tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98891002024-03-18T17:47:27.208-07:00Pearson ReportPearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-41613446381728705642024-03-17T12:53:00.003-07:002024-03-18T11:34:44.760-07:00My Thoughts on Writing - Answers to Good Questions<p><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;">The following questions were posted over on <a href="https://karenjonesgowen.blogspot.com/2024/03/a-few-questions-for-writers.html" target="_blank">Coming Down The Mountain</a>, by Karen Jones Gowen. I thought I would answer them here.</span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p><span style="color: #666666;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;"> </span><span><span style="color: #666666;"> </span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span></span></o:p></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;">Are you excited about the idea of people reading your work, or
would you rather keep it private? <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">I share
my flash fiction, but not my WIP book. My flash fiction stories are very short
(about 500-700 words) they make for a quick read, so sharing them is easy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;">Do you have an audience in mind when you write?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">Yes,
for my WIP book. No, for my flash fiction pieces.</span><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;">Have you always wanted to write a book? <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">No. I
have always been a storyteller though, so it may be a natural progression.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;">If you have written your book, do you feel satisfied with it or
discouraged and disappointed?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">My current
WIP book elicits many feelings. As to my flash fiction stories I feel
satisfied with them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;">How many forms of writing do you like to do? For example,
journaling, poetry, blogging, fiction, personal stories, or memoir? <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">I like
all of those, but don’t do any daily or with serious intent – other than
stewing over my current WIP.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;">Is your voice the same regardless of the format?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">No, my WIP
book voice is not what I use for writing flash fiction. On rare occasion my flash
writing can take on a different voice too.</span><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;">If you have published a book, what do you think determines how
well it sells?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">As a
reader of published books I think it’s the “capture” that sells a book. How
quickly I am pulled into a story, and held captive, is what I think makes a
book sell.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;">How do you feel about critical reviews? Do you shrug and move on,
or do you feel devastated by them?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">I think
reader reviews in general can be biased by personal viewpoints.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">However,
having a critical first reader for my WIP book has been very helpful. I
appreciated the frank honesty of my first reader and knowing she was not afraid
to tell me why she was losing interest (and when and where in the story this was
happening). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">Stephen
King, in his memoir On Writing, wrote about his wife, Tabatha, not liking something
he had written and told him to get rid of it – he said it was akin to “throwing
the baby out with the bathwater” but that it needed to be done no matter how
much he liked what he had written.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">Critical
readers (those in the trenches with the writer) are hard to come by. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 11.5pt;">Do you feel that book publishing only counts if it's done in a
certain way, such as through an agent or a particular publishing company?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">No, I
think self-publishing nowadays is a viable option – so long as the writer is a good editor or has one.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">However,
having a publishing team (with copy editing, illustrators, marketing, and more)
can only make the process easier on the writer, and the book more successful. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">The
true success, however, is in the actual writing – have I captured my reader, captivated them until the end? If not, no amount of help from a great team
will rescue my baby. Again… may I stress editing; it can kill the baby if
left unattended.</span><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In ending this post I would like to say…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have never written a word with the soul purpose of fame or
money. I write purely for me and if my writing touches a reader along the way –
more the joy and happiness for me, and hopefully for them too.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My mother was my greatest first reader, sadly she is no
longer with me. Fortunately she got me through the rough patches of my current
WIP book – seaming it together has been easier because of her critical eye.
And, let me say this, she did not spare my “feelings” as many a baby was tossed
in the process. I dedicate my writing to her.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQubRuviRpxS4B6I8_-iWlDxbdT5_7X3CGONPKDMrxC55pNP3wkJbOZszNfQHptdfNk22amfwp8EYCG5b2yG1pw4d043db_CNKTPNwesSVTGpDLwxkVwhT1W6B08VI8-EYFBFODqr4b5iV2OAG1ZShuGL5mgSheOFSjvCr1Q7YwyxipoPbHRBgg/s709/Blog%20signature.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="709" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQubRuviRpxS4B6I8_-iWlDxbdT5_7X3CGONPKDMrxC55pNP3wkJbOZszNfQHptdfNk22amfwp8EYCG5b2yG1pw4d043db_CNKTPNwesSVTGpDLwxkVwhT1W6B08VI8-EYFBFODqr4b5iV2OAG1ZShuGL5mgSheOFSjvCr1Q7YwyxipoPbHRBgg/w106-h89/Blog%20signature.jpg" width="106" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Until the next post…</b></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">I leave you with 2 questions:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you write, why do you write? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you read, what holds you to the end?</p>Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-29329245358187303732024-03-15T12:55:00.006-07:002024-03-17T14:13:58.829-07:00A-Z Challenge 2024 Theme Reveal - Into The Hole We Go.<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Many miles and a lifetime ago I used to write.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I would write daily - photo prompt flash fiction. Enjoyed it. Sure, it was stressful - what with giving myself 15 minutes to write to a photo prompt I could not see until I opened it, but still I enjoyed it. In fact, I wrote 151 stories back to back - then life got crazy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, this brings me to the question of giving it a go, again... you know, that A-Z thingy... I have missed it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, you read that right, I have missed the stress, the pressure, the deadlines. Okay, I lie. I don't miss any of that. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then what brings me to why I want to do the A-Z Challenge, again, you ask. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, my life is a little different now. Loads of pressures are gone, I'm semi-retired, I'm in the right headspace, and most importantly I have always enjoyed the camaraderie of this writing/blogging community. Friendly, supportive, and good for lifting one's spirit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">With that said (no stress, hahaha) you all have your work cut out for you if you drop by to read what I write. The lifting of my spirit might require lifting of actual spirits (a little imbibing joke) to make it through my ramblings. If you do, thanks, and consider yourself hugged. If not, no worries - as Chuck used to say, "There's no bad part." And, there really isn't. So take a hug either way.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now comes the big reveal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been fond of winging it. I'm older now and value the concept of staying well out in front of the running bulls - these days, however, I opt for sitting on a balcony looking down at those running bulls, trampling whatever stumbles before them. Egads, there's a visual. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I will err on making this whole participating in the A-Z business less of a challenge and more of a "look Ma, I can still do it" sort of thing. Ma's gone, I don't have my cheering section, hence the spirit thing. Big long inhale. Slow long exhale. Life still goes on. Until it doesn't.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">My theme will be...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>THE ABYSS - LIFE ON THE EDGE.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I could tell you all about it here... but then I'd be done. What's the fun in that. So, until April I bid you all a safe remainder of March, and remember, "There's no bad part." So I've been told.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Joy and Happiness to you all,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFH0AA8t4RXjFAizPVRxkUv6OY-qKZ8MwtO7-f82eD2WykYlXPpdVS_6Vg74m7bdSf-dmIkID2Ob34WmKU96KUulZcnR8COBAHZjxV4b1Rc-MOxEiTonqpug75tj-_47QECecOm0C0Hl1rsiUGUqssZWLWSmclIGWyOuzWt4rJFBMbNjmUDs-O6A/s709/Blog%20signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="709" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFH0AA8t4RXjFAizPVRxkUv6OY-qKZ8MwtO7-f82eD2WykYlXPpdVS_6Vg74m7bdSf-dmIkID2Ob34WmKU96KUulZcnR8COBAHZjxV4b1Rc-MOxEiTonqpug75tj-_47QECecOm0C0Hl1rsiUGUqssZWLWSmclIGWyOuzWt4rJFBMbNjmUDs-O6A/w120-h100/Blog%20signature.jpg" width="120" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-82580179670077262362023-07-15T15:24:00.000-07:002023-07-15T15:24:44.957-07:00YAWN... good grief, is it 2023 already.<p> Hello out there,</p><p>I'm still here. Well, out of sight, but still here. You get my drift.</p><p>I thought it would be neat, cool, nifty, you know, random, to post and see what happens.</p><p>Life happens, yup, it does. </p><p>Is it happening to you? Or, are you still sleeping off the last 3 years. </p><p>Curious minds want to know. Okay, maybe it's only me that wants to know. Either way...</p><p> Till the next time I wake up.</p><p><br /></p>Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-45608721933048161292019-08-21T00:02:00.000-07:002019-08-23T15:02:53.905-07:00RED WHEELBARROW - WEP August 2019 Challenge<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrJA2hWj0M_v_jwS7VEpuZEvEXTwmy9vr1ZupJouws4SPYN9d8aVScAoNYe05uCBk6RuNWewx1zN7iekmUoVxnKmWHw7My2uniZIo_lwi3vDUfn-FAF-0CPXLEs6BjfuvzjuOeg/s320/SS+of+WEP+red+wheelbarrow.JPG" width="319" /></div>
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<br />
THE CENTREPIECE.<br />
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">When she bought me I wondered if it
was purely because the price tag was greatly reduced. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">I had been left out in the rain, in
the yard of the co-op, for what seemed like weeks. It had only been a few days,
over a holiday weekend, but the damage was done.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">Howie, the boss’s son was at fault,
but hey, he was just a kid, that’s what his mom always said coming to his
defence; and the boss always shrugged as he shook his head in
disappointment. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">I wasn’t the only one being
forgotten, but on this day, I was the only one being scrutinized. The woman
grabbed my handles and moved me back and forth. She kicked my tire, and
sighed. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">“John,” she said to the man standing
off to one side trying to avoid me as I was jostled from side to side, “the
tire looks flat already. Do you think it has a hole?”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Nah, it just needs air.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well, I was relieved to know that all
that was standing between me and a new home was some air. If I could breathe I
think I would have taken in a long breath and slowly exhaled. But all I could
do was stand there now that she had let go of me and watch as she slowly made
her way around me eyeing the visible rust. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The rust won’t be a problem, it’ll
get rustier with what we’re doing,” she said to the fellow that still seemed
weary of getting in my way. If I had feelings I think I might not have liked
him very much, he seemed rather indifferent – not sure if it was toward me, or
toward her. And, feelings or not, I liked her.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">Once in the back of their truck I
bounced about as we made our way somewhere; somewhere other than where Howie
would be and that could only be good.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">Their yard needed work, and I could
see right away what my job would be after my tire got air – I would be hauling
loads of old bricks from what was once a chimney to what looked like a garden.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">The bricks chipped away at my
beautiful red finish leaving even more bare metal exposed to the elements. Yes,
I was left outside; now that I belonged to someone I knew that would be my fate.
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally, the last brick was placed
around the newly planted flowerbed and I was given my first long cold rinse.
Ah, how I loved feeling clean. But what did I look like, I wondered, how badly
had I been damaged? I had felt the dents, the scratches, and even the harsh
bangs as I was put through my paces. That was my job, so who was I to complain.
