tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31116310399995756522024-03-14T00:17:37.753-07:00bhulbhulaiyanHerein lies a labyrinth of memories...past and present...
this is best navigated by going to the very beginning of the blog...
it is in the first posts, from March 2008, in which the heart of this blog is foundAnjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.comBlogger307125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-42903540993782480432024-03-07T16:12:00.000-08:002024-03-07T16:12:27.311-08:00And time marches on<p> Time doesn't wait for any person. One minute you are in 2018 and the next thing you know, 6 years have passed and you are in 2024! Of course that isn't what really happened, but it seems to have been a mere blink of an eye.</p><p>Six years means a lot of things have transpired in that time. The death of my father, the birth of 4 more of my grandkids, bringing the total to 13 grandchildren. The growth of the <a href="http://www.seawardpublishinghouse.com" target="_blank">Seaward Publishing House</a>...from one lone book to an inventory of six books. The latest book published was <a href="https://seawardpublishinghouse.com/deliveries/the-church-is-the-ark" target="_blank">The Church is the Ark by Pastor Matt Krachunis. </a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BtfHFw_CI0bcMHbENKl85Nwg1lnC5PgCc0-QxsNn4_45nJjgB04V8XQonh4VnMD2DXit-nSutQednDVW-yq97ZeLfyV757rrqpO5gv1ljhr6Xl7IGX3QY5v4Q7QXfJe3zf3gzAdB2kQTjf7myGliZJTsLBt7ZLCnJwGSXtYSJS4DSGMZMhAKKuV9g6A/s640/church%20ark%20publicity%20teal.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BtfHFw_CI0bcMHbENKl85Nwg1lnC5PgCc0-QxsNn4_45nJjgB04V8XQonh4VnMD2DXit-nSutQednDVW-yq97ZeLfyV757rrqpO5gv1ljhr6Xl7IGX3QY5v4Q7QXfJe3zf3gzAdB2kQTjf7myGliZJTsLBt7ZLCnJwGSXtYSJS4DSGMZMhAKKuV9g6A/s320/church%20ark%20publicity%20teal.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>In the midst of those six years, I added another biography to the mix. A sequel, if you will, to the <a href="https://seawardpublishinghouse.com/deliveries/letta-in-china" target="_blank">Letta in China </a>book. This one is <a href="https://seawardpublishinghouse.com/deliveries/margaret-in-singapore" target="_blank">Margaret In Singapore</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Oz-6a4CYHUsAIL6tQND0Y4EVrhiMA67ro7fPyRvwtU-sdXXZgiZqz_O5xa0q2uxVTtq2HEAwSh4W46_vv04dWZYi5M-lcP2JnUwGQdwUhtlU_uBvr72JfNBihRs8PceTH6UN-Tp7XbeGijTmGi6SGQTmsWZNUNhL-1gLLXuX3jZJqeMUR2_xWMyw-ro/s1240/Front%20of%20website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1190" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Oz-6a4CYHUsAIL6tQND0Y4EVrhiMA67ro7fPyRvwtU-sdXXZgiZqz_O5xa0q2uxVTtq2HEAwSh4W46_vv04dWZYi5M-lcP2JnUwGQdwUhtlU_uBvr72JfNBihRs8PceTH6UN-Tp7XbeGijTmGi6SGQTmsWZNUNhL-1gLLXuX3jZJqeMUR2_xWMyw-ro/s320/Front%20of%20website.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the midst of those six years, COVID came and went. I was in Singapore in February 2020, when the hint of COVID was being mulled over. Before I boarded the plane to fly back to Seattle, I heard announcements of flights being canceled to and from China. When the plane landed at Narita, it felt surreal walking through the airport to reach my next flight. Apparatus had been set up to 'cleanse' passengers before they boarded the next flight. The airport didn't have the same hustle and bustle it normally had. I expected the same when I arrived in Seattle, but at that time the impact of COVID had not registered yet on the US shores, so it was business as usual upon landing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, business as usual didn't last long and by March things were in lock down. The rest of the story is known by all, far and wide. (unless you were hiding under a rock during that time). Now it seems all timelines are prefaced with ..."oh yes that was before COVID"...or "I think that happened after COVID"...when COVID actually ended, no one really knows because it seemed to have lingered around, or at least the ideas of COVID and everything COVID related.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The past four years have been interesting to say the least. Whether it be politics, health, personal pronouns, etc, this appears to be the time of great divisions. Gone are the days of, "well, we can agree to disagree" and on to the days of, "If you don't agree with me, then you are a moron and I don't want to even talk to you ever again." Thankfully, I seem to have true friends and acquaintances who do not adhere to the latter and lean more to the former way of thinking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whelp, now that we have caught up with the past six years, let us see where we go from here, shall we? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-5112855733454020092018-04-30T11:30:00.002-07:002018-04-30T11:30:59.030-07:00Where do I begin? <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(written on March 28th 2018)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For someone with so many words...words that just tumble out even when they are not wanted...words that jump helter-skelter over each other at all occasions...I'm amazed at my lack of words at this moment. My husband urged me to write something on Facebook, but I could not. I decided I would come in here and post something on this blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Saturday night (March 24th 2018) I received a phone call from my nephew informing me of my eldest brother, Rick Seaward's tragic death. He had been down in Brazil preaching at a Conference when he met with an accident. When the news came, I had to inform my parents their eldest son had preceded them in death. I called my eldest sister to also give her the news. My family is strewn all over the globe, so all notifications were done via Facetime or Whatsapp video or phone calls. This is the modern era- so far away and yet connected via technology. I'm thankful for the ease of communication at a time like this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The moment the public announcement was made in Singapore many comments, memories, tributes flooded social media on all platforms. ( <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InMemoryofRevDrRickSeaward/" target="_blank">In Memory of Rick Seaward FB page</a> ) In reading the comments and the well wishes, I know he was more than just my brother. He meant so much to so many people all over the world. From capitals in the world to small villages. <b><i>There could be books written about him and his exploits. But for now, I will just attempt to remember him as he was to me, my big brother.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have memories of wonderful adventures. He encouraged me to ride an adult bicycle when I was just 7 years old- by putting my legs through the middle of the open frame so that both my feet could pedal the bicycle at a slant. Just picture this wee 7 year old- legs straddled through this huge adult bicycle- peddling at full force as she races down the back streets of Singapore. Every time I would yell ahead to him, "I don't think I can keep going"-- He would yell back, "You can do it!!" It seems like that was always our conversation throughout my life-- Him encouraging me to move into realms I thought would be impossible-- me thinking and saying "I don't think I can" -- Him reassuring me that I could...and lo and behold...I not only COULD...I did!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was a great organizer even when he was younger. There was the time he organized the entire neighborhood to come for his variety show. Even the adults crowded in our next door neighbor's garage to watch the show. It was standing room only. Yes, even in those days he could fill a room!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the Sunday school did a competition to see who could bring the most children. He won hands down with streams of children following him each Sunday. He strategized and targeted the local elementary schools. He couldn't have been more than 12 years old. I would have to check to find out exactly how many children he ended up bringing to Sunday school. It seems like it was over 50, but my memory escapes me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As far as pranks- he was the King of pranks. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">He and my two sisters would play pranks and they let us younger siblings join in the fun. The pranks were well orchestrated playing on the suspicions of the "pointianak" - a female zombie who was reported to come out of banana trees at night. My eldest sister would dress in a long white gown and she already had the long hair. Late at night, we hid behind the banana trees. When a motorcyclist, or bicyclist raced down the dark road my sister would emerge from the banana grove. Invariably the person in question would scream and rush off in panic. Sometimes even dropping their mode of transport to run away. All of us would laugh with glee. I believe Rick came up with all the pranks. There were so many more.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He wasn't always playful, he knew how to be serious and caring when the need arose. When I was in the States for University, he visited me on one of his trips from Singapore and there was a Father-Daughter banquet at the school. He told me that he was going to go with me since my dad was all the way in Singapore. I was very grateful. Shortly after that, my studies seemed too overwhelming. I was attempting to finish a four year course in 2 and a half years. I told him I was planning on dropping out. He sat with me and mapped out my options. He showed me the pros and cons of my decision. Rick then said, "It's not my decision, but I would strongly advise you to not give up." I was forever grateful for his wise advice, which I did listen to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The majority of my life we have not lived on the same continent. I was 6 years younger than him. He left home for University at 14 years old - I was only 8. By the time he returned to Singapore, I was away at school in Penang and then on to the States for University. Somehow, even though we lived so far apart, God made it possible that he helped me in some major decisions in my life. He helped keep me from making major mistakes. One time specifically, I was about to make a life-changing decision and he said to me, "Connie, you've made one huge mistake, don't compound it by making another mistake." How grateful I was that he gave me that advice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thank God that I have a hope that this is not the end for my brother. He has moved on and He is now rejoicing. For this, I am so thankful! Of course, with any farewell- even if it is for a short time, our hearts feel a loss. