tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91027139708820882862024-03-23T03:13:54.750-07:00Who does she BEAD she is?Conversations about my favorite beads and lampwork bead makers, jewelry artists, indie and documentary films, gardening, food, Isaac Newton, Pinterest, and The Desire Map, all part of my continuing journey to become a better bead artist and super human being.MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-66616570186352302962015-08-17T17:35:00.002-07:002015-08-17T17:36:43.502-07:00Hire This Bitch Advocate!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is so hard to care and be strong for someone <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">at the same time. </i>As my brother’s
advocate I’m a ferocious, tenacious, determined lioness. When his mental and
physical health are out of synch I cannot afford to take the time to “feel.” I
have to go into overdrive in a proverbial boat with only one paddle. My brother
holds the other oar, which is not accessible when he’s in trouble.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is so important to have both oars in place <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before</i> you hit the rapids; namely, power
of attorney and/or signed consent forms. When my brother is well he insists
that he can take care of his own health care; he refuses to sign the necessary
forms that allow me to navigate the system when he is not well. While not
impossible to row with only one oar, it makes success more difficult and less
likely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the last three weeks I have been riding the rapids with
only one oar. My brother’s health was fairly stable; diabetes, high blood
pressure and cholesterol, and mental illness…the waters were calm. Suddenly my
brother was having seizures which were incredibly frightening not just for us
but for the other tenants in his group home. What had changed?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My brother told me that week he saw his psych doctor; they
took him off Zoloft and put him on Prozac. That was the only change. The
emergency medical teams gave him glucose, but he refused to go to the hospital;
his blood sugar was around 45.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had
happened the night before but no one knew it; he was alone in his room and was
embarrassed, so he didn’t tell anyone. The next day his blood sugars were low
again and he walked into the emergency room. They gave him glucose and a sandwich
and sent him home, knowing that the EMTs had treated him the day before. The
following day he had another seizure and 911 was called; this time he went to
the hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As soon as I got a call from one of the group home
employees, I called the hospital. My brother had told them not to talk to me
about his medical condition. I told them that my brother’s directive did not
include prohibiting their listening; I gave them an earful. I ran down the
history of the past week along with his medication list, and the phone number
of the In Home Supportive Services worker who took care of his meds. I also
advised them that my brother should not be released until he was stable <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">without</i> medical intervention (IV glucose)
for a long enough period of time. I gave them the names of his primary
physician and his psych doctor. I told them that the only change was the
Prozac, that I felt there was an interaction causing his blood sugar to crash,
and that he had never had the problem when he was on Zoloft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They listened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After my brother’s release he was still having low blood
sugars. They did not put him back on Zoloft and he was becoming increasingly
paranoid and depressed and anxious. He was afraid he was going to die. He was
not sleeping. He was disturbing the other residents at 3:00 a.m. because his
blood sugar was low. Yet he was making excellent choices for diet. I called his
primary physician; they listened. I called his psych nurse; she listened. Then
I got a call from the house manager; he was at risk of losing his housing. Then
I called the psych nurse again; she listened so well, that she spoke: “You just
said the magic words. If he is at risk of losing his housing, we have the
ability to intervene.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Suddenly I had a voice; Donna from a special program at
Behavioral Health called everyone to the table and they got together. I got a
call from the physician’s nurse: “Your brother said I could talk to you about
his meds.” They took him off one of his diabetes meds; his blood sugars are no
longer low. They were talking about putting him back on Zoloft and would decide
in a week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That week was loooooooong. My poor brother, going through
withdrawals from the antidepressant and worried he was going to die one day and
fine the next, was labeled a psychotic and threatened with hospitalization. I
intervened and brought forward his history, the full story about what was going
on, and the demand that hospitalization was not necessary if he was self-aware
and being supported. They listened. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, it all came together; the rapids are calmed…a booster
shot of Prolaxin, a prescription for Zoloft, and an observant nurse who will
call the physician about the huge amounts of water my brother is drinking which
only reduces body salts (increasing pressure on the brain and the thought
process.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuolumne County’s hospital was closed quite some years ago
but they kept the Behavioral Health Hospital in tact for as long as the budget
would allow. Five years ago, the budget ran out, the mental health hospital
closed, and all they have is three beds that can only be occupied for 24 hours,
and an awesome staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without their
listening and understanding, without their appreciation for advocates like me,
where would I be?! I’d be up a creek without a single paddle. I shudder to
think about what that would mean for my brother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, and only now, can I “feel” as a sister. Now I can cry
tears of fear, frustration, anger, hopelessness, and gratitude. I often feel
that I am a “bitch” when I am an advocate; it makes me feel guilty and rude but
I will be a bitch if that is what my brother, or any other client, needs me to
be. Until the water calms, my brother and clients, and their families deserve
peace of mind that their loved ones are being properly and accurately cared
for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-64171109053677502712015-07-20T12:50:00.000-07:002015-07-20T12:53:28.393-07:00Elevator Pitch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevensnodgrass/4017403148/in/photolist-781eZw-hYjmw-vnza31-2fJgLv-9fumEm-zaZQB-avCVyf-8Yydgt-aqkH2-pyfoz4-dihQcN-98aX8h-pjr3Mg-9yvPRX-qrz8Yg-oUxUvJ-5YEVYt-xGejq-qnrTC-2fES-ZYLXV-6HPopu-eiP8L9-qw3VvQ-mDyvHV-5LqA1m-8J6XG8-bef5bp-offm-nWXWM-mPro1q-dM4sqc-pt78M-ekD5ES-bVcw9n-71JoKe-dBE17M-5Fyyva-e9yyNo-69uEK-fQkj3t-fVL5E-5aMLii-7uS2dc-FFbFH-qVmpB4-8sTnQG-8LG19P-onmbfh-3aQhhT" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of elevator business planning advocacy advocate health mission statement monarae-beads" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnqGUC4PWaLa0heZc9pC3WIPvA02fOLBZf2aQjbzwEKo15nimt_VnAY_UmU5MYjypJirC0iThx7HvXGylGO5W8zPmO3490LD3YLYFJ_PG9OLK2wWIw6xFyENNwamzMDegbhHh8MJh4PQ/s320/elevator+steve+snodgrass.jpg" title="elevator business planning advocacy advocate health mission statement monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flickr.com Steve Snodgrass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I'm building my business, and talking to people about it, I feel uncomfortable. Advocacy is something I "do" much more than I talk about. I've been having a hard time finding the right words to describe what is always a very complicated and involved process. <br />
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Today I found the words that describe what I need: Elevator Pitch. The idea is to describe your business in the time it takes to go from the first floor to the top. Here's my pitch; tell me how many floors we went!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doctorow/2496308570/in/photolist-4NAeyW-6y9JbS-a21N3Q-781eZw-hYjmw-vnza31-2fJgLv-9fumEm-zaZQB-avCVyf-8Yydgt-aqkH2-pyfoz4-dihQcN-98aX8h-pjr3Mg-9yvPRX-qrz8Yg-oUxUvJ-5YEVYt-xGejq-qnrTC-2fES-ZYLXV-6HPopu-eiP8L9-qw3VvQ-mDyvHV-5LqA1m-8J6XG8-bef5bp-offm-nWXWM-mPro1q-dM4sqc-pt78M-ekD5ES-bVcw9n-71JoKe-dBE17M-5Fyyva-e9yyNo-69uEK-fQkj3t-fVL5E-5aMLii-7uS2dc-FFbFH-qVmpB4-8sTnQG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of elevator help button elevator business planning advocacy advocate health mission statement monarae-beads" border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOg72ODin-1yCJoJPsjV8SQTatGQnbnocXSTUnT7oITrttW8ZReMDKCDJSkzxOGYt8zaGP2s8jTG25iE3TgZHK_1wTAMNfvumdmqIYldeY_et6nmueapxYcnBsT1v2RlaSrVBTktA4y4/s200/help+button+cory+doctorow.jpg" title="elevator business planning advocacy advocate health mission statement monarae-beads" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flickr.com Cory Doctorow</td></tr>
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I am building my health advocacy business. I provide resources and management services to clients and their families who are experiencing complicated health and living issues; I also help prevent negative experiences with planning services. Unlike insurance and hospital advocate employees, I give 100% allegiance to my clients, who receive the best and most affordable resources, care and planning for various stages of medical and living circumstances.</div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-85648045286720408182015-07-18T13:18:00.000-07:002015-07-18T13:22:45.915-07:00How to Find Love, and Keep it<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/y0XcsBFwVq8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y0XcsBFwVq8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/y0XcsBFwVq8" target="_blank">Through Thick and Thin by Khari</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tears started flowing in the first 30 seconds of this video.
Tears I COULD. NOT. STOP. It was as if someone else was crying. It WAS someone
else crying. It was the true me; the one I hide from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At first I was like, what’s up with these tears?! Then I was
like, I want a man like that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thenovys/3703834495/in/photolist-6Di7Xr-aq5JrA-yH1YB-7gHBkt-aLEEMn-d3QNNw-6wYroU-ak82ZT-afLjgx-9cJeA3-dtXkwP-nFLc1t-dEMphp-9MnFHk-9xpht3-4N2tU-KQKNj-aEAJPk-8Rm24-6LQAbQ-k5i4vb-ens7vC-eXvRys-6e4GLR-oG9y67-aiufub-5KwuYL-6UR4nJ-b1Fuwa-fYE3gn-44t7wy-7scqGs-5RJh3M-4WWuyN-5wi7QS-6zC4Z3-4eyC3p-KHMp5-4qAZck-buCUKW-aSLnBv-91oCS5-7z87zb-81t2H-3HtDhy-9TCDnD-4p27M4-6QSnem-eT3FQ3-91vznW" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of insecurity imperfection love loyalty safety overweight acceptance music video monarae-beads" border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtZrTa9XxeZyx2LOe8ugN-TtHHPZ_2Av_UN2yx2HbCaGN9nd0_F9Ibk3DYiLNYowr-mL8bHj4fRdSxHj2IRzqS4frs35q1DqSklhJgROp0zrMchiojAQV9gEWmQjDLJcYwgzEph-uRHM/s320/imperfection+andyadontstop.jpg" title="insecurity imperfection love loyalty safety overweight acceptance music video monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flickr.com AndYaDontStop</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I shared this on Facebook I said, “If you can’t feel
like this, if you can’t SAY this, then it isn’t love.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I then realized, this
little voice inside me was saying, if you can’t feel this way about yourself,
if you NEED to hear this, then you can’t handle this kind of love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29069717@N02/16794800775/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of insecurity imperfection love loyalty safety overweight acceptance beauty society monarae-beads" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-VdH4DmISkJysKwJI1hJBVKriLn5wnchmP2-xDpMYFb33ya-i3MC5x8ukkLu_ZtodRHwWiLy6CBoGNyjvnIgBakJaSSXIS-zsKaWH8OBcr1o6Ba3GhNVvsz21UfdRsEUswBK2euR1uU/s200/beauty+makers+classic+film.jpg" title="insecurity imperfection love loyalty safety overweight acceptance beauty society monarae-beads" width="139" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flickr.com Classic Film</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know I need to love myself. I think I do love myself. I’m
proud of myself. I love my body, well most of it. But there is this perfection
that I seek, that I cannot find, that keeps me from seeing what is truly there.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is a part of me that has been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">taught</i>
that if I am fat, if I am ugly, if I am less than (fill in the blank), then I
will not be loved; worse, I will lose whatever it is I think love is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What touches me deeply in this video, is when he says, “I’m
not going anywhere.” That is all I want; safety, loyalty, forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/group/25269565" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of insecurity imperfection love loyalty safety overweight acceptance beauty society monarae-beads" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zL0z8GNY0gv7t7I3DuAy6Pknjwyy5GiYnhPDPvc0UXteLo7ucmZ880pzVwzGxkOEDlF0Adzp1OuQd5UD4NoOilZl7k8SWbDekO-oQCxBhnUQX_YmEja27weCt_K0Wu-JJntKHKEA0HA/s320/large.jpg" title="insecurity imperfection love loyalty safety overweight acceptance beauty society monarae-beads" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Heart It.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lovers of women who are reading this, yes we need to love
ourselves, but we need to be TOLD we are worthy of that love. We need to hear a
voice that is LOUDER than our inner demons/ego. We need to hear it often,
especially when we don’t believe it is true. Sure, we should love ourselves,
but we are women, and we are taught not to trust in a society that
historically, perhaps as far back as the first encoding of our DNA, that what
we think is not important; only what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">they</i>
think about what they SEE is important. And actually, all the same is truly said
to lovers of men.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Woman or man, you need to speak the truth about
your love. Don’t take it for granted.</span></div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-51483204402247505332015-07-17T11:59:00.000-07:002015-07-17T12:00:29.508-07:00How to Name Your Baby<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulbrigham/8423157044/in/photolist-dQjT8A-brRhAk-nG1G1N-9gziHc-nX1aw6-711TWg-pCCBzq-arp75-5QzKWP-6oHgGc-5tbPhi-jyoXR3-akGGE-2vhboa-BZKBi-8yBTrS-jstVFM-6roJpN-vXc3zN-pCA2LW-bieYRt-dfXi36-dfXhXV-4do23E-dH8C9H-6437cj-39wuKx-8zjpwR-9T6pp-bc4AH-dxYKdZ-bZUzHQ-bBZsDy-7H54Kk-4Gh8sv-dUM4UL-4sPHMW-48irFm-5Wy6bV-tkWU8-Cn1Ze-5nUYNW-81ff6E-mGdiDi-652Am6-ec2Bt2-8P4pqH-4xQgEg-cfPSXQ-8jmLEA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazzx6x86N7KRZNNgJ6m_TXyulOM1PlF1RAOYJ6lsFRKqhELtDGrrNPtLQg8FQwc12ZJlsg0Zp4nekx_5r1YQq5teLnnVp-aMkpDkDV-U4ExqJpuWN-A3sEhN_WqHa53DL7hnP7qPNHlY/s1600/name+tag+one+way+stock.jpg" title="name tag opportunity advocacy health advocate monarae-beads" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com One Way Stock</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really need a name for my business and I can’t create a
web site or new blog without one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A name
is so important!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my father was in
the hospital they kept mispronouncing our last name; how disrespectful to a man
who was literally on his last breath!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even The Bible makes a big deal about knowing the names of all who came
before you. Look at the struggles we go through naming our children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/23959858@N03/5913188356/in/photolist-a1wCTo-77bHe9-5CNTLx-hYpEFJ-buSceP-9DvH3a-7C833v-TuHYw-7jithA-8TCUeD-buSeBF-5jmJhd-7J6kdk-po5QS9-buSeax-91TzN1-5o4y3-7zUeYs-fUM3Mw-o4kp9g-7ZK1TB-829zGA-bpEt1a-9aatyJ-drHozB-b1DXAr-6AhryS-9iG4Mp-dXJE5q-npvc8j-9jfMCA-5KMubT-7xY1nH-4QqcLc-dNYGuq-nEyaVx-i8uTeK-fmNmy7-jC8Dv3-rH3LGe-8u93H5-f4Phe-7jUPd7-488ARb-bcWWTr-bcKfo6-7QL7Es-9dzC3-6LedSc-2R4CKU" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of name words opportunity advocacy health advocate monarae-beads" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYi7EhUdlLTnRfhy3R3KiNKM-jPMQEcWhcx7XQeMhfgLi3GlS4qbvgpqFfWyI2VWZQZ9FB-js999WUyV7nJAZSouQBCWzgd84K7TVJvTbviP8h0y-ewqQ2VGafkIqS56mpXDTi3VQtdP4/s320/words+phantomswife.jpg" title="name words opportunity advocacy health advocate monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Phantomswife</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A name has to be <em>just
right. </em>"Words are the voice of the Heart"</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is just right for my business? The name must offer an
answer to the need of the client. The name must convey a sense of being helped,
listened to, rescued, relieved, comforted, and supported. My clients are in a quandary
over money; bills that are too high when they shouldn’t be, bills that are
unaffordable, bills that are confusing, and fear of losing estates and a
lifetime of building inheritance and earnings. My clients are confused and at a
lost to find resources, or even to know that they qualify for known resources.
