tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64556249389542553032024-02-06T19:43:58.213-08:00Chuck BennorthAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258350561415023025noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455624938954255303.post-74233416270247910552017-02-25T11:01:00.001-08:002017-02-25T11:01:51.727-08:00Life as seen from 4 paws - the new home<br />
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Good morning my puppy brothers and sisters, where ever you all have scattered. I am so glad that you have all found your fur-ever homes. I heard Denise talking to my human, Chuck, mentioning that our entire brood have all been adopted. It is neat that each of us has found the human that we were hoping for. <br />
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Life here has been quite interesting the past couple of weeks. It was two weeks ago today that I moved into my human’s place. It is nice, let me tell you. They have big grassy areas that they call “outside” and big soft areas they call “inside”. They even have a couple of caverns they call “crates”. I am getting 3 squares a day, plus additional snacks that I will explain later. Plus plenty of toys. And my adopted brother Sleepy, i mean Bristol. Life is nice.<br />
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Sleepy is doing well. Dog, that pup can sleep. I want to play, chase, chew and run. He loves to get up on the sofa and snooze with his human. It is getting up on the sofa that is so funny. For me, it is a few steps an I am airborne, coming to a soft landing on the sofa. For Sleepy though, it is not so easy. I laugh as I watch him get a running start and generally launch himself into the side of the sofa. He has about a 2 inch vertical leap. His human helps him up though, and he curls up there and falls asleep. For hours at a time. I swear, i think i saw him fall asleep in mid leap one time. As Denise says, sleeping is Bristol’s super power.<br />
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About those snacks I mentioned. I am working hard on training my human. He is making great progress. He is learning to give me treats almost on my demand. At first, it was when i would get into my crate, then when I would sit. But now, wow, I finally started training Chuck on clicker training. He is learning to give me a treat whenever the clicker clicks. No matter what I am doing! I know!! I will need to continue to work with him so that he carries the clicker more often and clicks it more often, but he is doing great so far. <br />
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Our walking training is going okay. It is hard to teach Chuck that I get to go wherever I want when on a walk. He seems to like it when I stay on the path and close to him. He is missing the simple joy of picking up sticks, smelling grass and chasing leaves. I will keep working with him though. I think he needs to learn some of these things, life as a human seems as if it can be a bit stressful. He needs to learn to relax and to smell the sticks, leaves, plants, grass, floor, furniture and all of life around us. It seems to make him happy when I stay closer to him on our walks at times, and I like to hear him singing my praises. So, I will do that for him at times. <br />
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I am working on understanding my human’s body language. There are certain things that I just cannot quite understand yet. One is the apparent difference between “inside” and “outside”. I think both are nice. Outside is fun with the grass and leaves and such, but inside is right there, close and accessible. For some reason, when i need to relieve myself, they seem to like it more when I do it “outside” rather than “inside”. Not quite sure why yet, but I will continue to try to understand it. When I go outside, i get all sorts of praise and joy. Inside, and I get picked up and taken outside. They are smart though, I am sure they will help me understand what it is they want before too long.<br />
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“Inside” does not have sticks and leaves, but it has so many toys to play with and chew on. Bones, squeaky things, kongs, nyla-bones, blankets, shoes, sofas, crates, chair legs, fingers and more. There are many times that I will be busy chewing on one thing and they will bring me another to chew on. I told you, they are pretty well trained, always working on making sure I am fed, content and happy. <br />
