 1845 N. Route 9, Cape May Court House, NJ<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Route 9, north of the zoo, before
you get to Dennis Township:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaming's Run
Gardens is an oasis of serenity in the hectic summer season. Themed gardens, rainbows
of color, a small colonial farm, alcoves and benches for sitting and thinking…or
just sitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Locals lunch here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(But you can also visit the gardens'
evil twin, “Screaming Run,” for a haunted walk, October 25 or 26 at 7PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tickets required).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Doo
Wop Back to the Fifties Tour, Wildwood, NJ<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, I’m partial to this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> As a former tour guide, I insist you take this tour. The Wildwoods have the highest concentration of Mid-Century Architecture in the USA. If tourists from France, Germany, England and Australia can write home about it, you ought to, too. You'll see the Wildwoods in a whole new light: neon.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">NJ
State Firefighters’ Convention Parade<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the locals know, every September
the New Jersey Firefighters hold their convention in Wildwood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And every Saturday of that convention, they
hold a REALLY BIG parade. With a WHOLE LOT of fire engines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And LOTS OF SIRENS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And FLASHING LIGHTS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once. Just to say you did it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
bring the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or anyone who loves fire
engines.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">West
Cape May Community Christmas Parade<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Speaking of fire engines…another
parade to see at least once is the West Cape May </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Community Christmas Parade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Your best bet</span> is to know someone who lives along
the </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">parade route (think warmth, beverages,
potty breaks), because this can often be a </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">long</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> parade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of local talent, marching bands, and fire
engines. Did I mention, LOTS</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> of fire engines?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 12.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Counter
Dining at The Lobster House<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think we all know The Lobster
House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have waited in line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have dined on the deck or sipped drinks on
the ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the counter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elbow-to-elbow dining with the locals, chatty
waitresses, busy busboys, and the same great food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Year-round, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, that’s my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">short</i> list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could have added the West Cape May Lima
Bean Festival (lima bean ice cream, anyone?), Sunset Beach Grille, Lucy the
Elephant in Margate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many faves, so
little space.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FC1yh77i00Zpkt1O6lfSYu6qmP1NiAzaNcNN-OvS3Sgg1HxjH462CiYzEJCPHkK-CRed4Gqjb2MFRezJxwucgGn5TMGzJeMkiNSEkpQnuW2RTsekD9B5KkUF-zRV0lXeXgM-SmkwepCp/s1600/Beach+Bucket.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What’s on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your </i>beach bucket list?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Mary Frances Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05487593284800783899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-37694646624756671372014-09-13T08:12:00.004-04:002014-09-14T07:23:55.539-04:00Blue Sky Memories <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
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-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
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;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
mso-themecolor:hyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
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;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">by Chris Brady</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">274 words </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz7Cbai0NPLO52KhqkhWUEolVs_GhB0r7-wOa7Lwk-pVPMFy6uBijCtdf3v5tiALWdI0XKF28Hw16QnUTJZyHaGH4roplqQj4r2-dtOkw6xEk4UF7j8t4fD3GLLH02RyLAgIuxYM7VM8/s1600/FINCH_Trying_to_Remember_the_Color_of_the_Sky_on_That_September_Morning_20124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz7Cbai0NPLO52KhqkhWUEolVs_GhB0r7-wOa7Lwk-pVPMFy6uBijCtdf3v5tiALWdI0XKF28Hw16QnUTJZyHaGH4roplqQj4r2-dtOkw6xEk4UF7j8t4fD3GLLH02RyLAgIuxYM7VM8/s1600/FINCH_Trying_to_Remember_the_Color_of_the_Sky_on_That_September_Morning_20124.jpg" height="168" title="Remember the color of the sky" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S<span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">PENCER FINCH
Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning, </span><br />
<span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">2014
Commission for National September 11 Memorial and Museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Another September 11 anniversary passed this
week and the social networks were filled with memories from the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help thinking about 9/11 as a
never-ending nightmare as I watched President Obama talk about sending fighter
planes to the Middle East to control our newest nemesis ISIL. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Among the tributes and photos, I learned
about the <a href="http://project2996.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">2996 project</a>, which lists the names of every victim and
invites people to write tributes to the lost lives on
blogs, Facebook or websites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
scrolled down the list and read some of the tributes, wondering how friends
and families manage through this day every year. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I found a woman my age, Kathleen Shearer of
Dover, NH, who was on United flight 175 with her husband William. They were headed
to LA to clean out the apartment of her father who had just moved into a
nursing home and to meet her new granddaughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">An ordinary life immortalized by an
extraordinary event.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I didn’t know anyone personally who died that
day. I knew people who knew people, of course, didn’t everyone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just recall life standing still for
a few days as we processed what happened and tried to figure out what’s next. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My enduring memory is the brilliant blue sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To this day, whenever I
experience a cloud free sky I think of it as a 9/11 sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And for a moment, I know that life is still beautiful, despite the chaos and strife.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">And now that I know her better, when I see a 9/11 sky, I’ll say a
little prayer to Kathleen.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Next year in September, go to the <a href="http://project2996.wordpress.com/we-remember/" target="_blank">2996 project list </a>and find someone to
write about.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">And enjoy a happy blue sky musical memory from my youth.</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DhFy4qZ0ah8" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Chris Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03400228290978730369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-48188201854200038252014-09-05T08:20:00.000-04:002014-09-26T12:33:58.453-04:00Learning to FIGHT like a GIRL <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_7m3rMhKZRm0T6lppe7OHpu27f4zdL_UEeR-K1TycIvp2CUzlucRo-C3-S3cRL8VC2npaGhudBFIlwcDLQH-DDdAAIyjfroRTZ9cq2sfc6tcl5RO5EKSHum5ARO9OiBzRmh97ai2a8I/s1600/fight+2+rotate+uto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_7m3rMhKZRm0T6lppe7OHpu27f4zdL_UEeR-K1TycIvp2CUzlucRo-C3-S3cRL8VC2npaGhudBFIlwcDLQH-DDdAAIyjfroRTZ9cq2sfc6tcl5RO5EKSHum5ARO9OiBzRmh97ai2a8I/s1600/fight+2+rotate+uto.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> by Carol Fragale Brill</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Recently,
I’ve received a lot of gifts with the slogan, FIGHT like a GIRL. They got me
thinking about what FIGHT like a GIRL means to me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As a little
girl, I adored frilly dresses and ribbons and lace on my Easter bonnet, but
since my teen years, I’ve never been a girly-girl. I like to look feminine, but
I’m not big on accessorizing, elaborate make-up, or perfume wearing. I’m more a
touch-of-lipstick-dress-for-comfort-left-over-hippie-sensible-shoes kind of girl.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So, it
surprised me when in spite of everyone reassuring me my hair would grow back, my
first reaction to learning I’d lose my hair from chemo was, “I have to have a
wig, I can’t be seen without hair!” Before my hair even started to fall out,
without considering other options, I got myself a wig.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then someone
asked me, “What exactly is it about losing your hair that has you so upset?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Her question helped
me realize my reaction was purely emotional. It’s not really about my hair. It’s
about how much I value my healthy independence and determination and that when
