tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57575713717698651992024-02-20T13:20:00.900-05:00Simply Mad - the blogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-69316665564019718192013-09-15T18:22:00.001-04:002013-09-15T18:22:07.802-04:00Simply Mad about "Rojin No Hi"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvnz8TVmF4M/UjYx_vfD0MI/AAAAAAAAAvA/4BZFsVJdclE/s1600/elderly-couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvnz8TVmF4M/UjYx_vfD0MI/AAAAAAAAAvA/4BZFsVJdclE/s320/elderly-couple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture courtesy: Tokyo Times</td></tr>
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Today is a national holiday in Japan - "Rojin No Hi" or the Day of the Elderly. Created in 1966, it is held on the third Monday of September (September 2013 will have 5 Mondays by the way) and it is dedicated to show respect for older generations and to celebrate longevity.<br />
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Every Japanese tradition or holiday I have learned about since I moved here seems to be full or whimsy and imagination; a degree of charm only Japanese know how to accomplish. "Rojin No Hi" is no exception. <br />
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In Japanese, babies are referred to "aka chan" or "the red one". Traditionally a Japanese person will will wear red on their 60th birthday - 60 years complete a cycle on the Chinese calendar and it is also said that after 60 you become a baby again....how darn cute is that!?!?! Everything Japanese do has a reason to be, a meaning or some sort of symbolism and I love that about their culture and customs.<br />
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The elderly are well respected and esteemed in Japanese society so it is no surprise the younger generations go out of their way to celebrate their lives with bells and whistles when the day comes. Meals are delivered to their houses and school children prepare dances and performance to entertain and honor the "older folks". <br />
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So...here is to Japan's "Old Folks" on their special day; today September 16, 2013! Cheers!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq2O1aeAPiE/UjYxeSLU7BI/AAAAAAAAAu4/GLgmXqcCG8E/s1600/japan-respect-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq2O1aeAPiE/UjYxeSLU7BI/AAAAAAAAAu4/GLgmXqcCG8E/s320/japan-respect-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">data and this picture: courtesy of "A Celebration of Women"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-44989636032487129212013-07-07T19:49:00.001-04:002013-07-07T19:49:28.251-04:00Simply Mad About Summer Festivals<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9KOuQewViI/Udn9ZC5mZMI/AAAAAAAAAr0/_BscpRwxjSQ/s1600/tanabata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9KOuQewViI/Udn9ZC5mZMI/AAAAAAAAAr0/_BscpRwxjSQ/s400/tanabata.jpg" width="400" /></a>Unique traditions, cultural differences and charming, fantasy-filled tales like the one below is what I enjoy most about traveling and about the opportunity to live internationally.<br />
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Here is the love story of Orihime & Hikoboshi...Enjoy!<br />
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One of the major summer festivals in Japan is the Tanabata Festival or
the Star Festival. This festival originated from the sad, sweet tale
that stems from Chinese folklore about two stars, Vega and Altair, also
known as the weaver girl, Orihime, who was the daughter of the Emperor
of the Galaxy, and the cowherder, Hikoboshi, who fell in love but
neglected their respected duties of weaving cloth and cowherding, thus
drawing the wrath of the Emperor of the Galaxy upon them. Separated by
the Milky Way, or Amanogawa, and forbidden to see her lover, the weaver
girl wept, and the tears moved her father to allow the lovers to meet
once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month, but only if it
doesn't rain.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAnHo07kmiM/Udn9ZCixz7I/AAAAAAAAAsE/zX2V2mMeIVk/s1600/tumblr_m72n210DiL1r9fnc8-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAnHo07kmiM/Udn9ZCixz7I/AAAAAAAAAsE/zX2V2mMeIVk/s320/tumblr_m72n210DiL1r9fnc8-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
In Japan festivities take place usually in early July or August, as
August 7th is around the 7th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar.
These festivals, call matsuri, are exceedingly popular with locals and
tourists. There are always plenty of food and beverage stalls available
with music<br />
and lots of entertainment which varies locally from spot to
spot. Many local vendors put up elaborate decorations that try to
outdoor the decorations of their neighbors. <br />
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Common elements in the Tanabata festivals include the display of a
large, or several large poles of bamboo, with many small branches called
sasatake. This is sometimes called a "wish tree," and people write
wishes on colored strips of paper and tie them to the branches in hopes
they will come true. Other colorful paper decorations are hung
representing things like long life, good health, success in business, in
one's studies or skills, and so on.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0J-b4NkOWK0/Udn9YlQmsfI/AAAAAAAAArw/oj4qXGfGDs8/s1600/tanabata-kazari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0J-b4NkOWK0/Udn9YlQmsfI/AAAAAAAAArw/oj4qXGfGDs8/s400/tanabata-kazari.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-6645019257863106802013-06-24T05:22:00.001-04:002013-06-24T07:33:27.055-04:00Simply Mad About Spinalonga Island<style>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MS8PeeG5J4Y/Ucfy40Gx4oI/AAAAAAAAAqk/dNTD8znjP1A/s1600/DSC02135_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MS8PeeG5J4Y/Ucfy40Gx4oI/AAAAAAAAAqk/dNTD8znjP1A/s320/DSC02135_2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am getting ready to list designs from my newest collection for <a href="http://www.simplymadjewelry.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Simply Mad Jewelry</a> and wanted to give a little background about where the inspiration came from. I hope you like it and I hope you get an opportunity to visti Spinalonga one day, if you haven't already done so! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines";"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This collection was inspired by a
tiny and deserted Greek island, called Spinalonga. Spinalonga is located off the northeast coast of Elounda, a charming fishermen’s village in Crete (Greece). The intriguing and unoccupied island has
an ancient history, but it is the period between 1903 and 1957 which has fascinated me since the first time I saw the island. From 1903 until 1957 the island served as a leper colony and
it went on to be the last leper colony in Europe.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have had the opportunity to visit
Elounda a few times and every time I go, admiring Spinalonga from the distance
is one of my favorite things to do.
I am transported to that period when lepers roamed the streets, sick but
happy to have a community in which they were accepted, love, supported and a
kind of normalcy was possible. A
lot of the images that fill my mind come from a book I read after seeing the
island for the first time – “The Island” by Victoria Hislop. The book relates the story of a family
whose mother is sent to Spinalonga after discovering she had contracted
leprosy. Hislop’s descriptive
scenes of daily life in leprosy-ridden Spinalonga are what play in my head
every time I think of the intriguing island. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7IOTJ0YDGRg/Ucfy479KkzI/AAAAAAAAAqg/XjqN3e7ZA8s/s1600/DSC02162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7IOTJ0YDGRg/Ucfy479KkzI/AAAAAAAAAqg/XjqN3e7ZA8s/s320/DSC02162.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have chosen these pictures of
Spinalonga (seen from Elounda) as inspiration for the Greek Goddess of Summer
Collection. I love the soothing
and summery combinations of blues and tans with a touch on gold to represent the
Mediterranean sun.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope you will connect with some pieces from this collection that will make you go on a journey across the Aegean Sea hoping from one Greek Isle to the next including a visit to Spinalonga.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is a preview from the collection...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLn93wbyBu0/UcgPaGniqPI/AAAAAAAAArU/PS5F3uYXGRQ/s1600/Greek+Collection+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLn93wbyBu0/UcgPaGniqPI/AAAAAAAAArU/PS5F3uYXGRQ/s640/Greek+Collection+copy+2.jpg" width="544" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shop Simply Mad Jewelry <a href="http://www.simplymadjewelry.etsy.com/" target="_blank">here</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">wear it & be happy! </span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-89248028623584443532013-05-05T20:54:00.002-04:002013-05-05T20:54:41.071-04:00Simply Mad About Japanese FestivalsThe best of traveling and living abroad is meeting the people and learning about their culture, traditions and festivals. And in Japan there is no shortage of any of this. Whimsical tales abound and numerous festivals are held throughout the county all year round. Its ancient culture, intact traditions and endless festivals make Japan one of the most fascinating countries to explore. And I am lucky to have the opportunity to be here to experience it all first hand!<br />
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Today I want to tell you about Children's Day, celebrated on May 5th ever year. Originally girls had their own day and festival on March 3 - "Hinamatsuri" - and boys had their own special day on May 5th - "Tango no Sekku". In 1948 the government declared May 5th Children's Day for all children - "Kodomo no Hi" - and made this day a national holiday. Girls still have their festival on March 3rd but is not recognized as a holiday.<br />
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Both festivals are meant to celebrate children and show gratitude for their mothers. People pray for the children's happiness and healthy growth. <br />
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During "Hinamatsuri" family display dolls in their houses dressed in traditional Heian (period from 794-1192costumes and they offer rice cakes and food to the dolls. Below you will see a sample display on three tiers covered with a red carpet with the emperor and empress sitting on the top tier followed by other members of the court in order of ranking. These displays can have up to 7 tiers. The dolls are used as charms and amulets to ward off evil.<br />
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As part of the celebrations, paper dolls are placed on rivers; these floating dolls are also believed to ward off evil spirits. These practice is called "Nagashi bina".</div>
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During "Tango no Sekku" there are no dolls involve but carp fish instead. Carp "flags" are flown outside every house, one carp per boy in the house. These flags are called "Koi Nobori". According to Chinese mythology, the Dragon’s Gate is located at the top of a waterfall cascading from a legendary mountain. Many carp swim upstream against the river’s strong current, but few are capable or brave enough for the final leap over the waterfall. If a carp successfully makes the jump, it is transformed into a powerful dragon. For this reason carp symbolize strength and success. The way the wind blows in the wind makes it look like they are swimming upstream. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Koi Nobori"</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uHAx2cjS4A/UYb8-Wfo0KI/AAAAAAAAApU/vOGKmvwOlAE/s1600/p-wonderjapan-20-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uHAx2cjS4A/UYb8-Wfo0KI/AAAAAAAAApU/vOGKmvwOlAE/s320/p-wonderjapan-20-07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope you have enjoyed reading about this tiny slice of Japanese culture and tradition. There is so much more to what this country has to offer as far as cultural education, festivals and whimsical celebrations. Stay tuned for more.</div>
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Fun/Unofficial Fact: Like March 3rd (3/3) is Girls' Day and May 5th (5/5) is Boy's Day; I have been told that "unofficially" April 4th (4/4) is Gays day! I think that's cute and funny!</div>
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More soon!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-43062374988056113202013-05-04T10:10:00.000-04:002013-05-05T03:02:09.325-04:00Simply Mad About Sun, Wind & Sea<br />
A new Simply Mad collection is taking shape and here is the inspiration behind it...<br />
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Sometime ago, on a whim, I took a trip to Martha’s Vineyard by myself and stayed in a charming bed & breakfast called <a href="http://www.thecharlotteinn.com/">The Charlotte Inn</a> in the town of <a href="http://www.edgartown-ma.us/cms/">Edgartown</a>. I was in an adventurous stage in my life during which traveling alone and making last minute plans were the order of the day! Every weekend…another adventure with me, myself and I. I had never been to <a href="http://www.mvy.com/">Martha’s Vineyard</a> before and had no idea what to stay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RE7RCJOEZLs/UYULY_R6RfI/AAAAAAAAAmg/AyatjliC9qQ/s1600/100_9396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RE7RCJOEZLs/UYULY_R6RfI/AAAAAAAAAmg/AyatjliC9qQ/s400/100_9396.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Charlotte Inn</td></tr>
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In the days leading up to my trip, I was reading a book called “When God Winks on Love”. It relates real-life love stories and how these couples found each other by what most would call coincidences, but the author argues that these events were God’s winks nudging these people to follow their intended destiny.<br />
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One of the couples whose story is told in the book, Paula & Gary, happened to own The Charlotte Inn in Edgartown. If that was not a wink from God to me, I don’t know what is! I immediately put the book down and called the Inn and made my reservation for my 3-night adventure. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edgartown Lighthouse </td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.edgartown-ma.us/cms/">Edgartown</a> is a charming, charming little town where relaxed living, sailing, eating and beach going are top priorities. I remember marveling at the amount of sailboats lining the horizon and at the salty smell the air was charged with. </div>
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There is something very alluring bout these New England coastal towns where luxury and easy living co-exist brilliantly. The casual style mixed with high-end elements make these quaint and charming feel like little piece of heaven. <br />
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I hold great memories from that weekend in Edgartown staying at a bed and breakfast I had a secret “wink” in common with and I still smile when I remember how I came to choose The
Charlotte Inn. And by the way, I did meet Paula and Gary! I have
recently re-visited those memories and inspiration struck during my
reminiscing and a new collection was born! <br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyMadJewelry?section_id=13560387">Sun, Wind & Sea</a> is Simply Mad’s nautical-themed collection inspired by my weekend in this gem of an island. Reds, blues and gold tones abound in the designs evoking a sense of glamour, images of infinite and mysterious seas and the magic of a breathtaking sunset.<br />
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Sailboats and sailing are synonymous with luxury, old world elegance, freedom and romance. Let your hair loose and let the wind blow your troubles away, let the sun warm your skin and enjoy the endless sea sparkling all around you. Let these jewelry pieces take you on a sailing journey where you can be carefree and happy while you relax & enjoy the Sun, the Wind & the Sea!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmObVm9ugxE/UYUT3yRFSNI/AAAAAAAAAn0/RQRPir7XnTc/s1600/nautical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmObVm9ugxE/UYUT3yRFSNI/AAAAAAAAAn0/RQRPir7XnTc/s400/nautical.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is a preview of designs from the collection...shop <i>"Sun, Wind and Sea"</i> designs <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyMadJewelry?section_id=13560387" target="_blank">HERE</a> <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-71324169956434506662013-05-01T06:59:00.001-04:002013-05-01T06:59:45.089-04:00Simply Mad About...Family & Celebrations!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello! It has been a while, hasn't it? Well, I have recently gotten back from a trip to see mine and Trey's family in the US. I spent three happy weeks with them, celebrating birthdays, spending quality time with my parents and Trey's and showcasing the latest <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplymadjewelry" target="_blank">Simply Mad Jewelry</a> designs.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I told you Fla. was relaxing!</td></tr>