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">My loss here on earth is his gain. </span> He has won his race. He has gotten his prize. Now I know he joins those who are talked about in Hebrews 12: 1-3, "For now since so great a crowd of witnesses surround us let us run this race..." He is part of those witnesses as I continue to run this race. He is cheering me and so many others on. </span>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-2177959880644321672018-02-06T15:25:00.001-08:002018-02-06T15:25:21.194-08:00With a little help from your friends<span style="font-size: large;">I am very thankful for those who have been willing to come along side me in this new venture of publishing. Some are people who don't know the ropes themselves, but they are happy to be a support. Others I have sought out, are seasoned Publishers. What a delight that although they didn't know me before, they have taken the time to give me much needed guidance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One such person is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.hartmann" target="_blank">Suzanne Hartman</a> who is a co-founder of <a href="http://www.castlegatepress.com/" target="_blank">castle gate press</a>. She took the time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions and to offer advice. Suzanne recapped a bit of her experience in starting a publishing company and it helped me to see that I am not alone in many of the things I have experienced thus far. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On another note- the book is finally on Amazon. Go to Amazon and look for Run Your Race by Crystal Krachunis and you will now be able to order it from there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-36129247293401920572018-01-27T15:30:00.000-08:002018-01-27T15:40:13.539-08:00Coming up for air<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Is it really January? No, its not just January, it is the end of January. Where did November and December go? They were some kind of a blur. I vaguely remember book launches, multiple visits to the post office, family dinners, celebrations, etc etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My sister came to visit me from the Himalayan region. I hadn't seen her in a few years. The visit was unexpected and it landed just about the time I was doing the book launch! Can we say, "Master Juggler of Time"? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The book launch was amazing! May I give a shout out to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mmiabaerg" target="_blank">Mia Baerg</a> - this is a young lady who is going to shake the world. There are some people you meet and you just know they are going to make a slighter bigger mark on this world than someone else. Mia is just that type of person. She agreed to help with the sales at the book launch and she helped to keep things running smoothly when we were converged upon by the masses. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLK98v426mmHAPAePYm79RkJaVAEuROiinfXGR2vrjSnX9B_46_AOK5_UN2U5XeLT5I6HChhhC1Nk-30X2sUu33EI7FZipYI3JxknNdtoHRHt5CLkCenku460jBAxApFm6XGcZlA6_wk/s1600/24879942_10154838859246805_1638472424846609253_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLK98v426mmHAPAePYm79RkJaVAEuROiinfXGR2vrjSnX9B_46_AOK5_UN2U5XeLT5I6HChhhC1Nk-30X2sUu33EI7FZipYI3JxknNdtoHRHt5CLkCenku460jBAxApFm6XGcZlA6_wk/s200/24879942_10154838859246805_1638472424846609253_o.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My husband stepped in to help with the sales as well. I thought everything was very organized. We had a line for people paying with checks, cash and credit/debit cards. How much more organized can you get than that? Well, no matter how prepared you are and how organized you are, there will always be the person who wants to stand in the wrong line. We were busy learning as we went.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIH4FouCHsDtfP5msbYTFD-rG1YLZedWBtplSXdK6NL6BsduqZUnz8IuDX4Gjbsd2vCtz6SDPqmtOoaA_DJIbq2tLxIpavxEg4XI7CpBbd-dKYbpsVqlWWdFF9q9v2OyLnPVHTfb-8k0/s1600/24879670_10154838978246805_4637026763046717222_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIH4FouCHsDtfP5msbYTFD-rG1YLZedWBtplSXdK6NL6BsduqZUnz8IuDX4Gjbsd2vCtz6SDPqmtOoaA_DJIbq2tLxIpavxEg4XI7CpBbd-dKYbpsVqlWWdFF9q9v2OyLnPVHTfb-8k0/s320/24879670_10154838978246805_4637026763046717222_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuburnChurchWa/" target="_blank">Faith and Victory Church </a>did a magnificent job putting the whole launch together. Balloons bobbed around, black table clothes gave an elegant look to the evening. Crystal Krachunis, the author of <a href="https://seawardpublishinghouse.com/" target="_blank">Run Your Race</a>, made a wonderful speech prior to the books being sold. All in all, it was a fabulous evening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In our bright eyed and bushy tailed mindset, we saw every single book flying off the sales table. We saw ourselves driving home with empty boxes and immediately putting in a new order for books to be printed. The reality of the evening was many books were sold. We still had to bring home boxes which contained many more books. At the end of the day, the evening was a success. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The books have continued to be sold online at the www.seawardpublishinghouse.com website. The original surge of books sales has slowed down to a dribble. I finally broke down and registered the book on Amazon- (do you remember my battle cry indicating we weren't going to go down that route?) Ah, yes, even the mighty have fallen. Well, apparently it is not as easy as just saying, "Hey I want to sell my book on Amazon"-- they made me fill out forms and send in my driver's license and business license. And then I expected a "Okay you are all set"-- no, I got a message that informed me I would probably hear back from them by the 27th-- that is today- so I'm keeping my eyes open. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know Amazon will not be the lifesaver for keeping sales up. This is where marketing comes in. I'm picking other people's brains. I'm writing to other publishers, business owners and start ups asking them how they do it. What tools do they use. My personal banker- you remember her, right?<a href="https://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-nuts-and-bolts.html" target="_blank">Anita Trujillo</a>. She suggested a great idea- she said I should approach some college students to see if they might want to hop on board as interns to do social media marketing. This would benefit me as the publisher and benefit them as they beef up their resumes for the future. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I would like to see another book published this year- 2018- but unless I can get this one completely off the ground and into orbit, I will have to wait a bit longer for the next project to be launched. If you have any suggestions which might help me get that dribble back up to the roaring river of sales we previously were enjoying, please feel free to send them my way! Any and all comments are welcome.</span>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-44834150587626301762017-11-25T02:41:00.002-08:002017-11-25T03:17:52.673-08:00Behind the Scenes<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A book doesn't just appear out of thin air. There are a myriad of moving parts behind the publishing of a book. Each person who contributes something to the finished product is equally important. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Let's say you have a manuscript...and you think it is quite good...fantastic, even. Aah, but you see your eyes have been looking at those words on the screen, or the paper, for weeks...even months. Just like the crumpled paper in the corner of the bedroom, which starts to look normal after some time, so are the tiny mistakes sprinkled through the pages. A forgotten word or misspelled word, due to hurried typing. A phrase which sticks out like a sore thumb. All of these 'mistakes' need attention, and who better to deal with them then an editor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Lisa Cerasoli of <a href="http://www.529books.com/" target="_blank">529 books</a> proved to be a God send. She worked seamlessly with Crystal Krachunis to produce the best book possible. Deadlines were met far in advance. Communication zipped back and forth with ease. <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/AVvXsEiRYRbHkzMloLCjou17qd6ZOhXjqOwbfYd4sF4dtU-lu8wYHLPQzE1P01JTqp_ABtKCzGVwkFHviIzJUJbcKZzhEX1SENTHKObsFprHRhqk6bWhp0IKn3mYWC7Qmcz5iGpNREwXXRXUSJE/s1600/Lisa+Cerasoli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYRbHkzMloLCjou17qd6ZOhXjqOwbfYd4sF4dtU-lu8wYHLPQzE1P01JTqp_ABtKCzGVwkFHviIzJUJbcKZzhEX1SENTHKObsFprHRhqk6bWhp0IKn3mYWC7Qmcz5iGpNREwXXRXUSJE/s200/Lisa+Cerasoli.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa Cerasoli</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What is a manuscript- edited or not- without a printer? Well, basically it is a pile of papers on your desk which can never get into anyone else's hands. So this is where <a href="https://gorhamprinting.com/" target="_blank">Gorham Printing</a> entered the stage to 'save the day'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before you can print the books, you need to figure out what your cover will look like. <a href="https://www.glorydaysgarage.com/" target="_blank">Glory Days Garage</a> helped out with pre-designing the cover. They even came up with a great idea for a tote bag to use as a promotional tool. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8l8wTerykPf1rVqXv9UHAvT9NwGbSkwZPcf-v6k2SGBTHwVrCPuU4lTHFEKciNlG8GYx7rh7z3eyJkLJdxN1twlH4k0q4eEZ1SctUluTcqear1ua1pWUK7PLpZYjnbazvysVYMelpSs/s1600/canvastotemock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8l8wTerykPf1rVqXv9UHAvT9NwGbSkwZPcf-v6k2SGBTHwVrCPuU4lTHFEKciNlG8GYx7rh7z3eyJkLJdxN1twlH4k0q4eEZ1SctUluTcqear1ua1pWUK7PLpZYjnbazvysVYMelpSs/s200/canvastotemock.png" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Okay, let's be honest. You can have a book...fully edited...nicely printed...but if you don't have any way to let others know about the book, this is a problem. It's the kind of problem which will result in boxes of books stacked up in a warehouse with nowhere to go. This is where Bart Cardea of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eastcarolinacreative/" target="_blank">East Carolina Creative</a> stepped in. He produced a marvelous website for <a href="http://www.seawardpublishinghouse.com/" target="_blank">Seaward Publishing House</a>. Bart worked tirelessly to make sure everything was ready when the book came off the presses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Of course, there are a lot of other 'behind the scenes' helpers. The ones who poured over designs, looked at various fonts, came up with ideas for formatting, etc etc. Yes, it is true, a book does not appear out of thin air. It takes time, effort and a whole lot of patience. One thing I know, when you hold the finished product in your hands-- it is worth it all!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-27773763214826379962017-11-08T10:54:00.002-08:002017-11-08T10:54:50.482-08:00Zero to Sixty<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Phew....when did we go from zero to sixty...all in one breath. One moment I'm telling you how to set the company up-- and promising you I will be introducing the 'behind the scenes' elves who helped to make this possible...and the very next moment, I stop to take a deep breath...and WHAM...orders are coming in already.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I should clarify-- PRE-ORDERS- as the book has not even gotten off the press! A <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Run-Your-Race-127876887899300/" target="_blank">face book page</a> is up and running-- people are liking- sharing- wanting to order. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Its all very exciting and yet very scary at the same time. Thankfully, God has promised HE will never leave me nor forsake me. He didn't send me out on this new adventure all by myself. He continues to bring people along my path who have been a great help. (Yes I promise to introduce them in the next post) </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnzyt6UcpKeTypB_VkT4KtA4gAJswRckcxwIMSA8-T9V-j9N3UEM58XSagOc1r0lPRk-Sjq99UvevBVex2AJqE09og_HddqFDMYniSZJSLQERrCuVzH82kAloVveqcObiWtJdF4xL1yw/s1600/Crystal2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnzyt6UcpKeTypB_VkT4KtA4gAJswRckcxwIMSA8-T9V-j9N3UEM58XSagOc1r0lPRk-Sjq99UvevBVex2AJqE09og_HddqFDMYniSZJSLQERrCuVzH82kAloVveqcObiWtJdF4xL1yw/s200/Crystal2.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Crystal Krachunis</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Crystal Krachunis has written an excellent book-- I am excited to see this book in as many hands as possible. This is not just a book to read for entertainment value, it isn't even just a 'self help' book- it is a life changing book. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I would love to see a campaign started on Social Media with #RunYourRace tagline. Can we see how far this book will go without using the big companies such as Amazon...can we make this a grass roots sale that far surpasses the big company sales? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVa9WX18X__564fQVTdUZN4qSsniISR1-GIWg7b0tZzDpFnZ5YVgeEEY1nU2pOjKcN6VG5pQdLzCoTrXV0H4zSYF7BQkr9Id2MW_pboek6m_vJ3uMokr25rx6nnhmA1sUa7ti3T-4S3g/s1600/BookPromo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVa9WX18X__564fQVTdUZN4qSsniISR1-GIWg7b0tZzDpFnZ5YVgeEEY1nU2pOjKcN6VG5pQdLzCoTrXV0H4zSYF7BQkr9Id2MW_pboek6m_vJ3uMokr25rx6nnhmA1sUa7ti3T-4S3g/s200/BookPromo.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The printer told me that the cover alone is a "new" approach-- doing a hashtag on the cover is not something normally done. So, I say, let's be different...why do we need to 'fit into a box"? We don't have to! So, after my deep breath...this may all be very scary...and exciting...but I would say, above all this is exactly the way it is supposed to be and I am excited to see what happens after my next deep breath!</span></div>
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<br />Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-25753048926276695402017-11-01T15:07:00.001-07:002017-11-02T15:38:04.391-07:00The Nuts and Bolts<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So you wake up one morning and say, "Let's start a publishing company"....nope...not that easy. As with any business, you have to come up with a business plan....a budget....a goal. Of course you can have some fun choosing a name and figuring out your logo....and for like a second you can pretend that this is as difficult as anything will get. Give yourself a day or so to enjoy the sound of your company's new name. Enjoy the process of looking for a logo. After a brief period of enjoyment, jump back into the nuts and bolts of moving forward with your business....the real legal stuff....</span><br />
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Almost Legal</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the tricky part. You will have to decide what type of company you want to start. Are you wanting to start a sole proprietorship? or an LLC? Or some other alphabetic combination? Once you have decided on that...you have to register the company and make sure the name you have chosen hasn't been used before...and then you walk into a bank and you say, "Hi, I'm here to open an account."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirxG43vafdAg4QqW_59VelKuUUYnb3lfc1LfiHMbqXOXuuNAaZXde-XkeVzpklzpf6pFezZK0YtNsLPOkNNZsRnNMWvYwO8jn8Jh8JOr5hEpArauHlCbuwtP-C-SjGIjt1u4x4Azm9Ck/s200/20171031_135813.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Best personal Banker: Anita Trujillo</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you walk into the bank- you hope that you will be met with someone who is sympathetic to the fact you are new to all this. Thankfully, I met Anita Trujillo, who practically held my hand throughout the entire process. She was cheerful and gracious; while remaining efficient and professional. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think <a href="https://www.wellsfargo.com/" target="_blank">Wells Fargo</a> needs to give Anita a resounding cheer for being the best personal banker ever! Believe me, in all my years of dealing with banks and personal bankers, she really went above and beyond the call of duty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once the bank accounts were set up-- then you start business. At the beginning it will look like the only direction the money is flowing is out. You are paying the editor, the website designer, the printer....but I'm getting ahead of myself....that is for future posts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are others far more proficient than myself in the dos and don'ts of starting a publishing company. You should check out some of their advice and tips.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See what <a href="http://writerunboxed.com/author/erika-liodice/" target="_blank">Erica Liodice</a> has to say on her blog post <a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2017/02/12/how-to-start-your-own-publishing-company/" target="_blank">"How to Start Your Own Publishing Company"</a><u> </u>Her post is good because she covers all the angles- from self publishing companies to starting a publishing company to publish other people's books. Shelley Hitz gives some excellent tips from lessons she and her husband learned on the journey of <a href="http://www.magnoliamedianetwork.com/start-your-own-publishing-company/" target="_blank">starting a publishing company</a>. Another post which has a wealth of information- especially in regards to the legalities of setting up the business and the tax side of things is done by <a href="https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-start-a-publishing-company/" target="_blank">Dave Chesson.</a></span><br />
<a href="https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-start-a-publishing-company/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ultimate Guide on How to start a publishing Company</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish I could say I read all these articles before I started....I didn't. I did a lot of research over the past year. I asked a lot of questions. When I stumbled on these articles (and many others) I appreciated every word of advice given. I took each tip to heart, and studied to see if it was something that would work for <a href="http://seawardpublishinghouse.com/" target="_blank">my publishing company</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, I have to go and look over the proof copy which was just sent to me by the printers. I will definitely be blogging about them in upcoming posts, because they have made this publishing process that much easier. They have sent me the proof earlier than I expected. The company did an excellent job. I look forward to returning the Design proof form and getting things rolling for this first book to fly off the presses!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-44163755107401454792017-10-27T10:53:00.000-07:002017-11-02T15:38:49.926-07:00The reason for the journey<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was rereading the last post- and I realized I was not totally honest. I had said that the book being published was the reason I started the publishing company. It wasn't the actual reason- but it was the catalyst which set everything in motion. Sort of the big mama bird who pushed the baby bird out of the nest and said, "Go on...don't keep waiting...you can fly..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In actual fact, last year (2016), I was teaching a series on The Tabernacle of Moses. It was called "In His Presence" a study which came at the Tabernacle study from a different angle. When we were looking at Ex.31:1-4-- it talked about how God gave the wisdom and the understanding and all the knowledge for the craftsmen to work on the various things in the Tabernacle. We zeroed in on how God has gifted each of us to do things we may not even realize we can do. So we each went home to pray and ask God what He wanted us to do--- guess what He told me?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I want you to start a publishing company"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And my reply.... "Excuse me, I think I have a bad connection here...did you say publishing company?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After sharing this with my family and a few close friends, I promptly put it in the back of my mind where I thought I would never have to think about it again! (let alone DO it)...within a couple months, Crystal calls me to tell me about her book. And then you know the rest of that story! I don't think I would have had the courage to step out in this endeavor had it not been that I had that clear direction more than a year ago--- but sadly it took me more than a year to get myself aligned with what God had already told me to do!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thankfully He is a patient and merciful God. He loves us enough to prod us....push us when we need pushing...and wait for us when we need waiting. I love His faithfulness!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So now the journey has begun and it is exciting to see how God has already gone before me and set up 'divine appointments'-- and taken care of things before I even think about them!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLu6qRSoAAukfNEvmz4wZL-kO8Df2XN6ZyOnQSdvMV_tz0CnWlYpXSEIbh2_ufsGR2uK4IPrwAmommdA_-YJ4G8lyILCkMbkjvNrE8q-3kyM4HsSRhivN0_u9pqhqd7TvOzPVr594ul8/s1600/BookPromo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLu6qRSoAAukfNEvmz4wZL-kO8Df2XN6ZyOnQSdvMV_tz0CnWlYpXSEIbh2_ufsGR2uK4IPrwAmommdA_-YJ4G8lyILCkMbkjvNrE8q-3kyM4HsSRhivN0_u9pqhqd7TvOzPVr594ul8/s200/BookPromo.png" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the end of November we will be taking presale orders for the book. The book will be out by the middle of December, just in time for Christmas. We are excited to see this powerful book get into as many people's hands as possible! The message does deliver life-- and if this is the only book I publish, it will have made it all worth it to start the <a href="http://www.seawardpublishinghouse.com/" target="_blank">Seaward Publishing House</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God really is faithful. When He asks us to do something, He gives us the grace we need to accomplish the task before us. He also surrounds us with people and resources who are invaluable in getting the job done. I will highlight more of those people and resources in the next few blog posts. Maybe there is someone out there who is thinking about starting a company or publishing a book....some of these suggestions I send your way might be of help to you at this time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*If you are interested in having a copy of the study of the Tabernacle- email me at ongfamily5@hotmail.com and I will send you a free PDF version of the study.</span></i></b></div>