others look at me I don’t want them to see a hairless, sick, unable person. I
want them to see self-reliant, determined ME. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Years ago, I
had the privilege of attending a panel discussion about disabilities. One
panelist was blind, one deaf, one a paraplegic, and another had speech and
motor impairment from muscular dystrophy. Each of them held professional jobs—accountant,
librarian, banker, computer technician. Their profound message has stuck with
me over the years—Instead of disabled, think of me as DIFFERENTLY ABLED. If it
looks like I need help, don't just do it for me, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ask </i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i>. If I say I don’t need help, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">respect</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> me</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my independence</i> and let me do it myself.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That pretty
much sums up for me what it means to FIGHT like a GIRL.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I am so
grateful that my family and friends have offered me all kinds of help and
support. For me, Fighting like a GIRL means learning to <em>graciously</em> accept help
when I need it. And when I don’t, being able to <em>gracefully</em> say no thank you, I can
and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">need
</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to</i> do that for myself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It means letting
go of female stereotypes, and trusting I can fight this fight from my comfort
zone where I feel most like myself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Fighting like
a GIRL means it is okay if some days finding the courage to face the day means letting myself weep in the shower as tufts of my hair
clog the drain or if tomorrow I need to take the wig off the Styrofoam head in
my closet and wear it to feel my best. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And for
today, Fighting like a GIRL means learning to rock the bandana and “pirate”
wrap look because they take me back to my not-so-girly-girl roots and remind me
I’m still ME. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><o:p> </o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDndztDG_wo11nSH2_M1ozTZXN-9CRv6fF9cITZvtNUyayw5clOIVUGFkcdXOtBSPFeWOo3k3gLjgdxtQoJ0U9MJmVllSwXSkjj-SwSMwUqsvX8Bd5PGWeCJMvOzBk6Xc4CvZjVdx5PdQ/s1600/fight+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDndztDG_wo11nSH2_M1ozTZXN-9CRv6fF9cITZvtNUyayw5clOIVUGFkcdXOtBSPFeWOo3k3gLjgdxtQoJ0U9MJmVllSwXSkjj-SwSMwUqsvX8Bd5PGWeCJMvOzBk6Xc4CvZjVdx5PdQ/s1600/fight+back.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Carol Fragale Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832865888789761328noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-43973733597152434572014-09-01T10:11:00.000-04:002014-09-01T10:11:35.714-04:00You Say Tomato
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYdKVoABnPLIwVnwpuFNRB3QNl2jdM2lk-axjnCNAE7KYZLSAD_Tby_PkZeOA8Ixf4DKBPX0crLxrJzlWAugwmeC6j3ynA0tdVtTRTOsE4u9G5i6c3Eu5g1F234UZDlyHeJM7iH0QZRrr/s1600/Tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYdKVoABnPLIwVnwpuFNRB3QNl2jdM2lk-axjnCNAE7KYZLSAD_Tby_PkZeOA8Ixf4DKBPX0crLxrJzlWAugwmeC6j3ynA0tdVtTRTOsE4u9G5i6c3Eu5g1F234UZDlyHeJM7iH0QZRrr/s1600/Tomatoes.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Perhaps it’s
beginner’s luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it’s the
perfect summer weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it’s
that my vegetable patch lay fallow for almost five years.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whatever the reason, my most
recent attempt at backyard farming has yielded a banner crop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqnGtuBhSUx74SyixBfUHZHUPVzwjRSy9c2OulmEaBn0ghtnReobiz4Z-TBDVMBN0EZ90EuIokdruYf9cAXPvKl8CSkNSARJy3K3wPC7ziAgcY0IbdiljL41yfZ0q4braga-QYGqYv8d4/s1600/Garden+First.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqnGtuBhSUx74SyixBfUHZHUPVzwjRSy9c2OulmEaBn0ghtnReobiz4Z-TBDVMBN0EZ90EuIokdruYf9cAXPvKl8CSkNSARJy3K3wPC7ziAgcY0IbdiljL41yfZ0q4braga-QYGqYv8d4/s1600/Garden+First.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Oh, I didn’t grown much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted to try my luck with a few
favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I bought
some plants:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>watermelon, eggplant,
jalapeno peppers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, as every Jersey
girl knows:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tomatoes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dutifully planted on Mother’s Day weekend
and held my breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The jalapeno peppers burst on
the scene first. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who knew four little
plants could be so generous?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would
have appreciated if they had waited until some of the other veggies were
ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, from the end of June
until this writing, I have been gifted with at least six hot little numbers a
day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had peppers on sandwiches,
peppers in sauces, peppers in salsa…you get the idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The tomatoes arrived next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, the little grape tomatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These tasty berries proliferated wildly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Fourth of July, I have harvested at
least a quart of tomatoes a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tomatoes on sandwiches, tomatoes in sauces, tomatoes in salsa…you get
the idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnknwHu7J09LzG2COHHtH4TmCyDf1l0CCXLgxPzWcWscSDnTuUoY9hNRquHA-wGOLZKkZ7vkYyGduj_A5MNkOcQrfzNUsa9WE9N-NJ_Xz5c5VA5Hjcr43WaN-nCCt2gubIlf9mfhw7K90f/s1600/Garden+Second.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnknwHu7J09LzG2COHHtH4TmCyDf1l0CCXLgxPzWcWscSDnTuUoY9hNRquHA-wGOLZKkZ7vkYyGduj_A5MNkOcQrfzNUsa9WE9N-NJ_Xz5c5VA5Hjcr43WaN-nCCt2gubIlf9mfhw7K90f/s1600/Garden+Second.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Next came the Rutgers
variety:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>huge, round slicing
tomatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two or three a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomatoes on sandwiches, tomatoes in sauces,
tomatoes in salsa…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4IkQnsq3KgzfmEYxo-Kn-HOcLC1qkmlIAmMWiLJenAuqu6m3mbW6HMBnDgCrnsL5XHERieusjm1oUQvEl2HoxJHyK6UCvHG7F42nsCur_oXVaTCRyqtHH_0CzRQOgFXg25HHpP0uSRvs/s1600/Eggplant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4IkQnsq3KgzfmEYxo-Kn-HOcLC1qkmlIAmMWiLJenAuqu6m3mbW6HMBnDgCrnsL5XHERieusjm1oUQvEl2HoxJHyK6UCvHG7F42nsCur_oXVaTCRyqtHH_0CzRQOgFXg25HHpP0uSRvs/s1600/Eggplant.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then, eggplant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Plump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Huge leaves swaying in the
breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By mid-July, I was picking at
least six eggplant a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eggplant on
sandwiches, eggplant in sauces…no eggplant in salsa, at least not yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finally, the watermelon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little iffy, these. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even now, I have difficulty telling for sure
which are ripe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, I have picked six
watermelon so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three were hits:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ripe, red, juicy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three were misses:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pale, tart, tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few more still dangle tantalizingly on the
vine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpJPLyG8vQ8macrMrMFwJWc3_RZvNRVAa6bfWermSMwHppxFEeGWU1yPp9rYySWGjWEuc_ozX_lrx7J-3AvEQkraspFN7UejLQj1E8yQ1AHj-LykZ0kUkbgu4H5no-ZwR5PkrVWQ-DhFT/s1600/Watermelon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpJPLyG8vQ8macrMrMFwJWc3_RZvNRVAa6bfWermSMwHppxFEeGWU1yPp9rYySWGjWEuc_ozX_lrx7J-3AvEQkraspFN7UejLQj1E8yQ1AHj-LykZ0kUkbgu4H5no-ZwR5PkrVWQ-DhFT/s1600/Watermelon.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because I underestimated the
hardiness of my crop or my gardening skills, or both, I have been reaping more
veggies than one woman can consume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or
freeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a happy consequence, my friends and
neighbors have been reaping the benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There is something delightful in
being the “veggie fairy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My neighbor,
Mark – and almost every tenant he has had this summer - has been surprised
every Saturday morning with a bag of tomatoes, a couple of eggplant, and a
mandatory handful of jalapenos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>June and
Joe, my neighbors and good friends, have been greeted after Mass with bags of
veggies - if I haven’t already left a sack on their porch! My friend Laura and
her daughter Kimberly:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bags of
tomatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have been spared the
eggplant and jalapenos, but were willing to experiment on a couple of
watermelons with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deb, from gym
class, however, actually <em>requested</em> eggplant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was only too happy to oblige.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When my sisters and my friend Kathryn came to visit, I let them loose in
the veggie patch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They each took home
bags of tomatoes. And I still have plenty to spare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Loretta, who doesn’t even <em>eat</em>
tomatoes, obligingly took a bag off my hands. Even Terry Irving:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when he stopped by to drop off autographed
