tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87923895614704733832024-03-19T01:06:37.604-07:00Local-LadyExploring Richmond, My Hometown and HeartAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-20271628850835640242016-04-02T08:31:00.001-07:002016-05-09T17:12:22.838-07:00The Story That Breaks Your Heart & Puts You Back Together Again<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale."</i></div>
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<i>~Hans Christian Andersen~</i></div>
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There were times as a child, when I was read aloud to or read quietly alone, a story that broke my heart and remains with me always. The Velveteen Rabbit still brings me to tears. But before I had even heard of the bunny who became real, I heard <a href="http://childhoodreading.com/?p=16"><b>the tale of the Emperor and the Nightingale</b></a> by Hans Christian Andersen. Today we remember Andersen on his birthday.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.6px; line-height: 20.4px;">Read the tale in its entirety <b><a href="http://childhoodreading.com/?p=16">HERE</a></b>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wjs5IfWADxqWdtFfdASGWnzlIlAvJ72V4LL4mvN_Jl2XsyDqLb1IijCDARqoroLG-mUIwGLEXn8Qcc5AA8nY4uZF8rw6JJgI305RqFvL0GoynnjaM6oI6TetKyyovcSsCyRcyH_ywA8/s1600/lefler_nightingale2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wjs5IfWADxqWdtFfdASGWnzlIlAvJ72V4LL4mvN_Jl2XsyDqLb1IijCDARqoroLG-mUIwGLEXn8Qcc5AA8nY4uZF8rw6JJgI305RqFvL0GoynnjaM6oI6TetKyyovcSsCyRcyH_ywA8/s1600/lefler_nightingale2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting by Heinrich Lefler:<a href="http://www.childlit.com/battledore/product/heinrich-lefler-the-emperors-nightingale-1910/"> Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<i><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.6px; line-height: 20.4px;">"The nightingale? I know him well. Yes, indeed he can sing. Every evening I get leave to carry scraps from table to my sick mother. She lives down by the shore. When I start back I am tired, and rest in the woods. Then I hear the nightingale sing. It brings tears to my eyes. It's as if my mother were kissing me.""</span></i><br />
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The Nightingale is often dismissed as a story about Hans' love for the famous singer Jenny Lind. The reader cannot help but see so much more in the profound story. The story is about what is artificial and what is real. The story is about what should be valued. The reader explores mortality and the human experience both good and bad. The story champions those who are overlooked by society in raising a poor girl and a plain, little songbird as the heroes of the story. Andersen reminds us of our commonality as people whether we are poor or rich, talented and beautiful or very ordinary. The nightingale song is a treasure offered as equally to peasants as to nobles and to a young girl just as generously to even the emperor himself. The Nightingale is an affirmation of life. We all need these reminders.<br />
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The Nightingale has inspired the arts all around the world from Stravinsky's opera to illustrators in many times and different places. Here are a few of my favorites:<br />
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<b>Lisbeth Zwerger</b></div>
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<b>Quentin Gréban</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1MASUhVy77hn8PH5cnrBB6GwksGH90BREEaKPLzCGRWsyHhKYWYIJOJAxQS8iYqfTKWbxyb7f-eTzEgIbo9QEjxBUkgIJheI0-hO5y7ss_79mJzDbi5WnMjyiYzd-9iJLo4c_uyZvyM/s1600/quentingreban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1MASUhVy77hn8PH5cnrBB6GwksGH90BREEaKPLzCGRWsyHhKYWYIJOJAxQS8iYqfTKWbxyb7f-eTzEgIbo9QEjxBUkgIJheI0-hO5y7ss_79mJzDbi5WnMjyiYzd-9iJLo4c_uyZvyM/s320/quentingreban.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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Perhaps even popstars?</div>
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Demi Lovato's The Nightingale:</div>
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<i><i>"Where words fail, music speaks."</i></i></div>
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<i>~Hans Christian Andersen~</i><br />
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Are you happy that it's April? Me too.</div>
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<3</div>
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the Local Gal</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-34318003934702860172015-12-28T06:07:00.000-08:002015-12-28T06:07:33.922-08:00Local Lady: Making Friends, Google Searching for SistersDo you have trouble making friends with ladies? I know a lot of women who try to select their friends from the opposite gender, believing that their lives will be less drama ridden by friending exclusively the opposite sex. Whether or not this is effective depends. I've found personally that it does not work for me. I can't help but feel that if you want to be friends only with men you are nixing half the population from the globe! This is sad!<br />
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Women having women friends is such a wonderful, meaningful part of life. It's crucial, especially for people who do not have ready made familial "sisterly" ties. I am so grateful for my women "besties", my sisters. In fact, if it weren't for these ladies in my life, I know I couldn't process the natural drama of life on my own. Their listening ears, sage advice or simple comforting presence enhances and lifts my spirits every day.<br />
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I know some ladies have trouble meshing well with other ladies, and as an adult it doesn't seem easy to forge real connections with others. You are not forced into structures and common ground outside of educational institutions or religious institutions and in the workplace you may find special people- and you may not. Some people are more comfortable remaining business acquaintances, never moving beyond the coworker or employee/employer relationship model.<br />
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It isn't always easy to move past our own insecurities and the tangle of the others'. Maintaining close relations isn't easy in a busy life style, but I think real friendship is necessary to live a healthy life.<br />
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Now technology gets a lot of flack for modern isolation. People sometimes feel like islands attached to a phone or screen, missing "real" human interaction. But it doesn't have to always be or feel this way.<br />
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I have <strike>three</strike> four lady friends who don't even know me! I met the first three several years ago via Netflix around the New Year. You know you want to get fit and get a brand new start- and it's hard to get that motivation. I abhor workouts in public and have zero, zip desire to see the inside of a gym. On Netflix I discovered "Bikini Ready Fast" a Vogue workout (don't laugh or do, I am!) with Ellen Barrett. Working out with the three ladies of Bikini Ready made me feel instantly fabulous- the exact opposite of how I used to feel in PE or during workout videos.<br />
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Ellen felt like a friend and her back up girls were so encouraging. One named Marie had such a sparkle about her that I would find myself smiling back at the screen while doing the cardio and weight lifting segments. For months I was able to consecutively exercise daily for the first time in my life. When I got sick and too weak, "Low Impact Deborah" helped me to keep going, leading me to rebuild my lost strength. She ought to be called High Impact Deborah for encouraging me to resume! When you fall off the exercise train, it is not easy to get back on.<br />
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Now the funny thing is that I rediscovered each one of these gals on-line completely by accident this year! It turns out sparkly Marie is the woman dynamo behind MarieForleo.com! Marie is famous for helping people to create a business and a life that they will love. I love her videos! Check her out!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCZy9d5nX4kv6rjyCbFHpsAebhBmE6VMhRfHPbmOloOYFUqcX2gZ3RGKk3t9dcuNqH17uqyMMmpZLtE78gok-PhYTBoZi07ELH3-XSFv5gS1FlxxzT3TnolyAfR19z4hah8KeLpVHRQ4/s1600/marieforleo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCZy9d5nX4kv6rjyCbFHpsAebhBmE6VMhRfHPbmOloOYFUqcX2gZ3RGKk3t9dcuNqH17uqyMMmpZLtE78gok-PhYTBoZi07ELH3-XSFv5gS1FlxxzT3TnolyAfR19z4hah8KeLpVHRQ4/s1600/marieforleo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://marieforleo.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/2ndAnniversaryMarieTV.png">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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Ellen has her own on-line workout/health business too! And when I tried her <b><a href="http://ellenbtv.com/workout/preview/yogini-workout">Yogini workout for free,</a> </b>I was delighted to see my friend "Low Impact" Deborah! Thank goodness! Because to be honest, I hadn't exercised in weeks. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.socialworkout.com/sites/default/files/images/Ellen%20Barrett%20.jpg">Ellen Barrett: Image Source</a></td></tr>
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The fourth friend I found through one of my nearest and dearest. The fourth friend's website was given to me in an e-mail. Jen is the founder of Wild Sister, an on-line magazine by women and for women, all around the world. I'm a frequent buyer and I can't tell you how refreshing it is to get a women's magazine that isn't telling me to lose weight and obsessively bake at the same time. The topics are wide and varied. While their articles encourage you to reach for and make goals, they never do so in a guilt inducing "Pursue an unattainable, goose chase perfection" sort of way. The perspectives are helpful. And the messages of positive encouragement, even if it's just the bright colors and affirming words radiating from my computer screen have always been a sincere, much needed boost.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvzdJbGKi4UCgv4KKdfjc_kFPkw8gEaaljrUsQXn1GMdCqVoj76O-KNcb_yQ8dl2diBZ0rJLtc7vG9GaE1rUWXzKSbliNAp4iebZf7XcdPYDSUhZCq-BImAUitJbG84f2RpNRHM_gk5w/s1600/jenwildsister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvzdJbGKi4UCgv4KKdfjc_kFPkw8gEaaljrUsQXn1GMdCqVoj76O-KNcb_yQ8dl2diBZ0rJLtc7vG9GaE1rUWXzKSbliNAp4iebZf7XcdPYDSUhZCq-BImAUitJbG84f2RpNRHM_gk5w/s1600/jenwildsister.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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Jen, Ellen, Deborah and Marie, who I'll probably never meet in person are there for me on-line, cheering me on and making me smile. Thank you internet!<br />
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So, even if you aren't ready to go out there and find some gal pals in the flesh, maybe you could look for some female role models or on-line sisters to support you in some way? Let me introduce you to a few resources that have boosted my morale:<br />
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Meet Ellen (and Deborah!) <a href="http://ellenbarrett.com/">HERE</a><br />
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Meet Marie <a href="http://marieforleo.com/">HERE</a><br />
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Find a Wild Sister <a href="http://wildsister.com/">HERE</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Qe-AAhlfa7XtgbXNKyKxQ19ifxQ1m4NDtHEu6ttN8ENCOoRhzKk3sRm04JNd4ts6-WcPcLUHDZS6FFJUsVwEkw4kAuzmoZCtO3kt-817Z2NX6gikaoPbU0L1pesGANMnZ0-1KdnYuPE/s1600/wildsisterlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Qe-AAhlfa7XtgbXNKyKxQ19ifxQ1m4NDtHEu6ttN8ENCOoRhzKk3sRm04JNd4ts6-WcPcLUHDZS6FFJUsVwEkw4kAuzmoZCtO3kt-817Z2NX6gikaoPbU0L1pesGANMnZ0-1KdnYuPE/s1600/wildsisterlogo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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<3 the Local Gal<br />
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Ready to reach out? Say hello to a neighbor. Be brave and ask them over for coffee or even just offer an open smile and friendly wave. Don't be disappointed too much if they don't reciprocate. Who knows what they have on their plate! Just remain consistently open. Some people need time to come around. In the meantime, do something for yourself! Go to a salon and get chatty with the gal doing up your do! Are you more extroverted than I am? Take a dance class or a spinning class! Who knows where it might take you and who is waiting out there waiting to bump into you, to become friends.<br />
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Can you think of a woman you admire? Tell her in person or in writing today! We could all use some friendly acknowledgement from time to time.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-72922757290905702632015-12-23T07:27:00.001-08:002015-12-29T14:12:42.295-08:00Literary Love: Wonder & What's Real <div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">“Never question the truth of what you fail to understand, for the world is filled with wonders.” </span></i></div>
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<i><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">― </span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3242.L_Frank_Baum" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">L. Frank Baum</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">, </span><span id="quote_book_link_765301" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><a class="authorOrTitle" href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1785448" style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Rinkitink in Oz</a></span></i></i></div>
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One special aisle in the children's department of <a href="http://www.mrlinfo.org/"><b>Morrison Reeves Library</b></a> in Richmond, Indiana held on its shelves a row of magic portals to the Land of Oz. I liked the movies, but I revered the books. Time and time again I would return to check out the Patchwork Girl of Oz, Queen Zixi of Ix, Ozma of Oz and the Emerald City of Oz. There were other magic countries by the Baum series. Not all of the books were even written by Frank himself. Some of the other countries I grew to love as much as the land of Oz, if not more than that first magic country.<br />
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As a child, I was troubled with big worries: mortality, religion and fear. It was thrilling to escape into a world where I was sure to be safe from these and where I could be sure that even the villains couldn't harm me or my beloved protagonists. </div>
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My family did not go in for feminism (at least by label). Sandwiched between so many boys, who I sometimes envied, I did not catch onto the girl power trend that was present in the 90's. However, in an outdated series from long ago, I saw the future. </div>
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The Land of Oz was ruled almost exclusively by women. The one male leader was a fraud (not malevolent), succeeded by a scarecrow (who was less and yet more of a man?) and all true, best governance was issued by a wise woman, namely Glinda the good. When the rightful ruler is restored to the throne, you find a female too- a young one at that! Ozma of Oz shares her power with Dorothy of Kansas, an ordinary little girl from the Midwest, who is a savior and liberator almost by accident. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0ff9-8-U8XjYsaYGS4eoKOYisY5x4fVgZSz7AOTxIU1gG5L2jwH6G9YIY_u4QS0dpHgEMdequ5mZEIS39cshVCtTjH4mdgVj9ykH6X6E93Q6QOlkthimeHSvEgdxC3u7mmqmdMuZN_E/s1600/tandy_1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0ff9-8-U8XjYsaYGS4eoKOYisY5x4fVgZSz7AOTxIU1gG5L2jwH6G9YIY_u4QS0dpHgEMdequ5mZEIS39cshVCtTjH4mdgVj9ykH6X6E93Q6QOlkthimeHSvEgdxC3u7mmqmdMuZN_E/s320/tandy_1000.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tr1.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/2015/06/03/d90a8135-0987-11e5-940f-14feb5cc3d2a/tandy_1000.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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In Oz, Glinda has a magic book that she can look into to see what is happening in the world (more than one!). I realized recently, as I pondered the wonders of the worldwide web that The Magic Book is very like the internet. In the morning, I like to wake up and Google countries to see what is happening. Because of the internet I can! I look to see what is happening in Nepal, in Latvia, in any country I might know by name. The internet is magic! Sometimes Ozma wants to look in on her dear Dorothy who lives in another world on Earth. She consults the Magic Book, just as I login to Facebook to see my friends on this side of the world and on the other. How far we've come from when I was young, and lucky enough to have access to an early computer the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tandy_Corporation"><b>Tandy</b></a>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52xgLsMRj0t-FP0hAvOQiAFd_ZdcKD66kZ7FkHrM4aXi7DYViTaaWAEJWvYySW-KIcTxti2NMJoky3yGCPDzmnHCVSSyz74-8CfgKZrfqChbEJ5-LdMWlmO5FyE2zJZVvAUcsTptVqLE/s1600/765306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52xgLsMRj0t-FP0hAvOQiAFd_ZdcKD66kZ7FkHrM4aXi7DYViTaaWAEJWvYySW-KIcTxti2NMJoky3yGCPDzmnHCVSSyz74-8CfgKZrfqChbEJ5-LdMWlmO5FyE2zJZVvAUcsTptVqLE/s400/765306.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328865190l/765306.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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On Facebook, I watch the exploits of astronauts on the Space Station. On the <b><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/">NASA site</a></b> I can see photographs of the outside of our world. And the magic of all of these things, stokes my imagination and my heart in the same exciting way I experienced as a little girl in the local library. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/styles/full_width_feature/public/thumbnails/image/23266300064_9f2cd09bec_o.jpg?itok=ee5CcmFo">NASA Photo of the Day: Image Source</a></td></tr>
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Now the Oz series is not exactly revered in most literary circles. I can't be sure that it isn't Science Fiction, and I can't say with conviction that it is, either. They are silly books for silly children. But even in these silly books, I look back and discover wisdom, social commentary and forward thinking. There are beautiful ideas described so succinctly that even a small child can absorb them. For example: </div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">“In this world in which we live simplicity and kindness are the only magic wands that work wonders”</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span></i></b></div>
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<i><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">― </span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3242.L_Frank_Baum" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">L. Frank Baum</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">, </span><span id="quote_book_link_179668" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><a class="authorOrTitle" href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2269930" style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">The Emerald City of Oz</a></span></i></i></div>
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Just a thought.</div>