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Now, Sleepy still needs a little work. He seems to think that he can chew on my toys when he wants to. My human really should buy him some toys and chew things as well. So far, I have two great bones, a bunch of nyla-bones, about 4 different kongs, and an assortment of other entertaining chew toys. He, however, has nothing. So, of course, he tries to take mine. It keeps me so busy, I will be chewing on my bone and Bristol will pick up my other bone. So I will need to drop my one bone and go get my other bone back. The nerve of that pup. But, I am sure I will get him trained over time. He is kinda fun to wrestle with and run around the house with. I never see our humans wrestling and racing around like we do. They are missing out on a lot of fun.<br />
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At the end of the day, though, Sleepy and I get along pretty well. We share our crate for naps and night time. Sleepy’s, sorry, Bristol’s human thinks it is cute and likes to take pictures of us curled up together as we sleep. Sometimes the Pupparazzi can get a little irritating. At times it is just fun to mess with her. I walk next to her and she takes my picture, i curl up with Sleepy and she takes my pic. I have found that she will take my pic when i just put my ears up. <br />
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That “ears up” leads to some interesting discussions. They have decided, in their mind, that I may not be mostly lab, like they thought. Chuck has decided that I am part lab, part retriever and part shepherd. Of course those are his favorite breeds. He is slowly understanding that I am “100% me and 100% his”, and that that breed is the most important part of all.<br />
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One thing that I have not yet figured out is why my human leaves early every morning except for the weekends. I don’t know where he goes and why he is gone so long. I do know that he comes home to me at the end of each day and I welcome him and let him know how glad I am that he is back. That is the best 45 seconds of the day, until Sleepy takes yet another of my toys and I am off again.<br />
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Other dogs have questioned, or laughed at, our both selecting the same human family, but it is working out pretty well. They have each other to entertain each other when we are resting. Of course, we do the entertaining when we are awake. We both give attention to both of the humans, but we know whose is whose. Like now, Sleepy is up on the sofa with Denise, sleeping (no surprise there) and I am chewing on one of my two bones on a blanket on the floor next to Chuck as he writes on the computer. They are really such nice humans to us and ask for so little. Just a little bit of snuggling and letting them pet us and they very happy. Sometimes I just lay back and let him scratch my chest and just look at him, telling him that “you are my human and that I am very happy that you are”.<br />
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Anyway, send me a note when you get a chance and let me know how your new families are working out. You can reach me at “favoritepuppy@chucks”.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258350561415023025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455624938954255303.post-90886548095829722182017-02-12T15:34:00.000-08:002017-02-12T15:34:01.406-08:00Life as seen from 4 pawsSo, I was chillin in the crib with my bro's and sis's and a few other new friends at the Aurora outpost of the Anderson Animal Shelter. We all got along well and such, but I was beginning to think that I wanted to adopt a person of my very own. Don't get me wrong, the staff there was great, but they were busy and did not have the time to really get to know me.<div>
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It was Friday night and this nice couple came in to see us. They were dressed in matching colors, kind of cute, but harmless. I could see that these two had potential. I had to wait a little bit as they looked over some of my different friends here. They took Midnight out for a walk, well Midnight took them out for a walk. He is part lab, like me, but much older. He had turned the big 03 not too long ago, which is some other big number in dog years, but I don't really know what. After they came back from that excursion, I looked them over closer. Athletic, artistic and wanting a puppy. They looked very loving to each other. They had potential to be some pretty good humans. I knew they were a bit old, but I figured I could inject a little youth into their world.</div>
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Anyway, I let the manager know that I wanted to spend a little time with them, so he brought me out of the crib to see them. We spent a fun 10 minutes or so together. I played a little fetch with them and snuggled with them a bit. They seemed very nice, but I just was not quite sure. I had my mind set on a pure athlete, but these two seemed pretty close. I let the manager know that I appreciated the visit and thanked him, but i was not ready to make a decision. </div>
