tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23094453182018584382024-02-21T04:50:04.852-08:00...therefore choose life...LIVE.deuteronomy 30
...so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may LIVE...when you turn to the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul... for this commandment is not too hard for you, neither is it far off... see, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil... therefore choose LIFE, that you may LIVE, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him...Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-62166313194203559012021-02-07T09:49:00.044-08:002021-02-07T10:06:42.643-08:00Jjajangmeong<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The family that I work for is Korean, so occasionally I'm introduced to some really fun snacks and/or meals that I otherwise would have been missing out on big time! A few weeks ago, the dad was home for the day and the girls and I went out to try to find some mud (they hate getting messy, so I'm trying to help normalize it a bit!) but we came home and the house smelled so savory and delicious. Now, I have a <i>terrible</i> poker face and absolutely <i>love</i> to eat, so I'm not sure if they had planned on having an extra body at the dinner table or if he was just trying to appease my curiosity, unimportant in the long run, but... yeah. SO, we sit down to this scrumptious meal. There are potatoes and onions and some other root vegetable that is just so interesting to me, I ask and learn that it's a Korean radish: a daikon. The veggies are swimming in this dark brown gravy of sorts - it's mild, but a little salty and very savory; super comforting. All of this is covering a healthy portion of udon or Korean noodles (I'm not sure which it was and each time I've attempted it, they've had different names, but looked <i>very </i>similar!) Naturally, after trying this meal and not being able to stop thinking about it, I had to try to make it for myself! </div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">I drove down to Southeast Portland to explore H Mart, the Korean grocery store on Belmont. It was overwhelming, to say the least, but very much reminded me of my time living abroad where everything was overwhelming and exhausting but so stinking exciting. I couldn't read most of the labels, but almost everything had a fine print in English. I first found the Korean radish, it looked nothing like I expected! Then I scoured each aisle and collected all the interesting things and a couple of things that were familiar from the home I work in (like some really yummy banana puffs!) I was really bummed to discover that the main ingredient, a fermented black soybean paste, was only available in the super large size... I tried to find an alternative, but also didn't want to make the trip again before attempting to make the dish! I caved and bought a jar that was over two pounds of fermented black bean paste... this largely influenced the first recipe I tried to make... not the best approach. I left the market with my trunk loaded full of goodies. I was pumped to go home and make this scrumptious dish.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">I had a problem though... I have this weird, innate issue with following recipes (and directions in general) I like to do things my way. I already had bacon that needed used up, so I substituted that for the pork belly. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Remember how I bought the mongo sized fermented black bean paste? Well, that stuff's really salty. I picked a recipe that called for a LOT of the bean paste because a kilo of black bean paste feels like a LOT to a singleton like me. The recipe I was using called for more than twice the recipe I later discovered is what I was first served. My first attempt was edible, but not amazing. My roommate was gracious and tried it and said she would even eat it again, but I knew better... I had to try another recipe. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">I asked the family I work for what recipe they used and told them of my failure. They shared their resources and I tried again! </span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">I made <a href="https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/jjajangmyeon" target="_blank">this</a> batch for a friend while her hubby was out of town for an extended gearhead adventure. We enjoyed it so much, she let me leave some of the black bean paste and an extra Korean radish with her to try to make it too! </span></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PlxvpH-LHPA9hcDZJ3XNqr3IZ2PfYYhFA-kp15-b88MScISWW3nXdF7AcFv_hjtU1gh4-vWzwfR65yazm433qPJWHqIyJKgPAY4ux4fGN5qqGIGOEytj7aBmU4a9rhV8qFjqCKt_DlW5/s2048/501501C4-3198-4F12-96FE-3AE00D098C50.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PlxvpH-LHPA9hcDZJ3XNqr3IZ2PfYYhFA-kp15-b88MScISWW3nXdF7AcFv_hjtU1gh4-vWzwfR65yazm433qPJWHqIyJKgPAY4ux4fGN5qqGIGOEytj7aBmU4a9rhV8qFjqCKt_DlW5/w480-h640/501501C4-3198-4F12-96FE-3AE00D098C50.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775902877099904952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-49186719116059647732021-01-17T16:45:00.000-08:002021-01-17T16:45:02.398-08:00sometimes it takes a little silence to drown out all the noise...<p style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">With all the chaos the last year has brought on, I find myself overwhelmed and withdrawing from the constant craziness. The polarization of our nation and even the people in my life is draining after a year of isolation and heavy current events. My friend Lyndsay and I planned at the beginning of the year to take advantage of the later sunrises to get out and take in some of the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Logistics allowed this weekend to work best for the both of us, and I couldn't be more grateful. Not only was the week so heavy with everything on Capitol Hill, but it was the most stunning sunrise I think I've ever seen. Our initial plan fell through in a few ways, but the day turned out to be so perfect and so refreshing. We decided that God just wanted to give us a little treat after all the ugliness of winter and egos and all the things. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTFpMgW3aJydrKEJaE2suSQmxfG5MIDF4eo2YnMZQfxl6ORBY-WJ3JGPq-Hecmi18C5LGTHD6GYGQ0d3vvPVk08PaXfrfW5eejX2YB7OO6zHMcsu3GQx7ebdG8bBTd4hlHbEP1xeMSaDn/s2048/B52CE904-DD1F-4B24-A943-AC51C09023BA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTFpMgW3aJydrKEJaE2suSQmxfG5MIDF4eo2YnMZQfxl6ORBY-WJ3JGPq-Hecmi18C5LGTHD6GYGQ0d3vvPVk08PaXfrfW5eejX2YB7OO6zHMcsu3GQx7ebdG8bBTd4hlHbEP1xeMSaDn/w640-h480/B52CE904-DD1F-4B24-A943-AC51C09023BA.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp1E-uJInjMMmkMoIIWC4QVKnofzlWBq-5vJbr_PXG4izxZOrYpCzGOvaA2oU0JyMy3AqDYI1_k_lCxiWzc4U2_LUAK7stIUd0qyD1iOXCvTs6T8wSkMxULB4agPlYlJ5z6TUXQxBXERS/s2048/D11BFA10-62A1-499F-820A-4AD3DB68C47D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1509" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp1E-uJInjMMmkMoIIWC4QVKnofzlWBq-5vJbr_PXG4izxZOrYpCzGOvaA2oU0JyMy3AqDYI1_k_lCxiWzc4U2_LUAK7stIUd0qyD1iOXCvTs6T8wSkMxULB4agPlYlJ5z6TUXQxBXERS/w472-h640/D11BFA10-62A1-499F-820A-4AD3DB68C47D.jpeg" width="472" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;">We made our way up to Timberline Lodge (after finding out the hard way that they don't plow the 2 mile road from the highway to the parking lot at Trillium!) and gathered with the gaggle of others parking (maybe more appropriately) for ski and snowboarding. Not a soul in that parking lot wasn't captivated by this beauty - it was not only all-encompassing, it was such a source of unity - man has it been a long time since I've strangers share something so special! </div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uz4i0TuYPsXDzIP_PsazZLHdiOCfeVEQh3x8Qx-swp5e6qCvoq6xGhLVHfsC5uJq_p7Y3ijavD6RTJLWK0vnC0iOSoEV_AE0Ep8gk2GAXixNjlxvCMn5kxlRAhRonF3985t67PX1SIYW/s2048/D4FBFE0C-C6AE-4AF3-89A9-CFE0CA16E6C1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uz4i0TuYPsXDzIP_PsazZLHdiOCfeVEQh3x8Qx-swp5e6qCvoq6xGhLVHfsC5uJq_p7Y3ijavD6RTJLWK0vnC0iOSoEV_AE0Ep8gk2GAXixNjlxvCMn5kxlRAhRonF3985t67PX1SIYW/w640-h480/D4FBFE0C-C6AE-4AF3-89A9-CFE0CA16E6C1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdo2RBAl_Zp-SOl4-yILlNVddgHFNBdHWk6qU2zVwrxzMSGAkuYJx1WeQb4ORQJZl39mLH3ZO6ZBuI6kzqDyB3EhLf30qi6hC3oSbIJJpPzc2ijcB264zfidowtV2VLJeFISHwNo1JXkSQ/s2048/656D8662-E95D-499B-9590-DE38028EEDC9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdo2RBAl_Zp-SOl4-yILlNVddgHFNBdHWk6qU2zVwrxzMSGAkuYJx1WeQb4ORQJZl39mLH3ZO6ZBuI6kzqDyB3EhLf30qi6hC3oSbIJJpPzc2ijcB264zfidowtV2VLJeFISHwNo1JXkSQ/w640-h480/656D8662-E95D-499B-9590-DE38028EEDC9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTajowHiYDtlaojUaQTqhiJU6zrkNOU7etDVze8RvUFwzLxSqhPv73UfbXMih-JWqiN8ST5rdhF1xbQ6lU0iLgqswrMXaZdkPCOskIMO6msADHjnlu2Y_FoSdevL1fnkdh7XOtaJJy80Hc/s2048/78A505B5-34E8-4334-8BE2-4FBAA8A6101F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTajowHiYDtlaojUaQTqhiJU6zrkNOU7etDVze8RvUFwzLxSqhPv73UfbXMih-JWqiN8ST5rdhF1xbQ6lU0iLgqswrMXaZdkPCOskIMO6msADHjnlu2Y_FoSdevL1fnkdh7XOtaJJy80Hc/w480-h640/78A505B5-34E8-4334-8BE2-4FBAA8A6101F.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">We cherished the moment, made ourselves some coffee, took a few (give or take) photos, read the special liturgy for going on a holiday from <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Every-Moment-Holy-Pocket-Size/dp/1951872029/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2C7NTVS4QQZY0&dchild=1&keywords=every+moment+holy+andrew+peterson&qid=1610929835&sprefix=every+moment+holy%2Caps%2C375&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Every Moment Holy</a></i>, and attempted to go get breakfast at the lodge. Since this wasn't our first (or even our second) plan, we hadn't checked to see if they were open and functioning at regular or any certain capacity (with COVID and such). Thankfully, before we got too far from the parking lot, a man informed us that they're only open to lodging guests at this time. Lyndsay and I concluded that the view was such an absolute treat, that basically the whole rest of the day could fall apart and it'd still overall be a win.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEkGY-lffwxW_3q3h2eY59PKH0-9im7ptEf2ZlA7DycA5TlyyaJdRBJ98BP0jiVzvwdJCtZVKfwJpQmpg3HT9tT4ElC_KpT7RCICbcrxR0Ay2aPrdqbXEGLejsQ4VN7zeYXlwh-hM6NS5/s2048/07D4E94A-D17A-476B-B3E1-6852DB8ECB97.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEkGY-lffwxW_3q3h2eY59PKH0-9im7ptEf2ZlA7DycA5TlyyaJdRBJ98BP0jiVzvwdJCtZVKfwJpQmpg3HT9tT4ElC_KpT7RCICbcrxR0Ay2aPrdqbXEGLejsQ4VN7zeYXlwh-hM6NS5/w640-h480/07D4E94A-D17A-476B-B3E1-6852DB8ECB97.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;">Our first thought was to drive up to Mirror Lake and watch the sunset from there. We didn't quite take into consideration the time for the two mile hike from the trailhead though, which is why we aimed for Trillium (thankfully, Trillium is super close to Timberline and we were able to catch so many amazing views!) So, when we found out the lodge wasn't open to outsiders like us, we chose to have a snack and work up an appetite for when other restaurants would be open for lunch. We went to Mirror Lake and hiked two miles through the forest to the loop around the lake and then two miles back. The photos don't even come close to doing justice of these views - Mount Hood was HUGE, mammoth, colossal! We couldn't believe how stunning the day turned out to be. </div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18vgsZCIAldes-kCPumONoaOXyJe5Q-GPESOUwiGtcvIohanlA9nOuaBkSqB7RJnuyH8QYrCkaee43fR86gtEbdfKkeGEzUgoCEOVIh72zXD0WTJ-QXTVkxtTTRKODu9v5US5ntH1_8Yp/s2048/A9978A5F-A43A-49F1-8F64-AAFDC19F0917.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18vgsZCIAldes-kCPumONoaOXyJe5Q-GPESOUwiGtcvIohanlA9nOuaBkSqB7RJnuyH8QYrCkaee43fR86gtEbdfKkeGEzUgoCEOVIh72zXD0WTJ-QXTVkxtTTRKODu9v5US5ntH1_8Yp/w640-h480/A9978A5F-A43A-49F1-8F64-AAFDC19F0917.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7PdqdCvwya1JFN1cSijUjl25AeP9b2PR0x4tnoAEFPJZUpwQsRSN1K66-iljwuJ7GYo4-YfbsXz9p_n9HYvHnwEHx5KtUaAW1YnoHbBR4mt3Q4E4-iMMbP8cqNE9JxKeQFEM5C9RkUeR/s2048/A16631EA-7A41-4AC5-B584-4D701B57C0E6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7PdqdCvwya1JFN1cSijUjl25AeP9b2PR0x4tnoAEFPJZUpwQsRSN1K66-iljwuJ7GYo4-YfbsXz9p_n9HYvHnwEHx5KtUaAW1YnoHbBR4mt3Q4E4-iMMbP8cqNE9JxKeQFEM5C9RkUeR/w480-h640/A16631EA-7A41-4AC5-B584-4D701B57C0E6.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVSGcNTkUDP83a65XMfEGEbjPW30ZO1RPq11W8F_tDJ1yo2-axmEZU9428PG-YAb6OxIVHhAY_46ee3LxVDfv6xBsc5pFZX4VnIsG6ZIpPd4vPonbOcFR3aOwxDZ7qjbutbUplYOpcums/s2048/12E798A4-B3C4-4175-AB13-96B5F83614A0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVSGcNTkUDP83a65XMfEGEbjPW30ZO1RPq11W8F_tDJ1yo2-axmEZU9428PG-YAb6OxIVHhAY_46ee3LxVDfv6xBsc5pFZX4VnIsG6ZIpPd4vPonbOcFR3aOwxDZ7qjbutbUplYOpcums/w480-h640/12E798A4-B3C4-4175-AB13-96B5F83614A0.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2JryuFJiZhYCjyQzA_lzNpt3D109-pl0WSIq8mmSsiljEwSOB1PTCDBwIPsqE4IHIvrtA0DeCTaHZvCt0FmSzIMv71eORbAvA1n8ndfesRDVrhJJYe50facfw_5FJzRCNZ5TUf5FUGID/s2048/26DA61F1-CDC2-4E43-A402-5F44CE1C838A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2JryuFJiZhYCjyQzA_lzNpt3D109-pl0WSIq8mmSsiljEwSOB1PTCDBwIPsqE4IHIvrtA0DeCTaHZvCt0FmSzIMv71eORbAvA1n8ndfesRDVrhJJYe50facfw_5FJzRCNZ5TUf5FUGID/w640-h480/26DA61F1-CDC2-4E43-A402-5F44CE1C838A.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcd4b9RK6qUi6F7-GG3nJA8Umo82-dVCccTvRGo6TwgOraWU5auPAr3wSLWRiRbg9LQtiHqRAN1aS6ygwr-Ceuze_vw0skzoFreQOiZ42Nm2OBsRkcd270ArtlZXZh5vB8badIMW3x_IB/s2048/F7CD2E5A-985A-4B04-A034-783BCD9A94E1.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcd4b9RK6qUi6F7-GG3nJA8Umo82-dVCccTvRGo6TwgOraWU5auPAr3wSLWRiRbg9LQtiHqRAN1aS6ygwr-Ceuze_vw0skzoFreQOiZ42Nm2OBsRkcd270ArtlZXZh5vB8badIMW3x_IB/w480-h640/F7CD2E5A-985A-4B04-A034-783BCD9A94E1.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The babies I watch LOVE pinecones, but they always call them "KINEcones"! Haha, I couldn't resist.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;">By the time we were done with the trail, we'd fallen three times collectively (not bad for four miles of mostly ice!) and had worked up two serious appetites. After a couple of strikes, we landed on Glacier Public House. Lyndsay's burger had CARAMELIZED CHEESE, like, a rectangle of crispy, baked, bubbly goodness. We sat outside in the beating down January sun and savored an afternoon of warmth, conversation, good food, and endless beauty. </div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">What a special treat in a historically dark month?! </span></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775902877099904952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-75064918460950008002021-01-09T12:22:00.005-08:002021-02-07T09:36:47.119-08:0021 for 2021<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /><span style="color: #444444;">I have read 1 + 3/4 of Gretchen Rubin's books and probably a dozen of her blog posts, I'm not quite a 'fan girl', but I do really appreciate her perspective and delivery of concepts. Anyone who can get me acting and not just thinking is a winner in my book.</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">For the last two years, I've picked a 'Word of the Year' rather than shoot for a New Year's Resolution, it's been so much more fruitful, holy cow. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">In 2018 I experienced more grief and change than I think I ever have at one time before, my life felt so overwhelmingly chaotic, so I chose <b>simplify</b> as my word of the year - it's currently my favorite of the two words I've chosen... :)</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just as 2019 came to a close, I ended a long, painful, unhealthy relationship - I hadn't been caring well for myself, which made it hard to properly care for others, so my choice of word for 2020 was simply: <b>this. </b>As in, <i>this</i> (me, my heart, my person) was what I needed to focus on and care for in each decision and moment. We all know 2020 was a loaded cannon, and while my word <i>was </i>helpful and nourishing... I think I still have a sour taste in my mouth from 2020... that word may have been more fruitful in another setting,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> but we're marching on, it's 2021, babay!</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">BOUNDARIES. This is my word for 2021. Last year I wanted the word, "rhythm", but a wise and respected friend suggested I consider something more fun... Having put it off last year, "rhythm" was at the top of my list again for 2021, but there have been things that I've been working on where <i>boundaries</i> will be more helpful and concrete. Having a word of the year gives me direction when I'm choosing books to read and focusing on how to honor and nourish my soul. I'm hoping practicing boundaries and having some practical goals to accomplish will make for a really fruitful 2021, regardless of what's happening in the world.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span>Okay, so back to Gretchen Rubin. In her </span><i><span>Happiness Project</span></i><span>, she challenges readers to create their own "</span><a href="http://girlwithagypsyheart.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-happiness-project.html" target="_blank">Secrets of Adulthood</a><span>" and personal "</span><a href="http://girlwithagypsyheart.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-happiness-project.html" target="_blank">Commandments</a><span>", challenging me to think of what matters most to me and what breathes life and joy into my life was such a gamechanger - I hadn't realized how much was (and, often, still is!) lacking in my life! But the thing I realized is that it's hard to change what's not working if you're unaware of the issue... if you don't know what you're lacking, how can you make room for more of it? SO, with my own personal commandments and secrets of adulthood in mind, here is my list of 21 for 2021 - lists give me the momentum of accomplishment and there will be a heavy dose of joy to check into for 2021. I am trying to be fairly specific in hopes that the lack of ambiguity will help me to jump in and mark things off more readily.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> 1. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Read through the Bible.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>2. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Drink 64+ ounces of water each day.<br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>3. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">Have a solo retreat in Hood River.<br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span> 4. </span>Save $15k+ for down-payment.<br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span> 5. </span>Try a new recipe each month! (January's is: </span><a href="https://mykoreankitchen.com/korean-black-bean-sauce-noodles-jajangmyeon/" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">jajangmyeon</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;">! I will have to master it because I have a kilo of the concentrated staple ingredient... HA!<br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span> 6. </span>Write more! Blog at least once a month and work through online memoir class.<br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span> 7. </span>Use "America the Beautiful" pass 3+ times.<br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span> 8. </span>Visit Crater Lake.<br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span> 9. </span>Limit book shopping to 2 each month. (Book club and a possible bonus - this feels more attainable to me than cold turkey!) <br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span> 10. </span>Take (at least) four spontaneous beach trips!</span></span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mwzj6BV5aGRpSiPEsBDiYPYd8HSEjTQ-FpunrFF0U88c1LpmWf9JZOfvzQQJa60Ce2sDU940u8JVXg5cN6eZe10yrLTPYjXn5YluadENECZKPdo6Jjc8uah7wPBOLRMzDvJJp_O59KTZ/s2048/IMG_2499.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mwzj6BV5aGRpSiPEsBDiYPYd8HSEjTQ-FpunrFF0U88c1LpmWf9JZOfvzQQJa60Ce2sDU940u8JVXg5cN6eZe10yrLTPYjXn5YluadENECZKPdo6Jjc8uah7wPBOLRMzDvJJp_O59KTZ/w240-h320/IMG_2499.JPG" width="240" /></a><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span> 11.</span>Look presentable at least once a week. :)<br /><span> 12. </span>Send handwritten snail mail at least once a month.<br /><span> 13. </span>Create 12 new paintings.</span></div></span></div></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruqvo3PbvgTFc9cfn_ovSb9zV2fFn5n6_EqFlRj-n750_87zRgNpGFIPrHI59E-wGrbL5_yhgf6Jnb0zl7eUJ0Cn-J51sGwjclNo_qqhW4hgPEx-shnePjmcL8dRAxkidZF7-ThINuBlO/s2048/239ACCDD-955D-474C-86D8-90F1FBC0EB7D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruqvo3PbvgTFc9cfn_ovSb9zV2fFn5n6_EqFlRj-n750_87zRgNpGFIPrHI59E-wGrbL5_yhgf6Jnb0zl7eUJ0Cn-J51sGwjclNo_qqhW4hgPEx-shnePjmcL8dRAxkidZF7-ThINuBlO/w400-h300/239ACCDD-955D-474C-86D8-90F1FBC0EB7D.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> 14. Sing more.