But I did wonder, why paint me and make me look so good only to take it all
away?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">The sun beat down on me and I dried
up to a point where the remaining paint started to flake. Next came a rough
brushing followed by suction. Not sure what was going on, but I loved all the
attention. I was being cared for and I liked that feeling. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">Days passed while I was left in the
blazing sun. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">Alas, a day came when I was wheeled
into a shed, it was dark, and if I dare say, a little dank and musty. I really
wanted to be outside – oh the irony; you see, I had gotten used to the weather
and its company. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">Something tickled me, all over, it
was cool, slightly sticky. I felt fresh, new, as if I was young again, right
out of the factory. Wonderful feeling indeed.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">A few more days passed before I was
wheeled outside and placed right in the centre of the flowerbed. I was covered
in a cloth, heavy rocks were added, next came dirt. I wondered what was going
on – where would I be taking this load?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">The cloth was trimmed, flowers were
added and positioned. How strange that such care was taken with this load. I
was confused.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">Suddenly, I heard her exclaim, “John,
it looks amazing, that wheelbarrow worked hard helping us make this garden look
so beautiful. It’s the perfect centrepiece.” </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #241e12; font-size: 12.0pt;">Word Count 710</span></div>
NCCO<br />
<br />
<br />
I decided to participate in this writing challenge - I got the idea from <a href="https://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DG Hudson</a>, a blogger I follow - she posted for the last one and I really enjoyed reading her piece <a href="https://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.com/2019/04/wep-jewel-box-of-mystery.html" target="_blank">The Jewel Box of Mystery</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">WRITE...EDIT...PUBLISH</a> is the website hosting these challenges.<br />
<br />
Thank you for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>The Centrepiece</b></span>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj4ZvguizAOwQvgmf9oE5hhmxdX-SWJb8Tr1CHSlQmqkZwWlYYfQ-QS0inpopmc2zez04ZCp2B42eVwsZSVjE_oim8gKfnZwr2PRrJbUkjsYZ7KNKCCyEMyih9Wpdqfhauot0Gw/s1600/Cheers%252C+ff3399+pink.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="217" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj4ZvguizAOwQvgmf9oE5hhmxdX-SWJb8Tr1CHSlQmqkZwWlYYfQ-QS0inpopmc2zez04ZCp2B42eVwsZSVjE_oim8gKfnZwr2PRrJbUkjsYZ7KNKCCyEMyih9Wpdqfhauot0Gw/s200/Cheers%252C+ff3399+pink.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">STOP</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Please SECURE your blog.</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have posted a short (2:49) video on how to easily correct this issue</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pearsonreport.blogspot.com/2019/08/your-blog-is-not-secure-find-out-why.html" target="_blank"> HERE</a><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Or, go to Settings, click on Basics - change HTTPS Redirect from No to <b>Yes</b>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Your blog will be secure after that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1b; font-family: "gdsherpa" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">All websites need to use encryption to ensure secure transfer of information – </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1b; font-family: "gdsherpa" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">sensitive or not.</span></div>
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Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-90980313153156229492018-08-22T09:14:00.001-07:002018-08-22T09:27:15.720-07:00What's on your Book List - Episode 4<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For previous episodes click on their respective links:</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.com/2018/06/whats-on-your-book-list-episode-3.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Episode 3</span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.com/2018/05/whats-on-your-book-list-episode-2.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Episode 2</span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.com/2018/04/welcome-to-whats-on-your-book-list.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Episode 1</span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 18.73px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Welcome to Episode 4 of What's on your Book List.</span></h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm a avid reader. Or, more to the point I'm an avid listener of audiobooks.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Note</u>: In this post I am listing the book title first, in caps, followed by the author's name and whether it's fiction (F), or non-fiction (NF).</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I do not write reviews - too many other places are doing that so feel free to google any of these titles for more info on them. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also, if I don't enjoy a book, I move on to the next one on my book shelf - I haven't the time to waste on poorly written, or boring books. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What you see here are books I've read and thoroughly enjoyed.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is the list of books I've listened to (and/or read) from June 17 - August 21.</span></span></div>
</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<b>THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV</b>, Elizabeth Berg (F)<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>DAVID AND GOLIATH</b>, Malcolm Gladwell (NF)<br />
Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants<br />
<br />
<b>MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON</b>, Elizabeth Strout (F)<br />
<br />
<b>THE STRANGER BESIDE ME</b>, Ann Rule (NF)<br />
Ted Bundy: The Shocking Inside Story<br />
<br />
<b>THE SMART ONE</b>, Jennifer Close (F)<br />
<br />
<b>THE ROOSTER BAR</b>, John Grisham (F)<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>THE TWELVE DOGS OF CHRISTMAS</b>, David Rosenfelt (F)<br />
Andy Carpenter Series<br />
<br />
<b>OUTFOXED</b>, David Rosenfelt (F)<br />
Andy Carpenter Series<br />
<br />
<b>THE HAPPINESS EQUATION</b>, Neil Pasricha (NF) *yes, listened to it again!<br />
Want Nothing + Do Anything = Have Everything<br />
<br />
<b>FIRE AND FURY</b>, Michael Wolff (NF)<br />
Inside the Trump White House<br />
<br />
<b>THE UNDOING PROJECT</b>, Michael Lewis (NF)<br />
A Friendship That Changed Our Minds<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>THE BOY ON THE PORCH</b>, Sharon Creech (F)<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>COLLARED</b>, David Rosenfelt (F)<br />
Andy Carpenter Series<br />
<br />
<b>WRONGFUL DEATH</b>, Lynda La Plante (F)<br />
Anna Travis Series<br />
<br />
<b>TWO GRAVES</b>, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (F)<br />
Pendergast Series<br />
<br />
<b>NOTORIOUS</b>, Allison Brennan (F)<br />
Max Revere Series<br />
<br />
<b>SILENCED</b>, Allison Brennan (F)<br />
Lucy Kincaid Series<br />
<br />
<b>THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES</b>, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (F)<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>SILENT SCREAM</b>, Lynda La Plante (F)<br />
Anna Travis Series<br />
<br />
<b>BLOOD LINE</b>, Lynda La Plante (F)<br />
Anna Travis Series<br />
<br />
<b>BLIND FURY</b>, Lynda La Plante (F)<br />
Anna Travis Series<br />
<br />
<b>BACKLASH</b>, Lynda La Plante (F)<br />
Anna Travis Series<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>THE WINTER PEOPLE</b>, Jennifer McMahon (F)<br />
<br />
<b>NIGHT SCHOOL</b>, Lee Child (F)<br />
Jack Reacher Series<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>MAKE ME</b>, Lee Child (F)<br />
Jack Reacher Series<br />
<br />
<b>SNATCHED</b>, Karin Slaughter (F)<br />
Will Trent Series<br />
<br />
<b>GRAIN BRAIN</b>, David Perlmutter, MD (NF) *listened again!<br />
The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Cars, and Sugar - Your Brains Silent Killers<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>CRIMINAL</b>, Karin Slaughter (F)<br />
Will Trent Series<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>BUSTED</b>, Karin Slaughter (F)<br />
Will Trent Series<br />
<br />
<b>THE WITCHES' TREE</b>, M. C. Beaton (F)<br />
Agatha Raisin Mystery<br />
<br />
<b>THE OUTSIDER</b>, Stephen King (F)<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>PLEASE DON'T TELL</b>, Elizabeth Adler (F)<br />
<br />
<b>THE VISITORS</b>, Catherine Burns (F)<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>WHEAT BELLY</b>, William Davis, MD (NF) *listen again to this awesome book!<br />
Lose the Wheat, Lost the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>THE BROKEN ROAD</b>, Richard Paul Evans (F)<br />
The Broken Road Series<br />
<br />
<b>LAST TO KNOW</b>, Elizabeth Adler (F)<br />
<b></b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b>There you have it, my reading (aka listening) list from June 17 to August 21.</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">You'll see I do revisit books, particularly those pertaining to LCHF (low carb high fat). It's an area of interest and one I feel needs more exposure. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Visit <a href="http://jennypearsonlchf.blogspot.com/p/books.html" target="_blank">GUT INSTINCT</a> - my LCHF blog, for my complete reading list.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How's your list looking?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteGcPRNr3DYyXZOcLiOvejyY0nbE_yvF-cXMP7nCXQ822d-1Ecie_k4QPmmbRwfQGtsDUFxcrmnHM5_bu0x0vKO13vi2PQaTv3lXcA3RnGxUgqYT1TeF5lBHpQl4n_Vgsr_LUpg/s1600/Cheers+Jenny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="548" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteGcPRNr3DYyXZOcLiOvejyY0nbE_yvF-cXMP7nCXQ822d-1Ecie_k4QPmmbRwfQGtsDUFxcrmnHM5_bu0x0vKO13vi2PQaTv3lXcA3RnGxUgqYT1TeF5lBHpQl4n_Vgsr_LUpg/s200/Cheers+Jenny.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-44443926006339675562018-06-14T10:31:00.000-07:002018-06-14T10:53:19.944-07:00What's on your Book List - Episode 3<div>
For previous episodes click on their respective links:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.com/2018/05/whats-on-your-book-list-episode-2.html" target="_blank">Episode 2</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.com/2018/04/welcome-to-whats-on-your-book-list.html" target="_blank">Episode 1</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #351c75;">Welcome to Episode 3 of What's on your Book List.</span></h3>
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I'm a avid reader. Or, more to the point I'm an avid listener of audiobooks.</div>
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<u>Note</u>: In this post I am listing the book title first, in caps, followed by the author's name and whether it's fiction (F), or non-fiction (NF).</div>
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I do not write reviews - too many other places are doing that so feel free to google any of these titles for more info on them. </div>
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Also, if I don't enjoy a book, I move on to the next one on my book shelf - I haven't the time to waste on poorly written, or boring books. </div>
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What you see here are books I've read and thoroughly enjoyed.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is the list of books I've listened to (and/or read) from May 1 - June 14.</span></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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<b>THE LAST ORIGINAL WIFE -</b> Dorothea Benton Frank (F)<br />
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<b>STARGIRL </b>(Book 1) <b>-</b> Jerry Spinelli (F)<br />
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<b>LOW PRESSURE</b> - Sandra Brown (F)</div>
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<b>BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME</b> - Ta-Nehisi Coates (Autobiography)</div>
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<b>THE ACCOMPLISED GUEST</b> (Stories) - Ann Beattie (F)</div>
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<b>BROTOPIA</b> - Emily Chang (NF)</div>
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<i>Breaking Up the Boys' Club of Silicon Valley</i></div>
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<i></i><b></b><br /></div>
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<b>THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A FUCK</b> - Mark Manson (NF)</div>
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<i>A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life</i></div>
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<b>THE SIXTH EXTINCTION</b> - Elizabeth Kolbert (NF)</div>
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<i>An Unnatural History</i></div>
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<b>THE NORTH WATER</b> - Ian McGuire ((F)</div>
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<b>THE NEW JIM CROW</b> - Michelle Alexander (NF)</div>
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<b>FAHRENHEIT 451</b> - Ray Bradbury (F)</div>
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<b>THE WIFE BETWEEN US</b> - Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (F)</div>
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<b>THE CHILD FINDER</b> - Rene Denfeld (F)</div>
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<b>ZERO TO ONE</b> - Peter Thiel (NF)</div>
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<i>Notes on Startups, or How to Build a Future</i></div>
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<i></i><b></b><br /></div>
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<b>THE HAPPINESS EQUATION</b> - Neil Pasricha (NF)</div>
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<i>Want Nothing + Do Everything = Have Everything</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">There you have it - my reading list covering May 1 - June 14.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Some books, like ZERO TO ONE, made my "Must Buy" list. Others, Like BROTOPIA got a second listen.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Read them, enjoy them, then move on to the next good read.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">How's your list looking? </span></div>
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Share titles in the comments if you feel like it. I'm always open to reading a book that comes with a strong recommendation.</div>
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Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-14458056578439973372018-05-03T18:18:00.000-07:002018-05-03T18:18:06.903-07:00What's On Your Book List - Episode 2If you missed<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2018/04/welcome-to-whats-on-your-book-list.html" target="_blank">Episode 1</a> </span></b>click on the link to go there. Great authors and books await.<br />
This link will give you more info on the <b><a href="https://help.overdrive.com/customer/portal/articles/1481729-getting-started-with-overdrive" target="_blank">audiobook app</a></b> I use, called Overdrive.<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am a huge reader - or more accurately - a huge listener of
audiobooks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(217 , 210 , 233); color: black; margin: 0px;">I listen to
between 4 and 6 books a week. That's right - A WEEK!</span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, without
further ado - here are the titles of the books I have listened to during the
last two weeks (April 16-30):</span></span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">These are my recommended reads - for story info/reviews visit <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"></span><br /></span>
<b>EMMA FLINT</b> - <u>Little Deaths</u><br />
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Inspired by a true story. A great audiobook, the narration was very enjoyable. As a single parent I found myself getting very frustrated with the main characters, a useless mother and her pathetic husband. That said, I was curious enough to want to find out what happened to the two children in this story. Overall, I did enjoy this book. And, whether I like it or not, parents, like those portrayed in the novel, definitely do exist.<br />
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<b>LAUREN WOLK</b> - <u>Beyond the Bright Sea</u><br />
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There was something about the cover and title that made me read "more" and I'm glad I did. This was a very interesting read. Written as a fiction, but full of historical non-fiction facts. I ended up learning something about the leper colonies in the USA. Quite interesting.<br />
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<b>JEFFREY KLUGER</b> - <u>The Narcissist Next Door</u>: Understanding the Monster in Your Family, in Your Office, in Your Bed - in Your World (Non-Fiction)<br />
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This is a book everyone should read - not only to recognize what's going on in other people's mind, but to take a hard look at our own personality - it's never too late to take stock.<br />
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<b>JERRY SPINELLI</b> - T<u>he Warden's Daughter</u><br />
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Believable characters, interesting plot - from start to finish this was a great audiobook. Lots of wonderful personalities woven in the story.<br />
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<b>LAURA DAVE</b> - <u>Hello, Sunshine</u><br />