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After two relaxing days in Florida, I flew to Puerto Rico to see my crazy, loud and awesome family. The main reason I chose these dates to visit, was to surprise my dad for his 70th birthday and surprise him I did! I also surprised my mom. My dad and my sister share the same birthday so I got to celebrate hers as well. The day after my arrival, my brother and his family also arrive as a surprise and over the weekend we treated my dad to yet another surprise - a "sailor themed" birthday party with friends, family and lots of dancing music so the "dancing king" (i.e. my dad) indulge and show off his dance moves.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dad and my sister blowing b-day candles with mom</td></tr>
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Going to Puerto Rico is hectic and busy...there is always something to do; we are always going to or coming from somewhere. But it is always good...the goings and comings are usually to one of my sisters' house to sit around the dining table sharing stories, catching up, cracking jokes and drinking wine. And if we are not going to one of my sisters' house then we are going to a local restaurant for a "much-missed-and-deliciously-heavy-meal-of-rice, beans and fried plantains". It doesn't matter where we go to or where we come from, I cherish these moments and hold them dear to my heart.</div>
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After the my dad's birthday party, it was time to get to work. I had a week to prepare for <a href="http://www.magacin.com/fotogalerias/mad-for-jewelry#madjewelry_jrpc20" target="_blank">Simply Mad's 4th Annual Bazaar</a> in Puerto Rico. It is always a great opportunity to catch up with friends and to meet new ones and this particular year the event got covered by the lifestyle section of the major local newspaper - <a href="http://www.magacin.com/fotogalerias/mad-for-jewelry#madjewelry_jrpc20" target="_blank">El Nuevo Dia</a>. I was a happy camper and the Bazaar was total success!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">choices!</td></tr>
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After the Bazaar...I had two full days to spend with my parents who have recently retired. It was, to my delight, a full 48 hours of uninterrupted, quality time with them.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PI7qQnTWMQ/UYDvhfJOJbI/AAAAAAAAAl4/n6UsdfbFUsE/s1600/photo_madjewelry_jrpc11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ55SfP2uxc/UYDuuTVkovI/AAAAAAAAAlU/cKQnOc09BQE/s1600/902211_3033023999946_1559991391_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">On my way back to Tokyo, it was time to pay Trey's parents a second visit...especially his dad whose birthday was the day after I arrived. Lucky me! I get to spend birthdays with both our dads!!! Those two extra days in Florida were relaxing, winding me down and getting me ready for the upcoming days which were filled with airports, hotels and a very loooonggg flight back home.</span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">birthday hug!</td></tr>
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From Florida I flew to Boston on the same day the first "Boston Marathon Bomber" was killed...ay ay ay! I made my flight with some fear but a lot of excitement because I was meeting my nephew Eric Andres who was scheduled to tour one of the colleges in town. The day we arrived, we were holed up in the hotel room following the request from the police to stay indoors. It looked safe outside but every store and business was closed. It gave us a chance to nap, talk and bond over room service lunch complete with wine and beer - why not? We had a nice dinner together and via You Tube he introduced me to Hannibal, a very funny comedian I had never heard of. By the end of the night, the second suspect had been arrested and we were FREE and psyched to see a little bit of Boston the following morning. And so we did, we got up early and strolled around downtown Boston - what a great city. Beautiful brick architecture and small shops lining Newbury Street. What a treat it was for me to have that time with him, to get to know him better and to help him with college selection process.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric & I in Boston Common</td></tr>
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I have been back in Tokyo now for a week. Between jet lag, a very good book I am reading and a general feel of "I-am-completely-out-of-my-routine-and-I-don't-know-how-to-fall-back-into-it", it always takes me a while...but here I am...I AM BACK!!!</div>
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Have lots of things to share with you...new jewelry and an exciting promotion I did with <a href="http://malemilspouse.com/" target="_blank">Macho Spouse</a> for Mother's Day! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-75353198600517077112013-03-20T00:18:00.000-04:002013-03-20T02:55:42.449-04:00Simply Mad about being HAPPY!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzv3SNo5atQ/UUkyWb7iaPI/AAAAAAAAAjw/RQ5JVSkUOKY/s1600/choose_happiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzv3SNo5atQ/UUkyWb7iaPI/AAAAAAAAAjw/RQ5JVSkUOKY/s320/choose_happiness.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The UN has declared March 20th as the <a href="http://www.ophi.org.uk/un-passes-resolution-to-create-international-happiness-day/" target="_blank">International Happiness Day</a>. Being that the tag line for my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplymadjewelry" target="_blank">jewelry line</a> is "wear it and be happy", I couldn't let this day go by without writing about it.</div>
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I consider myself a happy person...I am not 100% happy 100% of the time, but I am happy and I work hard towards having a positive outlook in life. I like to read and have read my fair share of self-improvement books most of which have the same goal/message - how to be happy!<br />
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I try to stay away from people who bum me out - you know the nay-sayers who complaint constantly and those who make a sport out of disrupting harmony. I also try to limit my exposure to negative situations and thoughts. A meditation coach once told me: "when you have negative thoughts, gently push them out" and I do! I literally say: "please leave my head and make room for happy thoughts". I also read a sign somewhere, sometime that said: "don't believe everything you think" - I choose to not believe negative thoughts. I believe negative energy and worry attracts bad things, the kind that makes us unhappy and so I try my best to stay in a positive place and that for me results in happiness. I find staying in touch with some spirituality also helps a great deal!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSNm6jr0FGA/UUk00Z9k1JI/AAAAAAAAAkA/s0YiUXa3GVE/s1600/Document4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSNm6jr0FGA/UUk00Z9k1JI/AAAAAAAAAkA/s0YiUXa3GVE/s320/Document4.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
That's just me, but you don't have to buy my formula. There are plenty of books and movies about the psychology of being happy and how to pursue the seemingly elusive feeling. <br />
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I have recently watched <a href="http://vimeo.com/11335940" target="_blank">"Happy"</a> by Roko Bellic - a documentary about the pursuit of happiness. The documentary has very enlightening interviews, interesting studies, and helpful suggestions. All fascinating, but what I want to share with you is the one thing that stayed with me long after I watched it.<br />
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The documentary presents a 50/40/10 pie chart - 50% of our disposition to be happy comes from our genes. Some of us are genetically pre-disposed to be happier than others and/or to return to our happy place easier after having an "unhappy" experience; 10% of our happiness comes from our circumstances, pretty much how much money we make, our social status. These are some bleak percentages, one could say that 60% of how we achieve happiness in to some degree beyond our control, but DO NOT fear. The remaining 40% is your free pass! 40% of how happy we are comes from "intentional behavior", things we do to make ourselves happy (or miserable). Here is where our ability to make choices - happy choices - come into play...and the good news? We are 100% in control here!<br />
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Here are some things the documentary suggests we do to fill that 40%...<br />
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1 - variety - do different things often or do the same things differently, change you routine a bit, add a little spice to your life, be adventurous<br />
2 - believe in something larger than yourself - nurture your spiritual side<br />
3 - excercise - we all know this one, physical activity releases chemicals from the brain that produce a sense of happiness<br />
4 - cutlivate perosnal growth and friendships and help others<br />
5 - "get in the zone" - you are in the zone when you are doing the one thing you enjoy the most, what you are passionate about, what makes everything around you go quiet, still and gray because at that moment none of it matters - only you and what you are doing matters...find what <i>that</i> is for you and do it as often as possible<br />
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{ What puts you "in the zone"? }<br />
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I hope there is something on your daily routine that makes you happy! When life gets in the way, it is difficult to pursuit happiness or even remember what makes us happy, but what's the point of our lives if we are not happy!<br />
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{ What makes you happy? }<br />
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Benjamin Franklin said:<br />
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“The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.”<br />
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What are you waiting for? What will you do today to make yourself happy?<br />
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Happy International Happiness Day!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-19442211185867310822013-02-18T03:36:00.000-05:002013-02-18T03:36:21.285-05:00Simply Mad About My Business<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPde1WNuS6M/USHj2-k01BI/AAAAAAAAAhU/6-mt79h1UcE/s1600/simply-mad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPde1WNuS6M/USHj2-k01BI/AAAAAAAAAhU/6-mt79h1UcE/s200/simply-mad2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplymadjewelry">Simply Mad Jewelry</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Happy Monday! Welcome to another exciting week full of magic and the unexpected! I wish you a happy one!<br />
<br />
The mission to take my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplymadjewelry">jewelry business</a> flying high continues. I have made lots of progress and it was time to take another step. I needed to define a few things about my business and answer the "why do I make the kind of jewelry I make?" question. Something that had been difficult to answer until I gained some clarity about my drive and intention earlier this year. It was time to write my "About Page". <br />
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I like writing, but "writing" and writing about myself are two VERY different things and the task seemed daunting at first. I decided, after much financial consideration, I decided to hire a copywriter. They asked me for as much detail as I could give them about myself, my business, my dreams and my ideal client or in a more bussiness-y term, my target audience. <br />
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I sent all the required information and shortly after I got the first draft. Now, I had never worked with a copywriter before so I didn't know what to expect but the first draft was disappointing - perhaps my fault. I felt it was a little bit of "copy & paste" of the info I had provided. { If any copywriters are reading this, please do not be offended }. After telling my husband about my disappointment, he said, "I don't understand why are you paying someone to do this; you like writing and no one can write "about you" and tell "your story" better than yourself. He was right!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KK2HHvTJfvA/USHjiO7nAzI/AAAAAAAAAhM/M1Irm5iVXQ4/s1600/writing-resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KK2HHvTJfvA/USHjiO7nAzI/AAAAAAAAAhM/M1Irm5iVXQ4/s320/writing-resize.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image borrowed from www.theprofitguide.com</td></tr>
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<br />
<td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I sat down and looked at all the details I had sent to the copywriter and right there hidden in all those words was the reason I do what I do and the person I do it for...I was able to spell out my wish for my jewelry and I finally gave my ideal customer an identity. It took several drafts, more than a few re-reads and enough strokes of the "delete" key to have my fingerprint show on it, but I did it! I DID IT! Yay for me! I ended up with an "About Page" that gives me direction, keeps me focuses and best of all, it gives me great satisfaction to have done it myself! <br /><br />And you my dear - my ideal customer, my muse, my constant companion. You are fashionable but not trendy...you like a good dose of classic style with just a tiny twist that quietly sets you apart from the rest! I can now picture you every time I am designing a new piece and take you with me when I am out shopping for my "raw"materials. You are amazing!<br /><br />This is the end result...</span></td><br />
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<i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyMadJewelry/about">About Page</a></i><br />
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<i>Hello! I am the Mad(eline) in Simply Mad and I am glad you are here!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I love creating with my hands and traveling and I have been blessed with the opportunity to do both in the last 3 years. My husband travels often for work and my jewelry and I tag along every chance we get. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Up until recently my inspiration had come from a very personal place making it difficult to give each piece its own story, its own voice. The new collections will be inspired by an experience, a souvenir, a picture, a local flea market or any other treasure found during my travels.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>There are few things more satisfying than seeing something take shape from inspiration, to sketch, to final product and know that once completed it will go out into the world to make someone happy and live out its story while creating unforgettable moments along the way.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
♥<i> { My wish } </i>♥<br />
<i>I wish that my travel-inspired jewelry will transport you to a place you have been to which holds great memories for you or to new lands you want to explore where happy memories are waiting to be made. I want you to connect with your Simply Mad pieces and share the story behind them with your friends and family. Tell them how your piece came to be, where in the world it was “born”, and what inspired it. When I sit down at my design table I have you in mind…the future wear-er and I always wonder what kind of adventures are in store for my newly created pieces and its new owner. What great moments will my jewelry bear witness to? I want my jewelry to be more than just an accessory, I want each piece to be an experience every time you wear it.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I hope you will come along on my journey and will embark on your own adventures with your travel-inspired Simply Mad Jewelry.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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What do think? I love hearing from you so comment away or email me :o)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-43275644972013945882013-02-15T03:42:00.002-05:002013-02-15T03:44:03.200-05:00Simply Mad About THIS LOVE Story - last one!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRa2hLxYV2M/UR3y-9YJAoI/AAAAAAAAAgA/uiFycbTj4H8/s1600/2482_68921992628_5591_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRa2hLxYV2M/UR3y-9YJAoI/AAAAAAAAAgA/uiFycbTj4H8/s400/2482_68921992628_5591_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mariana (right) & Claudia (left) circa 2004</td></tr>
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<br />
We have one more story!!!! Yay!! This one is very special to me. It is about the cousin-hood, friendship, sweet sisterly love and bond between two teenage cousins. This amazing girls are my nieces Claudia Sofia (14) and Mariana Nicole (12). This is how Claudia describes their relationship...<br />
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Here is Claudia's love story...Happy reading!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXPGU_epYK4/UR3y_E-eKyI/AAAAAAAAAgM/6DrmVcKEm_0/s1600/407304_503938879626506_1999459138_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXPGU_epYK4/UR3y_E-eKyI/AAAAAAAAAgM/6DrmVcKEm_0/s200/407304_503938879626506_1999459138_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dK9m-0oianc/UR3y_6u-JyI/AAAAAAAAAgc/yt_s7PQWjrU/s1600/keep-calm-and-love-cousins-6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dK9m-0oianc/UR3y_6u-JyI/AAAAAAAAAgc/yt_s7PQWjrU/s200/keep-calm-and-love-cousins-6.png" width="170" /></a>{<i> So this may not be your typical love story but here it goes.