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Because it is nearly Christmas, I'll end with this quote:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqRpnqih4x2_WOG1P4ScC-UN3Ey_CBvN2-uGhmIV2q09g7ccUQISkgYU_sYLDqTAswf5e7AbUDh700sRcftmsMlDipVVi7EpDYZGDk1rcNl89LnlJyV_kGQbswTVamRCoMwpn27ePWJg/s1600/430489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqRpnqih4x2_WOG1P4ScC-UN3Ey_CBvN2-uGhmIV2q09g7ccUQISkgYU_sYLDqTAswf5e7AbUDh700sRcftmsMlDipVVi7EpDYZGDk1rcNl89LnlJyV_kGQbswTVamRCoMwpn27ePWJg/s320/430489.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312036737l/430489.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">“. . .It is the Law that while Evil, unopposed, may accomplish terrible deeds, the power of Good can never be overthrown when opposed to Evil. . .” </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">― </span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3242.L_Frank_Baum" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">L. Frank Baum</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">, </span><span id="quote_book_link_715058" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><a class="authorOrTitle" href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/701311" style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus</a></span></i></b></div>
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Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and an Insightful New Year to all my readers!</div>
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<3</div>
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the Local Gal</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-79489235351910262052015-12-07T08:00:00.001-08:002015-12-07T08:03:32.370-08:00Geloven & Believing<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nRHbfR6oZdZIcudWo0mLSO5cDY7fHbgs7FtymKhzRyzj4cwQ5rmZkjY0kA8qkh8UOYEEUlt22l6yYsnne7Kz2EKmpRJ-FFgiP55Jjh49pMeX0Wi6Gi-4eq-UQFagU-Vdse4dGiA1yxc/s1600/IMG_20140508_162443_734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nRHbfR6oZdZIcudWo0mLSO5cDY7fHbgs7FtymKhzRyzj4cwQ5rmZkjY0kA8qkh8UOYEEUlt22l6yYsnne7Kz2EKmpRJ-FFgiP55Jjh49pMeX0Wi6Gi-4eq-UQFagU-Vdse4dGiA1yxc/s1600/IMG_20140508_162443_734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Lady Snap Shot: a still life by ARaemaekers</td></tr>
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<i>"Now I'm a believer"</i><br />
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<i>~Neil Diamond~</i><br />
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Words can be twisted, altered. For years a word may be used for one thing and then as time goes on it is subject to complete switch-a-roo. It was not until the sixteenth century, according to etymologists that to believe meant to accept a dogmatic truth. Was belief in the western world twisted into acceptance of dogmatic truths during or after the inquisition? I am not a linguistics expert or a trained historian. I am only guessing after scanning dates. Before the inquisitions, before the plagues, to believe meant at its root to "hold dear, love". Its root is traced to Germanic languages, in particular to Ich Leibe, I love.<br />
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This root is a far cry from today's Merriam Webster's:<br />
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be·lieve verb \bə-ˈlēv\</div>
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: to accept or regard (something) as true</div>
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: to accept the truth of what is said by (someone)</div>
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: to have (a specified opinion)</div>
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To believe in English has grown from its root to a much different looking plant than its Germanic root.</div>
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Although etymological history is imperfect, and despite the possible fact that it could be a fallacy to adhere to one "original" definition as the perfect meaning of a word, I think that the change in the word belief does matter, at least personally to me.<br />
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Did or does faith need defending? Faith shouldn't need defense. Not by councils or by force, not by threats, or fear of punishments. Actions of that sort betrays a lack of trust, which faith essentially means, at least <a href="http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=faith">etymologically</a>:<br />
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<b>"... faith is neither the submission of the reason, nor is it the acceptance, simply and absolutely upon testimony, of what reason cannot reach. Faith is: the being able to cleave to a power of goodness appealing to our higher and real self, not to our lower and apparent self. [Matthew Arnold, "Literature & Dogma," 1873]"</b><br />
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Maybe I am fruitlessly mincing words or maybe I am looking to pick them like cherries. Mmm, cherries...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEwXArIg20ZKyx7c8JtnxLH5oqQDSQxnmCENA7C3VHT4l4m11Ez0H7pGz54Psqckb2P8YWQjQXRyC3jgkiOh42QyesaAan6o4qLP9G2SLMWkza-F6Lol9fDDL0svmmcs50DA-eqikgsc/s1600/dereijter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEwXArIg20ZKyx7c8JtnxLH5oqQDSQxnmCENA7C3VHT4l4m11Ez0H7pGz54Psqckb2P8YWQjQXRyC3jgkiOh42QyesaAan6o4qLP9G2SLMWkza-F6Lol9fDDL0svmmcs50DA-eqikgsc/s1600/dereijter.jpg" width="200" /></a>When I study a language, I sometimes like to think of them in comparison to others. I think of each one as a personality. And if one personality lacks the means to express something I believe, I look elsewhere. An English "belief" fails me. So when I happened to look at learning Dutch, after my relatives neglected to teach me their language, there was something drawing me to it. Perhaps the memory of their voices' cadence and the thickness of their <i>jah, </i>the sharpness of a <i>kijken </i>was embedded in my mind. To me, Dutch is inseparable from the memories of my elders talking among themselves. Dutch is <a href="http://www.dutchamsterdam.nl/155-gezellig">gezellig</a> or maybe it's just a kind of cozy sound to me because the sounds are wrapped up in carefree mornings eating <a href="http://www.deruijter.nl/producten/chocoladehagel-melk.aspx">Chocoladehagel</a>. Oh to be little and loved and eating sprinkles on bread (as if it were a meal, fellow Americans!)!<br />
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Anyway, after I taught myself with the internet, to say <i>bedankt</i> and so on, I happened upon the Dutch word for believing: <i>geloven</i>.<br />
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From <a href="http://www.wordsense.eu/geloven/">Wordsense</a>:</div>
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geloven (<span id="Dutch"></span>Dutch)</h2>
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Origin & history</h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Proto-Germanic </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">*galaubijanan</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> ("to believe, to hold valuable or pleasing"), compare Old English </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.wordsense.eu/gelyfan/#Old_English" style="color: #a65800;">gelyfan</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">.</span></div>
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Pronunciation</h3>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 2px; text-align: center;">IPA: /ɣəˈloːvə(n)/</li>
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Verb</h3>
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to <a href="http://www.wordsense.eu/believe/" style="color: #a65800;">believe</a></div>
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<em>Geloofde hij ons?</em> : Did he believe us?</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">See also: <a href="http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=belief">Etymonline-Belief</a></span></div>
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Geloven sounds closer to my belief. To be a believer, I do not accept blindly, but for now, I may just hold a concept dear. Maybe I don't even have a "specified opinion" or a complete understanding or grasp of a fact.</div>
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I'm a believer, er a "geloven-er". I believe in <b>stories</b>, in <b>love </b>and in <b>kindness</b>. Words<i>, I hold dear, c</i>oncepts that I try to test, practice and trust.<br />
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<3<br />
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the Local Gal<br />
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PS Obviously, Neil Diamond, his works, lyrics and quotes do not belong to me, and neither does this video. I am just sharing this diamond, that I have found. And that is my copyright sharing "disclaimer"!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ePXck9H1pI" width="640"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-80812499022017222012015-04-10T07:11:00.001-07:002015-04-10T07:11:46.250-07:00"All Your Tax Base Are Belong To Us" or "Tax Abasement and Tax Abatement"<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"Two things are certain in life death and taxes."</i></b><br />
<b><i>Attributions</i></b></div>
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<b><i>~Defoe, Franklin and possibly Christopher Bullock, less notably Edward Ward~</i></b></div>
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Is anything more confusing than tax abatements? I first became aware of tax abatements in 2012, the year I started caring about what the local paper had to say. I didn't know what they were so I popped into Morrison Reeves Library and read through as many articles with the words tax abatement mentioned that the librarian could find. I still wasn't sure what they were but I saw that city council was voting them through on a regular basis for all sorts of businesses. Obviously I know what taxes are, I pay them. Abate is a middle school level word I knew too, but there's something about business and finance that can take familiar words and float them in a fog of unfamiliar context, at least for someone who was not and is not likely to be a business major.<br />
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Tax Abatements are a common economic tool wielded by communities across the United States. Locally businesses that add or retain jobs are given a period of time (usually 8-10 years) when they are not held to taxes that they would normally pay on real estate or improvements. Before anyone gets huffy, know that businesses still pay other taxes so it's not a 100% scott free thing. However, tax abatements are still controversial, especially for cities such as Philadelphia where they are facing serious budget deficits due to their shrinking tax base. If you follow the Philly news, you'll know their situation, though on a grander scale seems strikingly similar to Richmond's own struggle for healthy city finances. Philly's nonprofit hospital and nonprofit universities have gobbled up real estate and left a deficit where taxes were once collected many moons ago.<br />
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Is Richmond in the same, albeit smaller boat? Much real estate in our area is held, as in Philadelphia, by tax exempt properties including but not limited to religious institutions, university as well as health care facilities. In a March <a href="http://www.pal-item.com/story/news/local/2015/03/11/reid-officials-outline-changes-facilities/70173186/?hootPostID=712470d3788c078d139710729c2584eb">article</a> concerning Reid's announced changes to their pediatric center, Town Board President, Ernie Hendricks, voiced concern about Richmond's tax revenue. Hendricks requested that the city in conjunction with Reid Hospital consider extracting a sum from Reid to in part make up for the city's lack of taxable properties. From the Pal-Item article, I gather that at least half of our tax revenue once came from privately owned medical businesses. Now those businesses are almost exclusively Reid's, and Reid is tax exempt and seems highly unlikely to pay any funds to make up for the city's losses. Reid CEO Craig Kinyon argued against paying any amount, citing their provision of jobs to the community, as well as community grants.<br />
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Now nobody loves taxes, but we all love smooth pavement (and sailing!). The forms are irritating to deal with- and a lot of people get nervous even if they have nothing to fear from the IRS, just as drivers who see a cop on their block all slow down in unison. No matter how you hate taxes they are certain in life and vital to the community. Without a healthy tax base you cannot have smooth roads, maintained infrastructure (sewage overflow alert used to be a permanent button on our city website!) or effective schools and libraries. If you do not have smooth roads, maintained infrastructure or effective schools, you end up quite desperate and companies are less likely to want to do business. It's one of those unhappy feedback loops I guess. And it's not really a good solution, when you only see fit to remove the public sewer overflow alert button. It doesn't stop the stench after a hard rain, just saying.<br />
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I wonder what the statistics are for home ownership in Richmond and the greater county? What is the dollar amount of tax revenue lost due to Reid's acquisitions? How have tax abatements contributed to our dearth of financial health? Have we been almost consistently too quick to abate? What are the real numbers behind <i>our</i> shrinking tax base?<br />
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Can we as a city and county, encourage home ownership in addition to working with sizable nonprofits in establishing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payment_in_lieu_of_taxes">PILOT</a> funds to fix our cash problem? What other solutions, aside from grant seeking and belt tightening are we missing?<br />
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<3<br />
<br />
the Local Gal<br />
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PS<br />
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Friendly Reminder: Did you file your taxes? ;)<br />
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<a href="http://philadelphia.regionsbusiness.com/can-improved-tax-collections-solve-the-citys-financial-crisis/">Philadelphia Business: Can Improved Tax Collections Solve City Financial Crisis</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pal-item.com/story/news/local/2015/03/11/reid-officials-outline-changes-facilities/70173186/?hootPostID=712470d3788c078d139710729c2584eb">Pal-Item: Reid Outlines Changes in Facilities</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Q3NPgHZzDo" width="650"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-9927083554444624732015-01-23T08:43:00.000-08:002015-01-23T08:43:05.910-08:00Why I am Fine with Paying Library Fines<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"Your library is your paradise." -Erasmus</i></b></div>
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There are few cases in which being disorganized or not on time makes me feel good about myself. Honestly, I can only think of one particular case, which happens to be reoccurring.<br />
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I am notoriously bad at returning books to the library on time. There have only been one or two times that the library charges were off. Once a book was returned, reshelved but not properly checked in. That actually happened twice. Did I get miffed? A tad bit, but it was resolved swiftly when I produced the book that had been declared missing. It was several spaces out of place on the shelf and the librarians were just getting used to a computer system. The librarian was cool about it. Librarians are cool, as a rule, I think.<br />
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I take the books back. I do. Other people might want to read them, even though most times it seems to me that I am checking out very old books or very niche books that to my knowledge have never had a waiting list. I brought them home, as a young person, in tall stacks. I have been known to rack up fees in the double digits. I am talking about numbers in the tens place! Not a nickle, not a dime, not a single dollar! I pay up. I pay up happily.<br />
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Richmond, Indiana has several libraries. There are small libraries in our schools, campus libraries, even a few churches have libraries. Between my husband and I, we have quite our own library, but the public library is my special favorite. I remember going to Morrison Reeve's Library with my dad. I remember staring down the antique spiral staircase on display in the lobby and making myself dizzy. I remember the imposing portrait of the founder, the colorful displays in the children's library. I even remember the voice of the children's librarian as I filled out my first library card. I had the same library card for years. I did not get a new one until I was a teenager. It made me embarrassed to see the terrible signature of a six year old unaccustomed to signing and unaccustomed to such a formal strike of individuality and independence. Was it the first time that I felt like my own person? It seems likely. Now that I am older, I wouldn't mind still having that dog eared, beige card and I would not feel so embarrassed though I have a crisp, white one with a more careful cursive signature in my wallet today.<br />
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The libraries always impacted me through the books that were chosen to grace their shelves and by the experiences I had through our special lending systems. The first time I lost a school library book and the burning shame I felt upon discovering it on our family shelf, too late. Was I now a thief? The time a young girl held the bar open for me at the exit, and I got my first and only (thus far) black eye. Ah the perils of an avid early reader! The time I was terribly bored in the RHS library and discovered a very old book that helped foster my love of etymology. Every time a librarian ever shushed. The smell of the books, the dust jackets, the millions of lives I feel that I've led personally and the millions of endings I have grieved over in books. The feeling of care when carefully preserving a text and hopefully returning it so that it will be there again, not just for me but for every member of this community. Immortality is unattainable, but one can at least taste it in books.<br />
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Many years later I discovered other gems, first Lily Library on Earlham campus followed by IU East's library. I loved to study at Lily. I loved the newness of it. At MRL, I always seemed to gravitate to the same sections. I know the map by genre and subject. At Lily, all of the books and all of the layout was new. It was where I discovered philosophy. Seeing Des Cartes, Nietzche and Spinoza lined up- such strange names, not knowing how to pronounce them and the difficulty of trying to absorb them all and yet being magnetized again, believing that if I could just retain and know pieces it would be better than not ever trying. It was where I soaked up history, I recall stories of monks leaping from balconies as crowds of the religious cram inside a building to view perhaps the toe of a saint or a fragment of the cross- not even standing room only at such an event! I remember turning summersaults and picnicking on the lawn outside, after hours of poring over books and combing for details. IU's library experience was much more utilitarian, as I only used the library as needed for assignments. Maybe to find a textbook for class- always indispensable and there when I needed it.<br />
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Each library is special in its own way. But MRL is the first for me.<br />
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Have you ever been to a community that has no public library? I have, and where there is no public library there is a strange emptiness that I could not live with there. So when I bring my books in, often late, we happily pay a fee because our library has always been there for me and today it is there for my children, as it should be. And we remain ever thankful and grateful that knowledge at a library is free.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-80699536260246335682014-11-25T12:03:00.005-08:002014-11-25T12:04:25.287-08:00Richmond Politics: Complimentary Commentary<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>"I've always wanted to be considered an upstart. I just never knew where to begin."</b></i></div>
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<i><b>-an original Local Gal-ism</b></i></div>