<b></b><i></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-38424724000807603852017-10-18T13:02:00.001-07:002017-10-24T17:05:33.502-07:00We Publish Life<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Take a deep breath....you can do this...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I know you don't know what you are doing....but you can do this...."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These words continue to scroll through my thought processes over the past couple of months. I have been taking a lot of deep breaths. I can't say I'm 100 percent sure I believe the "You can do this" part just yet. We will see how this pans out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What would possess a 56 year old woman to wake up one morning and decide she is going to start a Publishing Company? A Publishing Company which actually publishes someone else's books. A company which has taken on an investor who 'believes' in the company.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Take a deep breath...you can do this..."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You've figured out that the 56 year old woman is me...and I'm the one who has chosen to set sail on unchartered waters. Let me introduce you to-- Seaward Publishing House...where "We Publish Life"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What did I know about publishing? I only knew the side of publishing from the author's view point. Aren't they the people who help find an editor? Aren't they the ones who told me that I have to meet deadlines. Magically one day this mystical company send me a proof copy of my book-- at which time, I swoon-- hug it to myself and hope that I'm not dreaming!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So what did I know about publishing? I am beginning to discover, I knew very little. Almost nothing, if I'm honest. Over the past 2 months I have been on a roller coaster ride of a huge learner curve. I've had to hire editors, set up bank accounts, seek out printers...all the while rechecking the balance sheets to make sure I don't go over budget. The banker who helped me set up my 'small business' account asked me, very cheerfully, "What made you choose to start a Publishing Company"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I looked at her across the desk and wanted to say, "I must have been crazy!"....but instead, I said, "Because I came across a manuscript which was just too incredible to not see published...and since no one else wanted to publish it...I decided to seek out investors and to start this company"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Of course, the explanation is not that simple. For more than a year, I had known I was supposed to do this. Even before I read the great manuscript, I knew deep inside I wanted to see a publishing company that published books with meaning. There was this growing desire to see books that would speak life into people. I wanted to publish books that talked about real life and at the same time changed people's lives. About the time I was tossing this around in my head, a brilliant woman, Pastor <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crystal.krachunis" target="_blank">Crystal Krachunis</a>, showed me a manuscript she was working on. I was blown away- it was exactly what I had been thinking about...publishing life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Over time, she would show me bits and pieces of what she was working on and I encouraged her to send off the manuscript to publishers. She did. I sat with her and worked on sending them to more publishers. All responses were encouraging, but everyone had other projects they were working on. One company responded with ...yes we will publish - but it will be 'co-publishing' for such and such an amount. Sigh. Neither she or her husband had the funds for such an endeavor. Finally they said they were going to self publish....just 500 books for a first run....they could afford that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Just let them do it....you can't do it....don't even offer..." my mind screamed at me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I talked to several people hoping they would be willing to invest in this book. Finally I found an investor. I called up Pastor Crystal immediately and said, "Would you be willing to entrust your book to me- I would like to publish it" And thus the adventure began!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Will you join me on this journey? The book is scheduled to come out just before Christmas. I will be blogging about this process. I will be blogging about my life. I will blog about the great editors, printers, web site designers, bankers, who have helped me get this far. I will be blogging about other books-- books that have long since been published, books that produce life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Be on the look out for more....and remind me to breathe every once in awhile.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83XpMxuAkYwfjrOa47Wy2wQFvTC9OOWe5ZUNZwYdPAlT3DDLzNkYom-Onau0ub4atbKjfVupqgPj5pRxxIk1t_3Lkh0fCtd3U1m_YEktQVoHOoYL8g7VCgJmc1Vd2201wWdoJ8dg1o3I/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83XpMxuAkYwfjrOa47Wy2wQFvTC9OOWe5ZUNZwYdPAlT3DDLzNkYom-Onau0ub4atbKjfVupqgPj5pRxxIk1t_3Lkh0fCtd3U1m_YEktQVoHOoYL8g7VCgJmc1Vd2201wWdoJ8dg1o3I/s1600/3.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-54460841940967016372017-01-11T14:01:00.004-08:002017-01-11T14:01:52.226-08:00....And then there were more...<div style="text-align: right;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We started with two. It didn't take long for us to add three more to the mix, making us ongfamily5 for quite a long time. Before we knew what happened, we had added 3 more to the mix. In 2010, the first little person arrived on the scene, bringing our grand total to 9 human beings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">By the end of 2016, we all crammed together into a delightful getaway house in Gig Harbor, Washington. I looked at the little human beings who now outnumbered the adults. It hit me that we are in the process of creating our own tribe. We have reached a grand total of 17 human beings- 8 adults and 9 children.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXu5cIilHlmJex2tN5HFj3-0evNT8cDNn9nwf5RjCcYO57ecc6JkiHdPdNwBXxk7lNRBDP2ouxjsRgHLhdvW-vHyzcNbdr3ThM1pi_my-fPnKndE2uECxabHT71R6ZVtLd7Lk4nE5aIck/s1600/Ongfam2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXu5cIilHlmJex2tN5HFj3-0evNT8cDNn9nwf5RjCcYO57ecc6JkiHdPdNwBXxk7lNRBDP2ouxjsRgHLhdvW-vHyzcNbdr3ThM1pi_my-fPnKndE2uECxabHT71R6ZVtLd7Lk4nE5aIck/s400/Ongfam2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Ong Family Reunion 2016*</div>
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<i>Picture credit: Melissa Letham, Photographer</i></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our time filled up with fun gingerbread house building, games, just sitting around talking while holding one or another little one. Often times we were running after a 'getaway' baby, or trying to calm down two or more kids upset about something or another. It didn't matter what we did, as long as we were doing it together. One family had flown in from North Carolina...another family jumped into their vehicle at the end of our time to drive across 27 States in around 3 weeks. Still another family flew off to Hawaii shortly after our get together. We treasured the 2 days we were all in the same place at the same time. We are also thankful we were able to get a lovely family picture taken. (thanks to....<b>Melissa Letham, Photographer, Tacoma, WA</b>) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><i><b>*Faces blocked out due to privacy issues with foster care.</b></i></span>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-79916541121069393352012-11-20T01:43:00.000-08:002012-11-20T01:43:20.467-08:00Memory Monday: Alaska<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've been to Alaska before...but never on a cruise. My hubby had promised to take me on a cruise on our 25th anniversary and he is a man of his word. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzC2WATdndaq0MkeZK9YimsgYj09LCD1x19qVHryPYyWXZMQAieilJXfshjeRlx6-0PB1xrnXAyMl1c3gdOXAFTGZGnXM6KPrVYlDOFU4eI5XGJhIsmBnLkCKgk8ElQQTWv4totxw1wh0/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzC2WATdndaq0MkeZK9YimsgYj09LCD1x19qVHryPYyWXZMQAieilJXfshjeRlx6-0PB1xrnXAyMl1c3gdOXAFTGZGnXM6KPrVYlDOFU4eI5XGJhIsmBnLkCKgk8ElQQTWv4totxw1wh0/s200/IMG_0041.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Departure: Seattle </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The room was amazing- <span style="font-size: large;">the entire ship was incredible. (another post with all those pics at a later date)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHKRErUb6J7C8AkC-m-jfVkzG_ar8RNoLbWXKaY3OVp-e0RfCw5wKT0UgDT5DUQNnDu1RbGVpIzu3DC2cg-ENpUJaPmxS1xvkN3p3WI1K-cMZZ-9ndPxzSdo2cE1TJkAvvmFdp9IEadI/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHKRErUb6J7C8AkC-m-jfVkzG_ar8RNoLbWXKaY3OVp-e0RfCw5wKT0UgDT5DUQNnDu1RbGVpIzu3DC2cg-ENpUJaPmxS1xvkN3p3WI1K-cMZZ-9ndPxzSdo2cE1TJkAvvmFdp9IEadI/s200/IMG_0082.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGkmEHvJiSbtRy-BuHIQqPmIenjTUZ6lj4xoQg9TY7VoqN_i2-In_18MX37_IqhRLukaA0foxt3jxfLTfoE9alvix8W8ubmSWmwUjvxMIKL5s3IZOfBcIZoGWd1J-8l3MqcXvwJcpsWw/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGkmEHvJiSbtRy-BuHIQqPmIenjTUZ6lj4xoQg9TY7VoqN_i2-In_18MX37_IqhRLukaA0foxt3jxfLTfoE9alvix8W8ubmSWmwUjvxMIKL5s3IZOfBcIZoGWd1J-8l3MqcXvwJcpsWw/s200/IMG_0076.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">First stop on our itinerary was Ketchikan. <span style="font-size: large;">It was a Sunday, so naturally we <span style="font-size: large;">looked around for a church to attend. We chose a small church which was walking distance from the Ship. It was lovely meeting with <span style="font-size: large;">people from the town<span style="font-size: large;">.</span> I <span style="font-size: large;">noticed a smart little car parked on the road...with the keys still in the ignition. I commented<span style="font-size: large;">,<span style="font-size: large;">"boy this place must be safe for <span style="font-size: large;">someone to leave their keys in the car"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">My comment was met with laughter and a quick explanation <span style="font-size: large;">that there was no where to drive to! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Aside from shops- lots of diamond shops- fur shops-trinket shops- there was not much to see in <span style="font-size: large;">town. We boarded the ship <span style="font-size: large;">with the promise that our next destination would be to see the Glaciers. This was truly breathtaking<span style="font-size: large;">! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK9z1Bl0ggxywUrgadgUCmI8YOK9ZpMFnr8B8C7lkkYfqzZZDfotw2SCvwUOeeK_Z5D5peuyno9ktSAA7tpS06iuCLkpQ07Dj6HBOIbZbUQISFfqdJsgPfP5BZ-y_uVRKVbwLzTf1gSg/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK9z1Bl0ggxywUrgadgUCmI8YOK9ZpMFnr8B8C7lkkYfqzZZDfotw2SCvwUOeeK_Z5D5peuyno9ktSAA7tpS06iuCLkpQ07Dj6HBOIbZbUQISFfqdJsgPfP5BZ-y_uVRKVbwLzTf1gSg/s200/IMG_0095.