You might think I am going to start telling you about how I met this boy and
how he’s so great and lovely but I am actually writing about my cousin, Mariana
and I, because while boys come and go she’s always there. I shouldn’t actually
mention her as a cousin because we’re actually kind of sisters since we spend
loads of time together and see each other every day, but to avoid any
confusion, yes we are cousins. Our age difference may not seem like that big of
a deal considering that it’s only a two year difference but in some occasions
the type of problems we each have can sort of collide, meaning that when she’s
experiencing all the stuff that I already went through I am here getting
bombarded with new stuff that I, on my own, have to sort out. You can say she
has a sort of advantage because any problems she can’t solve I am here to help
but she actually is a big help when I need to vent my problems to someone.</i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDdSH4KtjDk/UR3y-73uwjI/AAAAAAAAAgE/mPjvbpUzv_U/s1600/393928_10150580158027629_1802282774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDdSH4KtjDk/UR3y-73uwjI/AAAAAAAAAgE/mPjvbpUzv_U/s320/393928_10150580158027629_1802282774_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><i>It
wasn’t always like this, actually when we were younger everyday was an immature
fight about who knows what and we would literally not speak at each other and
automatically go our separate ways making the adults ask questions
about what happened and their endless effort in trying to get us to apologize
to each other made me even angrier at times. This was until one day,
playing with plastic Barbie dolls and a little pink mansion that I realized how
stupid we were being. So my then 8 year-old self looked at my then 6 year-old
cousin and said “If we fight again remember what the fight really is about, and
how stupid it really is because it’s not worth getting mad at each other.” Mariana
stared at me with a smile and nodded. From there on every time we fight we’d
say “Why are we fighting again?” and then any anger in us would vanish. I guess
since then we became really close and I am glad cause the age difference
between my other cousins and I is greater and it is always easier to talk to Marian than any
other. As we became older we started going through things together. She told me
everything; I told her everything. It’s a never ending cycle and she really
does help. I might bore her with my ranting sometimes but the fact that she’s there to listen means a
lot because as I am telling her how confused I may be or how frustrated and
exhausted I am of a certain problem I get to understand myself and sort out a
possible solution. So I thank her for that, and all the other things she’s done
for me. For the laughs, fun times, every unforgettable memory and for being my
partner in crime, thank you. </i>}<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-45993885038721099292013-02-14T00:33:00.001-05:002013-02-14T00:33:22.532-05:00Simply Mad About LOVE Stories - February 14th<!--StartFragment-->
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eKLknm8Y8A/URx0roDZuvI/AAAAAAAAAfc/jjfGX5hiaY0/s1600/LoveStory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eKLknm8Y8A/URx0roDZuvI/AAAAAAAAAfc/jjfGX5hiaY0/s320/LoveStory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Valentine's Day! I have skipped the last few days of love stories because I didn't have any, but Marisol has come to save THE day...the big day of love...</div>
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Here is Marisol and Jose Enrique's love story...a rough start, followed by long distance but all along surrounded by heavenly conspiracies to make this couple get together!</div>
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Marisol has her own <a href="http://www.mherreranieves.blogspot.jp/">blog</a>, she writes about all the things that she likes, that inspire her and that make her laugh!</div>
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Happy reading and Happy Day of Love, Friendship and Affection!</div>
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{ <i>In March 1997, Mayra, the friend I used to
go out with the most, mentioned that her friend from Venezuela would be
visiting Puerto Rico (where I was living at the time) for business and would be
staying for 2 weeks. “Marisol, we will
go out with Jose Enrique for the next two weeks” Mayra announced. The first night they went out I coulnd’t go
as a had tickets to go see a play with another friend.</i></div>
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<span lang="ES-PR"><i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-PR"><i>The next morning Mayra called to report
about what a great time she and Jose Enrique had had the night before and while
we chatter she told me I HAD to meet this guy!
That night Mayra and Jose Enrique were going to see the play I had seen
the night before and Mayra assumed I wouldn’t want to go. But I had really enjoyed the play and said
“Of course I will go, the play was great and I want to see it again!”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R9O1P3w1qF8/URx0q-nxQSI/AAAAAAAAAfU/7DTagi4cNoM/s1600/Boda+Marisol+y+Jose+Enrique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R9O1P3w1qF8/URx0q-nxQSI/AAAAAAAAAfU/7DTagi4cNoM/s400/Boda+Marisol+y+Jose+Enrique.jpg" width="400" /></a><span lang="ES-PR"><i>I am not sure I can say it was love at
first sight; some things were less than perfect that night…he was wearing and
yellow shirt and I don’t like yellow, I was so nervous every joke I tried to
make came out anything but funny, it was awful so much so tha even at one point
he said saracastically: “very funny”.
Oops! It didn’t look like a good
start.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-PR"><i>In any case Mayra had to work the whole
weekend and asked me to show Jose Enrique the southern part of Puerto
Rico. They had to “twist my arm”
(hahaha!) but I agreed to serve as his toru guide for the weekend. We got to know each other a bit better and
sparks flew! There was another minor
problem though, Jose Enrique had a gilfriend-on-a-break (he had asked for some
alone time to think) back in Venezuela.
Obviously I was very disspointed when I found out.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-PR"><i>Jose Enrique returned to Venezuela when his
two weeks in Puerto Rico were up and that same night he ended things with the
girl back home. He started calling me
every day until he had a chance to come back to Puerto Rico. During that second visit, on April 29, 1997
we became boyfriend and girlfriend and we kissed for the first time. That night, he asked me how long did he have
to wait to ask me to marry him. I almos had a heart attack and I said more, you
have to wait a lot more time! OMG! I wasn’t ready for that question. We had just embarked on a long distance
relationship and we had many concerns about how to make it work.</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bifsC_l6g4/URx0qhkdWjI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/aEp7nn5mgS8/s1600/JCPE2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bifsC_l6g4/URx0qhkdWjI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/aEp7nn5mgS8/s320/JCPE2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="ES-PR"><i>Around that time I was looking for a job as
an international auditor. I didn’t like
my first interview in the US or the whole US experience for that matter so when
I got a call for a second interview I was apprehensive, but Jose Enrique
convinced to go to the interview. I went
and the first thing they said was that I would have to move to Tampa but most
of my time would be spent in Venezuela.
I couldn’t believe it. God is
Great! I got the job, moved to Tampa and
indeed I started speding most of my time in Venezuela. It gave me the opportunity to meet Jose
Enrique’s large family and to fall in love even more with him. Even when I didn’t have to go to Venezuela,
we would always found a way to see each other.
One time I was in Venezuela for work having dinner with his parents
while he was in Puerto Rico for business having dinner with my parents.</i></span></div>
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<i><br /></i>
<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-PR"><i>We got married on August 29, 1998 and
planning the wedding an adventure. All
my work colleagues had been accomplices and witneeses of this love. Our wedding was in Puerto Rico while I was
still living in Tampa and he was still living in Venezuela. More than 50 people from Venezuela flew to
Puerto Rico for the big day. It was the
best wedding of my life! (hahaha!). Truth be told, our biggest accomplice was
God…he created the path for us to find each other and create a life together
even when there was great physical distance between us.</i></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-PR"><i>Jose Enrique was waiting for his visa so we
had to keep our honeymoon in the US, so we went to Maui, Hawaii. WOW! A
dream! We lived in Tampa until Spetember
2000 when we moved to Puerto Rico.</i></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-PR"><i>This year we will celebrate out 15th
wedding anniversary and we have to beuatiful children who have come to enhace
our love and help it grow every day.