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Suspenseful and entertaining, compelling and funny. I was taken with the storyline and characters. Try living an authentic life at a time when one has little public privacy. Yup, that's why I'm not on Facebook!<br />
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<b>DOROTHEA BENTON FRANK</b> - <u>Same Beach, Next Year</u><br />
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This was such a delightful read - loved the two couples, loved the heart and soul you could feel in the written word. As these characters bonded you could really feel their emotions.<br />
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<b>J M BARRIE</b> - <u>Peter Pan</u> (<i>for the umpteenth time - love his storytelling skills</i>)<br />
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This is research reading - I've read Peter Pan more times than I can count. If you've never read it (on what planet do you live) then get with it!<br />
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<b>NEIL GAIMAN</b> - <u>Trigger Warning</u><br />
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This is a collection of short fiction stories - read by the author. Some I really liked, others I confess I did fast forward. I'm a fan of Neil Gaiman so I wanted to give his short stories a perusal - overall worth picking up.<br />
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<b>NANCY MACLEAN</b> - <u>Democracy in Chains</u> (Non-Fiction)<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">THE DEEP HISTORY OF THE RADICAL RIGHT'S STEALTH PLAN FOR AMERICA</span><br />
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A great read - in fact - a MUST READ for anyone with a mind of their own. I listened to it twice - yeah, it was so necessary. I needed to fully grasp the influence US politics have on all of us. (I'm Canadian.)<br />
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<b>PEARL S. BUCK</b> - <u>The Good Earth</u><br />
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A book many have read - quite frankly I think I read it long ago, but I so thoroughly enjoyed it this time.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Please note</span></b> - <i>I am providing recommendations only, not reviews. My intention is to share books I've enjoyed. As for reviews there are lots of sites which do just that. Goodreads offers book reviews and information about the books - check out your local library as well.</i><br />
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<br />Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-27883094623163236712018-04-15T21:03:00.000-07:002018-04-15T23:11:44.752-07:00Welcome to "What's On Your Book List" - Episode 1.<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">I am a huge reader - or more accurately - a huge listener of audiobooks. </span>(<i>I do also turn the odd page, when I want to study what the written word looks like on a page, and when working with Flash Fiction writing partners.</i>)<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">I listen to between 4 and 6 books a week. That's right - A WEEK!</span><br />
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Last year I listened to over 200 books. WOW, even I'm impressed.<br />
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<b>I have decided to share my reading list here on Pearson Report. </b><br />
Why? <br />
Well, I'm a huge fan of getting great book titles from other readers/listeners and felt you might enjoy a recommendation, or two hundred, from me as well.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Reading or Listening - let's take a quick look at this first, shall we.</span><br />
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I listen to audiobooks for the convenience it affords. When I'm cooking, tidying up, making my bed, dressing, doing laundry, ironing, and everything else my hands are preoccupied with I find having someone read to me is not only enjoyable - it's also highly entertaining.<br />
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Yes, music is an option - but, as I wish to learn a little something on my journey through life, listening to books has become a great source of knowledge as well.<br />
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<b><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Which brings me to what I read - Fiction and Non-Fiction alike</span></b>. I always have a variety of books in the Bookshelf Folder of the reading app at any given time. Depending on my mood I will listen to all manner of interesting writings.<br />
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The reading app I use is available for Android and iOS platforms, and is free. It is called <b><a href="https://help.overdrive.com/customer/portal/articles/1481728-get-help-with-the-overdrive-app" target="_blank">Overdrive</a></b>. (The link will take you to their info page for mobile devices.)<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">So, without further ado - here are the titles of the books I have listened to during the last two weeks (April 1-14):</span><br />
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<b>P G WOODHOUSE</b> - <u>My Man Jeeves</u>, <u>The Inimitable Jeeves</u>, <u>Jeeves</u>, <u>The Code of Woodhouse</u> and <u>The Mating Season</u><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;">I'm a fan of old English writers - and when I want comedic writing there's nothing like a book by P G Woodhouse to make me laugh. As you can see, I had a run on a few - needed to have some humour and quirkiness in my world. These hit the mark. </span><span style="color: #351c75;">Part of the enjoyment is listening to the character voices read so brilliantly by the readers. </span><br />
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<b>DION LEONARD</b> - <u>Finding Gobi</u><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;">Speaking of finding things, when I saw the cover and read the Overview (provide with a book when searching the titles through the library) I knew I had found a great book.</span><b><span style="color: #351c75;"> A must read.</span></b><br />
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<b>WILLIAM GOLDING</b> - <u>Lord of the Flies</u><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;">I never did read this in my school days. When I came across it I went for it - well, as we all know - it's excellent. If you have not had a chance to read Lord of the Flies now's a good time.</span><br />
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<b>NOAH HAWLEY</b> - <u>Before the Fall</u><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Great storyline, well constructed characters, many twists and turns. Overall, I highly recommend Before the Fall. Whether reading it, or listening, it's a page-turner. </span><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"></span><br /></b><b>COLSON WHITEHEAD</b> - <u>The Underground Railroad</u><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;">All I can say about this book is WOW - I learned so much about the life of a slave in the late 1800s, early 1900's that I could not stop listening. At times my shock and revulsion at what was happening to the key characters was overwhelming. Yet, I was filled with awe and admiration for the way they endured and rose above the atrocities, even when the odds were stacked against them. This was such a well written book, the audiobook reader was amazing too. </span><br />
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<b>JOAN BAUER</b> - <u>Almost Home</u><br />
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I <span style="color: #351c75;">finished this book yesterday - here's another outstanding author. The flow of this story was seamless, the characters and storyline so real, very believable - I had strong feelings for them and their struggles. </span><span style="color: #351c75;">How quickly a life can change, and when it's a young one that has no control of parental units, it has that much more power to shape our emotions. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Again, if you're looking for a solid, well-written book this is a good find.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Please note</span></b> - <i>I am providing recommendations only, not reviews. My intention is </i><i>to share books I've enjoyed. As for reviews there are lots of sites which do just that. Goodreads offers book reviews - so does your local library. </i></div>
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ENJOY listening to (or reading) some of these amazing books.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">Look for Episode 2 of "What's On Your Book List" in about two weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Feel free to share your favourite titles in the comments below - I'm always looking for a great read. </b></span></div>
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</span>Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-34767658938621413522017-06-25T00:26:00.000-07:002017-06-25T00:26:53.720-07:00 Summer, Winter - take your pic(ture).Ever wonder where time goes?<br />
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Yeah, me too.<br />
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Well, don't look here for the answer - 'cause I ain't got it. (gotta love good grammar, eh!!)<br />
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That said, we just hit the, "Oh my God (aka OMG) it's SUMMER and I haven't even put away my WINTER clothing", time of year. <br />
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Finally SUMMER has arrived. It'll last 5 minutes, but hey, it's here - PARTEEEEE! Yeah, right!<br />
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Of course if you're a Down Under dweller you've got that, "Oh my God (aka OMG) I'm so glad I live here not there where it's WINTER 365", thang going on. <br />
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So.....<br />
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I thought I'd pop in here to my dormant blog and say....<br />
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HAPPY SUMMER<br />
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and<br />
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HAPPY WINTER<br />
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Make the most of the season you're in because you'll turn around twice and the whole deal will be done and you'll be wondering what the hell just happened.<br />
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Life happens - help it along - enjoy - party on - stop and smell a rose, or at least take its picture.<br />
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A rose by any other name...<br />
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<br />Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-8494635366686200272017-03-12T00:12:00.003-08:002017-03-12T13:53:49.079-07:00Having fun with #HASHTAGSSo much has changed, out here, and behind the scenes. Hence the long hiatus.<br />
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I'm dropping in to say HELLO.</h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7;">I have been using Twitter for a while now and can be found <a href="https://twitter.com/PearsonReport" target="_blank">@PearsonReport</a> where I share a thought or two. With </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7;">Twitter's 140 characters limit I can easily send out a quick tweet without investing the time normally needed to put a blog post together.</span><br />
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However, as I have said before <b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">I miss blogging</span></b> and feel it's still a great way to share bits of our selves on a platform that has a few more options, as in more words, more pictures... a little more room for content.<br />
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Let me state, for the record, I do not do Facebook. Never felt the calling. I do feel the wine calling though! So, for me, it's a win-wine thing! LOL<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">As of 03/10/17, upon the encouragement of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vancouvermermaid/" target="_blank">my daughter, Courtney</a>, I have made the leap into the wide world of <b>Instagram</b>.</span> <u>Yet another bit of social media</u>. <br />
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Will I last? I think so, as it seems the ideal in between fix - not quite a tweet, and not quite a blog post. <b>I like it!</b><br />
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I can be found <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jenny_pearson_report/" target="_blank">@jenny_pearson_report</a> where I have, at the time of writing this, a total of 6 posts. Go me! LOL</h4>
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As with Twitter, and even out here on Blogger, I follow that which I know I will look at, read, enjoy and otherwise feel happy about investing time in. Please do not read anything into this, I only mean that as time is so limited I really keep my followings reigned in. </div>
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The reason for my visit here, today, is to share a little <span style="color: red;">HASHTAG 101</span> on social media, in particular Instagram, and to a lesser degree Twitter.</h3>
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I have discovered the real way to get exposure is not by worrying about your Followers, they will come and stay if the content is to their liking, but by knowing how to use HASHTAGS (#). <br />
<b></b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"></span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">That's right... it's all in the hashtags. And how do I know this... well here, let me explain.</span></b><br />
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When I signed up with Instagram I had NO followers<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span> - stands to reason, right. So, the first thing I did was I followed my daughter's two accounts and a couple of friends. Okay, so far so good.<br />
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I then posted a picture of some colouring I am doing. Yes, you read that right. I am colouring a horse - call it mental relaxation therapy, as it is mindless and truly relaxing. I also find it is getting me comfortable with working with colours, and colour shading.<br />
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Here is the photo I used for my first Instagram post... click on it to see the bird on the back of the horse. I am still finishing this piece as the shading takes time. But, I'm in no rush.<br />
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When I posted this photo I used 6 hashtags in total. <br />
The viewing potential was limited, and I received 4 likes, which I thought was so exciting.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">It was during my 1st post and 4th post that I did some extensive Instagram research. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>How does one get VIEWED... that was my question and I went searching for answers.</b></span> <br />
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Did you know on Instagram you can use up to 30 hashtags - more and your post won't show any. I found this out during my research phase.<br />
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So, here is the picture for my 6th post... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDh3J0hTBMEwa0xzIrzWxQJp4yfZ-NLxZkDRZcWKQgBDmOR5Zbh-2sWd7O-2JqhyZDcRUk_pxLbzp4nYbRduxeAS54rKsf_RwP4jL6dQ8OL7Nl27Ri0SqfnOa-T__T3f2udcl8Q/s1600/ladder+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDh3J0hTBMEwa0xzIrzWxQJp4yfZ-NLxZkDRZcWKQgBDmOR5Zbh-2sWd7O-2JqhyZDcRUk_pxLbzp4nYbRduxeAS54rKsf_RwP4jL6dQ8OL7Nl27Ri0SqfnOa-T__T3f2udcl8Q/s400/ladder+pic.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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During my wanderings around Instagram I found some incredible 2D drawings that looked like 3D. I was so fascinated by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/willie_hsu_art/" target="_blank">@willie_hsu_art</a> version of this, which is totally amazing, that I had to figure it out.<br />
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NOW HERE'S THE EXCITING BIT... I used 29 hashtags, all art and drawing related.<br />
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I got 44 likes - and 9 followers (some from my 5th post as I employed my hashtag principle there too).<br />
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So... if you are on Instagram, and want more <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">VIEWERS</span> then you really need to focus on adding hashtags. (<i>they work great with Twitter too - upping the exposure of Tweets</i>)<br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Here's a little bonus...</span> I made a hashtag folder in the Notes section on my iPhone - this take a few minutes to do, but I made up 3 different versions (portrait work, random sketching, and a LCHF version for my baking). This way I can copy and paste my hashtags without much fuss.<br />
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Yes, leave it to me to be that organized - time is money. Hashtagging takes time, so I've taken that step out of the process.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">In closing... may I just say, I still visit, I seldom if ever comment, and I'll understand if you don't either, time being what it is - in short supply and running out fast.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><b>That said... here is my question (yes, I still ask questions).</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Do you use HASHTAGS, and if so do you find they help bring visitors to your social media sites, like Instagram and Twitter?</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewojjaOLagMXLzdcFjyaflKkRDROgk41GoAuC75HxeDQ0txKs8N-ZgRhKlvlyQ9mxkP48A_7_Hd8rvk5CcJ84JfkOniKK69HNONsijEeejYjH9pccfelb0OYFE-g2LtOzQgyLmg/s1600/Laugh+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewojjaOLagMXLzdcFjyaflKkRDROgk41GoAuC75HxeDQ0txKs8N-ZgRhKlvlyQ9mxkP48A_7_Hd8rvk5CcJ84JfkOniKK69HNONsijEeejYjH9pccfelb0OYFE-g2LtOzQgyLmg/s320/Laugh+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwZ4vNa1gmw8HsqClOhF6XN57d4aKvvB7BajZ9QFKyscQxN4-1yoYpdi4ZBI1KmubeXv6-2GJpi5260XvoW66B4TY5EFMnXyEN8pSt2mrDFa4yJxM7IgMkyUB8opr8E0OHcYamg/s1600/hashtags2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-91700257518930647862016-10-08T19:29:00.002-07:002016-10-09T18:43:33.298-07:00Rainy day chore - housecleaning my blog.The rain is making puddles deep enough for cars to disappear in. It is warm in my home, for this I am grateful. I can't imagine braving the streets today on any level. <br />