copies of his novel, “Courier,” he could not get out the door without taking tomatoes
with him!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And the “veggie fairy” has also
been surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My bags of veggies have
returned to me in the form of three different dinners with Laura.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>June made sure she shared with me her
homemade eggplant parmigiana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gifts from
my garden, regifted!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I hope this spectacular season
hasn’t spoiled me for future farming efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Next year, I am hoping to have corn, lima beans, sunflowers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYdKVoABnPLIwVnwpuFNRB3QNl2jdM2lk-axjnCNAE7KYZLSAD_Tby_PkZeOA8Ixf4DKBPX0crLxrJzlWAugwmeC6j3ynA0tdVtTRTOsE4u9G5i6c3Eu5g1F234UZDlyHeJM7iH0QZRrr/s1600/Tomatoes.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And, of course, tomatoes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Mary Frances Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05487593284800783899noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-23383478029148690522014-08-22T07:22:00.000-04:002014-08-22T07:50:38.102-04:00You Won the Lottery; Do You Quit Your Job?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Chris Brady</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I read an article recently that claimed that most lottery
winners don’t quit their jobs even </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
though they have the wealth to live
comfortably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure I believe that
“most” keep working, but I have heard interviews following big Powerball wins
where newly minted millionaires surrounded by their co-workers say they will
keep on truckin’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKYnGbB5eHsfUvMm3MFf335LKA8HHfu7mNsv-ToRLFxW4g2vx31OHJdrLEVaw37LZb33Ju3fcJrCJcT8JkPnZacXbEc8567zPHmF2r-aCRVcPDI3fynZhEdFqp48xeVMbbptglOP2z14/s1600/cubeland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKYnGbB5eHsfUvMm3MFf335LKA8HHfu7mNsv-ToRLFxW4g2vx31OHJdrLEVaw37LZb33Ju3fcJrCJcT8JkPnZacXbEc8567zPHmF2r-aCRVcPDI3fynZhEdFqp48xeVMbbptglOP2z14/s1600/cubeland.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Option 1: Cubicle land.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The reasons people stay on the job when they don’t need the
money are:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work brings people
together and you make friends there.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Work showcases your talent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Work connects people to big ideas – a purpose beyond your
own existence.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I count myself
fortunate to get those benefits at my job, and I would miss the people,
the creativity and the purpose that comes with my paycheck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But every time I invest in a lottery ticket I
fantasize about how much notice I will give my employer of my resignation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And then I ponder what activities will fill those 10 hours a day (work
plus commute) that comprise almost half my life. My inner voice tells me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Q75ugm4jOufe7BGjDXeLQDi2xT-BSRlXsziMmZoIZp1o9E4ciu0M6kmMXEhCoGUmDPgyepqf3WYq9-7Yf_u82iAzncx9EsjYBQwyTRj4cBf880wSlZrJlDBAYs9xvnlU3oJ3JlPjaio/s1600/Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Q75ugm4jOufe7BGjDXeLQDi2xT-BSRlXsziMmZoIZp1o9E4ciu0M6kmMXEhCoGUmDPgyepqf3WYq9-7Yf_u82iAzncx9EsjYBQwyTRj4cBf880wSlZrJlDBAYs9xvnlU3oJ3JlPjaio/s1600/Island.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Option 2: Beach, palm trees, ocean.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can spend quality time with Bernie...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can write the great American novel…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can play more golf... </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can drive across the country … </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can volunteer… </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can be your own boss… </span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My pension documents predict a retirement date of January 1, 2018. As I write this post, that's 1227 calendar days away and only 727 work days. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But who's counting?</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What about you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With financial independence, would you quit in a minute or
keep working?</span></i></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Chris Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03400228290978730369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-41412056718957013422014-08-15T08:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T08:00:08.634-04:00Summer's End: Opening Up to Change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Judi Stepek</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">This morning it hit me: summer is ending and a familiar melancholy sets in. At 5:30 am, the sun failed to greet me the way she did a few days ago, announcing the start of another endless summer day to savor. Since childhood I have associated the change in the climate and the landscape with loss.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The first time I had a visceral reaction to the end of summer occurred while riding from the beach in the back seat of our family car, a Pontiac Bonneville packed with beach chairs and a cooler, my twin brother sitting next to me in the back seat. I remember the tightness of my skin that had likely seen too little sunscreen that day.<br /><br />My seat offered the best view for looking over the causeway bridge. The grey bay waves looked choppy, and the ocean smell wafted through the car’s open window. I could taste the salt heavy in the air and imagined that the screeching seagulls were laughing at my departure. <br /><br />I experienced a sixth sense that day. A drop in my stomach accompanied by the bittersweet feeling of having found love yet knowing it is over. It’s so much more than a change in location; it alters your being if passion runs deep.<br /><br />Summer does that to me.<br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Summer complements my interests and my energy in a way that almost personifies her. <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_g77h5cTSmMmmegUPCLgjhJ_ng6v7xza_nkGiAgoVOOSRwUckqfXH13Q66lhubZXaW8t7MOQeRASgaYyvbbUKBNnrNE-wZGmDjKtgThycs2RqO9w5KvTWCfbRR-Z4x5xYCcQL8VbbBI/s1600/IMG_2008.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_g77h5cTSmMmmegUPCLgjhJ_ng6v7xza_nkGiAgoVOOSRwUckqfXH13Q66lhubZXaW8t7MOQeRASgaYyvbbUKBNnrNE-wZGmDjKtgThycs2RqO9w5KvTWCfbRR-Z4x5xYCcQL8VbbBI/s1600/IMG_2008.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">She is the warmth of a sunrise run past the Flying W airport. <br /><br />She is the glow in a sunset bike ride past old Prickett’s Farm. <br /><br />She is the open invitation for family and friends to drop by for a quick swim in the pool. <br /><br />For a few blissful months each year I bask in her glory, knowing a deeper connection to the physical world. <br /><br />Others may feel it on a winter night lit by a full moon and hushed by the fall of snow. Is there a way to smoothly transition from the guy you married back to the high-school boyfriend you were never so keen on dating anyway? <br /><br />I won’t hold my breath but I will try to evolve as a person.<br /><br />I will be optimistic and seek an autumnal miracle. My plan includes a Hudson Valley escape to see the fall foliage. I can get behind runs that aren’t so hot I might melt. But I would really like to find a new activity that seals the transition deal for me.<br /><br />I hope that random people, readers, and those who love the fall share their ideas on how to live for the season.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ADj2BCUM8HK_CLiUuyoRHY2edp7ZGXdkULc0qU5fcJ2oVHSPlMgs1MPWwVScK7t8ls2mFQaLtAzls9MBLbbSP8NkvoPnmb227rnMTlQ4UhM8SkgkA7E2pR5GgpQQ1ldHfrbGkZrAuso/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ADj2BCUM8HK_CLiUuyoRHY2edp7ZGXdkULc0qU5fcJ2oVHSPlMgs1MPWwVScK7t8ls2mFQaLtAzls9MBLbbSP8NkvoPnmb227rnMTlQ4UhM8SkgkA7E2pR5GgpQQ1ldHfrbGkZrAuso/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" height="193" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Our guest blogger, Judi Stepek, is a creative writer, mom and wife who enjoys biking and running, theater and music, and listening to people tell their stories.</i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span></span></div>
Chris Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03400228290978730369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-42787151730030354522014-08-09T07:49:00.001-04:002014-08-09T07:54:14.574-04:00Once Upon a Time in the Land of Chemo<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13AXISHF6TDDG3DDcWW_5lNU_259V8ha7A60fEJ4o39eLM5zRvAhyKVL0aNYhJYNI5_NXvQPlpsClQ-oUvFfzxnGx03dnv6UhWch5D-PP4RarB9NWSUdF7isonykkm0FUheN3rQK88aE/s1600/once+upon+a+time.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13AXISHF6TDDG3DDcWW_5lNU_259V8ha7A60fEJ4o39eLM5zRvAhyKVL0aNYhJYNI5_NXvQPlpsClQ-oUvFfzxnGx03dnv6UhWch5D-PP4RarB9NWSUdF7isonykkm0FUheN3rQK88aE/s1600/once+upon+a+time.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">by Carol Fragale Brill</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Admittedly
facing cancer and chemo is less fairy tale than scary tale.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And
yet.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A few hours into my first chemo treatment when
the nurse asked how I was feeling, I said
sleepy and dopey--and instantly thought of Snow White. I pulled out my cell
phone and whipped off something like the following email to my family.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Once
upon a time<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> DOC</b> gave me anti-nausea
drugs that make me <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SLEEPY</b>, borderline
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HAPPY</b>, and just <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DOPEY </b>enough to not be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BASHFUL</b>.