</div></span></span></div></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHg9ZE1AGEJyB_qxrjx9M9Zep28bxoFj2GnqPxtD8piYWvmjLxCICjLfmUoQKrG0Hl8FzJ6n0-YgrVC9WjKh6njSTzNNuT8hVOrQVSuM0lrUe0SayTmY593FixkRSP7VlMnF127gaNPyC/s1440/1DE3540B-4348-4883-8994-4DDA1942E2D3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHg9ZE1AGEJyB_qxrjx9M9Zep28bxoFj2GnqPxtD8piYWvmjLxCICjLfmUoQKrG0Hl8FzJ6n0-YgrVC9WjKh6njSTzNNuT8hVOrQVSuM0lrUe0SayTmY593FixkRSP7VlMnF127gaNPyC/w400-h266/1DE3540B-4348-4883-8994-4DDA1942E2D3.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span> 15. </span>Plan weekly focus&intention with the littles.<br /><span> 16. </span>Go outside everyday, even when it's rainy.</div></span></div></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzdlg6qxol7-JHjtExdorFRhJquMDIjFlfMadTk2TacDy6r4YiaMrz0izGw9c8kjtXIiXPeG5I6dKWq2WBDHCYPZosH4MvHl8_2Gq967UnXaaHP6EKAvnekNH0t2ms_7xIlhHho_TWbg-/s2048/F95905DE-1261-44EE-9D45-153E1768CAFE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzdlg6qxol7-JHjtExdorFRhJquMDIjFlfMadTk2TacDy6r4YiaMrz0izGw9c8kjtXIiXPeG5I6dKWq2WBDHCYPZosH4MvHl8_2Gq967UnXaaHP6EKAvnekNH0t2ms_7xIlhHho_TWbg-/w300-h400/F95905DE-1261-44EE-9D45-153E1768CAFE.jpeg" width="300" /></a><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span> 17. </span>Put the camping gear to use!<br /><span> 18. </span>Put my snow pants to use!<br /><span> 19. </span>Cherish the Sabbath - rest, reflect, read.</div></span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqNTOeW4gEF8Qswso62hoQWLhaXEPJreALGDDX6exJ6xH80tI_Hey_46rDk-lO3f6qtudarCKNSl1X2i3xduUB9c45ag885xjv8lkvyPJY6CyEZNHR4s63dnBbo548uvY9rCmj0iYAJA1/s2048/7DD8C288-EEBB-42A0-82F3-59642B6B3306.jpeg" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqNTOeW4gEF8Qswso62hoQWLhaXEPJreALGDDX6exJ6xH80tI_Hey_46rDk-lO3f6qtudarCKNSl1X2i3xduUB9c45ag885xjv8lkvyPJY6CyEZNHR4s63dnBbo548uvY9rCmj0iYAJA1/w240-h320/7DD8C288-EEBB-42A0-82F3-59642B6B3306.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">20. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Practice saying "no".</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span> 21. </span>Use what I have!</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Alright, let's do this!</span></div><p></p>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775902877099904952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-64603633030732912102020-08-08T10:04:00.007-07:002021-01-09T10:36:03.338-08:00'The Happiness Project'<div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2">Commandments:</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2"><br /></font></div><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2"><div style="text-align: left;">1.) Be Lauren; own your truth.</div></font><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2">2.) Name the struggle: journal, process, dig deeper.</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2">3.) Little things often.</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2">4.) Less is more.</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2">5.) A dance party is always a good idea.</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2">6.) Smiles and laughter are contagious.</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2">7.) Boundaries create freedom.</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2">8.) Sleep, fresh air, and movement are your most important supplements.</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2">9.) You only get one heart, mind, and body - love them well!</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2">10.) Love is a verb.</font></div><div><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNoYyXJBZL3mNEpJ_0n53P_ECUOlYAbDTr0xkMuNz1-JNuHqNI7p6T5kM-FIJF9Um88OzEV7laJAkc4BqCQxMOGz9oO9Ct1HvkymRmQrlSbI6ynD12fR6g79iBvRh5JGltcTIRDPL0xYE/s609/IMG_8705.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="457" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNoYyXJBZL3mNEpJ_0n53P_ECUOlYAbDTr0xkMuNz1-JNuHqNI7p6T5kM-FIJF9Um88OzEV7laJAkc4BqCQxMOGz9oO9Ct1HvkymRmQrlSbI6ynD12fR6g79iBvRh5JGltcTIRDPL0xYE/w300-h400/IMG_8705.JPG" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2">Secrets of Adulthood:</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2"><br /></font></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;"><font color="#444444" face="verdana" size="2">The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.</font></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">You don't have to agree with everyone.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">It's okay to feel uncomfortable.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Half-assing often leads to something good, if not great.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">You can sleep when you die, but you'll live more if you capitalize on it now.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">If you can't give an enthusiastic "hell, yes!", then "no" is <i>actually</i> a kind alternative.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Sharing what you're learning boosts your happiness and connects you with others.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">It's okay to ask for help.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">You make more friends by being interested in others than by trying to get them interested in you.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Remembering and using names has a lasting impact.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">If you're not failing, you're probably not trying/learning/growing.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">What's fun for other people may not be fun for you - and vice versa.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">The best way out is always through.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">How we think not only affects our own spirit, soul, and body but also people around us.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">We have to feel in order to deal so we can heal.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">You can do anything, but not everything... that's okay!</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Creativity can pull you out of the worst moods!</span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775902877099904952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-50736218130147158202019-01-19T19:06:00.000-08:002019-01-19T19:06:39.271-08:00New Year, New Lessons<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Love is not denying ourselves and doing for others, but rather it is honestly expressing whatever our feelings and needs are and empathetically receiving the other person's feelings and needs. To receive empathetically does not mean that you must comply-just accurately receive what is expressed as a gift of life from the other person. Love is honestly expressing our own needs; that doesn't mean making demands, but just, "Here I am. Here's what I like." - </i><u>Being Me, Loving You</u> by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Phd</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've been loving others so wrong for so long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Where do we get these ideas that denying ourselves is the best way to care for someone else, let alone ourselves? How do we come to a place of giving and receiving that both the giving and the receiving feels like a gift? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am just now realizing that I've been living in the 'deny ourselves and do for others' version of 'love' for so long that </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">a) I'm exhausted </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">b) I've got some serious resentment to unravel </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">c) I no longer know what my feelings or needs even are, if I ever once did... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Love is not denying ourselves and doing for others, but rather it is honestly expressing whatever our feelings and needs are and empathetically receiving the other person's feelings and needs.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oof.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I think I am much better at recognizing others' needs and feelings as criticism and insufficiencies in myself. I lose focus of the one I'm in relationship with and trying so hard to love well and look back at myself, but in a critical way instead of in a helpful way. I want to retrain myself to recognize my dear ones' needs as a gift of life. To pause my own inner-dialogue for that moment and really hear what's missing... and then see if I can support them to meet those needs and/or desires or if it's a situation that I can only hear and understand them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>To receive empathetically does not mean that you must comply-just accurately receive what is expressed as a gift of life from the other person.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Love is honestly expressing our own needs; that doesn't mean making demands, but just, "Here I am. Here's what I like."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've been trying to take a few minutes every night before I lay down to sleep each night to journal some of my day and how I felt as a result of the compilation of those events. It's amazing to realize as someone who feels very deeply, that I have no idea how to identify those feelings or how difficult it is to put words to them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">List of likes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm sharing this mostly as a way for myself to process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm trying to use my voice more and identify what's going on in the inner workings of my heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm trying to care for myself and allow the space and time to work through some things that, to be completely honest, I haven't even identified yet, but have somehow brought me to a halt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I know that some of the things I've been doing (or not doing) lately have been hurtful or offensive to others, that's certainly not my intent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am solely trying to, like Humpty, put my pieces back together again - trust me, it's messy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Please understand that my hibernation is my best attempt to heal my broken pieces so I can really know and love those God's placed in my life. I know it seems counterintuitive to withdraw in a time like this, but I promise you good things are happening(!)... it's just a slow process.</span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-62336733183113171972018-10-10T20:10:00.000-07:002019-01-19T20:12:23.071-08:00Celebrating and Grieving<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In the last few days, I've come to realize that I can celebrate and grieve all at the same time. In the same breath, even. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I went home over the summer to say goodbye to my beloved Aunt Harriet. She'd been fighting cancer pretty much since I moved out here and had recently been put in Hospice. It was wonderful and awful all at the same time. The best part though, was that I didn't tell anyone I was going to be home and got to spend every waking moment with my sweet family. I love them so freaking much, often it hurts.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8LJmWGFU31y9StWYPfIfFUmkbL4KVHRF2swTqz47idIfWTw0nJWPnd9dwaDeauf28d5tM-LnBhhTXBmXGSOybPcMXvrIE-srf8LedUJWY-fPY-tTOpvBHh0Ij2fyM95rCo6ntqj7Pe7P/s1600/IMG_3868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1595" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8LJmWGFU31y9StWYPfIfFUmkbL4KVHRF2swTqz47idIfWTw0nJWPnd9dwaDeauf28d5tM-LnBhhTXBmXGSOybPcMXvrIE-srf8LedUJWY-fPY-tTOpvBHh0Ij2fyM95rCo6ntqj7Pe7P/s640/IMG_3868.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">The struggle of taking an ussie with three savages.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmOHG_PgEQljDqkeZvyWNUh_qgWGsi-ZGgNy40K-wivOki5GAGOXfNVs5EZ312uy5r5IxDSo30ClclNGYk7m_rTwBdJiMcA293kkcrRaUibV-LiIDwB2tbkgjmTV6eivGTxJyrW2BYZp-/s1600/IMG_3992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1595" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmOHG_PgEQljDqkeZvyWNUh_qgWGsi-ZGgNy40K-wivOki5GAGOXfNVs5EZ312uy5r5IxDSo30ClclNGYk7m_rTwBdJiMcA293kkcrRaUibV-LiIDwB2tbkgjmTV6eivGTxJyrW2BYZp-/s640/IMG_3992.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Slumber parties are a non-negotiable when LaLa comes home. xo</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleOpb-6X7qn8KzcabgIQ_if1so3oDr56djbxg-xA-UZFkXxaer-OBpzFmUuvrbG1i8S2gpHuSC0jXMPe2EIlUs6V2U_NK54olyCwZCqCsnTvIi_RoJh3smu7XXKrQjl0zNKfU0dGwK_kR/s1600/IMG_4157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1596" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleOpb-6X7qn8KzcabgIQ_if1so3oDr56djbxg-xA-UZFkXxaer-OBpzFmUuvrbG1i8S2gpHuSC0jXMPe2EIlUs6V2U_NK54olyCwZCqCsnTvIi_RoJh3smu7XXKrQjl0zNKfU0dGwK_kR/s640/IMG_4157.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>I can't get enough of this photo. I want to hang it everywhere so I can see their darling smiles and personalities everywhere I look.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;">
On my way back to the best coast from my visit, I just so happened to be in the very best place at the very best time. At the time, I didn't immediately recognize it as such, but as the day played out and once I got home and confirmed my luck, it was a nice treat to reaffirm my decision to go home when I did. The flight I was on was overbooked and they were desperate for people to volunteer to take a different flight. It was messy and a little stressful, but in the end, I managed to get home only an our later than planned and had $800 Delta dollars to put towards another adventure. I very much could have put that towards some epic international extravaganza, but I am always craving more time with my beloveds and decided that was the best way to spend the new found treasure. Dad's birthday was a few months out, so I got a ticket for him and Leify to come visit. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Little did we know, their flight would be just days after Harriet's passing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They ended up having to buy one-way tickets out a day later so they could partake in the ceremony, but they made it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Let me tell you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">That was the best timing anyone could have planned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I was hurting big time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I probably took them too many places so we didn't have to deal with the inner turmoil from losing someone we cherished so dearly, but we did get to do some serious sharing and celebrating. Dad shared a story that was shared at the funeral of how my cousin's oldest had been so tickled to get to be Harriet's pen-pal for the months leading up to her death. (He got the jackpot, she was always amazing with story and word!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Leif shared some of the stories of how he used to make her laugh. He has always been such an enthusiast when it comes to life. He appears to be mellow as an adult, but he's still the goofy passionate one who will do nearly anything to make you laugh/lighten the mood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dad and Harriet shared the same birthday, so we had a party in their honor... I guess that'll be the new tradition. :)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtixROrWtNdj0R_Ed20tI3iW48SRCURYcl1R4oR86KVW-5tj2ydwVQSNlaFNSDs-X0RAIZXx0J6WYkZw9zr9ba1MmOxaaJ9NaQbRtn9yqvUdJnXspgmSkRDmxP6suNdtVV2ceOd7JPhSk-/s1600/IMG_4758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1595" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtixROrWtNdj0R_Ed20tI3iW48SRCURYcl1R4oR86KVW-5tj2ydwVQSNlaFNSDs-X0RAIZXx0J6WYkZw9zr9ba1MmOxaaJ9NaQbRtn9yqvUdJnXspgmSkRDmxP6suNdtVV2ceOd7JPhSk-/s640/IMG_4758.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My two favorite Hanson men on my most very favorite coast!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">All this to say, Dad and Leif showed up at just the right time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We were able to laugh and we were able to shed some tears.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We celebrated and will continue to grieve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The beauty of this land didn't hurt the process.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSY5rwXRHzXQyQ-pBNKleI9Op2-nA5UfHfJF-EgUsCIWacipf_x3l-AHjqFqSCGDLGEUCRWBnDeono7eLcmWT9Mg82T541O5ww9OeFkAXKdMixw2MIkfEYhXw7icQSs-9ctpbE7PORXWaE/s1600/IMG_4760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="897" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSY5rwXRHzXQyQ-pBNKleI9Op2-nA5UfHfJF-EgUsCIWacipf_x3l-AHjqFqSCGDLGEUCRWBnDeono7eLcmWT9Mg82T541O5ww9OeFkAXKdMixw2MIkfEYhXw7icQSs-9ctpbE7PORXWaE/s640/IMG_4760.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just south of Cannon Beach looking south down the coast.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgct0JbvG_V3EQ81O8KPQtquRTNgrCZgN1tsxIdcFchLuY9qYeFHh4bGDJd2z_EdlH0BG75-Ri1zw-xcLWpv9Y0WyeCu8Tfy90_YK1pfIRvB5XcYaEibnWUEWONo8s8x5dhxwfHk7Pti_/s1600/IMG_4762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="897" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgct0JbvG_V3EQ81O8KPQtquRTNgrCZgN1tsxIdcFchLuY9qYeFHh4bGDJd2z_EdlH0BG75-Ri1zw-xcLWpv9Y0WyeCu8Tfy90_YK1pfIRvB5XcYaEibnWUEWONo8s8x5dhxwfHk7Pti_/s640/IMG_4762.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My favorite coffee stop since 2006. I need to go back to get the barista's full story, she's from the midwest too!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBct_plIQJpslvp6H3MqkQxG6Bjakij9-xJwv8HbTUxWgwn_zw4n51aH0CgSh9FC4-CbSvZEHELywZYkF-V-ajuCIeNtiSoWYPR_pe5sRPUUO1kBClQB65YPiQbdBu7bxgV3ZF-L_gdZPw/s1600/IMG_4764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="897" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBct_plIQJpslvp6H3MqkQxG6Bjakij9-xJwv8HbTUxWgwn_zw4n51aH0CgSh9FC4-CbSvZEHELywZYkF-V-ajuCIeNtiSoWYPR_pe5sRPUUO1kBClQB65YPiQbdBu7bxgV3ZF-L_gdZPw/s640/IMG_4764.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Happy Daddy.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfmziDEPNP6y6Rg-CVMpyXJpafo8LvrxQLCYqRr4JK1Qi-XBo4jO6_FYH-F2BrmVyVphAd5AwuFNNlYsAkQBxAz78CuBaTks1GqJhu-EerxZQLymtpaGRa_pEN79iIETsws_VBn2sHVM8/s1600/IMG_4765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1595" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfmziDEPNP6y6Rg-CVMpyXJpafo8LvrxQLCYqRr4JK1Qi-XBo4jO6_FYH-F2BrmVyVphAd5AwuFNNlYsAkQBxAz78CuBaTks1GqJhu-EerxZQLymtpaGRa_pEN79iIETsws_VBn2sHVM8/s640/IMG_4765.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Leif's over pictures. He should realize how many I held back on. Shoot.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39DkZIQQmZW-Fv4xBkuxSvMBBB-O53-ix8TOU56HJweF1J4u5f-DVrOhLmcANUOgz6qCUuLf-Zr8HPJitJCgSCQ8F4AXR1uNx5GeOHPeu77cRs0IJNAQ52gaLrrqmzgVXugIPUA13eQIe/s1600/IMG_4774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1595" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39DkZIQQmZW-Fv4xBkuxSvMBBB-O53-ix8TOU56HJweF1J4u5f-DVrOhLmcANUOgz6qCUuLf-Zr8HPJitJCgSCQ8F4AXR1uNx5GeOHPeu77cRs0IJNAQ52gaLrrqmzgVXugIPUA13eQIe/s640/IMG_4774.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>So freakin' excited to share such a special place with my favorites!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCnQyrAsLLJY5a2H4PQk_qxIMRdx00dmeWWxTiyEEnqjWmRhnsR21U8-E88qq9D8ofhWPEX9UNCxRY8MPM7WkLDyA_g8X2yJgYVNa6UGjYLfyGn0bV4uRDemHJfUtxQCSjd1GCZgvJJqo/s1600/IMG_4780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1595" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCnQyrAsLLJY5a2H4PQk_qxIMRdx00dmeWWxTiyEEnqjWmRhnsR21U8-E88qq9D8ofhWPEX9UNCxRY8MPM7WkLDyA_g8X2yJgYVNa6UGjYLfyGn0bV4uRDemHJfUtxQCSjd1GCZgvJJqo/s640/IMG_4780.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I am so undeniably blessed. I live in one of the most gorgeous areas of the world. I need to soak it up more often.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Bonus!! </b>I drug Leif and Dad to entirely too many places too far away from each other (alllll over Portland and then down to Tillamook and up the coast to Astoria!) On their last day, I took them to the Tiny Home Show... I took my man-friend too! Check out this awesome picture! I keep it on my desk at work for when I need a pick-me-up. :)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9IlhUnTFp45OJspgpHD-lBNQWbTyZxKYLgnL8tNPVg7Z40RcZZU9JHAngKFoeHrOjUpzujc67KUyVxSd5V5c3HbARDJcljdwfv37JUj1mI73QQZmL7JyGBWPWBs3_-moz-GIWKjYO7LU/s1600/IMG_4788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="897" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9IlhUnTFp45OJspgpHD-lBNQWbTyZxKYLgnL8tNPVg7Z40RcZZU9JHAngKFoeHrOjUpzujc67KUyVxSd5V5c3HbARDJcljdwfv37JUj1mI73QQZmL7JyGBWPWBs3_-moz-GIWKjYO7LU/s640/IMG_4788.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Big man in a tiny tub!!