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Everything I learned about politics I learned from <b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023969/">Duck Soup</a></b>:<br />
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So according to the <a href="http://pal-item.com/">Palladium Item</a>, there is a contention between the self styled Democrat and the Republican Mayoral candidates of Richmond, and this is deemed <a href="http://www.pal-item.com/story/news/local/2014/11/22/city-electoral-crossroads/19431001/">an electoral "cross road"</a>. Cross road shmoss road, I say. It looks more like Wayne County's beloved radio personality has wrongly turned on a one way street (Richmond is rife with them) by not toeing a party line. Some of us who grimace at the the mention of politics might actually find that refreshing. Others who take part actively may be completely boggled, as protocol has not been followed. Our local Democrats don't recognize the fresh face before them. Who knew he was a Democrat? Who cares? Well, the Democrats may, but for everyone else we'll see. Surely I'm not the only one yawning at the two party system. If it's national, it's a dated circus. If it's local, it's a hoot.<br />
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So did the Local Lady jump on a bandwagon by sharing Dave Snow's Mayoral announcement? Yes and no. Why do I think this is a good idea? Dave Snow is accessible to Richmond's youth. If his candidacy manages to pull in twenty previously non active voters locally, I still say good idea and thank you very much! His running has potential to pull in much more. Whether he wins or no, this could be good for Richmond where voter turn outs have always dragged out the same civic minded groups (usually the elderly and then occasionally me). If young people take more of an interest and bother to find out where the city building is and what actually goes on there that would be grand. Maybe the kids will register to vote, then who knows what great things could happen next.<br />
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Is it fair this small town celebrity begins with such hullabaloo? It isn't his fault he knows his way around the Youtubes and the Twitters. Will this win the election? Not if the status quo is held at the polls. Pappin might not be a familiar name to a regular Richmond whippersnapper, but she will be familiar to long time local voters. She has experience, and I suppose after serving, you are for better or worse a tried and true politician. Who ever wins will have to get over any distaste of politicking as it may come with the job. Whomever does win will hopefully always prioritize the serving side above the elbow rubbing (be it necessary or no). As the act of running in itself takes much effort and care, it's likely our candidates will do just that- whatever their political affiliations. I admire persons who serve the community publicly. It can't be easy and constituents aren't wildly grateful on a daily basis.<br />
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In local forums hosted on Facebook, the people have spoken. They are looking for a candidate who will do less trash picking among the neighborhoods, let's just hope that after Mayor Sally Hutton leaves office they themselves are willing to keep them picked up.<br />
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Whatever may happen, three cheers for our little democracy. The next election is shaping up to be interesting and will hopefully sell the papers well. All eyes on the starting line, who will we vote for? Let's wait and carefully examine the platform(s) our candidates will stand on. When we know bringing jobs to Richmond will be the standard fare, as it should be, it will be interesting to see how the candidates differentiate. May the best for Richmond win.<br />
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<3 the Local Gal<br />
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Note:<br />
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<i>*You may vote in Richmond and you may not be elderly. Congratulations, I'm right there with you.</i><br />
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<i>*You may be elderly and never vote. That's okay too, and being elderly, I believe in your right to complain even if you are not politically active. You've lived long enough to earn it.</i><br />
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<i>*You may be a Democrat and you may welcome Mr. Snow with open arms. You may be a Democrat and not. Who hugs who is not my business.</i><br />
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<i>*You may be a Republican. Is this your tea party or mine?</i><br />
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<i>*You may be young or old & take offense at the ageism in this entry. If you're older, comment and share thine wisdom. Maybe you're a teenager who knows where the city building is- get involved and </i><i>say something below. </i><br />
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<i>I guess all I'm trying to say is that I recognize my entry is full of sweeping statements. I like to keep a clean house so that's just the way it is- however the dust bunnies may feel. My broom may not apply to you. Don't take it personally, please, but feel free to comment anyway.</i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-15808111555659440752014-11-18T11:44:00.000-08:002014-11-18T11:44:14.159-08:00Dave Snow for MayorWho made it to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grassroots-Action-Resource-Center/1408891015995173">Grass Roots Action Center </a>for Dave Snow's announcement? I did not, but I am excited about this. Best of luck to Dave- Richmond is lucky to have you. Your enthusiasm is contagious!<br />
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Visit <a href="http://davesnowformayor.com/">Dave Snow for Mayor</a> for more information.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-31823478412421842082014-09-12T09:29:00.000-07:002014-09-12T09:29:02.789-07:00A Solilquy Nods in Shakespeare's General DirectionEvery User's Soliloquy by the Local Lady<br />
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To Blog or Not To Blog-That is the conundrum:<br />
Whether tis' nobler of a Mind<br />
To engage the world on-line or to refrain From the web<br />
To bask in the blue glow of the computer screen or<br />
To shut Down this reality virtually and live one Life<br />
Limited to the tangible and merely physical<br />
To disconnect and escape from this Net<br />
Not to be o'erwhelmed by Twitterers' Tweetings and Information's Constant Streams<br />
Ah! But will even one born of this age remain Untagged? No!<br />
Will not one born of this age cease the dream of swimming, perhaps sinking in this sea?<br />
Will the type, the images, the influence, the rankings remain buoyant<br />
However tenuous technology may be<br />
The gravity of a mortal's type out living one's mortal coil-<br />
One's thoughts shared and moving beyond the individual resolution.<br />
To be stamped flat and shared in Meme, forgotten in Meme.<br />
However altered by Time, we shall all be. And our data will outlast us<br />
alongside the trappings of every day life, until every thing becomes antique<br />
<br />
By new definitions as late as next week.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-85995375556766601362014-04-29T05:55:00.001-07:002014-12-05T12:28:46.516-08:00Local Lady Featured Interview: Ronald Deane of RDNA Art & Design Studio - Gallery, LLC<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Pc1V7_EemjT9b7KKdg-dvvZFyS8UBUyrwYi8Z6SL2zTXdm9bomrcfg1V7fNHOsMu4BjKjshJkmavcLjeChX3JxZVJ9I-BIqajCTtQZtx04AfRhWaxLGulCIi_5R3Tj0VgAM0xgeh8bs/s1600/PicsArt_1398638086787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Pc1V7_EemjT9b7KKdg-dvvZFyS8UBUyrwYi8Z6SL2zTXdm9bomrcfg1V7fNHOsMu4BjKjshJkmavcLjeChX3JxZVJ9I-BIqajCTtQZtx04AfRhWaxLGulCIi_5R3Tj0VgAM0xgeh8bs/s1600/PicsArt_1398638086787.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Artist, Ronald Deane: <a href="http://www.rdnastudiogallery.com/">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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Ronald Deane is the artist behind RDNA Art & Design Studio - Gallery, LLC located in downtown Richmond in the historic Odd Fellows building.<br />
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Since the first day I discovered RDNA, I've been wanting to feature this local artist on the Local Lady blog. It's a pleasure to host the man behind the many colorful works displayed in various locations in Richmond. Ron's paintings beautify local businesses & homes. His murals certainly lend vibrancy and color to Richmond, Indiana. They are a pleasure to see. Be sure to discover them for yourself!<br />
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Here we go:<br />
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<b>What inspired you to locate your studio in Downtown Richmond? </b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixztcMr9jZzPuuKipte5Lj0V1HuWi0dzHv5KD173p4Mr61cxhg4blJ9hxPYkEWl0ECUHHQMK2HZ7QbIlxiJ8edvxzC9jz-IvRXgu_AL7rsO0zEE0CWHjnfYyYgdCi2iEpBivz0EFpZqCA/s1600/PicsArt_1398522403947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixztcMr9jZzPuuKipte5Lj0V1HuWi0dzHv5KD173p4Mr61cxhg4blJ9hxPYkEWl0ECUHHQMK2HZ7QbIlxiJ8edvxzC9jz-IvRXgu_AL7rsO0zEE0CWHjnfYyYgdCi2iEpBivz0EFpZqCA/s1600/PicsArt_1398522403947.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RDNA Studio: <a href="http://www.rdnastudiogallery.com/">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<i>"I've always had a dream of owning a business in downtown Richmond from the days of my grandmother Zoan Gordon walking me down to the Rose Festival. I also bought all my art supplies at </i><b><a href="https://plus.google.com/117525186928092653362/about?gl=us&hl=en">John's Custom Framing</a></b><i> for my high school art projects. </i><br />
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<i>In January of 2013, I tested myself to see if I could make it an entire year living off of my freelance work in graphic design, custom painting and murals. I made it to December so I decided to go all in and open my business downtown, after receiving help from some good friends. </i><br />
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<i>One of my friends told me about the </i><b><a href="http://www.richmondoddfellows.com/6.html">Odd Fellows building</a></b><i><a href="http://www.richmondoddfellows.com/6.html"> </a>in which he had a business set up, but he was moving out. So I checked it out and loved the historic feel to the building and space, especially the raw exposed brick wall."</i><br />
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<b>Do you have a favorite subject and/or medium, if so why?</b></div>
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<i>"I don't have a favorite subject, yet I tend to paint females quite often. I love painting and drawing nudes live whenever I can. You can't see all the detail, light & shadow complexities and forms using photos. I also love being outdoors in nature so I paint a lot of landscapes. One day the only nature we will get to experience is landscape paintings from an artist, if we don't take care of our planet.<br /><br />As far as medium, I'm using oils currently. I'm developing a multi-media style right now where I use acrylics as my base and oils on top using palette knives. I use oils because I like the thick texture and richness in color that they provide."</i><br />
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<b>What kind of events or classes do you offer at your studio?</b><br />
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<i>"We offer </i><b>Express Your heART Art classes</b><i> to both youth and adults. </i><br />
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<i>Saturday is our </i><b>Youth Art classes</b><i> starting at 10-12 for ages 6-12 and 1-3 for ages 13-17</i><br />
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<b>Adult art classes</b><i> are Mon, Wed and Fri 5:30-8:30. </i><br />
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<i>We also have a </i><b>Lunch and Paint</b><i> at noon. </i></div>
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<i>All classes are pre-registration only. All information is on </i><b><a href="http://www.rdnastudiogallery.com/">my website.</a></b><br />
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<i>We have had several events at my gallery. We had a birthday party for Patty Crawford of IU East and recently a HYPE event which was very exciting and fun. At both parties the crowd painted a collaboration painting. </i><i>I will be leading a community art project for </i><b><a href="http://www.richmondartmuseum.org/">RAM</a></b> <i>during the </i><b>City Life</b><i> event at Glenn Miller Park as well as teaching art classes at </i><b><a href="http://www.richmondartmuseum.org/education/#Room912">Room 912</a></b><i> in May. </i><i>My artwork is on display and for sell at </i><b><a href="http://beatreeyoga.com/">Beatree Yoga</a></b><i> and </i><b><a href="http://roscoescoffee.com/"><span id="goog_1394810060"></span>Roscoes<span id="goog_1394810061"></span></a> </b><i>currently. </i><i>We have some exciting and energetic events coming up. Stay tuned!"</i><br />
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<b>How can the arts enrich or strengthen a community?</b><br />
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<i>"Creativity, innovation, ideas, concepts, ingenuity, problem solving and vision are all character traits of an artist. I believe wholeheartedly that art and artist can transform, build and beautify any community that has lost it's vision, or energy. <b>Art brings a vibrancy, positive feeling and sense of unity and pride to any community that allows it to flow and grow.</b> Art/artist can enrich and strengthen a community by bringing a new perspective, vision and positive thinking to youth, teens and adults. Everything was created and envisioned by an artist. I believe art reflects society and society reflects art." </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSNAuq3TnMyhH1Jvr2Xs4tqkVV3Z5lndJx14YgS3FOOWrn7y_10qa9XO9tck6G1ZmbynMEU20_cn2g5qU9TS0CMgEC8JeFyal1VBb-J3xXABDHWFlcw8ZCJYr6R1-fNbU37LxkJV6pXI/s1600/PicsArt_1398640201191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSNAuq3TnMyhH1Jvr2Xs4tqkVV3Z5lndJx14YgS3FOOWrn7y_10qa9XO9tck6G1ZmbynMEU20_cn2g5qU9TS0CMgEC8JeFyal1VBb-J3xXABDHWFlcw8ZCJYr6R1-fNbU37LxkJV6pXI/s1600/PicsArt_1398640201191.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rdnastudiogallery.com/">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<b>Thank you so much, Mr. Deane for your time and answers. May your art continue to bring vibrancy to our community and may your studio and business thrive!</b></div>
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When you explore downtown Richmond, be sure to visit Ronald Deane's studio located at:<br />
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<b>RDNA Art & Design Studio - Gallery, LLC</b></div>
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<b>8 S 8th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374</b></div>
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<b><b><i>Hours:</i></b></b></div>
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<b><b>Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. </b></b></div>
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<b><b>Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.</b></b></div>
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<b><b>Closed on ALL National Holidays</b></b></div>
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<b>You can also discover RDNA via on-line at the <a href="http://www.rdnastudiogallery.com/">Official Site</a>, as well as via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RDNAstudiogallery">Facebook</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/ronaldeane">Twitter</a>.</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: start;"><3 the Local Gal</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: start;">Stay in the Loop with the Local Gal. Follow the Local Lady on </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://twitter.com/47374LocalLady" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Twitter</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: start;"> and "like" the Local Lady on </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Local-Lady/459339160787682?ref=br_tf" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Facebook</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: start;">. </span></div>
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<b>Related Posts:</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2014/01/for-posterity-lart-pour-lart.html">For Posterity: "l'art pour l'art"</a></b><br />
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<b>Relevant Links:</b><br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rdnastudiogallery.com/">Official Site: RDNA Art & Studio Gallery</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RDNAstudiogallery">RDNA on Facebook</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ronaldeane">RDNA Twitter</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://sliceoflimeandashofsalt.tumblr.com/post/73367579951/an-artist-who-believes-in-life">Slice of Lime and a Dash of Salt: Ron Deane</a></b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-52303818423556830522014-03-06T14:16:00.001-08:002014-12-05T12:20:41.040-08:00 Interview with Waynet: Jane Holman, Director & Photographer (Republished from 3/6/14)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOiouJnaSUmI0V7tz0kd1f4eZHTli96cclKghVDR6IOYthVdw26beiPmUfg2jGV5aPwyy7VyMhb3qONUIWgA0WAMsMkpr7CTTtLvkc8lf1a1ISXflBr_dSUC7ElbAzgsnARuyeaVJX00/s1600/self-portrait-woods400-janeholman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOiouJnaSUmI0V7tz0kd1f4eZHTli96cclKghVDR6IOYthVdw26beiPmUfg2jGV5aPwyy7VyMhb3qONUIWgA0WAMsMkpr7CTTtLvkc8lf1a1ISXflBr_dSUC7ElbAzgsnARuyeaVJX00/s1600/self-portrait-woods400-janeholman.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.waynet.org/waynet/director/images/self-portrait-woods400.jpg">Image Source</a>: Self Portrait, Jane Holman</td></tr>
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<b>Waynet</b> is an on-line gem of all things local for Wayne County residents and visitors. Jane Holman, the expert behind the site is both Director of Waynet, avid photographer and all around awesome local lady. Because Jane is the head of Waynet and because she has amassed an outstanding collection of images of not just Richmond, but all of Wayne County, I requested a brief interview. She was gracious enough to respond! Here we go:<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>Since 1997, Waynet has existed as an on-line community resource for both residents and visitors of Wayne County, Indiana, what are some of the successes you've witnessed as the Director?</b><br />
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<i>"The most important success is that WayNet.org is still here and still serving the community. Community networks were created in more than 30 counties across Indiana in the mid-90's and very few of them remain. We found a niche and a loyal group of members who continue to support our mission. </i><br />
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<i>Our visitor base has grown from a monthly average of less than 3,500 in 1998 to over 50,000 a month currently. That doesn't include the additional people we reach with our </i><b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/waynet/sets/?&page=2">Flickr</a></b><i>, </i><b><a href="https://twitter.com/waynetorg">Twitter</a></b><i> and </i><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/waynetorg">Facebook </a></b><i>accounts. That's a lot of positive light we're able to shine on Wayne County!</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NHyk0FxJs2cD8i1kEtr7WBnmL7ExDY3VWHLiDhcEUA9TaEH6O3OyJkoUASKpqbYrdMjRvAdnsyMkxjcDRIKO4NZ0s8Pv25RhF4GrIzR_S16uXTxpMaKjxMrTiNYuQk8ehRsW4Ap7vcY/s1600/c-holmanphotos-praying-mantis-smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NHyk0FxJs2cD8i1kEtr7WBnmL7ExDY3VWHLiDhcEUA9TaEH6O3OyJkoUASKpqbYrdMjRvAdnsyMkxjcDRIKO4NZ0s8Pv25RhF4GrIzR_S16uXTxpMaKjxMrTiNYuQk8ehRsW4Ap7vcY/s1600/c-holmanphotos-praying-mantis-smile.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane Holman Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharpsites/3981775439/in/set-72057594119978442">Source</a> (copyright)</td></tr>