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought this ice looked like a sinking ship</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can't begin to explain the awe and majesty of the scenery. The ship sliced ever so quietly through the waters <span style="font-size: large;">as my husband and I sat out on the balcony drinking in the scenery. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQCUrpXtol9ZRh3hWsU1wPs5qcoPj78P7C90LLogy6SrvgOsgLIMaRllCSWZcz3VmYIKe5hrtW1rq-1k05drjn7wLjhbifyrrd5f5HhHA6oBSDDFYolo6bNaztLYdbL9Qs99N7Tctgng/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQCUrpXtol9ZRh3hWsU1wPs5qcoPj78P7C90LLogy6SrvgOsgLIMaRllCSWZcz3VmYIKe5hrtW1rq-1k05drjn7wLjhbifyrrd5f5HhHA6oBSDDFYolo6bNaztLYdbL9Qs99N7Tctgng/s200/IMG_0105.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Glacier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNQ_qIAt1nIH0h4ixEx7AdFyiuIUuMQMGNU3ECb5x3yP-H29IirzLqP4L6xf-2KPSRmXlRZdPBI24I1M1m4P4lpv6uHBHRV3euvIipaMH5pBuqqZ0LZgWHL80u7Sd4eaqR__7s20bPb4/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNQ_qIAt1nIH0h4ixEx7AdFyiuIUuMQMGNU3ECb5x3yP-H29IirzLqP4L6xf-2KPSRmXlRZdPBI24I1M1m4P4lpv6uHBHRV3euvIipaMH5pBuqqZ0LZgWHL80u7Sd4eaqR__7s20bPb4/s200/IMG_0090.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing scenery</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Heads popped out of windows and over railings as everyone attempted to get the best view of the glacier and the mountains. I'm not sure why, but I kept whispering to my husband, "This is so beautiful"...it was almost like I didn't want to disturb the beauty with my voice. Needl<span style="font-size: large;">ess to say, this was one of my favorite parts of the journey.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnVoqeEYxpt0ChT_s3YX11qouuLrXG_XgGwKNwrQLZJPUaEaunyKpaNVuxmAcsa2nqqblYNqCibDnXcDMPWNSoQrvSZJkKF0p55kcWjTbvhfYlK7vniAUdzdxM3ZvZvV0xTAUP_GJtRI/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnVoqeEYxpt0ChT_s3YX11qouuLrXG_XgGwKNwrQLZJPUaEaunyKpaNVuxmAcsa2nqqblYNqCibDnXcDMPWNSoQrvSZJkKF0p55kcWjTbvhfYlK7vniAUdzdxM3ZvZvV0xTAUP_GJtRI/s200/IMG_0119.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSGzARpFImPyXiEF8PyWf7gy5pBE6iUClg5NAqz3a_-hb-JwSEk7wuRk0Vz7hgk-MPz_YUbFNX9uQ_QGruHfED84BRvQ4xzheKi72DWsHmGv4ANEl_pOnk-WaO5PuybyTTQwTrSMYodI/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSGzARpFImPyXiEF8PyWf7gy5pBE6iUClg5NAqz3a_-hb-JwSEk7wuRk0Vz7hgk-MPz_YUbFNX9uQ_QGruHfED84BRvQ4xzheKi72DWsHmGv4ANEl_pOnk-WaO5PuybyTTQwTrSMYodI/s200/IMG_0184.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next stop along the way was Juneau. <span style="font-size: large;">There seemed to be an endless stream of planes flying in and out of the harbor. <span style="font-size: large;">Since I've been to Juneau before, we op<span style="font-size: large;">ted to stay on the ship and enjoy a <span style="font-size: large;">day of rest. We did important things like experiment taking pictures of ourselves in the ship's elevators. Needless to say, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">i</span>t was a great choice. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9nzhx4PYc-vY4nR-eu2JMeiXbCqUaS_mphyphenhyphenOx72QX7VPJ517OlpUG5F8mJUjxi5ge_9_oIEY-kqElrE73T5rrbQACBKfGxVvhqW6CXMS74kFWpOgvJz8opHa_ACLKOsUF2R6F2ZUXgM/s1600/IMG_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9nzhx4PYc-vY4nR-eu2JMeiXbCqUaS_mphyphenhyphenOx72QX7VPJ517OlpUG5F8mJUjxi5ge_9_oIEY-kqElrE73T5rrbQACBKfGxVvhqW6CXMS74kFWpOgvJz8opHa_ACLKOsUF2R6F2ZUXgM/s200/IMG_0151.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">We did get off at Skagway<span style="font-size: large;">, yes to explore all seven blocks of the town. <span style="font-size: large;">This was a very intriguing town. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Skagway is known as the <span style="font-size: large;">gateway to the Klondike and thus there are <span style="font-size: large;">a myriad of stories which surround this borough. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure there will be a few more posts about this place.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Aside from learning <span style="font-size: large;">a bit about its history, we mailed some postcards from the <span style="font-size: large;">wee post office and ate some ice cream.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCmKvvgH21A0pN5qOJzVvJgckGrwYpR879Z5CR872TZomzCC7SXYgubsH98E8WQqlzrMMKMpaM85rR3Zt5pxgCsHtHMAIQ0nooQZ8ZfOs_SsC3aTbwipmN2PKjwqsPQw9CzvUNCEhmOQ/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCmKvvgH21A0pN5qOJzVvJgckGrwYpR879Z5CR872TZomzCC7SXYgubsH98E8WQqlzrMMKMpaM85rR3Zt5pxgCsHtHMAIQ0nooQZ8ZfOs_SsC3aTbwipmN2PKjwqsPQw9CzvUNCEhmOQ/s200/IMG_0171.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAc6i8_5PEqeP7WEk41jgNtrAX2rYHZegkO4ruL-WMc-c8eI7PvaxnvblklgCJyy_E5gQ3slJVGwQwDBjOOAuwLxNngN-nb5r8YkPtDgKzXH5XRSEwj7IEuF3ARfzRHOwBdP2fWaR8Ks/s1600/IMG_0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAc6i8_5PEqeP7WEk41jgNtrAX2rYHZegkO4ruL-WMc-c8eI7PvaxnvblklgCJyy_E5gQ3slJVGwQwDBjOOAuwLxNngN-nb5r8YkPtDgKzXH5XRSEwj7IEuF3ARfzRHOwBdP2fWaR8Ks/s200/IMG_0174.JPG" width="200" /></a> <span style="font-size: large;">We w<span style="font-size: large;">alked <span style="font-size: large;">up one side of the town and down the other. We explored dirt paths and finally decided we would head back to the ship. <span style="font-size: large;">As we <span style="font-size: large;">sauntered back to the ship, I could not help but notice how <span style="font-size: large;">crisp the air was. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPP_LFqwZ0McydHLlmg0nGpIHvP9J-GmvMTAw7BviE7HDcK4CqUsISeMUfz_PdsIrwkShKhanO7zoCqs9psK4I2w1Yt4vkkoFocYH6TCieuegV175YqRVnDQZ0DCYGG0CwdYHR43E6hxk/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPP_LFqwZ0McydHLlmg0nGpIHvP9J-GmvMTAw7BviE7HDcK4CqUsISeMUfz_PdsIrwkShKhanO7zoCqs9psK4I2w1Yt4vkkoFocYH6TCieuegV175YqRVnDQZ0DCYGG0CwdYHR43E6hxk/s200/IMG_0230.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">On our journey, we<span style="font-size: large;"> had several <span style="font-size: large;">delightful surprises...there will be plenty of time to talk about those later. I think my favorite surprise was <span style="font-size: large;">our next <span style="font-size: large;">stop, Vancouver Island...specifically Victoria! I said to my<span style="font-size: large;"> husband, "Why didn't we just <span style="font-size: large;">come to Victoria and spend the whole time here..."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAgWs6Zg9l5jZPNVAbedn4G7D5vzanajYLP4dAzElKp7zK0daTBqHuf6I934I6HtFU1Qy-DLNclRTm3cPbWbY97qGMW0JbJalHBtwMvPXo7yZc1T93ozVLXfK5ZtOYe4VQo6TvxPlPMg/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAgWs6Zg9l5jZPNVAbedn4G7D5vzanajYLP4dAzElKp7zK0daTBqHuf6I934I6HtFU1Qy-DLNclRTm3cPbWbY97qGMW0JbJalHBtwMvPXo7yZc1T93ozVLXfK5ZtOYe4VQo6TvxPlPMg/s200/IMG_0239.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Who knew!" (I'm sure he was thinking it would have saved a lot of money) :) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I won't say too much more about Victoria because it definitely deserves a post all of its o<span style="font-size: large;">wn<span style="font-size: large;">.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">If you ever have a chance to visit this <span style="font-size: large;">charming place<span style="font-size: large;">, don't think twice...do it! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbmNvgWTVZ3-CiXv14WxOGlqSUV5GJjALuqLrRsyQybIpR9hqdSLUpfQTXUuxvWulHbO9IJdxprzl7cTqksw2BwTUbg_bIt3uJMi80KUkoA7stuCqk1De3gg4v4swkM-fH366WITLIho/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbmNvgWTVZ3-CiXv14WxOGlqSUV5GJjALuqLrRsyQybIpR9hqdSLUpfQTXUuxvWulHbO9IJdxprzl7cTqksw2BwTUbg_bIt3uJMi80KUkoA7stuCqk1De3gg4v4swkM-fH366WITLIho/s200/IMG_0205.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">All in all, the cru<span style="font-size: large;">ise was amazing. We met interesting people, saw wonderful <span style="font-size: large;">new places, <span style="font-size: large;">and <span style="font-size: large;">e<span style="font-size: large;">njoyed spending ti<span style="font-size: large;">me with each other. When it came time to disembark, we were quite happy to be getting home...but we have promised ourselves a return trip to Victoria...this time we will take the ferry.<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-90230172433952438352012-11-17T21:52:00.000-08:002012-11-17T21:52:26.048-08:00Tomorrow is finally hereAh yes, each day I tell myself, "I will update my blog...tomorrow..." Tomorrow comes...and goes...and I realize it has become yesterday. Ooops, no problem.....I'll be sure to update it...tomorrow. You get the picture! Then I blink and June has turned into November...I can't keep waiting for tomorrow...my today has to be the tomorrow I keep talking about.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxM7GkH0AVhVqcWFh4f-dU5SwcOpIPGYD49K7fM8r7zrSLK2sEf7U5Ka8Ccqnr5_Zp2PUwwHtqT4ojtfA0i4FicCsypG6vAqdjvpWbK2XlqFQpkYNrvpMUw1qdhptbSxby8BGRPSZUdM/s1600/2012-07-05+22.18.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxM7GkH0AVhVqcWFh4f-dU5SwcOpIPGYD49K7fM8r7zrSLK2sEf7U5Ka8Ccqnr5_Zp2PUwwHtqT4ojtfA0i4FicCsypG6vAqdjvpWbK2XlqFQpkYNrvpMUw1qdhptbSxby8BGRPSZUdM/s200/2012-07-05+22.18.10.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting Japan and meeting up with old friends</td></tr>
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Of course there has been plenty of things to update about...and update I have ....unfortunately all in my head. You would love to see the wonderful posts I've created....a trip around the world in two hours (that deserves a post all of its own) ....a post about a trip to Japan...<br />
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family visiting...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0MEWPpo_W6uQsdlIPSYVVXQ5FzvAuW0e6MbJBhg3pV3LUg7zNVKbVNzqmluET-xVQ1f7tmZgveUiIe2ohufLa8Cv-zj2fGz1KfB3LDmMic_sb6UeTMv2PH_-D9k2bpp4W97MD0VHU44/s1600/2youngest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0MEWPpo_W6uQsdlIPSYVVXQ5FzvAuW0e6MbJBhg3pV3LUg7zNVKbVNzqmluET-xVQ1f7tmZgveUiIe2ohufLa8Cv-zj2fGz1KfB3LDmMic_sb6UeTMv2PH_-D9k2bpp4W97MD0VHU44/s200/2youngest.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">two youngest grandkids meeting for the first time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaf1B5OjXL5f9Fa21mhuMUeX_iXvREeK1Ug33slBSAqZg9tXGcHJOXCFa82JYUzeyXmhPzfPSSHldYArZEfDbCld3ZZqCkM3As7Vln60Y8_KIv8WZn1Lt5rETCJGj9juXWq7ih8EpAMg/s1600/kailynn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaf1B5OjXL5f9Fa21mhuMUeX_iXvREeK1Ug33slBSAqZg9tXGcHJOXCFa82JYUzeyXmhPzfPSSHldYArZEfDbCld3ZZqCkM3As7Vln60Y8_KIv8WZn1Lt5rETCJGj9juXWq7ih8EpAMg/s200/kailynn2.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oldest Granddaughter, Kailynn</td></tr>
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unexpected and wonderful family dropping in....Monday phone rings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7to8qJu7Yt_dpDQNEUO-7H6gKHafLN5yz0Q677ZvI5iTvZJV5tf0Cn-I9g5A7VQJUJBlb4ssKTVOE1_ZB-BIAx9vrc-rfIEL2vA76Z0kLiJ0q2zP_ZHfrRT2TJv9sQY6WwnJMBhY55Rw/s1600/great.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7to8qJu7Yt_dpDQNEUO-7H6gKHafLN5yz0Q677ZvI5iTvZJV5tf0Cn-I9g5A7VQJUJBlb4ssKTVOE1_ZB-BIAx9vrc-rfIEL2vA76Z0kLiJ0q2zP_ZHfrRT2TJv9sQY6WwnJMBhY55Rw/s200/great.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Grandma and Grandpa</td></tr>