</i></td></tr>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-53729210447445115672018-09-15T19:28:00.000-07:002019-01-19T19:30:41.205-08:00<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A few years ago, I was living back in my hometown and our church did a series called 'Iowa Nice'. I'll be honest, I probably missed a couple sermons and I couldn't, for the life of me, tell you what all the nitty gritty details of that series were today, but the theme was that it's one thing to be 'nice', it is something else entirely to be genuine and transparent. That something else entirely is a little tricky to find, but pretty spectacular when you do. It's hard to miss and really beautiful when you're able to live it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I struggle with this 'Iowa Nice' thing. I think this season of struggle and heartache and exhaustion has taught me that in an unhealthy way, in my mind it's easier for me to say 'yes' and allow others to so influence my behavior just to avoid some conflict or friction. I'm (re)learning that sometimes it's way more than necessary for me to un-plug, un-commit, and maybe even un-learn some things in order to un-interrupt the beauty of just being where you're at: strugglebus 'n all.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nearly a year ago, I took my special 'treat-yo-self' fund and bought a ticket to a conference called <i><a href="https://bwfconference.com/" target="_blank">Birth Without Fear</a></i>. Anyone who knows even a sliver of my heart knows all I want is to be a mama bear and smother all my baby bear cubs with all the love that makes me the crazy individual that I am. They also know that I am a quirky, hopeless romantic who wants almost desperately (I just don't like that word, makes me sound weak, which... I'm not really in a place to admit/agree to) to find her other-half / sweetheart / beloved / life-partner / mate / companion / lover ... you get the idea. (Sorry if I lost ya on that run...) These are the desires of my heart, but it turns out that you have to, like, eat and sleep in order to do any of the other wonderful, adventurous things this life can entail. I have spent the last five years trying to explore and discover how I can take my desire to be a mama bear and lover/helper and put it into practice to financially support my life. I was able to train as a doula four years ago and was so crazy on fire - I'd share with anyone and everyone who would listen to me. It was awesome. I'm not huge into astrology signs, but my inner Aries was in full-flame. I learned a lot of extremely helpful pieces of information at that training and through all the people and resources I was able to access because of that training, but I haven't been able to dive into the birthing world too much in these last nearly five years because of the aforementioned strugglebus of life and bills and surviving and such. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You know, details.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">That conference was today. I have been in such a heavy, dark place these last few months that just getting myself to work and coming home to sleep every night has taken more than my energy reserves have been able to re-collect and squirt back out everyday. Today was exhausting, to say the least, but just as Mama J (January Harshe, the magical unicorn of a human and founder of Birth Without Fear, herself,) warned, <i>very healing</i>. We covered SO MUCH GOOD STUFF. She is the epitome of that something-else-entirely I spoke of earlier. She is grace and truth and grit and love and exactly the cheerleader I was needing for this season. There was something really difficult for me to be in a room full of women (and a few super supportive men!) sharing their birth stories when I didn't have one and don't honestly know if/when I will (I know I'm not OLD, old, but the clock is ticking and when you're not actively trying, you don't know if everything works like it's supposed to, ya know?) Everything she said in regards to pregnancy and birth and postpartum so related to my messy life of singleness. <i>I'm not trying to be all 'woe-is-me', I'm really just trying to be honest and <b>it's hard</b>. <b>Life </b>is hard! </i>I was hoping and expecting to walk away from today with a better direction career-wise of what my next steps should look like and a re-ignited passion for supporting families in bringing their honeys into the world with a voice to have the birth experience they choose. I can't say that didn't happen at all, but it was more of a loud and clear affirmation that this season of saying 'no' and agreeing to less is more than okay. It's necessary for me and if others aren't a fan of it, they can deal and find a different way to work through their next season of struggle, one that works better for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*I share these things because if I need to hear them, someone else out there probably needs to hear it too.*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Our world is constantly changing. Yes, history repeats itself, but each generation has its own strange new quirks to navigate and we don't always know how to encourage each other on this journey. I went to this conference with an expectation of direction and clarity. I walked away with confirmation that even when life is difficult and feels too tough to handle, there are people who are going through something entirely different, but equally as hard and as crazy as it is to wrap my mind around, we're both going to make it through the storm stronger than when we entered it. I am eager to be wiser and be able to encourage others in seasons with similar struggles, but for now, I just appreciate those who have learned how to use their voice to encourage, empower, and build others up. Just trying to flex those muscles more and more so I can do the same. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thanks Mama J, so appreciate your love and passion to share your wisdom and build community. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">xo</span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-9779922172112894502018-02-02T22:15:00.000-08:002018-02-02T22:18:27.879-08:00BACK IN THE GAME!<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A year and half later and I'm BACK IN THE GAME. :)<br /></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Totally just realized I would have absolutely no trouble creating a lengthy blog post allllll about <br /><b>10 Things I Hate About You</b>, <br />but anyone who's actually had the privilege of watching that masterpiece with me<br /> would be able to tell you first hand, <br />a) it's not all that fun and <br />b) it's actually </i>less<i> entertaining with my commentary (crazy, I KNOW.) <br />Don't you worry though, it hasn't stopped me from reciting all the lines yet!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So, life is tricky, right? Exhausting even at times? Yeah, occasionally. And to be completely honest, after sitting at a desk all day staring at a screen, that typically the last thing I want to do in my free time while I'm at home. HOWEVER, the past month or so, I've been a <i>total</i> hermit and have been reading some utterly </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">delicious</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> books and it's been making me want to get my words out of my head and anywhere where they are cohesive SO STINKING BAD!! There are so many different aspects of the vulnerability that you must come to terms with when sharing any sort of creation with others let along the WORLD WIDE WEB. These vulnerabilities can occasionally be crippling, at times to the point of keeping my thoughts at bay for a whopping 18 months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This year is going to be different though. I've got adventures people. BIG ONES. They're all just waiting to be devoured. Once I digest them, I'll share 'em with you. Deal? :) Excellent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Welp, that's all for now, just had to jump back on here and break the ice. Don't worry, I'll be back. :)</span></div>
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</span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-86388041425157475532016-08-24T21:17:00.001-07:002016-08-24T21:23:23.822-07:00...we accept the love we think we deserve.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I currently have a pretty awful commute bridging my home and my work. I've learned to get pretty creative with that time in hopes of preventing physical aggression or worse... losing my mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I recently discovered the world of podcasts and it's been SUCH a game-changer. I mean, it's not like I never see anything interesting on my commute...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">...but it really does help to take my mind off the time I'm losing to listen to something that sets my mind on things that help me grow and heal and that inspire and encourage me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Today I listened to a podcast honoring one of my favorite people, one whom I've never met, but greatly anticipate meeting one day: the great, Brennan Manning. I believe it was a youth group teaching and the title was, 'What has Brennan Manning taught us about life together?'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The beginning of the podcast was a little hard to follow, but they shared a clip from the movie, 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. (Sounds like a great film and novel!) The line that stood out to me before they even got to the good stuff, the Brennan Manning sharing part, was this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Student: Why do nice people choose the wrong people to date?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Teacher: Are we talking about anyone in specific...? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>*silence*</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Teacher: ...we accept the love we think we deserve. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Student: Can we make them see they deserve more?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Teacher: All we can do is try.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hours later, I have to wonder how true that is of my life. How true is it for those that allow me to be a part of their lives?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The following is a video of the few minutes shared in this podcast. At the beginning of the podcast today, the speaker said if you've heard Brennan Manning speak once, you've heard all his teachings because he shares the same truth every time. While that's true, I can never get enough of his words. I re-listen everything of his and even often have to write them out to chew and digest them as best as I can. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I hope you're challenged and encouraged by these few minutes and beautiful words spoken by Brennan Manning depicting the beauty of brokenness and trust in our Sweet Jesus...</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pQi_IDV2bgM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pQi_IDV2bgM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the 48 years since I was first ambushed by Jesus, in a little chapel in the Allegheny Mountains of western Pennsylvania, and in literally the thousands of hours of prayer and meditation, silence and solitude over those years, I am now utterly convinced that on Judgement Day, the Lord Jesus is gonna ask each of us one question and just one question: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Did you believe that I loved you? That I desired you? That I waited for you day after day? That I longed to hear the sound of your voice?'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The real believers there will answer, 'Yes, Jesus. I believed in your love and I tried to shape my life as a response to it.' </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But many of us who are so faithful in our ministry and our practice and our churchgoing, are going to have to reply, 'Well frankly, no, sir. I mean, I never really believed it. I mean, I heard a lot of wonderful sermons and teachings about it, in fact, I gave quite a few myself, but I always thought that was just a way of speaking, a kindly lie some Christian's pious pat on the back to cheer me on.' </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And there's the difference between the real believers and the nominal Christians that are bound in our Churches across the land. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No one can measure like a believer the depth and the intensity of God's love, but at the same time, no one can measure like a believer the effectiveness of our gloom, pessimism, low self-esteem, self-hatred, and despair that block God's way to us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do you see why it is so important to lay hold of this basic truth of our faith? Because you're only going to be as big as your own concept of God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Remember the famous line of the French philosopher, Blaise Pascal? 'God made man in his own image and man returned the compliment.' We often make God in our own image and He winds up to be as fussy, rude, narrow-minded, legalistic, judgmental, unforgiving, and unloving as we are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the past couple of three years, I have preached the Gospel to the financial community in Wall Street of NYC, the airmen and women of the Air-force Academy of Colorado Springs, a thousand physicians in Nairobi, I've been in churches in Lagrangian, Miami, Chicago, St. Louis, Seattle, San Diego, and honest, the God of so many Christians I meet is a God who's too small for me! Because he is not the God of the Word. He is not the God revealed by and in Jesus Christ who this moment comes right to your seat and says,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'I have a word for you.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know your whole life story. I know every skeleton in your closet. I know every moment of sin, shame, dishonest, and degraded love that has darkened your past. Right now, I know your shallow faith, your feeble prayer life, your inconsistent discipleship.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And my word is this:</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I dare you to trust that I love you just as you are and not as you should be, because you're never gonna be as you should be. </span></i></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-23078839069798127842015-10-14T20:45:00.000-07:002015-12-31T11:41:09.606-08:00"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart."- William Woodsworth<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart."- William Woodsworth</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Some days it takes everything in me to get out of my head and focus on the task at hand. The craziest part to me though is that then those days end with moments like this where all I want to do is pour my heart out into words... but I can't get to them! It's like they're all on a mad dash in different directions, running as fast and as far as they can. Maybe they have no desire to be tamed either. Maybe they know better than to let me catch them and put them on this paper for the world to see... maybe, just maybe, my subconscious is smarter than I think! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's hard to focus when all you want to do is be out in the big beautiful world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Exploring. </span></div>
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Meeting new people. </div>
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Actually getting to know the people you've already met. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">How did we get to this point? We've got so much vying for our time and attention that we don't even know where to start. Most of the time that doesn't seem to matter much anyway because our time's already been spoken for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I want to spend my time doing things that are meaningful. I don't mean to say that my 8-5 isn't meaningful, not by any means. I have an incredible team that I work with and I'm able to connect with those individuals because of the role I have and it's excellent. I mean, I want to be so intentional with my time that even my sillies don't get overlooked or forgotten. I think I've just allowed myself to be so calloused lately that everything's become routine. I've hardened my heart to avoid feeling that I've just become some dumb robot! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Working on it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The other part of me is actively loving myself and embracing the silly little fool that I am. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My goal is to write every other day - three to four times a week. I want to literally fill papers with the breathings of my heart. I want to document the crazy inner-workings of my heart and my mind. I want the truth to be seen and known by all those who encounter me. </span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">From the depths of your bones</i></div>
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<i>to the smile shining across your face,</i></div>
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<i>you are your own person.</i></div>
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<i>Let it be known.</i></div>
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<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-16623086871899361972015-10-04T19:57:00.000-07:002015-10-04T20:14:19.259-07:00write drunk, edit sober...<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Write drunk, edit sober - that's what they always say, <strike>write</strike> right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Well, that's what my bottle of cab sauv is telling me right now... so, yes, that's what I'm doing...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You should do it too! Talk about liberation. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My assignment for the weekend was to have 30 pages of what 'would be' the beginning of my memoir ready for my accountability partners... Sorry guys... I'm afraid I'm just not there quite yet. Apparently there are a few things I need to get off my chest before I can dive that deep...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Somehow I feel I keep finding myself in these odd situation where people tell me I would never understand. Someone with children will tell me how terribly difficult their day-to-day life is - I have no doubt there are struggles, but think about the fact that you're complaining about a wonderful problem to someone who wants <i>nothing more </i>than what you're living. I'll be talking to someone who's been struggling with their weight... while I've never been 'medically' overweight, I've had/have my fair share of health issues and body complexes - somehow, I manage to gain the same 40 pounds every time I move to a magical place. (Hoping that was a phase... but avoiding the scale just in case!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My point is, we've <i>all </i>got battles. We are all struggling with <i>something</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The past few weeks or months I've noticed a lot of less than fantastic things about myself that I'm really working on addressing. Being proactive, if you will.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Don't get me wrong, I have a really fantastic life. I really like it. (Honest!) But somewhere in the middle of trying to impress people who really don't need to be impressed and mysteriously losing my love-of-self, I've discovered there are a <i>few </i>things that might, just possibly be problematic in the long run:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Example A)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I am afraid I may never bear children, my biggest dream, either because I'll forever be alone or my body may not be adequate to do so. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Example B)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I spend an absurd amount of time analyzing what I think people think of me. An. Absurd. Amount. Of. Time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Okay, there are too many to keep that up... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">My biggest challenge in life is letting go of people, even if they hurt me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I'm pretty sure I try to buy people's love in fear that they won't accept me otherwise. (Thanks Mom! But, seriously, love you and your gift-giving-love-buying-honest-ways...)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I feel like I've always kind of been a loner; therefore, I must have failed as a friend.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I almost always have a book on me so I can be invisible without actually feeling invisible in crowds and/or groups. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I have a systemic infection that I am insanely self-conscious of... so much so, that I only get my hair cut once a year in order to avoid having anyone touch and/or see my scalp. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I feel like I am an easy person to disregard, and it eats away at me pretty much daily. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I almost always operate under the assumption that I care more about everyone else than they do about me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I unfollow people on Instagram and Facebook if their life seems too perfect because it makes me feel inadequate. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I fear being alone forever, but have a really hard time letting down my guard so anyone interested might actually have the opportunity to see who I really am.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I hate emptying the dishwasher. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Every day I see <i>all</i> my crazies and wonder if there's a man out there with a big enough heart to love me anyway.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I don't trust other drivers, and therefore, sometimes find callouses on my hands and have no reason deduct anything other than they must be from my road-rage/anxiety.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I want to write a book so badly it hurts, but am afraid of people telling me my story isn't worth reading. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Sometimes, on my way to work, some random Led Zeppelin song will come on the radio and I'll be so caught up with the nostalgia and feelings of longing for my family, I will pull into my parking spot and not even notice my face is stained with tears.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I struggle <i>every</i> single day with feeling like I'm enough. Smart enough. Pretty enough. Fun enough. Good enough.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">And, I cry... A lot. Like, most every emotion. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">...just ask my co-workers. :/</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So, go on. Share your struggles! They're legitimate!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tell the people you trust of the things that are weighing you down - who knows? Maybe they'll have some words of wisdom to encourage you! Crazier yet, perhaps they'll have struggled with the same exact thing?!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I don't mean to tell you I've been through it all, that there's nothing I've never hurt from. That's simply not the case. There are <i>many</i> times I've been entrusted with troubles that I can only imagine bearing. I honestly hope I won't ever be in the place to have to carry them, to be completely honest, but it's not to say that's how it'll all play out. We all have <i>something</i> we're carrying and really working through. It's a tough life... I'm 1000% convinced this world is a ghetto! Until we cross those pearly gates, it's not going to be easy - there's no two ways about.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">But what I have learned (and apparently am still learning), is this: we have been given a community, a tribe. Whether we allow them to assist us in working through and unraveling our troubles is up to us. It's not easy, but it is worth it. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My challenge to you today is this: </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Love those you've been given. Do something today to let down your guard just a bit to let those in your life to catch a little bit more of a glimpse of your beautiful self. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I can tell you it's not going to be easy. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It probably won't be comfortable.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It might not be pretty, either. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">But it'll be worth it. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Do what you can today to love yourself and encourage others to do the same.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Much love, </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lauren</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-54785120283298553072015-09-27T15:51:00.000-07:002015-09-27T15:51:37.764-07:00self-love = getting out to catch the sunrise<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/AVvXsEg7K5k3RDtNzLFrt6R1P4VQK5gw2NGRHe87NpK_Ui0R9DgNc4OLuGe-dGmaJqZArIaFEs3vbhfh6TBHfvqKAf6yCG4aXU3BG6zH6_fz0fvrdkbQ_80BuBYnE-RGET0nTiIpHk1nXUJieECl/s1600/IMG_8237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K5k3RDtNzLFrt6R1P4VQK5gw2NGRHe87NpK_Ui0R9DgNc4OLuGe-dGmaJqZArIaFEs3vbhfh6TBHfvqKAf6yCG4aXU3BG6zH6_fz0fvrdkbQ_80BuBYnE-RGET0nTiIpHk1nXUJieECl/s640/IMG_8237.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>We thought we'd for sure missed it...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEitNdQWHtHMKrNTSvN-v_qZfeS6r7MeEbvKyqdosofCP3vUols1dt7l2ORbDCmQMTGAMidHPZ2M8ofIgEQBgxY3daC8NsPftrO217PEO0DNg7GIKhsFGJcxOeJ8hO3ZFzDel_NqNxaAL7jn/s1600/IMG_8242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNdQWHtHMKrNTSvN-v_qZfeS6r7MeEbvKyqdosofCP3vUols1dt7l2ORbDCmQMTGAMidHPZ2M8ofIgEQBgxY3daC8NsPftrO217PEO0DNg7GIKhsFGJcxOeJ8hO3ZFzDel_NqNxaAL7jn/s640/IMG_8242.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>All these colors and changes presented themselves within a half-hour.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEhG5esAIaBunmt8GwYVuMgvzhxIlOXsGIhw7W5IFpOoj0vdgVK3Dd5zD9Zh4xDB3dpjWTcXwYZ9Fww4kz75HAhVacdyJWG6w3K8_9SmmviKqPnnJzH4AWVO4aefc_z3fcYBK95RZSCnsZI_/s1600/IMG_8249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5esAIaBunmt8GwYVuMgvzhxIlOXsGIhw7W5IFpOoj0vdgVK3Dd5zD9Zh4xDB3dpjWTcXwYZ9Fww4kz75HAhVacdyJWG6w3K8_9SmmviKqPnnJzH4AWVO4aefc_z3fcYBK95RZSCnsZI_/s640/IMG_8249.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Had anyone been around, they probably would have thought we were on a roller coaster or something, hooting and cheering like we'd never been out in the fresh air!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEj5lMDENJiNdYIzb3qqnpnpHcMSZC0sOzqRqiA0QQSPrX7PFmfBg0_JGCczSLLOVDrhxENDAz48dKGd3d0ouFwsFz4rbHRT3LmO3Wa4vEPWNp3rSmSZHXHJELTtRgEAJzmZ-j6JhNemMvXI/s1600/IMG_8250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lMDENJiNdYIzb3qqnpnpHcMSZC0sOzqRqiA0QQSPrX7PFmfBg0_JGCczSLLOVDrhxENDAz48dKGd3d0ouFwsFz4rbHRT3LmO3Wa4vEPWNp3rSmSZHXHJELTtRgEAJzmZ-j6JhNemMvXI/s640/IMG_8250.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>I just can't even...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEjNfsr2LzQPjlnCWdd2wFoqqT0GJykWXS39M8V5eD3a3k4IaW_0pbITT0ESNPnjFhrYk-yrUtL7dKIqaOeY5PycQ4l5zuoymqm2KFSMmMtpSHwNr8Yrl5TE1u9puAy2ANd1GHbA1-ld2rD7/s1600/IMG_8256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfsr2LzQPjlnCWdd2wFoqqT0GJykWXS39M8V5eD3a3k4IaW_0pbITT0ESNPnjFhrYk-yrUtL7dKIqaOeY5PycQ4l5zuoymqm2KFSMmMtpSHwNr8Yrl5TE1u9puAy2ANd1GHbA1-ld2rD7/s640/IMG_8256.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Unfortunately, I had my 50mm lens on my camera which didn't allow me to catch the sun actually rising AND Mt. Hood at the same time, but I think it's safe to say there was enough beauty flowing it doesn't matter too terribly much. This shot was dramatic and incredible. Ah. :)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEgHkaM-kmg9R3fWxWLbOK6DbZM1haMaGdsuMsYwuSnZHnK9cJZMcziv0g4li36oWMznVX7bnnOUTlGbxMDkJ0NcFliveOywngP_MvYG950BEBLaJR5ri4a0VzhRLtyUGWHj0dszpoE-TQr9/s1600/IMG_8258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkaM-kmg9R3fWxWLbOK6DbZM1haMaGdsuMsYwuSnZHnK9cJZMcziv0g4li36oWMznVX7bnnOUTlGbxMDkJ0NcFliveOywngP_MvYG950BEBLaJR5ri4a0VzhRLtyUGWHj0dszpoE-TQr9/s640/IMG_8258.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>This is my view each morning as I struggle to make my way through traffic... It's distracting to say the least, but without it, that drive would be completely unbearable.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-13617310543892329952015-09-27T15:23:00.001-07:002015-09-27T15:24:42.965-07:00'white-knuckling'<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Life is hard. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Am I right?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I mean, I don't have anything out of the ordinary to really complain about, but this crazy thing that I somehow always feel I need to have a real grip on (life), is confusing, and grey and, just really hard to navigate!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am a feeler. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I base my thoughts and decisions and opinions more off of my intuition and emotions than on pure logic and reasoning. That being said, I feel </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">very deeply</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. Everything. I don't know how to change this. Being more 'mindful' of it often merely highlights the fact that my heart is very active and can get distracting from things that need my focus and attention. </span></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have a good grip of who I am and I very much enjoy that individual. I am also a people pleaser and do what I can to do just that... I like being happy; therefore, I enjoy being a catalyst and brightening other peoples' days. Not entirely a bad thing. </span></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Until. I let it go too far. </span></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Recently I found myself compromising who I am deep down in my core in an attempt to impress someone I knew and cared for many moons ago. Nothing I was doing was beneficial to either of us. </span><strike style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My</strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Our communication was nearly nonexistent. I found myself keeping to myself because he didn't seem interested and would mostly only share critical comments on who I was and the fears that I carried with me. Through all this, I discovered a hang-up I have allowed into quite a few areas of my life: I am now aware that I am pretty notorious for 'white-knuckling'. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This experience has taught me that I cling to that which I desire the most in fear of losing it, but that desperate energy that fuels my existence chases these things away. (Duh. Scary!) Apparently, sometimes the mere purpose of a relationship is to tear down your walls. Shake you awake. Reveal the best parts </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">of </i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">you </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">to</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> you. Sometimes that requires ample amounts of ruthless self-awareness and introspection. Again, not easy and certainly not fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Through all this discovery, I've come to the conclusion that there is an expiration to how long we hold onto something. We are unable to hold onto something that is no longer serving us - sometimes this comes in the form of an unexpected expense, an unfortunate layoff, or a super out-of-the-blue blindsiding breakup. When something is no longer serving our best interest, it will be removed from our lives regardless of our preference. If you're over attached to someone out of fear of being alone, that clinging and clutching result in even greater pain when the relationship ends or shifts into another direction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What am I doing to rid my life of this hangup? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">That's a great question...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I don't have a formula.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My approach is going to be one that allows more room for freedom and encouragement to be myself, less room for painful criticism and the perspective of unworthiness, and more room for acceptance, satisfaction, and love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I know this might sound pretty hippy, dippy, but heartache sucks and sometimes the revelations it brings with it are kind of mind-blowing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We all have the opportunity to surrender to the natural flow of life, love, true connection. The trick is whether we allow ourselves to loosen the grip we've become so accustomed to in order for authenticity to shine through. My goal is to embrace change and step out in to this beautiful world with an open heart and open palms!</span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-75810161436223831222015-07-04T12:55:00.000-07:002015-07-04T12:55:21.987-07:00Poky to Boise ...better late than never. :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The next few posts will be a little out of order, but I need this particular memory and happenstance for the post I'd really like to be composing at the moment... how's that for building the anticipation?? :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My trip out west was one of necessity and healing of sorts... it still is. There's just something about this crazy life that has me drawn to the best coast... I'm still working on pin-pointing some of those details. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">ANYWHO. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On my way out here, I made the most of my trip. My heart was (and still is, for the most part) pretty tender and broken from leaving the people I love more than anyone else. (I know, the whole life and situation is such a conundrum!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As noted previously, I had the pleasure of catching up with my dear friend, Hannah, in Denver. I was also able to catch up with my Ashley Grace, but unfortunately can't seem to find photos documenting such an occasion. I was also able to stop in Pocatello to visit my aunt, uncle, and cousins! (More on that in another post - told ya it'd be non-sequential for a bit!) Post-Pocatello I had great plans of a mini-sabbatical for myself. I was exhausted from wrestling with this whole life transition and committing to starting over somewhere so far from my family and actually following through and making the move - it's a lot of crazy details and miles! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UPd9SZpW3ly_0LiZxqy_EDEH5T_PpB1Kn6qq1fHYaHcXB6Bmnqfc9QTieF9zZuMde9YzAzXiARJdBfJfKIGzi4Hsf63Jhck7iAywr8M7HONKCkLt7Akss4clHUXBJ9yDYAECxRmCmYYu/s1600/IMG_8163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UPd9SZpW3ly_0LiZxqy_EDEH5T_PpB1Kn6qq1fHYaHcXB6Bmnqfc9QTieF9zZuMde9YzAzXiARJdBfJfKIGzi4Hsf63Jhck7iAywr8M7HONKCkLt7Akss4clHUXBJ9yDYAECxRmCmYYu/s640/IMG_8163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The skies were a bit dicy on my 3-ish hour drive... I'll refrain from sharing some of the other photos... It was fitting, yet again, for the heavy heart that always seems to go along with leaving family. </span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVWjR8ZsdlLMfvCbTqUr8zLf-tlTWEU4EagaEumgtUiBAeREYc_9g0Gy047AuY6b6nbCwg4pbBbT3eSErLdPx-GBSEAddtB3RJV_CSok_Ab2pGsuALVNycriKBIT6Wo0zGKWwyhtJsyLO/s1600/IMG_8226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVWjR8ZsdlLMfvCbTqUr8zLf-tlTWEU4EagaEumgtUiBAeREYc_9g0Gy047AuY6b6nbCwg4pbBbT3eSErLdPx-GBSEAddtB3RJV_CSok_Ab2pGsuALVNycriKBIT6Wo0zGKWwyhtJsyLO/s640/IMG_8226.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's hard to deny that Boise was ready for me though... JUST LOOK AT THOSE SKIES!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Brace yourself...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The next few photos are so scrumptious that you'll fully understand why I nearly didn't leave for two days... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I discovered an app called '<a href="https://roadtrippers.com/?lat=40.80972&lng=-96.67528&z=5&a2=p!5,s!55*54*50*51,t!8326675" target="_blank">Roadtrippers</a>' a few months before my move and was captivated by it pretty much the whole time leading up to this grand adventure. The first thing I knew I needed to include in my trip was a quiet two-day chunk to catch up on sleep and journaling and just process what all was going on in my life and my heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Boise looked like the best stop to do so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">...the Boise Guesthouse only enhanced the experience.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfj7yVTmeiNrNdAenEDHIHJW5X2_1UwKyK4wm2YX9pWio9D_mvzNZegYsWBdHScNT-yB7yDDGVst1_L-ER8c1U4aU3piOYopqlQeo8kn2bbpVSq_tgKfzhAFKSC43cRRj9JLNFXn0H2S8T/s1600/IMG_8175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfj7yVTmeiNrNdAenEDHIHJW5X2_1UwKyK4wm2YX9pWio9D_mvzNZegYsWBdHScNT-yB7yDDGVst1_L-ER8c1U4aU3piOYopqlQeo8kn2bbpVSq_tgKfzhAFKSC43cRRj9JLNFXn0H2S8T/s640/IMG_8175.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://boiseguesthouse.com/" target="_blank"><i>Boise Guesthouse - Downtown Boise, Idaho</i></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My first step in the door, I was welcomed by a video of a fire burning... This might sound cheesey, but believe me, it was <i>such</i> a delight. Just the rhythm of movement and crackling of the flames were very soothing and warm. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5_SII9eWZ25TySC0sCRto8b_83zr4RJeN4VCH0yvjaA3S1qJu2urB9Ei592XiMI1RQySFj7WfdrbxgDIlsVTu5SktxMW3-R-X4dPmT8QD7OHpvhJaP04exUeHNMcA32t5yWxz-bplFjh/s1600/IMG_8174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5_SII9eWZ25TySC0sCRto8b_83zr4RJeN4VCH0yvjaA3S1qJu2urB9Ei592XiMI1RQySFj7WfdrbxgDIlsVTu5SktxMW3-R-X4dPmT8QD7OHpvhJaP04exUeHNMcA32t5yWxz-bplFjh/s640/IMG_8174.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>I always have a special appreciation for Punk Rock Green bathrooms!!!</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXEZN1yLD26DwBTK-DY0g4-RBCyPMZrN_o3YPoLADlu_PB3CX6z0d9QGu3cqgqPfYwK895HOQMPMF_T-x9kiABbWB8FYl8pxIwAeHRzgAo1UKXhMYCFHOyRIszRhXzbwTj6jRUNQX66jq/s1600/IMG_8227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXEZN1yLD26DwBTK-DY0g4-RBCyPMZrN_o3YPoLADlu_PB3CX6z0d9QGu3cqgqPfYwK895HOQMPMF_T-x9kiABbWB8FYl8pxIwAeHRzgAo1UKXhMYCFHOyRIszRhXzbwTj6jRUNQX66jq/s640/IMG_8227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzSBroNtwwLhDdB4WyDrF7R2Fv8ixOQi_z_yWogammYHcvuxT0F6Kb3mKlmDp8Z81-h4VZXQfJqW36pyTvj-A-peltOOgGKjgsY3q_DFaq_tal0SU00Cclrpgr5yfBw4Fr9lWQklpPGEE/s1600/IMG_8228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzSBroNtwwLhDdB4WyDrF7R2Fv8ixOQi_z_yWogammYHcvuxT0F6Kb3mKlmDp8Z81-h4VZXQfJqW36pyTvj-A-peltOOgGKjgsY3q_DFaq_tal0SU00Cclrpgr5yfBw4Fr9lWQklpPGEE/s640/IMG_8228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It took me no time to make myself right at home... did a little yoga by my sweet little fire, composed a few notes to those back home, and settled into a restful night of my favorite a</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">péritif and a cup of two-buck-chuck-Cab-Sauv - yum.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXK1_TOap2SlmUz4X61WhryFqwwdC9OfgwlMjj11Hha0JOzg2YEXDyE-xVLoVI05aSHMbtNqBS3Bq91Pxr3BBBu0h-OgnlMMRC5LkkVuihBkrse67Y0wSaHD1ZDI7zr8-B9B_BJ2wV85P/s1600/IMG_8229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXK1_TOap2SlmUz4X61WhryFqwwdC9OfgwlMjj11Hha0JOzg2YEXDyE-xVLoVI05aSHMbtNqBS3Bq91Pxr3BBBu0h-OgnlMMRC5LkkVuihBkrse67Y0wSaHD1ZDI7zr8-B9B_BJ2wV85P/s640/IMG_8229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I slept like a queen... something that I am, super unfortunately, not good at. This place was so dreamy. So relaxing. I never wanted to leave! I knew that my next destination was my final destination and that I'd soon be thrown back into reality. A very new and unknown reality. So much of me was pretty unsure whether I'd made the right choice or not!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvaA5wFxppgH9pE3HzVMSkXee5-djVtCQkb1-Dpf9j6GDKpKx0lLrWwcuqvs8j9He7eudV1oE7dctsoAFoBBUb0te8Lhl4Iyzx7BtyGX5cHwp1iyEC_eg_H_ZZ0gTdA5RmKbfOhpUIrZD/s1600/IMG_8230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvaA5wFxppgH9pE3HzVMSkXee5-djVtCQkb1-Dpf9j6GDKpKx0lLrWwcuqvs8j9He7eudV1oE7dctsoAFoBBUb0te8Lhl4Iyzx7BtyGX5cHwp1iyEC_eg_H_ZZ0gTdA5RmKbfOhpUIrZD/s640/IMG_8230.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Breakfast in bed.<br /><br />Being a 'guesthouse' rather than a bed and breakfast, the Boise Guesthouse outsources their meals to a restaurant downtown, you've got the choice of leaving this dreamy wonderland of an oasis and enjoying your meal at the restaurant, OR they'll deliver it to your door.<br /><br />Clearly I chose the latter.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This trip was such a necessary bridge from my life in Iowa to my new life on the best coast, but it was very emotionally taxing... Well, the whole thing was emotionally taxing... the trip helped to work through the emotions. During my visit in Denver, Hannah suggested I catch up with another classmate from the school we'd met at, Meagan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I had had few encounters with Meagan, but all were lovely... for me anyway, poor girl ended up in the ER during one of them - that was super awful for her. :(</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I sometimes feel pretty awkward attempting to reconnect with people I didn't know super well previously. That to say, I wasn't nervous to meet up with Meagan, but I didn't really know what to expect or if she'd be able to handle my emotionally heavy self even just for one meal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I should have known better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A lot better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Meagan is such a beautiful soul.