The miracle drugs are working and I am so grateful not to be nauseous because
that would make me <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GRUMPY</b>. And, I’m
not having an allergic reaction like I did with anesthesia after surgery so Chemo
didn’t make me <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SNEEZY.</b> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Oh,
and did I mention I’m sitting here with my prince?</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">While
my ditty lacks literary merit, my writer-self coming out to play during my
first chemo treatment felt absolutely huge.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
it were up to me, I’d add a couple more dwarfs to the mix. The first time the
nurse put the needle into my access port, I filled up with tears. Not because
she hurt me, I barely felt it, but that needle under my skin, made chemo feel
more real. So I’d add a dwarf named <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Weepy</b>.
And for balance I’d add <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hopeful</b>,
because that is how I want to face each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
day before my chemo, I had a networking breakfast with one of my writing
mentors, and a writer we’d never met before who wanted to pick our brains.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
new writer told me he believes the prayer of strangers is very powerful and
that he would pray for my recovery. My mentor said, “I’m praying for you too. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m praying you keep writing.</i>”</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’m
pretty sure he wasn’t talking about a three sentence scary tale. And, yet, I’m
guessing when he reads this, it will make him smile.</span></div>
</div>
Carol Fragale Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832865888789761328noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-86640999858356480122014-08-06T12:38:00.000-04:002014-08-06T12:40:07.709-04:00Embracing the "F" Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!--[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>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRX6Vs-A_F2yb3MIqStZkENu9xWD24hfmr3ydF1ukDrUi8fOpKjxJ_J-mejlIEdY9Pxd3Z8pVd2UMn_rykM5lXleskxPwu30i4x-cF4d7-BzpngSXeKEmeVS9rqVlBCX5wdRbR31eHgc_/s1600/Shailene+Woodley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRX6Vs-A_F2yb3MIqStZkENu9xWD24hfmr3ydF1ukDrUi8fOpKjxJ_J-mejlIEdY9Pxd3Z8pVd2UMn_rykM5lXleskxPwu30i4x-cF4d7-BzpngSXeKEmeVS9rqVlBCX5wdRbR31eHgc_/s1600/Shailene+Woodley.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5zyWNtvRs0p-iTijMYK3BiWdAlLcbnahp42-9BrLze4N8ibEDhOT_Dnu-2MTQaO9Lm_IjrbGJfaBcwpIRF8lvXK4a4lj-Iw68zMirkGoDEvQ9Ffu4UJwFmDL0ERADEY6HRsN8R4XTe20/s1600/Taylor+Swift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5zyWNtvRs0p-iTijMYK3BiWdAlLcbnahp42-9BrLze4N8ibEDhOT_Dnu-2MTQaO9Lm_IjrbGJfaBcwpIRF8lvXK4a4lj-Iw68zMirkGoDEvQ9Ffu4UJwFmDL0ERADEY6HRsN8R4XTe20/s1600/Taylor+Swift.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Word
on the internet is that certain female celebrities –Shailene Woodley, Taylor
Swift, and Katy Perry, to name a few – are shying away from the “F” word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I missed the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">TIME</i> articles which dealt with the issue directly – and Shailene
Woodley specifically – but I have been following the chatter in various blog
posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even AOL deigned to give the
subject a tile or two.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So, I’ve
been thinking:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how often do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I </i>use the “F” word?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did I start? How do I feel about all
the controversy?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I have
never heard my mother use the “F” word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t think I ever heard my Aunt Renee use it, either, but I know she
encouraged her daughters to use it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think the rest of my family is pretty evenly divided on the subject.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlbSztAWwprHr9nj611opL-lozFXTT31MGTQJP60GQlvmJhoYK3dMQPKnPUwRjGHBk6c3rkVEVby1C_0tM3Hj5XA99bs1x97bAOAU1muCUm2hJ4KLKT4see0zHW6tiRYvUX04zA5syTC3/s1600/Hillary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
believe I began using the “F” word in high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few of my teachers at Girls’ High
encouraged it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I never would have
been admitted to LaSalle College without the “F” word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I owe my career, my credit score, and even my
mortgage to the “F” word.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlbSztAWwprHr9nj611opL-lozFXTT31MGTQJP60GQlvmJhoYK3dMQPKnPUwRjGHBk6c3rkVEVby1C_0tM3Hj5XA99bs1x97bAOAU1muCUm2hJ4KLKT4see0zHW6tiRYvUX04zA5syTC3/s1600/Hillary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlbSztAWwprHr9nj611opL-lozFXTT31MGTQJP60GQlvmJhoYK3dMQPKnPUwRjGHBk6c3rkVEVby1C_0tM3Hj5XA99bs1x97bAOAU1muCUm2hJ4KLKT4see0zHW6tiRYvUX04zA5syTC3/s1600/Hillary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlbSztAWwprHr9nj611opL-lozFXTT31MGTQJP60GQlvmJhoYK3dMQPKnPUwRjGHBk6c3rkVEVby1C_0tM3Hj5XA99bs1x97bAOAU1muCUm2hJ4KLKT4see0zHW6tiRYvUX04zA5syTC3/s1600/Hillary.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am
pretty sure Hillary Clinton embraces the “F” word, although I can’t recall if I
have ever heard her use it in public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And, while Sarah Palin would rather be caught dead than caught using the
“F” word, she could never have been a Vice Presidential candidate without it. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGZ7mv54x6Q1WsvR2W_ygEM6622AY5FTthDKzYf5fG5w5nB5w2zN3dc7xowQl7K1HSgsp6lt67V8ucwsXb9eiGSQB9nAIaH2nQJTO2cup2rv4xrn49q4hGkJ6PiSkQf11fEdNXCzVudWr/s1600/sarah+palin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGZ7mv54x6Q1WsvR2W_ygEM6622AY5FTthDKzYf5fG5w5nB5w2zN3dc7xowQl7K1HSgsp6lt67V8ucwsXb9eiGSQB9nAIaH2nQJTO2cup2rv4xrn49q4hGkJ6PiSkQf11fEdNXCzVudWr/s1600/sarah+palin.jpg" height="143" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGZ7mv54x6Q1WsvR2W_ygEM6622AY5FTthDKzYf5fG5w5nB5w2zN3dc7xowQl7K1HSgsp6lt67V8ucwsXb9eiGSQB9nAIaH2nQJTO2cup2rv4xrn49q4hGkJ6PiSkQf11fEdNXCzVudWr/s1600/sarah+palin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGZ7mv54x6Q1WsvR2W_ygEM6622AY5FTthDKzYf5fG5w5nB5w2zN3dc7xowQl7K1HSgsp6lt67V8ucwsXb9eiGSQB9nAIaH2nQJTO2cup2rv4xrn49q4hGkJ6PiSkQf11fEdNXCzVudWr/s1600/sarah+palin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My
gynecologist, my veterinarian, my family doctor – whether they realize it or
not, they most likely owe their choice of professions to the “F” word.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So I find myself feeling<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> fairly distressed when young women with