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Yesterday I posted, after a few months absence. <span style="color: red;">I miss blogging if you really want to know.</span> <br />
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Since my car accident, back on Feb 4th, I've shied away from time at my computer, well, unnecessary time that is, which sadly is what blogging is for me at present. I do have to sit and do some business related work on my computer, <span style="color: purple;">that's the extent of how uncooperative my neck and shoulders are.</span><br />
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<strong>A few weeks ago I started with a Chiropractor - amazing. </strong><br />
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<strong>He did stress I was to stay away from anything that required me to lower my head (chin to chest stuff) and that is exactly what working on a computer encompasses.</strong> <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I created a <span style="background-color: white;">standing work station</span> which has been great, <span style="background-color: white;">but I fatigue very quickly and as such get discouraged and then resign myself to not even bothering. Hence my absence here.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Blogging seems to have changed - how do I know this?</span> <br />
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Well, I took a trip over to the "<strong>Manage Blogs I'm Following</strong>" page and saw I was following 257 blogs.<br />
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I now follow 73. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16vu0tqr6Dn31Pvvyf9_y3oaGxlXSiDcVRNS6GZl0sXlvGzZuz2ghNG5Jc3ktGPz8ZjCGoN_CbQjEhuipGv6WNIaK4R16o8GY2xeADW2AZ-sPFZSS2MTh4MKfVVVbxof3liHqgw/s1600/Blogs+I%2527m+following.PNG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16vu0tqr6Dn31Pvvyf9_y3oaGxlXSiDcVRNS6GZl0sXlvGzZuz2ghNG5Jc3ktGPz8ZjCGoN_CbQjEhuipGv6WNIaK4R16o8GY2xeADW2AZ-sPFZSS2MTh4MKfVVVbxof3liHqgw/s400/Blogs+I%2527m+following.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Yes... that's right 73.</span></strong> <br />
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Sad state of affairs because virtually all I deleted were inactive. Meaning no new posts in the last 2-3 years. I figured if a blog did not have a new post in over two years it was time to say goodbye to it. <br />
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I was stunned by the number that were outright shut down. A sign of the direction blogging is taking I thought.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>And yet...</strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><strong>There is something about letting fingers fly over the keyboard (thank goodness for backspace) and sharing a little of one's world with others.</strong></span> <br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Whatever that something is we do like sharing, don't we?</strong></span><br />
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We also like knowing we are visited and read (from time to time), that makes the whole experience all the more special.<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;">I am satisfied with my housecleaning. Yet I wonder where those inactive bloggers have gone to, what they are up to, and if life is treating them well. My simple wish is that it is. This little wish accompanied every tap of the button which would forever remove those blogs from my list. </span><br />
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<strong>Sort of sad, eh.</strong> <br />
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<span style="color: red;">But, life drifts on, regardless.</span> <br />
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Hmm, that was my sentiment yesterday and it still hangs in the air today. <br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">I realize life really moves at its own sweet pace.</span> For some that means staying the course (<em>blogging with some regularity</em>), for others it means veering left (<em>or right</em>) and finding a new path.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>To all the bloggers remaining on my List, thanks for blogging, for visiting, for adding a little something extra as I make my way through life - you are a part of the path I am presently on</strong>.</span> <br />
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Now tell me...<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">Have you done any blog housecleaning of your own?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA26ib22-CBY0DHv6J9rQrnqz8fcWxg9fM7H9ZRWMZzE-FVnm8fy7LVRownV_nQ1LBcVgmWSHvVl7mWtlszHoVih2bCOjsPo9GylMe6Tj2zF3aLeArEI_TYcfTu9dBoDy1p4eL6g/s1600/Laugh+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA26ib22-CBY0DHv6J9rQrnqz8fcWxg9fM7H9ZRWMZzE-FVnm8fy7LVRownV_nQ1LBcVgmWSHvVl7mWtlszHoVih2bCOjsPo9GylMe6Tj2zF3aLeArEI_TYcfTu9dBoDy1p4eL6g/s320/Laugh+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-57407256546526801962016-02-01T00:05:00.000-08:002016-02-21T09:53:30.676-08:00To your health<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Current Read</span></u></b></div>
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<span id="goog_2090701062"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_2090701061"></a><br /></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.primalbody-primalmind.com/" target="_blank">Primal Body, Primal Mind<span id="goog_2090701063"></span></a></b> (1st reading)</div>
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Beyond the Paleo Diet </div>
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for Total Health</div>
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and a Longer Life</div>
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by</div>
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Nora T. Gedgaudas, CNS, CNT</div>
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Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/NoraGedgaudas" target="_blank">@NoraGedgaudas</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Finished Reading</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://thebigfatsurprise.com/" target="_blank"></a><br /></div>
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<b><a href="http://thebigfatsurprise.com/" target="_blank">The Big Fat Surprise</a></b> (read 7 times)</div>
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Why Butter, Meat & Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet</div>
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by</div>
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Nina Teicholz</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/bigfatsurprise" target="_blank">@bigfatsurprise</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.drperlmutter.com/about/grain-brain-by-david-perlmutter/" target="_blank"></a><br /></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.drperlmutter.com/about/grain-brain-by-david-perlmutter/" target="_blank">Grain Brain</a></b> (read 6 times) and <b><a href="http://www.drperlmutter.com/about/brain-maker-by-david-perlmutter-md/" target="_blank">Brain Maker</a></b> (read 2 times, 3 coming up)</div>
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by</div>
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Dr. David Perlmutter</div>
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Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/davidperlmutter" target="_blank">@DavidPerlmutter</a></div>
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You may be wondering why I read and re-read these books. Well, simply put they are worth it. The information in them isn't just a one-off pass for me. I read them several times so the information sinks in.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Let me start by saying this about me - I like using my brain</span>. I like thinking for myself. I like digesting information - fact based, well researched information. I then take the time to implement what I have learned and test the theories for myself.<br />
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Even before reading these excellent books I shied away from the propaganda which has veiled much of North America in a massive and sad health crisis since the early 1950's when Dr. Ancel Keys, with the support of the AHA (American Heart Association), hypothesized that <i>all fat caused coronary heart disease. </i>To date, this hypothesis remains unsubstantiated as Dr. Keys was unable to show conclusive proof for it.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">As my parents are from Austria eating animal fat, particularly butter, was part of my upbringing. My <span style="color: #cc0000;"></span>father forbid any form of margarine and refined oils in the house. Food was as unprocessed and unrefined as possible, with much of the protein that made it to our table coming from my father's hunting and fishing efforts. We had a large and abundant garden. My mother baked using only lard and butter - no Crisco or "fake" shortening ever made it into our kitchen.</span><br />
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Sadly, even with all this wonderful wisdom it was easy to get caught up in the hype of what was good for heart health. Even my dear mother succumbed to the ravages of diabetes because of bad advice from dieticians which were told to promote carbohydrates over protein and fat.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">If you suffer from any of the Western Diseases (also known as </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diseases_of_affluence" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Diseases of affluence</span></a><span style="color: #cc0000;">) such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and <span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span>depression than you really need to read the aforementioned books. NOW!</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><span style="color: red;"></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
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<b>I would recommend starting with The Big Fat Surprise.</b> You will be in for a rude awakening. Further, if you are an American you will be angry with your government for allowing this heart/diet hypothesis deception to continue. <br />
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<b>But... here's the clincher... sadly, we have only ourselves to blame. </b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">What ever happened to DUE DILIGENCE? </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">At what point are we responsible for our wellbeing and health related choices? </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">At what point did we stop questioning and become puppets, manipulated by the likes of Dr. Ancel Keys, the AHA, and even the government of the day into thinking they know what's best for us?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Take back your brain, and start using it<span style="color: #0b5394;">.</span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Of course, you might want to first start by feeding your brai<span style="color: red;"></span>n what it's been craving these past sixty years - FAT - saturated fat to be more specific.</span><br />
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Look for a follow up post on FAT... and its wonderful healing powers. Don't take my word for it though, eat some and see how your brain responds.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Written with your good health in mind.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Cheers, Jenny<span style="color: red;"></span></span><br />
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Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-77689080533170386782016-01-03T12:44:00.000-08:002016-01-03T13:17:25.901-08:00Turning a page into 2016<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Day 3 - What are you reading?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVZOWmM11NAVS2TQUKWuDct28PI-8saYm5puKLhlO7BwZAJWtzWQN8jBDn6533ILlMzzJLN_gFMApft-_vH8WQt8BNfgw3DM2I5WM20_maNIKHzBJMzRO1MVRtYd78vYiloxU7A/s1600/IMG_6734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVZOWmM11NAVS2TQUKWuDct28PI-8saYm5puKLhlO7BwZAJWtzWQN8jBDn6533ILlMzzJLN_gFMApft-_vH8WQt8BNfgw3DM2I5WM20_maNIKHzBJMzRO1MVRtYd78vYiloxU7A/s400/IMG_6734.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Books I'm listening to on <a href="https://app.overdrive.com/" target="_blank"><b>Overdrive</b></a>, on my iPhone:<br />
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- Something Blue, Emily Giffin <br />
- The Big Fat Surprise, Nina Teicholz (I've listened 5 times so far, so much great info)<br />
-The Brain Maker, David Perlmutter, MD (2nd time)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Books I've listened to since August 2015:</span><br />
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- Something Borrowed, Emily Giffin<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- Mean Streak, Sandra Brown</span><br />
- Baby Proof, Emily Giffin<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">- Heart of the Matter, Emily Giffin</span><br />
- Only Time Will Tell, Jeffrey Archer (Waiting for 2nd book, will read the series)<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand</span><br />
- The One & Only, Emily Giffin<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- A Cold and Lonely Place, Sara J. Henry</span><br />
- Can You Keep a Secret?, Sophie Kinsella<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- The Friday Night Knitting Club, Kate Jacobs</span><br />
- "A" is for Alibi, Sue Grafton (I won't read the rest, way too long winded.)<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- All the Agatha Raisin books, M. C. Beaton (They are fun, quick, witty)</span><br />
- Where'd You Go, Bernadette, Maria Semple (I really enjoyed this book - well written.)<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- All the Hamish MacBeth books, M. C. Beaton (Hamish is a great character, simple plots, easy read.)</span><br />
- The Pearl, John Steinbeck (My mom's favourite, so I had to read it. Loved it.)<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- By Stone, by Blade, by Fire, Kate Wilhelm </span><br />
- The Best Defense, Kate Wilhelm<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- The Undomestic Goddess, Sophie Kinsella</span><br />
- Death Qualified, Kate Wilhelm<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- The Prince of Silence, Kate Wilhelm</span><br />
- The Shadows, Jacqueline West<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- The Shopaholic Series, Sophie Kinsella (I never thought I'd like Chicklit, but Kinsella rocks it.)</span><br />
- Remember Me?, Sophie Kinsella<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- Twenties Girl, Sophie Kinsella</span><br />
- Open and Shut, David Rosenfelt<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- Play Dead, David Rosenfelt</span><br />
- New Tricks, David Rosenfelt<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- The Silent Sister, Diane Chamberlain </span><br />
- The Good Father, Diane Chamberlain<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- The Escape Artist, Diane Chamberlain</span><br />
- Dog Tags, David Rosenfelt<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- First Degree, David Rosenfelt</span><br />
- Don't Tell a Soul, David Rosenfelt<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- Down to the Wire, David Rosenfelt</span><br />
- The Deepest Water, Kate Wilhelm (I have really enjoyed Kate Wilhelm's books - suspense heavy.)<br />
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I like having a book on the go. I do "read" books as well, though lately I am reading technical manuals and have little time to pick up a book for leisure purposes.<br />
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Audiobooks are perfect for when I'm in my car, doing dishes, standing in line, winding down the evening, or when eye fatigue (from reading technical papers) takes over. I would never have ploughed my way through the above list of books in 4 1/2 months if I was turning a page - I'm a slow reader.<br />
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I recommend all the books I've listened to. I've taken some out of the library for my mom to read, she really enjoyed Kate Wilhelm's writing, along with Kate Jacob's book, The Friday Night Knitting Club.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Visit <a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/" target="_blank">Order Of Books</a>, this site is amazing.</span> It gives the order books were written in so you don't ever miss a book penned by your favourite author. It was helpful for reading M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin and Hamish MacBeth series in order, as well as many others.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">I'm giving a quick shout out to Maxine, from England.</span></span> We met while I was in a Microsoft store getting acquainted with my new Surface 3 computer. She has recommended a few titles which I am going to pass on. As she is a fan of M. C. Beaton (a good sign) I am looking forward to adding her suggestions to my "Must Read List".<br />
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- The New Rector, Rebecca Shaw<br />
- Murdoch Mysteries, Maureen Jennings<br />