My clients are in emergent situations; they don’t have time, energy, or
knowledge to deal with the medical system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://healthadvocateresources.com/if-youre-ready-to-start-a-new-patient-advocacy-practice/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of Book Cover Health Advocate Start Business Practice trisha torrey monarae-beads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UKkEtmd2pFxvuOxDBSGMGnEiovZfR_xml0mU9YWrFCh9GwJElEoXTlGUuAygS-o2ZyYbzP9Z08O7BH6M5Og10r1HtHghxX-ZczBcZan8PFH-Th9ap3QOux-9Vh85tU8FFrtMJLS78M0/s1600/sgop-cover-22w.png" title="Book Cover Health Advocate Start Business Practice trisha torrey monarae-beads" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trisha Torrey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I joined the <a href="http://www.aphadvocates.org/" target="_blank">Association of Professional Advocates</a>, attended
a call-in seminar, and bought a book. I’m half way through The Health Advocate’s
Start & Grow Your Own Practice. The accompanying workbook, and its answers,
are the beginnings of my business plan. I’m excited by my cash flow statement;
I will only be $25,597 in debt by the end of month 13! I actually feel good
about that. I never saw debt as a sign of growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">August 8 is the first class at UC Berkeley… having second
thoughts about spending the money. I will figure it out. I projected six grand
for my educational spending for the first year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hulu.com/start/showtime?cmp=5926" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of free tv hulu showtime advocacy health advocate monarae-beads" border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dH_iyRQChu3w4U3NKojLiNDM-nPFCHYT4jK7bkMEDy8vFGYjoWuEwm0CAm81nSm3cPrt3ZytKM8KPLjr-rTpT-Vkp4QCA8lqBEd0fkxIziRrIlmO46bvzzqX8ozFPtHbb5dR4w8C_44/s320/showtime-main.jpg" title="free tv hulu showtime advocacy health advocate monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free Showtime!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On other fronts, Showtime is free for 30 days on Hulu. I’m
catching up on House of Lies, Shameless, and Ray Donovan. One of my tomato
plants is not putting out new flowers! My zucchini and cucumbers are getting
their first blooms. The weather is beautiful. My orchid has a brand new leaf!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/walkn/3526522573/in/photolist-drrpcd-6nCmik-b7fUcM-8Bc69k-tSkMDW-cB81KS-acgAQ4-6k93T9-6B3Epz-6631Lg-4wuW6Z-AfPSk-8VRjKZ-ehpYX2-dsmv2D-82khLW-7AtkfV-DQoHg-7Ax6p1-7SjX7j-dkSXqf-6sugDB-5VcUNM-7AtjHH-4mMQwU-rzQi7t-fHo8bA-7cSDQq-8J54NM-rbLTRr-62bNEe-ug7JED-pZXreb-9dXKU2-5mmn49-ensm9h-8q6aT5-7Ax6SE-7vubR7-puyK4-bwnnNv-arDt8t-6Vstpd-62n8s8-7uZDWz-df1Ue7-6DzMmC-6VfZU8-myDjc8-dnqzdW" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of question answersadvocacy health advocate monarae-beads" border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXwwLHUJAUMeuefjUo8gySVlP_hEXb-qYAga1qAnezAVnZNZ_zEnhcczksoxwu-Y14n4QQbAl4n9iJ8pnQxH2yjf0tPjPJsC5aeceMVDaq9Qb4gaxuV2VogZwTzJVjk2V9kwX0vAMHMk/s320/question+the+answers+walknboston.jpg" title="question answersadvocacy health advocate monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Walkn Boston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ANSWER THIS:<o:p></o:p></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What would you name my health advocate business<span style="color: red;"><strong>?</strong></span> What words
ring for you when I say, </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“My advocacy provides financial and practical
resources for you or your family members to help negotiate medical billing and
auditing, doctor’s visits, hospital stays, insurance claims filing and appeals,
diagnostic research, and estate and end of life planning. My allegiance is solely
to you, not the hospital or insurance company. I find what you need in ongoing
or emergency situations, with any health <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">condition</i>
or status. I am your very own, personal advocate. I will fight for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you.”</i><span style="color: red;"><strong>?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
</div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-53482651000470670902015-07-13T11:21:00.001-07:002015-07-13T11:21:26.673-07:00I'm Having a Baby<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.sba.gov/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of Business Plan, advocacy, advocate, small business association logo monarae-beads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireO4oyWinRT2WFzD7aurbo9Q3OvyxjCmOLEqjGIIEVmD9Rqyv6cuJe7-4pI5zO3RRMOdC2Anyi2MVBqlCdHefwAUQRgutmZg5HatVYX9vauy5NzcLcKnyDgIvcc0Al8IGc7RgKjboSIE/s1600/logo.png" title="Business Plan, advocacy, advocate, small business association logo monarae-beads" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I am researching Small Business Administration (SBA)
resources. I’ve dreaded creating a business plan for years. Now I’m ready to
dive. The SBA has a great online planning tool that lets me complete a plan at
my own pace and guides me through all the necessary parts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixONJAV_PRKYYIOP8sN5jqE-xUbbla40lzKk_4dRkhwUJvLPNTUjrooCsxkYNdOqYn0Dk2H0ACUUx36WClv960ok2vhwLotiV5vrAn8A4TB7h02_YFPXrsEGSaxT3t_3ZK_uSq3VCUYk/s1600/babyfoot+stephen+poff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="photo of having a baby, birth of a business, advocacy, advocate, monarae-beads" border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixONJAV_PRKYYIOP8sN5jqE-xUbbla40lzKk_4dRkhwUJvLPNTUjrooCsxkYNdOqYn0Dk2H0ACUUx36WClv960ok2vhwLotiV5vrAn8A4TB7h02_YFPXrsEGSaxT3t_3ZK_uSq3VCUYk/s200/babyfoot+stephen+poff.jpg" title="having a baby, birth of a business, advocacy, advocate, monarae-beads" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Stephen Poff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The business plan is described by the SBA as a “living”
plan; as if it is alive and breathing. What an “ah ha!” moment. People refer to
their projects as their “baby.” My business plan <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> a living breathing baby; it is the DNA of my health advocacy
business. What a cool way to think of it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When someone raises a child and the child leaves home, they
(we…I) experience “empty nest syndrome.” Often the cure to the syndrome is
finding a new purpose or project or hobby or whatever…finding a new “baby.” The
same thing happens when someone retires from a career. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjtHEOqTaTiLH939J5Q0MKgIIG_GEN4bSveamRt21haDX0uQGVhhRA8szNOYjRNqrWM-xw3xGyGVpGkfiOb40sbjR58P8mAspOIqZV8IWgSaAYK88KSAAcijb4nMEKcqEinnJv45xIk8/s1600/isaac+grad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo of isaac newton, mona baroody, graduation, growing up, leaving home, empty nest, starting over, advocacy, advocate, monarae-beads" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjtHEOqTaTiLH939J5Q0MKgIIG_GEN4bSveamRt21haDX0uQGVhhRA8szNOYjRNqrWM-xw3xGyGVpGkfiOb40sbjR58P8mAspOIqZV8IWgSaAYK88KSAAcijb4nMEKcqEinnJv45xIk8/s320/isaac+grad.jpg" title="isaac newton, mona baroody, graduation, growing up, leaving home, empty nest, starting over, advocacy, advocate, monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Currently my son is 18 and entering his 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> year
of college. I am not a typical empty nester because my son is still at
home…well, sort of. At the local community college he has found a social life
he didn’t get to experience in high school, so he is rarely home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get the security of knowing I will see him
more than parents whose children are far away at school. I get the
pseudo-security of letting him go more slowly; pseudo because it is a false
sense…I couldn’t worry about him more if he were far away, than I do now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/starwillowstudio/2552085015/in/photolist-4Tw6XM-nKJk5X-9Badnp-4MT9Na-6jmD1M-5Q52fS-6K5dsk-6K9nvU-6K9mTu-6K9jxJ-6K5e7e-6K9mFQ-6Qudzw-6Qudbm-6Qudjb-4GEQEJ-G1sY-e7X1go-6AZ3v7-niWGjY-qWxSWM-hxvHK5-8cuPjW-qcmm25-biEfYk-5CGZ9p-6oKtY1-qL4uuv-r6x25r-cKVHbQ-J3kdg-5XnLki-7rU2Mk-aukwth-8d7cYH-bPnaKH-ncZCjz-5ctDSe-rigj1d-rEYiRM-ctNJtE-8Aneyo-u42uf-caobc-e6JA6i-6BPfDH-bwAygX-8siXJA-5nk1ed-cZZ5rj" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of graduation, growing up, leaving home, empty nest, starting over, advocacy, advocate, monarae-beads" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT60qXkO-fTD2E04IGiyuAr1rHKF5u6ALpV_AaKqiLvW06gSet2oSqXXcVlsw0PuaaNV7tRvn0ZVHfMeqHGtL4tTc2CaE1rGtgN5VS0Ykvi6pY0wOxO0LvcSv3KYILBhDqK24uZaanWkI/s320/empty+nest+laura+hartog.jpg" title="graduation, growing up, leaving home, empty nest, starting over, advocacy, advocate, monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Laura Hartog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the things that happen when we experience the
emptying of the nest is the space to fill with a new focus…a new baby. I
recognize that growth away from my son and toward my new baby, myself, is the
best thing I can teach my son. Just as I am proud of my own mother for the
wonderful life she has created for herself, my son will be proud of me too. I
now realize that the success I have in growing “away” from him gives him the
security he needs to grow away from me. He’s going through empty nest too.<o:p></o:p></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/itsumoshokyuuichi/2242941196/in/photolist-9Hm2uB-8FoUos-87onee-5g1zWL-88eWAb-6B5185-nFxwQp-93PrYT-GrXzc-deGxJj-5xif2a-9ocYD8-axw8bo-9rmT8-51eWwk-8XW5YM-7ekqku-Fn7HF-c3D8aS-8xAmFG-o5pgkU-4qcEgW-7iMDQe-QvYxF-dht7rJ-9JHtMR-6K4ZT-4Ew4z-e8DyRD-7iRx17-e8DyHc-g5WU3b-asfz8-7sWxsn-v4tBA-5ChCo7-8xAiy5-vqiWwG-5U79a7-dAPCS-6EpEsB-bGCLJH-7FUkP7-fApBJ4-dxShrh-82sAxs-9Zxg7c-7iMFnZ-akuKhs-rAPZLp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of god, presence, universe, miracle, coincidence, starting over, advocacy, advocate, monarae-beads" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6m91QGGryu_LrNTOb0DsXPPc3sTwQGKm84QztRSQ-CKWoaOz85mUhPZlZJrMiniNEGJUG-FRSKVVhtLqwcJ3PVZqNUfFhMSLmAQPZBGOhxcotNJ8-9QcVvkKSHrKZ9j0faNGoP4Q7MM/s320/news+flash+alipyon.jpg" title="god, presence, universe, miracle, coincidence, starting over, advocacy, advocate, monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Alipyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holy Cow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cue “News
Flash” music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enter voice: We interrupt
this blog to bring you an important phone call. C. (that woman who you most
often describe as “evil” and “out to get you” but has recently turned over a
new and more pleasant leaf) has an important message to deliver; a local
housekeeper, and parent of a childhood school mate to your son, is in need of
advocacy and I’m putting her on the phone with you now. “I heard you do that
kind of thing; I need your help.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/23471014@N03/2546088244/in/photolist-4SZnkb-cvzDpj-34rGG-oNZJzG-5oX6Nt-sdkP6N-4uuctP-5fx3Tt-prPAJu-W7sw5-rRa4fL-2p9T1J-bVdDXT-JRxjY-s7r3oL-edJymw-dkiKjF-anWvoy-a5ULxg-cd4uA-FH2Sd-4fAJ2C-7Sv1aY-qr3kkP-paV5tx-dTSnaJ-51VmiA-2uSsbz-CYhw4-t6web9-qDvwu3-FkEM6-4nWRKs-WPk6E-bjBhUV-hkWSB7-6PJ43y-kYb9N8-5kzici-nXaPdB-cggB1A-95Guwa-856Ewv-pgbaDu-dTTVJr-pwBDou-rkwTqY-89hNKa-saUGes-87LCBK" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of ask and ye shall receive, presence, god, universe, mustard seed, horoscope, advocacy, advocate, monarae-beads" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJPfIyTdpUmXDWco-pMPmah2aB36J5yNHY5l9YeypwljeAVw5GqX3mO5GibIpDavrUlhNe_B6OXaQZ96UElxeDzzeMbGXCfJC0-xRL3gX2tOnOU4HXUzfikC5stPaLIqDWdNBKfGjJmU/s320/god+art+aspirations.jpg" title="ask and ye shall receive, presence, god, universe, mustard seed, horoscope, advocacy, advocate, monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Art Aspirations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you God. Today’s message is loud and clear: “Do Not
Doubt You Are on the Right Path.” </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It started with a horoscope that said “</span><span style="color: #414141; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Some of
the paths you are exploring now seem a bit daunting, Aquarius. Don't worry
about that- you are in your element now. Enjoy these new connections and paths
you are looking into and really, give yourself permission to thrive in the
things you're checking out.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #414141; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #414141; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">And the next thing I know I am helping a local woman whose
ex-husband (father of her 5 children, 3 little ones still at home and the
oldest only 20) needs a lung transplant. She’s been working alone trying to get
him on the national transplant list and there are a few requirements he’s
having trouble meeting and she’s thinking positively about future resource
needs when he gets on the list. The Universe truly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">does</i> conspire IN my favor!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #414141; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span> </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/walkn/3526522573/in/photolist-drrpcd-6nCmik-b7fUcM-8Bc69k-tSkMDW-cB81KS-acgAQ4-6k93T9-6B3Epz-6631Lg-4wuW6Z-AfPSk-8VRjKZ-ehpYX2-dsmv2D-82khLW-7AtkfV-DQoHg-7Ax6p1-7SjX7j-dkSXqf-6sugDB-5VcUNM-7AtjHH-4mMQwU-rzQi7t-fHo8bA-7cSDQq-8J54NM-rbLTRr-62bNEe-ug7JED-pZXreb-9dXKU2-5mmn49-ensm9h-8q6aT5-7Ax6SE-7vubR7-puyK4-bwnnNv-arDt8t-6Vstpd-62n8s8-7uZDWz-df1Ue7-6DzMmC-6VfZU8-myDjc8-dnqzdW" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of question the answers, advocacy, advocate, monarae-beads" border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3hPhZB-_5CYn_NULQeeUPuJ43I1llQOD-b1ANWE3__YaBZkmsfYfdi4GwuxSqznOp1cMICn1QJiqF6FWOBA9ja9VL5YbKTPDENDqF-GJ9z2lvlGEEOjFOxoBG-oX1w6BrL5_PjR3C2I/s320/question+the+answers+walknboston.jpg" title="question the answers, advocacy, advocate, monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Walkn Boston</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #414141; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;">ANSWER THIS:</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;">How have you noticed the Universe conspiring in your favor<span style="color: red;">?</span></span></o:p></div>
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MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-71497441867842207462015-07-10T08:03:00.002-07:002015-07-10T08:39:10.835-07:00Manifest Destiny Advocacy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pictoquotes/11393801716/in/photolist-imQdib-qEfvyb-rYuewE-o7Ncot-iBmRNp-5frwtf-qWJoi9-5fnE4n-nk5ghK-qWNUtp-qWE3VD-5RpXk4-htLbZy-5fnbSe-qEoetg-qEfyi9-qEfwDh-c72gfj-pBbu6X-pBsBaD-pqVJuC-p9suAd-p9suyE-p9sYcU-p9susY-p9suq3-p9supb-pBsB7H-pzq2vS-pjWCJa-pjYkrZ-pjXWiW-pjYkqB-pBbtYx-pBbtZp-pjYkoH-pfmXvF-puPZ8s-pfnPxU-puPZ6o-pwzUpv-pwSc3n-pwQpn3-pfnPtL-pfo1Vx-pfo1V2-pwQpmb-pfniby-pfmXjP-pfnPnJ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of Manifest Destiny Advocacy Advocate Veteran Moose Orchid Garden Bead Jewelry Necklace Flowers Monarae-beads" border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDU6X5wV2NgwAf9v-dENj0MPAUVzTK4VrTyI3DMXGpaU8_T2yRYRZ0xb6nGIxV5V_Wa1a0D3au8g2UbLaD0l3BjfpgAWY67um-rXfBjwdFxMkM5qTTSCYs61LXIbvo9wKw3oTQHE_9Vjk/s320/destiny+BK.png" title="Manifest Destiny Advocacy Advocate Veteran Moose Orchid Garden Bead Jewelry Necklace Flowers Monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Flickr.com BK</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am present. The Universe and God are showing me loud and
clear signs that things are happening. It truly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">does</i> conspire <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for</i> me. My
vision of a Health Advocacy business expands more each day. I see myself
broadening my education and filling my skills gaps. I see myself doing
internships and publishing research. I see myself teaching and contracting with
hospitals and social services departments. I see myself recruiting health and
law students at colleges. I see myself giving T. E. D. talks. I see myself opening
nationally. I see my blog giving people the answers they need on the fly. I see
myself raising funds. I see myself changing political paradigm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvhpkJD5kF0J-ZYCdyiECwOTcBUT7yEQ9cbcoeKpz4lnTpX3f8x_1PjSpSS4QBxTHTJwH3EGrSZSNum78qEo4rwtOmVYvedb-Ac_yontfJlqjNx7zsOf_tAZ5f5ZqMccbz6MsO-9_WGo/s1600/header-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Manifest Destiny Advocacy Advocate Veteran Moose Orchid Garden Bead Jewelry Necklace Flowers Monarae-beads" border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvhpkJD5kF0J-ZYCdyiECwOTcBUT7yEQ9cbcoeKpz4lnTpX3f8x_1PjSpSS4QBxTHTJwH3EGrSZSNum78qEo4rwtOmVYvedb-Ac_yontfJlqjNx7zsOf_tAZ5f5ZqMccbz6MsO-9_WGo/s320/header-logo.png" title="Manifest Destiny Advocacy Advocate Veteran Moose Orchid Garden Bead Jewelry Necklace Flowers Monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday I went to the <a href="http://www.va.gov/" target="_blank">VA</a> with my friend S. Her husband has
Alzheimer’s and I’ve been helping her negotiate the “systems” to provide care
for both of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great meeting
where roles were defined, progress was made, and possibilities were brought