power blanch at the “F” word – the very wellspring from which their power
emanates – as if it really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">were</i> the
“F” word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because it means that those of
us who have embraced the “F” word may not have gotten the word out well enough.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGZ7mv54x6Q1WsvR2W_ygEM6622AY5FTthDKzYf5fG5w5nB5w2zN3dc7xowQl7K1HSgsp6lt67V8ucwsXb9eiGSQB9nAIaH2nQJTO2cup2rv4xrn49q4hGkJ6PiSkQf11fEdNXCzVudWr/s1600/sarah+palin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes, it is disheartening: Shailene Woodley,Taylor Swift and Katy Perry are frightened of the “F”
word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vmB63yAoI5EoyYncSu8lOOHm5UwRKFqA65XLMqi_KMA3diPBaE8Bz0asPbUTJFeOVr-8k5Rti2yRb0iwg7KdN-sd4baJYTvEZCqDb1E_Q3Oxy1tBAdqiqLaKdv7Zhbc3Dg4yFI0WCou2/s1600/beyonce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vmB63yAoI5EoyYncSu8lOOHm5UwRKFqA65XLMqi_KMA3diPBaE8Bz0asPbUTJFeOVr-8k5Rti2yRb0iwg7KdN-sd4baJYTvEZCqDb1E_Q3Oxy1tBAdqiqLaKdv7Zhbc3Dg4yFI0WCou2/s1600/beyonce.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-MropIIrrnCwtlnhVtQNkUWemg_RFg9CxbOoZdL9pQPq1k-pZUr0CMWtrU9W28lRz6_tHxNP2YumXx7LU_okbpmJuSas9bklAe1IaxKiyv1z2z8xbJvw506ZLJmgPNlYdg-M8b4hjFFT/s1600/katy+perry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyid32HaL4OfBEAGJUPTm0cCNbhYyvBOLb5-zRwd1xZcBJxmCWFHze_4LwA4JV8HSs9ZsKZpM8wd9dH-Xkzy-6KZEUDhVMIHT2wuxfDBHi2M5xgtBc4deqj8GB326J13iHxWFSVdloEOKC/s1600/amy+poehler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyid32HaL4OfBEAGJUPTm0cCNbhYyvBOLb5-zRwd1xZcBJxmCWFHze_4LwA4JV8HSs9ZsKZpM8wd9dH-Xkzy-6KZEUDhVMIHT2wuxfDBHi2M5xgtBc4deqj8GB326J13iHxWFSVdloEOKC/s1600/amy+poehler.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0RV6Dks1b7Z8dai0KcEinNm-EaOxkiyf9tfdoqwkYFlC3eTIOPAEGISIZdQocrA0G-6cix97f4GREzLb4snf-G94zKvt8AfnY-7jJ6FvU_Qs2KBMbRCm3ef7aQrAROoJj_BIO1qWmzcV/s1600/natalie+portman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0RV6Dks1b7Z8dai0KcEinNm-EaOxkiyf9tfdoqwkYFlC3eTIOPAEGISIZdQocrA0G-6cix97f4GREzLb4snf-G94zKvt8AfnY-7jJ6FvU_Qs2KBMbRCm3ef7aQrAROoJj_BIO1qWmzcV/s1600/natalie+portman.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But there is good news, too: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I understand Beyonce’, Natalie
Portman, and Amy Poehler have no problem with it at all.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vmB63yAoI5EoyYncSu8lOOHm5UwRKFqA65XLMqi_KMA3diPBaE8Bz0asPbUTJFeOVr-8k5Rti2yRb0iwg7KdN-sd4baJYTvEZCqDb1E_Q3Oxy1tBAdqiqLaKdv7Zhbc3Dg4yFI0WCou2/s1600/beyonce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyid32HaL4OfBEAGJUPTm0cCNbhYyvBOLb5-zRwd1xZcBJxmCWFHze_4LwA4JV8HSs9ZsKZpM8wd9dH-Xkzy-6KZEUDhVMIHT2wuxfDBHi2M5xgtBc4deqj8GB326J13iHxWFSVdloEOKC/s1600/amy+poehler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">By<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>now, I hope you have guessed that I am not
writing about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the</i> “F” word here. If
you have been following the fallout from the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">TIME</i> articles, you know the “F” word I mean:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: magenta;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: white;">feminism</span></span></b><br /><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">By one
definition:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the social, political and economic equality of the sexes.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Not a
bad word at all.</span></div>
Mary Frances Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05487593284800783899noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-46660266915654841492014-07-29T10:16:00.001-04:002014-07-29T10:16:31.601-04:00How to Decide What to Keep<i>Julie Owsik Ackerman</i><br />
<br />
Like so many of us, I find myself overcommited, stretched to the limit, running from one thing to the next, wondering how I'll possibly get it all done. Like cleaning out the closet, I need to start eliminating things from my overstuffed life.<br />
<br />
Something <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GilbertLiz">Elizabeth Gilbert</a> wrote on her Facebook page helped me in deciding what to keep and what to throw away. She said something like, if it fills you with a feeling of light and possibility, keep it, otherwise, chuck it. One of my own tests: if you love it or need it, keep it.<br />
<br />
I've just begun this process. Some things I know I want to keep: my coaching business, where I help both writers and non-writers with a variety of writing challenges -- overcoming writer's block, preparing college applications, sharpening writing skills, getting words out of the head and onto the page. I love this work.<br />
<br />
But as my writing commitments have grown, I have decided to let go of writing for 4 Broads. Though I have loved being a part of the community here for the past two years, I am no longer able to post here regularly and write for my own blog. I hope you will come visit me there, at <a href="http://anythingformaterial.blogspot.com/">Anything for Material,</a> Goddess willing, my novel will be finished and published one day very soon, and I will let the 4 Broads audience know about that. And you will still see me in the comments here too.<br />
<br />
The nice thing about letting go of something is it gives someone else the opportunity to use it. I hope that the Broads will find an amazing new Broad to write here. I look forward to seeing how the blog will grow and change. It's been a privilege to work with such smart and funny broads.<br />
<br />
How do you decide what tangible or intangible things to keep or discard? Is there anything that you have outgrown?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-86581300840653794162014-07-20T11:45:00.000-04:002014-07-20T14:01:43.434-04:00Life is Like a Box of Crayons<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAuTeBv9HfmxhSDP4NoJ4PMjlqzApMnsfqqsbewuyPhXQwq6-ORkQoosH_edHmS3oOxjwR1zVKKnwOnBieYaMWp7wj0qkpFhPQSxLEJIoeE4IcEXYuG222rdIHO65SyrMhO1ktSrzyVU/s1600/crayons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAuTeBv9HfmxhSDP4NoJ4PMjlqzApMnsfqqsbewuyPhXQwq6-ORkQoosH_edHmS3oOxjwR1zVKKnwOnBieYaMWp7wj0qkpFhPQSxLEJIoeE4IcEXYuG222rdIHO65SyrMhO1ktSrzyVU/s1600/crayons.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately, I’ve thought a lot about a conversation I had years
ago with a doctor where I worked. He was complaining about some change he didn’t
like, and I said something like, “Maybe it would help to think of this as one
of those opportunities to learn.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He glanced at me sideways, and in his gentlemanly southern accent
drawled, “You know Carol, at this point in my life, I just don’t think I need
another opportunity to learn.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I learn to live with cancer, I can really relate. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A recent piece of advice I’m trying to follow is that you
can’t have cancer 24 hours a day. When I first heard that it didn’t make sense.