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">She's one of those rare people who, while in her presence, you just find peace. She is a phenomenal listener and encourager. She's a fellow dreamer, which is always welcomed and appreciated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Unfortunately, this photo is more focused on the food than her beautiful face, but there's more to come, don't you worry. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.shangri-latearoomandcafe.com/" target="_blank"><i>Shangri-La Tea Room and Cafe - Boise, Idaho</i></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Meagan has discovered health issues since our time at Ecola and has been so proactive in her healing process. I just can't tell you how encouraging my time with her was.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sometimes I look back and wonder <i>why</i> I didn't get to know her better at Ecola, but it always comes down to the fact that I'm certain God knew I needed her friendship more in this season than I did then. Her love and support is so empowering. She's just so wonderful.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>All this talk of health and healing and we totally splurged on a piece of raw cashew 'cheesecake'.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Here's my beauty! Just look at that smile. Doesn't it make you want to wrap her in a bear hug??? Yeah, me too. :)</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So, I mentioned way at the beginning of this post that it was leading to the post I really want to share... that's very true, but I have to confess that blogging is a little exhausting. There. I said it. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I wanted to share this post first, to note how thankful I am that I was able to reconnect with sweet Meagan. I wanted to note that she shared things with me concerning her health journey that were so difficult and discouraging, and yet, she somehow was able to turn it into a knowledge of empowerment, where I was eager to jump into life and chase that ideal of true health that I sometimes feel like we, in this country, know so little about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Meagan lit the fire in my heart to chase my dreams of knowledge and wholeness that sometimes I think I'm the only one capable of seeing. Even if it was only a mere moment, I know she held onto that dream and carried it with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kind of a lousy way to wrap something up... but that's okay. All that to say: this was a very special time of rejuvenation and rest in order for me to jump into the next season of my life: Portlandia. </span></div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-51142623214521482912014-11-16T12:59:00.000-08:002015-07-04T11:12:39.694-07:00st. mary's glacier | alice, colorado<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One of my favorite things about Hannah is that she's always up for adventures and exploring, big or small. She also always seems to know of the best places to find these adventures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For this particular adventure, I had just left my family and loved ones and driven through the great state of Nebraska while Hannah had just put nearly forty hours in in a mere three days... we were both pretty low on energy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The hike was gentle. For a while we were the only ones out there... before we knew it, people seemed to be coming out of the trees! It was fun to see all the different people. Nature does things to people. Everyone we encountered was smiling and delightful. There was a young family that especially stood out to me as they had a whole crew of littles, all different shapes, sizes, and colors... most of them were either dressed to the nines or in a costume of some sort. :) I think I'll try that the next time I take a hike too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It felt as if we were a million miles away from civilization. We really should have been unplugged... These photos are all from my phone, so clearly we weren't, but it was nice to feel that freedom. The air up there was so delicious: crystal clear and oh so fresh. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm pretty sure she was mocking me for the next few photos, but we were in stitches and the photos just capture how much fun we have together, so I kept them. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we inhabit </span></i></span></div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-3712929090985817432014-10-31T21:13:00.000-07:002014-11-15T21:13:53.689-08:00beast + bottle | denver, colorado<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Whilst on my ever enchanting grand adventure, I made a stop in Denver for some majorly overdue quality time with my best gal, Hannah. We always have a blast together and this visit, of course, was no different. We <i>also</i> always eat really well while we're together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's of utmost importance to surround yourself with people who appreciate the same things as you. We appreciate food. (...and Jesus, and nature, and good conversation, and adventures, and exploring, but those are ALLLLL separate stories in and of themselves... all for another day... or post, whichever comes first!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One of the many amazing stops we made was at <a href="http://beastandbottle.com/" target="_blank">beast + bottle</a>. Hannah had been wanting to try it out and we were in the area already so I could get some fun postcards.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Hannah being beautiful while my bloody mary takes the edge off the exceptionally warm day!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It was an absolutely gorgeous day. When I left home, it was chilly and wet. Naturally, that's then how I packed... In all honesty, most of my time in Denver, it was freakin' hot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Someday I'll learn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Every once in a while, I get these <i>weird</i> cravings. They mostly come in the form of bacon, buffalo chicken dip, lentils, and maple donuts (not at the same time, but those are the top four culprits) -- this was one of those difficult days where I was just really craving a good bloody mary... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">...and bacon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Preferably together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I sometimes find myself a little hesitant to branch out and try things that are unfamiliar and different... especially if it's something I'm paying for and there's a sure, tried and true version out there I could opt for instead. I decided to be brave (thanks to the wonderful waitress' coaxing and incredible description of their options) and tried the mesquite bourbon bloody mary. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm not typically a bourbon girl, but this was delicious. Seriously, when you next are in Denver and visit beast + bottle, this is something you'll write home about. So good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This summer was kind of interesting at home, notably mild. My dad has an incredible green thumb and typically grows TONS of big, bright red tomatoes right off their deck, but this summer was so slow to warm up that there were quite a few that stayed green all summer until, finally, it did end up freezing. :( </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Part of me was hoping they wouldn't ever turn and I had really good intentions of frying those lovely green tomaters, but alas, never got around to it... thankfully it was an option at <a href="http://beastandbottle.com/" target="_blank">beast + bottle</a> too! Their homemade goat ranch was out of this world! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Fried pickles and in-house goat milk ranch dressing, of course.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My most favored breakfast go-to is always the classic: eggs, bacon, and toast (and hashbrowns, if I'm lucky!) This is one of those things that when you know it's good, you just don't mess with it. Leading up to my departure, I had so many breakfasts and dinners with dear friends for good-bye's sake, that I don't think a day went by that I didn't have bacon. Denver was no different. I hadn't had any this day and I needed my bacon fix. Delicious, local, homegrown, happy eggs, bacon, and sourdough bread. Easy to mess up, but so worth it when you get it right. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Go to <a href="http://beastandbottle.com/" target="_blank">beast + bottle</a>, you won't regret it.</span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-59548760899849566552014-10-15T11:06:00.000-07:002014-10-15T15:50:22.182-07:00life in the FAST LANE<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Today is day 3 of my (hopefully) 10 day adventure heading west... days 1 and 2 were a little rocky, as I should have expected. I have so much love for my family and dear friends at home that it hurts a lot to leave. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Driving down to Des Moines with raindrops to match my tears.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On day 1 I drove through weather that perfectly reflected my weepy soul. Tears and excitement fueled the drive and once I got there my dear friend Tina helped me process and identify what was going on - she didn't realize it though because I told her I didn't want to talk about it. :) Time completely escaped me over coffee with an incredible friend, Tricia, at my very favorite cafe in Des Moines, La Mie. (Sidenote: La Mie is as French as you can get... outside of France, of course. The food and ambiance is out of this world and absolutely perfect, check it out on 42nd just off 235!) The fun continued downtown at Malo -- also an incredible dining experience! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Tricia treated me to a cocktail at Malo's and I picked 'El Jefe' <br />in honor of my dad as that's what we have called him for the past decade or so.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Tricia got a 'Templeton Mule', which was surprisingly subtle and refreshing! <br />It was made of Templeton Rye whiskey, brandy, lemon juice, and ginger beer.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I remember sitting there trying to take the evening in... my two best friends from growing up were sitting kitty-corner from each other; one to my right, the other across the table from me to my left, sweet Tina was on my left, my old roommate and her fiance were across from me, and my wonderful Cody was the head of the table to the right. I can't fully explain how full and content I was during this meal. The location was something to be appreciated, most certainly, and the food was perfect as well... but there's just something to be said (that I'm clearly struggling to put words to) for having a full <strike>day</strike> week of being surrounded by people you love and who love you and who you know so well and who know you so well... on my way down to Des Moines, I was feeling guilty for not being content at home, for always having this longing to go and explore and experience things. At dinner I had countless moments where I was second-guessing whether or not I was making the right decision in leaving such a great place with so many people that I not only love, but so enjoy as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you're wondering, I still feel a bit guilty for leaving such a good thing... but I'm confident I'm heading in the right direction. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I do have to confess that it's my hope and prayer that I can find a community out west where I can know and love people like I do the ones back home. Obviously not to replace anyone, just to know that full-hearted feeling I had at dinner Monday. I know God will provide as he always has before, but it is one of those things I have identified as a serious need in my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So, after dinner Monday, a few of us continued on to my friend, Cody's new downtown loft (or <i>fancy new bachelor pad!</i> as I like to refer to it.) The conversation and laughter never ceased. It was the perfect ending to a heavy-hearted day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Yesterday was not my favorite... the spitty rain on my way down to Des Moines Monday was a bit depressing to drive through, but I was so thankful that it wasn't windy. Tuesday was not so lucky. The wind was unreal. The struggle was out of control. I could have filled a cuss jar before lunch rolled around. It was pretty much me and a bunch of semi's and campers, so not only was I struggling to keep my vehicle on the road, but I was doing my best to dodge the large swerving trucks and the like as well. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>I had to stop quite a few times because the wind was such a pain. I stopped at a coffee shop at an outlet mall just outside Omaha and had the most incredible dirty chai! I can't for the life of me remember the name of the coffee shop or special drink though! :( (Looks like I could have used a good dose of lotion on my alligator hands - yikes.)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>The wind finally died down and it was flatlands for miles.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nebraska in and of itself wasn't horrible - I really should blame the wind. It was pretty. I was pretty thrilled when all of a sudden I realized I was in Colorado and saw mountains for the first time! I stopped at a gas station trapped in the year 1982 to reload on water. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>I washed my windshield three times before this... </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>So many photobombers.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>The sunset was beautiful in my rear views!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I pressed on through the super intense sun and gorgeous sunset and drove a bit more through the dark before I hit Denver. O. Man. Another second guess whether this is the right choice or not. I hate city driving. White-knuckled, I listened to my navigation system, sailed </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">over and around the Mile High stadium, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">cruised in and out of construction zones, and finally made it over the hills and through the woods to my incredible Hannah's house. The poor thing had to listen to my rambles for a while before we could both call it a day... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">More fun is planned for the next few days. :) Can't wait to see where this journey takes me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pictures to come.</span></i></span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-60402514913491684982014-10-13T05:36:00.000-07:002014-10-13T05:39:31.947-07:00today's THE DAY. <div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If I'm being honest with you, I have to say I feel like I'm tearing my heart out and throwing it across a lake...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dramatic. I </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">know</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You see, I have this problem... this </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">bug</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> of sorts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">have</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> to travel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I <i>need</i> to explore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I <i>thrive</i> off meeting new people and being in places that aren't familiar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As the title of this blog suggests, I'm a bit of a gypsy. I don't speak Romani. Unfortunately I don't have dark skin nor do I live among a commune or tell fortunes. I am, however, a free spirit and I </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">love</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> to see the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A few times along this journey we call life, I've had the opportunity to live in places with incredible people and opportunities every way you turn... I suppose every place is like that if we allow it to be, but while living in a couple of my places, the very deepest parts of my heart just felt so alive. I'm heading back to one of those places... because it's overall mentality and culture is what I need to achieve my dreams. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For the past five years, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(a record for me!) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've lived back in my hometown. It's been absolutely wonderful, but there's always this tug on my heart pulling me elsewhere. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This past season (the past year or so) has been one of discovery and liberation as I have slowly been able to uncover interests and gifts that I can put to use as a career. (Extra liberating as I have always wanted to be a momma and </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">just</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> in the previous season of life came to grips with acknowledging that as a good and healthy desire and goal!) I am very excited about the things I'll be learning and the way I'll be able to pour into the lives of others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">However. Right now. In this very moment, I am very sad. I am also a little terrified. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've been feeling this way for a couple weeks now - it's taken a while to wrap my mind around this being my new and current reality and no longer a dream.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm sad to leave the ones I love so dearly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As much as I love being somewhere unfamiliar and new, I'm sad to be somewhere other than my hometown where I know people and can freely hug and wander. :) (Two of my favorite things!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've been trying to pinpoint my fear and I've been able to acknowledge that it's not the journey out west that I'm afraid of. It's not the fact that I don't have a job and am not entirely sure when I will have one again. I'm very much excited for the unknown and the fact that I don't have a concrete plan, so it's not that either... it's that I won't have constant, tangible access to my family. Ugh, I tell you, that's just the worst right now. If you haven't had the opportunity to meet them... first of all, you're missing out. And, secondly, they might sometimes have a bit of a front that's difficult to read ;) but they're absolutely the most wonderful people alive. But, then again, I'm SUPER biased. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Okay, so what I've been trying to remind myself over and over lately is that I can't dwell on what I'm leaving because there are such incredible things waiting for me ahead. I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that this is the right timing and the right action for me to take, but goodness, it is hard! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In a few hours I'll take the first few steps in my new adventure...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tears make it hard to put words together, did you know that?</span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-10147937308191499992014-08-02T14:55:00.002-07:002014-08-02T15:09:25.003-07:00the liebster award!<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Just a little excitement here at <a href="http://girlwithagypsyheart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">girlwithagypsyheart</a> today... even having my page sit idle for a while, sweet Maegan (aka: Mama Bee over at <a href="http://www.thebeehivebuzz.com/" target="_blank">The Bee Hive Buzz</a>) nominated me for The Liebster Award! <b>THANKS SO MUCH MAEGAN!!!</b> What an honor?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you, like me, are unfamiliar with the Liebster Award, let me fill you in... (I did a bit of research after discovering I was nominated.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I love words, so let's start with the word 'Liebster' itself:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Liebster </i>has German roots and is typically used as an adjective describing someone as dearest, sweetest, kindest, nicest, beloved, lovely, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, welcome, sweetheart, and sometimes even boyfriend... all great things!