into the light. I received a packet of information from the VA rep that she
only received yesterday; very helpful for those who will be considering
long-term Medi-Cal nursing care. I’m excited because it means that my friends
will be able to plan and it alleviates the fear of the unknown and loss of assets
they have worked so hard to build.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_01Af3PyZ7O-VTvLnrJQY54CD_uFJWYls1QgZNICKRogETJXczUQ_sOtq6aVI0ATPeJ60udHnkjMWNuif2HjwqZ0WIdBA70xWeeSu6SnQ2NXlYieUFAYlGfXIMfT6AV_kGDuxqAqBLY/s1600/142x64xlogo.png.pagespeed.ic.fkOgqyj82M.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="photo of Manifest Destiny Advocacy Advocate Veteran Moose Orchid Garden Bead Jewelry Necklace Flowers Monarae-beads" border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_01Af3PyZ7O-VTvLnrJQY54CD_uFJWYls1QgZNICKRogETJXczUQ_sOtq6aVI0ATPeJ60udHnkjMWNuif2HjwqZ0WIdBA70xWeeSu6SnQ2NXlYieUFAYlGfXIMfT6AV_kGDuxqAqBLY/s200/142x64xlogo.png.pagespeed.ic.fkOgqyj82M.png" title="Manifest Destiny Advocacy Advocate Veteran Moose Orchid Garden Bead Jewelry Necklace Flowers Monarae-beads" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mooseintl.org/" target="_blank">http://www.mooseintl.org/</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I volunteered at the <a href="http://www.mooseintl.org/" target="_blank">Moose Lodge</a> too. While there, my friend Francis (She dubbed me “The Resourceress”) suggested that in my business
plan I include creating a fund to grant people the ability to pay for advocacy
when they can’t afford it. What an awesome idea to help more people <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> get paid; I’ve done it for free for
so long. I also made sure to sign up for the jackpot which is now over $600; I
made an audible plan to spend my winnings on the first UC Berkeley class for
health advocacy (August 8 is not far away.) I’ll need a place to stay a night
in San Francisco if anyone can put me up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0Bx_8svvDLFCcDL6H3glCqInZDN4Ckia7XCe0YMOszkEeDo6P089AUZJ9fwQ8z5jJv1B94ogAkECZp3JzZo_NG9cq29gLf1ma7af-_83uEQbzNfsK4PRTOIWX1TiwcSxAmPr18Z6GFY/s1600/11137149_10206036055641850_3361265423356055082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="photo of Manifest Destiny Advocacy Advocate Veteran Moose Orchid Garden Bead Jewelry Necklace Flowers Monarae-beads" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0Bx_8svvDLFCcDL6H3glCqInZDN4Ckia7XCe0YMOszkEeDo6P089AUZJ9fwQ8z5jJv1B94ogAkECZp3JzZo_NG9cq29gLf1ma7af-_83uEQbzNfsK4PRTOIWX1TiwcSxAmPr18Z6GFY/s200/11137149_10206036055641850_3361265423356055082_n.jpg" title="Manifest Destiny Advocacy Advocate Veteran Moose Orchid Garden Bead Jewelry Necklace Flowers Monarae-beads" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the orchid from Mom!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s sprinkling this morning. Hopefully we will get enough
to water my garden and skip the hose today. I picked some large strawberries
yesterday and trimmed the mint. Wondering what I should do with all that mint I
decided to look up some recipes. I pinned a bunch to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/monaraebeads/food/" target="_blank">my Food board on MyPinterest page</a>; yummy sweet and savory ideas! The last of the flowers dropped
from my orchid. My mom bought this one for me and it’s the first I’ve ever
owned. I’m hooked!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocyoj2eJpabCyL1AuaREZpadbSAvHxAGlJur9C4FhL1msCrjfTJYs-1F4UbSmk9LiscUybH4U4hWwByfVwQMv2JtG0lxwvY_egqzhlTWAXPi7n9FFU5dbVcQRIw5-aQhRypx4C9nguUg/s1600/orange+flower+dinner+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo of Manifest Destiny Advocacy Advocate Veteran Moose Orchid Garden Bead Jewelry Necklace Flowers Monarae-beads" border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocyoj2eJpabCyL1AuaREZpadbSAvHxAGlJur9C4FhL1msCrjfTJYs-1F4UbSmk9LiscUybH4U4hWwByfVwQMv2JtG0lxwvY_egqzhlTWAXPi7n9FFU5dbVcQRIw5-aQhRypx4C9nguUg/s320/orange+flower+dinner+necklace.jpg" title="Manifest Destiny Advocacy Advocate Veteran Moose Orchid Garden Bead Jewelry Necklace Flowers Monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I bought some lovely beads from my friend Lea and I’m
working on two ideas for a new necklace. I imagined a waterfall of orange
flowers. On one hand I have woven a base and started fringe with the flowers;
it is feeling like a lot of work and I’m likely to run out of beads or steam
before I get the lush bouquet I want. On the other hand I have made a bunch of
clusters with the headpins I had on hand and attached them to chain; it’s
looking more promising and possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/walkn/3526522573/in/photolist-drrpcd-6nCmik-b7fUcM-8Bc69k-tSkMDW-cB81KS-acgAQ4-6k93T9-6B3Epz-6631Lg-4wuW6Z-AfPSk-8VRjKZ-ehpYX2-dsmv2D-82khLW-7AtkfV-DQoHg-7Ax6p1-7SjX7j-dkSXqf-6sugDB-5VcUNM-7AtjHH-4mMQwU-rzQi7t-fHo8bA-7cSDQq-8J54NM-rbLTRr-62bNEe-ug7JED-pZXreb-9dXKU2-5mmn49-ensm9h-8q6aT5-7Ax6SE-7vubR7-puyK4-bwnnNv-arDt8t-6Vstpd-62n8s8-7uZDWz-df1Ue7-6DzMmC-6VfZU8-myDjc8-dnqzdW/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of Manifest Destiny Advocacy Advocate Veteran Moose Orchid Garden Bead Jewelry Necklace Flowers Monarae-beads" border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxd_jtPKr3oOLZ51iyMtab00yWdeWTdJdDEPqsw8DsgesaG_v69QXchu8wF5UvsAMmjyk6BT_ALJIj3m2Xq6-JMeJZl2TSVHAfDcVbNi-CebMRzBfhVXW2q70HX68dDeaigQKjLG8gLTU/s200/question+the+answers+walknboston.jpg" title="Manifest Destiny Advocacy Advocate Veteran Moose Orchid Garden Bead Jewelry Necklace Flowers Monarae-beads" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Walkn Boston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m such a creative girl. Beader and Advocate. I’m thinking
of a name for my business and Creative Advocacy comes to mind. I want a name
that is lasting, clear, and conveys what people want to feel when they hire an
advocate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">ANSWER THIS</span>: What feelings would you be looking for in a situation where you need
advocacy<strong><span style="color: red;">?</span></strong> What words or phrases would you suggest for a business name<strong><span style="color: red;">?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<a href="http://www.mooseintl.org/" target="_blank"></a> </div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-20549719225278906192015-07-08T07:17:00.002-07:002015-07-08T07:31:59.043-07:00You Should Get Over it<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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://www.flickr.com/photos/katharina_90/5326830763/in/photolist-97HpcH-r4ftX-qRrg2M-B85UD-abQNa3-qMYgb-4qH3NX-qMYdz-9AfGY2-qqh2pA-gJAnPC-dac72U-mCEt7P-fojZhD-d325V5-4YDoGE-bj29KB-4YDptL-cRrr8q-2ZVq9K-zyZgj-eUrfeQ-5kVLar-nGqt9z-4Yz982-6drgEE-eUf4KR-eUeVf2-eUeUxk-eUrh4G-qMYcr-4JfM8i-iCgRK-FUmYH-nJzshp-7JRy2A-xNkMi-5aN8R6-6wF8Ue-ogSLi-65zsmr-88BzCg-nxu7Dz-A9ZTz-2RmZXC-eUrmcu-eUrjco-eUeTvF-6HAAhX-5ELumR" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of sleepless thoughts voices german advocay monarae-beads" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjditKeBO89OBSh38xexUGoFwKWdREtN4fxGulU06rdZQVEvSvRENa2vLmM-dtj7ayW97NJqRNhSYqzB26dIS22JFwMhYCH3gZ_55OlzMcdLyYHKGPXGIxyTYdt9qcJgS0ACdJ3NC1aaSg/s320/sleepless+kama+photography.jpg" title="sleepless thoughts voices german advocay monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com KaMa Photography</td></tr>
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I'm up waaaay too early! Thoughts about being fired and why and who and why, why, why keep me awake. Did I have a dream about it which spilled into my waking moments? <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk2VGIkR2yvbTRwSx-wn_lb47zKJAbtc7UqG4tfoEC0A_0tzq5FiompvtsniyDoOrSL_h9IDbu2gS1Cw502-hDrrRsX79gGDDxEG7hNetMJDr9bJQ8GGxoES7sKniYmBjrkSilplyIKk/s1600/toes+becky+striepe_edited2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="photo of sleepless thoughts voices german advocay broken toe monarae-beads" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk2VGIkR2yvbTRwSx-wn_lb47zKJAbtc7UqG4tfoEC0A_0tzq5FiompvtsniyDoOrSL_h9IDbu2gS1Cw502-hDrrRsX79gGDDxEG7hNetMJDr9bJQ8GGxoES7sKniYmBjrkSilplyIKk/s200/toes+becky+striepe_edited2.jpg" title="sleepless thoughts voices german advocay broken toe monarae-beads" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Becky Striepe</td></tr>
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My foot is killing me; broken? Noticing a gap on the right between toes that isn't matched on the left foot, I taped the toes together. It lessened the nerve pain, but it really hurts this morning; but not enough to drown out the emotional pain of rejection from a job I rocked at. Yes; I rocked it, but still got fired. Such a struggle with the inner voice that wants to find me at fault.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/82066314@N06/10604526025/in/photolist-ha5Y8B-9Z68vS-878XhJ-8W7HX9-fK2w3i-3dcmsF-p9gMFj-fHJpiK-eDwcUn-czcbSq-f2VvrW-aoKjub-rN9FKw-2oiX5-4KDcH6-28RQo-eECie1-8VzEer-9DZ7ZJ-7vn3So-atMLeP-edLav9-sR6j4i-98UBBq-eiwixk-q1hg7f-X9KeY-5uW3UR-boLu1Y-h4PnN2-rkXCAc-6eVFY7-9F6V7R-ccx6W9-dkJWGt-wh9hR-aCdoXW-osM4QL-dvtbJB-cMNGWj-cVsmES-ci1Jg7-2p2Eu-crPq91-cMNJHA-cMNHJU-cMNK7Y-cMNH8G-8wCKe3-cMNJB1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of sleepless thoughts voices german advoca monarae-beads" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPKrR5fcu7fXBi4J_lWzI_IZGKNoZCEm7GQLMuI3sj8Ozi_coacFhn3CyDpvhG-ZNBDsKJJ2FBBOeQm0l_F941S-J5g-HmRsNUdlQMMrQmifiiYWLspEEHr3bDxGgCegUc49xXgEJuek/s200/voices+iqbal+osman.jpg" title="sleepless thoughts voices german advocay monarae-beads" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Iqbal Osman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thank God for the will to bring the voices of my mom, my friends, my champions, and my soul. The voice that calls me a phoenix. The voice that says, "Thank you so much for your help; what would I do without you!" The voice that says, "You will be okay; follow your passion." The voice that says, "You can do this. You SHOULD do this." Thank God for the "should"; because left to my would at this moment, I would find myself going through the routine of working for someone else who doesn't recognize how much I rock.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/zabowski/2761258971/in/photolist-5d1b6i-2QPQ4-2QPPP-2QPNY-2ZWZRe-6Mce48-6CNyA-dAipWS-2wByuv-2aj4ve-6ZWDwP-6V5sJP-5Ezm7q-2wFWGE-9zaksb-2wBwYr-3Uv4Nb-ahq7tr-5DSzrs-3t3w3h-3271sD-AYUmk-38xyAT-AYUox-4ZoS9G-2QPPe-2QPPH-2aj4ui-5Qyazw-4rnNu5-3Uv4bs-3UqH9v-3TyHpR-91eyN4-2wGCwj-AGj16-5QtTd6-2wFXVs-6ZWAND-712NEu-36GyLW-asJdXj-3UqNgV-36GxcN-713tQ7-6ZWPD2-36CroF-36H27j-36Cf72-36GZ5Q" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of sleepless thoughts voices german advocay easy street monarae-beads" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehHCmzvlyOaNJ7alKfLXWSVN_pA5OLLFUqb9iLD6kMmZwIn1NWyfI4FYem_bXDUytI_SO4zAhZqLpYTx_nncmFWjCOaeHe4CPObL7PRuh5fA7DXVEzoVD0dsdHpGsB0SLNoQFX2JuknA/s200/easy+street+erica+zabowski.jpg" title="sleepless thoughts voices german advocay easy street monarae-beads" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Erica Zabowski</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Why would I wish for the comfort of <em>that</em> monotony and dependence? Because it is easy. Because it requires no thought, no faith, no courage; it repays me with mediocrity, lack of passion, and bills being paid.<br />
<br />
Thank GOD for the "should"(NEVER thought I'd say that!). I should push through and do what I need to do to make it work. I should also look at how I've pushed through every day, researching, organizing, and making positive strides. I should look at how much closer I get every day to making my passion into a business that will grow my soul and bring comfort to others in a HUGE way. I should keep going. I should keep pushing through. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQF8IFAJgYiqTJasfniD61YKT9yCokS4B4Sea8_5v0oYEEBrVoJck3WrQrLgqid9nHzDC9u_nritfSefV-1SYXLFBNj57GyhoWmUVkgX6X27cjkouYa18StkdXUPfl-Mu_8dq0r1jSgpw/s1600/UCB+HEALTH+ADVOCACY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo of sleepless thoughts voices education college berkeley advocay easy street monarae-beads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQF8IFAJgYiqTJasfniD61YKT9yCokS4B4Sea8_5v0oYEEBrVoJck3WrQrLgqid9nHzDC9u_nritfSefV-1SYXLFBNj57GyhoWmUVkgX6X27cjkouYa18StkdXUPfl-Mu_8dq0r1jSgpw/s1600/UCB+HEALTH+ADVOCACY.jpg" title="sleepless thoughts voices education college berkeley advocay easy street monarae-beads" /></a></div>
I have decided that I should enroll in the UC Berkeley Extension program for Health Advocacy. I don't know how I'll pay for it. The first class is on August 8; only one day in San Francisco. Only $300.00 plus the expenses for travel and sleep. <br />
<br />
I have decided that I should join the <a href="http://aphadvocates.org/" target="_blank">Association of Professional Health Advocates</a>. I've decided that I should begin my business plan. I've decided that I should change the world by giving peace of mind to others, even when it feels in this moment that I don't know how to give peace of mind to myself. I've decided that today is another day that I will walk in possibilities and successes and destiny.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/proimos/8050790483/in/photolist-dgqpwt-cQ8FfU-cQ8Ecb-6okd9B-cQ8zbN-cQ8D4E-bYSiEE-bTdfe2-4Kirn8-bZYUpQ-9jVEE3-7NSQUS-7DQ7gh-a4Fs3w-5bHQnP-dq8F1g-4XVE1a-PLd3-7WL36Q-CW95k-3mt5S4-3j3hCR-fchdQS-4Y1YLm-4Y1WtC-4XWx48-4tUoyT-vgKLx1-3fvbJe-53cvTf-VHwvS-69dX8N-2NUm6-3mxBiY-3mxBiC-3mxBi7-3mxBif-3mxBiy-3mt5RK-3mt5RP-3mt5Rg-3msVNv-3msVNR-3msVMZ-eZoBqT-4XWJPc-6Cg5mH-6Ckb4f-Q12Qo-miFBn" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of sleepless thoughts voices education college berkeley advocay satisfaction art monarae-beads" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qgtUI4ueUIkeC3NHnR_treNGGFSxcRR3sRpKj0vbKhU_SWFBuulTl6ypACXE6jGneKozL2RvhglrrqixgjSbJ-L5kcgci-ds3onQRHSvv1rS6mXMk_mvzEx9aeNz_5w8ST6ny2OaH00/s320/satisfaction+alex+proimos.jpg" title="sleepless thoughts voices education college berkeley advocay satisfaction art monarae-beads" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Alex Proimos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As I look for pics for this blog I'm immediately rewarded with a smile. My mom will appreciate the sleepless photo with the German thought bubbles! I think I get more pleasure out of finding pics for my blog than the writing itself. The writing is healing, but the art is fulfilling. Flickr.com is a great way to find pics that are free to use. Enter a search term, then click the pull down under licenses and choose "all creative commons."<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/walkn/3526522573/in/photolist-drrpcd-6nCmik-b7fUcM-8Bc69k-tSkMDW-7AtkfV-DQoHg-7Ax6p1-acgAQ4-7SjX7j-6631Lg-5VcUNM-AfPSk-7AtjHH-8VRjKZ-ehpYX2-dsmv2D-82khLW-cB81KS-6k93T9-6B3Epz-dkSXqf-6sugDB-4wuW6Z-4mMQwU-7cSDQq-7Ax6SE-62bNEe-ug7JED-62n8s8-9dXKU2-ensm9h-rzQi7t-fHo8bA-8q6aT5-8J54NM-7vubR7-rbLTRr-puyK4-bwnnNv-arDt8t-6Vstpd-pZXreb-7uZDWz-df1Ue7-6DzMmC-6VfZU8-5mmn49-myDjc8-dnqzdW" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of sleepless thoughts voices education college berkeley advocay satisfaction art monarae-beads" border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP2KTiUDly7r_ias1jZxhfGuRXMKlfjyQy3krlRzq6-_Oq6sWjWSEnRDJy9vym2H-mnSgFWatOYX8BcTBLNJ643u49rjW3sr5LnKPejGUDQSIgnoUZiTQwLaeKh_RTpjTeANBaPlMZzc/s200/question+the+answers+walknboston.jpg" title="sleepless thoughts voices education college berkeley advocay satisfaction art monarae-beads" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Walkin Boston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">ANSWER THIS:</span> <br />
<br />
How do you advocate for yourself in moments of disappointment or despair<span style="color: red;"><strong>?</strong></span> What do you tell your self<span style="color: red;"><strong>?</strong></span> How do you get through it<span style="color: red;"><strong>?</strong></span></div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-91510803026580041082015-07-06T12:13:00.002-07:002015-07-06T12:13:40.086-07:00Learn is a Four Letter Word<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This morning I am looking into educational programs for
health advocacy. I feel that a certification will give me credibility as well
as teach me, among other important things, what I don’t know about the
professional side. One thing I discovered is that there is now national or
international standard of knowledge or skills for health advocacy. A
certificate only means that I completed their courses. Would completion of
courses give me credibility?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7855449@N02/5372510253/in/photolist-9bKw88-9gDdSr-Fmwt9-8Ut2td-9hCEuG-3vwHrB-jdyyT-7hviX5-714VX8-aUCsic-7ZLva8-7ZPSV7-5TpGxv-jdyyE-8gGm1W-7ZPRfJ-7ZLqBF-dwKsbM-82YWq5-7ZLEwp-7ZPJfG-9gGiy5-4LSFbV-7ZLB5M-7ZPLey-7ZPRA1-7ZLERB-7ZLDWi-7ZLC2D-7ZLz8K-7ZPHUf-7ZLxnT-7ZPGZ1-7ZPEWA-7ZPEyh-7ZLt8R-7ZLsDZ-7ZLqdk-7ZLoi6-ijqBk-5zRjZa-4vmzcH-4vqsVL-7hviX9-7hviX7-4vmT5z-pzmzPt-4cjcwn-5wrz1p-HKXqJ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of advocate credibility trust influence reach learn monarae-beads" border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_g2gsthBP5Odwgw0ImDNqW2FAUueoBdM35EKUc5veBPuzKD-FiVp3_vjUc8ca9zXdsq6GIxz5GkCTNnLOD9Kk-m5ihEOhwUptp69dLh-RFDpttXRwuZWEibNgUeI_1ZmcsHpsOYX1wo/s200/credibility+david+armano.png" title="advocate credibility trust influence reach learn monarae-beads" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com David Armano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Credible: believable. If I have a certificate of completion
does that make me believable? It seems to me, as a consumer, the person with