Slowly, it’s starting to sink in. I’m still the same happily married me, surrounded
by devoted family and supportive friends, a beach addict living in a shore town I
love, a writer, coach, and educator who is blessed to do work that fulfills me.
Cancer is just one part of me now—it only blots out the rest if I let it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’ve read <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PEACE
BY PIECE</b>, you know there’s a line where Maggie says, “I’ve never had a box
of 64 crayons.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A reader recently told me that after reading that line, she
thinks Forrest Gump’s mother might have had it wrong. That instead of
chocolates, life is like a box of crayons—full of choices every day to pick the
color of our mood. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That feels a lot like another way of saying that I don’t
have to have cancer 24 hours a day—that cancer doesn’t have to tint my every
waking thought and attitude.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Years ago, after Jim read the line about 64 crayons in a very
early draft of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PEACE BY PIECE</b>, he bought
me a green and yellow box of 96 crayons—equipped with a built-in sharpener. For
over a dozen years, that box has sat on my desk reminding me of Jim’s unwavering
support. No one ever colors with my crayons, but browsing through the colors
often recharges my creative batteries.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAuTeBv9HfmxhSDP4NoJ4PMjlqzApMnsfqqsbewuyPhXQwq6-ORkQoosH_edHmS3oOxjwR1zVKKnwOnBieYaMWp7wj0qkpFhPQSxLEJIoeE4IcEXYuG222rdIHO65SyrMhO1ktSrzyVU/s1600/crayons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, now I have a new way of thinking about the 96 colors in
that box. As I learn to live with cancer—one day at a time, one color at a time—I
will try to focus on all the shades of gratitude that remind me I’m still me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Carol Fragale Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832865888789761328noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-22770650599261750352014-07-11T14:03:00.005-04:002014-07-16T08:48:51.974-04:00Remembering Tommy: He'll Always Have a Seat at our Table<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
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-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
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;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
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;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNgkmgm2hIq76eOJeLMJcIOLZQhCZxK-ERd1vriyAAUL6dTTd-uc2Ee2DM0kuC7bbeL_HJMfsT1FActpEv8VgcEiYwB7o2Kuo6GaEJMNMkaNsji-DM5fOxCVyGSq2JVcLcjbxrCO8M9A/s1600/ZION+ROCKS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNgkmgm2hIq76eOJeLMJcIOLZQhCZxK-ERd1vriyAAUL6dTTd-uc2Ee2DM0kuC7bbeL_HJMfsT1FActpEv8VgcEiYwB7o2Kuo6GaEJMNMkaNsji-DM5fOxCVyGSq2JVcLcjbxrCO8M9A/s1600/ZION+ROCKS.jpg" height="400" width="275" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom is the little guy in front with brothers and cousins 1991.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Aunt Chris Brady</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our family is grieving the loss of a son, brother, grandson,
nephew, uncle and cousin. We’ve been with him on an emotional roller coaster
for more than two years now, and sadly for us, the ride ended on July 10. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thomas Stepek, age 30, learned he had a rare sarcoma cancer
in 2012. I will never forget the phone call from my sister telling me about his
diagnosis; the heartbreaking fear and grief in her voice spoke volumes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus began a journey with Tom and his family of
good times like weddings, births, holidays, and beach time offset by hospitals
and doctor visits, and everything you don’t want to know about cancer. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Death brings an end to his suffering, but dammit, we were
not ready to give him up just yet. He gave us so much hope because no matter
what cancer threw at him, he hit back with courage, humor and grit. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tom was a professional chef, and his illness forced early
retirement, so if there was a silver lining to this cloud, those of us outside
his immediate family had more quality time with him. I think we all wanted to
overdose on Tom, poaching invites to his family home so that we could hug and
kiss him one more time, and enjoy his gourmet cooking. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3wCi8e01dD6f0a-5XwO95SdLf48IU8nC5PWr0aIaa9WJljHrdb_Llbf5LAFAwSz5OS4-CGm8otKQQ7GwCd4Ytqh_Cb3WXD0Lxij-_tI1YpWPd4ai6KAH8B4MvpoqLGDdJzmoTiEK00I/s1600/Tom_ShowerCook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3wCi8e01dD6f0a-5XwO95SdLf48IU8nC5PWr0aIaa9WJljHrdb_Llbf5LAFAwSz5OS4-CGm8otKQQ7GwCd4Ytqh_Cb3WXD0Lxij-_tI1YpWPd4ai6KAH8B4MvpoqLGDdJzmoTiEK00I/s1600/Tom_ShowerCook.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking at the shower; his mom watching.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tom’s meals showcased his art and talent. He catered my daughter-in-law’s bridal
shower in May. I will never forget his energy hopping on one
leg as he prepared eight small bite courses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He channeled inner strength that day to give us an unforgettable meal. Always an optimist about his
illness, he told me that day that he wanted to do more catering to stay active and to have a purpose beyond fighting cancer. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tom had lost his leg to amputation soon after his diagnosis,
and he made the best of that situation, learning to use a prosthesis until the
wasting from chemo took that help away. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He suffered from the phantom pain that you hear
about with amputation, still feeling your lost limb because your brain doesn't know it's gone.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think that's how we all feel today as we settle into a
new chapter without Tom, still sensing his wonderful presence in our lives because our brains and our hearts will not
accept that he is gone.</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thanks to the many caregivers who gave us extra moments with
Tommy, especially the doctors and nurses at <a href="https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Simple/Donor.asp?ievent=318260&en=dmIPK6NPJcKYLgMSLbIVIcO2KpKVJgN0LkJXJhNaLAK" target="_blank">Fox Chase Cancer Center</a>, who gave
him hope and kindness, and peaceful final hours with family and friends. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Chris Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03400228290978730369noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-7447402109026825852014-07-01T06:34:00.000-04:002014-07-01T06:42:48.156-04:00There's No Place Like Home; Wherever that Is<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
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-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
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;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
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;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>by Chris Brady</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Recent events have me pondering where I want to live when I
grow down. I’ve loved my <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lqDh08Mde1qTyiOdlZGxACq3RInIxT-7qZXjkmfBgNpyFHV871aKC1r-uibPZGyXJ1PCOVGs6kqe12ZG5Np2xm_TY7Nhqp0s47Fr97977pTXWtdOHd-P3Uu618ZdlTAAM7QR1lvZ7jQ/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lqDh08Mde1qTyiOdlZGxACq3RInIxT-7qZXjkmfBgNpyFHV871aKC1r-uibPZGyXJ1PCOVGs6kqe12ZG5Np2xm_TY7Nhqp0s47Fr97977pTXWtdOHd-P3Uu618ZdlTAAM7QR1lvZ7jQ/s1600/photo(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home for 30+ years, but maybe not for 40.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
house since 1987, but I am so ready to punt yard
work and cleaning 2-1/2 baths. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But where to next, I wonder? </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />My husband and I were thinking of selling and having no property. We could be caretakers of fabulous
second homes of the rich, like a Jackson Hole ranch or a Malibu beach house. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />A newsletter called “The Caretaker’s Gazette” lists these
opportunities. It’s such fun reading about the homes, the exotic locales and the requirements. (That's the part that's not fun.) I realized I would be trading my 2-1/2 baths to clean their 6 baths and horse stalls for the honor of having a free room with a view.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />I think I’ll pass.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />We wouldn’t want to move to a Florida/Arizona/North Carolina type of
retirement community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> My loved ones are mostly in PA, and</span> living near family will
always be at the top of my list.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And forget about a 55-plus community; I see those ads and
shudder at the thought of living with people my own age in a sterile gated enclave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who are they keeping out,” I
wonder.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">People like me, I surmise. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My favorite idea is to downsize to an apartment in Center City Philly. It will be close to family, with
everything I need in walking distance. I'll volunteer at museums and theaters for cheap and easy access to arts and culture. I'll have shopping and restaurants and people of all stripes and ages just outside my door. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In my work exit strategy, I have about five years to plan for it, with a lot of
stuff to move out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Anybody want a player piano and 200 rolls real cheap? </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have you made the move from your home to a new life
somewhere?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Are you thinking about one more move before the Big Chill?</span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Share your advice and experiences.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoy my favorite song about house and home. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7G6cFtsxKz0" width="420"></iframe>
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Chris Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03400228290978730369noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-87820378999171109442014-06-24T06:37:00.000-04:002014-06-24T06:39:25.487-04:00Intangible Spirit<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfRnoXcnO_4njJ501yFanfX9KkL5FecRTu6z8-uqI8BQUUhpwcFe44ziPPEI4UDGa8_d3B8aZT-8r_GAm5M6YYStw6Q1tQaYrPo0LTc8jvXDNzhuUNLFRo0XjpJ6um7bt3bbJ_rnJ-x6j/s1600/GirlsHSfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfRnoXcnO_4njJ501yFanfX9KkL5FecRTu6z8-uqI8BQUUhpwcFe44ziPPEI4UDGa8_d3B8aZT-8r_GAm5M6YYStw6Q1tQaYrPo0LTc8jvXDNzhuUNLFRo0XjpJ6um7bt3bbJ_rnJ-x6j/s1600/GirlsHSfront.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> June 18,