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I wrestled with the thought of them all night long. I could tell that the woman (he called her Denise) was not going to be my first choice, but the one called Chuck was really pretty special. She would be a better match for a cute, quieter dog. But, I knew that I could get to love her if I decided on him. </div>
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As I thought about it, I realized that human that I was going to adopt did not need to be a purebred athlete, but that as long as he had many of the traits that a pure athlete would have, that I would be happy. As I thought about, I realized that this Chuck was the human that i wanted to adopt. I had really enjoyed my time with him and his beautiful bride on Friday night. I know that I wanted to make them my forever family. </div>
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Saturday morning, I let the day manager know that I wanted to reserve him so that no other dog would take them before I could get them here. They said they don't often do that, but in my case they would make an exception. I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon playing with my brothers and sisters for the last time, letting them know that I would be heading out soon. Puppy, let me tell you they were jealous. They commented on how pretty that Denise was, and that Chuck was nice too, but I knew that I had found a human that would care for me, talk to me, listen to me, walk with me and play with me. I knew it would take a lot of patience and training, but that I would be able to build a bond with him that would last for years. I knew that it was important that he feel and be seen as the Alpha human in this relationship, but I knew that I would be the one that controlled his heart. </div>
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About mid-afternoon Chuck and Denise and Bristol came into our store. Wait, Bristol? All of my litter-mates were asking, who's this 4 legged intruder? Had another dog selected my Chuck? No, I told them, I had picked and reserved Chuck. This gray beast of a puppy was Denise's dog. "Are you crazy?" they asked? Sharing two humans with another puppy? I told them that I was fine with this. Chuck was mine and Bristol was hers. And that Bristol would keep her entertained when I was busy with Chuck. </div>
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"You are so lucky" they said, "they are such a cute couple, with their matching colors and all." </div>
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"You can tell that they are going to be fun to train and raise, and that you will have a very loved and cared for life" my brothers told me. My sisters commented again about how pretty Denise was and how they would pick her in an instant. I agreed that she is very beautiful and special in her own way, but that Chuck was my human, that he was perfect for me.</div>
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My dog family reminded me of all of the things to think about and said our good byes.</div>
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In the car, I finally got a good look at my new puppy mate, Bristol. What the heck kind of dog was he, I asked. He didn't answer me, he just howled. </div>
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"Come on, dude" I said, "it is just a car ride, and my Chuck is right up there. He won't let anything happen to us" </div>
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" I know," he howled some more. "My Denise is there as well, but I am six feet away from her and this is scary. Listen, even Chuck is howling"</div>
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"He is not" I replied, "He is singing trying to calm you down"</div>
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"Sure sounds like howling" Bristol replied and went back to his howling.</div>
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I came to realize of the next few hours that any time Denise was away was a good time for Bristol to whine and howl. And, any time Denise was there was a good time for Bristol to sleep. Dog, can that puppy sleep.</div>
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Anyway, enough about him. I am living the good life. Chuck is an even better human than I thought. He plays with me, holds me, pets me, runs with me, walks with me and takes me outside. I really like that outside stuff. Just sitting in my new back yard is great, feeling the grass under me and smelling all of the new smells wafting by. </div>
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Chuck had a crate installed for me and I really like it. It is a good place to rest and relax, kind of like my own dog cave. I am thinking about installing a wide screen tv, at least 24 inches, in it, but that will be for later. I can get in there whenever I want, and it is usually very nice. Well, except when the Howler is in there with me, and Denise is not right there. Does anyone have a pair of ear plugs I can borrow?</div>