experience is the one I believe. In order to gain experience I need to be
credible; a catch-22. If I use my certification as a status, I must also state
who certified me; is it better that UC Berkeley or Stanford certified me than
the University of Wisconsin?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/juhansonin/9285118751/in/photolist-f9uEjk-frhECT-8qYk4H-eKZhmP-e5zMst-gwtMq1-qRYHQt-e4rxwC-ea5rxd-ecTWpj-9mFHjK-RTgbh-RThhN-5DqLDx-8Y32jW-dM4fu3-ccA8Td-ecNnVX-ccA8LY-ecTWU9-fqXpJu-gb9u6M-fdLgQY-ecNnNz-KXWp1-ecNm6a-ecTZj7-ecTXrL-ecNi6R-475Lps-5FYpjN-bmsZBV-kpTpiA-7P48Bg-3VNaaY-owGXA9-nfza4-mp4TNR-mp6EVa-mp7HLj-mp6rRp-mp7uiY-mp5Dnz-mp6fsH-mp6ehg-mp6cce-mp5ee4-mp5d5a-mp71CC-mp5LsK" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo of advocate skill passion learn education monarae-beads" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNA-os3-C6BpI4kU4BiQQEbw82kVUxzySgg8-gwD4swGZszoPzIAsoRFkhiG9a5s8vEj10oOq5wu32pox2wKK418uAm_CUrZlm6mBRL0IWW7fMIzLe7qk0mmk21QFllmuU6YT2d_QfM9U/s400/skills+juhan+sonin.jpg" title="advocate skill passion learn education monarae-beads" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Juhan Sonin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is advised to consider where I plan to earn my income,
when choosing an educational program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
I want to work for someone else or myself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My answer is, “both.” I want to be involved as a contractor for
professional organizations, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> I
want my own practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, with
respect to education and how I want to be employed, it is a matter of whose
skill set I need to comply with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As an independent advocate I need advocacy skills <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> business skills. I guess I already
knew that; 3 weeks ago I started looking for a business coach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel very good about my ability to look at
the medical system from the patient perspective. But I already know there is a
gap in my knowledge about efficiently getting desired results from the medical
system. I found a list of master skills/services; this will help me find my advocacy
gap. When it comes to business I completely lack confidence; this is the area I
need to learn about most.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/culturosos/3698930669/in/photolist-6CRZdH-eosDsg-8fortE-NMbbP-5kzV3z-7yjUjB-4nGzeq-zfTCc-63pEtK-7Z7XFe-d6b3SN-nUWf2j-a8qsnA-a6poHB-a8nG8F-p4CKJh-acCRYn-bpcUw6-2gwshH-aLhS9M-fodGm-4CC7tr-acFyKU-6BMVaa-oQVrGa-uSBhF-6hMDFw-d6biQJ-o1WNJQ-boXxbR-8Suuxc-9vSySY-bpfAWr-afvTVE-9pjoBx-7LqJvq-tb4zV-7jTs9f-7jPy16-7jTxXh-7jPDH8-7jPDre-7jTxPN-z4eMU-agXKmp-aatViq-pGak5s-a8WtkY-7fqhA1-aZCnT" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of advocate skill passion learn education online classroom books monarae-beads" border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTChYTLL5szEfHmDGIHCSNW6QP0OI2nrM-AKmeMMYL3eKhGqatfe8FvHVJ6knGpb_w3Cc0ypPWQNONMrgTdBINk412lvztWDZp0xM5_sF12tiytjj1Fzbs9K0Agl4tBEnbj30njn8L5DE/s200/study+deslizate+naranja.jpg" title="advocate skill passion learn education online classroom books monarae-beads" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Deslizate Naranja!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Accessibility is also an issue to consider. I love the
motivation of being in a classroom, not to mention the networking opportunities
that come with it. However, the “right” program with physical presence can be a
challenge for me. If I had to move, what would happen to my home, my son, my
pets, and how could I afford it? Additionally, if I choose the convenience and
affordability of an online education, does that influence credibility?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/koonisutra/7001349018/in/photolist-bEFK97-oKcH3u-uZEXZ-5SvdU7-rm3R5d-aXWDzt-aXVcLz-7PhWD6-dXXreK-rHYrST-pjGyy2-5eSjJG-f62FQg-eQ3sgz-5eSmC1-gdJs-fsgGJm-f62Ffn-pkuAe6-dhhHLD-btQ6ra-44CwUy-HfnAN-fEdD4v-Ka8Ki-7xLaGY-aXWDwr-62S7YH-9Joewq-qDYVTe-ie8srU-5cg2fL-5NJXNv-4MuUxW-iqpPTH-qkevXv-8qA4o-aryC-6gSMxM-pEDWa1-f6gWf3-8bUDqE-7HDmYx-dzBUCn-pp33yz-pkwvX5-qD6nPX-5djwzi-7GybYJ-pETiJ6" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of advocate skill passion learn read education online classroom books monarae-beads" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXs3uPuxgMmYfd9ZN660t1iAr0mWymxoD3yTJVDe75NpKbjctPFvLxspzNHoje7iB_m3NMCXxlpy8x-mkaWOltO1gI6RqJEB6s124iBrNm-pJBukzlgT0f9pphgkMtvAuoO_RZohzx38/s200/read+soon+koon.jpg" title="advocate skill passion learn read education online classroom books monarae-beads" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Soon Koon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the links I found led me to a book on starting an
advocacy business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doh! Amazon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One search and I found several books. If I buy
the book through The <a href="http://www.aphadvocates.org/" target="_blank">APHA (Alliance of Professional Health Advocates),</a> I can
get a free month of membership. Their membership is only 50.00 per year and
they have the best resources I’ve found so far. They have a series of four
books and 2 are available on Amazon.<o:p></o:p></span>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/walkn/3526522573/in/photolist-dsmv2D-drrpcd-6nCmik-b7fUcM-8Bc69k-DQoHg-7Ax6p1-acgAQ4-7SjX7j-6k93T9-6B3Epz-dkSXqf-6sugDB-5VcUNM-AfPSk-ehpYX2-82khLW-7AtkfV-tSkMDW-cB81KS-6631Lg-4wuW6Z-7AtjHH-4mMQwU-8VRjKZ-ensm9h-rzQi7t-7cSDQq-7vubR7-rbLTRr-62bNEe-ug7JED-arDt8t-6Vstpd-pZXreb-7uZDWz-df1Ue7-6DzMmC-9dXKU2-6VfZU8-5mmn49-fHo8bA-8q6aT5-8J54NM-7Ax6SE-puyK4-bwnnNv-62n8s8-myDjc8-dnqzdW" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.flickr.com/photos/walkn/3526522573/in/photolist-dsmv2D-drrpcd-6nCmik-b7fUcM-8Bc69k-DQoHg-7Ax6p1-acgAQ4-7SjX7j-6k93T9-6B3Epz-dkSXqf-6sugDB-5VcUNM-AfPSk-ehpYX2-82khLW-7AtkfV-tSkMDW-cB81KS-6631Lg-4wuW6Z-7AtjHH-4mMQwU-8VRjKZ-ensm9h-rzQi7t-7cSDQq-7vubR7-rbLTRr-62bNEe-ug7JED-arDt8t-6Vstpd-pZXreb-7uZDWz-df1Ue7-6DzMmC-9dXKU2-6VfZU8-5mmn49-fHo8bA-8q6aT5-8J54NM-7Ax6SE-puyK4-bwnnNv-62n8s8-myDjc8-dnqzdW" border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY7wM5nts56DJkDHjkJJ_vQTh3_Er-6qGS69pFvq9a_EDX-p_xqM_ffmnrZwGFQg8q7yZTJ4OYa_eL59ysiCw5iYjH8lOtdsexS2IRoxQSjOPiX0TA1gDGEeu5FAzyXD1Rjl53YLYhuU/s200/question+the+answers+walknboston.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com WalknBoston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I should wait to be sure before I start spending money; am I
strong enough to self-govern or do I need the structure and accountability of a
program? It comes, as usual, full circle back to “know thyself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Answer this:</span></strong> How do you like to learn?
Self-taught with books and other media? Structured classroom? Online classroom?</span></div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-90988478734839207382015-07-03T10:30:00.000-07:002015-07-03T10:39:42.508-07:00How to Mine for Gold - Pace Yourself<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlJe3NTPiT1y8jICzE88mjSd7b8zecXJKqCbFB4nlQTMju23psDO7Nh6WfGqFlhY_mC8Lj1SflI-eYJxMQmzvRxosaDuu5esjnjJmnQlEQ2_8mc7mGOUyBW-SpJ1ESbFE_4AwcoI6kp8/s1600/whitecoinnecklace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="picture of Necklace Flat Celini Spiral White Glass Coins circus ethnic african mexican hispanic bead weaving peyote monarae-beads who does she bead she is" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlJe3NTPiT1y8jICzE88mjSd7b8zecXJKqCbFB4nlQTMju23psDO7Nh6WfGqFlhY_mC8Lj1SflI-eYJxMQmzvRxosaDuu5esjnjJmnQlEQ2_8mc7mGOUyBW-SpJ1ESbFE_4AwcoI6kp8/s200/whitecoinnecklace2.jpg" title="Necklace Flat Celini Spiral White Glass Coins circus ethnic african mexican hispanic bead weaving peyote monarae-beads who does she bead she is" width="137" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic93APvx5gIpnF7AyFdOL8tmpF9ovZUG0unXYSj7NouZ9vh0NGfoONNxChYTLW7r-TT6bre2wLI-vRCdM5oFFFD7y9Z4UMAFjQkQkBr3ceEWVCw93G5g5ny8SCV94JIbYlQuv80AU_fM/s1600/gardenharvestdinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo of Garden Harvest salad fettucini shrimp stevenot wine monarae-beads who does she bead she is" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic93APvx5gIpnF7AyFdOL8tmpF9ovZUG0unXYSj7NouZ9vh0NGfoONNxChYTLW7r-TT6bre2wLI-vRCdM5oFFFD7y9Z4UMAFjQkQkBr3ceEWVCw93G5g5ny8SCV94JIbYlQuv80AU_fM/s200/gardenharvestdinner.JPG" title="Garden Harvest salad fettucini shrimp stevenot wine monarae-beads who does she bead she is" width="175" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUCJVNFKK54OavZTjQ5kDX1lJQIDvsxTiIA_ZT-BEu9Es8qp4SfGAOEDIqgtlhbRw8znptp73T2838hskJigs1YCSjUh4P0CvkQXkjeDkV30knJFyxswZfuflmrUVfkiaMbyeTM-B2aw/s1600/garden+harvest+tomato+salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUCJVNFKK54OavZTjQ5kDX1lJQIDvsxTiIA_ZT-BEu9Es8qp4SfGAOEDIqgtlhbRw8znptp73T2838hskJigs1YCSjUh4P0CvkQXkjeDkV30knJFyxswZfuflmrUVfkiaMbyeTM-B2aw/s200/garden+harvest+tomato+salad.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I had an amazing day yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I stuck to my plan and conducted “business” until noon. Then I talked to
my brother who is recovering from a recent health crisis. I had a nap. I
finished my necklace. I went grocery shopping. I made a beautiful dinner for
myself. I talked to friends. I watched some TV. I ate TWO pomegranate and dark
chocolate Hagen Daas ice cream bars. I danced in the rain; gorgeous, overdue,
welcome, cooling, fragrant drops of water!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>How was your day?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/60700203@N03/13047442374/in/photolist-kSXy41-3g8Zpi-qfKKw-doFxiu-jMxywR-c3yAnu-5waq6U-5waq6b-bDZUsV-6ovwvZ-g6XT6-5k5AYN-g7TPpr-g2dgX-dFJ553-4vNWsz-fTSHs4-br5Zks-g5MQs-g26jZ-4tfoF8-jMDoZc-egx7mV-6aKSUz-48p9ca-g2GwN-djMDVx-i4ZeN6-6SRq2j-6Nz9zW-daiBsR-61HV81-g1gBr-8wA1SZ-doFxBh-doFxqU-T7U8f-r4so7N-doFAnU-doFtyx-biLTc6-znfEJ-7VQFjD-caqWa-9uKKR3-6sRBvy-2KdEuj-9P8HXm-7oeyaq-i4Zmpc" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of Eureka gold mine found monarae-beads advocacy" border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB-NgAdh64E0QwNSA0VtdqBo3QUewKaEoKFAJmgODovy2ATnhoTSjC3dW5fs9dmFx5_8oJBFaCMhmhWm5ipE5aFULoAEZfym0T3Mgwx2TA8JG1E-XeeA6y4qebRFfZdFLOCg6RA4JFWM/s200/eureka+charlie+day.jpg" title="Eureka gold mine found monarae-beads advocacy" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Charlie Day</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday I felt I had found a gold mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so excited about finding a professional
certification program, but feel I found it so quickly I need to think a bit
about it…temper my excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother
always said, “If you still want it after two or more weeks, then it is worth
putting more energy into it.” I think that is the real reason I love window
shopping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tormodspictures/11226031836/in/photolist-2U3iX-r7tpa-522jYh-8W67ZC-82o3Hn-j6qWWL-jAhhEr-i71ma3-DKxzm-8WunCv-8MFcw-6xkR4t-61TkeF-rRJMyh-bPFQk-HgWPZ-n7qEU5-mJ8sDQ-oSCRxQ-idQEL-8eFdJB-6xSBej-3NzvEA-2jYk9f-6nSzM1-eemdC-8H14Hb-bxcGmt-5kKfsg-2U36r-2Znrct-7h2srP-5FkWBN-8NYD2d-mCvUj-hWT88P-j3oNe-7r8z3n-py1V3k-8j3obm-fFkbZr-94ziQP-kVnxd-76SQSP-pJxp38-t1VPE-yLoCn-6FULZ7-2U2HR-6ArUJu" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="photo of Eureka gold mine found planning monarae-beads advocacy" border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlyils-97tkOrmdCGMgpyArRUMOyQVsQIXZxvei8F7cdOSqp6OLIl26kfjtcFbS45rFQoDUZ__egMh5Xgf0ixzUzEn1JHxmgnuQbTrQbJ_hc1v1r16Z7KwC40xapA5d9PJLMjbvjvCo0/s200/planning+tormod+ulsberg.jpg" title="Eureka gold mine found planning monarae-beads advocacy" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Tormod Ulsberg</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my new focus on career and building my own business, I
feel a need to really know myself. What my strengths, skills, weaknesses, and
road-blocks are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That thinking alone is
a big step for me; it requires a pacing that is slower and more controlled than
my usual “go for it” behavior. I’m <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really
</i>planning; even my horoscope said that today is the day for a plan!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aphadvocates.org/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="picture of apha Eureka gold mine found organization monarae-beads advocacy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNTJuWq_rwm-MylnQ4-VucjqRxCz1KIfnA-OAWpnNezv2EoW8-rVbWgvii_CdV3PwjBAoBXyuwU2DkGs6Ruk2UaWEQ4odqL5tP2HFxxp-Vr_CDwWs_1agc-LsDKoQs7ljQYLmqFhKcG4/s1600/icon.png" title="apha Eureka gold mine found organization monarae-beads advocacy" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alliance of Professional Health Advocates</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, instead of diving into the school, I decided to look at
the organization that revealed it to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="http://www.aphadvocates.org/" target="_blank">The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates</a> helps people in different
stages of advocacy. They provide advocates with business support to start and
grow their practices. They have 4 levels of membership based on the status/size
of your practice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Pace membership describes me to a “T”:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span></div>
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"Maybe you have assisted a friend or loved
one, but do not have paid advocacy experience. You’re looking for a way
to boost your advocacy resumé or gain more inside information about this type
of career. Or perhaps you’ve been helping others for many years and now you
want to figure out how to get paid for the help you provide in the future."</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
total cost of the first year is $49.00. That is less than my <a href="http://goo.gl/rEnisE" target="_blank">GwynnieBee</a>
subscription! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAlzTpmRZabbNuiV3MTXOpcqS8uwU-taF8mfYyMGK-tlmMGm98lbFwYipCYHo8VuOVtXEagobdfcO-Sxy1Sp22EcZQOe5XT4vji1_4J5BN8S9vb-wUbAaEHYTvzn55UmlH-F6fSTlO0E/s1600/uncover+the+facts+ognian+mladenov+investigate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="photo of Eureka gold mine found planning organization investigate monarae-beads advocacy" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAlzTpmRZabbNuiV3MTXOpcqS8uwU-taF8mfYyMGK-tlmMGm98lbFwYipCYHo8VuOVtXEagobdfcO-Sxy1Sp22EcZQOe5XT4vji1_4J5BN8S9vb-wUbAaEHYTvzn55UmlH-F6fSTlO0E/s200/uncover+the+facts+ognian+mladenov+investigate.jpg" title="Eureka gold mine found planning organization investigate monarae-beads advocacy" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Ognian Mladenov</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For now, I’ll research other organizations and sign up for the
APHA non-member newsletter. After all, if I want to be a professional, I need
to be my own patient. I would always advise my clients to thoroughly
investigate before making a commitment to anyone who is involved in the
well-being of their loves and lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AvsQk-KRL0qe3qPVSweWtR50dduejHHyTKK9aOk76ibtbNMQwF-_BjF5wWIo5ro4s9rXclX-Qc7muUkW4jOK92zm0EXQINm_PYulY78ZNOcbYRWLjhIyn6TmZYyUUShQGQSNn00BWy4/s1600/question+the+answers+walknboston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo of survey question the answers monarae-beads advocacy " border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AvsQk-KRL0qe3qPVSweWtR50dduejHHyTKK9aOk76ibtbNMQwF-_BjF5wWIo5ro4s9rXclX-Qc7muUkW4jOK92zm0EXQINm_PYulY78ZNOcbYRWLjhIyn6TmZYyUUShQGQSNn00BWy4/s200/question+the+answers+walknboston.jpg" title="survey question the answers monarae-beads advocacy " width="200" /></a></div>
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ANSWER THIS:</h2>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the meantime, I need to think about whether I should have a
separate blog for advocacy at this point, or should I wait until I have a more
professional focus<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">?</span></strong> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you think it would hurt my long term goal to have others
watch me grow into my business<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>?</strong></span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I feel like it is a more honest
approach that will gain interest, loyalty, and readership.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-73017808862829724252015-07-02T10:45:00.000-07:002015-07-02T10:49:09.771-07:00ADOS...Attention Deficit OH SHINY!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cambodia4kidsorg/2044699248/in/photolist-47FBRj-9YDD2y-9K1mKL-9YDDMA-kXP1Ep-9YDEGu-9YDDBE-r4m6qj-r4mVif-rkTmjg-2QdZce-pigdkW-pzJfZq-pzu2cc-pxHGA3-pifcCe-pxHEhL-pig6ay-pzL3ez-pzJ7aS-pxHzkG-pxHyjU-pigF1r-pigeQs-pigdBq-pzHYnC-pieX82-pifSfW-pifRfj-pxHnus-pig62f-pigsD2-pzHPwm-pztzXV-pxHfAs-pztxz8-pifY1w-pztvTT-pieGtT-pigi4v-pzKyo4-pieB7v-pxH4JC-pifN9s-pigaN8-pzKrmi-pig8mV-pzthfR-pxGXxu-pzKnUt" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cambodia4kidsorg/2044699248/in/photolist-47FBRj-9YDD2y-9K1mKL-9YDDMA-kXP1Ep-9YDEGu-9YDDBE-r4m6qj-r4mVif-rkTmjg-2QdZce-pigdkW-pzJfZq-pzu2cc-pxHGA3-pifcCe-pxHEhL-pig6ay-pzL3ez-pzJ7aS-pxHzkG-pxHyjU-pigF1r-pigeQs-pigdBq-pzHYnC-pieX82-pifSfW-pifRfj-pxHnus-pig62f-pigsD2-pzHPwm-pztzXV-pxHfAs-pztxz8-pifY1w-pztvTT-pieGtT-pigi4v-pzKyo4-pieB7v-pxH4JC-pifN9s-pigaN8-pzKrmi-pig8mV-pzthfR-pxGXxu-pzKnUt" border="0" height="46" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQc4svGOHVLd7rmCp5YlRfzYTFEqk2E_h-5Vg_BvWQkhDqi2cv9cSFy6v-Mm-1-jO0ok5rx98DIQuaILTflVCmzjwLjhyXP6WhgkVQ7Xx4Bnvj_TNPkWDFqs4fbuhFOvN6Feha9G5dsE/s320/advocacy+planner+cambodia4kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr Cambodia4Kids</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I am looking at the “job” of advocacy: what words are