2014 marked 40 years since I received my diploma from my high school alma
mater. Literally translated, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">alma mater </i>means
“nourishing/kind mother.” During my years at Philadelphia High School for Girls,
I am not sure I would have necessarily agreed with that translation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In a happy coincidence, the June
21 issue of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Philadelphia Inquirer</i>
carried a heartwarming story of Imani Bullock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ms. Bullock is the fifth generation of women to graduate in white dress
and red flowers: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as her mother,
great-grandmother, and two great-aunts before her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ms. Bullock is a graduate of the current
class, 258.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because Girls’ High once
graduated classes in both January and June, alums usually refer to their class
number rather than their year to avoid confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not without some drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a recent Career Day, I told the roomful of bright young women that I was Class of 218.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their response:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><em>a collective
gasp</em>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I digress…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While it took me 20 years before
I truly appreciated the “intangible spirit” that I carried with me into the
world on June 18, 1974, Ms. Bullock apparently has a clue. I quote her quote
from the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Inquirer:</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We just have a family filled with
strong women who strive for academic excellence.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know she
was speaking of her own family, but I can’t help thinking she included her
extended Girls’ High family, as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I admit I was closer to middle
age when I began to understand what Imani Bullock already knows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My National Merit Scholarship to La Salle, my
commitment to mentoring other women, my ability to overcome obstacles:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came to realize my alma mater deserved some
of the credit. I started attending reunions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And annual alumnae luncheons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
presenting at Career Day (to this day, only 10% of appraisers who hold my
advanced designation are women).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me,
it was a way to reconnect with those strong women at a time when I was starting
my own business in a mostly male environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only real asset I had at the time was
myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now, add another 20 years. My 40<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
reunion luncheon (and I almost didn’t go, but the lure of Gloria Allred, 204, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>was too much to resist).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again, I reconnected with friends and
hung on to every word of gutsy Gloria, our luncheon speaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A healthy dose of that intangible spirit reminded me that</span> I’ve been a
Girls’ High Girl all along.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozvGDUmLeMFkDimei9R4X8hYQKWocEHxowHXkJnTMM0tAZ57PGcSqaXzbVCDsBngGKrPhZPRCm9f5VjHllF4F8beUKLBx1hT2uBZlOWSfyvYxOJ5dwde50c99_9NXH0ftrgw0Ut1rIjfJ/s1600/Gloria+and+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozvGDUmLeMFkDimei9R4X8hYQKWocEHxowHXkJnTMM0tAZ57PGcSqaXzbVCDsBngGKrPhZPRCm9f5VjHllF4F8beUKLBx1hT2uBZlOWSfyvYxOJ5dwde50c99_9NXH0ftrgw0Ut1rIjfJ/s1600/Gloria+and+Me.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The author with Gloria Allred</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Oh, I’m no Gloria Allred,
Esquire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gloria Allred</i> might not have become Gloria Allred as we know her
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During her presentation, Ms. Allred candidly
admitted she tried to transfer out of Girls’ High. She didn’t think she
had the right stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And I’m no Judith Rodin (first
woman President of the University of Pennsylvania).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m no Constance Clayton (first woman and
first African-American Superintendent of Philadelphia Schools).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m no Julie Gold, a fellow 218 alum and
songwriter whose credits include “From a Distance,” that Bette Midler hit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not even Patricia Giorgio Fox, Deputy
Police Commissioner for the City of Philadelphia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am proud to count myself among them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And proud they count me, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Any of us who have grown up in
Philadelphia have seen incredible changes to our alma maters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schools closing, both public and
parochial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Budget cuts decimating
programs and faculty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Resources
dwindling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Girls' High is no exception:
loss of guidance counselors, woefully outdated lab equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel fortunate that those marble halls are
still open to embrace young women like Imani Bullock. And, I hope, <em>her</em>
daughters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At my alma mater, the misson statement is: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="s1"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To provide learning
experiences in a safe, nurturing environment that prepare our students for
success in college and leadership in their chosen fields. We do this by
challenging the intellect, embracing diversity, celebrating leadership,
honoring ethical behavior and encouraging participation in the extracurricular
program.</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Right now, in the School
District of Philadelphia, the average cost to educate one student is
$12,351.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That is quite a bargain for a Girls’ High Girl.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Check out the link below to hear the alma mater of the Philadelphia High School for Girls.</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/g/girlshigh/media/school-song-253.mp3">http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/g/girlshigh/media/school-song-253.mp3</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mary Frances Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05487593284800783899noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-77876138383633159822014-06-17T11:22:00.000-04:002014-06-18T19:49:19.591-04:00After You Hear, "It's Cancer"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlFRduUBUyTuEpU8MKhP26UhKELwDg7cuimZk_kRqR7prHlOn1Rtnt5tCHHXOguhuMbyiU0El_vaVKsfdcYtnfRrTl3I7I0Becf3ZvV1WyCxXT8DG4ZfBxFuEW731IBy9gaU2q817UYU/s1600/peach-ribbon-lapel-pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlFRduUBUyTuEpU8MKhP26UhKELwDg7cuimZk_kRqR7prHlOn1Rtnt5tCHHXOguhuMbyiU0El_vaVKsfdcYtnfRrTl3I7I0Becf3ZvV1WyCxXT8DG4ZfBxFuEW731IBy9gaU2q817UYU/s1600/peach-ribbon-lapel-pin.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Peach Ribbon/Uterine Cancer</span></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;">by Carol Fragale Brill</span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It’s been fifty years since my dad died from brain cancer
when I was twelve. My rational self knows that over those fifty years, there
have been countless advances in cancer treatment—that today, having cancer is
not the six-months-to-live death sentence it was when he was diagnosed, and
many kinds of cancer are completely curable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And yet. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a recent abnormal Pap smear and biopsy, when my doctor
said, “It’s cancer,” my rational self went AWOL, and my first terrified thought
was, “is this how I’m going to die?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fortunately, Jim was with me to reinforce all the positive
things the doctor said about catching it early because I take care of myself,
get regular physicals and Pap tests, and that this type of cancer is typically
curable. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a few more hours of dark thoughts, a fragile acceptance
started to sink in. Amazingly, Jim and I both slept better that night than we
had for several days. Having an idea of what we were up against was actually better
than the fretful days and sleepless nights of imagining the worst. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We’re in another cycle of waiting now as my surgery gets
scheduled, and then we'll wait again for tissue and lymph node biopsy results. I hold on to the assurances from friends, who are cancer
survivors, that waiting is the hardest part and that it gets easier once you
know the treatment plan. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At some point that first night, I had a brief attack of
uncertainty about what I was supposed to do next—put my life on hold, cancel
everything on my calendar? Jim and I
talked and decided I should do exactly what I would have done before my
diagnosis. So the next day, I got up and took a bike ride, showed up for my
consulting gig, and spent the late afternoon with Jim reading on the beach.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I knew I’d made the right decision about continuing to “do”
my life when a friend who is a breast cancer survivor shared a piece of advice
that someone had shared with her: Give cancer every bit of time necessary—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and not a minute more</i>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish I could say that those first hours after hearing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it's cancer</i> were the only time I
melted-down. The truth is dark thoughts lurk just below the surface and pop up at
some point almost every day. Sometimes it’s a fleeting thought like when I
admire a sundress in a shop window and then wonder if I buy it, will I have a
chance to wear it. Or, when I reach for placemats, and instead of the everyday
ones, I take out the “good ones” asking myself what am I saving them for?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Most days, I can shake those thoughts off pretty quickly.