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2016 is looking good in the reading department. I'm always open to a good recommendation, so, if you have a title/author you'd like to share, please leave it in the comment area.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>WHAT'S ON YOUR READING LIST? </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>PAST AND PRESENT - ANYTHING GOOD?</b></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-33533524733717799032015-12-20T16:21:00.000-08:002015-12-20T16:21:12.057-08:00Time does fly...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The end of 2015 is fast approaching, where has the time gone. (N<i>ot really a question.</i>)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvBGnAToNykFebce-GYkJSoII-6pPont8vF3XGvNqlZk0n16qW-pgMVmA16rJPrxkvXNFzwNvW517VQBdytYOU-a2516op6FWTOLcl56Acj-WiqnT2uZ7P5CHVkuQMS3O0Iq-iw/s1600/IMG_7238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvBGnAToNykFebce-GYkJSoII-6pPont8vF3XGvNqlZk0n16qW-pgMVmA16rJPrxkvXNFzwNvW517VQBdytYOU-a2516op6FWTOLcl56Acj-WiqnT2uZ7P5CHVkuQMS3O0Iq-iw/s320/IMG_7238.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If that's not your bent, then Happy Holidays.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been lying low on all fronts. In fact, other than this blog, I've closed shop on all other fronts except Twitter.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I tweet, it's short and sweet, so it's easy.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time is at a premium so I've had to pick and choose what gets my time, rambling here was shortlisted. (<i>It's brutal, but that's life.</i>)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The latter half of 2015 has been a whirlwind of activity bringing wonderful opportunities my way. Some exciting times await me in 2016 and for that I am doing a little happy dance.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On a side note, my bread baking has taken on a life of its own. I'm quite the little bread baker if I do say so myself. (<i>Still as modest as ever too.</i>)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay, that's all for now.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Except this.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's what keeps me smiling...</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPZFqCJYBF69PyJ3DHzuwRnQxqEE7GvME2yW6D6Xi3RLZw8zDkKxT8AT-2TM7MMCEWyoRg8LKkHhYRVtGQT-7Hv3dGCW7O3kpA1FFYWlUY0-Cm63Dh9aARez7zY4f6sT5I5DDTg/s1600/IMG_6988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPZFqCJYBF69PyJ3DHzuwRnQxqEE7GvME2yW6D6Xi3RLZw8zDkKxT8AT-2TM7MMCEWyoRg8LKkHhYRVtGQT-7Hv3dGCW7O3kpA1FFYWlUY0-Cm63Dh9aARez7zY4f6sT5I5DDTg/s320/IMG_6988.jpg" width="304" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">"I don't think she can see me."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-90JqyJ9JWFGFbsep1Ndd71SyNVp6sOT1rp7WCeAoK8-5-zfmfsJ9_WNrvEegPAOG8A4keq91HRKuJ8kBLNv9-pKo8E32Shqz3UGWx3skq5Ul6Eirh4UH4qcgw2B67yvB1ECNg/s1600/IMG_6989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-90JqyJ9JWFGFbsep1Ndd71SyNVp6sOT1rp7WCeAoK8-5-zfmfsJ9_WNrvEegPAOG8A4keq91HRKuJ8kBLNv9-pKo8E32Shqz3UGWx3skq5Ul6Eirh4UH4qcgw2B67yvB1ECNg/s320/IMG_6989.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">"Just a few minutes more, please."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6vheyFtiHu7sCvg_om5VVp6ENBj5gkGSj6c3Q4VNmFb88MJjUjNfpXzCuf_34zErr0KTXpjnCDKtnR9onMdrs0O31H0M6g5oeH5JowbnC5mfANzUzByW_vZj9oTvr-g9MEKDUA/s1600/IMG_6991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6vheyFtiHu7sCvg_om5VVp6ENBj5gkGSj6c3Q4VNmFb88MJjUjNfpXzCuf_34zErr0KTXpjnCDKtnR9onMdrs0O31H0M6g5oeH5JowbnC5mfANzUzByW_vZj9oTvr-g9MEKDUA/s320/IMG_6991.jpg" width="303" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">"Right after I stretch, I promise I'll go back to..."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1XS-zZT6z0Y4MXUqDZRjCI-1n5AhSdvsl19U0NGgGTSgXahBMLC_3dEH5_EKlU3Y-BkuSrg_jqKT0x1RG2oJFHVzWSN9eAXH1zdKo0il8iVvXYaeUUbkxAOFd6wONoxkmBisWQ/s1600/IMG_7081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1XS-zZT6z0Y4MXUqDZRjCI-1n5AhSdvsl19U0NGgGTSgXahBMLC_3dEH5_EKlU3Y-BkuSrg_jqKT0x1RG2oJFHVzWSN9eAXH1zdKo0il8iVvXYaeUUbkxAOFd6wONoxkmBisWQ/s320/IMG_7081.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">"... my own little beddy."</span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Little Miss Lucyfur is a small slice of heaven in my otherwise hellishly crazy existence. That's good hellish, in case you were wondering. She makes me laugh. I love watching her sleep, she's so peaceful.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And with that... I wish you all a peaceful exit out of 2015.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-46182739831017191812015-08-23T19:53:00.001-07:002015-08-23T19:53:40.665-07:00BAKING BREAD<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not just any old bread, but GRAIN FREE bread.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">I'm baking with COCONUT FLOUR. </span></h3>
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I discovered an awesome recipe for <a href="http://colorfuleatsnutrition.com/recipes/grain-and-nut-free-paleo-sandwich-bread" target="_blank">Grain and Nut Free Sandwich Bread</a> over at <a href="http://colorfuleatsnutrition.com/" target="_blank">Colorful Eats</a>, a wonderful blog by <a href="http://colorfuleatsnutrition.com/aboutme/" target="_blank">Caroline Potter, NTP</a>. (Nutritional Therapy Practitioner)</div>
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I found her while searching for grain free bread recipes. After experimenting with a few others, I found Caroline's recipe to be the best of the lot. Please visit <a href="http://colorfuleatsnutrition.com/" target="_blank">Colorful Eats</a> and check out Caroline's offerings. </div>
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As I mentioned in <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/08/summer-reading-continues.html" target="_blank">my last post</a>, I made Caroline's Grain Free Bread following her recipe to the tee - and it was fabulous. Light, fluffy, tasty and very much a "bread".</div>
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<h2>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">HOWEVER…</span></h2>
<div>
There was a rather lengthly process to making this bread which I then experimented with the next time I attempted it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To my surprise I discovered one could easily make this bread without a lot of separating, whipping, and worrying over the whole blend-it-all-together-correctly business.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Without further ado, here is my version of Caroline's amazing Grain Free Bread.</span></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oven: 350 F</div>
<div>
Time: 50 minutes (give or take 2)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Makes one loaf (about 8.5 x 4.5 size) Line the bottom with parchment paper. Don't line the wide sides, butter them. Let the parchment go up on the narrow ends. So the bread only actually touches the side parts. This makes it easy to remove.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<u>Ingredients</u>:</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6 eggs (Large or Med, doesn't seem to matter. The last loaf I used 3 of each)</div>
<div>
1/2 cup whole fat, plain yogurt (the fatter, the better)</div>
<div>
5 tbsp Butter (melted - do this at the start so it's not hot when using it)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1/2 cup coconut flour (Not necessary to sift it)</div>
<div>
1/4 cup psyllium husk powder (Easily found in Health Food stores)</div>
<div>
**<i>Measure these two ingredients, and put them together in a small bowl.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1 1/2 tsp baking soda</div>
<div>
1/4 tsp salt</div>
<div>
**<i>Measure these two ingredients into something small.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1 tbsp lemon juice</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<u>Instructions</u>:</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay… note I've sectioned these ingredients into 4 sections.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I like to prep all my ingredients first - like painting a room. It's the prep that takes a moment.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Beat the eggs till blended and airy. I used a hand mixer, about 30-40 sec on Low to break the yokes and then on High for a good minute and a half. This will look fluffy, airy, foamy - definitely well blended.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. Add the yogurt to the eggs - beat again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Add the melted butter to the egg mixture and beat again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4. Add the coconut flour and psyllium husk powder. Again with the beating. You will see the consistency starting to thicken. Take a moment to clean the sides of your bowl.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5. Add baking soda and salt - more beating, on med, then on high. Just to blend.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6. Now… add the lemon juice and give this whole mixture some love. Beat, gently on a lower speed, then work up to High. You will see the reaction of adding the lemon juice last - it fluffs up quite a bit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7. Pour into your loaf pan. Try not to press down on the ingredients too much. Be gentle. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There you have it. A grain free loaf of bread just waiting to be enjoyed.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOXG8Fihw7altr5_GZhC8oiwAgEZAiETdmkxT2L7S5H-1EPFNviRHfxnzdhqbpvu9wibmzF9R-yXeKEiaysqNkPdggnPzrsiuj1p1D6908js4rfJbqAqhoqlO0Or87zHdMpy0-w/s1600/IMG_6062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOXG8Fihw7altr5_GZhC8oiwAgEZAiETdmkxT2L7S5H-1EPFNviRHfxnzdhqbpvu9wibmzF9R-yXeKEiaysqNkPdggnPzrsiuj1p1D6908js4rfJbqAqhoqlO0Or87zHdMpy0-w/s400/IMG_6062.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">See how the parchment paper goes up at the end of the loaf.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj278PyF_VItcr6rn-Ad8BaK95erXwWDlmbAWWB0gL8RaPREMaycsmQBOF2zXBVknGHzCOji4vnDOb5RQvB1Xy0Nv3jgBUmqDj0Rd_jtfFRMLGMMH1Nz-a4lHeUm6Qd_aOcHjxJFA/s1600/IMG_6065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj278PyF_VItcr6rn-Ad8BaK95erXwWDlmbAWWB0gL8RaPREMaycsmQBOF2zXBVknGHzCOji4vnDOb5RQvB1Xy0Nv3jgBUmqDj0Rd_jtfFRMLGMMH1Nz-a4lHeUm6Qd_aOcHjxJFA/s400/IMG_6065.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fresh out of the oven - a few slices to tempt you.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_iTxMhJwKGXMqLHMsJww2TyOwu4gjGkZk_48i28qykAIfSqcb_8k8OS5yEzfSQJs-5f8wK6GDUatD_mnj1CptkfKbKeskJBPtloj8a1LEkXZz1meuEQijX1Mz9XVCLSBtnv9RQ/s1600/IMG_6064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_iTxMhJwKGXMqLHMsJww2TyOwu4gjGkZk_48i28qykAIfSqcb_8k8OS5yEzfSQJs-5f8wK6GDUatD_mnj1CptkfKbKeskJBPtloj8a1LEkXZz1meuEQijX1Mz9XVCLSBtnv9RQ/s400/IMG_6064.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I use my Breville Toaster Oven to bake my bread.<br />Works like a charm.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">SOME FOOTNOTES:</span></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was wondering what makes a bread rise when not using gluten, which is found in wheat. I found the answer on the website of <a href="http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/" target="_blank">Dr. William Davis</a>. He wrote this great article titled, <a href="http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2013/01/secrets-of-making-wheat-free-bread-rise/" target="_blank">Secrets of making wheat-free bread rise</a>, so if you're curious he will explain the chemical reaction needed to make bread rise.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With my adjustments to the recipe I found on Caroline's excellent site, which truly I'm grateful to have found, you will see I have added the lemon juice last. By doing so it seems to trigger the action of the baking soda, which in turn adds volume.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today, I made this loaf again… following the instructions above. The bread was amazing. It had a fluffy texture, yet it seems dense at the same time. But, most importantly, it's quick - and for me, that's gold.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I used apple cider vinegar, instead of the lemon juice, the baking soda taste was noticeable. Not with the lemon juice. I have also added 1 more tsp of lemon juice to my version.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Regarding the butter. Caroline's original recipe calls for 4 tbsp. I have chosen to add 1 more tbsp to my recipe. Not sure why, but it seems to give it a better flavour. You can play with this and see what works for you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">FINALLY, the beauty about recipes is they are meant to be tweaked and adjusted to meet our own personal tastes. I have done so and have really been happy with the outcome.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope you have a chance to make this for yourself - if you do, please share your results.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: x-large;">HAPPY BAKING.</span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you tweak recipes?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="color: #ff1213; font-family: Zapfino; font-size: 22px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-68010932726126243062015-08-19T11:54:00.001-07:002015-08-19T11:54:33.280-07:00SUMMER reading CONTINUES <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
If you read my <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/08/summer-reading-list-and-other-nonsense.html" target="_blank">last post</a> you will have gleaned the CAPS tell it like it is.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Therefore </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">SUMMER CONTINUES</span><span style="background-color: white;"> is the theme of today's post. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">It's HOT OUTSIDE.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">It's HOT INSIDE. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">But that's mostly because I'm BAKING up a storm. (yummy details below)</span><br />
<br />
WHILE I'M BAKING…<br />
<br />
I'm enjoying the writings of <a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/authors/kate-wilhelm/" target="_blank">KATE WILHELM</a>, and in particular, <a href="http://katewilhelm.com/bibliography/other-novels-and-collections/" target="_blank">The PRICE of SILENCE</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR3TjK8XpAGI6moypr-vb_4y0pHYTb9tiOtmBfL5BExPHcJ7Be3sAGYCLRftGHDvOOPyDsT0fhuqLirGao9HdVIWpWy6AHQeIdKcAbiLyzvFwj7bTKdxx3ndydf0kr3coMh0RRQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-19+at+10.41.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR3TjK8XpAGI6moypr-vb_4y0pHYTb9tiOtmBfL5BExPHcJ7Be3sAGYCLRftGHDvOOPyDsT0fhuqLirGao9HdVIWpWy6AHQeIdKcAbiLyzvFwj7bTKdxx3ndydf0kr3coMh0RRQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-08-19+at+10.41.42+AM.png" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Audiobook Cover</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tBMMlh8pmojl2QEFFgVV2IDjfuajrO-s9ykd8gz_wsnquNW71-Loke-7BckjX0am8QcUA2vvp4xCFZpjA6uH9N5V3oQDfBDpFmDvoOChurlhyphenhyphen2aXeOJ9QzVNvu5Q_Mw_OLSAdw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-19+at+10.45.51+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tBMMlh8pmojl2QEFFgVV2IDjfuajrO-s9ykd8gz_wsnquNW71-Loke-7BckjX0am8QcUA2vvp4xCFZpjA6uH9N5V3oQDfBDpFmDvoOChurlhyphenhyphen2aXeOJ9QzVNvu5Q_Mw_OLSAdw/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-08-19+at+10.45.51+AM.png" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Book Cover</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As per my recent readings, this is an audiobook, by <a href="http://www.blackstonelibrary.com/" target="_blank">Blackstone Audio</a>, narrated by Anna Fields. I'm very impressed with the range of voices Ms. Fields brings to this story.<br />
<br />
Out of 32 Chapters, I'm at the Chapter 7 mark and thoroughly gripped as the suspense builds. Click on this <a href="http://katewilhelm.com/bibliography/other-novels-and-collections/" target="_blank">LINK</a> if you're interested in reading the writeup by Booklist.<br />
<br />
The book that got me hooked on Kate Wilhelm's writing is called <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/278310.The_Deepest_Water" target="_blank">The Deepest Water</a> - now, that was a very good book. Again, I listened to it, but it can be had as a "real" book.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 20px; min-height: 31px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #7d4ba4; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">As my SUMMER CONTINUES I have been experimenting in my kitchen… </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: purple; font-size: large;">with GRAIN FREE baking.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><i>(I listen to my book while I bake - clever use of time, eh!)</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
I'm baking with COCONUT FLOUR and I must say - IT IS AMAZING - TASTES GREAT TOO.<br />
<br />
Here's the recipe for <a href="http://colorfuleatsnutrition.com/recipes/grain-and-nut-free-paleo-sandwich-bread" target="_blank">GRAIN AND NUT FREE BREAD</a> that I have be using.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">STOP RIGHT THERE - BEFORE YOU CLICK THE LINK… </span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">READ THIS…</span><br />
<br />
I tried this recipe as outlined - lots of steps - but it turned out fantastic.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">The second time</span>, I was rushed for time, and DID NOT whip the egg whites. Instead I beat (with electric hand beater) the eggs, white and yoke, as one.<br />
I then added all the ingredients, EXCEPT the psyllium husk powder and apple cider vinegar, and again beat the mixture on high for about a minute.<br />
I added the psyllium and apple cider vinegar last and beat again.<br />
Tossed it all in my glass loaf pan, lined on the bottom with parchment paper and baked it.<br />
<br />