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"Hi mom- how is Singapore?"<br />
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"It is great, how would you feel about us coming to visit?"<br />
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"Sure, when were you thinking of coming?"<br />
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"Wednesday night"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhty2nY5-drcgB7jCfcf5-wiQMtR42DGxTqWfIrwlQQ3JsqrEE6qc1pcV8lkT_i4bXKROeIvNMwchnsuy0oELlQp-dFDbDnmfEsvfVU8Ka0wHNNQxOnLgnQAp9s_UQqOnwQRuNhz3UvrME/s1600/familypic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhty2nY5-drcgB7jCfcf5-wiQMtR42DGxTqWfIrwlQQ3JsqrEE6qc1pcV8lkT_i4bXKROeIvNMwchnsuy0oELlQp-dFDbDnmfEsvfVU8Ka0wHNNQxOnLgnQAp9s_UQqOnwQRuNhz3UvrME/s200/familypic.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A miracle we were all able to be together!</td></tr>
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"This Wednesday? That would mean you have to leave today!"<br />
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"Yes we already have our flight"<br />
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"GREAT!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HX80rXvVoScSc8eC5Hm2w3zzSW66DFv_-KEsZgCi5unIaYUKZXiBtpQttkbO98ls8AQoBAbnwozYUEJRNACDWQUd6lpPY1Em4QPCum8z95J4aWkrQP6nCpDYawQeCIuC0U9X17ghy1E/s1600/2012-08-13+08.01.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HX80rXvVoScSc8eC5Hm2w3zzSW66DFv_-KEsZgCi5unIaYUKZXiBtpQttkbO98ls8AQoBAbnwozYUEJRNACDWQUd6lpPY1Em4QPCum8z95J4aWkrQP6nCpDYawQeCIuC0U9X17ghy1E/s200/2012-08-13+08.01.59.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alaskan Glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Throw in other miscellaneous visitors...cruise to Alaska....and the normal hurry and flurry of life...take a quick trip down to Dallas for a conference....okay, now I understand why tomorrow never seemed to come. I was too busy enjoying today. I have missed not only updating- I've missed reading blog updates. Let's just hope my next 'tomorrow' does not take another six months to come!Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-68916782662101904772012-06-01T17:03:00.000-07:002012-06-01T22:14:31.092-07:00Feature Friday: Enid Blyton Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qmZV6hCWtHMuGjjGYUla0sAx-I7jtWG6fKzOfb4ZqUuDJtCxwlVlIZx03WYkpEDhHtV8pULO4bKOcV8Kzif0JxZbiaovu8YKxBaq3AfLnEnQtBgxM7zB2K8g9GaGXNpjaHAGSmMiWCI/s1600/enid+blyton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qmZV6hCWtHMuGjjGYUla0sAx-I7jtWG6fKzOfb4ZqUuDJtCxwlVlIZx03WYkpEDhHtV8pULO4bKOcV8Kzif0JxZbiaovu8YKxBaq3AfLnEnQtBgxM7zB2K8g9GaGXNpjaHAGSmMiWCI/s200/enid+blyton.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Can you imagine my utter disappointment when I walked into a bookstore here in the States and they seemed to have no clue who <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0752440306?ie=UTF8&tag=unearthlytale-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0752440306" target="_blank">Enid Blyton</a> was! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I grew up on Enid Blyton books....Famous Five, Malory Towers, Secret Seven, St. Clare's etc etc...my kids grew up on the Noddy books, the Naughtiest Girl series, Magic Faraway series, etc etc....her books made me want to read more. I graduated quickly from Enid Blyton straight into full blown historical novels...psychology text books...any classic literature I could lay my hands on...I would have never had the appetite for books if it had not been for Enid Blyton.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraDi-lCMvPzmokmJh-2D5NbCAbrH24SDf8Q6X_QfoOl-11ycdPB2muA1sM5swtDxfDEKdAAhbZ0MBWSowacwTcMdhdviOWNY8vYJ9QrqeRivUA9kiLXRwMq6Gvh39Q2QIXolNS_SvuJw/s1600/famousfive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraDi-lCMvPzmokmJh-2D5NbCAbrH24SDf8Q6X_QfoOl-11ycdPB2muA1sM5swtDxfDEKdAAhbZ0MBWSowacwTcMdhdviOWNY8vYJ9QrqeRivUA9kiLXRwMq6Gvh39Q2QIXolNS_SvuJw/s200/famousfive.JPG" width="123" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've heard some negative reviews of her writing...and I'm sure, now as an adult, I might find some of the writing lacking...but as a child...well, she transported me into fantasy worlds. She was the reason I tramped around in primary six with my 4 best buddies- and we named ourselves the Fearless Four- or Famous Four- we would scope out haunted houses and explore abandoned buildings. We drank ginger ale and ate ginger biscuits....probably imagining we were on one of the Famous Five's great adventures. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It is good to see that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Enid+Blyton+Books">Amazon.com</a> does offer more of her books. (compared to a few years ago) I know I have bought some classics from <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=enid+blyton+in+books&_sacat=0">Ebay</a> (for my grandkids). I hope these books are always around for children to enjoy!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you were an Enid Blyton fan (or you just read some of her books) which one was your favorite??</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">*images from Ebay and Amazon.com </span></span>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-67373252918808374442012-05-31T09:44:00.002-07:002012-05-31T09:44:32.817-07:00Thankful Thursday: Ending of Blogathon<span style="font-size: large;">Today is the day...the blogathon ends...I'm thankful for the experience of competing in yet another blogathon. I skipped a beat- not posting on May 18th, but that is fine...although I can't say I officially completed the blogathon--- I'm glad that I didn't stop there and give up. My last few days of the blogathon were my best!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm thankful to my two guest post bloggers- <a href="http://jennyshetty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jenny</a> and <a href="http://scrapboktravelblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kusum</a>. They made my blogathon just a bit easier. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Although this is not my first blogathon, I think I learned the most during it. I am thankful for all I am coming away with. Here are just a few things-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. The need to be focused and prepared with posting blog updates</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. The desire to want to post nice pictures with each post-- better still to TAKE those said pictures!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. The need to be consistent</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Make good use of keywords and use links generously</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_yA592TjYlV9f33NNVd2vqiDlBqdT-4fw9jaueZZLsjxm3xn4uEnEdgXpLRZLBimdnAJ9j8sGTCwefdwMEqsx69YrY4QvTaI0TIFXPiIXXqK6cbzuF3LBgygXg2Z2yRgsCxxdnsnkiE/s1600/DSC_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_yA592TjYlV9f33NNVd2vqiDlBqdT-4fw9jaueZZLsjxm3xn4uEnEdgXpLRZLBimdnAJ9j8sGTCwefdwMEqsx69YrY4QvTaI0TIFXPiIXXqK6cbzuF3LBgygXg2Z2yRgsCxxdnsnkiE/s200/DSC_0237.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A hearty congratulations to all those who faithfully blogged for the 31 days without missing a beat!!!!! GOOD JOB!!!!! Keep on spinning out those blog posts for all to read.</span><br />
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<br />Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-72528443280423369152012-05-30T05:00:00.000-07:002012-05-30T05:00:15.789-07:00Wild Wednesday: Top Five<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've seen a couple blogs which looked at their statistics to determine which blog posts were most viewed. Thanks to blogger.com, I was able to go to my statistics page easily...click on what my top five blog posts were for ALL time...that means from the beginning of this blog...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. <a href="http://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.com/2011/02/boulder-colorado.html" target="_blank">Just a Peek</a>- a blog about Boulder, Colorado- I suspect it was most viewed because it had key words like 'Boulder, Colorada'- so people were probably searching for the place and stumbled on that particular post.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. <a href="http://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.com/2011/05/reflective-thursday-lady-jane-grey.html" target="_blank">Reflective Thursday: Lady Jane Grey </a>- This was the predecessor to my now "Feature Friday" where I feature various books, people, memoirs, biographies. In this particular post- Lady Jane Grey was featured. People searching for her must have stumbled on to this post.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. <a href="http://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.com/2012/05/wild-wednesday-crutches-vs-wings.html" target="_blank">Wild Wednesday- Crutches vs. Wings</a> - an impromptu post which has surprisingly has made the top five- of all time! I'm not sure what it is about this post which made it one of the top five. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. <a href="http://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.com/2011/05/unbirthday-parties.html" target="_blank">Unbirthday Parties</a> - This post is one I was surprised made the top five. It happens to be one of my favorite, but I am pretty sure no one stumbled on it- so they had to make a conscious effort to come and read it. A post about seizing each and every moment and making the most of life!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. <a href="http://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.com/2011/05/feature-friday-mitford-sisters.html" target="_blank">Feature Friday: Mitford Sisters</a>- This is another post which I think could possibly have been stumbled upon. The Mitford sisters are historically well known- and so it makes sense they would attract attention.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After looking at those five posts, I decided to check on what the top five posts were for this month. I was curious to see if there was a difference in the posts which attracted attention during this blogathon. Two of the posts from the former list made the top five. The <a href="http://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.com/2012/05/wild-wednesday-crutches-vs-wings.html" target="_blank">Crutches vs. Wing</a> post was number one on the list. <a href="http://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.com/2011/02/boulder-colorado.html" target="_blank">Just a Peek</a> made it to the number two position. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The third post which attracted attention was <a href="http://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.com/2012/05/feature-friday-tender-mercies.html" target="_blank">Feature Friday: Tender Mercies</a>. This was a post featuring a book of poetry. The fourth post was the <a href="http://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.com/2012/05/wild-wednesday-wild-guessing-game.html" target="_blank">Wild Wednesday: The Wild guessing game</a>. This post definitely attracted a bit of attention because of the interactive aspect of the guessing. The post which placed fifth was <a href="http://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.com/2012/05/thankful-thursday-unexpected-friends.html" target="_blank">Thankful Thursday: Unexpected Friends</a>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There were some posts which I wish had made it to the top five, but they were not there. When I realized that key words probably brought greater traffic flow to certain posts, I know I must be more specific on my key word choices. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-92229174049942935372012-05-29T16:51:00.000-07:002012-05-29T16:53:52.119-07:00Tree Tuesday: The Newest Leaf<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/AVvXsEjxxo7H37pPIQlxSjGCKU54VxBoAzTelWZkHbzcFHJCUEF77ueSKhle4tzTkN05s7d7m_Mbi0B1BvQXhYAIkIIXhNKLM2csnvxzxfS3Qzltz2JUAvgh3Yj7uEH8LUNirHfXtch7yQVMIysb/s1600/Letta.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxo7H37pPIQlxSjGCKU54VxBoAzTelWZkHbzcFHJCUEF77ueSKhle4tzTkN05s7d7m_Mbi0B1BvQXhYAIkIIXhNKLM2csnvxzxfS3Qzltz2JUAvgh3Yj7uEH8LUNirHfXtch7yQVMIysb/s320/Letta.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letta Evangelyn Hanae Kubo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Forgive