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<b>As a photographer, how has your immediate surroundings inspired you? What are some of your favorite shots showcasing the beauty of Richmond?</b><br />
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<i>I like to use photography to put a <b>focus on the positive, beautiful and interesting things I see right here in our own community</b>. It's too easy to pass by people or places daily and become so used to them, you don't really "see" them. The camera forces you to think about color, light and composition and in the process of doing that - you see familiar places in a new way. </i><br />
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<i>With nearly 10.000 photos total on my </i><b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharpsites/sets/">personal Flickr</a></b><i> and the </i><b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/waynet/sets/">WayNet Flickr</a></b><i> account, it's too difficult to pick favorites, but I gravitate to the ones that feature </i><b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharpsites/3981775439/in/set-72057594119978442">nature</a></b><i>, </i><b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/waynet/sets/?&page=2">people having fun at local events</a></b><i>, and those that would cause me to go - </i><b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/waynet/8227991534/in/set-1329923">"Hey...I'd like to visit there!"</a></b><i> - if I didn't already know </i><i>the location</i><i>! </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV37coM4AzT8cvpG89XJS7xf7Ru3OVbPftLFnxh_F0c-MTzdcQd70GrP_B_XfZliIphyY-OAwbjSXpRjCdcGVNKD-amTiL2IpgFRnN1QWuIsd9UJjajaoXzK4caTuEg5plyKC7Xrpd30/s1600/%C2%A92012waynet-d_2362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV37coM4AzT8cvpG89XJS7xf7Ru3OVbPftLFnxh_F0c-MTzdcQd70GrP_B_XfZliIphyY-OAwbjSXpRjCdcGVNKD-amTiL2IpgFRnN1QWuIsd9UJjajaoXzK4caTuEg5plyKC7Xrpd30/s1600/%C2%A92012waynet-d_2362.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane Holman Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/waynet/8227991534/in/set-1329923">Source</a> </td></tr>
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<i>I hope your readers will visit the </i><b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/74654513@N00/">Wayne County, Indiana Flickr</a></b><i> group too. We have a lot of very talented photographers here in Wayne County that have contributed to the group. Scrolling through the photos is like looking at a "year in the life" of Wayne County, Indiana."</i><br />
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<b>What do you love most about our city/county?</b><br />
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<i>"So many things! I like the landscape. I've lived near oceans and mountains, but I find I'm more of a rivers and hills kind of gal. I like the wide variety of cultural opportunities - museums, theater, symphony. The values the community holds make it a good place to raise a family. And, it has to be said, it's so easy to visit nearby metropolitan areas for the big city benefits and still not have to deal with the big city headaches of traffic, pollution and noise on a daily basis."</i><br />
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<b>Do you have a best Richmond memory?</b><br />
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<i>"Times with family and friends, of course, but also watching the fireworks from Roosevelt Hill in Glen Miller Park, cheering our high school basketball team at the sectional in Civic Hall, watching parades, catching up with friends and neighbors at the Wayne County 4-H Fair, taking my boys to </i><b><a href="http://www.mrlinfo.org/">Morrisson-Reeves Library</a></b><i>, bicycling along the </i><b><a href="http://cardinalgreenways.org/">Cardinal Greenway</a></b><i>."</i><br />
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<b>As a lifelong Richmond resident, have you noticed a shift in attitude or greater positivity in the community recently?</b><br />
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<i>"I think it's something we as a community seem to be more aware of and <b>I do see a shift towards a more positive attitude</b>. There are a lot of positive things happening in Richmond and Wayne County right now. The positive change in the </i><b><a href="http://historicdepot.com/">Depot District</a></b><i> over the past few years has been huge. I see great things happening with our local museums and important collaborations taking place. With Richmond being named a Stellar Community we're going to continue to see additional exciting changes take place downtown. We still have big issues to deal with, it's true, but so do most other communities. </i><br />
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<i>As we learn to toot our own horn regarding the many wonderful events, restaurants, recreational opportunities, etc. that are happening here, those outside our borders are starting to notice and spread the word. That's going to keep the ball rolling and hopefully <b>we'll gain even greater momentum towards a positive landslide!</b>"</i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumxyEABXiIhjSDVzPkUab92_OEYtyarrKcwfC5asyBBLkFcD84iiJrkOrRQleoqUp-HS0ymDPG1eDCZl6zwL8-48gLbdUEuKnWJEkezTeLyHK0ThmlBlGctU9gWH2mTQ6pr3kbCW2Y-Y/s1600/waynetlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumxyEABXiIhjSDVzPkUab92_OEYtyarrKcwfC5asyBBLkFcD84iiJrkOrRQleoqUp-HS0ymDPG1eDCZl6zwL8-48gLbdUEuKnWJEkezTeLyHK0ThmlBlGctU9gWH2mTQ6pr3kbCW2Y-Y/s1600/waynetlogo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://waynet.org/">Waynet</a>: <a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/3350954084/8989fc048de18f70df1579888761d6ea.png">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<b>Thank you so much for your dedication to our community on-line and off, for sharing your beautiful photography and for your time spent on the Local-Lady! </b><br />
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I would encourage my readers who want to brush up on local history, find a local business, or just browse and enjoy the beauty of our nick of the woods, to visit <b><a href="http://waynet.org/">Waynet</a></b>, Richmond and Wayne County's on-line community resource<b>. </b>When you do, be sure to send a note of thanks to the Director, Jane Holman for keeping the Waynet site of All Things Local running!<br />
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<b>Related Posts:</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/05/interview-with-richmond-native-scott.html">Interview with Scott Zimmerman, City Planner </a></b><br />
<a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/04/interview-with-local-author-connie.html"><b>Interview with Local Author, Connie Wooldridge</b></a><br />
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<b>Pertinent Links:</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.waynet.org/">Waynet</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/waynet/">Wayne County, Indiana Flickr</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-36069244933881768942014-02-17T06:56:00.003-08:002014-12-05T12:24:08.805-08:00Death Duet: Interview with Indiana's First Death Cafe (Hostesses)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX79EyaSFjjohHfZsNwQj5iv52dO5x2D9eTTBhXIa0Zg7MszkR2jbSrPVQXpb4eKbKQwAMlCsk6_Ke2pkE4UvUQgJ1vSHX1lZNijp_0YNCUE47vNm18w4ItYkGchaNXswc_XxcyIB-5UY/s1600/dclogo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX79EyaSFjjohHfZsNwQj5iv52dO5x2D9eTTBhXIa0Zg7MszkR2jbSrPVQXpb4eKbKQwAMlCsk6_Ke2pkE4UvUQgJ1vSHX1lZNijp_0YNCUE47vNm18w4ItYkGchaNXswc_XxcyIB-5UY/s1600/dclogo2.jpg" height="73" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Image via <a href="http://deathcafe.com/">DeathCafe.com</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Designed by </span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: start;">Phil Cooper of </span><a href="http://www.petitmal.co.uk/" style="background-color: white; color: #e66d1c; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 28px; outline: 0px; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Petit Mal</a>)</span></td></tr>
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Monica Doyle and Jennifer Vines were the gracious hostesses of Indiana's very first Death Cafe, <i><b>"a place to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death"</b></i>. Death Cafes are being hosted across the globe, as individuals take the initiative to create a space and place to talk about a topic we rarely address and one that inevitably impacts us all.<br />
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Although, I was unable to attend the first event, luckily, both Jennifer and Monica took the time to tell me all about it. Included is an invitation to reserve a place at the next Death Cafe this March. Here we go:<br />
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<b>What prompted you to host a Death Cafe in Indy? </b><br />
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<b>Jennifer: <i>"</i></b><i>I’ve been fascinated with societal attitudes surrounding death since college. Growing up in the Deep South had some specific influence regarding my interest in the topic. Our family had a strange habit of headstone photo ops (posing my aunt and I beside our family members’ headstones). To this day, I have a love of cemetery photography and spend quite a bit of time at Crown Hill."</i><br />
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<b>Monica:</b> <i>"When my father died and our family fell into dysfunction, I came to realize that part of the problem was that we never spoke about death, ever. It was taboo. And I didn’t want that to be the legacy that passed to my children. I want to talk about it."</i><br />
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<b>Can you tell us what the event was like? </b><br />
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<b>Jennifer: <i>"</i></b><i>It felt very natural and lacking in pretense or judgment. There was such openness on the part of the participants and some indicated that it’s easier to discuss these topics with strangers as compared to family members. One may wish to discuss various end of life issues with a family member and the family member in question isn’t ready for that conversation." </i><br />
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<b>Monica:</b> <i>"I was touched by the open hearts, and willingness to approach such a potentially challenging topic." </i><br />
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<b>Was there anything expected or surprising to you? </b><br />
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<b>Jennifer: <i>"</i></b><i>When starting something new, one isn’t quite sure what to expect. However, I had a gut feeling that “our tribe” was out there and in need of a forum such as this one. Death Café has occasionally been characterized by the media as a “baby boomer” movement, but we had participants ranging in age from early 20s to mid 60s. We had about 13 RSVPs prior to the event and 25 people showed up."</i><br />
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<b>Monica:</b> <i>"I suppose I expected a need for the forum, but you never know if anyone will actually decide to partake. And those who did were so lovely to each other, and willing to share."</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzldf77l_qVmvUphINnZmR_q3j0osHQMjR5zTD4_pTGpudaopOQnualVrSkXUeOf1aA_SxNQzfitNs114s8GgMYx3E_a-XVSE5sTavGY4RziG-ljpavWkvRmS95Mo86FZYRf1t-0z7FJ4/s1600/pomegranates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzldf77l_qVmvUphINnZmR_q3j0osHQMjR5zTD4_pTGpudaopOQnualVrSkXUeOf1aA_SxNQzfitNs114s8GgMYx3E_a-XVSE5sTavGY4RziG-ljpavWkvRmS95Mo86FZYRf1t-0z7FJ4/s1600/pomegranates.jpg" height="196" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <b><a href="http://deathcafe.com/deathcafe/354/">Death Cafe Indy</a></b></td></tr>
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<b>Why are these conversations so vital? </b><br />
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<b>Jennifer:</b> <i>"Death is the one thing we will all face yet people are often very uncomfortable with the topic. I think Death Café is an attempt to reflect on the inevitability of death as a means of actualizing a better life. In other words, denial leads to fear and if we accept that our time here is finite, it may lead us to make better use of our time." </i><br />
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<b>Monica: <i>"</i></b><i>Yes, Jennifer is spot on. In past times folks died at home, surrounded by family, and family cared for the after death rituals. Since we have given it over to the funeral industry, death has become more of a stranger."</i><br />
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<b>Could you share a moment or story that stood out as poignant during the event?</b> <br />
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<b>Jennifer:</b> <i>"In reflecting on the suicide of a family member, one participant talked about how we often describe the person as selfish for causing extreme pain to those left behind. However, we never think about our own selfishness in expecting a mentally or physically ill person burdened by pain to continue suffering. I’m certainly not condoning suicide, as I have a loved one who experienced a loss by suicide last year. However, it made me think about how that selfishness is a two way street." </i><br />
<b>Monica:</b> <i>"One man spoke of his 90+ year old aunt as deciding to forgo food. She was not terminal, but she felt ready to be done. This, for me, opened a Pandora’s box of emotions, especially as regards assisted suicide, do not resuscitate orders, and death with dignity."</i><br />
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<b>Will you host another Death Cafe in Indiana in the future, what can attendees expect? </b><br />
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<b>Jennifer: <i>"</i></b><i>We will host the next Death Café on March 15th at the Indy Indie Artist Colony. I guess they can expect the unexpected. Since we don’t set any agenda, the participants drive the discussion. Of course, there will be delicious cake!"</i><br />
<b><br />Monica:</b> <i>"Yes!"</i><br />
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<b>If able, could you recommend any resources people in Indiana (or anywhere for that matter) could seek out help or counseling on the subject? </b><br />
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<b>Jennifer:</b><i> "I would be hesitant to recommend anything in the counseling arena, as that isn’t my expertise. Certainly most attendees have lost someone they care about but Death Café isn’t intended to be a forum for grief counseling. There are many fine books on the topic of death and dying; the writings of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross are probably the best place to start. If anyone is interested in being a compassionate companion for those close to death, they may want to consider volunteering for the “No One Dies Alone” program at Eskenazi Health:</i> <a href="http://www.eskenazihealth.edu/our-services/palliative-care-program/NODA">Palliative Care Program (LINK)</a>" <br />
<b><br /> Monica: <i>"</i></b><i>Agreed."</i><br />
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<b>Thank you Monica and Jennifer for engaging Hoosiers in a very important discussion, and thank you for being a part of the Local-Lady blog. </b></div>
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the Local Gal</div>
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Death Cafe began in London, spread to Ohio and then became a worldwide phenomenon. It's very exciting for this to happen in Indiana. To learn more about Death Cafe, visit the official site and find a Death Cafe near you. </div>
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Want to stay in the loop with the Local-Lady? Follow the Local-Lady on <b><a href="https://twitter.com/47374LocalLady">Twitter</a></b> and/or <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Local-Lady/459339160787682">Facebook</a></b>.</div>
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<b>Related Posts:</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/09/this-precious-life-sunflowers-moths.html">This Precious Life: Sunflowers and Moths</a></b></div>
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<b>LINKS:</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/deathcafeindianapolis">Facebook Death Cafe Indianapolis</a></b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-79098568883853837672014-01-14T13:40:00.001-08:002014-12-05T12:24:08.824-08:00A Coincidence, A Croon & an Indiana Home<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I'm discontented with homes that are rented, so I have invented my own" </i></div>
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<i><b>Tea for Two</b></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://radiodismuke.com/">radiodismuke.com</a></td></tr>
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When we bought our first house, a momentous occasion for anyone, we were astonished and surprised by the generosity and support we received from community members, family and friends. I wish every young family to be so blessed. It seemed like a miracle <i>(and some mornings, despite all of the inevitable perils & pitfalls of home ownership, <u>it still does</u>!)</i>.<br />
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Originally, we went to the Open House just to get my mother out of the house. The agent, <b>Piedad Llerena</b>, greeted us warmly at the door. When we walked in, we felt a peace about this place. We found ourselves coming back to see the house one more time, and I was shocked when my husband said we should go for it. The folks at <b><a href="http://www.lingle.com/">Lingle</a></b> helped us out, and with a special first time home buyer's grant our American dream became a reality.<br />
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Our house was built in the 1920's or the 1930's. I had always been attracted to the style of that age. So when we began housekeeping, I searched for an inspirational soundtrack while I worked in our kitchen. I found <b><a href="http://www.loudcity.com/stations/radio-dismuke">Radio Dismuke</a></b>, a station out of Texas which plays the songs of the 1920's, 1930's, featuring big bands and Jazz. It seemed appropriate considering Richmond is called "the Cradle of Recorded Jazz". The station live streams the perfect breakfast making soundtrack! While there are certain things that passed in those years that we should not regret losing, it's nice to listen to the sweetness of the music produced by a bygone era when crooners sang so ardently of loving truly, dear.<br />
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Around the same time that we became home owners, my husband's beloved grandparents had recently passed away. They were global ambassadors, educators and devoted Hoosiers. Even though they lived to a ripe old age, we miss them always. My husband and I heard a special song,<b> Tea for Two</b> by the <b>Comedian Harmonists </b>one morning while listening to "my station". At our next Christmas gathering, I believe the first we spent without Grandma and Granddad, I happened to play the song for my husband. My Father in Law started. He said, "Did you know that was Granddad and Grandma's song?"<br />
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We had no clue. It felt like a special gift, a continuity and connection. Whether it was divine blessing or happy coincidence, it was a wonderful gift! The song and our home, we continue to cherish.<br />
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I believe it was owning our home that first made me feel rooted here. I never called myself a Hoosier, until we had our very own permanent address. I'm glad we chose to make Richmond, Indiana home. Here's another song, by the unforgettable <b>Al Bowlly</b>, for my fellow Hoosiers.