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I let the sleeping howler know that all of the toys here in the house are really mine. He seemed surprised when he would pick up something to chew on and I would come take it away. "You were already chewing on something" he would say. </div>
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"Doesn't matter", I would say, "They are all my toys and right now I want to chew on the one you have". I am sure he will learn over time.</div>
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I did need to let Chuck know that "Julie" was just my temporary name, that my real name is Samwise Gamgee. Sam or Sammy for short. He has messed it up a couple of times, but I am thinking he will get the hang of it soon.</div>
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Anyway, I am liking my furever human and home a lot. I am glad that I found him.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258350561415023025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455624938954255303.post-75830034889417258542016-10-14T19:26:00.005-07:002016-10-14T19:26:27.603-07:00What I did this summerHow I spent my summer,<br />
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By Chuck Bennorth<br />
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I spent my summer with my beautiful bride Denise. Together we spent much of our summer taking pictures, mostly in 1574. (don't ask how, just accept it)<br />
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We took pictures, a lot of pictures, mostly of people, which is one of my very favorite things to do. <br />
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Now some of you that know me will point out that I took pictures of people last summer and the summer before, and even the one before that. That is true, but this time was different.<br />
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This year I got to take photos of friends. Denise has the gift of being able to connect with people, and she helped us get to know many more friends at the Faire. And really get to know them. Besides simply taking their photos, I got to know them and to understand what an incredible group of people they are. What a talented group they are. <br />
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And what a caring group they are, as I soon came to realize. They are a family of people that care about their own, and rally around their own. At the beginning of the summer, there is a very touching, somber and moving memorial for those in their faire family who were lost over the previous year. The symbolism is very powerful and the emotions are pretty raw as these people honor those that were close to them. There are not many times that I am moved to tears when taking photos, but seeing the care and the pain of these people in a very public memorial for those lost, is one of those times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXBDv51ktwgCQLe34PXTRjB5qoHTOyvhB4JUZVCRZt4ytOJVNhDSo6cv-7w3Z49wOG7Lv8KY2IN2Hre6ZYWcQ4c5_FH_3_KwNql_ODJjZwDWirYXgj6IHiyr9H7Z_76MsYt65BLyHIBDv/s1600/my+summer+-20160710+-IMG_3578.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXBDv51ktwgCQLe34PXTRjB5qoHTOyvhB4JUZVCRZt4ytOJVNhDSo6cv-7w3Z49wOG7Lv8KY2IN2Hre6ZYWcQ4c5_FH_3_KwNql_ODJjZwDWirYXgj6IHiyr9H7Z_76MsYt65BLyHIBDv/s320/my+summer+-20160710+-IMG_3578.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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While taking photos, I had the pleasure of renewing friendships that I had made in previous years. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPXzm0dQp0zDDKFuH3lkdalxQwSS746bh7EaOK_dNdtlCNMQ_QeJvcraoxDRHOVIPvV5TcCFt8bSqasIXwn9bK42rySPPrR2eEdlNwrgSWW97mqEyS2EjiDJCEtE9YBbfLQPP_csL9yio/s1600/my+summer+-20160813+-IMG_9701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPXzm0dQp0zDDKFuH3lkdalxQwSS746bh7EaOK_dNdtlCNMQ_QeJvcraoxDRHOVIPvV5TcCFt8bSqasIXwn9bK42rySPPrR2eEdlNwrgSWW97mqEyS2EjiDJCEtE9YBbfLQPP_csL9yio/s400/my+summer+-20160813+-IMG_9701.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