me if I showcase the newest leaf on my family tree AGAIN....She is 4
days old today....My daughter, Katrina, writes a touching <a href="http://the-kubos.blogspot.com/2012/05/year-ago.html" target="_blank">background story</a> on how this little sweet heart exists.</span></span>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-65795992778830338512012-05-28T18:09:00.002-07:002012-05-29T18:07:03.560-07:00Memorial Day: Blogathon Blog Wordle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9Z5kM7xWbvPCkQAp0-XYVMoBex4rJhrwrWQpjBvDFUvhkEALPtOj7_uM_l16ladl8_czggpSPOFMCT-kcWCt2auZ-WfRHdd8Q808vz4JAHCrHpBlkxBE5QnW-szsS6BokLbRi6nLxe4/s1600/wordle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9Z5kM7xWbvPCkQAp0-XYVMoBex4rJhrwrWQpjBvDFUvhkEALPtOj7_uM_l16ladl8_czggpSPOFMCT-kcWCt2auZ-WfRHdd8Q808vz4JAHCrHpBlkxBE5QnW-szsS6BokLbRi6nLxe4/s320/wordle.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-5589623021001914672012-05-27T05:30:00.000-07:002012-05-27T05:30:01.106-07:00Sunday Birds: Sleepy Head<i><span style="font-size: large;">Once again we are featuring <a href="http://scrapboktravelblog.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Kusum</a> who has been doing a guest post each Sunday with the topic Sunday Birds. Kusum has a marvelous ability at capturing scenes with her camera and bringing them to life. Kusum just concluded a year long blog full of pictures from her travels. She has recently started a <a href="http://scrapboktravelblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">brand new blog</a> with more wonderful pictures. Be sure and check out her new blog!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><span class="norm" style="font-size: large;">Another sunday and I am here with another bird expressing another mood! Tell me who doesn't love early morning sleep? That too on a Sunday morning! We see all hands raised huh?<br />
<br />
My niece is one of them ... she sometimes got off the bed at 1:00PM :) Not that she slept through out. She was just lazy to get out of the cozy bed. In between she peeped out of the blanket to check whether her Mother is angry :)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJYkkFVVme5SmPJKB87lZjnSqkID7Cim85XizuWuvrUWhqA9euhyphenhypheng4fs1p6zVk0ThHVdn6IBOKqZvmWmULJC1hvoEz4ihyphenhyphenB0l39NV4Bdu0xKFMOqXF60S-bvq3ajn5gip3RD18cYd2RY/s1600/LazySunday4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJYkkFVVme5SmPJKB87lZjnSqkID7Cim85XizuWuvrUWhqA9euhyphenhypheng4fs1p6zVk0ThHVdn6IBOKqZvmWmULJC1hvoEz4ihyphenhyphenB0l39NV4Bdu0xKFMOqXF60S-bvq3ajn5gip3RD18cYd2RY/s320/LazySunday4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="norm" style="font-size: large;"><br />
I took this picture in the Central Park, Fremont. These mallards stood on one feet, tucked their face in their own feathers. Occasionally opening their eyes to check what is happening around! They do this to conserve body heat and energy! What do we do it for?</span></div>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-28285105961823003472012-05-26T05:00:00.000-07:002012-05-26T05:00:03.836-07:00Welcome, little one...<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What does my latest granddaughter have in common with 40 former Presidents of the United States? She was not born in a hospital. Only four presidents were born in a hospital-- Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush & Obama. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It is amazing- on May 24th, I had not idea what my new granddaughter would look like....and then on May 25th, she made her debut. I can already tell that she will be a rambunctious little thing. </span></span><br />
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<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/AVvXsEge8MdT7FvPElJUU-Te9JaGhAumVV-M5vAbKzURGIfLphYgSPyBnKjZlK3laGCvoexLEc2VicUwRi76Y2-VvDM4EAVIjw9OrwDj7Gm-J_hC8FkHpinV6yECY2wevw-6b4aQAYDnSIFnklE/s1600/Photo+May+25,+6+06+00+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8MdT7FvPElJUU-Te9JaGhAumVV-M5vAbKzURGIfLphYgSPyBnKjZlK3laGCvoexLEc2VicUwRi76Y2-VvDM4EAVIjw9OrwDj7Gm-J_hC8FkHpinV6yECY2wevw-6b4aQAYDnSIFnklE/s320/Photo+May+25,+6+06+00+PM.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey dad- how are you? I've been waiting to meet you!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span><br />
<br />Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-65460401317560130752012-05-25T07:30:00.000-07:002012-05-25T07:30:00.322-07:00Feature Friday: Second Acts<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Since this will be the last Friday for the Blogathon, it seems appropriate for various blogs to be featured. One of the suggested posts for the blogathon was a look at each person's 'second act'....there were various people to took up the topic and covered it well.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://michellerafter.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Ratner</a>, who is the reason we have a blogathon, gave us the story of her <a href="http://michellerafter.com/2012/05/16/my-second-act-blogging-my-way-to-career-reinvention/" target="_blank">second act</a>. She blogged her way to the reinvention of a second career. As she lays out her blogging journey, I got some ideas for my own blogging. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When reading <a href="http://bikewithjackie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jackie Dishner's</a> blog about her <a href="http://bikewithjackie.blogspot.com/2012/05/bike-ride-to-my-second-act.html" target="_blank">second act</a>, be sure to have be sitting down. She writes a powerful blog post about how she came to her second act. Don't miss this!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.babfeasts.com/" target="_blank">Barb Freda</a> gets in shape for her <a href="http://www.babfeasts.com/2012/05/my-second-acts-barb-triathlete.html" target="_blank">second act</a>. She ends by telling each of us, if we want to get into our second act- it is up to us. In later posts, she lets us know there is more than just a second act...there are unlimited acts we can be involved in.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2067775-annette-gendler" target="_blank">Annette Gendler</a> may not have written a specific post on second acts- but go check out <a href="http://www.annettegendler.com/" target="_blank">her blog</a> anyways! She has been doing a wonderfully colorful series on Shanghai. When you go through her post, you are transported to exotic places.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.popcornhomestead.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Joan Lambert Bailey</a> is living her second act. Her blog features gardening, organic gardening, vegetables, flowers. She lives in Japan and often features various gardens, farmer's markets and vegetation in the area.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There are other blogs which I could feature along these lines- but let's not overwhelm you. I'll wait for another Feature Friday to showcase those blogs!</span></span><br />
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<br />Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-4373957028945633302012-05-24T07:00:00.000-07:002012-05-24T07:00:07.481-07:00Thankful Thursday: Bits and Pieces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgz-jtkiFfmerkNp4ZCs3zyUS8P0X0TRd4ZIB-ta65fIWY-zWhTo1zLa5T5ZDeHEavQKax8fl0njA1_bV22vKSH-vk4cAyyWVWS-cKcxYYDyMWFEpwBmHK4uzLl2Z1pJAdgThk55orp0/s1600/cass8+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgz-jtkiFfmerkNp4ZCs3zyUS8P0X0TRd4ZIB-ta65fIWY-zWhTo1zLa5T5ZDeHEavQKax8fl0njA1_bV22vKSH-vk4cAyyWVWS-cKcxYYDyMWFEpwBmHK4uzLl2Z1pJAdgThk55orp0/s200/cass8+001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm thankful for all the things in my life. For the friends he brings into my life. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXFWhy7T24hLzdhyoOzRxkeZzlDs_p7MAwV_zLPrxF-swQR-W46Yi_CMX9xs7itys_k-OJ4tGhtgQZJFlgGaD6QotiKAocpbFLsTObYq6D6xz2vJT9q0r-Gsl9ujebDFF6TuNVBly_ZY/s1600/cass4+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXFWhy7T24hLzdhyoOzRxkeZzlDs_p7MAwV_zLPrxF-swQR-W46Yi_CMX9xs7itys_k-OJ4tGhtgQZJFlgGaD6QotiKAocpbFLsTObYq6D6xz2vJT9q0r-Gsl9ujebDFF6TuNVBly_ZY/s200/cass4+001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm thankful for all the stages my children have been through. I'm thankful for their health. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLepb1SmzIURTM1p6vxsAStIN6ktZ0qv3k9k7kMhUkBzVB9szX8DFPKxTUImg1TKEq-o9CFbjX6rcuhMomTd2NOp53xJq1OVOi3d_vL4uP8Z-H0Auw2_9nq9cUwPbMHm7kWWe2-tumO40/s1600/benblood_3674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLepb1SmzIURTM1p6vxsAStIN6ktZ0qv3k9k7kMhUkBzVB9szX8DFPKxTUImg1TKEq-o9CFbjX6rcuhMomTd2NOp53xJq1OVOi3d_vL4uP8Z-H0Auw2_9nq9cUwPbMHm7kWWe2-tumO40/s320/benblood_3674.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm thankful for who they have become.</span>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-44358737289224112772012-05-23T05:00:00.000-07:002012-05-23T05:00:08.483-07:00Wild Wednesday: dead words talking<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Pull them out</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">one by one</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Each word</span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">standing, </span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">straight and tall</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">stiffly moving, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">side by side</span></i></div>
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Each line</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">stretching,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">solid and long</span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">flat lining,</span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">dead words talking</span></i></div>
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Put them back</span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">one by one</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxivOEwEHn7yTXDzbUDDYyeYV2nLPyuc-3ILbkgdbelnQZ0qupnllIJdjrbh7lXGSAvVSZj-SdrnJ2_sCvjMwQpTJiyIi2_iT6TI6Y2QjBeawrcee9EwGFvUIJud39ikC0-Cr8JP3H18/s1600/letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxivOEwEHn7yTXDzbUDDYyeYV2nLPyuc-3ILbkgdbelnQZ0qupnllIJdjrbh7lXGSAvVSZj-SdrnJ2_sCvjMwQpTJiyIi2_iT6TI6Y2QjBeawrcee9EwGFvUIJud39ikC0-Cr8JP3H18/s200/letters.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