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<i><b>"Hang out the stars in Indiana; up in a sky of midnight blue.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Hang out the stars in Indiana to light my way back home to you. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>Have every robin sing a love song--a melody just meant for two. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>For in my heart there will be a love song. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>A song I long to sing to you.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>How could I find the things I sought for?</b></i></div>
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<i><b>No one delay or deny.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>The very happiness I fought for was right back by your side. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>So wait for me in Indiana.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>And when the long, long day is through--hang out the stars in Indiana to light my way back home to you."</b></i></div>
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<3<br />
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the Local Gal</div>
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(Dear Lingle, (& especially Piedad), if you ever read this, thank you! Whenever we pass your advertisements on a billboard or bench, I pray that you are blessed. We could not have asked for a better first time home buying experience. Bless you.)</div>
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<b>Related Links:</b></div>
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<b>Listen to Radio Dismuke <a href="http://www.loudcity.com/stations/radio-dismuke">HERE</a></b></div>
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<b>Lingle, <a href="http://www.lingle.com/agent/Piedad--LLerena/piedad/">Piedad Llerena</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.starrgennett.org/">Star Gennett Foundation</a> </b>(dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of recorded jazz)</div>
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Stay in the Loop with the Local-Lady! Visit the <b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/p/calendar.html">Local-Lady Calendar</a></b> for community events. Follow the Local-Lady on <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Local-Lady/459339160787682">Facebook</a></b> and <b><a href="https://twitter.com/47374LocalLady">Twitter</a></b>.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-81799511528824655412014-01-09T14:21:00.001-08:002014-12-05T12:27:46.398-08:00For Posterity: "L'art pour l'art"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><i>"Millions of artists create; only a few thousands are discussed or accepted by the spectator and many less again are consecrated by posterity."</i></i></div>
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<i><i><b>Marcel Duchamp</b></i></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcel Duchamp's Infamous Painting</td></tr>
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Long ago when "<b><i>Nude Descending a Staircase</i>"</b> was exhibited publicly, the piece left observers aghast. Duchamp's painting faced censorship and ridicule, yet today the painting hangs in Philadelphia's Museum of Art. It has effected our culture vastly, even boldly walking into clever song lyrics. An Indie song I sang along to as a teenager <i><b>"a nude descends/the staircase once again"</b></i> (Me and My 424/John Vanderslice). Theodore Roosevelt is quoted with an official stance on the painting (via <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nude_Descending_a_Staircase,_No._2#CITEREFRoosevelt1913">Wikipedia</a>)</b>:<br />
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<i>"Take the picture which for some reason is called 'A Naked Man Going Down Stairs'. There is in my bathroom a really good Navajo rug which, on any proper interpretation of the Cubist theory, is a far more satisfactory and decorative picture. {..} and from the standpoint of decorative value, of sincerity, and of artistic merit, the Navajo rug is infinitely ahead of the picture."</i><br />
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Duchamp distilled a figure to motion, to shapes and when pressed to answer why he claimed the newfangled motion pictures influenced his decision to paint the nude, citing the famous footage of a horse galloping and a naked woman descending a stair. I must admit, as a teenager, when I was first exposed to Marcel's work my first reaction was akin to Teddy's, and I will still say that in the current Indiana climate I would value the Navajo rug more, at least for wool's sake alone. His painting does not strike the eye as beautiful, and Duchamp's works were never meant to be. Duchamp notably pushed the boundaries of what defined or constituted art. He wanted people to be stirred into thought, even if it meant provoking them with the sights he constructed. Duchamp saw more value in provoking thought than in eliciting simple pleasures derived from the enjoyment of what was considered "merely" beautiful.<br />
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<b>Maria Popova </b>quotes Duchamp on <b>Brain Pickings</b>:<br />
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"<span style="background-color: #ffdb00; color: #333333; font-family: fenwick-1, fenwick-2, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 21px;">All in all, the creative act is not performed by the artist alone; the spectator brings the work in contact with the external world by deciphering and interpreting its inner qualifications and thus adds his contribution to the creative act. This becomes even more obvious when posterity gives a final verdict and sometimes rehabilitates forgotten artists."</span><br />
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The paintings of Antonius Raemaekers do not hang in Philadelphia or New York or the Hague museums, as far as I know. My Old Opa, Antonius Raemaekers, was influenced by the Cubists, Picasso, Duchamp and he in turn influenced many students. Opa's paintings hung in our homes. So while I was young the distillation of people, movement (and especially birds) into shapes was not strange or new. Even so Duchamp & Dada were delightfully shocking to me at sixteen. Cubism and other modern works which infuriated past generations now hang proudly in permanent exhibits around the world.<br />
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Old Opa's paintings do hang proudly in private collections and on display publicly in Martinsville, Indiana, where he lived for many years. You can visit a few of them at the Morgan County Public Library.<br />
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Times do change and with them does art, also definitions.<br />
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I consecrate to posterity the art of my Old Opa.<br />
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<i>Ja, ja kijk hier</i>:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeNq6jq5CMH0zuPnXmxv2yf4j2jJ7JRPuu87vvlQ5SfHOzTrYY3oZ-RpzRbhJ1IJB-0B36YT0I53axB7OgKCkBNudlkdkPx6XQdmPsoK20idbBVdtrmLrMKGXIEaQEEW2SRVdvsL_Fa8/s1600/dancersraemaekers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeNq6jq5CMH0zuPnXmxv2yf4j2jJ7JRPuu87vvlQ5SfHOzTrYY3oZ-RpzRbhJ1IJB-0B36YT0I53axB7OgKCkBNudlkdkPx6XQdmPsoK20idbBVdtrmLrMKGXIEaQEEW2SRVdvsL_Fa8/s1600/dancersraemaekers.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abstract Painting by <b>Antonius Raemaekers</b> via ArtFact.com</td></tr>
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You will forgive me if I find Opa's paintings more pleasing and just as thought provoking (if not more so). It's a fair bias. Besides, now that I'm older, I prefer art to be less jarring. See his version of Descending a Stair. It is a beauty of motion, shape and air, although perhaps that is only my sentiment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1CYEQOYke8ZPh6VnPYywD1qPArAStV0LHmTkV6xdW_A5vtYcOEJw6eVrD_8jAMXvE4i9aXQm8Bz7brmxxJHu-pgtI7oedPhWn_qJhTmTp8cTrzfDwOKoguugI7m1z7dBZg0VpSjema0/s1600/raemaekers_antonius-descending_the_stairway~OM044300~10040_20120225_1105_172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1CYEQOYke8ZPh6VnPYywD1qPArAStV0LHmTkV6xdW_A5vtYcOEJw6eVrD_8jAMXvE4i9aXQm8Bz7brmxxJHu-pgtI7oedPhWn_qJhTmTp8cTrzfDwOKoguugI7m1z7dBZg0VpSjema0/s1600/raemaekers_antonius-descending_the_stairway~OM044300~10040_20120225_1105_172.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Antonius Raemaeker's</b>: Descending the Stair</td></tr>
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<3<br />
<br />
the Local Gal<br />
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<b>Read More:</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://morglibblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/art-for-arts-sake.html">Morgan County Library Blog</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/08/23/the-creative-act-marcel-duchamp-1957/">Brain Pickings: The Creative Act</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.perlmuttergallery.com/template.php?page=content/about_artist.html">Jenness Cortez, Artist, (former Raemaekers Student)</a></b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-75877269399408402812014-01-05T10:35:00.001-08:002014-12-05T12:24:08.816-08:00Local-Lady Featured Interview: Julie Shank of Sweet Annie Soapworks<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJPERwbOdwkTnEGvAAjBPsI2AmNwbsp8EF747H5WbWC2_23FnpCg5t2jDAEcBC88y_5LasG03WDPYcSbY9ehSUwmgxI7a7Xjp17gvFVMVFjwz_-BrgyjrrgDskh5Pf7NL1_1elW8zQzU/s1600/julie.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJPERwbOdwkTnEGvAAjBPsI2AmNwbsp8EF747H5WbWC2_23FnpCg5t2jDAEcBC88y_5LasG03WDPYcSbY9ehSUwmgxI7a7Xjp17gvFVMVFjwz_-BrgyjrrgDskh5Pf7NL1_1elW8zQzU/s320/julie.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplied Image: Julie Shank</td></tr>
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We are in the clutches of winter, and as much as I love the beauty of freshly fallen snow, I can't stand how dry my hands get every year! Luckily, I discovered <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetanniesoapworks/info">Sweet Annie's Soapworks</a></b>. On a stand by the counter at <b>Ply Fiber Arts</b>, are bars of soaps, lotions and balms arranged attractively and scenting the air oh so sweetly & delicately. I was won over completely by a bar of Lavender and Eucalyptus, and I was delighted to discover the scent of Frankincense, as I had never smelled it before, just before Christmas.<br />
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Behind the moisturizing power & subtle scents is <b><i>Sweet Annie Soapwork</i></b>'s founder, <b><i>Julie Shank</i></b>, a country gal from Fountain City Indiana. Julie was gracious enough to grant me an interview. Here we go:<br />
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<b>What's your best Richmond memory?</b><br />
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<i>I lived in the country north of Fountain City until I graduated from Northeastern High School in 1974. Just a little country girl! I can remember going to downtown Richmond with my mom when I was 5 or 6 and thinking how huge and stinky the city was! So many people on the sidewalks and the big city buses with their stinky exhaust. I think I probably held onto my mom's hand tightly as we crossed the streets. </i><i>We would go into Woolworth's on the corner and and sit in a booth or at the counter. We </i><i>shopped at the Hoosier store and Osco's drug store. I think I lost my mom one day in Osco's and I was scared to death. </i><br />
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<i>How things have changed!</i><br />
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<b>What's the story behind Sweet Annie Soapworks? How long have you been making soap? </b><br />
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<i>I started making soap on a whim! In 97' (or 96'), my aunt had a craft show in her barn. There were two ladies with booths. One had candles and the other had homemade soap. I was intrigued by the soap and knew I wanted to give soap making a try. </i><i>The first time I made soap I actually rendered suet and used the fat as my oil to put with the lye. It was pretty crude, but it did suds up a little just like soap should! I was so excited! </i><br />
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<i> I made soap for several years and sold it at shows and then stopped selling for a while. My friend, Mary Porfidio, who makes </i><b><a href="http://www.greybarncandles.com/">Grey Barn Candles </a></b><i>convinced me to start selling soap again and to do craft shows with her. In 2009, when Verizon closed the doors on my job of 30 years, I decided to really commit to making soap and other skin products. By the way, the candles being sold at my aunt's craft show in 1997 were </i><b><a href="http://www.warmglow.com/">Warm Glow Candles</a></b><i>!</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patchouli Soap in a Basket: <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetanniesoapworks">Sweet Annie's Soap</a></b></td></tr>
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<b>What do you feel sets Sweet Annie Soapworks apart from other soaps?</b><br />
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<i>My soap, as well as most handmade soaps, are good for your skin but <b>it is my own simple, natural recipe</b> using oils that are good for your skin that many seem to love. </i><i>I make soaps scented with fragrance oils or essential oils and they both smell good. I give people lots of choices on the scent. I thought I would sell less of the fragrance oil scented soaps but people seem to love them even more than the essential oil scented ones! </i><i> </i><br />
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<i>I have received so many wonderful compliments from people who have purchased my soap! They tell me <b>how much better their skin is since they have started using Sweet Annie</b>. It thrills me to hear that from people. I work hard to have a good product that people will want to keep buying.</i><br />
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<b>What are your most popular scents? What's your personal favorite?</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANz879BRKknwJevF_-FwgNiAIltl3GUuuRE-6dH3_neR4aB-lBJ3Cm49UIS6xdzC1MpsEo6N_pYTibS7BdjVLarVwDGsiULMx3h7KFw9zVpkzB5vMEraRv_1iRO2-26IkKhAO0-h6qNc/s1600/carygrant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANz879BRKknwJevF_-FwgNiAIltl3GUuuRE-6dH3_neR4aB-lBJ3Cm49UIS6xdzC1MpsEo6N_pYTibS7BdjVLarVwDGsiULMx3h7KFw9zVpkzB5vMEraRv_1iRO2-26IkKhAO0-h6qNc/s320/carygrant.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cary Grant: <a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6153/6268292503_66190c7818_z.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<i>It depends on what day it is as to what scent is the most popular! <b>Green Irish Tweed</b> has to be the most popular of all though. That is a knock-off of <b>a scent created for Cary Grant</b>. It's masculine enough for a guy but clean smelling and the ladies love it, too. <b>Ginger Lime</b> is popular and <b>Patchouli</b> is frequently sold out. <br /> </i><br />
<i>It depends on the day as to what is my favorite! I love<b> Patchouli</b>, <b>Cuppa Joe </b>(nice in the morning), and <b>Lavender & Frankincense</b>. I do try out many of my different scented soaps to see how they are in the shower, to wash my hands, etc.</i><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>What other skin care products do you make?</b><br />
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<i><b>Liquid soap</b> was new last fall. It's a little different process to make the liquid soap, but I do like it. I am selling it in the foaming bottles and it is so nice for hand washing and is a little less mess in the soap dish. I use it for shaving my legs. </i><br />
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<i><b>Natural Hand Sanitizer</b> uses Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel, lavender and tea tree essential oils with no added alcohol, so it is less drying to your hands. <b>Lip Balm </b>- Great stuff and its petroleum free. A</i><i> lot of commercial lip balms contain petroleum</i><i>, which actually dries your skin. </i></div>
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<i><b>Lotion Bars</b> - Lotion in a sweet little flower shape inside a tin. you can put on as much or little as you want. great for elbows, heels, hands or the rest of your body. Perfect fit for your purse, desk or pocket. </i><br />
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<i>I will be experimenting soon on foot balm, cleanser, scrub and maybe a lotion or cream!</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg514PvFwac_DJfZKMgfYDhYkdozCBwFLJnnAAsJRr1VLMUSs2kiscptdzU-BBOz2HTHIC1IPozZqSe9BollWuvkQ1MDLYOCjd_FqApJtxHH0sSpAoG1Zfq-RxOvaQHso157S_Ff-hA-EI/s1600/sweetannies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg514PvFwac_DJfZKMgfYDhYkdozCBwFLJnnAAsJRr1VLMUSs2kiscptdzU-BBOz2HTHIC1IPozZqSe9BollWuvkQ1MDLYOCjd_FqApJtxHH0sSpAoG1Zfq-RxOvaQHso157S_Ff-hA-EI/s400/sweetannies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplied Image: <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetanniesoapworks">Sweet Annie's Facebook Page</a></b></td></tr>
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<b>Finally, where can we find your products?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Sweet Annie's is available in Richmond and Cambridge at the following destinations:<br />
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<b><b><a href="http://www.unwindrichmond.com/">Ply Fiber Arts</a></b> </b>921 East Main Street, Richmond, Indiana </div>
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<b><a href="http://piecestopeace.vpweb.com/default.html">From Pieces to Peace</a></b>, 128 South 9th Street Richmond, Indiana </div>
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<b><a href="http://shopcountryclassics.wordpress.com/">Country Classics</a></b>, 183 Fort Wayne Avenue Richmond, Indiana </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.dustyrustystuff.com/">Rusty Dusty Stuff</a></b>, 7 W Main Street, Cambridge, Indiana </div>
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<br />
<b>Special thanks to Julie Shank of Sweet Annie Soapworks. Thank you, Julie! It's my pleasure to hostess another "Local Lady" on the blog! </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I love your products!</b><br />
<br />
You can "like" Sweet Annie's on Facebook <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetanniesoapworks">HERE</a></b> and watch for the launch of their new website <b><a href="http://www.sweetanniesoapworks.com/">HERE</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<3<br />
<br />
the Local Gal<br />
<br />
Sweet Annie's is occasionally available at the local farmer's markets and at craft fairs.<br />
<br />
So remember to <b><i>Shop Local </i></b>and watch the <b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/p/calendar.html">Local-Lady Community Calendar</a></b> for dates & details!<br />
<br />
Follow the Local Lady on <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Local-Lady/459339160787682?ref=br_tf">Facebook</a></b> or <b><a href="https://twitter.com/47374LocalLady">Twitter</a></b>! I do my best to keep you in the loop of What's Happening in Richmond, Indiana!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-52129998234108755152013-12-30T12:47:00.000-08:002014-12-05T12:24:08.812-08:00Loving the Rose City: A year in Richmond, Indiana 2013If 2013 had a theme it would be learning to grow optimism, even in rocky soil. We needn't be insouciant about the future, but we cannot cave to despair. Our community is not blithe. We are all aware of the challenges we face in Richmond. We can plan for the future, no matter how uncertain, and invest in what is best for this city. Events unfolded infusing the downtown with hope. Entrepreneurs and small businesses are building up our local economy, our real estate. Historic preservationists are fighting to save our unique architectural assets. Friends and neighbors have rallied in times of crisis in ways that are great and small. Sometimes, it's as simple as eating a donut and saying a prayer. Sometimes it's relaying a message for someone searching for family on-line. Sometimes it's just being in the right place at a bad time and lending a hand. Richmond is good at that.<br />
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If I learned anything in a year of being the Local-Lady, I learned this:<br />
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Cultivate your own garden. Explore your backyard. Appreciate what is close. Love your hometown. Fight the worst faults. Champion its best features. Don't ignore either. Safeguard the future. Remember the past, but look forward. Don't hesitate to serve where and when you can. Pick up litter, even if it's not yours. Look out for your neighbors. Don't look at development in terms of "sides". Cheer on progress whether it comes to the North or South, East or West. Attend public meetings or at least, watch on-line. They might just discuss that pothole that rankles you, and you'll smile when they name the date it will be filled in (<i>this really happened</i>).Vote. Support the doers. Encourage the thinkers. Say thank you. Shop Local. If you must, be cautious, but remain friendly.<br />
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You can't save it all, and sometimes you have to let go, but there's almost always something to salvage, even if it's only a lesson to carry with you in the future.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Avoid Adapting Other People's Negative Views</i><br />
<i><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0V7cYPPoKSn3lY7JHbpiVmhlxLXDuNkZ2Lj5_83d7FHdobVP8UdOEZ0gMV01E68jODyDKDu9D7aEZzom6LWzJxqVO9pdmQjvilZ2L4X_LWZngXmGcea_dDf8iwCNGiNdXNfM5XHd05w/s1600/rosegarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0V7cYPPoKSn3lY7JHbpiVmhlxLXDuNkZ2Lj5_83d7FHdobVP8UdOEZ0gMV01E68jODyDKDu9D7aEZzom6LWzJxqVO9pdmQjvilZ2L4X_LWZngXmGcea_dDf8iwCNGiNdXNfM5XHd05w/s320/rosegarden.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Lady Snapshot: Richmond's Rose Garden</td></tr>
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<br />by Sharon Dolin<br /> <br />after Epictetus<br /> <br />"To gaze upon the fatal<br />without commiserating gloom:<br />what every friend should be--<br />not one who rends her coat of doom<br />nor one who lets her ankle rankle<br />nor her dogged love to the hounds.<br /><br />Be the cat in catastrophe<br />who survives eight more dives.<br />Though in the clutch of damage<br />a dame must age,<br />in the crazy-quilt of guilt<br />it was never your fault.<br /> </i><br />
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<i><i><br /></i></i>
<i><i><b>In the company of morose</b></i></i></div>
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<i><i><b>always pull out the rose.</b>"</i></i></div>
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From <b><a href="http://poets.org/">Poets</a></b>.</h2>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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So many people shared expressions of bitterness & disappointment in our community in the past. We dwelt there. Naysayers still do, and sometimes they have a point to make so we shouldn't even try to shush them completely. Committees met to ask, "How can we foster community attachment?" I believe it was already there. We just need to express it, and this past year and in the future, we are and we will. Why else would we still be here?<br />
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What people are saying about Richmond, Indiana:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoPa16Osxdd8onwnh2srba1hkvY0UMb13hXXhcgfr9bXhlm6BZPDPwJ5NXY7sJ8ZT8rXgxv9KwI7BKr4q9IkIp6InVEOUFA2qtNE-0rVxy8JRHdJeO3JvjY3ZgEygHQZGNNaiZ-FhUYw/s1600/madonna2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoPa16Osxdd8onwnh2srba1hkvY0UMb13hXXhcgfr9bXhlm6BZPDPwJ5NXY7sJ8ZT8rXgxv9KwI7BKr4q9IkIp6InVEOUFA2qtNE-0rVxy8JRHdJeO3JvjY3ZgEygHQZGNNaiZ-FhUYw/s320/madonna2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Lady Snapshot: Madonna of the Trail</td></tr>
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<i><br /></i>
<i>"People from Richmond are tough and resilient like the Madonna Of The Trail. It's no mistake that she is here. <b>People from the Midwest are the toughest people you will ever meet. They always have a story to tell and will lend you the shirt off their back.</b> Richmond people rock." </i><br />
Sean Butler<br />
<i><span style="background-color: #ffcccc;"><br /></span>
"<b>When there is a family in need I have never seen a more giving community than Richmond.</b> We moved here from South Florida almost 5 years ago and have never been happier."</i><br />
Shelli Erwin
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May 2014 bring new roots and further growth.<br />
<br />
<3 the Local Gal<br />
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<br />
<b>A Local-Lady in Review:</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/05/speaking-to-strangers-in-richmond.html">Speaking to Strangers</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/09/this-precious-life-sunflowers-moths.html">Sunflowers and Moths</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/08/richmond-landscape-thoughts.html">Landscape and Thoughts</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/09/richmond-indiana-roots-and-new-growth.html">Roots and New Growth</a></b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-85087816402951973232013-12-21T16:38:00.002-08:002014-12-05T12:24:08.828-08:00Local-Lady Loves Thai Thara<div class="poem" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">
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<tr><td style="padding-left: 2em;">เสียงฦๅเสียงเล่าอ้าง</td><td style="width: 2em;"></td><td>อันใด พี่เอย</td></tr>
<tr><td>เสียงย่อมยอยศใคร</td><td></td><td>ทั่วหล้า</td></tr>
<tr><td>สองเขือพี่หลับใหล</td><td></td><td>ลืมตื่น ฤๅพี่</td></tr>
<tr><td>สองพี่คิดเองอ้า</td><td></td><td>อย่าได้ถามเผือ</td></tr>
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<div class="templatequotecite" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1em; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 2em; text-align: left;">
—Unknown, <cite style="font-size: 11px;"><i>Lilit Phra Lo</i> (ลิลิตพระลอ), c 15th–16th centuries</cite></div>
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Do you need a little spice in your life? When we do, we go straight away to Thai Thara, our local Thai restaurant. Walk in and be sure to greet the ladies with a Wai.<br />
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If Jack can, you can too!</div>
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Jack's Wai is a little wobbly. Here's a chance to practice along with a few experts who will share how and when to Wai, when not to Wai and why to Wai!