IT WAS WICKEDLY AWESOME AND EVEN FLUFFIER THAN THE FIRST. (<i>I shared this info with the author of the recipe in her comment area.</i>)<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Since then I've made about six loaves my way - they've all turned out perfect. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Today, I played around and added 1 extra tbsp. butter, and 1 extra 1/2 tsp of lemon juice. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Oh, today, but the way, was the first time I tried the lemon juice instead of the cider vinegar. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">LOVED IT!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgFDntu0mQMnKWhFltmgwqwzdJeEuU7I5lhyphenhyphenB8onDCM0b-ZccBia7Z8Z2cKQ7318dUdrE-SwtPiPwenHINdZmaFTPCFs-f6AGTz_MW__LNCLkGigHpiJYuDd65ScymZo-apbNPw/s1600/IMG_5810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgFDntu0mQMnKWhFltmgwqwzdJeEuU7I5lhyphenhyphenB8onDCM0b-ZccBia7Z8Z2cKQ7318dUdrE-SwtPiPwenHINdZmaFTPCFs-f6AGTz_MW__LNCLkGigHpiJYuDd65ScymZo-apbNPw/s320/IMG_5810.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">BEFORE BAKING </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQG8Aol2oJQlkrErKqJsu7LaLT2WmJENPcUCMKklNdrztrPnlrEIzDApt41msqTj-1w3HutO0AzMafihWpmT3BV766X32YYczai35USIxRhmS39kz8yswfZ_3bWYWUih9fCX6U-g/s1600/IMG_5811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQG8Aol2oJQlkrErKqJsu7LaLT2WmJENPcUCMKklNdrztrPnlrEIzDApt41msqTj-1w3HutO0AzMafihWpmT3BV766X32YYczai35USIxRhmS39kz8yswfZ_3bWYWUih9fCX6U-g/s320/IMG_5811.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">AFTER BAKING - yummy.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So… there you have it. A great recipe for a <a href="http://colorfuleatsnutrition.com/recipes/grain-and-nut-free-paleo-sandwich-bread" target="_blank">GRAIN AND NUT FREE BREAD</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">What have you been doing as this SUMMER CONTINUES?</span><br />
<br />
BAKING or READING… or BOTH?<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Or SOMETHING ELSE - say FISHING perhaps? </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #ff1213; font-family: Zapfino; font-size: 22px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny</span></div>
<div style="color: #ff1213;">
<br /></div>
Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-67019805510747704032015-08-12T22:11:00.000-07:002015-08-13T12:38:25.457-07:00Summer READING list, and other NONSENSE...Have you ever noticed the words I put in capitals are actually the REAL title?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So this post is really about READING NONSENSE.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://app.overdrive.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70KbhdW3H-ZJ9kF0jlLe3acwEedCkEtibHsV5BTxB-e02HVvYq_zexIN7EtQ2Q06VkgbjLsTRZqMojMcMLy2MNehq7ldzWB4GFMvYyd-olAVYONb1ZHGL3hhxl6ZCtzVcc2B8xw/s400/overdrive+s%253As.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
Back in May I installed a FREE app to my phone called <a href="http://help.overdrive.com/#videos" target="_blank">OVERDRIVE</a> - it's free, so that was a huge incentive. I installed it, followed the onscreen instructions, then ADDED my local library to its My Libraries List.<br />
<br />
<i>This app is available for iOS, Android, Laptops, iPods, etc. Here's their <a href="http://help.overdrive.com/" target="_blank">HELP</a> page, which explains everything you might have questions about.</i><br />
<br />
Then, I logged into my local library and started selecting books to listen to, which I download directly to my phone. I do this over my Wi-Fi so as not to use my phone's data plan.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">Oh… did I mention OVERDRIVE is great for audiobooks? </span><br />
<br />
<br />
Having someone read to me is way more interesting, and a better use of my time, than being spoon fed the drivel that's on the telly, or radio, these days. (News and music are included in this statement.)<br />
<br />
Since mid May, when I installed <a href="http://help.overdrive.com/#videos" target="_blank">OVERDRIVE</a>, I have listened to 32 books.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">You read that right! I have listened to 32 books, and counting.</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
Before using <a href="http://app.overdrive.com/" target="_blank">OVERDRIVE</a>, I would go to my local library and take out CD books and play them in my car. That was great, but rather annoying when a disk needed to be changed. Also, it was less convenient once I got home and headed in the house as I couldn't be bothered to take the CDs in with me.<br />
<br />
NOW, things are different. Other than when I'm showering, or working on my book, I am plugged into a story, and really great stories at that, whether I'm at home, or on the road.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">WHAT ARE YOU READING? I HEAR YOU ASKING.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<i>**FYI: all the links are active and will take you to a site called <a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/" target="_blank">Order of Books</a> which will give you info on the author and the books they've written. I find this helpful when looking for books in a series. </i><i>You can add an author of your choice in the search bar as well.</i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Let me start by pointing out a few things about how I read first.</span></span><br />
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1. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">I still pick up books, the real thing, with pages and all.</span> My current read is: <b>The Light of Day, </b>by <a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/authors/eric-ambler/" target="_blank">Eric Ambler</a>. I'm halfway through it. It's good. I highly recommend it.<br />
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2. When I'm not in the mood for turning pages, I have several books on my Kindle. I'm still making my way through <b><a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/characters/game-of-thrones/" target="_blank">The Game of Thrones</a></b> - just rounding the bend and heading for home on Book 4.<br />
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I have <b>Open Season for Murder</b> (A Mac Faraday Mystery) by <b><a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/authors/lauren-carr/" target="_blank">Lauren Carr</a></b>. Her writing is light, but full of punch. Unlike the drag-it-out-for-way-longer-than-necessary approach of George R. R. Martin's work, Carr's writing is sharp, and to the point. Only available in e-book form so hence reading it on my Kindle.<br />
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I read about two "real" books, and several e-books per month. Of which, I've read several books from some of you out there! Yes, YOU!<br />
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With the addition of audiobooks it is amazing how many more books I get to which might otherwise never make it to the list of "hold and read" books.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">WHY IS THE <a href="http://help.overdrive.com/customer/portal/articles/1481729-getting-started-with-overdrive" target="_blank">OVERDRIVE</a> AUDIOBOOK OPTION WORTH LOOKING INTO?</span><br />
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If you're on the road, to and from work/school, to the gym and back, grocery shopping, or any of the million other reasons we find ourselves in our cars, or on the bus, this OVERDRIVE app is for you. It is way more entertaining than listening to the car radio, that's for sure. Ask <b><a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/authors/stephen-king/" target="_blank">Stephen King</a>, </b>it's because of him I'm doing this. He recommended it in his book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">Some recommendations:</span> (If I could be so bold… me, bold, no...)<br />
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b><a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/authors/david-rosenfelt/" target="_blank">David Rosenfelt</a></b> - writes the <b>Andy Carpenter Series</b>. The reader of these audiobooks is amazing, and the stories are really plausible, they make you think too. I love whodunits… and these are definitely good. The Andy Carpenter Series has 13 books - I've read 5 so far, and enjoyed each one. David also writes stand alone books, of which <b>Don't Tell a Soul</b>, and <b>Down to the Wire</b> are brilliant.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">I just finished <b>The Deepest Water</b>, by <b><a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/authors/kate-wilhelm/" target="_blank">Kate Wilhelm</a></b>, and have already put Holds on several of her other works. She's worth checking out. In fact, this was such a gripping story that I listened until 3am last night - yup, I sacrificed my beauty sleep for this book and it was worth the one new wrinkle I acquired. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><b><a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/authors/diane-chamberlain/" target="_blank">Diane Chamberlain</a>, </b>who wrote <b>The Escape Artist</b>, <b>The Good Father</b> and <b>The Silent Sister</b>, which I read one after the other as I was so captivated by her writing, is another "good" read. The person reading her stories is talented with voices, easy to listen to and understand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Which brings me to one thing about audiobooks… the voice of the reader.</span> You either like it, or you don't. These, that I'm recommending, have been quite good, easy to understand, and some, like those that are part of a series, where the same voice reads them all, really get you into the story's character(s).<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">I'm a fan of <b><a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/authors/mc-beaton/" target="_blank">M. C. Beaton</a></b>'s books - the <b><a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/characters/agatha-raisin/" target="_blank">Agatha Raisin Series</a></b>, and the <b><a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/characters/hamish-macbeth/" target="_blank">Hamish MacBeth Series</a></b>. For the most part it's the same reader for each of these series and they are both bloody good. It took me a moment or two to acclimatize to the Scottish accent in the Hamish MacBeth stories, but once I got it I was off and running. (Yes, you can listen while on your treadmill too - just sayin'.)</span><br />
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In the Agatha Raisin Series there are about 26 books, I've listened to 17 so far. The Hamish MacBeth Series has about 31, I've only read 7, but that's because I only found out about them recently. :)<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">I never thought of myself as a chick lit reader - but <b><a href="http://www.orderofbooks.com/authors/sophie-kinsella/" target="_blank">Sophie Kinsella</a></b> rocks this category with her Shopaholic Series. Her stand alone selections are funny and witty, but have an element of reality laced within the story. I've really enjoyed her storytelling talents.</span><br />
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There you have it… what I do with time that would otherwise be wasted - I fill it with some pretty impressive storytelling.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">HOW ABOUT YOU - DO YOU LISTEN TO AUDIOBOOKS?</span><br />
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If so, when, where, what, and who? <i>The how part I think I can figure out on my own!</i><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny</span></div>
<br />Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-10336329516161790962015-05-25T09:03:00.002-07:002015-05-25T09:03:26.241-07:00The BIRTH of a STONE… pics and gory details too.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">Well, it happened.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This morning, Monday May 25th, at precisely 7 am, I passed Wilbert, my adorable baby kidney stone.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">He’s a tad angular, not at all soft and cuddly, but then, what can I expect from a stone head! LOL</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Here… take a look for yourself. He’s a full 5mm in length too. (About 1/6")</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj867s7288uqE13UlssFIhn9tECq6HMELXr6jQAVxSj_h7K7amOien6mcAH7zZWaCveJ4yOgIuI4XpPDkHeUpahBMftvFjEs1xJg6aXA5jsKl9_JhfDwP2AjSCZkv95-v-nnSIDLg/s1600/Stone+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj867s7288uqE13UlssFIhn9tECq6HMELXr6jQAVxSj_h7K7amOien6mcAH7zZWaCveJ4yOgIuI4XpPDkHeUpahBMftvFjEs1xJg6aXA5jsKl9_JhfDwP2AjSCZkv95-v-nnSIDLg/s320/Stone+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqo9eCf_NK911-S2nzASfta-f3_ERH1AOC7zgsthG8GLXLRBmBGYtP4PrcnpKCytPmaSMId99YwINyVOOoAd_NaHz5hh5dHW_iSsK2n9dnZHiQ02IWRdh9UM4Ozp-UwznNd1LrA/s1600/Stone+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqo9eCf_NK911-S2nzASfta-f3_ERH1AOC7zgsthG8GLXLRBmBGYtP4PrcnpKCytPmaSMId99YwINyVOOoAd_NaHz5hh5dHW_iSsK2n9dnZHiQ02IWRdh9UM4Ozp-UwznNd1LrA/s320/Stone+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Not really sure what to expect on this "passing" occasion, as I’ve never actually gone through labour (C-section girl myself), I was told all kinds of horror stories about the pain.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Well, I felt nothing this morning, other than the general discomfort I have been dealing with these last seven days.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Initially, when I went to hospital, eleven days ago, my pain was out-of-this-world torture. For those that don’t know me well my pain tolerance is incredibly high.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For me to need Tylenol 3’s says something. Oh, at the hospital they wanted to give me a shot of morphine, but hey, I declined, I’m enough of a space cadet without help! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The T3’s controlled the pain well enough. I only took them for the first three days, when the pain was at its worst.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I was on Flomax (given to men with prostate issues) to make the Urethra relax as the stone travels down it. I think it helped (a lot) as I felt minimal discomfort these past seven days. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Here’s a picture of what it all looks like… </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/multimedia/kidney-stones/img-20005738" target="_blank">Source - Mayo Clinic</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I find the Mayo Clinic site to be very useful! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I wouldn’t have known I passed the stone if I wasn’t peeing into a sieve, in a little catch basin. Oh yes, I’m not holding back on the gory bits! These I consider gory! LOL </span></div>
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<span style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I guess I had expected something more painful to happen on delivery - well, it didn't (YAY) and I'm grateful too. This kind of pain is no picnic, I can tell you that.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">See… the birthing gods get even with those of us that had it easy in labour! Yup, there's no cheating the system when it comes to suffering. We all get our share! (Damn!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This afternoon I'll head off to the lab to have Wilbert analysed. Hopefully the results will tell me something about my kidney stone. What kind it is, what I need to do to prevent more, that sort of stuff. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Okay… this saga is officially over… I hope!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; letter-spacing: 0px;">HUGE THANK YOUs to everyone who dropped in and wished me well. Surprisingly enough, well wishes do work!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">The almighty question - HOW’S LIFE BEEN TREATING YOU? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Really - I want to know! Has it been as exciting as mine?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-26844646170338174932015-05-10T20:52:00.000-07:002015-05-10T21:05:54.788-07:00Better NEVER than LATE - my A to Z REFLECTIONS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Well, I outdid myself with my tardiness - epic late. But, it could not be helped. (<i>FYI - I am the last one on the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/2015/05/2015-to-z-blogging-challenge-reflections.html" target="_blank">Linky List</a> - now, isn't that just appropriate!</i>)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">Here are my thoughts about the 2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My buddy,<a href="http://bushmansworld.blogspot.ca/2015/05/a-to-z-reflection.html" target="_blank"> Bushman</a>, summed up his feelings (the not so happy feelings) in his reflections post. He speaks for me with what he says so I’m not going to regurgitate it all again here.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Point is… I share his feelings.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I struggled with what I wanted to say and almost decided on giving the Reflection Post a miss.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">BUT… here I am.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So...</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In a nutshell I had fun participating in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">Blogging from A to Z Challenge</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I met some really cool new bloggers, they can be found over there to the right in the <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">BLOGS OF NOTE - NEW ADDITIONS</span> list. If you made it on this list you know I’m staying in touch.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If you’re a longtime regular, you’re probably on my <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">BLOGS OF NOTE - THE ORIGINALS</span> list. I read you, I enjoy you, and I thank you! You are the reason I blog as much as I do. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Without my posse (<a href="http://alpenwasser.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Al</a>, <a href="http://ruth-welcometome.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Ruth</a>, <a href="http://bushmansworld.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Bushman</a>) this year would have been harder. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I twittered up a storm, and met some awesome folks out there too. Amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; letter-spacing: 0px;">Now… I wanted to end this by telling you all that over the next little while I’m going to be knee deep in the final stages of getting a book ready for press.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">Yes… it’s true.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Part of the struggle for me this year, with the Challenge, was doing double duty. I can safely say I’m burned out, but in a good way.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I’ll be filling you in on all the gory details in the weeks to come.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Until then, thanks for making my April go by so fast.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Okay… a question… because I know a question makes you think.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">What do you think my book is about?</span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> </span> (</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>hahahaha - hint… not about me!</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">A special shout out to </span><a href="https://twitter.com/ArleeBird" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">Arlee Bird</span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">, from </span><a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">Tossing It Out</span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">. He’s the Founder and Creator of the </span><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">April Blogging from A to Z Challenge</span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">, As well as being a blogging friend, he is a great motivator and an inspiring leader. Thanks Lee - you rock!</span></div>