used to describe advocacy jobs, what are the qualifications, and what are the
requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the process of looking
at the gazillions (actually I got to page 5 of the job listings before being
inspired to write) of available jobs in advocacy, I found that there are many
organizations that provide advocacy for their own causes. Among these causes
for advocacy there is a concentration on young people, homeless people, and
voters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a severe lack in my
discovery today, in the area of providing resources and advocacy for
individuals who do not fit a singular category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The people I want to advocate for always fall into multiple categories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/oasoea/5891920710/in/photolist-9YDDbJ-9YAL6e-9YDEYW-9YALwD-9YAKW6-9YALRz-9YDEw9-9YAKD6-9YDDq1-9YDD2y-9YDDMA-9YDEGu-9YDDBE-9YDCKQ-9YDCSN-9YALHX" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.flickr.com/photos/oasoea/5891920710/in/photolist-9YDDbJ-9YAL6e-9YDEYW-9YALwD-9YAKW6-9YALRz-9YDEw9-9YAKD6-9YDDq1-9YDD2y-9YDDMA-9YDEGu-9YDDBE-9YDCKQ-9YDCSN-9YALHX" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IIYDDJ3Evy-RRdz9OFIO_9edgVYdWPjQtIL0O5WgB3nDZC2WJGfiDKn9pT-rcVOmGPiI0ZT_4WDsrL6NjhhktETbB_qTIY_cIE_MaV5GxBpWHCG79kh5_DSWt7k82VnrvfoX0fUkTJs/s320/advocacy+and+change+book+oeaoas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesey Flickr OEA-OAS </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">People I have advocated for need whole-life-spectrum
resources. The breast cancer patient who needs to know how to pay for medical
care, also needs to know how to structure their finances to optimize their best
position for financial support. The Alzheimer’s patient who needs to be
protected from wandering, also needs support from the constant physical
presence of multiple care givers; the caregivers also need support. The mental
health patient who needs to protect their own rights in a crisis, also needs to
protect the rights of their family members’ to participate in their medical and
financial care.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wfryer/2516648940/in/photolist-4Qou3Y-qqUaip-q9sDVX-qoC4Dd-qqJcBi-ptUV51-qqQDju-ptUV3s-r5L7Fy-pihutx-pxJjQC-pifPP2-pzuzz8-pzJM7E-pigXXy-pifJgi-pigCCU-pzLzQR-pifDW6-pihfhr-pzLuw4-pigup9-pifxce-pigJzS-pigqPJ-piftvB-pzuetg-pzuddv-pigkqN-pigA4y-pifkLi-pigeUh-eVDMnr-3btoKf-47FBRj-9YDD2y-9K1mKL-9YDDMA-kXP1Ep-9YDEGu-9YDDBE-r4m6qj-r4mVif-rkTmjg-2QdZce-pigdkW-pzJfZq-pzu2cc-pxHGA3-pifcCe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wfryer/2516648940/in/photolist-4Qou3Y-qqUaip-q9sDVX-qoC4Dd-qqJcBi-ptUV51-qqQDju-ptUV3s-r5L7Fy-pihutx-pxJjQC-pifPP2-pzuzz8-pzJM7E-pigXXy-pifJgi-pigCCU-pzLzQR-pifDW6-pihfhr-pzLuw4-pigup9-pifxce-pigJzS-pigqPJ-piftvB-pzuetg-pzuddv-pigkqN-pigA4y-pifkLi-pigeUh-eVDMnr-3btoKf-47FBRj-9YDD2y-9K1mKL-9YDDMA-kXP1Ep-9YDEGu-9YDDBE-r4m6qj-r4mVif-rkTmjg-2QdZce-pigdkW-pzJfZq-pzu2cc-pxHGA3-pifcCe" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUsBseO345I2gVWniBxSmB_CrBHlAJklcD82MTjnCNOSOx4Gvvw69Os3AeORr6aUZXWgd4aweHx31nkdr4fbV6Stg6yu0uvuEqhbk2cRyKtxMTm98R5IfYo2szHWNRwWq47lywMgIFmU/s320/learnning+revolution+wesley+freyer.png" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Flickr.com Wesley Fryer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sure there is NAMI, and there are many associations
concerned with Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. But I have yet to find an
organization that is concerned with whole-life-advocacy, other than departments
of social services which connect several different resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, their system is complicated and <s>often</s>
always, my clients need advocacy to negotiate that system. But I don’t want to
be a social worker in the system of county social services and welfare; I want
to make that system user friendly for my clients. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I continue to look at advocacy from the perspective of
educational requirements I see three avenues: law, sociology/medical licenses,
and experience. I don’t want to do what is being done; I want to do what is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not yet</i> being done. I need to find a
balance between understanding and supplying what others expect and what I want
them to see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I get to create my own requirements and I get to decide
which education will be most supportive for my work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I need to continue this avenue of
research from the perspective of credibility.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ADOS (Attention Deficit OH SHINY!) ALERT</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SSUXXzN26zg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SSUXXzN26zg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">OMG, look what I found! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.healthadvocateprograms.com/masterlist.htm"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.healthadvocateprograms.com/masterlist.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>And look what else I found! <a href="http://www.aphadvocates.org/">http://www.aphadvocates.org/</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>And look what ELSE I found!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://extension.berkeley.edu/spos/healthadvocacy.html"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://extension.berkeley.edu/spos/healthadvocacy.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">NOW I’m <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i>
excited!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>UC Berkeley is my alma mater.
The aphadvocates.org helps with business planning and supplies and financing!
The masterlist includes educational programs, events, organizations, and more,
more, more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WOOOOOT!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-61345859844157707062015-06-30T09:37:00.000-07:002015-06-30T09:37:39.690-07:00How to Monetize (Make Money) with a Blog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTSEXgDP60ee0Tw34YiIw_mZgQZ1col7bvBAo6ie3G-WTVUMhPhmFBt8V9qn7IzpCxdFRWp-scBGjlmTu8G8V7ja9Cws0pyN5FLdXMPnsfXUpr5IvE0HMqq0kI6q4ugErlgwY0hGdCLE/s1600/monetize+bill-chantal+pare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="money monetize a blog picture" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTSEXgDP60ee0Tw34YiIw_mZgQZ1col7bvBAo6ie3G-WTVUMhPhmFBt8V9qn7IzpCxdFRWp-scBGjlmTu8G8V7ja9Cws0pyN5FLdXMPnsfXUpr5IvE0HMqq0kI6q4ugErlgwY0hGdCLE/s320/monetize+bill-chantal+pare.jpg" title="monetize a blog" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/40998831@N04/7587479112/in/photolist-cytPco-6fSWMq-6fNFPt-6fNEPP-6fNEpF-6fSNzy-2RrSFC-oDYRvw-fHVaS4-6fNEGM-6fSHaY-6fNE8x-6fSNFG-6fNBQr-dCdVTn-obP9yR-6fSPhy-4owpV1-md4uVa-9ADs8b-9AAxrk-77kMcb-6NwmMX-5VBEKQ-6yyPr-dDaUmb-6eGhSz-9fFnb4-9BLEqg-kYa4kX-8o41rk-8o41on-8o7aPW-8o41gp-8o41dF-8o7aE9-dDaRef-dpF4jd-5VFbyW-2jzFXw-nLNBRY-gjgrUJ-awX7Hd-7bhfUR-2jvj9a-qhH44V-2jviY2-2jzG5w-6fNCoV-6fNAWB" target="_blank">flickr.com Chantal Pare</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: right 6.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I Googled “how to monetize a
blog,” and picked three links that looked good on the first page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first two looked a lot like sales pitches
for e-books products or courses. The third one had a splash page that led me to
a site that had a GREAT look. They too were selling, but in a way that was more
pleasant and in a way that gave me something for nothing (I found a bunch of
links and instructions for posting pics without violating rights.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/illuminaut/3447616973/in/photolist-6fDWpX-4BRiGZ-s5xVN-66371K-8eVsJe-4hqno-dBGyKq-bio75n-itxiyU-restJw-SSRPj-faSDwS-7KbCQT-5P1W8H-2k2UEU-ocxdTF-5YAPkc-a9s3jL-wphuE-aHmJbP-q1t4xY-nmpYCn-dEpSUY-9R5HT9-PJbz7-5cfZUG-nbQiJr-tkEAs-rLho56-j6QsVg-arxCAh-6ZPA3Y-9F1WMk-4gMMud-6m4jxF-5EjcRf-nQjD6M-e77s5P-aHmJVa-ahYbSD-9zuQo5-7rheqd-5qu7a7-7vEZv7-2CT7u-7qzpAL-hargig-9k24jU-79rseE-82umB2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.flickr.com/photos/illuminaut/3447616973/in/photolist-6fDWpX-4BRiGZ-s5xVN-66371K-8eVsJe-4hqno-dBGyKq-bio75n-itxiyU-restJw-SSRPj-faSDwS-7KbCQT-5P1W8H-2k2UEU-ocxdTF-5YAPkc-a9s3jL-wphuE-aHmJbP-q1t4xY-nmpYCn-dEpSUY-9R5HT9-PJbz7-5cfZUG-nbQiJr-tkEAs-rLho56-j6QsVg-arxCAh-6ZPA3Y-9F1WMk-4gMMud-6m4jxF-5EjcRf-nQjD6M-e77s5P-aHmJVa-ahYbSD-9zuQo5-7rheqd-5qu7a7-7vEZv7-2CT7u-7qzpAL-hargig-9k24jU-79rseE-82umB2" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc5TYJ-Idd288X9_mVJVu6caUb5rGAdKMlKMDvhAqYHBthaIWAkYD8sIMtgbMXxrqjpzYl0lrcoG-TGR6FL9LrJX7sLQsa-qggFUEHKVUFGmJskDo8omk96VQV4Sd3_WdA3rYSwqT7AE/s320/lightbulb+moment+idea+eric+wienke.jpg" title="monetize blog idea to create product" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flickr.com Eric Weinke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: right 6.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The third site has inspired me
to write even before finishing the reading that attracted me to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A light came on as I was reading what 26
Expert Bloggers like to do to monetize their sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept reading about how the best thing to
do, the most profitable and controllable thing, is to create your own
product.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until now I couldn’t fathom how
I could be an Online Advocate or create a “product” out of what I love to do.
Then I realized, “How many times have you googled for information?!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can</i>
create products that will be useful to others the same way they have been
useful to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKRf3AKqA8wd_EZRIchav4Ah8uSf3zReRVyY8J_kyC9w1CGn9ztevI54HqNrTo_XbS0rIDwJFHk8cMHFd717flJm10-cpceE5W_CGwZCYkUoXv4wN3NHzQZWr7nVzdhhBx6UnyZbG94g/s1600/goal+setting+angie+torres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="picture of map for goal setting plan to make money monetize" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKRf3AKqA8wd_EZRIchav4Ah8uSf3zReRVyY8J_kyC9w1CGn9ztevI54HqNrTo_XbS0rIDwJFHk8cMHFd717flJm10-cpceE5W_CGwZCYkUoXv4wN3NHzQZWr7nVzdhhBx6UnyZbG94g/s320/goal+setting+angie+torres.jpg" title="goal setting to monetize blog make money idea planning" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/angietorres/4564135455/in/photolist-7XjosB-daNeyK-e5d4Hp-9cXi9A-4aeu3-4aeq7-7XnBCw-8L7eFB-qbdC5h-bAejoy-pihHZ-8atw2N-e6ZkVY-pvLNyB-ajeUA2-fEXtfC-881LUV-5wvNsm-7xmTqa-7tKBYG-3ju1W4-78Lojb-8fZfaL-4TKynZ-6y6dy1-ofHQwE-dB29tN-fV7vWh-dPVNtj-69BiAC-8vL9RW-6dfwuo-drXuKn-6kLe9U-g1fGw-dePLHQ-e61R98-4V9uEB-91PqrG-4Q1jeC-bLd6o-ajrawK-7qg9Zs-7FM8qD-8e9Mz8-dNMHvW-9gt9UX-jQN4tJ-qPHWJ-8WAMFX/" target="_blank">flickr.com Angie Torres</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: right 6.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another thought occurred to
me: “clear and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">measurable</i> goals.”
This phrase occurs any time I want to create a plan or analyze a changing situation.
I can do that with my blog because I know how many subscribers I have, and I
have analytics built into my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are some basic things I need to do, even though I already have a blog; I need
to blog from my own domain, I need to have a clean site, I need to find my
niche and where others in my niche hang out, I need to build and maintain
connections.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: right 6.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: right 6.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are you a blogger? Do you make money with your blog? How do you form connections with your blog?</span></div>
</div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-33074866907788092292015-06-29T09:53:00.000-07:002015-06-29T09:53:28.488-07:00Help me please; I need to find some heroes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-vJs4uVIAAwk7F.png:large" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-vJs4uVIAAwk7F.png:large" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of abcfamily.com and pbs.twimg.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Switched at Birth is a wonderful television series on ABC
Family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Season 4, Episode 8 really spoke
to me today; Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday has always
been a spiritual day to me. Not the kind of church-going spiritual, but the
spirituality of presence to the movement of the world around me and how it
shoots arrows into my heart every …single…time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today’s episode showed me what my heart wants and a new way to love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/6f/3a/7a/6f3a7a6ca9032875c41afdbd860e27b7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/6f/3a/7a/6f3a7a6ca9032875c41afdbd860e27b7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My heart wants to advocate. It is my calling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my best place to be when I am helping
someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bay Kennish is an artist; on
today’s episode she was an advocate. She showed a young, single, struggling
mother with court ordered community service and a baby with a heart defect, how
she and her son are every-day heroes. Bay didn’t need to give her anything
monetary or tangible; she gave hope. And of course, as is the way the Universe
is, in Bay’s giving she also received; she received a commission from the city
to continue painting bus stop benches!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/f1/ea/94/f1ea94dd471fdff3cbf1fab8044014ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/f1/ea/94/f1ea94dd471fdff3cbf1fab8044014ed.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know there are ways for me to help people, and I help all
the time. I’ve been wanting it to be my profession but felt clueless about how
to monetize what I am most skilled, fulfilled, and passionate about. There is
no degree called “Advocate”; no School of Advocacy. There <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> kindness, observation, and authenticity; I have that in
abundance. Bay has inspired me to create a wave, to seek out every-day heroes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many I know. S. struggles with
her husband who is quickly declining with Alzheimer’s. D. struggles with “looking”
fine even three years after her stroke has left her with hidden disabilities.
B. is in his last days of battling cancer; in anticipation he has sent his
companion and decades-cared-for-ward, away to her family. B is alone because he
was unselfish in caring for her needs, even when he is gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I CAN advocate for these people; I CAN give
my recognition to them and just tell them how valued and appreciated they are.
I CAN also <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">find</i> other every-day heroes
through you, my readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pearlgrace.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Helping-Others-Quotes-No-one-is-useless-in-this-world-who-lightens-the-burdens-of-another..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pearlgrace.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Helping-Others-Quotes-No-one-is-useless-in-this-world-who-lightens-the-burdens-of-another..jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy PearlGrace.co.uk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gratitudehabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/d4ee766feb2a143f24116db651d2939a-300x227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://gratitudehabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/d4ee766feb2a143f24116db651d2939a-300x227.jpg" width="200" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">courtesy gratitudehabit.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">W</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ho are the every-day heroes you know? Tell me
their story. I will find a way to make sure they are appreciated. I am making a
way for myself; only through making a way for others will I be successful.</span></div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-77726514321153167402015-06-26T13:48:00.001-07:002015-06-26T13:54:13.024-07:00I got fired from my job today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yourdailydish.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Youre-Fired.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.yourdailydish.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Youre-Fired.png" height="186" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy YourDailyDish.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got fired from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my job today. You would expect me to be sad
and worried. I’m a little worried; a lot pissed off. But mostly I’m hopeful.