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Too shy to Wai? That's okay! Say "hello" if you're most comfortable with a <i style="font-weight: bold;">Sawat Dee </i>or simply say, "Hi, I read a rave review on the Local-Lady!"<br />
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What to order? Try anything! It's delicious! We like our curries hot! No worries! As they say in Thailand <b><i>Mai Pen Rai</i></b>, which is a sort of equivalent to Hakuna Matata. They'll accommodate your palate whether you like it hot or not. Choose a lower number, if you like your food mild. Choose a higher number up to a 5 for quite a kick! If you've never sampled Thai food, I'd suggest trying a soup, salad and Chicken Satay served with peanut sauce or a dish of Kua Gai, popular selections that are sure to please. If you want a curry, you can't go wrong with Panang. For meat lovers, try the Nam Tok the beefy "Waterfall" which features slices of beef and black pepper on a bed of crispy greens with mint garnish. The food is always especially fresh and delicious. If you can, save room for dessert. It's definitely worth it! Especially if you order sticky rice and coconut custard! Yum!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTuOsEtsKZ6mzOS87cXszM8gXmYv7R-ZXUxf8JgULKkxhaS8ukriRXSN4QJNnqaUVao4SzfgFVFIVu-eOPohOSC2jlTp6rYhiXfvYgvCJGKq4QJ8yR-Cn7YlsGHeoN7wjOkiqWjxvKws/s1600/panang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTuOsEtsKZ6mzOS87cXszM8gXmYv7R-ZXUxf8JgULKkxhaS8ukriRXSN4QJNnqaUVao4SzfgFVFIVu-eOPohOSC2jlTp6rYhiXfvYgvCJGKq4QJ8yR-Cn7YlsGHeoN7wjOkiqWjxvKws/s640/panang.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local-Lady Snap Shot: A Beautiful Bowl of Chicken Panang</td></tr>
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My family loves Thai Thara, especially my husband who fell in love with Thailands' culture, people and <i>FOOD</i>, during a year of study in Hua Hin. He loves Thai Thara so much, he created a handy mobile menu for Free available <b><a href="http://thai-thara.webscript.io/">HERE</a></b>.<br />
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If you are a sweet tooth, be sure to order a round of Thai Iced Teas to go with your meal. It cools the tongue and is exceptionally tasty.<br />
<br />
<3<br />
<br />
the Local Gal<br />
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PS<br />
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<i>Many dishes are not safe for those with food allergies. Please be sure to make your server aware of any food issues or allergies you may have. Ingredients such as Fish Sauce (contains wheat), Soy Sauce (likewise) and Peanuts are common allergens. When in doubt, err on the side of safety. Thus far, as a Celiac, I have not had issues with the sticky rice, coconut custard or clear chicken with rice noodle soups. However, wheat allergies can vary greatly from person to person. Be safe!</i><br />
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I promise all of their food is <b><i>Aroi mak mak.</i></b> Very, very delicious!<br />
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Related Posts:<br />
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<b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/06/whats-behind-that-window-main-street.html">Main Street Diner</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/03/i-love-pho.html">I Love Pho</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"Like" the Local-Lady on <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Local-Lady/459339160787682">Facebook</a></b> and Follow via <b>Twitter</b> to keep tabs on what's happening in Richmond, Indiana.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-43060110019516740342013-12-14T10:03:00.001-08:002014-12-05T12:29:45.155-08:00Winter Morning in Richmond, IndianaSometimes my dreams are like stories and I wake up more like a traveler stepping off of a long flight in an airplane than a woman rolling out of bed after a long night's "rest".<br />
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While I'm dreaming, Orion's belt is shining along with the moon that is waxing above my house in Richmond, Indiana. But I am a long way off in a landscape that could be only familiar to someone on another side of the world. There are different languages spoken and an unnameable river. I'm walking along.<br />
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Then I wake up again in this small town. Inside, the noises become mundane: the hum of the furnace down the stairs, the creaks my feet come to expect over the wooden floorboards. My neighbor's lights are on. The dogs are barking at the world outside their gates. Plows rattle on their mission to clear the slick roads. Snow accumulates on the branches. The kettle, my kettle wails its time for tea.<br />
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I look out: It is still night, but the light is reflecting off the freshly fallen snow conjuring colors mauve and violet in the sky and on the ground. The patio furniture, especially the table, looks like a sugary confection. Rusty fences, walks and gutters are transformed. Icicles hang densely like crystal cave formations. <i>Everything</i> looks like a sugary confection. <i>Everything</i> is transformed.<br />
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I wonder at the lights above each porch. The lives we lead in each little house with so much and so little in common. How many are still dreaming, and where are we in our sleep? Somewhere the next moment hangs in suspension with a mood of its own.<br />
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I'm awake. What will happen today?<br />
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Asleep or awake, near or far, life is adventure.<br />
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<3 the Local GalAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-48556753173403401512013-12-12T08:27:00.001-08:002014-12-05T12:24:08.808-08:00TEDxRichmond 2013: Ideas Worth Acting On (11/8/2013)<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Ideas are more powerful than guns." </i></div>
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<i><b>Joseph Stalin </b></i></div>
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The first ever TEDxRichmond was held in the spring of this year in downtown Richmond, Indiana's Innovation Center. Attendees at that event were primarily local business people. In
contrast, Earlham College's TEDxRichmond, held this November, was attended almost entirely by
Earlham students, employees, alumni & yours truly. Earlham has been working steadily towards greater sustainability and environmental awareness for some time. As early as 2005, the college has adopted an Environmental Plan and has been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation report for its work. I was excited about Earlham's chosen theme, "<i>Sustainability: A Mantra for a Greener Tomorrow</i>", a subject that was not covered in the first TEDx in March.<br />
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<b>Bill Hewitt</b> urged students to eliminate meat from their diets and barraged the audience from the beginning with gloomy environmental headlines. <b>Kevin McCurdy</b>, a local architect pursuing sustainable building design, urged that sustainability must be made beautiful if it is to catch on and become more valued by society. <b>Janice Tran</b> shared a formula for successful world change: educate, inspire, unite. <b>Douglas Bell </b>shared a frustrating story of wind turbines & bird conservation to remind students to consider the deeper effects of sustainable solutions on biodiversity, which may not be easy but is nevertheless extremely important.<i> (Dear Douglas, please research bird friendly wind turbines (which do exist), as your problem seems to be a design issue more than a site or placement issue!</i>)</div>
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The conference began with a moment of silence for the Phillipines. The importance of the theme and true empathy was felt, especially as one of the speakers, <b>Esperanza Garcia</b> of Cebu, was in attendance. The timing of the conference & the necessity of its theme could not have seemed more pertinent, as we all paused in silent recognition of the events that were unfolding so far away, so near to heart. Esperanza had come prepared with slides of the devastating storm from last year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYdtCen8A4x5WnfdgbcjG0IIZG5lMfxILAYI3q-OhqZKuk9E7z8FzAeAbr3TmUxdGvpxICrBS10UfIy_YpFNsdmeyBsPmf7nXvOpFUZb4syPGHJNtQdVbtJ1zhiV0A9Mne8rHEFr93zg/s1600/Tedx+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYdtCen8A4x5WnfdgbcjG0IIZG5lMfxILAYI3q-OhqZKuk9E7z8FzAeAbr3TmUxdGvpxICrBS10UfIy_YpFNsdmeyBsPmf7nXvOpFUZb4syPGHJNtQdVbtJ1zhiV0A9Mne8rHEFr93zg/s640/Tedx+18.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esperanza Garcia (Photography Credit: Earlham College <b><a href="http://earlhamword.org/">The Word</a></b> Publication <a href="http://static.squarespace.com/static/516f2de2e4b0f564b2ac863c/528650bee4b0e717450cc900/52865161e4b08b83ea1721fb/1384534407742/Tedx%2018.jpg?format=1000w">Source</a>)</td></tr>
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She gave excellent advice to students to live sustainable lives- a reminder that you cannot change the world if you do not take good care of yourself. If you do not live a sustainable life, even down to the details, you simply cannot make the world a more sustainable place. She proclaimed that it is the youth today who are to lead the world to better environmental and social practices. Janice Tran's speech and the attendance of so many enthusiastic Earlham students attested to that.<br />
<br />
I have often been glad to live in a city with so many opportunities provided by our colleges. Our local universities have made many events welcome to the public, and I would like to see more people take advantage of those offerings.<br />
<br />
It's my hope to see more of <b>Earlham</b>'s sustainable influence extend locally in our hometown.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5N06hsPoQEKxZIH6Ud9yuPxw-T6yaS5KiIvF8by7EFOMyl5I6rVVFy5VYJATIqJDdEsWGVS0J8AqQUANg8xfmk-ZwI4T7XtcDbDI3ZhfT4R_ySb1D1RVF_BjeB7pyNpuBw_3VLM3a0g/s1600/studentsustainabilitycorpslogo_Feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5N06hsPoQEKxZIH6Ud9yuPxw-T6yaS5KiIvF8by7EFOMyl5I6rVVFy5VYJATIqJDdEsWGVS0J8AqQUANg8xfmk-ZwI4T7XtcDbDI3ZhfT4R_ySb1D1RVF_BjeB7pyNpuBw_3VLM3a0g/s1600/studentsustainabilitycorpslogo_Feature.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earlham College Sustainability Office <a href="http://www.earlham.edu/sustainability">Site</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Let's work towards a greener tomorrow for us all locally and globally!<br />
<br />
"What's your mantra?"<br />
<br />
<3<br />
<br />
the Local Gal<br />
<br />
PS<br />
<br />
Wanna know more about Earlham's TEDx speakers? Visit: <a href="http://www.ted.com/tedx/events/9137">the Official Event Site</a><br />
<br />
Read more by<b> <a href="http://www.esperanzagarcia.net/">Esperanza Garcia</a> </b>on blogger and her article on the <a href="http://www.esperanzagarcia.net/2013/11/my-first-huffington-post-article-world.html" style="font-weight: bold;">Huffington Post</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>Also, please consider donating $10 to the nonprofit, <a href="http://www.bundlesofjoyph.org/donate.html"><b>Bundles of Joy</b></a> to encourage the people affected by Haiyan.</i><br />
<br />
Related Posts:<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/11/richmond-indiana-mantra-for-greener.html">Richmond, Indiana: A Mantra for a Greener Tomorrow</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/02/tedxrichmond.html">TEDxRichmond </a></b><br />
<br />
Stay in the loop! Follow the Local Lady on <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Local-Lady/459339160787682">Facebook</a></b> & <b><a href="https://twitter.com/47374LocalLady">Twitter</a></b>! Did you miss this event? Don't miss another! Bookmark the Local Lady <a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/p/calendar.html"><b>Calendar</b></a> it's mobile friendly & always free!<br />
<br />
PPS<br />
<br />
Kudos again to the planning committee for Earlham's TEDxRichmond event. Their event was a success! Kudos also to Jay Roberts for sharing the powerful opening quote. Indeed! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-2961715777077211852013-11-22T11:08:00.000-08:002014-12-06T09:15:05.315-08:00Richmond, Indiana: Un Lugar Para Todos<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">"Give me your tired, your poor,</span></h1>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: center;">Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free" </span><br /><span style="color: grey; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglU8karWTHpgX-wN91CdBklUEGAQmkv9q6rfEgbCgua-mNMlfJwFOFpsYarTMRBIN0f7ED6fw9ytLCkb4IN-zuRxi8JXv4Fl0oE_ubGtFtpCUi9dFRI6pE005zTf7P19VGsIgkwPtZtHc/s1600/Immigration_iStock_000001650065XSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglU8karWTHpgX-wN91CdBklUEGAQmkv9q6rfEgbCgua-mNMlfJwFOFpsYarTMRBIN0f7ED6fw9ytLCkb4IN-zuRxi8JXv4Fl0oE_ubGtFtpCUi9dFRI6pE005zTf7P19VGsIgkwPtZtHc/s320/Immigration_iStock_000001650065XSmall.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gutierrez.house.gov/sites/gutierrez.house.gov/files/styles/section_front_boilerplate/public/Immigration_iStock_000001650065XSmall.jpg?itok=TsgUfsKm">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: grey; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; margin-top: 11px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Emma Lazarus, American Poet</div>
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</h1>
<br />
As much as I defend and love this community, there are facets to it that make my stomach turn. But because I love it, I call out when I see something is wrong, as any true friend would do.<br />
<br />
Our local Mexican restaurants were raided early this week. No charges were filed. Multiple restaurants throughout the area are under investigation. We still don't know why. Speculations have been wild.<br />
<br />
The Indiana State Police raids brought out some of the worst and some of the best in our people. Although much of the commentary hurt my heart, there were many who wrote good words, but the din of the hateful seemed to overwhelm them. "Go back to Mexico" among other things were typed in commentary to the headline on Facebook. There were calls for deportations.<br />
<br />
We are all almost entirely descendants of immigrants in this country. Only native peoples can truly claim to be of this place. Most of Richmond's population is of German descent. However, our community in recent years has become more diverse.<br />
<br />
If someone were to tell your family to "go back", where would you go?<br />
<br />
Where would we go? The Netherlands? The Phillipines? Kentucky? Ireland? The state where I was born?<br />
<br />
There is nowhere to go to, nowhere to belong to but here, where I am.<br />
<br />
Our country now and in its history has welcomed so many strangers to our land to make a home and a refuge. That's the beauty of the United States. It is what makes me <b><i>proud</i></b> to be a part of our <b>melting pot</b>.<br />
<br />
People who are courageous enough to leave the familiarity and/or danger of their homes to seek out the benefits of our states are more appreciative of America than some who are born to the rights and privileges of citizenship. I believe they will make our country greater. Stories like these move me to tears: watching Luma Mufleh of the Fugees being sworn in as a citizen of the United States.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EDmoynIz2NY?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe></center>
<br />
Some people don't want further melting. They want to build walls. They want to shut you out of our society, especially if you are brown.<br />
<br />
I may not look brown, but half of my family is and they are beautiful.<br />
<br />
Sometimes people assume my mother, my sisters or brothers are Mexican or Indian or Lebanese or anything but not essentially American. We look different so we must not belong here.<br />
<br />
When that happens to my mother, the teller where she has banked for years suspiciously, disdainfully asks for her ID.<br />
<br />
When that happens, people yell nasty slurs at her while she is shopping for groceries.<br />
<br />
After 9/11, because she is brown there was more:<br />
<ul>
<li>Young men yelled "jihad" at her. </li>
<li>People flip her off. </li>
<li>They hurl curses at her.</li>
</ul>
<div>
They ask where we are from, and they tell our family in these ways to leave, to "go home." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are already there.</div>
<br />
My mother is one of the most patient souls I know. She smiles at her offenders and quietly asks God to bless them or at least to forgive them for not knowing better.<br />
<br />
When someone threw a rock shattering the new window at La Chiquita, the just renovated market in town, my mother was angry with the ignorance.<br />
<br />
This is what she does: <i><b>she orders a feast and tells them it was the best marketing they could have received.</b></i><br />
<br />
When the restaurants were shut down and raided Monday morning, no one seems to ask why the state is allowed to interfere without publicly declaring a reason. The prosecuting attorney offices of Marion and Tippecanoe swear to silence until charges are formally filed. The investigation is not put on a timeline, but remains vaguely ongoing. Businesses were shut down publicly in the middle of the day and the process is shrouded in secrecy. <b><i>It makes one wonder if the establishments were anything but Mexican restaurants would there have been such a public spectacle?</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JSBt260l9s7Nj8Be6qGdxg9icdH9IVki4CXE9uY5DWbqIIJympSnn-b5FKGGVue1sd6UpV-3vIifQnZ2DfUZFaLpWKuHbGeHUQO_RXIsrrk5SKZmxgWOFyw5XyMC3_2TQn-Tfv0JzBA/s1600/unlugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JSBt260l9s7Nj8Be6qGdxg9icdH9IVki4CXE9uY5DWbqIIJympSnn-b5FKGGVue1sd6UpV-3vIifQnZ2DfUZFaLpWKuHbGeHUQO_RXIsrrk5SKZmxgWOFyw5XyMC3_2TQn-Tfv0JzBA/s320/unlugar.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local-Lady Snapshot</td></tr>
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<br />
The largest regret I carry through life happened in less than 60 seconds seven years ago. It was a quiet moment. A young woman laughingly stated that because of the sound of a young man's name he was "not even American!" She scoffed at his American t-shirts, emblazoned with our flag. I was stunned into <i>silence</i>. My heart pounded and my stomach fell into a pit. I carry that moment today. I carry an image of that young boy's brown eyes and American pride, and I carry the crushing weight of my silence.<br />
<br />
I carry the burden of her ignorance.<br />
<br />
Emma Lazarus' poem would not be grand, if it included bureaucratic obstacles or stipulations on color, on language. Our country would be devoid of innovation, stagnant and in decline if it ceased to welcome those who are <i>"yearning to breathe free"</i>.<br />