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Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-28211837990278513992015-05-03T00:32:00.000-07:002015-05-03T00:32:12.098-07:00DING DONG - the WITCH is dead - well, sleeping anyway!<div style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Looks like Monday, May 4th is the big reveal…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">well, okay, not big reveal, but it will be the day of </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">MY BIG REFLECTION POST.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is when those of us that slogged our way through April, working into the wee hours of the night, (</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><a href="http://ruth-welcometome.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">right Ruth</a></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">), on our last minute, awesomely excellent posts, will be sharing with you exactly why it was all worth it. (</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Hmmm, why was that again, <a href="http://ruth-welcometome.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">hey Ruth</a>… any thoughts!</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>For those needing a wee bit more info about how this Reflection Post business works, it’s like this…</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">On May 4th there will by a Linky List over at <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">Blogging from A to Z Challenge</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">You will <b>FIRST</b> write your reflection post, and publish it. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Then, and only then, you will copy the link to that post</span> and add it to the Linky List. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You will be able to add your Reflection Post to the Linky List any time from May 4th to May 8th. So DO NOT PANIC if you don’t have it ready tomorrow. (</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>This part really benefits me… chances are I’m going to be fashionably late to my own party!</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; letter-spacing: 0px;">This bit is cool… the Linky List, with the Reflection Posts will be up all year long. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Which means you have loads of time to make your way through the list. I’ve always enjoyed visiting those on the Reflection List - it’s a great way to meet other A to Z Survivors. (</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Makes me feel like I got a seat on one of those few Titanic Lifeboats!</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Okay… that’s all folks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">In keeping with tradition… here’s the question </span>(</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Because I know you would be terribly disappointed if I didn’t have one for you - admit it!</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">What will you be doing now that the A to Z Challenge is over?</span> </span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">(</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Besides break open a bottle and order in a pizza.</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Just wondering… (</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>You could always head over to <a href="http://jennypearson.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Write Brain Challenge</a> if you're short of reading material - just sayin’.</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-69526483254885750482015-04-30T00:01:00.000-07:002016-02-15T10:50:54.408-08:00Z is for ZEBRA, ZULU, ZELDA - and a MESSAGE for you.<div style="color: #7d4ba4; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Welcome to Pearson Report.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I am participating in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">2015 A to Z Challenge</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yes, I will be adhering to my <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/03/themes-and-wardrobes-and-mermaids-too.html"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">THEME</span></a> Calendar.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Do you see what happens when you <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/04/y-is-for-y-not-talk-back-and-see-what.html" target="_blank">TALK BACK</a> - you don’t even get a reply to your lovely comments! Damn… I fell in the gutter and I’ve been lying here, on my back, looking at the stars. (</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>That are circling my head - I must have <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/04/t-is-or-trip-tough-call-but-i-have.html" target="_blank">tripped</a> or something!</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">OKAY… HERE WE GO… </span>(</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>for the last time… boo hoo</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Today’s grand finale post will be about <b>the meaning of life</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0px;">ZEBRA ZULU ZELDA</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; letter-spacing: 0px;">What do they have in common?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">They are all part of the alphabet.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">ZEBRA<span style="color: #232323;"> comes from the Military Alphabet before 1956.</span></span><span style="color: #232323;"> Click, or zoom in on it.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3Z4ub92pQJWhc1zYT9N2y0J7F3XHoWp7QCCduUHz3jUD1yqYZ1IdUeqZ0ZCkUk9Ci5EFqfQ1pIwLLlLc1B0WPthsJTjcwRdm-jo6TON6YanL25nIngI3bMktmGFKEUvjYlr-yw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-29+at+11.01.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3Z4ub92pQJWhc1zYT9N2y0J7F3XHoWp7QCCduUHz3jUD1yqYZ1IdUeqZ0ZCkUk9Ci5EFqfQ1pIwLLlLc1B0WPthsJTjcwRdm-jo6TON6YanL25nIngI3bMktmGFKEUvjYlr-yw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-29+at+11.01.58+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://blog.privatefly.com/history-of-the-nato-phonetic-alphabet" target="_blank">Source</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">ZULU</span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #232323;"> comes from the Nato Phonetic Alphabet,</span><span style="color: #232323;"> after 1956, and is used pretty much world wide. Click, or zoom in on it.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-9fmJkiVrRDyzl0nrDJv2Gt2ZvwJ56os-NGZmsvkCidvl4vtPLDWTH7BomqElStOrxq-twQf1xtz_7p1FhuQ-ojUhCgpOkn3U_ViMwaz6Z_BcI9gVkmd62VEtmq-lzVrSGoWqg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-29+at+11.13.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-9fmJkiVrRDyzl0nrDJv2Gt2ZvwJ56os-NGZmsvkCidvl4vtPLDWTH7BomqElStOrxq-twQf1xtz_7p1FhuQ-ojUhCgpOkn3U_ViMwaz6Z_BcI9gVkmd62VEtmq-lzVrSGoWqg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-29+at+11.13.07+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.alphabravocharlie.info/alphabet.php" target="_blank">Source</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">ZELDA<span style="color: #232323;"> comes from Early World of Learning.</span></span><span style="color: #232323;"> It was their Animal Pals Alphabet and t</span></span><span style="color: #232323; letter-spacing: 0px;">he one I used to teach Miss CP her ABC’s. </span><span style="color: #232323; letter-spacing: 0px;">I have never forgotten them.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Annie Alligator</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Barry Bear </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Carol Cat</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Danny Dog</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Emily Elephant</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Fernando Firefly</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Gary Goose</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Holly Horse</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Isabel Iguana</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Jerry Jaguar</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Karen Kangaroo</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Lester Lion</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Mickey Moose</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Nancy Nightingale</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Oliver Ostrich</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Penelope Pig</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Quentin Quail</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Rosie Racoon</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sally Snake</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Tina Turtle</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Underwood Umbrella Bird </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Vicki Vulture</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Willy Wolf</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">oXford oX</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yolanda Yak</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Zelda Zebra</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">See… once you learn your ABC’s you're set for life. (</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Or not, depends on which alphabet you were taught.</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">So… I have a message for you, using the Nato Alphabet!</span> (</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>But my Animal Pals Alphabet would work too. HINT - JUST READ THE FIRST LETTER! HAHAHAHAHA)</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">India - Hotel Alpha Delta - Alpha - Bravo Lima Alpha Sierra Tango!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">India - Hotel Oscar Papa Echo - Yankee Oscar Uniform - Delta India Delta - Tango Oscar Oscar!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">NOW</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 14px;">…</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #232323;">I know you’re wondering what </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #232323;">the meaning of life</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #232323;"> has to do with all this - well, that brings me to </span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">my last question…</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">You have one hour to live, you can make one phone call, who would you call, and what would you say?</span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> (</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>It sounds easy upon first reading, but then… it becomes impossible. I wonder if anyone will attempt to answer!</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A special shout out to <a href="https://twitter.com/ArleeBird"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">Arlee Bird</span></a>, from <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">Tossing It Out</span></a>. He’s the Founder and Creator of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">April Blogging from A to Z Challenge</span></a>, As well as being a blogging friend, he is a great motivator and an inspiring leader. Thanks Lee - you rock! </span></div>
Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-51423826369047193212015-04-29T00:01:00.000-07:002015-04-29T00:01:00.797-07:00Y is for Y NOT - TALK BACK and see what happens!<div style="color: #7d4ba4; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Welcome to Pearson Report.</span></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I am participating in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">2015 A to Z Challenge</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yes, I will be adhering to my <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/03/themes-and-wardrobes-and-mermaids-too.html"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">THEME</span></a> Calendar.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Woman alive </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">(</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Man alive is sleeping off a late night… leaving it to Woman to step up to the plate</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">),</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> didn’t you just love all the Triple X action we had here - from a simple little Tic Tac Toe </span><a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/04/x-is-for-xxx-youve-waited-and-now-youll.html" style="letter-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">XXX shake down</a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> to some serious heart racing XXX action with Vin Diesel. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I loved the variety of comments that went along with it, particularly those extra X’s and O’s sent my way. (</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>nudge, nudge, wink, wink</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">) LOL</span></div>
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And <a href="http://createdbybb.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Birgit, over at BB Creations</a> takes home the XXX prize with her Mae West quote - now that was one sexy babe, eh!</div>
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Here's <a href="http://createdbybb.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Birgit's</a> comment, in case you missed it. Click or zoom in on it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjr8X1fdk9BhVlhBc1vgpMbnkOvqgTKZcYiH89tQbbSUyKHzOmy7SqTCXiwIj437tuDunWu0N5GgPijWfxl2RfoLSsuu94PWPSIZEbSBxPrJoEl0HqwGImJYXZ_dJkV6eDpoia7A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-28+at+9.58.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjr8X1fdk9BhVlhBc1vgpMbnkOvqgTKZcYiH89tQbbSUyKHzOmy7SqTCXiwIj437tuDunWu0N5GgPijWfxl2RfoLSsuu94PWPSIZEbSBxPrJoEl0HqwGImJYXZ_dJkV6eDpoia7A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-28+at+9.58.14+PM.png" height="107" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">OKAY… HERE WE GO…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Today’s post is a tribute to those that TALK BACK!</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Xqc-jN6XFbY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xqc-jN6XFbY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">How about you… </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Do you TALK BACK when you’ve got something on your mind?</span> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Or do you bite your tongue?</span> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A special shout out to <a href="https://twitter.com/ArleeBird"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">Arlee Bird</span></a>, from <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">Tossing It Out</span></a>. He’s the Founder and Creator of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">April Blogging from A to Z Challenge</span></a>, As well as being a blogging friend, he is a great motivator and an inspiring leader. Thanks Lee - you rock! </span></div>