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">SO, playing off that knowledge, this award is given to bloggers by other bloggers. It's similar to a chain letter in that it is sent forward to a number of other writers and it's main objective is to introduce readers to new wonderful up-and-coming blogs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The <i>unofficially</i> official rules </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(I found a slew of rules to choose from, so I'll go with the ones Maegan used...)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> are:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Each nominee must post 11 facts about themselves.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Answer the questions from the person who nominated you and create 11 new questions for those you nominate.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nominate 5-11 of your favorite bloggers and link them in your post.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Go to their page and tell them.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thank and link back to the person's blog who nominated you.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And so it begins!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>11 facts about the girl with a gypsy heart:</b></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I hate the idleness of complacency. Enough to warrant doing things I dislike almost as much... like making an utter fool of myself for years just to conquer something I know I'll love and cherish for a lifetime.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am an ambivert. (Aka: a walking contradiction. Watch this <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts" target="_blank">TEDTalks</a> for a better understanding and to help you discover which you are.)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My balance of grace and justice is pretty much BROKEN. (<i>I'm a lover, not a hater!)</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I spent a year living in Europe that absolutely changed my life forever and brought light to things I never knew I was capable of. I now am a square peg in a round hole trying to figure out where I belong! :) (<i>It's not as bad as it seems... or at least I'm learning to come to grips with it.)</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I would rather go to the ends of the earth SOLO than have to organize every little detail or be held back by a group.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I could eat avocados with every meal. I could probably incorporate them into any and every type of dish as well.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am a libertarian in every sense of the word. (<i>FREEEEEEEEDOMMMMMM!!!)</i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM5oo1z5bOmjosONF8qwFgzCmvsZdFAp3EO8OiHMRYedbYy91CVJSgAPikBjBTdkVSZQxGeNgOVAbvATMdtsiChHb-HmWP_BSWLo3nGUzJxZisnP51oREX-XFwfx69G_h_kaiWfZbTylO/s1600/braveheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM5oo1z5bOmjosONF8qwFgzCmvsZdFAp3EO8OiHMRYedbYy91CVJSgAPikBjBTdkVSZQxGeNgOVAbvATMdtsiChHb-HmWP_BSWLo3nGUzJxZisnP51oREX-XFwfx69G_h_kaiWfZbTylO/s1600/braveheart.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I sincerely believe I would not only survive, but thrive living as a part of a commune. :)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I whole-heartedly believe in holistic health not just because of the evidence and simplicity of it, but because I worship a mighty God who created a perfect earth and I believe that in His work of creating this crazy wonderful residence for us, He delighted in creating solutions for us as well. Everything that grows from the ground and breathes on this earth has purpose and a place. (I could go on and on, but I think that's a view of mine that gets distorted into just being a hippie -- there's much more to it peeps! :) )</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">I have more dreams than I know what to do with, but am nevertheless striving to accomplish each and every one of them.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it. (<i>As a sidenote: my very favorite author is Brennan Manning.)</i></span></span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And now, for the questions Maegan provided:</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>How did you decide on the title of your blog?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My dad and I have always loved adventures and I believe he's the one who first deemed us as having 'gypsy hearts'... we're pulled wherever our interests lie which is usually a road trip or plane flight away. I created my blog in attempts to keep in touch and document my adventures in Europe and thought it was a little long, but nothing short of perfect.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Do you have any pets?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have a Mollie-girl who is actually my parents', but I claim her as my own. She's a sweet yellow lab and a fellow lover of life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This one is really, super difficult. I honestly am so crazy excited for where my life's taking me and all I've learned in the past few hard earned years that I can't say I'd change a thing, one small difference would have me somewhere other than where I am right here and now... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>What was your favorite cartoon as a child?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I always loved Beauty and the Beast... except for that scary part in the forest. Eeech... I still want to be Belle. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Coffee or tea?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">COFFEE. I'm a total poser, but in the past few months, I have become such an addict!! I love, love, LOVE that bit of morning when you wake up to a quiet house and sunshine and can sit in the new light of day with a steaming cup and a beloved book and just gear up for all that is to come. Ah, is there anything more glorious?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ireland. I've never met more hospitable, wonderful, gorgeous people in all of my life. I visited during a drought and it was so beautiful, I can't even imagine the sights with lush green pastures! AND they have some of the strictest standards in agriculture which means their food is pure, delicious, <i>and</i> nutritious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>What are your 3 favorite blogs that you follow?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">http://suebryce.com/blog/</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">http://www.101cookbooks.com/</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">http://enlightenedmama.com/blog/</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>What is one thing that you can't leave the house without doing?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My morning coffee ritual - it really throws off my day to miss it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>What is your favorite topic to blog about??</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Food. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And Jesus. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">...and babies.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">......and traveling.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Really, Maegan? How can I pick just one?!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have a lot of passions. It's a blessing and a curse. My favorite time to blog is when it is so authentic, I don't even have to think - the words just course through my veins and out of my fingers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have three posts in perticular that have been such a delight to write - they always seem to be the ones that get read the most and have the most response to them. All were about different things. Sorry Sweets! I can't pick just one! Not today anyway! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>What is something you do in your house to be more ecofriendly?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We have a compost bin in the backyard and take all of our scraps and seeds and such out after a day or two of collecting in a mug or a bowl. It makes the tomatoes grow super-tall too, win-win!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>In your opinion, what is the best blog post you've written so far? Share the link!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There's a lot of extra words from my very favorite author, but <a href="http://girlwithagypsyheart.blogspot.com/2013/01/freedom-from-fear_25.html?showComment=1407012089552#c4674604097954096841" target="_blank">here it is</a>... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I now nominate:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Renae at <a href="http://www.launderlife.com/" target="_blank">Launder Life</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mary at <a href="http://realisthenewgood.com/" target="_blank">Real is the New Good</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ashley at <a href="http://ashgrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ashley Grace</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shannon at <a href="http://unknown-organicgirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Organic Girl</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Christen at <a href="http://christenpagett.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Brain Bending</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hannah at <a href="http://hannahnewman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">These Encounters with God are Defining Who I am</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Andi at <a href="http://andijanelle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Narrative</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Maegan at <a href="http://www.thebeehivebuzz.com/" target="_blank">The Bee Hive Buzz</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hanna at <a href="http://www.simplyginaa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simply Gina</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>And my questions for you are:</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For you, what is the most rewarding part of blogging?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Why do you blog?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What inspires your writing?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Do you have a routine for your blog? If so, what is it?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What makes your heart so full you think it might explode? How do you feel you can encounter these moments more in life?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What is your favorite time of day and why?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you discovered you were just gifted a plane ticket anywhere in the world with any two people, where would you go and who would you take with you?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Do you prefer blogging or journaling?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you could rewrite the definition of 'adventure', how would you describe it?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What is your very favorite town and why?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Your choice (or both!) -- what is the most popular post you've written thus far and/or what is your favorite blog post you've written to date?</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nominees, please either send me the link to your Liebster Award post OR, better yet!, leave a comment with your link so I can learn the answers to the questions I've asked you! :) I'm excited to hear all the different answers and discover more reasons why I love these writers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thanks again, Maegan, for the nomination! What a fun way to celebrate the art of blogging?!</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-44446071639133510072014-07-30T12:07:00.000-07:002014-07-30T12:35:56.315-07:00'you doula what??' + first attempt at a lactation cookie recipe<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So... all my life, I've dreamt of being a momma. Lots of little chicklets running around and me just pouring my overabundance of love on them and having adventures everyday. Fair enough, right? Well, not too long after I came to grips with the fact that that was more than an <i>okay</i> dream to have, I realized I simply can't do it on my own and will need someone wonderful to help me make it a reality... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Unfortunately, Mr. Wonderful seems to still be on the loose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Wah, wah... <i>I know</i>.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Anywho. I have tried plenty of things that fit my fancy. I've dabbled here and there at different trades and skills. For the most part, I've liked them all... <i>but</i> have you ever met someone who was so <i>crazy in love</i> with what they do every day that their joy just completely <i>saturates</i> their entire being?? Have you ever just wanted so much to walk a day in their footsteps to see what it was that was so <b>invigorating</b> about what they do moment-by-moment to give them such a <b>fire</b> for life?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Exciting thing: <i>I found it.</i> :) Well, I found it for me, anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And I'm so unbelievably <b>thrilled</b> to tell you about it. As a matter of fact, if you were sitting right here next to me, you'd probably have to physically shut me up or fall asleep before I'd stop telling you about it. It's <b>so</b> wonderful. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Last summer, my incredible brother and sis-in-love announced that they were having sweet babe #3. Thankfully, we have a friendship that is very open and she allowed me to poke and prod and ask questions that some women wouldn't have welcomed. They also were so very kind and allowed me to be at the monumental moment of my very first niece's birth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>What an experience. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It was nothing short of amazing. Ashley is pretty much a professional when it comes to carrying and having babies. Seriously, she made it look way too easy.</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/AVvXsEhNopxb5ceUvnI7tRod4uEq6griI09pTucPMCUizHPKHTOqZNk5Ae8xOUywgLjaoXdEuVmkr8Surcg3785sVEhHvh62qAuuEK1UNVFFjdRJXiMm2NeLMsLTbauX7JZfrR9EXDfeUT_W14rF/s1600/IMG_5400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNopxb5ceUvnI7tRod4uEq6griI09pTucPMCUizHPKHTOqZNk5Ae8xOUywgLjaoXdEuVmkr8Surcg3785sVEhHvh62qAuuEK1UNVFFjdRJXiMm2NeLMsLTbauX7JZfrR9EXDfeUT_W14rF/s1600/IMG_5400.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>First slumber party with my sweet niece! Just hours after her birth. Such a gorgeous lil miss.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My best friend is a nurse out in Colorado and had shared with me her experience of training to be a doula as part of her studies to become a nurse. I was intrigued, but unsure of my qualifications. After witnessing my sis give birth, I knew I wanted to know more. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'd alway been interested in the process of pregnancy and childbirth and figured I really couldn't lose too much by attending a training. I searched and searched and contacted multiple training centers and educators all over the country and found only one that seemed to be a real, genuine human on the other end.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Luckily for me, she wasn't too far away either.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I signed up to train under <a href="http://enlightenedmama.com/home/staff-bios/liz-abbene/" target="_blank">Liz Abbene</a>, CD(DONA) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Certified Doula of DONA Int'l)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, LCCE </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, CBC(CBI)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Certified Breastfeeding Counselor through Childbirth International)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, BDT(DONA)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Birth Doula Trainer of Dona Int'l)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, CLEC</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Certified Lactation Educator Counselor)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, and just recently, IBLCE</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. Liz is the Alpha Mama at <a href="http://enlightenedmama.com/" target="_blank">Enlightened Mama</a> in St. Paul, Minnesota. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I can't tell you the anticipation I experienced those few weeks from signing up to walking through the door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">June 1st, I journeyed north to the Twin Cities where I was able to stay with a very dear friend (that's a whole other super cool story, perhaps next time!) and Monday morning I headed off to my first day of doula training! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtbWeNyCitqVtjxrSYM299tw3UEXCDnyCGkyW4X087OVcK9bLD4YDvRP3p3FpJflkJ46lOJ3NBGmjSTDjnzsX2YcnQlNGg2AWLVkmQIpjZ5BJ0J9ovpnVd2wVc7pAFW82KNmzKwOgCGNm/s1600/IMG_6055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtbWeNyCitqVtjxrSYM299tw3UEXCDnyCGkyW4X087OVcK9bLD4YDvRP3p3FpJflkJ46lOJ3NBGmjSTDjnzsX2YcnQlNGg2AWLVkmQIpjZ5BJ0J9ovpnVd2wVc7pAFW82KNmzKwOgCGNm/s1600/IMG_6055.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>My journey was a little extra eventful with dark skies, big raindrops, and tornadoes!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Liz is so unbelievably knowledgeable. I am biased, but I'm pretty sure it's safe to say she's the expert of pregnancy and childbirth. Myself and ten other women from all different walks of life, sat together and soaked up as much as we could about breastfeeding, growing humans, and giving birth as we could fit in into our four days together. Some of us were able to stay for a bonus seminar with <a href="http://www.marksloanmd.com/bio.html" target="_blank">Dr. Mark Sloan</a> (no, not from Grey's Anatomy) and learned about the differences and long term effects of vaginal and cesarean births. We had hands-on practice with coping and comfort techniques. We met families who shared their birth stories with us, both simple stories and very complex and scary birth stories and the roles and benefits their doula played in their birth. We were given the opportunity to connect with different programs, agencies, and the birth collective of the Twin Cities. As women interested in the process and experience of birth, we were learning that there is a serious need and that the world is our oyster! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Looking back, I love the difference between day one and day four. Initially, I was nervous entering as a single woman who had never had a child and only experienced birth as a bystander. (Turns out of the 11 of us only three were mama's!) By day four, I hated to leave. These women had become my tribe, my people! I know I couldn't have received better, hands-on, interactive training ANYWHERE else (and I'd certainly looked far and wide!) One of the best things about Liz's training approach is that she had us share personal experiences throughout each topic. This allowed us all to connect to what it was that we were learning with a very first-person mentality, because of her teaching tactic, we had little to no disconnect. (And trust me, there was a lot of information!)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EcseO9U7rARAbh-T_rjlSXX4QdFEBhJ-mDhQbtzDh3XxoHmppas4IOsErpQzcdFU791VMM8ilNp2rv4CZn5cy2xSPSsMEloVwuCbOOIaRFEyzCEsiJJWoVl6uezo4GWvRx4IHusl1_95/s1600/IMG_6076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EcseO9U7rARAbh-T_rjlSXX4QdFEBhJ-mDhQbtzDh3XxoHmppas4IOsErpQzcdFU791VMM8ilNp2rv4CZn5cy2xSPSsMEloVwuCbOOIaRFEyzCEsiJJWoVl6uezo4GWvRx4IHusl1_95/s1600/IMG_6076.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Me and my new tribe! :) </i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Upon returning home, I shared my excitement with EVERYONE I came in contact with. I jabbered too many people's ears off... (Thank you to those of you gracious individuals who allowed me to share with you. You helped tremendously in my processing!) I <i>devoured</i> books by <a href="http://inamay.com/" target="_blank">Ina May Gaskin</a> (and now, very much would like to meet her in person, please!) Within a week I had found a family to practice my newfound knowledge and passion with. (This is another super cool story in and of itself!