Thank you God, Jose Enrique has been, by far, my favorite gift! ]</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-28166242409414132712013-02-11T05:04:00.002-05:002013-02-11T05:06:49.794-05:00Simply Mad About LOVE Stories - day 11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XuflTL4fnI0/URjCD9tcN4I/AAAAAAAAAe0/kgdvZWlmV9g/s1600/robertfagan.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XuflTL4fnI0/URjCD9tcN4I/AAAAAAAAAe0/kgdvZWlmV9g/s320/robertfagan.com.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Hi there! If you have been following "<i>14 Days of Love Stories</i>" I think you and hope you have been enjoying them. Today I have come to a dead-end sort of speak. I have ran out of stories to tell - wa wa wa :( I looked up Cleopatra's, Isolde's and Juliet's but they are all riddled with death, tragedy and sadness. I want a different kind of love story. I want happy stories that inspire those around us to share and spread love. I will leave the tragic romances to historians :o)<br />
<br />
If you have a love story to share or know of a happy story that should be told, please email it to me at<br />
simplymad@ymail.com. We still have a few more days before Valentine's Day!<br />
<br />
We will see what tomorrow brings...Hopefully I will get some more stories in my inbox or will come across a happy one online.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned and thanks for reading!<br />
Madeline<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-74637559774423863662013-02-10T04:35:00.002-05:002013-02-10T04:38:57.083-05:00Simply Mad About LOVE Stories - day 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"> Day 10 of "14 Days of Love Stories" is here and today I </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"> bring you the love story behind the monumental Taj Mahal, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"> on of the Seven Wonder of the World. Happy Reading!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Here is the story of Shah Jahan & Arjumand Banu...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">{ <i>Taj Mahal, the magnificent monument that stands at the heart of India has a story that has been melting the hearts of millions of listeners since the time Taj has been visible. A story, that although ended back in 1631, continues to live on in the form of Taj and is considered a living example of eternal love. It's the love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, two people from the course of history who set an example for the people living in present and the future to come. An English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold best describes it as "Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passion of an emperor's love wrought in living stones." The story that follows next will prove why the statement is true.</i></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3Ijd72TZtw/URdn7Cqm0TI/AAAAAAAAAeM/F28SVjzgWIU/s1600/Taj-Mahal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3Ijd72TZtw/URdn7Cqm0TI/AAAAAAAAAeM/F28SVjzgWIU/s320/Taj-Mahal.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taj Mahal - Agra, India</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i>Shah Jahan, initially named Prince Khurram, was born in the year 1592. He was the son of Jehangir, the fourth Mughal emperor of India and the grandson of Akbar the Great. In 1607 when strolling down the Meena Bazaar, accompanied by a string of fawning courtiers, Shah Jahan caught a glimpse of a girl hawking silk and glass beads. It was love at first sight and the girl was Mumtaz Mahal, who was known as Arjumand Banu Begum at that time. At that time, he was 14 years old and she, a Muslim Persian princess, was 15. After meeting her, Shah Jahan went back to his father and declared that he wanted to marry her. The match got solemnized after five years i.e., in the year 1612.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i></i></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qiycvhInoPU/URdn7D5o0cI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/vPWUtxHwPd8/s1600/shah_jahan_and_mumtaz_mahal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qiycvhInoPU/URdn7D5o0cI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/vPWUtxHwPd8/s320/shah_jahan_and_mumtaz_mahal.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shah & Arjumand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i>It was in the year 1628 that Shah Jahan became the Emperor and entrusted Arjumand Banu with the royal seal. He also bestowed her with the title of Mumtaz Mahal, meaning the "Jewel of the Palace". Though Shah Jahan had other wives, Mumtaz Mahal was his favorite and accompanied him everywhere, even on military campaigns. In the year 1631, when Mumtaz Mahal was giving birth to their 14th child, she died due to some complications. While Mumtaz was on her deathbed, Shah Jahan promised her that he would never remarry and will build the richest mausoleum over her grave.</i></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VoXq-SNUKM/URdn69iKXQI/AAAAAAAAAeI/iBFBoW4dMG8/s1600/Tombs+of+Shah+Jahan+and+Mumtaz+Mahal+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VoXq-SNUKM/URdn69iKXQI/AAAAAAAAAeI/iBFBoW4dMG8/s1600/Tombs+of+Shah+Jahan+and+Mumtaz+Mahal+.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">their tombs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i>It is said that Shah Jahan was so heartbroken after her death that he ordered the court into mourning for two years. Sometime after her death, Shah Jahan undertook the task of erecting the world's most beautiful monument in the memory of his beloved. It took 22 years and the labor of 22,000 workers to construct the monument. When Shah Jahan died in 1666, his body was placed in a tomb next to the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. This magnificent monument came to be known as "Taj Mahal" and now counts amongst the Seven Wonders of the World. This is the true story of the Taj Mahal of India, which has mesmerized many people with its bewitching beauty. </i>}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: arial, tahoma, verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Thanks to <a href="http://www.tajmahal.org.uk/story.html">www.tajmahal.org.uk</a> for this information.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-9603499515580068942013-02-09T04:28:00.000-05:002013-02-09T04:29:13.281-05:00Simply Mad About LOVE Stories - day 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9JU8r8dryX8/URYVK83zHmI/AAAAAAAAAdc/j4jPAS1jgYs/s1600/Isis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9JU8r8dryX8/URYVK83zHmI/AAAAAAAAAdc/j4jPAS1jgYs/s320/Isis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have ran out of stories of love from earthly people - although I wish and hope to get more - and so I have turn to Egyptian gods to fill this page today. I have had the chance to go to Egypt and of the stories I heard from the tour guide has always stuck with me. What follows is the love story of Isis and Osiris - true with a twist only a goddess could pull off! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Here is Isis & Osiris' story of love...<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
{ <i>Isis was the most powerful goddess of
ancient Egypt, even greater than the gods; her worship spread through
the Mediterranean world and became one of the main religions of the
Roman Empire. Like so many goddesses, she had a long history. We’re not
even sure that Isis is her original name, as Egyptian hieroglyphs didn’t
include vowels. What we do know is that she came to embody so many of
the qualities we seek that she is called “The One Who Is All” and the
“Lady of Ten Thousand Names.”</i></div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Born of the Geb, the god of the Earth,
and Nut, the goddess of the Overarching Sky, Isis held both heaven and
earth in balance. She is a moon goddess who gave birth to Horus, the god
of the sun; together, mother and child created all life and sustained
it. She taught women to grind corn, bake bread, spin flax, weave cloth,
and, perhaps most importantly, she taught them to tame the men so the
women could live with them! Among her many attributes, she was also the
goddess of medicine, healing, fertility, and wisdom.</i></div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>So why was this Mother of Life also
known as the Crone of Death? That title comes from what happened with
her brother/husband Osiris.</i></div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Incest between brother and sister was
allowable for the gods to keep the bloodlines pure. When Osiris became
her husband, he became the first King of Earth. Set, their brother, was
jealous and killed Osiris, sealed up his coffin and threw it in the
river Nile. Isis grieved mightily, shredded her robes and chopped off
her hair. Then she set out to find the body of her husband so she could
bury him with proper honor and respect.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wG-kgN-Ro2A/URYVLCIvZmI/AAAAAAAAAdk/TCoWPx5UeoY/s1600/Isis_and_Osiris___Ressurection-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wG-kgN-Ro2A/URYVLCIvZmI/AAAAAAAAAdk/TCoWPx5UeoY/s320/Isis_and_Osiris___Ressurection-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i> </i></div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>As she searched for her love, she met
Queen Astarte in Phoenicia. Making a long story short, Astarte realized
that Osiris’s body was hidden in her palace. Isis carried him back to
Egypt and hid it in the swamps of the Nile delta while she prepared for
his funeral. Her wicked brother, Set, found the coffin, furiously hacked
Osiris’s body into 14 pieces, and scattered them in different
directions. Searching and searching, Isis recovered thirteen of the
pieces. Only his penis was missing, so she made one from gold and wax
(some myths say mud or clay). Promptly inventing the rites of embalming,
and with her magical powers in full force, Isis brought Osiris back to
life and conceived their child Horus. Now that she was no longer
grieving, Osiris was free to descend and became the King of the
Underworld, ruling over the dead.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76QwuulVCDs/URYVK8WnVgI/AAAAAAAAAdg/m0zACLr8rwI/s1600/isisosiris.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76QwuulVCDs/URYVK8WnVgI/AAAAAAAAAdg/m0zACLr8rwI/s1600/isisosiris.gif" /></a><i>Isis is often shown wearing the symbol
of an empty throne on her head, suggesting her husband’s absence and
that she, herself, was the seat of the Pharaoh’s power. She carries the
ankh, the Egyptian hieroglyph of eternal life. When in her funerary
role, and as the protector of the dead, she is shown with wings. The
ancient Egyptians believed that the Nile River flooded each year because
of the tears Isis wept for her dead husband, and every year there was a
ceremonial death-and-rebirth ritual.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>When Christianity was trying to gain a
foothold over paganism, the mother-and-child images of Isis and her son
Horus in the many temples of Isis across the land were converted into
images of Mary with her infant son Jesus, while images of Isis holding
the body of her dead husband across her lap became Mary with the
crucified Jesus.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>For us today, Isis stands for qualities
we all aspire to: feminine strength, deep caring about relationships,
acceptance of our emotional depths, the act of creating life, and the
wisdom surrounding renewal and reconnection.</i> }</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you to <a href="http://www.deborahkingcenter.com/blog/2011/09/14/isis-and-osiris-the-love-story-of-ancient-egypt/" target="_blank">Deborah King</a> for providing this text.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-5952846623151136592013-02-08T04:30:00.001-05:002013-02-08T04:32:44.860-05:00Simply Mad About LOVE Stories - Day 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
Day 8 of <i>"14 Days of Love Stories"</i> is here and today's story is a special one for me...it my sister's Daphne story of love for her daughter (my adored niece) Mariana...it is a story I know well...<br />
<br />
{ I am still collecting stories...send me yours at<br />
simplymad@ymail.com }<br />
<br />
Here is Daphne's love story...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_mtIHSrR1nU/URTDGOCRg8I/AAAAAAAAAcg/zOkLnpqCGxk/s1600/5854_150408387628_2764582_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_mtIHSrR1nU/URTDGOCRg8I/AAAAAAAAAcg/zOkLnpqCGxk/s320/5854_150408387628_2764582_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>{ <i>My whole life I have been a very independent person, with my own opinions and points of view. I am sensitive to injustices and my family is #1 to me but I never imagined wanting to be a mother. </i><i>As time passed, I became professionally successful, I was surrounded by a solid circle of family & friends and I was happy, but there was an emptiness, something was missing.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>When I reached 30, seriously and for the first time in my life I asked myself what I wanted in life. And for the first time I flirted with the idea of being a mom. </i><i>From that moment on, my biological clock started ticking and that flirtation became a goal; a mission.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zazl8am3k1s/URTDGNbzYNI/AAAAAAAAAco/YvKpJjMjEAU/s1600/262806_10150247009136156_289277_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zazl8am3k1s/URTDGNbzYNI/AAAAAAAAAco/YvKpJjMjEAU/s320/262806_10150247009136156_289277_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><i>On April 12, 2000, all doubts vanished and what I had been waiting for it became a reality. I was going to be a mother! I remember vividly what I felt when I heard the new. My biggest concern was if I would be a good mother; a concern I still carry with me.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Those expecting months felt like an eternity. Patience has never been one of my virtues. So much anticipation and excitement about that first meeting - I think about it and I can't help but to smile!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>Maternity is, without a doubt, one of the biggest learning experiences life has to offer. You give up your body, energy and space to another being without knowing him/her...without a doubt the greatest act of love I had made up until that moment!</i></span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Talking to her, playing music for her, singing to her and wondering how she would be like, what she would look like filled many hours of those long 9 months. No other experience has come even close to being as wonderful as it was to feel her move inside my belly. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52ReVyQ9gX4/URTDHCr5IQI/AAAAAAAAAcw/QWYCL2Ix0Hc/s1600/621693_10151136390391156_861892439_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52ReVyQ9gX4/URTDHCr5IQI/AAAAAAAAAcw/QWYCL2Ix0Hc/s200/621693_10151136390391156_861892439_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><i>I had a healthy pregnancy, but there were some difficult moments. But nothing mattered, the focus was on the arrival of my baby girl.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The great day arrived which was incongruously - the most wonderful but painful (physically) day of my life. Mariana Nicole Castano Barbeito came into the world on December 4, 2000 - she is a Millennium baby! </i><i>Twelve years have gone by and there has not been one day when I don't thank God for the biggest gift I could have dreamt of; I am blessed.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>My daughter is the love of my life, what I love the most in the world and the only person I would make the ultimate sacrifice for without thinking about it. </i><i>She has brought great and fulfilling experiences into my life. As a baby she was simply beautiful and now she is in the preamble to become an incredible woman.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Mariana has the perfect balance of equanimity, creativity, spark, intelligence, maturity and joy - she is extremely special. </i><i>She is my life partner, we travel together, we share clothes and secrets and even though we have a clear mother/daughter relationship, we also have a lovely friendship.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDeRWjfd6B0/URTDGv-HUuI/AAAAAAAAAc0/6YwzUpRZp94/s1600/602273_10151189402806156_195241542_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDeRWjfd6B0/URTDGv-HUuI/AAAAAAAAAc0/6YwzUpRZp94/s320/602273_10151189402806156_195241542_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>She is, by far, the most amazing person I know. In these last 12 years she has taught me many important life lessons. </i><i>Time goes by faster than I would like and the baby everyone had to stop to look at has evolved into an soon-to-be -teenager.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I love her 24/7, 365 days a year, but Valentine's Day always makes me reflect on motherhood and how rewarding this journey has been.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I owe Mariana what I have become since she arrived she arrived in my life. I am more patient and sensitive because of her; she has made me a better person. </i><i>I pray to God to help me be the best mother Mariana could have had, to bless her and protect her and to give me many more years to enjoy all the success and accomplishments I know she will have.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Mariana Nicole, you are my sun, my moon and my stars forever...I love you!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Your mommy </i>}<br />
<i><br /></i>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-37482151258849318962013-02-06T07:05:00.003-05:002013-02-06T07:13:36.845-05:00Simply Mad about Norm & Jessica's Story - day 6<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWSX0hUtmPI/URJEHpDTI6I/AAAAAAAAAaY/pXGVBXniSdU/s1600/087ashleightaylor$!x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWSX0hUtmPI/URJEHpDTI6I/AAAAAAAAAaY/pXGVBXniSdU/s320/087ashleightaylor$!x600.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica & Norm - 12/12/12</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hello!!! Day 6 of <i>"14 Days of Love Stories" </i>is here. This story was not sent to me, but rather I found it on <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/2013/02/04/santa-barbara-elopement-from-team-hair-and-makeup/" target="_blank">Style Me Pretty</a> and I am thrilled I did. This touching story is full of love, courage, support, optimism and a very charming 1966 green VW bus! Read on!<i></i><br />
Credits - <a href="http://www.ashleightaylorphotography.com/" target="_blank">Ashleigh Taylor Photography</a> & <a href="http://www.teamhairandmakeupservice.com/" target="_blank">TEAM Hair & Makeup</a><i><br /></i><br />
<br />
<i></i>Here is their story...<i><br /></i><br />
<i>{ My husband Norman and I eloped in Santa Barbara on 12-12-12. Our
wedding was not the one of our dreams, but it was better! Norm and I
have been together four and a half years. We met a week after I moved to
Las Vegas and were giddy in love from day one. Norm and I were ready to
marry long before we did. The big obstacle in our way was cancer. Norm
had a seizure in January and was diagnosed with grade 4 brain cancer,
glioblastoma multiforme. By September, he had SIX brain surgeries. He
has fought through chemo-radiation, tumor recurrence, and bi-weekly
infusions. Putting his health first, we postponed our wedding. </i><br />
<i> </i>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3JEiMpQF61M/URJGeR2QGLI/AAAAAAAAAaw/n6lvuvsbYR0/s1600/027ashleightaylor$!x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3JEiMpQF61M/URJGeR2QGLI/AAAAAAAAAaw/n6lvuvsbYR0/s320/027ashleightaylor$!x600.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pretty Jessica</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>A few weeks ago, I unveiled to Norm <a href="http://www.normsjourney.com/" target="_blank">his new blogsite</a>.