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Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-41500306317481743232015-04-28T01:35:00.002-07:002015-04-28T10:19:46.428-07:00X is for XXX - you've waited and now you'll see...<div style="color: #7d4ba4; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Welcome to Pearson Report.</span></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I am participating in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">2015 A to Z Challenge</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yes, I will be adhering to my <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/03/themes-and-wardrobes-and-mermaids-too.html"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">THEME</span></a> Calendar.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Well my sweet lovelies… the end is nigh. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I wrote <a href="http://jennypearson.blogspot.ca/2015/04/117-few-more-minutes.html" target="_blank">a chilling piece</a>, over at <a href="http://jennypearson.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Write Brain Challenge</a>. Seems my mindset was already in the 'nigh' department. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">If you have time, check it out! If not, no worries - it’s all good!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In light of yesterday’s post featuring my thoughts, and your awesome comments, on <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/04/w-is-for-well-what-do-you-want-more.html" target="_blank">WRITING</a> I figured you could all use a little racy XXX action.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, on with the show.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">OKAY… HERE WE GO…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Today I am going to show you what “<b>three strikes and your out</b>” means to me.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Created by yours truly - attractive and talented!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Well, what were you expecting? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Some sexy, erotic, pole dancer, gee, give a working girl a break. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It’s late, this just came to me as I was scratching my nose, fondling the wart which recently sprouted at its tip. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Then another great idea for my X post just jumped out from behind my humped back and hit me on the rounded side of my caved in head.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">The </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">real</span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> thing that fires up my depraved mind when thinking of XXX is Vin Diesel. </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">I have a </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">copy</span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> of him in XXX, the movie, which I've watched a </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">million</span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> times! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">Here’s a little peek… XXX at its best.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span>Vin has his own meaning for "three strikes and your out" in this action packed, sexy movie.</div>
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My favourite part in this movie is when Vin (Xander Cage) says, "The things I'm gonna do for my country" as he whips off his uber tight t-shirt on route to his private pole dancer who's more than happy to help raise his flag! LOL</div>
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Man… now that's triple X action. </div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Well, what does XXX conjure up in your mind?</span> </span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">(</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Oh… this should be so good!</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A special shout out to <a href="https://twitter.com/ArleeBird"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">Arlee Bird</span></a>, from <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">Tossing It Out</span></a>. He’s the Founder and Creator of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">April Blogging from A to Z Challenge</span></a>, As well as being a blogging friend, he is a great motivator and an inspiring leader. Thanks Lee - you rock! </span></div>
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Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-26882201071464646562015-04-27T00:08:00.002-07:002015-04-27T10:57:01.331-07:00W is for WELL, WHAT DO YOU WANT? …More?<div style="color: #7d4ba4; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Welcome to Pearson Report.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I am participating in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">2015 A to Z Challenge</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yes, I will be adhering to my <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/03/themes-and-wardrobes-and-mermaids-too.html"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">THEME</span></a> Calendar.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/04/v-is-for-vell-vat-do-you-vant-go-ahead.html" target="_blank">Vell…</a> I laughed and realized we all have funny stories when it comes to our parents and their wisdom in selecting “the perfect” name for their little darlings. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My dear pal <a href="http://carolereidartist.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Carole Reid</a> gets the prize for a near miss - though I do think Queenie is rather… hmmm… regal! Yeah, that’s it, regal! LOL (</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>I wonder if anyone, in her inner circle, calls Queen Elizabeth, Queenie… just wonderin’.</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Here’s <a href="http://carolereidartist.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Carole’s</a> comment, just in case you missed it! </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">(</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Click or Zoom in</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">OKAY… HERE WE GO…</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Today, I’m going to shed some light on WRITING. (</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Odd isn’t it, this word begins with W… hmm… wonder what that’s all about?</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">YOU HAVE TO DO IT YOURSELF</span> - the writing that is!</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Having an ideal reader</span> (</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>that’s Stephen King’s term and I like it, so I’m using it, so there</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">) is very helpful. (</span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>In my case, I have an Ideal Listener.</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">) What’s an ideal reader/listener? - someone who doesn’t bullshit you about what you’ve written. If it sucks, they let you know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">It pays to hire professionals.</span> (</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Don’t rely on the goodwill of talented friends, it’s not nice!</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Do not bore your friends with your writing ambitions</span>. They won’t take you serious until your first book is published. That’s a fact! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Jump in with both feet.</span> Then, you might actually land and stay upright. I teeter and I totter but I’m still standing. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>But </b></span><b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">the most important thing I learned along the way….</b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">There are no short cuts.</span> Daily word count equals book. You must write daily. If you don’t, well, do the math. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #232323; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Well, what do you want?</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> More</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">…</span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> okay, this post is a teaser! How's that!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Are you working toward a goal - writing or otherwise?</span> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A special shout out to <a href="https://twitter.com/ArleeBird"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">Arlee Bird</span></a>, from <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">Tossing It Out</span></a>. He’s the Founder and Creator of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">April Blogging from A to Z Challenge</span></a>, As well as being a blogging friend, he is a great motivator and an inspiring leader. Thanks Lee - you rock! </span></div>
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Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9889100.post-56276578059251797062015-04-25T00:27:00.000-07:002015-04-25T00:35:02.242-07:00V is for VELL, VAT DO YOU VANT? Go ahead, ask Mutti!<div style="color: #7d4ba4; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Welcome to Pearson Report.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I am participating in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">2015 A to Z Challenge</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yes, I will be adhering to my <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/03/themes-and-wardrobes-and-mermaids-too.html"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">THEME</span></a> Calendar.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Alrighty - seems many of you are brave little rain warriors - dashing through the watery shards with your short cropped hair, laughing in the face of Mother Nature.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">While I, and my trusty <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.ca/2015/04/u-is-for-my-umbrella-so-cute.html" target="_blank">UMBRELLA</a>, leisurely stroll about enjoying that same rainy day! Thanks for dropping in and sharing your umbrella stories - I think some of you need to do an umbrella post, I’d love to see those brollies in action.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">OKAY… HERE WE GO…</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; letter-spacing: 0px;">Today, I wish to share my heritage with you.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I’m the offspring of two Austrians. Mutti and Vati (V said like F)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Mutti dearest still has an accent while Vati does not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">I do the most incredible Mutti imitation known to mankind. (</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Which actually freaks me out, I’m worried it might get stuck, then what?</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In fact, when I used to do standup comedy I did a whole bit on being raised by Mutti.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Now… I can’t do any of it justice here, because you can’t hear me.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">However… </span></div>
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<span style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">This might paint the picture perfectly.</span> (<i>This is about a 3 minute read - if you need to be on your way, no problem, come back when you've got a coffee in hand and have a laugh on me, and Mutti</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>…</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i> she doesn't mind.</i>)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakdkKgTU9yqkAt2HRHtwxyZytL3CXqIOjCpeHhJJX7j0nsmSKtlGbtKiEZ_hPsXU_gPamNWSKEgIqr1CCP8tweVIy9DAdqkrIbV4i7r3dEHUWF2LOVzA4sddIWvFWY7Zw1BkvVg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-11+at+12.44.48+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakdkKgTU9yqkAt2HRHtwxyZytL3CXqIOjCpeHhJJX7j0nsmSKtlGbtKiEZ_hPsXU_gPamNWSKEgIqr1CCP8tweVIy9DAdqkrIbV4i7r3dEHUWF2LOVzA4sddIWvFWY7Zw1BkvVg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-11+at+12.44.48+AM.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the dark ages it was the wish of every father-to-be that at least one of his children be a male to carry on the family name along with the family business.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Not much has changed - a man still wants a son. (even if he won’t admit it publicly because the missus would tear a strip off him) Some things never change.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I’m the second of four kids - girl, girl, boy, boy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Okay, the first child can be a girl - after all every dad secretly wants a little princess too.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">But...all bets are off when it comes to kid number two - if number one was a girl, number two better be a boy or else.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Here’s the or else.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, I’m the second girl… my poor mom was under tremendous pressure to produce the heir apparent - but apparently failed at such a simple task - what was she thinking. (even though it’s the sperm that determines gender)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Now, as mom tells it she really had her heart set on a boy, she’d done her duty the first time without success and really, really wanted a boy. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Mostly she was not a big fan of the ‘state of pregnancy’ - can we blame her!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Yes, there are some women that love being 'with child' - I say, “Good on you, whatever floats your boat.” Apparently in mother’s case it sunk her ship - four times.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When I was brought to my mother (after being tidied up and made presentable) the nurse congratulated her on her sweet, adorable, lovely, cute-as-a-button little girl.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“No, No, I vant a boy, take it back!”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I kid you not - those were her words - and we wonder why I’m in therapy! </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Well, after some arguing about the fact that I couldn’t be swapped and given to someone else who might have wanted a “girl” baby, I was taken back to the nursery to prepare for my fate.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the meantime, my mom received a visitor - the woman who would subsequently become my godmother - TW. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">TW was so excited mom had another beautiful little girl, she had been by the nursery and was cooing all over the place about how lucky my mom was. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Ya, dann take her, she’s yours. I vant a boy - no more girls.” (said like she’d just had her nineteenth girl)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After some explaining, by TW, my mom finally acquiesced - even though she knew it meant going through yet another birth to get that elusive but highly sought after boy - I was adorable and she had already fallen for my "cute-as-a-button" charm.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">But that didn’t stop her from still being ticked at me for being a girl. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">She told TW she had already picked a boy's name (for her son) and therefore I would be called Peter; it would teach me a lesson for being a girl.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">TW went on to explain that Peter was not a suitable girl’s name whereby my mother leaned back in her bed and said, “Fine, dann ve call her Petra!” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I can only say there is a god - and it was manifesting itself through TW - because she said, “Absolutely no, dats not a goot name.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Ya, dann you pick da name vat ve give my boy,” retorts my mom. (note how she still called me her boy - and we wonder why I’m good with a hammer)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Okay…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Without hesitation TW says, “I alvays liked Chainy und ve name her Chainy.” (this was how they said Jenny - I kid you not, there is no way I could make this up)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Fast forward to Kindergarten…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Mrs. S, an elderly teacher, (they all look old when you’re that little) called in my parents for a little chat. It appears I was not responding well to my name Jenny and she was concerned about some learning difficulties because of it.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Ya, dats her name Chainy, vats da problem,” says mommy dearest! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">With that the meeting was </span><span style="color: #424242; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">over</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">. Mrs. S had her answer - it was not adorable little “me” that had the learning problem…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I’ve always liked my name, never wanted a different one and can safely say I am eternally grateful to my godmother for it.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It’s a good name. It’s not Jennifer or Jen - it’s just Jenny! (try to remember that, will you)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">VELL, VAT DO YOU VANT?</span> A qvestion… vell, okay...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; letter-spacing: 0px;">What about your name... is there a story behind it too?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, Jenny</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A special shout out to <a href="https://twitter.com/ArleeBird"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">Arlee Bird</span></a>, from <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">Tossing It Out</span></a>. He’s the Founder and Creator of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/"><span style="color: #1022a3; letter-spacing: 0px;">April Blogging from A to Z Challenge</span></a>, As well as being a blogging friend, he is a great motivator and an inspiring leader. Thanks Lee - you rock! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">PS - Just Jenny was first posted in 2011 for the A to Z Challenge - as there are new folks dropping by I thought I’d dust it off and share it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">For those reading it AGAIN, there will be a test… let’s just see how much you remember… hmmm… who’s really reading and who’s skimming. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">What does Mutti call me?</span></div>
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Pearson Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422640826640133140noreply@blogger.com22