<br />
By our greatest laws, we are all innocent until proven guilty. There is no need to make ugly remarks.<br />
El Rodeo and the Latino community in our city are our friends, our neighbors. This is their home, too.<br />
<br />
I may not be as patient, but I am my mother's daughter. Our El Rodeo feast was delicious.<br />
This censure is given only in love,<br />
<br />
<3<br />
<br />
the Local Gal<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuDGe2nx9mRet2TuszdbsT3ZksOU0YIsmVkygnD4t8CiGvqpBRVuFXWbgXueqv9jChF8YzohYEIq1V_Uo9u6QBhRVm65W9UEUqmwbb0tvUpnvjKBv7SaeiHd-nIsKjH5gFAxrKT0LXfE/s1600/placeforeveryone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuDGe2nx9mRet2TuszdbsT3ZksOU0YIsmVkygnD4t8CiGvqpBRVuFXWbgXueqv9jChF8YzohYEIq1V_Uo9u6QBhRVm65W9UEUqmwbb0tvUpnvjKBv7SaeiHd-nIsKjH5gFAxrKT0LXfE/s1600/placeforeveryone.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Local-Lady Snapshot</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-25436391662383351622013-11-07T04:35:00.003-08:002014-12-05T12:26:39.526-08:00Richmond, Indiana: A Mantra for a Greener TomorrowCovering <a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/04/tedx-richmond.html">TEDxRichmond</a> in the spring of this year was one of the very first posts I typed as the <b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/">Local-Lady</a></b>. This year Earlham hosts one more 2013 TEDxRichmond. The theme is <b>sustainability</b>. From the <b><a href="http://tedxrichmond.org/">event page</a></b>:<br />
<br />
<b>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Alike; font-size: 13px; line-height: 24.6875px;">With a population of over 36,000 people, Richmond, Indiana is a beautiful and historic city that plays a role not just in Indiana, but in the larger world. Within Indiana, it has deserved its recent recognition as a Stellar Community, which will bring new investment to the city that will improve the lives of its’ residents and businesses. But Richmond is also an innovative, small-scale player in the current state of sustainability and the world environment. This year’s TEDx Richmond aims to showcase some of the smaller, more feasible ways towards environmental sustainability, by presenting various topics and issues currently relevant to the Richmond community."</span></b><br />
<br /><center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mhtaoUkWaPU?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br /></center>
<br />
<b>What will be your mantra for a greener tomorrow? </b><br />
<br />
You've heard the quote, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".<br />
There is another <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/a_journey_of_a_thousand_miles_begins_with_a_single_step">translation</a>: "<i>The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet.</i>" <br />
<br />
It can be so difficult to even begin that journey, even the smallest personal lifestyle change that you know would be healthier for the planet seems to ask a lot of you. You can easily get bogged down by thinking: oceans of trash, toxins lurking everywhere and plastic coated everything. I read recently a piece that resonated with me. Melinda Epler is a blogger with a mission to change the world by changing her own lifestyle and helping others to do so as well. She acknowledges <b><a href="http://1greengeneration.elementsintime.com/?p=1312">here</a> </b>that:<br />
<i></i><br />
<div>
<i><i><br /></i></i></div>
<i>
"Awareness can be overwhelming. Fear can be debilitating. But we cannot let ourselves become overwhelmed and debilitated, because for one thing, that is not a good quality of life, and for another, those feelings get us nowhere. There are a lot of people talking about change, but not really doing anything about it – and maybe feeling guilty that they aren’t doing anything. I believe the best way to handle this feeling of being overwhelmed and debilitated is to just start somewhere, anywhere, big or small. From there, we can support one another and continue on our journey toward change."</i><i><br /></i><br />
So for me the mantra is both " the single step" and "beneath our feet".<br />
<br />
Refocus to where you are and what you <i><b>can do</b></i>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
It's exciting to see young people who are in our community, who want to make those changes for a better tomorrow! I'm eager to see Richmond, Indiana move towards greater sustainability. I'm definitely enthusiastic about this TEDx theme.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Kudos to Earlham College's TedxTeam!</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdgXxpCbubDj9BCr5bYK0IaCGcas_Oar2hYL0PjmWZt2CTe4tEwvYYzrmsHVN0S-1FWUDJUnL90Xe6a37-XgrW0zJ_uZ8PhReGMxF0WB4T8WB2JBKqh6aCKVFELRc8K8rzVFcH8VKnJI/s1600/tedxteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdgXxpCbubDj9BCr5bYK0IaCGcas_Oar2hYL0PjmWZt2CTe4tEwvYYzrmsHVN0S-1FWUDJUnL90Xe6a37-XgrW0zJ_uZ8PhReGMxF0WB4T8WB2JBKqh6aCKVFELRc8K8rzVFcH8VKnJI/s640/tedxteam.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.squarespace.com/static/5058d64be4b06646a5d928ca/t/525b32a4e4b01dd0533c496e/1381708471070/DSC_0464.JPG?format=1000w">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
What can we do now to work toward a greener tomorrow for our family and for our community right here in Richmond, Indiana? What is the single step we can take today to begin?<br />
<br />
<3 the Local Gal<br />
<br />
<b>PS</b><br />
<br />
There are a few spots left. It's not too late to register today for Saturday's TEDxRichmond event at Earlham College! Register <b><a href="http://tedxrichmond.org/attend/">HERE</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<b>PPS</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love story telling. I love TED Talks. You watched one of my absolute favorite talks <b><a href="http://local-lady.blogspot.com/2013/05/whose-voices-are-not-heard.html">Here</a></b>. Watch another talk on storytelling and fear below:</div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://embed.ted.com/talks/karen_thompson_walker_what_fear_can_teach_us.html" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></center>
<b><br /></b>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-10644673249249386952013-11-01T06:39:00.002-07:002014-12-05T12:26:39.523-08:00Local-Lady Richmond Interview: Angel Gray, Tourism BureauOver the summer, I was invited to attend a session at the<br />
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Institute-for-Creative-Leadership/162016843854377">Institute for Creative Leadership</a></b>, a sort of <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAasGzxBcF0ZEFuFbqSWbJOBIytCNCf2o382qifz37C2GrOZsX_sANcSE5NBO2XHE9fO9WFKv_cIAGf17DxAmMKJZ7k_LttNaYbonTeGSUnYoJnRG_UkfvfI4zMrZNc-U0lSnpi45UCg/s1600/angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAasGzxBcF0ZEFuFbqSWbJOBIytCNCf2o382qifz37C2GrOZsX_sANcSE5NBO2XHE9fO9WFKv_cIAGf17DxAmMKJZ7k_LttNaYbonTeGSUnYoJnRG_UkfvfI4zMrZNc-U0lSnpi45UCg/s200/angel.jpg" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angel Gray & Adorable Son: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUOowKQRn66CKPVuicD3OwSSlNVam4coCClMrX-R8Urvepp-C8hk05plOW6lpqz0i9ybxF7jSF1GMTWw2x9lEWl9uzt04_2gkxyXLxebK5ej_aSq7J8HlC0pyBheLc-pgTCNTvz8omP6N/s200/bio+photo.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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community activist think tank in Richmond, where I first met fellow blogger Angel Gray. Angel is the Social Media Communications Director at Visit Richmond, the Welcome Center. Angel Gray is a multifaceted, talented local gal with a diverse set of hobbies. Geo-caching is one in particular, which I find fascinating. She agreed to take some time out of her busy schedule to chat with the Local Lady! Thank you, Angel! Here we go:<br />
<div>
<br />
<b>What do you like best about your job at the Tourism Bureau?</b><br />
<br />
<i>"My favorite thing about working with the Wayne County Tourism Bureau is having the unique opportunity to interact with locals and visitors through social media. I enjoy answering questions about Wayne County for visitors as well as encouraging locals to appreciate their home town through social media games and promotions such as our photo contests, “Where’s Angel” contest, and trivia questions. </i><br />
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<i>I also love the opportunities that allow me to become an active participant in community projects. Earlier this year I was blessed with the ability to attend the Institute for Creative Leadership. Here, I learned more about myself along with my own strengths and weaknesses. With this new information, I was able to team up with fellow Institute for Creative Leadership graduates to work on a community project, </i><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PedalsforPeopleBikership">Pedals for People</a></b><i>, which took donated bikes and refurbished them to give to families in the community who could not afford bikes. I love the ability to give back to the community and encouraging others to do so as well. I am lucky enough to have a job I love and a job that allows me to express my individuality and my unique perspective about the community. My job here is more than just a job, it’s a career and a hobby and I look forward to many more years here."</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Local-Lady/459339160787682?ref=br_tf">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<b>As a blogger for Visit Richmond, what entry was the most fun for you to write? </b><br />
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<i>"One that will always stick with me as my favorite is </i><b><a href="http://visitrichmondin.blogspot.com/2013/03/joseph-moore-museum-of-natural-history.html">Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History</a></b><i>. I had so much fun taking my young son to the museum for his first time and seeing the reactions on his face as he discovers dinosaur bones, snake skins, and more. I love when I can share personal experiences in my blog posts because I believe personal experiences is what intrigues readers the most and it give me the chance to connect with my readers on a personal level."</i><br />
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<b>What's the story behind geocaching? How did you get started & where can a Richmond beginner go for more information on how to do it? </b><br />
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<i>"I’ve always enjoyed hiking and anything involving the outdoors. I would often travel to state parks to hike. It wasn’t until I started searching for more local outdoor activities that I stumbled upon geocaching. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices (handheld gps or a smartphone app). Participants navigate to a specific set of coordinates found online, and then attempt to find the geocache (the container) hidden at that location. </i><br />
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<i>Richmond has countless geocaches hidden among the town: at the Welcome Center, Hayes Arboretum, Depot District and many other spots in the area. The goal of geocaching is to get people out in the community to visit unique places they may not have chosen to visit otherwise. We often have geocachers come in the Welcome Center to find our hidden geocache and they come from as far away as California, Texas, and Florida. </i><br />
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<i>If someone is interested in learning more about geocaching they can certainly come visit me at the Welcome Center! I would love to offer a few pointers, also I would recommend visiting the official site </i><b><a href="http://geocaching.com/">Geocaching</a> </b><i>for more information."</i><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/-Nk8qok89AR4/UnBrXW5WprI/AAAAAAAABNo/H8vx_mXPcIU/s1600/geocaching-200.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="83" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk8qok89AR4/UnBrXW5WprI/AAAAAAAABNo/H8vx_mXPcIU/s320/geocaching-200.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7e6144; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">The Geocaching Logo is a registered trademark of Groundspeak, Inc. Used with permission.</span></td></tr>
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<b>What's your best Richmond memory or what do you love about Richmond? </b><br />
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<i>"Having grown up here all my life, I would have to say my favorite memory is my childhood in general. I have a lot of wonderful memories growing up here but my favorite part is now the ability to share these memories with my 2 year old son. I am ecstatic to relive some of my favorite childhood memories as I watch my son experience them for the first time. The ability to explain to him that mommy did this same thing when she was little always makes me smile. </i><br />
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<i>The one experience that stands out in my mind is the day my son got his Veach’s birthday card in the mail when he turned 1. I remember growing up and getting my Veach’s card in the mail for the birthday castle and always begging to go to </i><b><a href="http://www.veachstoystation.com/">Veach's Toy Station</a></b><i> as soon as possible. I think I was more excited than my son was as we hopped in the car and took a trip downtown. The experience is still the same and the enjoyment of opening the door and picking out a wrapped present brings a smile to every child’s face. I love the fact that these simple childhood memories are still around for our children to experience!"</i><br />
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<b>Thanks for chatting with the Local-Lady, Angel! And thank you for the work you do to connect and highlight some of the best in our community! Kudos!</b></div>
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Play Where's Angel? on Facebook at the Official <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/visitrichmondin">Visit Richmond</a></b> Facebook page and be sure to stop by the Visit Richmond <a href="http://visitrichmondin.blogspot.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">blog</a>.<br />
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Enjoy the interview? Stay in the loop with the Local Gal via <b><a href="https://twitter.com/47374LocalLady">Twitter</a> </b>or<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Local-Lady/459339160787682">Facebook</a></b> & feel free to sign up for e-mail page updates below!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-44852811682573619852013-10-27T07:38:00.001-07:002014-12-05T12:50:48.461-08:00Main Street by Sinclair Lewis Distilled by the Local-Lady<div>
<i><b>"a rebellious girl is the spirit of that bewildered empire called the American Middlewest"</b></i></div>
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<i><i><i><b>~Main Street~</b></i></i></i><br />
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<i><i><b>Sinclair Lewis </b></i></i></div>
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<i>(for all of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Street_(novel)">Carols</a> of the world)</i></div>
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</i><i><br /></i><i>"Even when she was tired her dark eyes were observant. She did not yet know the immense ability of the world to be casually cruel and proudly dull, but if she should ever learn those dismaying powers, <b>her eyes would never become sullen</b> or heavy or rheumily amorous."</i><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><i>"She took walks, and was sensible about shoes and diet. And never did she feel that she was living."</i><br />
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<i><br /></i><i>"She slowly confessed that she was not visibly affecting lives." </i><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><br />
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<i><b>"Whatever she might become she would never be static."</b></i></div>
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<i>"I think perhaps we want a more conscious life. We're tired of drudging and sleeping and dying. We're tired of seeing just a few people able to be individualists. We're tired of always deferring hope till the next generation. We're tired of hearing politicians and priests and cautious reformers... coax us, 'Be calm! Be patient! Wait! We have the plans for a Utopia already made; just wiser than you.' For ten thousand years they've said that. We want our Utopia now — and <b>we're going to try our hands at it.</b>"</i></div>
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There is a passage in <b><a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/543">Main Street</a></b>, that describes in a few words the sameness of America's small towns: the doctor could "wake up anywhere" stumble out of bed walk down Main Street towards his office and not realize he was in another city until he reached the door with another name above it. It's true that if you drive for long periods of time along an interstate today that you may find yourself turned around, discouraged by the sameness & the sprawl, or perhaps you are one of those comforted by the familiarity and you might see the brand logos as helpful angels along your way. Not only are our streets names the same in many cities, even the names of our cities are duplicated: Portland, Oregon, Portland, Maine, Portland, Indiana. Main Street, America. </div>
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But while, Lewis wrote of human nature, exposing the worst of us, that lurks even in small towns, I also see Carol on Main Street, the heroine doing her best and never admitting defeat, <br />
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<i>"I do not admit that Main Street is as beautiful as it should be! I do not admit that Gopher Prairie is greater or more generous than Europe! I do not admit that dish-washing is enough to satisfy all women! I may not have fought the good fight, but I have kept the faith."...</i></div>
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I see the name above the door and the implications of our individuality, our involvement and the fact that it is who we are and what we do in the towns where we live that potentially makes the difference, the impact. And if we never succeed in altering human nature or the dynamics of our Main Street, our existence and attitude runs through the fabric like a bright and lively thread, adding beauty to it. </div>
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<i style="text-align: -webkit-center;">"But I have won in this: I've never excused my failures by sneering at my aspirations, by pretending to have gone beyond them."</i></div>
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It is your "name above the door" that signals the possibility of change. This was not Lewis's intent or point, but it's what I come away with from <b><a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/543">Main Street</a> </b>believing. </div>