Sporadically, grief hijacks my thoughts and I wallow in self-pity and project
about what-ifs. But even on those days, when I put my day in balance, so far,
the fear and sadness are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>outweighed by hope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At first, I wanted to hide my fears to protect my family and
friends from feeling afraid too. Then a friend sent me a card that says: Cancer
is tough but you’re tougher. I realized I can put my feelings
out there and trust that my family and friends and readers are tougher than cancer,
too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
</div>
Carol Fragale Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832865888789761328noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-11330851262779785412014-06-10T21:53:00.000-04:002014-06-10T21:53:00.025-04:00How to Find Your People<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /></a><br />
<i>Julie Owsik Ackerman</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
"I don't know any successful author who doesn't have a writing community," said Alma Katsu, author of <a href="http://www.almakatsu.com/books.php">The Taker</a>, this weekend at the<a href="http://pwcwriters.org/"> Philadelphia Writers Conference</a>. This makes perfect sense to me.<br />
<br />
I've been serious about writing for the past seven years, and over the past two years, I've been coming out of my writer shell, building a community of writers, and seeing what a huge difference it makes. So how does one find/make a community?<br />
<br />
My two key strategies: 1) start a writing group 2) go to writing conferences.<br />
<br />
Writing group: I searched far and wide for a writing group to suit my needs. I tried several over the years, but when nothing quite worked, I started my own. I posted a notice on a listserv that know about from showing up a writing conferences (more on that below), I recruited a neighbor when I ran into her at another writing event I didn't feel like attending, but dragged myself to, another friend joined, a mom I know from our babysitting co-op joined, and voila - writing group. We meet every other week, bring up to four pages, and have no homework. That's the format that has worked for us. We encourage each other, we read each other's work, we make suggestions. Most importantly, we break the isolation of trying to do this thing alone.<br />
<br />
Conferences: My first writing conference was traumatic. Probably my expectations were unreasonable. Also I had never really had my work critiqued before and the teacher was pretty harsh. Thank God it didn't scare me away from conferences forever, because every writing conference I've ever attended, including that one, has given me something valuable.<br />
<br />
Here are just a few things I gained from the amazing <a href="http://pwcwriters.org/">Philadelphia Writers Conference</a>, which just concluded:<br />
<br />
A new screenwriter friend, and an idea of starting a screenwriting group. One of the best educational experiences I've ever had with Mark Lapadula, legendary screenwriting teacher. Solid revision technique for my novels from <a href="http://www.almakatsu.com/books.php">Alma Katsu</a>. Getting to chat with <a href="http://www.judithbyronschachner.com/">Judy Schachner</a> - creator of <a href="http://www.skippyjonjones.com/">SkippyJon Jones</a>, some of my favorite children's books of all time. Pitching my novel to an editor of a small press who really understood my protagonist and story and really wants to see it, who told me the name of an agent who she thought would love it. Practice pitching my novel to other people, and talking about my book a lot.<br />
<br />
I never know what I will get out of a writing conference, but I always come away energized, inspired, and with new connections. Every time. One small step at a time, over seven years, by attending workshops and talking about my writing to lots of people, I have cobbled together a writing community, and that is what has sustained me when I feel discouraged, when it seems pointless, when I want to give up or shut up.<br />
<br />
Maybe your pastime is painting, knitting, gardening, or dancing. Whatever your interests, go find your people. Passions are so much more fun, vibrant, alive when they are shared. Trust me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1843414525694557803.post-56257818836853606792014-05-29T07:19:00.001-04:002014-05-29T07:19:27.908-04:00 Bells Will Be Ringing: Advice to Make Love Last<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxabwx6pxPlkQcZA7qTsVRrHRZIfJLCz-ag2BJ4dwfILoXCJY27UZzlu-4uvH7rKdI0T_NHs82Wj5103FcZhbkTj8OBcIhMZJgnEl3vT-qqj9bAwC6j6M5jgZsO4jFMHfOsNvnTDcQjA/s1600/Single36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxabwx6pxPlkQcZA7qTsVRrHRZIfJLCz-ag2BJ4dwfILoXCJY27UZzlu-4uvH7rKdI0T_NHs82Wj5103FcZhbkTj8OBcIhMZJgnEl3vT-qqj9bAwC6j6M5jgZsO4jFMHfOsNvnTDcQjA/s1600/Single36.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chelsey and Blake: perfect together. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am posting this two days before my son’s wedding. How did I make the time? I’m the mother of the groom; I’ve been informed but not immersed in the thousands of details that go into planning a big wedding. (<i>"Show up and wear beige” </i>is the MOG mantra.) It’s all fun from here (<i>Please God)</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My favorite wedding planning moments have been practicing our mother son dance. We have not danced much over the years; he was a wall hanger at family weddings where we would have had the chance. But he is marrying a dancing queen, so I think (really hope) he is in for a future of dancing. It’s such fun, and an easy way to make her happy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We’ve had two practice sessions with an instructor, and I’ve learned a few new steps. Now if I can remember to follow, keep my arms where they need to be, forget the steps and enjoy the moment. It’s been such fun for me that I’m starting a new tradition, dancing together on my birthday and his and any celebration in between.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> How do you make love last?</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wanted to use this post to give the young lovers words of advice on how to keep your marriage as fresh and exciting 30 years from now as it is on your wedding day. Sustaining that passion takes work and intention. Then I found this little pamphlet I have saved in my desk for about 10 years. I realized that Dale Carnegie’s principles from <i>How to Win Friends and Influence People</i> could be the recipe for a happy marriage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· Don’t criticize, condemn or complain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· Give honest, sincere appreciation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· Arouse in the other person an eager want.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· Smile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· Try honestly to see from the other person’s point of view</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· Decide just how much anxiety a thing may be worth and refuse to give it more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· Cooperate with the inevitable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· Don’t worry about the past.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And I’m adding one more …</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">· Keep dancing -- at weddings, parties, at home before and after dinner, always …</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Trust me on this. Your mother knows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Join me in toasting the happy couple, and share your best advice on how to make love last.</span></i><br />
<br />
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iJrmjxBRhuk" width="420"></iframe></div>
Chris Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03400228290978730369noreply@blogger.com9