It’s really a great comfort knowing so many people who respond when I tell
them, “I just got fired.” But there’s always that one telling that gives
anxiety; the one to which the response matters most: to the parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Texted mom, “I just got fired”. Worried about the telephone
call coming from her in 15 minutes. Worried that she won’t like my feeling that
losing my job is an opportunity. Worried that she won’t like my plan, my ideas,
or the direction I want to go. Worried that she will feel exasperated, again,
by her flighty daughter who never seems to finish what she starts, who always
jumps without open eyes or cautious thoughts about what she is doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERUl9j0EGZMSKvUxAZHj94R21Z-vS_NRj-lxzTveZMXwzT62WgTaRUJn2IwiBaSbyF2Qv2mObBTIXZdgWs8F3z7dZA-pSZSQtM1AlQokQrUjLrmJS-a05clJsoHMFUzRJ16dpZt7MXko/s1600/11202572_10206546903372724_2322914965686623560_n+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERUl9j0EGZMSKvUxAZHj94R21Z-vS_NRj-lxzTveZMXwzT62WgTaRUJn2IwiBaSbyF2Qv2mObBTIXZdgWs8F3z7dZA-pSZSQtM1AlQokQrUjLrmJS-a05clJsoHMFUzRJ16dpZt7MXko/s320/11202572_10206546903372724_2322914965686623560_n+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here I am, writing not fast enough, to tell you how wrong I
was. How happy I am to be so wrong. I will never ever, as long as I live,
forget her words. “Your life is SO interesting. I love your friends, how you
are with them and they with you. I love your town, despite how remote it is for
my tastes. I love all the things you do and how you involve yourself in living.
You have such a great life and I love it and you so much. I have never known
anyone, ever, to rise from the ashes as swiftly and beautifully like the
phoenix as you have done…always you have risen.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have the most wonderful mother in the world. I am always surprised by how wonderful she is, but I shouldn’t be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And today I rise again; two hours after being fired. Two
hours after feeling rejected, unappreciated, and a fool for believing that all
that I did, mattered. One hour after realizing, what a great opportunity it is
to be free. Free from the grips of a place in the dark that prevented my
growth. The eclipse is over and I’m free to shine, not as I always have, but
even brighter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speaking of fire, the sky is darkening and looking like rain here in Arnold, California. Unfortunately it is a more dangerous sign of a pyrocumulus (well maybe it's a cloud created by a wildfire.) Just over the Ebbetts Pass, in Markleeville, is a wildfire that is only 3 miles from the nearest town and spreading fast. As of this morning it is 10% contained at more than 17,000 acres burned. Say a prayer for the firefighters and nearby residents (including the critters.) I really hope it doesn't go up Highway 4; we might be sunk if it does.</span></div>
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MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com2United States36.110897150434056 -120.49804687510.588862650434056 -161.806640875 61.63293165043406 -79.189452875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-29847889497630758712014-06-04T09:40:00.000-07:002014-06-04T09:41:39.029-07:00In Organic We Trust<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just watched this documentary, <a href="http://www.inorganicwetrust.org/" target="_blank">In Organic We Trust</a>; I'm all about making informed (from both sides of an issue) decisions. Based on the title and description, I expected the film to be the con side of the food issue; I know that "organic" does not mean "certified organic", just like "whole wheat" does not mean "100% whole wheat."<br />
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This film is inspiring! It was a well balanced documentary that touched on all my buttons, was incredibly informative and educational, and the whole point was about making informed decisions about food by being connected to how it grows, how it is industrialized, and how you can have the best food. Healthy should not be, and does not have to be, only for the wealthy!<br />
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This spring/summer is my third gardening year. Every year I learn something new. Gardening has all the emotional benefits of raising a child. My plants are my babies, and they will grow up to change the world. This movie inspires me to share, learn, and teach about my "children"; I think I'll start a new blog. Stay tuned for MonaRAEgrows (or something like that!)</div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-49815279615750559202014-03-09T09:38:00.001-07:002014-03-09T09:38:53.443-07:00Being of Service to Judgement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Being of service to judgment is a healing thing, but what does that mean?<br />
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I am going to play pool soon, but had to get this out, so just words with this post and no pretty pictures. Maybe you can send me (or post to my Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mona.baroody" target="_blank">Profile</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MonaRAEbeads" target="_blank">Page</a>) the images this post brings to your mind.<br />
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I had a conversation yesterday with a friend who goes to church EVERY Sunday. We like to joke with each other. I asked him, "Are you going to church tomorrow? Who are you going to pray for?" He responded, "You!" I said, "Ask God to give me presence: for the gifts that have been given, and ease: not to struggle with worry and fear." I think he said his prayers early!<br />
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Here it is Sunday morning, before church (I never go.) I am thinking about my waking dream and realizing its meaning. I dreamed that I was arguing with my ex and angry and abandoned to be left alone to deal with the responsibility that is ours. I find myself in a new living situation; a communal type. We are having group discussions after a demonstration of some with musical talent. Along the time I've been there, I've often heard one ask another, "Are you feeling stressed?"; it was even asked of me, and I felt it was a strange question. After the music demonstration, a man came forward with a suggestion for a better sound and demonstrated it to the musician; my response was agreement that it did sound better to me. The musician did not respond in any particular way, however another responded in defense of a perceived insult, and returned with a statement that the one who was being helpful was not qualified to do so. And the "defensiveness" trickled outward, and coalesced into a river of criticism. The original suggester left the room. I spoke out, as an unexpected fork in the stream; a river with the unseen (even to myself) potential to be strong enough to cut more deeply into the substrate than expected.<br />
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I said, "I can understand why he left. He is being perceived as judgmental, this makes you uncomfortable, your response is to be defensive. You defend "another" without seeing that the other is not offended, that no one is offended, but rather without looking at your own feelings. You pretend you are helping, without acknowledging the helpful attentions of another because your own voice of discomfort is begging for a response. You are judging him because his helpfulness makes you uncomfortable, NOT because you feel the musician needs defending." And then I took this statement and began reflecting it onto my own action of defending another. I did not intend to come to a defense, but it is what I did. I spoke in the cloak of "protection" and the undergarments of "teaching."<br />
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My waking thoughts were, "What am I feeling, really?" Perhaps when I judge myself, or others, I am not acknowledging what I'm really feeling. Am I reacting to a discomfort? When I judge myself it often begins with "should"...I should have been (pick one: smarter, wiser, less trusting, more trusting, better, kinder, generous and the list goes on. I react to this discomfort with words and deeds that deflect from my own self worth...my reaction PUSHES me from being present to what is and letting it be.<br />
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My dream is the answer to my prayer. I have learned from my dream, which was so clear and the message was so easy to get, that to be present to the gifts given me is to ask myself, "What I am reacting to? What is it that I will not let 'be'?" And then I asked my dream self, "what was I really trying to say?" The answer was not to ask "Are you feeling stress?", but rather to ask, "How can I be of service to you?" Because, if I really want to be a stream that cuts deep in this world, I need to let my discomfort be a clue to what I am really feeling, to serve my feelings not my judgments, to let them be and then be the river, and provide a surface that is deep enough and strong enough to carry any who need passage. I need to be authentic and sincerely "In SERVICE" of myself and others by letting them be who and where they are (who and where I am) in that moment, just as they are meant to be.</div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-59115161610877601182014-03-02T17:15:00.001-08:002014-03-02T17:15:40.411-08:00Cleopatra's Conundrum: Scarab Amethyst Necklace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Cleopatra's Conundrum: Scarab Amethyst Necklace<br />
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Well, I was almost done with my most recent necklace and then it started developing holes! So, here is a picture of a work in re-progress. I hate making something more than once, but I've changed and maybe now I can more easily see redoing this piece as an opportunity to make it even better. So, I thought I'd show you before I took it all apart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuPLU1egSw1IsuEd1j8zZhE7S49t9Ec3uNbrJSdnSVdDmB1EMwgutgIK5PWbEXQYQJ4bIPyGtWhP8vTGyCU8ClTn0iXAcqplx38g41LXcyPCwKJUoHfOGy5XOzg1lzts-me5KiGbELm0/s1600/silver+spike+spiral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuPLU1egSw1IsuEd1j8zZhE7S49t9Ec3uNbrJSdnSVdDmB1EMwgutgIK5PWbEXQYQJ4bIPyGtWhP8vTGyCU8ClTn0iXAcqplx38g41LXcyPCwKJUoHfOGy5XOzg1lzts-me5KiGbELm0/s1600/silver+spike+spiral.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
The part I've already begun taking apart was where I began. Yes, it's tedious to take apart, but there is $60.00 worth of beads in it! I began with 3 pound Fire Line thread and it quickly developed holes, so I bought some 8 pound. I thought that would be enough to make it last forever, without holes developing. Wrong! So my friend and fellow artist <a href="http://www.beadartbysue.com/" target="_blank">Sue Horine</a> suggested I reach out to Suzanne Golden. What an amazing woman and artist!<br />
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Suzanne is as colorful as her pieces, and as generous with her knowledge. When Sue described Suzanne as a mature woman with bright red hair, crazy cool fashion sense (especially her shoes), and a super talented bead weaver, I immediately thought of Betsy Johnson. I know they must be best buds!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BfBsrVyYHYupFFgTP7AgBXdmXbiNEYSp7oHwWszDjRQHpTymxt850C1TeCvH7doBAkm3i2YkDE1oSuXOhG_VR5_YXPLKvslQnU1wAEqZWRNULIV9van3AcE-LLcV4TA4dI5gc5r2VI0/s1600/full+body+shot+Valerie%252C+Christina%252C+Mary+Lou%252C+Jean%252C+Suzanne+++Idiosyncratic+Fashionistas+Copy+of+IMG_1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BfBsrVyYHYupFFgTP7AgBXdmXbiNEYSp7oHwWszDjRQHpTymxt850C1TeCvH7doBAkm3i2YkDE1oSuXOhG_VR5_YXPLKvslQnU1wAEqZWRNULIV9van3AcE-LLcV4TA4dI5gc5r2VI0/s1600/full+body+shot+Valerie%252C+Christina%252C+Mary+Lou%252C+Jean%252C+Suzanne+++Idiosyncratic+Fashionistas+Copy+of+IMG_1015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: <a href="http://idiosyncraticfashionistas.blogspot.com/2011/12/fit-to-be-tied-part-1-of-2-daphne.html" target="_blank">Idiosyncratic Fashionistas</a></td></tr>
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That's Suzanne on the far right. Aren't you immediately in love?!<br />
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Here's a sample of her work, and just one doesn't do her portfolio justice! <a href="http://suzannegolden.com/" target="_blank">If you want to see more of Suzanne's work, check it out here.</a> I contacted her with my problem on Face book, and she immediately replied with great, new tips for me! <br />
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<a href="http://www.klimt02.net/uploaded_images/27704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.klimt02.net/uploaded_images/27704.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a><br />
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While I'm waiting for my new supplies, I'm planning my next project. In my last post I showed you some of the new beads I received. I can't get the scarabs and amethyst off my mind! My process doesn't usually involve a "plan", and any drawing I might do is on the back of an envelope or napkin. Well, I've changed, I tell ya! I'm so excited about this necklace. It will be in a collar style that is traditional to Egyptian fashion, other than that the concept is all mine inspired by symbols, such as the Egyptian Lily. The lily will be the hardest part of the design because it will require each ring to be hand wrapped with fine copper wire, and I've never painted with lines of beads before! I also still need to decide if I should add the agate fans to the bottom, or some turquoise drops or briolettes, or both. <strong>What do you think?</strong><br />
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MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-59717761821730688652014-02-24T21:21:00.000-08:002014-02-24T21:21:53.327-08:00Design Elements for new Jewelry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Design elements for new Jewelry<br />
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I don't even wear jewelry that much! But I love it, I love making it, I love the beads, colors, and designs! I love gemstones especially, and I'm coming closer to creating with high quality materials. I recently bought from my friend Lea (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LAJewelryDesigns" target="_blank">LAJewelryDesigns</a>) some nice elements and I'm excited to create with them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPoq_GUvtDZxGkrES9Qna8FLt4JGsxmz5JSunZEDtRJUag1K5gvVYiWumZ5DGZY9h8H7jTu6EHJqfpYg0whstSvjHrJhzoRiENactODMJeCVZ0iwLIkJdd1lvBltIeGD2rOJEj36NSek/s1600/amethyst+double+drill1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPoq_GUvtDZxGkrES9Qna8FLt4JGsxmz5JSunZEDtRJUag1K5gvVYiWumZ5DGZY9h8H7jTu6EHJqfpYg0whstSvjHrJhzoRiENactODMJeCVZ0iwLIkJdd1lvBltIeGD2rOJEj36NSek/s1600/amethyst+double+drill1.png" height="95" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1zpKPA7A32ssXl4y_DBl5EJTO_yJtcMOZoziSVGO5J2yYQ2l8J8cZs7o-9UWCDiYB2E6Bga38zm4lc9rVNEvQ07fthxRAm5f_QDXZECzc5uNshtEw4JupQHMzJrJXihuHQYY5j7qv94/s1600/aventurine+chips1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1zpKPA7A32ssXl4y_DBl5EJTO_yJtcMOZoziSVGO5J2yYQ2l8J8cZs7o-9UWCDiYB2E6Bga38zm4lc9rVNEvQ07fthxRAm5f_QDXZECzc5uNshtEw4JupQHMzJrJXihuHQYY5j7qv94/s1600/aventurine+chips1.png" height="200" width="155" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2uVxJqQciLVdrMAFJnCtDoUdsYj9_ysAdsCx-Rra6x13SOd4gQxQlCpulb9YsFPOi9qQcy2latBPRbgfNBLkBX0yq1GjxazMKZsftdRGrfKBclIQeajpzatm-sPxqsjVxJ-QxDox3XQ/s1600/turquoise+scarabs1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2uVxJqQciLVdrMAFJnCtDoUdsYj9_ysAdsCx-Rra6x13SOd4gQxQlCpulb9YsFPOi9qQcy2latBPRbgfNBLkBX0yq1GjxazMKZsftdRGrfKBclIQeajpzatm-sPxqsjVxJ-QxDox3XQ/s1600/turquoise+scarabs1.png" height="132" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMiG5NbURUV1RNVi_fcp8VVxkpnnfBI5DntI7BvFUnTMRfyWaX1CDukyLxN99fvJDP1tZni7Gj5T6s4MEU3jwPO5GtvmPfrZex-kQCdvhnunDGF04-EMtebU8YA_BP9yudwT3nC2rQz4/s1600/cherry+qtz+brios1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMiG5NbURUV1RNVi_fcp8VVxkpnnfBI5DntI7BvFUnTMRfyWaX1CDukyLxN99fvJDP1tZni7Gj5T6s4MEU3jwPO5GtvmPfrZex-kQCdvhnunDGF04-EMtebU8YA_BP9yudwT3nC2rQz4/s1600/cherry+qtz+brios1.png" height="161" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCl69EahqQtGOhe3hSNFOeIjjAEqIHaTGu_89s7U_2e-8f6ZzdROAMzYgZNBJsGq7u4Tbzk3Lu2ftAnd5a5J00iAJltp7pLaqAvknXITnEgIIh9RKbxj91_lmhh9hutNIhSIU4KrxUOLA/s1600/opalite+rondelles.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCl69EahqQtGOhe3hSNFOeIjjAEqIHaTGu_89s7U_2e-8f6ZzdROAMzYgZNBJsGq7u4Tbzk3Lu2ftAnd5a5J00iAJltp7pLaqAvknXITnEgIIh9RKbxj91_lmhh9hutNIhSIU4KrxUOLA/s1600/opalite+rondelles.png" height="110" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX6aajITx6fYQt_mVlkLzYm0rLxwD3PwO2Bb4eBh5YL3px-Nw6eZuOWfrWyPKhoylDSx1ni5dEhPb23jaUzz1Y2jzFNAg4l_ntW-dkzS21hSOErN85W6BXtc4CFq2LCJl_KTQ32oAvoY/s1600/aqua+rectangeles1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX6aajITx6fYQt_mVlkLzYm0rLxwD3PwO2Bb4eBh5YL3px-Nw6eZuOWfrWyPKhoylDSx1ni5dEhPb23jaUzz1Y2jzFNAg4l_ntW-dkzS21hSOErN85W6BXtc4CFq2LCJl_KTQ32oAvoY/s1600/aqua+rectangeles1.png" height="200" width="148" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZV9D0fVUtB4OaBnwnT0Cfc-NDL9W_hSwvQnOPfWqFqemZ0fdaaOHlQl3UPMjnRBqZvWag8z9KPCEe2nplCY63ekUxjiv-PzsOvnG-Q55pznU-FNlQYfaMJ2NFyODhG-S39IDyvPEk5Y/s1600/smokey+glass+shields2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZV9D0fVUtB4OaBnwnT0Cfc-NDL9W_hSwvQnOPfWqFqemZ0fdaaOHlQl3UPMjnRBqZvWag8z9KPCEe2nplCY63ekUxjiv-PzsOvnG-Q55pznU-FNlQYfaMJ2NFyODhG-S39IDyvPEk5Y/s1600/smokey+glass+shields2.jpg" height="151" width="200" /></a>I have some ideas of what I want to do, but I thought I'd look for some inspiration in new places: London Fashion Week and New York Fashion week! When I create I am inspired by the elements and put them together from my heart. I often feel my own style is a little "odd" for the mainstream, but I'm beginning to see it as art. But I don't want to be a famous artist, because (with the exception of Picasso) artists aren't appreciated until after they're gone! I'd like to sell my art, not wear it or store it, so I thought I'd look at what is being sold in the fashion world.<br />
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<a href="http://www.swarovski.com/is-bin/intershop.static/WFS/SCO-Media-Site/-/-/publicimages/CG/B2C/PROD/240/5039274W240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.swarovski.com/is-bin/intershop.static/WFS/SCO-Media-Site/-/-/publicimages/CG/B2C/PROD/240/5039274W240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.swarovski.com/is-bin/intershop.static/WFS/SCO-Media-Site/-/-/publicimages/CG/B2C/PROD/240/5039274W240.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arik Levy</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_860228319"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Alice Cicolini</a> <span id="goog_860228320"></span>is "charming" for Autumn/Winter 2014. <a href="http://www.atelierswarovski.com/designers" target="_blank">Atellier Swarovski's</a> four designers have familiar pieces some of which remind me of other jewelery artist friends. Geometric, organic, asymmetry is still in fashion. Christopher Kane's necklace reminds me of the one I made a couple months ago (I wasn't thrilled with it so I'm rethinking the design...maybe I was already on to something! pictures for you when it's done.)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.atelierswarovski.com/shop/image/cache/data/AW13/Atelier%20Swarovski%20by%20Christopher%20Kane%20Twist%20Bolster%20Necklace%20Fern%20Green%20Mix-594x687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.atelierswarovski.com/shop/image/cache/data/AW13/Atelier%20Swarovski%20by%20Christopher%20Kane%20Twist%20Bolster%20Necklace%20Fern%20Green%20Mix-594x687.jpg" height="200" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christopher Kane</td></tr>
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Fredrikson Stallard reminds me of my friend Lisa Liddy's beautiful, hand made, etched and colored disks.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blouinartinfo.com/sites/default/files/styles/640w380h_scale_and_crop/public/atelier_swarovski_by_fredrikson_stallard_large_pendant_large_cuff_and_extra_large_ring_light_siam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.blouinartinfo.com/sites/default/files/styles/640w380h_scale_and_crop/public/atelier_swarovski_by_fredrikson_stallard_large_pendant_large_cuff_and_extra_large_ring_light_siam.jpg" height="118" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fredrikson Stallard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYdQ4qcfN4qalvWE_vCeT_5pPwZKBAWyecfIshnELpEpKkAZgyzBbPomu9Afr_yIboWSORp6lqXwJ-eBijwdv9n2DI0Mr6osLwqfk4rK4ByrEeJT57kaXgE-VrCQRcN0rliv8axP6KVQ/s1600/599947_315060961922812_504070814_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYdQ4qcfN4qalvWE_vCeT_5pPwZKBAWyecfIshnELpEpKkAZgyzBbPomu9Afr_yIboWSORp6lqXwJ-eBijwdv9n2DI0Mr6osLwqfk4rK4ByrEeJT57kaXgE-VrCQRcN0rliv8axP6KVQ/s1600/599947_315060961922812_504070814_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/metalmethis" target="_blank">Lisa Liddy and Metal Me This</a></td></tr>
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Zaldy's Cleo Bracelet sure gives me some great ideas (twist on a cellini and right angle weave?)!<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="http://www.globalblue.com/destinations/austria/innsbruck/article279350.ece/alternates/w540h352/Atelier_Swarovski_Zaldy_Cleo_bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.globalblue.com/destinations/austria/innsbruck/article279350.ece/alternates/w540h352/Atelier_Swarovski_Zaldy_Cleo_bracelet.jpg" height="130" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zaldy</td></tr>
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OH EM GEE...<a href="http://www.cristinaortiz.com/jewelry_about.html" target="_blank">Christina Ortiz</a>...freakin' amaaaaazing! Can you believe the top left piece is a ring?!<br />