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Seeing that this family was quickly approaching their due date, we condensed and fast-tracked our meetings a bit. We shared excitement and anticipation until I got the call that they were heading into the birthing center. (I think excitement and anticipation are a bit of an understatement!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Once I arrived and labor was in full-swing, I couldn't help but keep thinking over and over again, "I love this SO MUCH, I swear, I could do it all day, everyday!" It was such an intense and intimate situation with trials and victories, laughter and tears, pain and joy... Oh my goodness, it was amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I got home late that next night or early that next morning (either way) and lay in my bed; body exhausted, mind and heart racing with adrenaline. At that moment, I decided once a week might be sufficient... but loved it all the same. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As a doula, I have the privilege of meeting with the family not just as they anticipate the arrival of their child, but also in walking with them as they process the event postpartum. I can't express the honor it is to be trusted with sharing such an intimate and exciting moment in a family's life. I am extra blessed that my first family are dear friends of mine and are gracious enough to answer lots of pressing, sometimes personal questions regarding their pregnancy and birth experience and are kind enough to allow me to use them as guinea pigs for my first attempt at different tricks and tools (like the lactation cookie recipe below!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I know this is just the beginning of an incredible adventure. I cannot express the gratitude I have for God's graciousness in allowing me to find this less than common profession and pursue it whole-heartedly... I cannot imagine a better fit for my character, gifts, and heart than assisting women and their families in bringing a new life into the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ah, such an honor. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For those of you choosing to breastfeed, try out this fool-proof, super versatile recipe to help increase your milk-supply!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In a small mixing bowl or mug, mix together </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">4 tablespoons water and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 tablespoons flax meal. Set aside.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnhg0l_jacjxidErFK_sIRhXdchAQHZ40iXfSVu1NyEcU9vhpfJGkaxY0kylddkKwQ5wsSQdX_bixBEAHtOzCl5Q1JWI5__yLPBlfvwjW8s_yHdkYLO2DVd-JBnoJIzojjX98DZSZg_9n/s1600/IMG_6811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnhg0l_jacjxidErFK_sIRhXdchAQHZ40iXfSVu1NyEcU9vhpfJGkaxY0kylddkKwQ5wsSQdX_bixBEAHtOzCl5Q1JWI5__yLPBlfvwjW8s_yHdkYLO2DVd-JBnoJIzojjX98DZSZg_9n/s1600/IMG_6811.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In a large mixing bowl, beat: 1 cup of butter (two sticks traditionally)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 cup packed brown sugar, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 eggs, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon vanilla, and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 tablespoons molasses</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> one at a time</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. Add one ingredient at a time.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhcTvibdpEnY3n9RYyx45sipGBDSUynM5vDLvGFoeK4_96x_XAnt1ju-hSdEKgkpuc-5xmHOx3YMm1Idr7tkCT7QH568uBhJusDbCOsjKExITEe34EitEFyNj9YJl1cZTfA_zGyZfnPHV/s1600/IMG_6814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhcTvibdpEnY3n9RYyx45sipGBDSUynM5vDLvGFoeK4_96x_XAnt1ju-hSdEKgkpuc-5xmHOx3YMm1Idr7tkCT7QH568uBhJusDbCOsjKExITEe34EitEFyNj9YJl1cZTfA_zGyZfnPHV/s1600/IMG_6814.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>If you've been advised to steer clear from dairy, <a href="http://earthbalancenatural.com/product/vegan-buttery-sticks/" target="_blank">Earth Balance</a> has a dairy free substitute.</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFocHwLk0AHTV-5P_SQSiHe4DyBppSJlX6ep4Az2SePpD58CK3H_Uh4zcr7D_YpPvxtJhDTSJ_SklXI4_PxHuqbMQS-W4G4vytRkQcyFiPZmpwP2w1Drh6UakB_EtlVhEHmUCdqdKx36G/s1600/IMG_6815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFocHwLk0AHTV-5P_SQSiHe4DyBppSJlX6ep4Az2SePpD58CK3H_Uh4zcr7D_YpPvxtJhDTSJ_SklXI4_PxHuqbMQS-W4G4vytRkQcyFiPZmpwP2w1Drh6UakB_EtlVhEHmUCdqdKx36G/s1600/IMG_6815.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4UAzyybFYbafMW72_kTF4T312G6_N6HEBkjSJnOEyrTppzSZz9XbeCqQWPiOUZKRILqNrl3nYydKQ9m-MFGJpSCyIj-ZDdLyya22rzmASOmZYf8mHnBSqBihdiwI2FGqOPEqTH8vL1lh/s1600/IMG_6817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4UAzyybFYbafMW72_kTF4T312G6_N6HEBkjSJnOEyrTppzSZz9XbeCqQWPiOUZKRILqNrl3nYydKQ9m-MFGJpSCyIj-ZDdLyya22rzmASOmZYf8mHnBSqBihdiwI2FGqOPEqTH8vL1lh/s1600/IMG_6817.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5HgpYdWEPHaOvse5H-l6Uk9D4ihUXp62K7DSCvc1rMcDFPHlLDT7k9RPjGF1cIuDN8awA4QSrPjEphH_4F8hTASxm-Bwl1zfHXg6Oro7yTLMwxjq2XzoM1XhGJPAufVqxzYymLc0gaBY/s1600/IMG_6818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5HgpYdWEPHaOvse5H-l6Uk9D4ihUXp62K7DSCvc1rMcDFPHlLDT7k9RPjGF1cIuDN8awA4QSrPjEphH_4F8hTASxm-Bwl1zfHXg6Oro7yTLMwxjq2XzoM1XhGJPAufVqxzYymLc0gaBY/s1600/IMG_6818.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>I suggest organic Blackstrap Molasses if at all possible, but this gem was hiding in our cupboard, so rather than throwing it out, I made the executive decision to put it to use... <br />Molasses is the mineral rich portion pulled from cane sugar. The iron and other minerals of molasses are easy to absorb making it a great help for new mamas lacking in iron. </i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the following dry ingredients: 2 cups flour, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">4 tablespoons Brewer's yeast, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon baking soda, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon salt, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon cinnamon, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg, and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon fresh ground ginger.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXopcSy0evsMaEu2qigwsXQu7Mn6ps-zVneeiq7QJVmTFp5XC52bnk8Sckizrsu4fHPq9AgWrhqTHzUpJZTRv8qugZ6HjejfQWT7V7Gf1K8cAd5dNxuQLxwFnmIYHdIiNnuw4rEanMRkpy/s1600/IMG_6819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXopcSy0evsMaEu2qigwsXQu7Mn6ps-zVneeiq7QJVmTFp5XC52bnk8Sckizrsu4fHPq9AgWrhqTHzUpJZTRv8qugZ6HjejfQWT7V7Gf1K8cAd5dNxuQLxwFnmIYHdIiNnuw4rEanMRkpy/s1600/IMG_6819.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mix the wet and dry ingredients into the large bowl.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKvq-aooGBHVuiV9eJjf_jnjsaWKhOYxQgR5XgebKWON1_EtblysVlVmlW2sNp8RXlIeKDlIFQjgle-rZQ6zJOW9P3gq7_3auRLYBfjtSylVtsMAHiPQ9Mi3yZUO2me7ahsQq4WfZq1Em/s1600/IMG_6821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKvq-aooGBHVuiV9eJjf_jnjsaWKhOYxQgR5XgebKWON1_EtblysVlVmlW2sNp8RXlIeKDlIFQjgle-rZQ6zJOW9P3gq7_3auRLYBfjtSylVtsMAHiPQ9Mi3yZUO2me7ahsQq4WfZq1Em/s1600/IMG_6821.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>The flaxseed and water mix together to create a gelatinous substance. The milled flax seed is beneficial to a breastfeeding mama because of its abundance of fiber and omega fatty acids (which are also critical for brain development and growth in sweet babes!) </i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Add </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3 cups old-fashioned, thick cut oats, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup carob chips (or chocolate chips), </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 cup dried cherries (or your choice of dried fruit), </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup slivered almonds (or your choice of nuts). <i>These ingredients in particular are super versatile - I used what I had on hand, but whatever fits your fancy will work!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Again, if you've been advised to steer clear from dairy, <a href="http://www.sunspire.com/products/vegan-carob-chips" target="_blank">Sunspire</a> has dairy free carob chips and <a href="http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/chocolate-for-baking/mini-chips/" target="_blank">Enjoy Life</a> has dairy, wheat, and soy-free chocolate chips.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Scoop onto a well-greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I couldn't help myself... in my research for putting these bad boys together, I came across 'Lactating Fountains of Italy'... had to share this beaut! Ladies, I hope this recipe has the same effect on you and your milk supply! :)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhturFlnpsOAPpzXSIWZRWx_95CWMgtob6XlrwQNIulsX4dIwnCkvEYqWAE2z3oHOw-WEkM_A1OGUm93mzBzGA0UF1siYu87DxbRy0sLU5qDt9aspdjGqWAFdMAkiBrc7symGOr6i72aSJf/s1600/fontana-di-nettuno-bologna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhturFlnpsOAPpzXSIWZRWx_95CWMgtob6XlrwQNIulsX4dIwnCkvEYqWAE2z3oHOw-WEkM_A1OGUm93mzBzGA0UF1siYu87DxbRy0sLU5qDt9aspdjGqWAFdMAkiBrc7symGOr6i72aSJf/s1600/fontana-di-nettuno-bologna.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Fontana di Nettuno, located in Bologna's Piazza Nettuno.</i></td></tr>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-92047954533302345432014-06-25T09:53:00.000-07:002014-06-25T09:53:27.605-07:00sausage & kale | a hearty breakfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I love recipes that don't really need recipes. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I love when I don't have to measure anything and I can swap things in and out based on what's in the kitchen. Lately I've heard loads of people mention they've got all this kale growing in their gardens and don't know what to do with it! Until recently, I really only utilized kale in smoothies and as kale chips... I decided this was perfect reason to branch out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On a semi side-note: I've been reading this PHENOMENAL book, <i>Integrative Nutrition</i> by Joshua Rosenthal. The book builds off of primary foods and how to build the best health for YOUR LIFE through overwhelming the not-so-great and beneficial aspects that creep into life with things that give life, energy, happiness, and health. As the title infers, he writes a lot about food... however, he shares his wisdom on how so much more goes into our health and happiness. I don't want to give the whole book away, but I do highly suggest it as a great read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">...all that to say, I found a simple, to-the-point, super-easy recipe to use up some of that extra kale. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">sausage & kale:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>prep time: 5 minutes</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>cooking time: 10 minutes</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>these measurements serve two</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 small yellow onion</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 precooked chicken apple sausage (I used pork as it was the best option having no additives and only 5 ingredients - still delicious)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 bunch kale</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If your sausage has not already been frozen, your timeline might make more sense to cook your onions first. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-Heat your pan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-Slice onion in two quarters (you're starting with a half, so just one slice down the middle,) then into little half moons or long, thin slivers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-Slice sausage into 1/2 inch rounds and cook so it is nicely browned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-Remove sausage from the pan and allow some of the excess grease to drain off on a plate. Set aside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-Use the grease from the sausage to cook your onions, about 5 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-While your onions cook, chop your kale very finely into strips of 1/4-inch bits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-Add sausage back to the pan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-Add kale to the frying pan and cook for 5 minutes or until sausage is reheated and kale has become soft.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-Remove from heat and sprinkle with balsamic vinegar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-Eat and enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*Recipe adapted from Joshua Rosenthal's book <i>Integrative Nutrition.</i></span></div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-12854843952654660922014-04-16T09:11:00.000-07:002014-04-16T09:11:50.559-07:00dangerous connor's pass, the blarney castle, and a last-minute change of plans!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Connor Pass is the tallest mountain pass in Ireland. It is located in County Kerry on the Dingle Penninsula. The road bridges the gap between Dingle, the town, and the coast on the other side of the mountain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We had been warned that Connor's Pass is very dangerous and NOT recommended for tourists... we were even told that many locals avoid it for the treacherous set-up. The travel books and websites <strike>we'd</strike> Amanda had scoured before our adventures also all warned against it... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'll be honest... I was nervous. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Amanda was confident that this would be the thrill of a lifetime.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's a good thing I trust her. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We had a blast.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>As you can see, we were up close and personal... and going a bit too fast for me to capture the full sign.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Remember how I mentioned Ireland had been going through a drought in 2010? I'd say it's still quite beautiful.</i></td></tr>
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I don't believe any of the danger lie in the winds, apparently they were a bonus just for us. Amanda and I were (as always) avid photo-takers, eager to document each and every sweet memory we encountered on this grand adventure. We found a scenic carpark where in one direction, we were able to see as far as the Aran Islands off the coast of County Galway, and in the other direction, we were able to see the beautiful backdrop of all the memories we'd just made in Dingle town. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We stepped out of the car and found ourselves in a wind tunnel. As you can see by the photos, we nearly blew away! We could not stop giggling. It was unlike anything either of us had ever experienced. Unfortunately, the photos do NO JUSTICE. It was really super intense!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tour buses, trucks, campers, and caravans are not allowed on this road due to the lack of view (and space) allotted while driving. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyTwYh9CS6NeM9VJbDDu4l6dpD9pthLhVz5nClfF4ku4H_lGEFGI9rehnkXBHI4M17n6IiZBwI3ooNMt6sfEnkCNyB4yq4Vi08XLSjLYnoi5Yx5ErM6RUXbuCzBinVnOhH_sy1LoyHIKS/s1600/25+860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyTwYh9CS6NeM9VJbDDu4l6dpD9pthLhVz5nClfF4ku4H_lGEFGI9rehnkXBHI4M17n6IiZBwI3ooNMt6sfEnkCNyB4yq4Vi08XLSjLYnoi5Yx5ErM6RUXbuCzBinVnOhH_sy1LoyHIKS/s1600/25+860.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">See what I mean?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF7I9-wuUq-1LR47tM9L1iZ-GM79gZHHSHHXK__qNxPDB-vrcJtia55eVhZmvcdrzy9JyPpb8P86lzOPi_dTshF-MRa1fh_FWB8UZj2yJlnElBZTF6IQ8vHfT9CY05fy-wTMZtXQAVDT_/s1600/25+861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF7I9-wuUq-1LR47tM9L1iZ-GM79gZHHSHHXK__qNxPDB-vrcJtia55eVhZmvcdrzy9JyPpb8P86lzOPi_dTshF-MRa1fh_FWB8UZj2yJlnElBZTF6IQ8vHfT9CY05fy-wTMZtXQAVDT_/s1600/25+861.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMPpOcMrSGuICYdgdwF-YSvJvFt1tDS7K-lpMY3d7QQulx9Zb1Xr-T0dXYjx6030oUKqk5foHoYvLme7Um4MMpdJqYQ4wMVuzQI0XFHvT9KLYQBMoy8Fbuyhv3aO-lTodhi3W2MNKwr-a/s1600/25+863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMPpOcMrSGuICYdgdwF-YSvJvFt1tDS7K-lpMY3d7QQulx9Zb1Xr-T0dXYjx6030oUKqk5foHoYvLme7Um4MMpdJqYQ4wMVuzQI0XFHvT9KLYQBMoy8Fbuyhv3aO-lTodhi3W2MNKwr-a/s1600/25+863.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Amanda did an incredible job driving through the pass. Only once did I truly fear at the sight of this face, merely because it was followed by the sight of this vehicle:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I so wish there was something in this photo to gage how crazy narrow this road really is! We did work up a sufficient amount of nerves and fear prior to the drive, but both agreed that it was well worth the risk. I can't wait to try it again on my next visit... hopefully not during a drought!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtqPx89Ai1Bq37vVvjMoIMY9YVPlY7DqZ-hHYmq-SXs3dBj_jqaoXJL2kQGPa9jwymMaUZknkMOzFGd-11cPSSEywO3kbQo-nlmW6wppL_Aa7r_LWnesVIJIpTKNBOIvQ_-uhf69zmxWM/s1600/25+903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtqPx89Ai1Bq37vVvjMoIMY9YVPlY7DqZ-hHYmq-SXs3dBj_jqaoXJL2kQGPa9jwymMaUZknkMOzFGd-11cPSSEywO3kbQo-nlmW6wppL_Aa7r_LWnesVIJIpTKNBOIvQ_-uhf69zmxWM/s1600/25+903.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">SO much of the beauty of Ireland, and much of Europe in general, is the romantic history that lies there in their many castles that accessorize their roadsides and rolling hills. I guess when you know the history in detail, it's a lot less romantic with all of the captives and slaughterings and lack of freedom... but the princes and princesses and the fight <i>for freedom! </i>Now, that is romantic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We came to a fork in the road. We could follow the path laid out for us, follow the traditional tourist trap, and continue onto the big city of Cork... OR we could find something new.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We took the blue pill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We followed the plan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I just wanted to build a little anticipation for ya. ;) (You're welcome!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Beautiful Blarney Castle!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One of my favorite 'games', if you will, is the 'Small World Game'. Some may know it as the 'Sixth Degree', but it's basically meeting people and finding that you already have a connection with them through a mutual friend, location, or experience (I typically start with people and I love it, it's just so great.) Well, as soon as we stepped out of our car, I saw a group of gals walking our direction with an Okoboji sweatshirt on. I really doubted there were more than one Okoboji in the world and asked the young girl if she was from Iowa. Sure enough, she was from Spencer, Iowa and knew a sweet girl I grew up with from elementary school. They were visiting for Spring Break and were going the opposite direction of the path we'd so recently covered.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We were told daffodils were typically EVERYWHERE by St. Paddy's Day... that they normally took over ditches! This was the first we'd seen and they were clearly manually placed there for aesthetic reasons by the people of the Blarney Castle.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Irish wit never ceases to amuse me. :)</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Amanda told me this was the only reason she agreed to come to this silly stop (she's not a huge fan of tourist spots -- a lot of times, I'm not either, I definitely most enjoyed the locals we met and following their suggestions). She's got a good point. It's an incredible view.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thanks to this kind lad, I survived kissing the Blarney Stone and we were able to carry on our merry way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The original plan took us back to the city of Cork where we'd landed just a week earlier. We arrived and found our B&B with little to no problem. We put our things in there and drove a little bit into town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It was that moment where it dawns on you that you're just not quite where you need to be but that you're very close and you actually <i>do know</i> what comes next... we looked at each other and said, nearly simultaneously, "I don't like the city! I feel claustrophobic! Let's drive back down to Kinsale and see if we can find anyone we met last week!