He cried happy tears and said he also had a surprise. “I’ve been
thinking a lot about when we should get married, and I can’t think of a
better date than 12-12-12.” The date was set. Without seeing his next
MRI though, we could make no wedding or travel plans. We decided we
would marry on 12-12-12, no matter what. Whether in the infusion center,
in a hospital room after another surgery, or in the Cedars-Sinai
chapel, we were getting married! Great news came on November 28, when
Norm had a perfect MRI! We had been prepared for the worst and now we
had a wedding to plan!! We took a couple of days to get our thoughts
around what was best for us. We quickly realized that a traditional
wedding and reception would cost more than we could justify spending. We
wanted our day to be special, but had to be responsible and save money
toward future treatments. With less than two weeks notice, flying family
cross country was also not realistic. We decided to elope.</i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYFRaMfuq9s/URJGs_u3mFI/AAAAAAAAAa4/8COoztgz71Q/s1600/121ashleightaylor$!600x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYFRaMfuq9s/URJGs_u3mFI/AAAAAAAAAa4/8COoztgz71Q/s320/121ashleightaylor$!600x.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE that bus!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>Norm always wanted to take our restored 1966 VW bus up the coast
of California. This was one of those dreams we never “had time” for
before. Why not fulfill this dream with a road trip elopement? We
decided on a beach ceremony near Santa Barbara and photos in the rolling
hills that Norm and I both love. Afterwards, we would take off, free as
(love) birds in our bus. Norm and I love photography, and I wanted to
capture the carefree spirit and adventure of our day. Thank goodness for
Style Me Pretty! I spent hours looking at the blog and gathering vendor
info for the Santa Barbara area. We booked our photographer first, then
bought Norm’s wedding band and outfit. I ordered a dress online from J.
Crew. It was delivered to our doorstep four days before the wedding! In
the end, our vendors really made the day. With very little notice and a
tiny budget, they worked together to make our day better than we ever
dreamed! Ashleigh Taylor Henning suggested a beach location, and pointed
me toward Simply Bouquets and Crushcakes. She went above and beyond for
us and made us feel like we were the cutest couple in the entire world.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pM52VXF3ckM/URJG14dHxJI/AAAAAAAAAbA/XxZm-3Oe2Ss/s1600/035ashleightaylor$!x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pM52VXF3ckM/URJG14dHxJI/AAAAAAAAAbA/XxZm-3Oe2Ss/s320/035ashleightaylor$!x600.jpg" width="213" /></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>happy couple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Mar & Nicole with TEAM Hair & Makeup stepped in like a
surrogate family on the morning of 12-12-12. They created excitement
that had a ripple effect through the entire day. Not wanting us to miss a
thing, they staged our first look and first dance in their studio. They
lit candles and downloaded our songs from iTunes, just moments before
my groom arrived. They played John Denver’s “Annie’s Song” as Norm
walked around the corner to see me for the first time. That first look
brought me to tears and was the most special part of the day. Thank you
Mar for working your magic! Our families were also with us that day in
spirit, if not in person. Norm and I carried with us reminders of our
loved ones: his mother’s diamond, a “wedding ring” quilt from my
grandmother, earrings from my grandfather, his grandparents’ wedding
rings from Germany, and many more. On one shoe, I wore a flower clip
that I had worn 20 years earlier as flower girl in my aunt’s wedding.</i><br />
<i>We drove our mint green “Happy Bus” to Refugio Beach. Our wedding
officiant had worked with us over the phone and through email to make
sure the ceremony was personalized and everything we wanted it to be.
With our photographer as witness, we said the vows that we had wanted to
say for so long. We kissed and were introduced to the world as Mr. and
Mrs. Norman Bruns! That day was, far and above, the best day of my life.
Norm and I are more in love than ever before. He is still the man I
fell in love with: kind-hearted, positive, always up for an adventure or
a good laugh. I think our wedding day was in that same spirit! Thanks
to all who made it so special! }</i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-33086775919759878152013-02-06T00:37:00.002-05:002013-04-12T14:54:51.092-04:00Simply Mad about "Haru Matusri"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplymadjewelry" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqBVK9WBYP0/URHha02LQMI/AAAAAAAAAZo/zo4oNCzDKZ4/s200/simply-mad2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Hi there! I am finally ready, excited (and proud) to share the first pieces of Simply Mad's newest collection with you. Every collection needs a fitting name and I have named this one "Haru Matsuri" (Spring Festival in Japanese) - what do you think? <br />
<br />
If you have been following this blog, then you have an idea of what I am talking about. But for the benefit of those who might be joining us just now, here is a re-cap...You can also visit these links for more detail...<br />
<a href="http://simplymad-blog.blogspot.jp/2013/01/simply-mads-plan-2013.html" target="_blank">Simply Mad's Plan for 2013</a><br />
<a href="http://simplymad-blog.blogspot.jp/2013/01/simply-mad-about-de-cluttering-and-de.html" target="_blank">Simply Mad About De-Cluttering & De-signing</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDwCxJJwLpY/UOo1mOF8krI/AAAAAAAAAP8/8BuRrX3wu9A/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDwCxJJwLpY/UOo1mOF8krI/AAAAAAAAAP8/8BuRrX3wu9A/s200/IMG_0916.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration piece - Japanese silk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Up until now I had designed my jewelry from a very personal place making it hard to give each piece its own voice and story. I am adjusting Simply Mad Jewelry and my design process a bit to incorporate my travels - and the interesting items I have collected along the way - into my jewelry creations. This will give the jewelry a "birth place" and great meaning. The new collections will be inspired by a picture, a souvenir, a flea market find or any other treasure I have found in my journeys. Each Simply Mad creation will now have a story to be told and when it goes out into the world it will have the power to transport its happy owner to a place that brings back memories or to new lands waiting to be explored and where new memories are waiting to be made. Let's go on a journey together!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122933324/multi-colored-cluster-pendant-gold-ball"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t-UC2v_ix2o/USs7Aq_xh2I/AAAAAAAAAiA/FNaSV1GNFvk/s200/il_570xN.424987426_sxty.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122933324/multi-colored-cluster-pendant-gold-ball">Colorful Cluster Pendant</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123585026/bright-and-colorful-fuschia-silk-ribbon"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zauu4X2KDjY/USs6HOlZNJI/AAAAAAAAAh4/Jj47-YlGuro/s200/il_570xN.427417941_4bdr.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123585026/bright-and-colorful-fuschia-silk-ribbon">Pink Silk Ribbon Pendant</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since we (my husband, two pups and I) are living in Tokyo at the moment, it felt natural to draw inspiration from the many sources of inspiration Japan offers - ancient temples, iconic snow-capped mountains, cherry blossoms, avant-garde fashion and exquisite kimonos.<br />
I found what I was looking for at a local flea market - a treasure; a small piece of Japanese silk featuring a bright and cheery floral pattern. It was buried in a wicker basket under one gigantic pile of wrinkled scraps of fabrics, lace and ribbon. "My silk" was neatly folded and protected by a plastic bag quietly waiting to be rescued from its unruly basket-mates. And rescued it I did! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What followed was a wave of creativity that has resulted in an entire collection. It made much sense to me to have a Japanese element inspire this collection so close to the beginning of the spring season. Endless spring festivals pop up everywhere in the country come March melting away the winter blues and giving way to joyful celebrations with lively dances and colorful costumes. And who can forget the awe-inpiring cherry blossoms which color the entire landscape pink during that time of the year?!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kpOdwq0xNQ/USs7fPbLMbI/AAAAAAAAAiI/RUqx1ZlP6w8/s200/il_570xN.425248140_oq64.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="172" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123005777/bangle-style-bracelet-wrapped-with-multi?ref=v1_other_2">Silk Ribbon Wrapped Bangle</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope you will enjoy browsing through the collection<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have started listing the pieces in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplymadjewelry" target="_blank">Etsy Shop</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> and more will follow in the upcoming days and weeks. </span></span></span>Most of the pieces are one of a kind as many of the stones (and of course the silk) used are limited in quantity due to the fact I have collected them from my travels. There are also many styles and material I like to play with so I am happier creating new designs all the time than re-selling multiples of any one design. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_B_pwoCiyA/USs8It_CTtI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/r51S7Nj8Ys8/s200/il_570xN.425274646_j9es.jpg" width="133" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123010963/rose-quartz-necklace-deep-fuchsia-pink?ref=v1_other_1">Rose Quartz Pendant</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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All the necklaces can be adjusted in length and most metal components can be replaced with silver if gold is not your "cup of tea". Alternatively, if you like the color scheme and the general style of the collection, but none of the pieces is exactly what you were looking for, let me know and I will be happy to design something just for you!<br />
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To see the collection and all Simply Mad's designs, visit my online <a href="http://www.esty.com/shop/simplymadjewelry">shop</a><br />
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I love hearing from you, so do comment and/or email your thoughts and impression!<br />
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There you have it...Simply Mad's "Haru Matsuri" Collection 2013! I hope you like it
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Rose Quartz PendantAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-72714782140008766412013-02-05T07:13:00.004-05:002013-02-05T07:26:55.331-05:00Simply Mad about LOVE Stories - day 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here it is! Day 5 of <i>"14 Days of Love Stories". </i><span style="font-size: small;">This is Brad<span style="font-size: small;">'s story directl<span style="font-size: small;">y from Idaho. </span></span></span>I took him close to a year but he never gave up and it paid off...in the end he got the girl!<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Brad, Nicole and their four children live in Idaho. Brad runs two blogs, a travel blog: <a href="http://www.worldwanderlusting.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1360065580_1">www.worldwanderlusting.com</span></a> and a "help-for-husbands" blog, <a href="http://www.dailycharmer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1360065580_2">www.dailycharmer.com</span></a><b><span id="goog_674360491"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_674360492"></span>.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is Brad and Nicole's Story<b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">{ <i>Finding My Life’s Treasure</i></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">An account of the blossoming love of
Brad Christensen and Nicole Christensen, </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">from August of 2000 to July of 2001</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a homesick missionary with just a few months before
heading home, I spent a day holed up in a shabby apartment in Elorrio, pouring
over the BSU class catalog for fall semester of 2000. I had concluded
that I’d study communication, and picked a few classes to that end… but I also
needed a class that would re-expose me to the world I’d been missing for 2
years. I hadn’t touched math in two years, but that didn’t sound nearly
as intriguing as the social dance class I was considering; after all I hadn’t
touched a girl in two years.” The decision was made. Months
later, I found myself in Boise. With only 5 days as a non-missionary, I
walked into the rec. room in the Pavilion at Boise State. Surveying my
options, my eyes fixated on a particularly gorgeous girl with beautiful, long,
blond, curly hair.