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<a href="http://stylecartel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/StyleCartel_AccessSat_CristinaOrtiz-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://stylecartel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/StyleCartel_AccessSat_CristinaOrtiz-02.jpg" height="287" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.fernandojorge.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fernando Jorge</a> is so creative and talented with stones; his organic designs seem to be inside out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hqjewels.com/gallery/fernando-jorge-electric-chic-ring/fernando_jorge_electric_chic_ring_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hqjewels.com/gallery/fernando-jorge-electric-chic-ring/fernando_jorge_electric_chic_ring_2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.jewelsdujour.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Fernando-Jorge-electric-drop-earring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.jewelsdujour.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Fernando-Jorge-electric-drop-earring.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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There are so many places from which to gain inspiration. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/monaraebeads/" target="_blank">On my Pinterest</a> I collect colors, other lampworkers and jewelry, DIY's, and cultural inspirations. I'm 3/4 done with the piece I'm working on now, and I can't wait to show you! Until then, I would love to see your inspirations and creations! Share them with us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MonaRAEbeads" target="_blank">my Facebook page here!</a></div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-1868739139209602022014-02-16T14:56:00.000-08:002014-02-16T15:21:44.239-08:00London Fashion Week #LFW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">London Fashion Week #LFW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really do love fashion, and I long to be a more
fashionably dressed person….however….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not into fashion per-se, I’m into art, the way something
looks, the way it makes me feel emotionally. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From <a href="http://londonfashionweek.co.uk/highlights.aspx?seasonid=45&seasonday=2013-9-13&day=1" target="_blank">show highlights as shown by the British Fashion Council</a>, I spied my favorites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 1: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bora Aksu’s
silhouette is unique but what I love is how “girly” they are, and love love
love the fabric textures<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love the crazy
cats eye glasses by Linda Farrow Projects, but I probably wouldn’t wear most of
them. I’d love an everyday indoor pair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://uk.lindafarrow.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://daon7c4ptov9n.cloudfront.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/600x350/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/k/r/kr1c1sun_2_7.jpg" height="116" width="200" /></a><a href="http://daon7c4ptov9n.cloudfront.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/600x350/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/a/w/aw1c6sun_2_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="http://uk.lindafarrow.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://uk.lindafarrow.com/" border="0" src="http://daon7c4ptov9n.cloudfront.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/600x350/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/a/w/aw1c6sun_2_1.jpg" height="116" width="200" /><img alt="http://uk.lindafarrow.com/" border="0" src="http://daon7c4ptov9n.cloudfront.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/600x350/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/c/o/co1c2_2.jpg" height="116" width="200" /><span id="goog_342185241"></span></a><span id="goog_342185242"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of Jasper Conran,
the long flowey look is so elegant, the prints exotic, and I just love this cute dress. It’s feminine, long with the illusion of short
will hide the flaws in the saggy knees, and the comfy, girly stripes in the
upper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img alt="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/CONR" border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/CONR/RTW/SS14/look/CONR_RTW_SS14_0864.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/CONR" target="_blank"><img alt="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/CONR" border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/CONR/RTW/SS14/look/CONR_RTW_SS14_0099.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /></a> </span></o:p><a href="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/CONR/RTW/SS14/look/CONR_RTW_SS14_0878.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/CONR/RTW/SS14/look/CONR_RTW_SS14_0878.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://londonfashionweek.co.uk/highlights.aspx?seasonid=45&seasonday=2013-9-14&day=2" target="_blank">Day 2</a>: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/ROCH" target="_blank">John Rocha’s</a>
silhouette was repetitious, and reminded me of The Flying Nun, but I love the
poppy field sundress. <a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/MACD" target="_blank">Julien MacDonald</a> is so glamorous and art deco! Not sequins but mosaics! <a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/FAST" target="_blank">Mark Fast’s</a> style is so cool and rock and roll, and I love the texture of this skirt. <a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/KIEL" target="_blank">Orla Kiely</a> is worth taking a look at; very Alice in Wonderland-ish.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://londonfashionweek.co.uk/highlights.aspx?seasonid=45&seasonday=2013-9-15&day=3" target="_blank">Day 3</a>: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/LWRE" target="_blank">L’Wren Scott’s</a>
show was fun, fantasy, and functional fashion! </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everything by
<a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/UNIQ" target="_blank">Unique</a> was wearable, feminine, elegant, and silky. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/KATR" target="_blank">Mary Katrantzou</a>
is my fave above all days so far. Art, art, art! Daring designs, silhouette,
and pretty prints. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/TEMP" target="_blank">Temperley London</a>
and pink!!! </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/WEST" target="_blank">Vivienne Westwood</a>
Red Label construction details! </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/WILL" target="_blank">MathhewWilliamson</a> combines orange, pink, and red which reminds me of salwar kameez and India.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/LWRE/RTW/SS14/extra/LWRE_RTW_SS14_1395.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/LWRE/RTW/SS14/extra/LWRE_RTW_SS14_1395.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /></a></span><a href="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/LWRE/RTW/SS14/look/LWRE_RTW_SS14_1353.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/LWRE/RTW/SS14/look/LWRE_RTW_SS14_1353.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/KATR/RTW/SS14/look/KATR_RTW_SS14_0167.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/KATR/RTW/SS14/look/KATR_RTW_SS14_0167.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/KATR/RTW/SS14/extra/KATR_RTW_SS14_0527.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/KATR/RTW/SS14/extra/KATR_RTW_SS14_0527.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /> </a><a href="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/KATR/RTW/SS14/extra/KATR_RTW_SS14_0022.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/KATR/RTW/SS14/extra/KATR_RTW_SS14_0022.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/WILL/RTW/SS14/look/WILL_RTW_SS14_0070.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/WILL/RTW/SS14/look/WILL_RTW_SS14_0070.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj5s8pOoAQ_agdDD5Q-EVZ_stXmZrYV2DkjP1oePzjuPydCHXF-q-0Xsa2cgv7r6jPcNOIFQcha5GRDvm_2_eK9UZ82wAdkN73zRqfIieyePEVdZGbRPj0N_2_s5bcQVRbIUYQgr3W8w4ChQ2vExTwQG96cAI0J_ZO-6N9jRY2AJnRnlkV3onddP_2wEZnJstXMYUntEYBCWeWzQ0W8sQ=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/TEMP/RTW/SS14/look/TEMP_RTW_SS14_0005.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/REDL/RTW/SS14/look/REDL_RTW_SS14_0097.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/REDL/RTW/SS14/look/REDL_RTW_SS14_0097.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://londonfashionweek.co.uk/highlights.aspx?seasonid=45&seasonday=2013-9-16&day=4" target="_blank">Day 4</a>:<a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/ERDE" target="_blank"> </a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/ERDE" target="_blank">Erdem</a> had a pretty
black lace over shirt gown. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/PILO" target="_blank">Peter Pilotto</a> has fun
prints and shapes. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://catwalking.com/current/ready-to-wear/GILE" target="_blank">Giles'</a> pieces are cool-elegant, and I loved this gorgeous, classy gown in buttery fawn. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/GILE/RTW/SS14/look/GILE_RTW_SS14_1064.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/GILE/RTW/SS14/look/GILE_RTW_SS14_1064.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/ERDE/RTW/SS14/look/ERDE_RTW_SS14_0602.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/ERDE/RTW/SS14/look/ERDE_RTW_SS14_0602.jpeg" height="200" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="132" /></a><a href="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/PILO/RTW/SS14/look/PILO_RTW_SS14_0277.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/catwalking1/large/PILO/RTW/SS14/look/PILO_RTW_SS14_0277.jpeg" height="200" width="132" /></a> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://londonfashionweek.co.uk/highlights.aspx?seasonid=45&seasonday=2013-9-17&day=5" target="_blank">Day 5</a>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Nothing terribly exciting. I had to check out the shoes and jewelry of course! </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> There are so many jewelers listed in the display showrooms for the autumn/winter show, I'll save that for another post. I'll be showing you similar pieces that friends and I have already made; seems we're an avant-garde bunch!</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aside from LFW
have you seen Peeter Pilotto for Target? I love the commercial, and I’m sooooo
intrigued with the model with no eyes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Act of Killing</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LLQxVy7R9qo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is what an exorcism <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i>
looks like. Adults who try to teach children that they should think about
consequences and consider they might have regret, use their words as examples
of what it feels like. This documentary shows, really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shows</i>, what regret <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">looks</i>
like. <a href="http://theactofkilling.com/" target="_blank">The Act of Killing (Joshua Oppenheimer, 2014)</a> is a documentary that
follows former Indonesian death squad leaders as they reenact their war crimes,
the murders they committed. They reenact precisely how they captured,
interrogated, and garroted their victims, the “communists”. This is THE most
disturbing film I think I have ever seen; this is the BEST teaching tool I’ve
ever seen for youth in terms of attitude and regret.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://cdn.madman.com.au/images/series/17711-series-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.madman.com.au/images/series/17711-series-header.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this film we have the self-proclaimed “gangsters”, proud
of being such and sanctioned by a huge para-military faction established by the coup rulers and still in existence today, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancasila_Youth" target="_blank">the Pancasila Youth</a>. The gangsters identify themselves as heroes, characterized and
supported by the cinematic images of American films of their youth. They are
given an opportunity to tell their story through any medium they wish and they
choose to make a film. They expect to become famous; they already are famous
and revered in their home land. This film shows the thought processes of mass
murderers in reflection, from arrogance and self-aggrandizement to (for some
but not all) pensive and remorseful…almost.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/tumblr_lov99rQNyF1qkyxcio1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/tumblr_lov99rQNyF1qkyxcio1_500.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The <a href="http://theactofkilling.com/synops/" target="_blank">synopsis on the film's web site</a> could not sum it up
better, however the potential for this film in middle and high school classes
is unspoken and evident to me. This film has purpose. At a developmental stage
where children appropriately depend on their peers, they do not have the
experience of regret to teach each other and are destined to have regrets, some
potentially deafening, unless they “get it”. This film can help students “get”
the impact of decision making to the “nth” degree, and demonstrates the process
of self-justification, and the consequences both globally and personally of harming
others in both minor and life-determining ways. Fortunately, for those who “get
it”, this film also demonstrates that one can exorcise their demons and
survive. Whether the students are children or adults, this last benefit is the
most crucial, and necessary lesson of this film. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s6.favim.com/orig/61/big-sean-sayings-quotes-life-love-Favim.com-564552.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo: Favim.com" border="0" src="http://s6.favim.com/orig/61/big-sean-sayings-quotes-life-love-Favim.com-564552.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Favim.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because we are “merely” human beings, we go through life
with menial and self-centered purpose. This film has the potential to elevate
our thinking, and our behavior, outside our selves. This film shows the
cultural values of people, the influences that create those values, and so
important to the "western" citizens, the consequences of those values and the
attainment of the materials that represent the values; the things we hold to
represent our status….the symbols that say “I made it!” This film is about the
consequences of greed; it is the justification for being inhuman and inhumane.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokmK832kjMNzKlEk3YwsoP2NDIcs8yyroJagjcLlZiDzZo8q1023K3oKh54qbmUves8HVClWsV5vG1E1YGk4lt-9kXajFpYGzOBcfxtuO5wpqqSubrDDx0aUD7mRMkv2m92lZvKk2mcOZ/s400/quotes_animal_farm_george_orwell_typewriters_textbooks_quote_desktop_2560x1600_wallpaper-337867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokmK832kjMNzKlEk3YwsoP2NDIcs8yyroJagjcLlZiDzZo8q1023K3oKh54qbmUves8HVClWsV5vG1E1YGk4lt-9kXajFpYGzOBcfxtuO5wpqqSubrDDx0aUD7mRMkv2m92lZvKk2mcOZ/s400/quotes_animal_farm_george_orwell_typewriters_textbooks_quote_desktop_2560x1600_wallpaper-337867.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokmK832kjMNzKlEk3YwsoP2NDIcs8yyroJagjcLlZiDzZo8q1023K3oKh54qbmUves8HVClWsV5vG1E1YGk4lt-9kXajFpYGzOBcfxtuO5wpqqSubrDDx0aUD7mRMkv2m92lZvKk2mcOZ/s400/quotes_animal_farm_george_orwell_typewriters_textbooks_quote_desktop_2560x1600_wallpaper-337867.jpg" target="_blank"> TheGermansMakeGoodStuff</a> Quote: George Orwell, Animal Farm</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is THE most disturbing film I can remember ever seeing
(other than The Exorcist.) This is the most important film I’ve seen. This film
is not as romantic as our idea of an exorcism might actually look like, but it
is the only <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real</i> exorcism I’ve seen
portrayed. You must watch through to “get it”, but like any good film the cliff
hanger at the end leaves you wanting more, and in this case wondering “Did he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> get it?”, and hoping he does, and
hoping I will get it too, when I exercise my own demons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-11855023455418003672014-02-01T18:53:00.003-08:002014-02-01T19:01:46.008-08:00Window Shopping<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love window shopping. I love it because I can spend as
much virtual money as I want and satisfy my desire for things where otherwise
money is an object. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<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="http://fabliz.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/a-h-window-shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://fabliz.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/a-h-window-shop.jpg" border="0" src="http://fabliz.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/a-h-window-shop.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: FabLiz</td></tr>
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<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/7a/6f/98/7a6f982a55e73e93b6c1c1eaf411d304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/7a/6f/98/7a6f982a55e73e93b6c1c1eaf411d304.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday I spent almost $2,000 at <a href="http://www.pyramidcollection.com/" target="_blank">Pyramid Collection</a>. I
love their styles; they are elegant, unique, fun, and different from most any
style. I also like window shopping because the delayed gratification lets me be
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> sure that I want something
before I buy it. Usually I know because I keep thinking about it for a long
time; some of the items I picked yesterday, I also picked a year ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also love Polyvore! It lets me take my window shopping a
step further. Today I made “outfits” and shopped for more acceccories. Polyvore
has a “clipper” that goes on your browser’s bookmark bar; the clipper lets me
load my “purchases” into a collage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
It's all about the bell bottoms baby! Black, velvet, big bells, and loooooong! 35" inseam (for the heels I could have them a little longer.) I love these two tops to go with them. The fabric and shape on both are perfect for my figure and taste and make a great opportunity for some really awesome shoes! I love the pop of red on the bowling shoes, and the cowboyboots are worn and comfy looking. I don't like a peeptoe boot, but these seem to have been made for this sexy, shoulder cut-out, bell and fringed sleeved top (MUST have!) Which would you like? Where would you wear it?<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/bell_bottoms_belle/set?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=112123009" target="_blank"><img alt="Bell Bottoms, Belle!" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/TEVg1Iq5AC1NYnjobNHA/cid/112123009/id/dkK99G_L4xGy_99vNxsv_g/size/c600x514.jpg" force="1" height="547" title="Bell Bottoms, Belle!" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/bell_bottoms_belle/set?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=112123009" target="_blank">Bell Bottoms, Belle!</a> by <a href="http://monaraebeads.polyvore.com/?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">monaraebeads</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/flat_shoes/shop?query=flat+shoes" target="_blank">flat shoes</a></small></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=98072815" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/98072815.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Yoga top" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=102246850" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/102246850.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Embroidered Fringe Sleeve Top - New Age, Spiritual Gifts, Yoga, Wicca,..." vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=80570973" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/80570973.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Charlotte Olympia red shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=98638542" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/98638542.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Valentino flat shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=99627786" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/99627786.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Giuseppe Zanotti flat shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=98768731" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/98768731.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Mexicana black boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=89579959" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/89579959.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Love Moschino black shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=75824515" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/75824515.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Underground zebra striped shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=68463532" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/68463532.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Wedge boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=66034220" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/66034220.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=66034227" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/66034227.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=99015632" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/99015632.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="River Island ankle boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=86365305" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/86365305.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Charlotte Russe ankle boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=101803286" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/101803286.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Black boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><br />
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The main focus is comfort and class. The skirt is TDF! Contrasting shoes I can actually wear all day for teaching, bar tending, or fun; simple, sleek, and color neutral shoes do not have to be understated or boring. Most of these pairs are unique in their own right but do not overpower. Not sure if the lacey booties are too much, r if the casual flats are too flat, and I can't help but LOVE the colorful Massoni or the leopard! What would you choose?