* <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">there are so many times I feel the stream of words inside me- fluid and ever so flexible...but when I pull them out and put them on paper (or the screen) they march stiffly across the page-- taunting me. I scratch my head, wondering where the fluidity went....I play with each line attempting to make it move to the rhythm in my head....but the lines mock me with their deadness.The words shrivel up...my attempts at writing are "prune like phrases"...."pickled lines"...causing me to choke as I reread each sentence. They strut along stilted...wooden words lining up side by side. No life emanating from them; they just stand awkwardly, awaiting dismantling. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25i_xLL9ZfwYEkwZ3dGt7rn6vhXpHUVUlQx2f-YySiGFEqdROs0HdWQIg4S2Pa9KAYlKrGGW_uP_x1wsH6i5PTjNt6gmq_AAel6e_Db794e_XQLHBo9D9VFDzc58HhGJwEhqDwcFz3JA/s1600/words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25i_xLL9ZfwYEkwZ3dGt7rn6vhXpHUVUlQx2f-YySiGFEqdROs0HdWQIg4S2Pa9KAYlKrGGW_uP_x1wsH6i5PTjNt6gmq_AAel6e_Db794e_XQLHBo9D9VFDzc58HhGJwEhqDwcFz3JA/s200/words.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I explore means and methods to revive my words. I breathe on them wishing for them to touch me. They stare back at me like matchstick drawings instead of oil paintings....click clack...words rubbing the wrong way against each other...knick knock...the idea is in my head...I feel the flow.... I look at the words...turn them upside down....plop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Oh for layers upon layers of words...words slipping through my brain and onto the paper in front of me...like honey or intoxicating perfume...seeping through each pore... but no, each word stands in defiance....no matching pair can be found. I put them back for now...in the meantime, the above piece was born.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-89779784559815990672012-05-22T04:30:00.000-07:002012-05-22T04:30:04.399-07:00Tree Tuesday: The Colonel<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is intriguing about researching a family tree is all the life stories you stumble upon. Some are happy stories...and others make you cry...as I've gone through my family branches, I realize how short life used to be. Most of the men on my tree died well before they were 50! The death of children appeared to be a normal part of life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some parts of the tree resemble an ancient soap opera. Others appear to be parts of a fairy tale. Whether it is drama or sweetness, every branch has their own story to tell. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1k7Bav-xiZ5M5J0yEBQTbSwQg4wqJItxj_ZAYq2ifBDvtrfrWVT-KCXnSrKyqJ9EVWuNfrwjq6QuiaX4kMLNlc54LS_iCAwKmYqSpMWLZtlNSAo2pol2R6rKBx5dspaKFIsBqMMTLDdc/s1600/ancestry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1k7Bav-xiZ5M5J0yEBQTbSwQg4wqJItxj_ZAYq2ifBDvtrfrWVT-KCXnSrKyqJ9EVWuNfrwjq6QuiaX4kMLNlc54LS_iCAwKmYqSpMWLZtlNSAo2pol2R6rKBx5dspaKFIsBqMMTLDdc/s200/ancestry.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A couple weeks ago, I was revisiting a particular branch of the tree- my 2nd great grandfather, Thomas Jefferson Buzzard. I had never given his name much thought....but you see this is why all clues count...this time when I looked over his siblings, I noted his brother's name was "George Washington Buzzard"-- hmmm...what a patriotic family, I thought...then I decided to climb higher up the tree. With the help of <a href="http://ancestry.com/">ancestry.com</a>, I manage to discover more links in my tree.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZxo-mrC2sY7kjX_yORo_YCcUoviV6LW-IYtkHgtDaHofdbBAEmPsu0bfU07JapfoSUkF9lams-BvrxWM7N0OXdLHJKy0uvdhjd-edsPo42bS2SL7ztYWEWl3WJ4xWgO19lQWKaxOdCo/s1600/90fef888-7cd4-4a82-accb-bae5382c77c7-3.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/AVvXsEgAZxo-mrC2sY7kjX_yORo_YCcUoviV6LW-IYtkHgtDaHofdbBAEmPsu0bfU07JapfoSUkF9lams-BvrxWM7N0OXdLHJKy0uvdhjd-edsPo42bS2SL7ztYWEWl3WJ4xWgO19lQWKaxOdCo/s1600/90fef888-7cd4-4a82-accb-bae5382c77c7-3.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I went up via my 3rd great grandmother's line...Elizabeth Gilpin...and oh my- as I went up higher...things became clearer. <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=arAfWBsvO1gC&pg=PA608&lpg=PA608&dq=colonel+george+gilpin&source=bl&ots=BsB9B1NUKO&sig=h5OVX59fh_X6XUxa3wciytYxMFU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=YF26T_eBN6SFiALHipXcBg&ved=0CFgQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=colonel%20george%20gilpin&f=false" target="_blank">Col. George Gilpin</a>- my 6th great grandfather, was the aide to George Washington during the American Revolution. After the war, <a href="http://www.localkicks.com/community/news/George_Gilpin_206_and_208_King_Street" target="_blank">Col. George Gilpin</a> was made surveyor of the Potomac and did many public improvements. It is said, he was one of the pall bearers at George Washington's funeral. He married two sisters- one after each other- they were said to have been Martha Washington's cousins- however, although I've read this in various research documents- I cannot find the proof of it yet. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I later discovered that George was related to the Washingtons of Westmoreland, England- and this is why there was a close connection between he and George Washington. My 15th great grandmother was Elizabeth Washington- who is somehow related to George Washington. I've yet to figure out the exact relation-- something like a gr-gr aunt. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For someone, like me, who was not born in the US and until recently had very little connection with this country- I have found it amazing to see different connections which tie me to this place. Branches which come from Ellis Island (my other gr-grandfather was an Ellis)- branches spreading all the way from the Mayflower- the Winthrop ships- the civil war and now the Revolution. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T0Z-4tAfBm413N7OY3O9AsfGrYJusrdG39CRyGkNyUVMHouPjfoM9_KGQRQhAbeRqvTL7qxxmTO5ab9JcQeCc1MU6aABg3GdO4Pv9ow3EA5fa05FmvbL__9YSSAWmbVRFxgQConXZh4/s1600/branches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T0Z-4tAfBm413N7OY3O9AsfGrYJusrdG39CRyGkNyUVMHouPjfoM9_KGQRQhAbeRqvTL7qxxmTO5ab9JcQeCc1MU6aABg3GdO4Pv9ow3EA5fa05FmvbL__9YSSAWmbVRFxgQConXZh4/s200/branches.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The tree doesn't just stand in this country- it spreads its branches across Europe. Each branch tells a story of those who went before me with courage and strength. I will continue to climb through the mass of branches, some broken, and see what new life stories I can find.</span></span>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-85302278748147532112012-05-21T03:30:00.000-07:002012-05-21T08:02:35.033-07:00Memory Monday: Haiku Challenge day<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of Memory Monday- this will be Haiku day :)...maybe we can somehow mix the two....we'll see....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">New beginnings start</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">farewells said, postcards written </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">memories are made</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwlW3v-Ir8-MF-DUocrvYRRqnzXzs6AcDyiIDfwxfZgjy6-ItrySBCCxa4OuogbDym5oJeaR8POmQ2BlwZZEUomME-_GsfLveEZqHROS1NBurGdcXSe02wtjTP5YgM-FG6GRfQ1dF_NE/s1600/memoryhaiku+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwlW3v-Ir8-MF-DUocrvYRRqnzXzs6AcDyiIDfwxfZgjy6-ItrySBCCxa4OuogbDym5oJeaR8POmQ2BlwZZEUomME-_GsfLveEZqHROS1NBurGdcXSe02wtjTP5YgM-FG6GRfQ1dF_NE/s400/memoryhaiku+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> *<i>memories is counted as three syllables--</i></span><i><b>mem·o·ries</b></i><br />
<i><b>although not specifically about a season- it speaks of spring in the sense of a new beginning.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>P.S. For those who want to know what the postcard says- you can either click on the picture and enlarge it- or read my transcription-</b></i><br />
<i><b>Dear Folks-</b></i><br />
<i><b>Just a line to let you know things are going as scheduled. We got up at 5 .15 am this morning so we could get to the airport on time. Taxi driver went a block out of his way to show us his house and some trees from which they make leis. We got one for Deb and one for Pam and took their pictures at the airport. Travel expenses in Honolulu were 7.00 for Taxi, 8.71 for room, 40 cents for Pepsis (4) .75 for stamp and postcards. Food is very delicious and we got plenty- this morning scrambled eggs- orange juice- milk- toasts- fresh pineapple. All our love- Fred, Margie, Deb & Pam</b></i><br />
<i><b>The card was written in September from Hawaii in 1955 when my parents were enroute to Singapore. My mom was two weeks away from delivering my elder brother- amazing that she made it on the long flight out without delivering on the plane!</b></i>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3111631039999575652.post-2534914133649439312012-05-20T04:30:00.000-07:002012-05-20T04:30:02.269-07:00Sunday Birds: Leave Me Alone!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span class="norm" style="font-size: large;">Here is another wonderful guest post by <a href="http://kusum-scrapbook.blogspot.in/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Kusum</a>. <a href="http://kusum-scrapbook.blogspot.in/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Kusum</a> is a solo female traveler who has traveled all over the world and India. Her blog, <a href="http://kusum-scrapbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Scrapbook</a>, features wonderful pictures from her various trips....she adds appropriate text for each picture. Now let us enjoy her Sunday Birds post for today.</span></i></div>
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<span class="norm" style="font-size: large;">Had fun party yesterday night! Saturday night parties come with a package- Sunday morning exercise, Don't they? After having fun and all that yummy food and drinks I had to burn calories :( I thought of taking a long walk along the lake which is one of my favorite Sunday activities.<br />
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Today blackbirds seemed to be having a fun-fair in the open! The morning light was great and I couldn't resist taking pictures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I saw this blackie sitting atop a bush. It turned away when I focused </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">on it ... hopped on to nearby bush then ... I followed ... After </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">playing hide and seek for some time it gave me this look ... a look of </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">being annoyed! ... as if it was saying ... </span><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Leave me alone lady, will ya?</i></span><br />
</span>Anjulihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02540340538869180615noreply@blogger.com6