So, as
best a freshly returned missionary can do, I sought to make a good
impression. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The dance group gathered in a circle, and each person began
by saying their name, and making a gesture that everyone could remember them
by. I anxiously awaited the opportunity to learn this girl’s name.
Stepping forward, she said “My name is Nicole,” and curtsied. “A curtsy,”
I thought, “how could this girl get any more perfect?” </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When Thursday came I arrived a little early and found her
seated against the wall, studying something. I studied the perfection of
her legs for just a moment, and then I asked her “What are you
reading?’ With a coy smile, she said, “I’m actually memorizing. It’s
something for my church.” Trying to disguise my high hopes, I inquired,
“Does it begin with ‘I believe in God the Eternal Father and in his Son, Jesus
Christ?” “Yes, it does,” she said. In my
mind, bells rang as if I had just hit the Jackpot… not only was she the perfect
specimen of womankind, but she was also a Mormon! </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thoughts of marriage flurried in my head until, like the
blaring horn of an oncoming truck would awaken a driver who had fallen asleep
at the wheel and then my daydreams came to a screeching halt as she mentioned
that she had a boyfriend.</span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Emotionally careening off a precipice, I bit my lip and
tried to smile. </span></span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Through casual conversation, and my obvious efforts to align
myself directly across from her in the dance lines, I got to know her a little
better week by week. It was just little things at first… she liked peachy-o’s,
she was a hurdler in high school, her favorite movie was “Last of the
Mohicans,” and she worked at R.C. Willey. </span></span></i>
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</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One day I wanted to make some kind of gesture to indicate
that the only reason I was still going to the class in spite of an injury I
suffered during Lacrosse practice, was to see her. So on my way to
class, I stopped in at Albertson’s, hopped inside on one leg, bought some
Peachy-o’s and hopped out.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hobbled into the dance class and positioned myself against
the wall, conveniently close to Nicole’s coat. I secretly placed the
bag of Peachy-o’s inside her coat and waited for the class to end.
When
it did end, I anxiously waited for her to find the treat and assume that I had
put them there. However, much to my disheartenment, she snatched up
her coat and went running out, without even checking the
pockets. I was about to start feeling sorry for myself when
she must have felt something bulky in her pocket. By that time I was
up and hobbling my way toward the door. As she realized what
it was, she turned and ran back to me. Her beautiful, wide smile
warmed my heart… and with an enthusiastic “thank you,” she hugged
me. It was the first time she would hug me for just a few
seconds too long.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The thrill of these exhilarating interactions was
intermittent with heartbreaking reminders that she had a boyfriend. I
felt like I had made progress by becoming her friend. I made it a point to dress a little nicer on Tuesdays and
Thursdays. I tried to make indiscriminate efforts to flirt while
still being respectful, but little did I know that she was beginning to find
“the RM in her dance class” to be quite charming in his own
right. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the first semester wound down and the time came to choose
classes for the next semester, I was pleasantly surprised when Nicole told me
that she would be taking the intermediate social dance class in the
spring. She asked if I would be enrolling and as nonchalantly
as possible, I told her that I was thinking about it. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the normal course of life, Christmas break would be like
a godsend, but that year it meant a month without the invigorating weekly
exchanges with the girl I had become completely enamored by. I loved everything about
her. I loved the way she was friendly to me, but still maintained
the respect to honor her relationship. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just weeks into the semester, she questioned why I hadn’t
been at the institute skating activity… the truth is that if I had known that
she was going to be there, I wouldn’t have missed it for the
world. But in her questioning, I saw a window of opportunity…
there’s no way I would miss my next shot. And lucky for me, that next shot came
sooner than I had expected. Near the end of January, the
held a sledding activity. And fortunately enough, she asked if
I’d be going. Pretending that my interest was weaker than it was, I
said I’d see if it would fit into my schedule.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the sledding activity, we stopped at the hot spring,
where I implored her to join me in the pool. She declined but
offered to sit around the outside while I took a dip. At the
end of the evening, the thought of parting from what had been the most exultant
ecstasy I had known, was positively harrowing. As we parked,
in what may have been the linchpin in making my life what it is today, she
offered to have me come over to see her little brother, who was just 8 months
old.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I gave her fair warning. “You know, if I know where you
live, it’s going to significantly increase my stalking capabilities,” I
said. Ignoring the warning, she invited me to follow her. I went inside and met her
family. After chatting for a while, we had dinner at Chili’s and
eventually ended up back at her house again. As the day came
to a close, we bid farewell, and there in her room, flush with track and field
medals and trophies, pictures of unicorns, and glow-in-the-dark stars, she
hugged me again… for just a few seconds too long.
I
will forever remember that hug. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Monday, much to my dismay, a dark
cloud hung over the BSU rec. room. The angel I had dreamt of
all weekend wasn’t there.
I soon learned that she wasn’t feeling
well, and felt inspired not to let the moment of opportunity
pass. Removing the label from a can of Progresso Chicken Noodle
Soup, I make my own label, calling it “Feel Good Medicine.” I delivered it to her house, citing my
previous warning that I’d become a full-time stalker if I knew where she
lived. She was enthralled at my genuine concern for her health. Heading
home, my mind raced with thoughts of what could be. The words of
what I knew as a Bob Dylan song rang in my head… and when I got home, I
scrawled the lyrics to To Make You
Feel My Love on a piece of parchment.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Wednesday, Nicole was feeling
better, and the angelic face I longed to behold, once again graced the BSU
campus. After the class, I felt that I had to confront what appeared
to be a tormenting situation. ”Just come with me… give me two
hours,” I pleaded.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When she agreed, I took her to the
Discovery Center. After browsing
through a number of intriguing science displays, we settled at a
keyboard. My memory fails to retrieve exactly what words spelled out
my confession on the keyboard, but I distinctly recall that she typed “Brad has
nice pecs.” We returned to the parking lot outside the Pavilion where
she began to stammer about wanting me to stay interested, but that she needed
the time to figure things out. I understood, but my love was a
burning flame, and nothing would extinguish or even dampen it. As we
parted, I gave her an envelope, inside were the words to the song <b>To
Make You Feel My Love</b> by
Bob Dylan.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Sunday, I was dying to see her… and
like star-crossed lovers, we met in a secret rendezvous. It was clear that I was making headway…
in fact; she had even broken things off with her boyfriend. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the coming week, I paid her another
visit at her house, sharing another song that was as fitting as the first: <b>Once
in a Lifetime Love</b> by Clay Walker. And on that night, our minds sealed
what our hearts already knew. The most breathtaking
courtship that could ever be imagined took place over the coming weeks and
months. On our first
Valentine’s Day together, we absconded to the Wood River Valley, where, with
frozen hands I clutched a key to carve the shape of a heart
with our initials into a birch tree there in the middle of a
playground at the Sun Valley Resort. As we drove home, the
anticipation of what would be our first kiss was unbearable. I made her dinner and we ate in
candlelight… With the soft harmony of “Like the Rain” in the
background, we fell for one another and kissed with all the passion of months
of pent-up affection.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By April, we had
strengthened our relationship to the point to where we simply
couldn’t be without one another. And on Easter Night, my life felt
complete as I held this pure, wonderful woman in my arms and she declared that,
in all sincerity, she loved me. Within
weeks, we had reached the point to where we were so comfortable with one
another, and so confident in one another, that we would pledge our eternal
love. In preparation to ask her to marry me, I gathered a
number of items and packed them in a hiking backpack.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We drove to Banks, and then down the
road to the fourth mile marker. Crossing the road, we headed up to
the hot springs on a cool May night. As if by destiny, the springs
were empty. We had the place entirely to ourselves. I placed
candles around the pool, set up a CD player, and poured sparkling cider into
tall glasses. Periodically, I gave her peach roses, which she
clutched earnestly. Taking the final peach rose, I pressed
play on the CD player, which softly played out Garth Brooks’ version of “To
Make You Feel My Love.” Unabashedly, I sang along, until the third
verse when I departed from the traditional lyrics, and began to sing my own.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You’re the girl that I’ve been dreamin’
of</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And now you’re right here in my arms</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Holdin’ you I know this is true love</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And I’ll keep you with me safe from
harm</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No, I’ve never met a girl like you</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Never ever felt a love so true</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No, there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To make you feel my love</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I sang, I plucked the petals from
the last rose, dropping them in the pool. Around us they floated and
as I neared the center of the rose, I unveiled a diamond ring, which I placed
on her finger, and, kneeling, asked her to be my wife for time and all
eternity. Crying, she answered, “Yes,” and my heart leapt with a
sensation that cannot be described.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just 3 months later, on July 28<sup>th</sup>,
Nicole Poulsen, the girl in my dance class, the heartthrob I dreamt of day and
night, became my eternal companion as we were married in Idaho Falls, Idaho.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If this narrative sounds like a
storybook romance, it’s because it was… and it is. I could never ask
for a more perfect spouse. Nicole, you are more than
everything I ever dreamed of. You are my life’s true love.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Epilogue</b></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nicole and I have been privileged to
have four adorable children born to us. They have
blessed our lives so exquisitely, that we cannot even imagine life
without their smiles, fun-loving characters, and limitless energy. </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">}</span></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-9262675180847090822013-02-02T20:53:00.000-05:002013-02-04T04:11:57.105-05:00Simply Mad About LOVE Stories - day 4<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDW2aaZkdTE/UQ2y1-pWxuI/AAAAAAAAAYA/UcI29ai7zmc/s1600/A_Love_Story__by_me3009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDW2aaZkdTE/UQ2y1-pWxuI/AAAAAAAAAYA/UcI29ai7zmc/s320/A_Love_Story__by_me3009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hello! It is day 4 of "<i>14 Days of Love Story". </i>Angela from <a href="http://nevernola.com/" target="_blank">Never Nola</a> has shared a second story with us. Thank you Angela! This time is her grandparents' love story we get to enjoy. It is beautifully written with lessons about never giving up and it shows bad weather is not always a bad thing...read on & enjoy!</div>
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{ send me your story } who are you in love with? tell me! you can send your story to simplymad@ymail.com</div>
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Here is Gladys & Aldo's LOVE story</div>
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{ <i>My grandfather Aldo caught his first glimpse of HER at his fathers funeral in May of 1946. It was her family who owned the funeral home, and she was working in the office for the summer.</i></div>
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<i>During the months that followed he was so Intrigued by this beautiful woman that Aldo would find business and personal reasons to develop a relationship with her father, hoping to know Gladys better. Aldo sent penny postcards almost weekly, asking where he could meet her…Gladys on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with him.</i></div>
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<i>A few months later Aldo was invited to have dinner at Gladys’s summer home in Bayville, NJ. He anchored his boat- the NOLA just beyond the reef and swam to shore. He walked up to the home to find Gladys’s wearing a Tattered Old Swimsuit and her fathers Overalls, painting the house… She stared back startled at the soaking wet man in his swim shorts, horrified that he was their dinner guest.</i></div>
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<i>Several weeks passed and Aldo and his friends decide to embark on a 2 week adventure aboard the NOLA. They sailed along the Hudson River as a Northeastern storm began to encroach upon them. They were in Bayville at the time and (strategically) decided to anchor outside of Gladys’s home. That night the storm hit and beached the NOLA on shore. Aldo spent 3 days waiting out the storm; sharing stories, playing games, and woo’ing the woman he would later marry.</i></div>
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<i>Finally, they were dating… and were attending the Military Ball In NYC. They danced until 2am, and then went to an early morning Mass. It was LOVE.</i></div>
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<i>When Aldo was transferred to Alaska for several months on business, he and Gladys promised to be in touch. They wrote each other every day while he was gone. He returned on Valentines Day 1947 and within a week of his return, he proposed.</i></div>