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fun_everyday_class/set?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=112114004" target="_blank">Fun Everyday Class</a> by <a href="http://monaraebeads.polyvore.com/?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">monaraebeads</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/round_toe_ankle_boots/shop?query=round+toe+ankle+boots" target="_blank">round toe ankle boots</a></small></div>
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MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-74667454713962325102014-02-01T10:37:00.001-08:002014-02-01T10:37:52.534-08:00Bell Bottoms, Belle!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:600px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/bell_bottoms_belle/set?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=112123009' target='_blank'><img force='1' border='0' height='514' title='Bell Bottoms, Belle!' src='http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/TEVg1Iq5AC1NYnjobNHA/cid/112123009/id/dkK99G_L4xGy_99vNxsv_g/size/c600x514.jpg' alt='Bell Bottoms, Belle!' width='600'/></a></div></div><br/><div style='text-align:center'><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/bell_bottoms_belle/set?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=112123009' target='_blank'>Bell Bottoms, Belle!</a> by <a href='http://monaraebeads.polyvore.com/?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger' target='_blank'>monaraebeads</a> featuring <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/flat_shoes/shop?query=flat+shoes' target='_blank'>flat shoes</a></small></div><div style='width:600px;margin:0 auto'><br/><div style='text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=98072815' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Yoga top' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/98072815.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6956817&.svc=blogger&id=102246850' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Embroidered Fringe Sleeve Top - 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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finding My Buddha <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://evolvingwisdom.com/designs/beta/img/content-category-large-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://evolvingwisdom.com/designs/beta/img/content-category-large-3.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: <a href="http://evolvingwisdom.com/" target="_blank">EvolvingWisdom</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I listened to a five minute audio (Entelechy) by Jean Houston <a href="http://evolvingwisdom.com/jeanhouston/yourlifepurpose/audio" target="_blank">Awakening to Your Life's Purpose</a>; the
promise was to find the deeper purpose or direction to my life. Immediately I
didn’t like her voice; it reminded me of an “evangelist”, manipulating my
emotions with the rise and fall, the fast and slow, the soft and urgent tone
and cadence. However, I listened to, and followed the exercise for 5 minutes.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1132556705"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1132556704" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/fengshui/1/0/w/L/-/-/abhaya-thirsty-in-LA-flickr.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: <span id="goog_1132556715"></span><span id="goog_1132556700"></span><span id="goog_1132556696"></span>Feng Shui at about.com<span id="goog_1132556692"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1132556716"></span><span id="goog_1132556701"></span><span id="goog_1132556697"></span><span id="goog_1132556693"></span></td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1132556706"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first instruction was to put my hands in front of me, patty-cake style, and
imagine my “higher self” on the opposite side. Immediately I saw a figure
bigger than my physical self, a golden brown, and the shape of the Buddha.
Before being instructed to imagine it, I felt the total and complete love of my
higher self; I also immediately realized that I only saw my higher self when I
needed it, not as a constant presence. This is very important for me to
understand, and the reason listening to Jean’s annoying voice (though some will
find it quite soothing) was completely worth doing!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://glad.is/tag/spiritual-development/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo: Glad.is" border="0" src="http://glad.is/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Spiritual-Perks-to-Meditating.jpeg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Glad.is</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would benefit from calling my Buddha self into every
moment of my existence, not just when I need it. I should be my higher self at
all times. The more I call it into being, the more I become my higher self.
I’ve been struggling with “purpose” for at least a year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<img alt="http://bit.ly/10x8TAR" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF8Qpbcwc3X5fgd4OwNB0jFwVfhUWtkjN0YKV3oP8V4KthHgbzEg_4fpi87GkmgdObM0YBRBWnYnDaFUL6N2oweSyU5uqKZEVpQkglIiyHzPyzeCzRapIdMEvfXuH2l4X4VZqyHeYgAw/s1600/are+you+worthy.jpg" /><span id="goog_1294549324"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1294549325"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I started the
<a href="http://ow.ly/sRos9" target="_blank">Desire Map</a> a year ago my biggest issue was not knowing what I wanted,
especially what I wanted to “do”. It has been hard for me to describe my
calling, rather to KNOW what my purpose is. I am SO diverse, and when I think
about finding THE purpose I am struck with the recurring nightmare of being in
a chocolate shop and leaving empty handed because I can only have ONE…I must
choose one among the many tempting possibilities. </span></div>
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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="http://www.juliasilvers.com/embok/decision_systems.htm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.juliasilvers.com/embok/decision_systems.htm" border="0" src="http://www.juliasilvers.com/embok/Decision10.jpg" height="273" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Julia Rutherford Silvers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m trying to learn that in
real-life, I can choose one today and return to the store tomorrow; I need to
make the rules, not follow the rules dictated by others. I need to realize I
own the store. I am the creator of those chocolates, and the hours of
operation, and the rules. This nightmare, and life, and the way I live it,
simply and merely human as I am, is all about fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<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;"><img border="0" src="http://withanopenheartdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/do-one-thing-every-day-that-scares-you-with-an-open-heart.jpg%3fw=620" height="241" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: <a href="http://withanopenheart.org/">http://withanopenheart.org</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span id="goog_759700877"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_759700878"></span></a><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been embracing this word, what it means to my life’s
history, and what I want to create with it. My mantra has become, “Fear cannot
live in the presence of faith.” I come back to this realization with such ease
and it gives me comfort, like that of Pavlov’s dogs, that even though (in the
end) they are not rewarded, they are comforted knowing that this is the place
they need to be when the bell rings.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Despite the mantra, and its comfort, I struggle daily with
feeling ungrounded in purpose. I don’t know if I’m in denial or what it is that
keeps me from grasping my purpose as I desire it; perhaps I am resisting what I
know and staying in a place of comfortable dis-comfort. I came to this line of
thought and questioning yesterday while volunteer bar-tending at the Moose
Lodge. SO MANY PEOPLE NEEDED ME TO BE THERE FOR THEM! I was floored by the
obviousness of my purpose for presence at that moment, at that place, but
stymied as to why I cannot translate what I know about my purpose into every
moment of every day of my life. I say I want to advocate, but I also say I
don’t know how or that “position” does not exist in a job or an educational
program; am I making excuses, refusing to see, or in denial or fear around
becoming, practicing, or calling myself an advocate, or REALLY DOING what an
advocate does. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdnpix.com/show/imgs/5cf281ead04264c15eadf8a36a67beac.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://cdnpix.com/show/imgs/5cf281ead04264c15eadf8a36a67beac.jpg" border="0" src="http://cdnpix.com/show/imgs/5cf281ead04264c15eadf8a36a67beac.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: cdnpix.com<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes I feel like I am waiting for the opportunity to come
to me, and resisting bringing the opportunity to myself. Fear is getting in the
way; it appears in the form of arguing with myself in my head and depleting my
energy, drive, and faith to just make it happen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At this point I feel I am running in circles and I need to
<em>not</em> try to figure it out…right at this moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-89462334564933722062014-01-05T11:36:00.002-08:002014-01-05T11:36:26.840-08:00Of Two Minds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of Two Minds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was a little girl I had a love hate relationship with
Sunday. All the best musicals were on T.V. all day long, but there was no one
to play with (they were all gone doing fun things with their family, which made
me feel I was lacking.) Now I love Sunday. It is the one day of the week where
I do not feel stress about things that I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should</i>
be doing; I get to do whatever I want to do. I still choose good films to
watch, usually ones that make me think or feel passionately and deeply.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Today I watched <a href="http://www.oftwomindsmovie.com/" target="_blank">Of Two Minds</a>, which is a visually beautifully
constructed documentary about bi-polar disease. Mental illness has found itself
a thread in my life in SO many different ways, each one significant and
impacting; it always finds me. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/moms-who-drink-and-swear/files/2013/10/stephen_fry_on_mental_illness___by_rationalhub-d5ebmuz-e1381250954661.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://www.chicagonow.com/moms-who-drink-and-swear/files/2013/10/stephen_fry_on_mental_illness___by_rationalhub-d5ebmuz-e1381250954661.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: ChicagoNow.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What I loved about this film is the relatability
of the characters, but mostly the relatability of the illness to anyone’s life.
I am not saying that the illness does not afflict in reality, or that it is
less significant because we all experience some of the symptoms as they are
described by those diagnosed with the illness; I know I cannot full identify
with living on a daily basis with the disease, however I feel we have all
experienced some of the highs and lows and the devastating consequences of
those feelings. I would like people to remember that and have more compassion
when it comes to thinking about, or being confronted with, mental illness. I
also liked how the move looks at both the perspective of the patient and the
support persons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<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="http://24.media.tumblr.com/dd83e4426ceb831d4e74389378c35965/tumblr_mjoifzu4n31r0lzjao1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/dd83e4426ceb831d4e74389378c35965/tumblr_mjoifzu4n31r0lzjao1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: 24.media on Tumblr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also finished a necklace yesterday that I wanted to share
with you. It was quite a challenge because it is very tightly woven, one bead at
a time with needle and thread; the thread kept breaking except for where I used
six pound fire line. I recommend only using six pound or heavier strength if
you are going to do any tight weaving. It is so much work, I want it to last. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM75gFeKqLVcTuUKpcKBlo3Nj0zWQrAosGUUZOoHqdqjYmAljtMm5XHmlezRik10cIJSOKZ9xQXQI1ww4Odaw4exMJ_UGX1SMbhVDlQqESJDPvtQJZoMojs7hEjuwWP3JuuzatkwWszhs/s1600/red+turquoise+spiral+necklace+side+best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM75gFeKqLVcTuUKpcKBlo3Nj0zWQrAosGUUZOoHqdqjYmAljtMm5XHmlezRik10cIJSOKZ9xQXQI1ww4Odaw4exMJ_UGX1SMbhVDlQqESJDPvtQJZoMojs7hEjuwWP3JuuzatkwWszhs/s320/red+turquoise+spiral+necklace+side+best.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a Cellini Spiral technique with a reverse spin at
the center. I used dyed coral, and seed beads in sizes 6, 8, and 11, in silver
lined crystal, pearled turquoise, coral red, and peridot lined apricot colors.
Outside the twist I stranded more dyed coral, natural coral, and brecciated
turquoise. You cannot see the extra-large, silver clasp. I will also be making
matching earrings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9fmW7L15Lu-876ahAZrwFC787LHWzixg-r9cRxnhTMns2CcvAf2cTvwo3mEQC67cwEcLw0ju2SQfwZ7pPRKukFrUzPuszP1BjtBHWDy4MuG2EOqzvMH8CxM7xyk-lEJyKdamzamE2Iw/s1600/red+turquoise+spiral+necklace+focal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9fmW7L15Lu-876ahAZrwFC787LHWzixg-r9cRxnhTMns2CcvAf2cTvwo3mEQC67cwEcLw0ju2SQfwZ7pPRKukFrUzPuszP1BjtBHWDy4MuG2EOqzvMH8CxM7xyk-lEJyKdamzamE2Iw/s1600/red+turquoise+spiral+necklace+focal.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmL2DNxfOB3eyP195HbCopstGEgVi8P3rjvEF7zWIumK5B1Qt8ARyJ95H8B-qxD5abtfYACVlIX32OzYPLTd4xPEnAoM5E6i8YDizVNsLydzsqvpNCxP469AorfDG8TH_820V_0WMdxE/s1600/red+turquoise+spiral+necklace+side1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmL2DNxfOB3eyP195HbCopstGEgVi8P3rjvEF7zWIumK5B1Qt8ARyJ95H8B-qxD5abtfYACVlIX32OzYPLTd4xPEnAoM5E6i8YDizVNsLydzsqvpNCxP469AorfDG8TH_820V_0WMdxE/s320/red+turquoise+spiral+necklace+side1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVML_7W2M7Eyw7STnlE60mj6O-g9r557bkogWQ8-4YE5q4EWDfdinjEEfumbxYgl3yZiZXJJ6PlpGaLcqpcyso-OStimQFhXNb2Cv6-aSWMMVvGzCouXmmiRdM5iAbJuipWHH09cpQbmg/s1600/red+turquoise+spiral+necklace+side2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVML_7W2M7Eyw7STnlE60mj6O-g9r557bkogWQ8-4YE5q4EWDfdinjEEfumbxYgl3yZiZXJJ6PlpGaLcqpcyso-OStimQFhXNb2Cv6-aSWMMVvGzCouXmmiRdM5iAbJuipWHH09cpQbmg/s320/red+turquoise+spiral+necklace+side2.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the rest of my day I think I will make a soufflé or
quiche with roasted asparagus and bacon, and another baklava or maybe some
turnovers or cookies with tart cherry paste.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Sunday!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9102713970882088286.post-83340989455837686802013-12-29T12:43:00.001-08:002013-12-29T12:43:35.704-08:00When Strangers Click<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Strangers Click<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/when-strangers-click" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/when-strangers-click" border="0" height="320" src="http://www.newvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/itunes_whenstrangersclick.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes this is a title of a great documentary; it is also a
great discussion in my real life yesterday…and all days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The documentary describes a film about several peoples’
experience of finding mates on the Internet. It is not, however, your typical story
of miraculous and strange love, nor catfish experiences. It is a great film
about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real</i> relationships. People who
find each other by design or accident, and connect on levels that we all have
the ability and fortune to connect on but somehow miss the opportunities as
they are presenting themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tedxvienna.at/blog/i-share-therefore-i-am/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.tedxvienna.at/blog/i-share-therefore-i-am/" border="0" height="320" src="http://www.tedxvienna.at/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/connection1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TedX: Vienna is doing a series all about connection! "I share therefore I am"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a great day yesterday, volunteering as a bar tender at
the Moose. It happened to be the day of several different birthdays that were
celebrated at the lodge. I got to talk with my mom on Skype which I haven’t
been able to do in more than a year, and she got to reconnect with a friend she
met when she last visited me. What were the chances that that friend would be
in town, at the lodge, on that day? The chances were typical if you really,
really stay present to what the Universe brings to the table of “the reason we
are here.” There is no purpose in life more important than connecting with
others, in my opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<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="http://static.wix.com/media/eb101a_54971995d235583d382592957fc4b3b7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static.wix.com/media/eb101a_54971995d235583d382592957fc4b3b7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa Hallow Designs Vintage Remix</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the birthdays being celebrated came at the end of my
day when just before closing a trio came in. One amazing man who looks 30 years
younger than he is, his birthday girl friend, and their mutual friend Lisa.
Lisa was the connection the Universe presented to me in this moment. A stunning
woman who is “full”…of everything! Wearing a G O R G E O U S black blouse that
reflected her personality, Lisa is textured, smooth, luxurious, and
historically stylish in both look and experience. Lisa has an excellent sense
of business, and love of art and jewelry. She’s been designing jewelry almost
her whole life and we may get together on a local proposal. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbOLi-65mNHSMPPII9G93H-y0gEbxiYt_NpfJ2SkfhyphenhyphenAyYGmXj_R_ipDzjf5HQEY5gT6A_b4s5he_hq3K_NT-Hmv_Pcd6_UluJbPHwBCa1FXTi1ZzbfyKRk9F1fEsCk-hxLM0cDwIwnY/s1600/simone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbOLi-65mNHSMPPII9G93H-y0gEbxiYt_NpfJ2SkfhyphenhyphenAyYGmXj_R_ipDzjf5HQEY5gT6A_b4s5he_hq3K_NT-Hmv_Pcd6_UluJbPHwBCa1FXTi1ZzbfyKRk9F1fEsCk-hxLM0cDwIwnY/s320/simone2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Continuing with the theme of connection, have you ever met
someone that you instantly connect with? Last night I got to spend time with
one of my favorite girlfriends. She’s a bar tender but last night we got to sit
together on the customer side. We met 8 years ago when she complimented my
jewelry and it has been love ever since. A new friend I met about a month ago,
I call him “tickleman” because of his deep, vibrating voice, was also at the
club last night…it seems we only go when the other is going (without planning!)
I made some new friends there too, both from the Philippines, one a special ed
teacher of moderate to severe students; I introduced him to my favorite video
on autism by Amanda Baggs. The first part of the video is in her "native" language; then she translates it for us...she's absolutely brilliant....I am humbled.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JnylM1hI2jc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night’s connections may turn out to be significant, and
with some don’t seem like “connections” because they are long standing
friendships. However, the Universe wants us to know that the “new” does not have
to wear off of everything; our perceptions and willingness are the fabric
softeners of life, making anything fresh if we chose. So go out with a renewed
perception and be willing to see the connections that exist in your life and
the new ones you will surely encounter on your intentional journey to connect.
Life cannot be lived without your presence…without your connection.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://schoolpress.cdn.whipplehill.net/whipplehill408/1/files/2012/09/Journey1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://schoolpress.cdn.whipplehill.net/whipplehill408/1/files/2012/09/Journey1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Whipplehill.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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MonaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579612726117732916noreply@blogger.com0