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It's autumn in Richmond, Indiana, and the colors of the foliage outside blaze against the gray sky. The ground this morning was covered in icy frosts. It's a perfect Sunday for reading cozily inside. What are you reading? </div>
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<b>Here are a few titles popular in Richmond, Indiana now:</b></div>
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I hope your Sunday is peaceful. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-57802689129252488642013-10-17T04:28:00.001-07:002014-12-05T12:26:39.534-08:00Local Lady Featured Interview: Hoosier Girls STEM KickStarter Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHbTkHMm5MfaSbM3ETprWslEkZa6HZF98HJ3pkd_bni16OcqQqzAm5JRQYEeTEFm4iI_WxI9sY72PLP5o_UQDwmDGj6NdnPbCEfLNwLEMPnnYGg-Vkoe9xM4FPPuHy0hZgxdLR_B_310/s1600/princesses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHbTkHMm5MfaSbM3ETprWslEkZa6HZF98HJ3pkd_bni16OcqQqzAm5JRQYEeTEFm4iI_WxI9sY72PLP5o_UQDwmDGj6NdnPbCEfLNwLEMPnnYGg-Vkoe9xM4FPPuHy0hZgxdLR_B_310/s400/princesses.jpg" width="339" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/972/220/6b6e8c01e54b04c9505f95861d6bdcd1_large.jpg?1380595375">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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As small children we are all primarily driven by a natural, innate scientific curiosity, but as young children mature into young men and women a divide occurs. Girls are not as actively encouraged to pursue math, science, technology or engineering as equally as their male counterparts. <b><a href="http://erinalbert.com/">Erin Albert</a></b> is passionately pursuing a plan to change this, especially in the Hoosier state.<br />
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<b><a href="http://fraizerdesigns.org/">Frazier Designs </a></b>is a one woman Graphic Design company recently relocated to Richmond, Indiana. Pam Frazier is a part of Erin's <b><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1820374401/getting-girls-excited-about-stem-a-childrens-book">Kickstarter project</a></b> designed to encourage Hoosier girls to get involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) through an exciting story (written by Erin Albert) about Princesses who save the world from ignorance in <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1820374401/getting-girls-excited-about-stem-a-childrens-book" style="font-weight: bold;">The Amazing Adventures of the Princesses from Planet STEM</a>.<br />
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The dynamic duo are on a quest to promote STEM to Indiana's young girls, one book per library at a time. I chatted with both author, Erin Albert & illustrator, Pam Fraizer below. Here we go:<br />
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<i><u><a href="http://erinalbert.com/">Erin Albert</a>/</u><span style="font-size: 16px;">Pharm, LLC</span></i><i>:</i></h3>
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<b>Statistics show that girls aren't encouraged to pursue STEM careers nationwide. What makes you especially eager to encourage girls specifically in your home state of Indiana?</b><br />
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<i>"See this article I wrote for Inside Indiana Business on the terrible stats for girls in Indiana and STEM: <a href="http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/contributors.asp?ID=2732">Why It Is Imperative to Get Girls in Indiana Engaged in STEM</a>. </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hx8IcQwQSwhpKeW9OFzf2ixR2N4UVoU3lWYf0LGocmCzRH9JO21jNsJTGghyphenhyphenspK3oUDeuxeu7RPFT-Oi75XsXitc4-PUiDLvx7PW1BTmKLB3ZYuoEtLgj4DVe4K8iresIapogvTnw4s/s1600/ErinAlbert_2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hx8IcQwQSwhpKeW9OFzf2ixR2N4UVoU3lWYf0LGocmCzRH9JO21jNsJTGghyphenhyphenspK3oUDeuxeu7RPFT-Oi75XsXitc4-PUiDLvx7PW1BTmKLB3ZYuoEtLgj4DVe4K8iresIapogvTnw4s/s320/ErinAlbert_2012.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.erinalbert.com/erinalbertdotcom/ErinAlbert_2012.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<i>Also, relative to Indiana - I grew up in Indiana (not in Indianapolis--actually outside of South Bend). I was a first generation college graduate. And although at the time when I went to college, I had no idea that first generation college grads really struggle with completing college, let alone going into STEM as a girl - the stats were against me completing. But, I did. And now that I'm in STEM (I'm a professor of pharmacy practice at Butler University during the day), I feel an intrinsic motivation to give back in a way that I can best accomplish (through writing a book) and make sure we reverse the abysmal trends in Indiana when it comes to STEM performance and girls.</i><i>"</i><br />
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<b>In addition to funding your <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1820374401/getting-girls-excited-about-stem-a-childrens-book">Kickstarter project </a>and hopefully one day reading this fantastic story to young girls, what can adults do to help encourage the young women in their lives to pursue this type of knowledge (STEM)?</b><br />
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<i>"The most successful women in STEM now had a wide variety of interests when they were girls (myself included). </i><br />
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<li><span style="text-align: center;"><i>Get girls (and boys for that matter) a library card early. </i></span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;"><i>Take them often to the library. </i></span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;"><i>Take children to museums. </i></span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;"><i>Get engaged and excited about what they want to learn more about, and co-learn as a family. </i></span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't as a parent get sucked into the gender bias when it comes to toys - if a girl wants to play with Legos or Matchbox cars - encourage her. </i></span></li>
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<i>Getting girls and boys interested in a variety of subjects when they are young is the best way to get them to think broadly about their careers and their lives later on in life. As an aside, I will include a link in the book to resources I'm finding for after school programs, summer camps, and learning programs outside of the traditional classroom that encourage kids and girls in particular in STEM."</i><br />
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<i>Pam Fraizer/<u><a href="http://www.fraizerdesigns.org/">FraizerDesigns</a></u>:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBIv5sMBZOzaHypqaI5rjdzgr-eVARcMfbx-vq00O9f3rfjVjHtOeb3iBxfYRzqkQ7zW5BWBrUBsDcZ-bpt_LesGPY-cmsZNm0zL3dewCdEIrncxdQ4Fs7DiK7SrfA785ATLH9VqZfCg/s1600/FRAIZERDESIGNS-new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBIv5sMBZOzaHypqaI5rjdzgr-eVARcMfbx-vq00O9f3rfjVjHtOeb3iBxfYRzqkQ7zW5BWBrUBsDcZ-bpt_LesGPY-cmsZNm0zL3dewCdEIrncxdQ4Fs7DiK7SrfA785ATLH9VqZfCg/s320/FRAIZERDESIGNS-new.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>Is this your first gig as an illustrator for a children's book?</b><br />
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<i>"This is the 2nd children's book I've illustrated. The first one was a "customizable" book "God Smiled." It was published by two entrepreneurs as a fund-raising vehicle for churches and schools There were over 30 customizable fields for parents/grandparents to complete. Each book ends up being a story about an individual child—featuring their name, parents and grandparents names, time and place where the child was born, school they first attended, first teacher, friends, etc."</i><br />
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<b>Do you have a favorite fictional character? </b><br />
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<i>"Charlotte's Web is one of my favorite books! </i><i>It's an important book about loyalty, friendship and love. This book also has fantastically sensitive illustrations by Garth Williams. Garth's illustrations have an honesty to them that makes the characters come alive.</i><i> I would have to say Charlotte is one of my favorite characters and a beautiful female role model—smart, resourceful, imaginative and brave.</i><i>"</i><br />
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<i>(For more positive Princess characteristics see Erin Albert's Princess Manifesto <b><a href="http://erinalbert.com/blog/?p=5556"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">HERE</span></a></b>)</i><br />
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<b>Thank you so much Erin & Pam! Best of luck to you both! Indiana is lucky to have such creative STEM advocates. </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">To make this book happen it needs funding! It's not too late to be a part of the Princesses from Planet STEM- visit the Official Kickstarter Page <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1820374401/getting-girls-excited-about-stem-a-childrens-book">HERE</a>!!!</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">I can't wait to introduce the Princesses of the Planet STEM to my kids!</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><3 the Local Gal</span></div>
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PS Never heard of Kickstarter? Learn more <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/hello?ref=nav"><b>HERE</b></a>. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996215159431926133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8792389561470473383.post-75699838467987806072013-10-07T12:12:00.000-07:002014-12-05T12:35:23.081-08:00Local Lady Interview/Featured Event: Visiting Author & Illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxiwfTISVShOBVjhwAgS9pJLez_XAP4U2VlrA-6Af39bD8TFzxAuZNbX7DvMR-LcIfMcd0r_SYcRk0Qx7c8TJ_RjY3sme1XOPHcIjknxvvPlckvs3F4Xtiiv8V2mPJ33iftHPaVxao7Q/s1600/duncan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxiwfTISVShOBVjhwAgS9pJLez_XAP4U2VlrA-6Af39bD8TFzxAuZNbX7DvMR-LcIfMcd0r_SYcRk0Qx7c8TJ_RjY3sme1XOPHcIjknxvvPlckvs3F4Xtiiv8V2mPJ33iftHPaVxao7Q/s1600/duncan.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://labloga.blogspot.com/2012/07/pura-belpre-ganadores.html">Photo by Alma Ramos- McDermott via La Bloga</a></b></td></tr>
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<i><b>"At the end of the day, children are children and people are people. We are more alike than different" </b></i></div>
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<i><b>~Duncan Tonatiuh~</b></i></div>
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This October in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Richmond Indiana will host acclaimed author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh. Duncan Tonatiuh will be visiting area schools to read and present his books. Duncan is an artist, storyteller & creator who is using his talents to advocate a better understanding of migration & primarily to celebrate Mexican heritage and art. When contacted by the Local-Lady for an interview, he was quick to respond! Here we go:<br />
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<b>When did you decide to write children's books?</b><br />
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<i>"I graduated from Parsons the New School for Design in 2008. My senior thesis was a short graphic novel called Journey of a Mixteco. It was based on the story of my friend Sergio, an undocumented worker who left his Mixtec village in the south of Mexico to find work in the US. </i><br />
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<i>A professor named Julia Gorton came to critique my work. She really liked my project. She had illustrated a few books for Abrams Books for Young Readers and introduced me to an editor named Howard, who she had worked with and was friends with. Howard liked my illustrations. I told him I liked writing also. He said, great, and explained to me a few things about children's books like typical page count. If you write something you can send it to me, he said and gave me his email.</i><br />
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<i>One day while I was still working on my senior thesis I had an idea for a book about two cousins, one that lived in a rural community in Mexico and one that lived in an urban center in the US, and even though they lived in different environments were more alike than different. That eventually became my first picture book </i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Primo-Letter-My-Cousin/dp/B0051BNWIU/ref=pd_sim_b_2">Dear Primo; A Letter to My Cousin</a></b><i>."</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAo-pcT9QobD43RW8bOMpIJNx6qA0sGDiK3jbna7mrPAg2IB4tVd4qha8rZm48YU2svPUSIq72p-noiuw6z0R-c19WoXhAZE8uKw0nIu9_GhLfC2W2OJhDCzEFDUh39vd8rzZ5-OdQ6s/s1600/duncanfans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAo-pcT9QobD43RW8bOMpIJNx6qA0sGDiK3jbna7mrPAg2IB4tVd4qha8rZm48YU2svPUSIq72p-noiuw6z0R-c19WoXhAZE8uKw0nIu9_GhLfC2W2OJhDCzEFDUh39vd8rzZ5-OdQ6s/s320/duncanfans.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audience & Fans: <a href="http://duncantonatiuhmex.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/photo-6.jpg?w=450&h=299">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<b>Can you tell us about how Ancient Mexican art & culture have shaped your art? </b><br />
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<i>"I was born in Mexico City and I grew up in a town called San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico. When I was a kid I loved Japanese anime and comic books. I would draw my own superheroes and make small comics. I came to the US when I was 16. In high school I became interested in painting and liked painters like Van Gogh and Egon Schiele. After being away from my country of origin for a couple of years I began to miss the food, the music and traditions; things I took for granted when I lived there. I became extremely interested in Mexican art and culture when I was in college. </i><br />
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<i>When I decided to make the short graphic novel about Sergio I began to look for Mixtec artwork in the Parsons library. I was delighted when I found books about the Mixtec codex of the fourteenth century. I decided that I would make a modern codex about Sergio's story. That is how I developed my current illustration style. I draw by hand, but then I collage my drawings in the computer. I've been working in that style for the last five years. </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84yp1AkWp1SybEFdLT5JDgA5U8JBFDp7dFXPfQURiDSa837TBKZV9VoDKD-DgLCURxZ67lxePfPqrIORBooyEBy0BfQVkhiiCfQoXMdhCQo1P1JWaKCUhF610PtNlH_agkjFWSgvBz20/s1600/Diego+Rivera+His+World+medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84yp1AkWp1SybEFdLT5JDgA5U8JBFDp7dFXPfQURiDSa837TBKZV9VoDKD-DgLCURxZ67lxePfPqrIORBooyEBy0BfQVkhiiCfQoXMdhCQo1P1JWaKCUhF610PtNlH_agkjFWSgvBz20/s320/Diego+Rivera+His+World+medium.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.arteyloqueras.ieasysite.com/images/products/Diego%20Rivera%20His%20World%20medium.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<i>My father is American and my mother is Mexican, therefore I have dual nationality. I am specially interested in making books that reflect the experiences of people of Mexican origin on both sides of the border. My second book </i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diego-Rivera-His-World-Ours/dp/0810997312">Diego Rivera: His World and Ours</a></b><i> is a simple biography of the famous Mexican muralist, but then the book tries to imagine what he would paint nowadays. My latest book </i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pancho-Rabbit-Coyote-Migrants-Tale/dp/1419705830/ref=pd_sim_b_7">Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote</a></b><i> reads like a classic fable, a little bit like Little Red Riding Hood, but the book is also an allegory of the journey that undocumented immigrants go through to reach the US. Coyote is slang for a person that smuggles people across the US-Mexico border."</i><br />
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<b>What can attendees expect at your upcoming presentations and readings?</b><br />
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<i>"I will speak and read from my three books. I will also give attendees a sneak peak of a picture book I finished recently and that will be published next May. Its called </i><b>Separate is Never Equal; Sylvia Mendez and her Family's Fight for Desegregation</b><i>. The book is about a civil rights case that desegregated schools in California seven years before the landmark case Brown vs Board of Education took place. </i><br />
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<i>I try to tailor my readings according to who is in the room. Although my books are in English I "read" them in Spanish if the audience is predominantly Spanish speakers. If there are young kids at the event I usually do some drawings on a large pad of paper for them. I often stand on my head like the break dancers in a page from Dear Primo for them too. When the kids are older I connect my laptop to a projector and show them how I collage my illustrations in Photoshop. </i><br />
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<i>Hopefully my books and presentations are a way to introduce topics like immigration and Mexican art to children. I try to make books that are accessible and that can be enjoyed by all children, regardless of their background. One of my aims though is for Latino children to see themselves reflected in my books and feel proud of their roots and background. I hope my books will inspire them to read, draw and write their own stories."</i><br />
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<b>Thank you for sharing your art & stories with us, Duncan, and thank you for your response to my questions! I hope you enjoy your visit to Richmond, Indiana! </b><br />
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<i>Visit Duncan's Blog </i><a href="http://www.duncantonatiuh.com/"><b>HERE</b></a><i>.</i><i></i><br />
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<h1 class="yt" id="watch-headline-title" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="watch-title long-title yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; border: 0px; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: -0.05em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Life on the other side / La vida en el otro lado: Duncan Tonatiuh at TEDxSanMigueldeAllende">Watch: "Life on the other side / La vida en el otro lado: </span></h1>
<h1 class="yt" id="watch-headline-title" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="watch-title long-title yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; border: 0px; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: -0.05em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Life on the other side / La vida en el otro lado: Duncan Tonatiuh at TEDxSanMigueldeAllende">Duncan Tonatiuh at TEDxSanMigueldeAllende"</span></h1>
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