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<i>July 26, 1947 they were married.</i></div>
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<i>From the Storm that washed the NOLA on shore, the girl who was NEVER interested, and the boy who NEVER gave up, bloomed a Love story made for the movies. A story so inspiring that it needed a name. An idea so simple that NEVER giving up on what you want, will eventually bring your NOLA to shore… }</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-44343158817256340602013-02-02T19:26:00.001-05:002013-02-02T19:30:33.115-05:00Simply Mad about LOVE Stories - day 3<!--StartFragment-->
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Welcome to day 3 of "1<i>4 Days of Love Stories</i>". Today's is the story of a dear couple friend of ours, who preferred to stay anonymous...:o) </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">This is a story of sweet love found in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. A master love plan in his mind...a total surprise for her heart!</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">{ send me your story } there is plenty of time and every love story is worth telling - email me at </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><a href="mailto:simplymad@ymail.com">simplymad@ymail.com</a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Here is their story...</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">{ <i>We were business partners in a cruise vacations business. We became very close almost inseparable. At that time he was going thru a divorce and I would give him advice about how to try and work things out with his wife and when that didn't seem possible, I would introduce him to and try to set him up with my friends. In October 2007, we attended a business conference held on board a cruise liner while it made its way from NYC to London across the Atlantic. In attendance were many colleagues from the travel industry who knew us well and with whom we had attended previous conferences. </i></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><i>One of the formal nights the entire group ended up in ship’s disco as it pretty much happened every night of the 6-day trip. At one point during the night we went to the outdoor area of the disco to have a cigarette but we could still hear the live music playing. As if fate was waiting for the perfect moment – a moment when we would be alone - the music switched from danceable to slow and the singer said: “those of you who are in love and want to express that love to your partner, this is the time. Dare to do it! This is your chance!” He asked me to dance repeatedly and I kept saying noooo…it was a slow song and I was shy. He insisted so much that the man sitting next to us started egging me on to accept the invitation to dance. At that point I couldn’t say no anymore without starting to look childish so I agreed. Half way through the song he whispered in my ear: “it seems I am falling in love with you”. I pushed back, looked at him and laughed. I couldn’t believe it! He then said: “what you say is not important, I just had to tell you how I felt regardless of what your response or decision would be". </i></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><i>My sister in law had always told me he liked me…she would say: "look at the way he looks at you" and I would always say" “noooo, he is my partner…no way!"</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><i>We finished dancing and re-joined the group inside. I thought about what had just happened and the truth was that I liked him, I liked being around him, I felt very comfortable around him and at that point nothing else seemed important – why not give it a shot?! I looked at him, I caressed his hair and then he kissed me! That’s how it all started! We tried to hide what was going on from our colleagues on board, but our efforts to conceal our new found love went out the window when we were caught kissing in a dark corner like two teenagers. That was over 5 years ago…today we live together and we are happier than ever!</i> }</span></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-43103138490644858772013-02-02T08:20:00.000-05:002013-02-02T08:28:45.850-05:00Simply Mad about LOVE stories - day 2<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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Day two of <i>"14 Days of Love Stories"</i> is here! Christine sent us her parents'- Maureen & Hector - love story. Christine live in Hayward, California not far from where this love story unfolded.<br />
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Very touching love story full of perseverance, patience and determination - at the beginning from Christine's mom and later on from her dad.<br />
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Here is Christine's parents' story...<br />
{ <i>It all started in 1968, my parents were both 11 years old. My father was
a navy brat, so he and his family were always moving around. His family
moved into a house in Hayward, Ca, which happened to be 4 houses up the
street from my Mom's, who lived with her parents and 6 siblings. There
were lots of kids in the neighborhood then, so they all played together.
My Mom told me that she would be sitting outside with her friends
talking and hanging out and my Dad would be running up and down the
street with his friends lighting of fire crackers and then go inside and
call the cops telling them it was my Mom and her friends. The cops
would show up and talk to the girls who would then say it was the boys
in the neighborhood. My Mom said that my Dad and his friends would
always shoot the girls in their butts with beebees. Despite all the
"girls YUCK!" flirting, my Mom still had a crush on my Dad. Once they
were high school age, my Dad and his family packed up and moved to Japan
for about 3 years or so and my Mom was devoted to trying to stay in touch with
my Dad and his family. </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIHeJ1aFvIM/UQxqfoQ0-xI/AAAAAAAAAXI/GYN34VswC1M/s1600/20130128_154738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIHeJ1aFvIM/UQxqfoQ0-xI/AAAAAAAAAXI/GYN34VswC1M/s400/20130128_154738.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maureen & Hector at their wedding</td></tr>
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<i>At that time, my Dad just saw my Mom as a
friend. My Mom wrote my Dad, his 2 sisters, his mother and his father
each a letter every single week they were gone. Things didn't work out
between my Dad's parents while they were living in Japan, so his mother
packed up the kids and moved them back to their house in Hayward. Of
course my Mom was ecstatic! It was then that my Dad developed feelings
for my Mom and they took each other to their Senior Proms. My
parents continued dating after high school and got married in 1980. They
moved into the house my Dad had lived in, in Hayward. My Mom's parents
still lived down the street. By 1988, my parents had 4 kids, 2 boys and 2
girls. In 1994, my parents pack all us kids up and we moved into a
bigger house...it was the 17th house my Dad had lived in. In 1995, my
Dad developed Multiple Myeloma (bone cancer) in his right arm which
caused him to have to retire as a police officer. We were devastated.
The following years were filled with lots of hard and emotional times.
The doctors told him that with his type of cancer, he wouldn't live more
that 3-5 years. My Dad lived just under 10! </i><br />
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<i>At the time of his passing,
he was the 3rd person on record at Stanford known to live almost 10
years with his type of cancer. In the last 6 months of his life, my Dad
had started setting goals of certain days he wanted to make it to for
different reasons. Making it to a certain date meant extra retirement benefits would
kick in to help my Mom financially. Some of his other goals were to
make it to Thanksgiving so that he could have one more turkey dinner
with my Mom. And Christmas so that he could watch his kids, who were now
in their teens and early 20's, open gifts with that same look of
excitement they had as little kids when Santa came. That year, we had a
Star named after him and presented him with the certificate of
authenticity on Christmas Day. He was pretty impressed with that. His
final goal was to make it to Jan. 26, 2005 because my parents were to
celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, which also happens to be my
sister's birthday. He made every single one of his goals and died the
following evening. It was very sad to see him go, but in the end, all he
cared about was spending time with his family and celebrating his love
with my Mom one more time. We just recently hit the 8 year anniversary
of his passing and this story crosses my mind every year. It is an
amazing story of LOVE that I love sharing!</i> }<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving dinner - Hector reached one of his goals!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-50691312981086389142013-02-01T09:03:00.000-05:002013-02-01T20:47:47.598-05:00Simply Mad about LOVE stories<br />
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1359765965213_5314">Hello!!!! First day of February and first day of <i>"14 Days of Love Stories"</i> - we have some good ones coming. This first story is a sweet story of finding love in an unexpected place... The pretty and bubbly Angela from <a href="http://www.nevernola.com/" target="_blank">Never Nola</a> sent me her love story with her hubby and I had a good time reading it, I hope you will too...</span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1359765965213_5314">Here is Angela's love story...</span><br />
<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1359765965213_5314"></span> { <i>In the spring of 2004, a new
church group with young single people... sounded... well, like a meat
market! But my friends insisted I join them. I caved! I walked in and
instantly noticed a boy with eyes bluer than the sky, with a smile that
lit up the room, and I think I fell in love right there! I walked past
him about 15 time to go to the water fountain, trying to drum up the
nerve to say hello. I failed. During the last class though, to my
surprise, he came and sat down right next to me!! (apparently he had
been eying me too). We chatted after, and he asked for my phone number.
He was in town visiting a friend & was headed back to Idaho a few
days later, so the next evening we squeezed in a date before he headed
home. </i><br />
<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1359765965213_5314"><i></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ypjQ3Pph6OM/UQulir_zpQI/AAAAAAAAAWY/zhWdkDgDjlk/s1600/dsc_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ypjQ3Pph6OM/UQulir_zpQI/AAAAAAAAAWY/zhWdkDgDjlk/s320/dsc_0011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angela & Colby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1359765965213_5314">Over the next several months we kept in touch casually, as friends,
because we were both seeing other people. He was then sent down to
Arizona to work on a camp ground that was about an hour away from me. We
hung out with groups of friends, still just friends for about 8
months... all the while realizing how much we had in common with each
other and enjoyed each others company. Every moment spent with him I
could feel the connection, the enjoyment and thrill for life! He was
exhilarating to be around.<br />
<br />Shortly following, our previous relationships were over, and we
moved out of the friend zone and began dating. In March of 2005, I moved
to Idaho to attend school where I had several friends attending (or as
he claims -- for him!) That may be slightly true... but dont tell him
that... shhh... <br />
<br />By May 2005 (two months after I moved to Idaho) we were engaged, & on August 20th. 2005 (five months after I moved to Idaho) we were married! Yes! Quick I know! But why wait? We will be celebrating 8 years this
summer, I thank god every day for this man in my life. Sometimes you
just know, and with him it was that way. We have 2 beautiful
children, and an incredible love that grows every day. <br />
<br />One of my favorite love songs is by Brad Paisley: "And I Thought I Loved You Then..." and those words have never been more true with each
passing day. I love you Colby! </span></i><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1359765965213_5314">}</span><br />
<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1359765965213_5314"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-54360627798834395612013-01-23T21:58:00.003-05:002013-01-28T18:16:38.294-05:00Simply Mad about story-telling and spreading love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaQsQFg_iTo/UQNPIXNmtJI/AAAAAAAAAV4/YRjINkdsPdI/s1600/tell+your+love+story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaQsQFg_iTo/UQNPIXNmtJI/AAAAAAAAAV4/YRjINkdsPdI/s320/tell+your+love+story.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i>"E<i>very love story is beautiful, but </i></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><i>ours is my favorite"</i></i></span></div>
Love is in the air...or it will be soon! The beginning of February is around the corner and you know what that means...Valentine's Day is just a little over 2 week away! Love fills the air, gifts are bought, flowers are given, chocolates are eaten and hugs are exchanged. What a lovely holiday! But one must not forget to celebrate love and friendship all year round.<br />
<br />
We all enjoy a love story that warms the heart and makes us go, "awwwwww". What better time to share such stories than now? Let's have a love-sharing festival here on Simply Mad's blog!<br />
<br />
Send me your story of love and I will feature it here during Simply Mad's "14 Days of Love Stories" from February 1 - February 14th. If I am lucky enough to get more than 14 stories (fingers crossed) then I will publish more than one per day. And if I get many, many stories, who knows maybe we will end up with "A Full Month of Love Stories". Feel free to include pictures with your story!<br />
<br />
Wouldn't it be nice to sit down with a cup of tea or coffee (or something a little stronger) and reminisce about your journey together? Remember all the reasons your relationship is as great as it is and where did this great love you share blossom from? Go ahead! Write down!<br />
<br />
Love comes in infinite shapes, sizes and colors; a mother's/father's love for a child, love for our pets, sisterly/brotherly love, love we share with our parents, there is the love we feel for our better halves, or why not tell your love story with yourself! <br />
<br />
{ <i><b>No strings attached</b></i> } This project is about pure love and the joy of sharing it. This is not a contest that requires you to "like me", "follow me, "tweet me" or "pin me" to participate...Nope! No conditions here. This it about love - sharing it, spreading it, feeling it, giving it and celebrating the month of love and friendship!<br />
<br />
Share this post with your friends! The more stories we get the more love we can sprinkle around us.<br />
<br />
All you need to do is email me<span style="color: #444444;"><i> </i></span>your story at simplymad@ymail.com. I will let you know I got it and when it will be shared :)<br />
<br />
Let's fill the air around us with enough love, happiness and warmth to last us well beyond the end of February.<br />
<br />
Hope to see your story in my inbox!<br />
Mad<br />