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And simple as that, we were a mere 20 minutes from the most beautifully, magical pub in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We parked the car in the carpark overlooking Kinsale Harbor and marched inside. We found the same table we'd started our journey at and made ourselves comfortable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Before we knew it, the bartender and others were coming over to our table, recognizing us as 'The American Girls, John and Danny's friends'. Over the course of the night, we learned everything we needed to know about exploring Ireland (too bad they <i>ALL </i>weren't there a week prior!) If only I could find that napkin I'd taken notes on!! They informed us how to find the house where Def Leppard stays when they're in Ireland, where to find Sinead O'Connor and Bono, they told us about where the end of <i>P.S. I Love You</i> was filmed and how to get there - seriously, conversation packed with vital information for one (or two) looking to explore Ireland and all it has to offer... I wish I could find that napkin!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Anywho. Just being a part of the local scene was magical. They filled us in on their personal lives and asked us about ours. They asked our favorite part of our trip and we responded that obviously it was Kinsale, which was why we decided to make one last stop before leaving. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It felt as if we'd always been a part of their community. It was gorgeous.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amanda tracing our trails to share with our new friends.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>John enjoying a traditional pint.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Local, incredible Irish duo.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And last, but certainly not least, Danny, our new bar-tender!</i></td></tr>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-43596217373846397972014-04-10T05:00:00.000-07:002014-04-10T05:00:06.849-07:00exploring the dingle peninsula<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I apologize in advance for the photo overload, it's just that the more I reminisce, the more excited I get about it all and the more I want to share with <i>YOU.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I simply can't help it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Don't hate me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">SO, as I stated yesterday, <a href="http://www.greenmounthouse.ie/" target="_blank">Greenmount House</a>, was nothing short of incredible with nothing less than impeccable hospitality (I highly suggest a stay there!) The day we left, we filled up on a proper Irish breakfast... okay, that's not true.... no blood pudding for these girls. Sorry... maybe next time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">While we didn't venture that far, we did indulge in a HUGE breakfast beginning with anything and everything you could imagine. I ended up ordering eggs with smoked salmon, but finished with the only bread pudding I've ever enjoyed (photographed on the right side of the following photo!)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Again, the Curran's didn't skimp on anything! Such a wide array to choose from for our last meal at the Greenmount House.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We both enjoyed a helping of traditional Irish brown bread. It was the perfect density, heartiness, flavor... everything!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>While neither of us got too crazy, we did have plenty to choose from!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We bid farewell to John and Mary and were on our merry way back toward Cork.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Along the way we saw more gorgeous views. Honestly, it <i>never</i> got old. I could wander the countryside of Ireland for months. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you read my <a href="http://girlwithagypsyheart.blogspot.com/2014/04/through-skellig-ring-and-on-to-dingle.html" target="_blank">post</a> from yesterday, you too will look at this poor little ewe and know she's wandering off somewhere in hopes of escape... thankfully I didn't know then what I know now. If you would rather look at the colors of these sweet sheep as 'flair' then just skip the part of yesterday's post where I talk about the sheep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I decided to have a little photoshoot with this darling little miss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">She's got the perfect 'catwalk'. You know, for a sheep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A little sass, a little strut. Nailed it, sister-friend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We were informed that this is where the film 'Ryan's Daughter' was filmed. I can see why any producer would want to use this as the backdrop, always so beautiful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I discovered that I'm a little obsessed with sheep and would one day like a few lambs of my own. I couldn't stop taking pictures of them... they even had me giggling just watching them! They were just bouncing off the ground and pouncing on each other. Ugh, they were absolutely irresistible. I loved them. Every last one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Below, you'll see the photo that always makes me think of my brother. :) It was fun in Ireland how they embrace the analogy of the 'black sheep'. Leif and I have always kidded that we alternate carrying the title of 'Black Sheep' for our family. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is my favorite photo of all of them. :)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I don't know why these signs always get me! I think they're too funny!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We weren't in the car long after the sheep or our B&B before we stopped again to explore the Kilmalkader Church. Nearby we found Gallarus Oratory, a SMALL chapel built entirely of stone. You'll see in later photos how small it is... </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My model-friend, Amanda. :)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I realize I'm kind of tall, but heavens! </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amanda has a love for maps. It's one of my favorite details about her.... but there are many.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We made sure to go through the churchyard to see all the gorgeous Celtic designs on so many of them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kilmalkedar Church is the most important church site remaining on the Dingle Peninsula. I suggest reading up on it before you arrive so you know it's significance and what you're looking at and for. Kilmalkedar is an ancient monastery of the Christian saint, Maolcethair. It is also strongly associated with Saint Brendan who may have resided here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The inside was fascinating and had many interesting, modern details including a sundial and an alphabet stone. We were able to see that it would have been a masterpiece in its day. We were always so amazed at how incredible it was to be standing in something that had been preserved for hundreds, sometimes thousands of years. There's just so much history to be found in Ireland!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">With much exploring comes quite an appetite. Ice cream is typically the best go-to on nearly dreary days with much exploration and ancient discovery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We found world renowned <a href="http://www.murphysicecream.ie/" target="_blank">Murphy's Ice Cream</a> shop from all the travel books and sites we (mostly Amanda) had investigated, the many locals and traveller's we'd encountered, and just by walking by it, it's bright blue entrance is quite inviting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm never disappointed when artwork of cows are intermingled with tables decorated with shamrocks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">All in all, Dingle was an absolute success. I would recommend any and all stops mentioned in this and the previous post. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Should you be on your way to Ireland and have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask... I love talking about Ireland and if I don't have an answer for you from my own personal experience, I'll research until I have something to share with you. :)</span></div>
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-68120186980875065312014-04-09T14:54:00.002-07:002014-04-09T14:54:24.212-07:00through the Skellig Ring and on to Dingle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">While bidding adieu to lovely Kenmare was bittersweet, we were excited for what the day had in store for us. Amanda had organized an extra special B&B for a couple of days - we each only spent an extra €5, but this place was phenomenal... just you wait.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Farewell, Kenmare! Until next time!</i></td></tr>
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While we were beside ourselves with excitement for some serious R&R, the drive from Kenmare, through the Skellig Ring, and on to Dingle, was anything but a let-down. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Much appreciated reminders!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thankfully, we were on the same page when it came to cemeteries... both so intrigued by them! We made plenty of pit-stops to see the incredible detail and different Celtic knots. We were also so fascinated by the length of time many of these markers had been there -- some were HUNDREDS of years old!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just LOOK at that incredible detail! It's so beautiful!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Quick pit-stop to stretch our legs!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Even through a drought, this land is gorgeous.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are view points all along the drive on Skellig Road. Actually, pretty much anywhere there's a road near water, you're bound to find a view point within 30 km or so. We stopped to check out these incredible cliffs. From our point, we were able to see the Skelligs and Puffin Islands. Honestly though, I was more amazed that you can literally see forever. FOREVER. It's a wonder to me that people once thought the world was flat... I'd fear we'd sail right off if I were them! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Apparently these cliffs are not only an incredible treat to the eyes and ever-so majestic, but according to geologists, are also approximately 400 millions years old... you know, give or take a few million. As I said earlier, you can see forever over the Atlantic. The smell and freshness of the air is indescribable. And though, I don't care much for heights, they probably wouldn't be quite as awesome if they weren't 1,000 feet high (300 meters). Definitely worth the stop.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I loved the commentary signs all over the place. ...not to mention the incredible views EVERYWHERE.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Right there, huh?</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh, that's what those sharp wires mean?? I had no idea.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Just to build the anticipation a bit (and because I don't want to make the format on here all wacky and my photos downloaded just a few out of order...) I'm going to let you in on our stop at Portmagee. That's right, Portmagee. :) </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The welcoming committee.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So, as I mentioned a few posts ago, Amanda and I were determined to find the very best Fish and Chips in the south of Ireland. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm sure EVERY place we tried really was delicious, but we made the mistake of trying Wharton's first and <i>NOTHING </i>measured up in comparison. We did try another spot here in Portmagee, but again, just didn't quite make the cut. We also stopped at a cute little Nautical trinket shop. Otherwise, we just enjoyed the view, fresh air, and the opportunity to stretch our legs!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our darling first sight of Portmagee.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5R5HnWyu2Uk9Ff8Fsyskm7yxPhyphenhyphenx0jMOdCGAz9LHk6TaY9P-hzE0Ys0x6Btla7GJXckaNPK-ay1Fj67Flbv21sscd27hsUNI-KOgskL5h-Sg3ZuEVvDOC12DDUV877PKdmZRQCmjDBI2/s1600/25+605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5R5HnWyu2Uk9Ff8Fsyskm7yxPhyphenhyphenx0jMOdCGAz9LHk6TaY9P-hzE0Ys0x6Btla7GJXckaNPK-ay1Fj67Flbv21sscd27hsUNI-KOgskL5h-Sg3ZuEVvDOC12DDUV877PKdmZRQCmjDBI2/s1600/25+605.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sometimes I just can't help myself.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We left Portmagee with one goal in mind: to make it to Dingle before sunset.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On our way, we not only saw some unbelievable gorgeous sights, but also a life-altering event...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just across the bay from Portmagee -- you can see just a smidge of it on the left of this photo!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So, we parked the car and set out to take a few photos. The sun was high, the temperature was just right, and o man, EVERYTHING was absolutely beautiful. While exploring and capturing what we could, we heard this pitiful, borderline scary cry. A wail, if you will. Then we heard it again. We followed the sound and found a heard of sheep and one was giving birth! What a treat?! So, not only was the day and everything about it perfect, we were able to witness the birth of sheep, only the sweetest creature around. Ah, I was ecstatic. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>If you can see the people in the left of this photo, they're the ones that physically helped the mama sheep give birth. Amanda and I were mere bystanders watching from a distance. </i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The sheep are colored for a number of different reasons. One reason is for ownership - if a farmer sees a sheep with a marking that doesn't match his sheep, he knows it's not his. They're still tagged for legal reasons, but the marking makes it easy to quickly identify that they aren't yours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There is also coloring that is a result of mating... tups and rams are often either put in a harness that leaves a color on the ewe when mounted, or the ram has been marked prior to mating on his belly that will also leave a mark on the ewe so farmers are able to keep an eye on them and see which ones might be preggo. Later in the season, yet another color is thrown into the mix and the ewes that are re-mated gets that extra 'flair' so that the farmers know she'll be a late lil mama.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Unfortunately, the wind shield didn't help, but the sunset was breath-taking!</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv0FvgIrMr8FJ5-vZr4ECyETb5ZVc8MrIg-yF5b1muQfnFckwOGPz0pvJ2uq51JpbX3lJWD2W-_uxwrA2ikl6x7xj41dpzbbsdMj5Qv2y3VGfzT_v2pggAYAaVRCsJKCrnmxRLHj5AzTc/s1600/25+677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv0FvgIrMr8FJ5-vZr4ECyETb5ZVc8MrIg-yF5b1muQfnFckwOGPz0pvJ2uq51JpbX3lJWD2W-_uxwrA2ikl6x7xj41dpzbbsdMj5Qv2y3VGfzT_v2pggAYAaVRCsJKCrnmxRLHj5AzTc/s1600/25+677.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It looked like there was a fire on Dingle.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>So close! Wait... Palm trees in Ireland?!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4bXkWKl99432bZ1a8R-l21RiJ6Fw3YquCj1GtRbXnJjdwa05EIFIkGz2I1C1xieA5qLWdJxhtufF5CLmfTg-QzUsC206oV02dbWGFZfkox-tVWZQT2jyZBKxRfMZxUuy0MSqAXMWV2_H/s1600/25+688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4bXkWKl99432bZ1a8R-l21RiJ6Fw3YquCj1GtRbXnJjdwa05EIFIkGz2I1C1xieA5qLWdJxhtufF5CLmfTg-QzUsC206oV02dbWGFZfkox-tVWZQT2jyZBKxRfMZxUuy0MSqAXMWV2_H/s1600/25+688.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g211861-d214574-Reviews-Greenmount_House-Dingle_Dingle_Peninsula_County_Kerry.html" target="_blank">The Greenmount House</a>.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This was, by far, the most wonderful and relaxing couple of days I think I've ever experienced. Ever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As you can see, the room and entire facility was absolutely gorgeous. They didn't skimp on anything. We had views over looking the peninsula and a HUGE jacuzzi and lovely shower. We had room to spread our things out and a designated place to kick up our feet. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdHOrdP5XebVQFjVemEanDaUWfsxcR04Rw3gM1XcaZf9Pm89Em_NSnuFsdkYl0q4IbdMIfB8_cPDIMsMG3tfeHPltIgkuEcVUr00rIU3Wjz5SgnnPa9APAqnnraVIYG_AfRy2wgojbn4K/s1600/25+689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdHOrdP5XebVQFjVemEanDaUWfsxcR04Rw3gM1XcaZf9Pm89Em_NSnuFsdkYl0q4IbdMIfB8_cPDIMsMG3tfeHPltIgkuEcVUr00rIU3Wjz5SgnnPa9APAqnnraVIYG_AfRy2wgojbn4K/s1600/25+689.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our room at the Greenmount House.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pizza at the Blue Zone.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It had been a while since our fish and chips in Portmagee, so we were ready for a bite to eat when we decided to venture into town. It was a Sunday, so food was hard to find, but we made our way to an upstairs restaurant called, <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g211861-d1480979-Reviews-Blue_Zone-Dingle_Dingle_Peninsula_County_Kerry.html" target="_blank">Blue Zone</a>. The ambiance they had created was very different. They had couches and coffee tables in their main room and a bar in the same room. We got a courgette and spinach pizza that was absolutely delicious. (It was as good, if not better, than it looks in the photo above.) We sat in the blue lit room and geared up for a night of fiddle hunting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fiddle hunting we did and fiddles we found. :) We also ran into a few couples we'd seen elsewhere on our journey. This small pub was packed to the point that we hovered and nearly fought over our tree stump seats. The music was magical. The cidre and stout were everything we'd hoped they'd be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It was, yet again, a near-perfect day.</span></div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309445318201858438.post-34444762048627592432014-03-29T12:49:00.000-07:002014-03-29T12:49:51.340-07:00crossing over to county kerry!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After meeting all the couples at breakfast, we were pretty ready to return to our adventure on the road by heading to Co. Kerry... :)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The dog on site was plenty friendly, but he tried to eat my lens cap! Not okay!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We made it back onto the road and were pleased to see the stereotypical Irish sheep... EVERYWHERE. They were so darling! (At least, I thought they were!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We had a blast driving from Kenmare to County Kerry. These photos will show you clearly of the drought I mentioned in a previous post. It wasn't as green as we anticipated, but man, did we ever see some gorgeous sites?!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I told you you should hire a rental car! Especially if you're prone to spontaneous photoshoots!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We were both taken over by a laughing fit. Sorry... you had to be there.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Check out that crazy windy road!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Made it!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I KNEW I'd be captivated by the details and Celtic knots everywhere, but I didn't expect to be drawn to so many cemeteries! They were incredible!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We closed most of our days with live music... </i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I had been coming down with a sore throat/cold of sorts and, naturally, asked the locals what they suggested as I was thinking it was a result of the different climate. I will add that we were in a pub, so their response should have been expected, but they poured me a generous shot of Hennessy and expected me to guzzle it down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Well, I did... and they <i>were</i> right, it certainly numbed the discomfort I was experiencing, but shoot! That stuff's like a kick in the pants! I needed the live music to recover! ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The people we were chatting with there were telling us how Gaelic is a 'dead language'. It was really a sad conversation, if you ask me! They were saying how they were native Irish people and Gaelic was posted in many places, but they had generations in their families that had no capability of translating any of it, themselves included. Interesting, but sad to think something so beautiful could come to an end seemingly so sudden. </span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14369267896441923729noreply@blogger.com2