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-50595280643846553822013-01-14T07:54:00.000-05:002013-01-14T07:54:24.922-05:00Simply Mad about de-cluttering and de-signing I like publishing my postings on Mondays...the beginning of a brand new and shiny week, a fresh start, 5 days full of endless hours (ok, ok, not endless, but Mondays certainly hold the most hours to be had in a work week...) to make jewelry! Mondays inspire me! I am happy to leave the weekend behind and start up a new week with all its possibilities. YAY for Mondays!!!!<br />
<br />
Last week, I meant to start working on the "Japanese collection" - by the way I need a MUCH cooler name for it so send your suggestions, I feel a contest brewing. Remember I told you and showed you the inspiration piece on the second to <a href="http://simplymad-blog.blogspot.jp/2013/01/simply-mads-plan-2013.html" target="_blank">last posting</a>? Remember, that colorful and soft piece of Japanese silk I found tucked away at the flea market? Here it is again...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npYJ5qo8HcY/UPP38Q1CKgI/AAAAAAAAASg/dh598CI7tiQ/s1600/Japan+Pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npYJ5qo8HcY/UPP38Q1CKgI/AAAAAAAAASg/dh598CI7tiQ/s320/Japan+Pattern.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese silk; inspiration piece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, last Monday right after I told you about my find, I was ready to sit down and start making bright-colored jewelry, but something happened. I sat at my work table and something didn't feel right. Hmmmm...I didn't know where to start, all the beads were looking at me begging to be picked but I was stuck. I sat back and looked around me and there it was! THE MESS! My studio was a complete mess...not dirty, just disorganized. I couldn't stand it! I put my tools and beads aside and spent the better part of the week de-cluttering, re-organizing, re-storing and re-labeling. My beads are now neatly stored and categorized by color, folders have been filled with previously loose papers, and I rearranged the furniture for ease of movement and hopefully better flow of energy. I felt like I was clearing my creative mind and making room for all those ideas, colors and beads that were waiting to be picked and explored! Cleaning=Cleansing=Good for the soul :)<br />
<br />
By the end of the week I was ready! I sat down and approached my designing process in a whole new way. New Year! New Week! New Approach! You see, ever since I started making jewelry, there has never been a rhyme or reason as to why I make the kind of jewelry I make or how I arrived at a particular design. I would just buy materials I liked and in my head I would picture a piece and voila! It was made! That kinda of work, but there was always something missing - a why or what or how? That has been my biggest challenge; to find my style, my theme, my story. But with the new year and my renewed motivation, I thought I would do something different. I have already decided my collections will have a travel-inspired twist, they will be born from places I have been to; from a picture, or a souvenir or a little treasure found in a local flea market. That will give the piece an instant story. But I needed more. I need to connect with my jewelry. <br />
<br />
This time I took my time to sit down and do some sketches of the mental pictures I had - I will not win a prize for drawing bu that's not the point. Much like journal-ing, when you put all your thoughts on paper to clear your head (I am a BIG, HUGE journal-er, I do it first thing in the morning so I call them my "morning pages" and it does help), sketching helps me see my ideas more clearly. By doing so, I don't stay up at night trying to dream up the next necklace or pair of earrings. I am developing a new creative process and my little heart is very happy...jumping-up-and-down-happy. Knowing the why? and what? of my designs makes me more proud to call them my own. And in turn more confident in sharing them with you! They are my babies...I am seeing them from inspiration to sketch to construction to the finish line - ready to be sent off to make someone happy whenever she wears it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6gWspzkwiQ/UPP5sh8mY9I/AAAAAAAAAS0/D9MMdNB_7DI/s1600/400051_410798205663470_659345045_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6gWspzkwiQ/UPP5sh8mY9I/AAAAAAAAAS0/D9MMdNB_7DI/s320/400051_410798205663470_659345045_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some sketches...Mad-style sketching</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This inspiration piece has also made me push my boundaries a bit. Normally, a monochromatic-muted-colors-kinda a girl, I find myself really leaning toward the pinks, the oranges and blues on the pattern. I will dive in and roll around in these colors and I will honor Japan with a spring collection! After all, spring is the best season in Japan...endless festivals are held all across the country bringing the cities and it's people to life with colors, dances and age old traditions. And who can forget the awe-inspiring cherry blossoms! Here are some picts from Japanese spring festivals. See all the color?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNkvtjFh5Us/UPP7pZXGC5I/AAAAAAAAATQ/Q-3KEraLMb0/s1600/200903-161.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNkvtjFh5Us/UPP7pZXGC5I/AAAAAAAAATQ/Q-3KEraLMb0/s200/200903-161.gif" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSHx445QORc/UPP7vn4LrDI/AAAAAAAAATc/U0l693x8zyw/s1600/200903-171.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSHx445QORc/UPP7vn4LrDI/AAAAAAAAATc/U0l693x8zyw/s200/200903-171.gif" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S--8XpAol-0/UPP7zJ6kluI/AAAAAAAAATk/tzEv1FUf4AM/s1600/200903-162.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S--8XpAol-0/UPP7zJ6kluI/AAAAAAAAATk/tzEv1FUf4AM/s200/200903-162.gif" width="132" /></a></div>
<br />
I could have chosen a wintery picture of Mt. Fuji and give my monochromatic-muted-colors side some joy with a black, white and gray collection....but nope! Oh no! This is the year to push the envelope, take risks and take a leap! So Japan in the Spring it is! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZjTyrbFBaY/UPP64dnKh_I/AAAAAAAAATI/zoi18CG-7Oo/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZjTyrbFBaY/UPP64dnKh_I/AAAAAAAAATI/zoi18CG-7Oo/s320/IMG_1166.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gathering materials</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Will unveil the collection 2 weeks from today, but first I need a "SIMPLY" awesome name - submit yours for the chance to win a pair of Simply Mad earrings from the new collection - your choice! I will have a contest on Facebook, so head on over to Facebook and click LIKE so you don't miss any of the details!<br />
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Cheers to a colorful week for everyone!!!<br />Mad<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-24490480451811407692013-01-13T20:29:00.004-05:002013-01-13T20:53:57.736-05:00Flourish & Thrive Academy Laying the Foundation Volume 1Hi there! As part of my efforts to take my handmade jewelry business -<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplymadjewelry" target="_blank"> Simply Mad</a> - flying and flying high, I have been searching to learn about the business side of owning your own...well...business. You see, the making of the jewelry is the fun part...the colors, the beads, the creating-something-from-scratch part is what makes my heart glow with joy. Is the business-ey side of things that makes my heart go: "wa,waaa,waaaaa". All the marketing, sales, accounting...ay, ay, ay! And then on top of that add all the social media overwhelm-ness which you must master if you want your business to succeed.<br />
<br />
In my search and as a suggestion from Jessika Hepburn from <a href="http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/" target="_blank">Oh My! Handmade Goodness</a>, I stumbled upon <a href="http://www.flourishthriveacademy.com/" target="_blank">Flourish & Thrive Academy</a>; a virtual academy dedicated to helping jewelry designers specifically take their business to greatness - how perfect is that?!?! And now they are offering as free scholarship where one can learn all the business-ey things (wa, waaa, waaaa!) one needs to grow a small business. <br />
<br />
To win this scholarship, I must answer three questions; here they are..<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where are you in your jewelry business now?</span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would say my business as I want it to be has just been born with the new year. I have had an Etsy shop for two years and I have seen some success, but I am nowhere near I want to be for myself and my customers. It is time to bring it up a notch or two and put all I got into it!</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What’s holding you back in your business and your life?</span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My biggest obstacle is myself! I don't seem to be able to get myself organized enough to manage my time wisely and make room for all the tracking, data entry, sales, marketing and not so fun, but essential things I should be doing on an ongoing basis. In addition to that I am awful at selling myself! It makes me feel like I am bragging or saying: "oh look at me, I am so great" - not my comfort zone. But I do want to learn because it will not only help me advance my business but by reaching out and letting people know you is how great connections and friendships are built.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your vision for your business? Where do you want to go? What are your biggest dreams and desires?</span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I picture myself in my home studio making jewelry with a smile on my face and happy music playing in the background. I am smiling and jamming because I know they jewelry I am making will end up making someone happy and feel better about herself. Since my new collections will be travel-inspired I want my jewelry to take my customers in a imaginary journey to places they have visited or would like to visit. I want my jewelry to be more than just an accessory; I want it to be an entire experience! And of course make money along the way.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
There you have it! Those are the 3 answers that will win me this scholarship!!!!<br />
<br />
If you share this blog post you will be helping me increase my chances...what do you say?<br />
<br />
Wish me luck! I will let you keep you posted...<br />
Thanks!!!<br />
Mad<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757571371769865199.post-37461218648112888312013-01-07T09:18:00.000-05:002013-01-07T09:18:14.039-05:00Simply Mad's Plan 2013<br />
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I hope you are settling in nicely into the new year. Trey was on vacation last week so for me the new year kinda starts today. Last week was spent relaxing, recharging and reflecting.<br />
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I love the sense of endless possibilities a new year brings and the cleansing power of leaving an old year behind. This year I didn't make any official resolutions; I think any day is good to start over or make self -improvements, don't you think? Plus my track record with new year's resolutions is less than stellar - hahaha! How about you? Did you make any resolutions for 2013? <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KI8tew9Wtcg/UOo0KpFca9I/AAAAAAAAAPo/MuXNnqrz084/s1600/2013-New-Year-Resolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KI8tew9Wtcg/UOo0KpFca9I/AAAAAAAAAPo/MuXNnqrz084/s1600/2013-New-Year-Resolution.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">borrowed this pict from <a href="http://treataday.com/2013-new-years-resolutions/" target="_blank">Treat A Day</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is something I am focusing my attention on this year though - my business. Over the holidays I had my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyMadJewelry" target="_blank">Simply Mad Jewelry shop</a> critiqued by a pro - Jessika Hepburn from <a href="http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/" target="_blank">Oh My! Handmade Goodness</a>. The critique was kind (thank God and thank YOU Jessika) and full of great ideas and helpful suggestions. Aside from the concrete support Jessika provided, the renew came with a much needed dose of encouragement and a new perspective about all that it takes to build and grow a small creative business. So I start this week and this new year armed with tools and inspiration to take my jewelry business flying and flying high in 2013 and beyond! You will see more of my travels reflected in my designs. I have been "mind busy" picturing what the new pieces will look like, which of the places I have visited will I look to for inspiration and it is all really exciting. I have been revisiting some of my favorites spots through my pictures, reminiscing and reliving memorable moments Trey and I have shared while traveling. While browsing around a flea market in Tokyo yesterday I found - what feels like a perfect inspiration piece for a Japan/Spring collection. The colors are so cheery and the silk so soft and delicate - I am in love with it!!! I can't wait to share the first pieces with you.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDwCxJJwLpY/UOo1mOF8krI/AAAAAAAAAP8/8BuRrX3wu9A/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDwCxJJwLpY/UOo1mOF8krI/AAAAAAAAAP8/8BuRrX3wu9A/s320/IMG_0916.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Japanese silk found in a local free market in Tokyo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After two years of making and selling jewelry with moderate success, it is time to make and sell jewelry with a LOT of success. This is the year when jewelry making will go from hobby to healthy obsession and then to absolute success. And I will take you along with me in my journey...I need someone to cheerlead me along the way.<br />
<br />
Aside from a new designing process and sources of inspiration, Simply Mad Jewelry has a new logo from <a href="http://www.moxiepear.com/" target="_blank">Moxie Pear</a>. Up until now I had designed my own logos but it was time to go pro with the logo as well. Thanks Lisa! I love handmade but somethings need to be left to the pro's. It still has what I call "my happy color" - that tone of blue - the old logo had combined with a salmon pink and soft blush color for the "wear it and be happy" tag line. I think it is A W E S O M E...what do you think?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywodtdGzKQY/UOorVKn9HgI/AAAAAAAAAPU/mN_YhT6fSPk/s1600/simply-mad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywodtdGzKQY/UOorVKn9HgI/AAAAAAAAAPU/mN_YhT6fSPk/s320/simply-mad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new and awesome logo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I will continue to share my Japanese (and any other travel) experiences with you and somewhere in between there will give you updates about Simply Mad's new pieces, collections, inspiration and progress.<br />
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May 2013 be a year full of magic, love, health happiness and success for all of us! May this new year be the year when all our dreams come true!<br />
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Cheers to a SIMPLY great 2013!<br />
Mad<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013840929343270491noreply@blogger.com2