This wonderful family gave up their spot on the fence rail for us last year for a joust, so that we could see and photograph better, even though we did not know them at all. This year they were some that we watched for a talked to each day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i7Z_HCeO-h11eJGKNFJjy_Uj3bravfQZfK2IHt4fdavttdWNNOpa42cZUQkDGXaAWs6dgL-3-E3DTKFvdtqfyYkW6ozg7nOkFRILs5lryxzUVufQ9aV88r8F2tTxEd6ZNUA7bLIOENpa/s1600/my+summer+-20160730+-IMG_6854.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i7Z_HCeO-h11eJGKNFJjy_Uj3bravfQZfK2IHt4fdavttdWNNOpa42cZUQkDGXaAWs6dgL-3-E3DTKFvdtqfyYkW6ozg7nOkFRILs5lryxzUVufQ9aV88r8F2tTxEd6ZNUA7bLIOENpa/s400/my+summer+-20160730+-IMG_6854.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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I had taken photos of Shane over the years as he helped sell pewter at the Black Dragon. His warm hello and cheerful banter was always fun to watch. He had not been around for a bit, but I ran into him this year again. Great to see him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia796X7dm7h28W-G5ZriAxa_q8nWczHmMfjIQXp3R6RgDMVf-4K-d8yTBZRKe8LufUvTBs9oGMCAYLn4S7JYLDxHMAyShSr8Ato0HykV44Sz1V4bCD_9thrThrpVSQQvAmYnerk8i5-tpn/s1600/my+summer+-20160904+-IMG_3868.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia796X7dm7h28W-G5ZriAxa_q8nWczHmMfjIQXp3R6RgDMVf-4K-d8yTBZRKe8LufUvTBs9oGMCAYLn4S7JYLDxHMAyShSr8Ato0HykV44Sz1V4bCD_9thrThrpVSQQvAmYnerk8i5-tpn/s400/my+summer+-20160904+-IMG_3868.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Terrence always had a smile for us, and would pose if we had a photo idea. His stories about the flower of the day would keep us laughing. The writing he shared on FB about the kind of life he wanted to live was really interesting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qc8zQR4Qc24-8xLY40zam-UNPDQQvswDjBLPr9Vz88s-A8eNmnzkBqaMbh2yOHAALw8bQdcMLt9tpjcUaW96QJJh-Apl4p2C_AybCL1m2MXm7ZIRwaobW_y4lKY_hNcR5Y5lPI1NDXFV/s1600/my+summer+-20160905+-IMG_4441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qc8zQR4Qc24-8xLY40zam-UNPDQQvswDjBLPr9Vz88s-A8eNmnzkBqaMbh2yOHAALw8bQdcMLt9tpjcUaW96QJJh-Apl4p2C_AybCL1m2MXm7ZIRwaobW_y4lKY_hNcR5Y5lPI1NDXFV/s400/my+summer+-20160905+-IMG_4441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Brian was another that I have known from the Black Dragon over the years. Always greeted us with a kind word and a great smile. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8Qo-YLqNDE1lw3CubCdsP4RGklCUzo9xkN-xtZImPT5VL-EdjcgyfiyQwWsQJISJRdOKHMV1acPHeaPhmpt52uivVwpPFRsDvjzvKIC5BOYvOhKVTrXk2Ap11SO8bzhew_nMo_eraFis/s1600/my+summer+-20161001+-IMG_5425.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8Qo-YLqNDE1lw3CubCdsP4RGklCUzo9xkN-xtZImPT5VL-EdjcgyfiyQwWsQJISJRdOKHMV1acPHeaPhmpt52uivVwpPFRsDvjzvKIC5BOYvOhKVTrXk2Ap11SO8bzhew_nMo_eraFis/s400/my+summer+-20161001+-IMG_5425.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Bob is one that we look for across the centuries and places. We look for him in 1574, but have also seen him around 1919, 1944 and 1776. A true Dr WHo.<br />
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Did I mention that I saw some wonderful acting this summer? Turns out that William Shakespeare was a pretty good writer and these wonderfully talented actors brought his words to life for us this summer. Shakespeare's Corner is one of my favorite stops when in 1574, it has wonderful actors and wonderful early day lighting for my photos of these actors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFZXSOKTCWlG61dE_vo2wYcZqykeeFnvlumTkAYkAMpf9HJvP46LLXU7oAloBNUYCTh5ccT4jfS-xOTvgJnItOuIgnDyHHTIRq3-EtdUBs32RGttOmfKQ2WTdyJuo5cvsf9VtZLsORSQt/s1600/my+summer+-20160717+-IMG_4625.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFZXSOKTCWlG61dE_vo2wYcZqykeeFnvlumTkAYkAMpf9HJvP46LLXU7oAloBNUYCTh5ccT4jfS-xOTvgJnItOuIgnDyHHTIRq3-EtdUBs32RGttOmfKQ2WTdyJuo5cvsf9VtZLsORSQt/s400/my+summer+-20160717+-IMG_4625.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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I saw these two performing Taming of the Shrew (I think). The action, emotion and physicality of this scene amazed me. Bravo to you both for that few minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOBbGLy9eZJWquWtwE1zCnI4X_HxEBP1YHw1TuV0sw8D-lNOln7hrkgIrH5CihTeKgZz384GhyphenhyphenFlLVPUW9EaxbGmLVF_iEGwbaxy5RtbRpdVNCviCvQOTrMA0CJNd3Y0f48nuoZw-0nUO/s1600/my+summer+-20160709+-IMG_3154.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOBbGLy9eZJWquWtwE1zCnI4X_HxEBP1YHw1TuV0sw8D-lNOln7hrkgIrH5CihTeKgZz384GhyphenhyphenFlLVPUW9EaxbGmLVF_iEGwbaxy5RtbRpdVNCviCvQOTrMA0CJNd3Y0f48nuoZw-0nUO/s400/my+summer+-20160709+-IMG_3154.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I always enjoy watching the intensity and depth of Stacy's acting. What a force.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9EaeiZFWyvePigHiv_v4TrJFXzpV2sFrkcIC-7OUI1bc4JfZCkDSgkku4SCe9xuqIQZ1U2PQip2I3RhKP5tkxnSYBekjgh3EOAV1Q0BfHBVh4-qpEZ_PSMoQEYjI6pBfR-cn1Kjqm6hi/s1600/my+summer+-20160813+-IMG_9587.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9EaeiZFWyvePigHiv_v4TrJFXzpV2sFrkcIC-7OUI1bc4JfZCkDSgkku4SCe9xuqIQZ1U2PQip2I3RhKP5tkxnSYBekjgh3EOAV1Q0BfHBVh4-qpEZ_PSMoQEYjI6pBfR-cn1Kjqm6hi/s400/my+summer+-20160813+-IMG_9587.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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James (Large) was terrific in this scene. He had no lines, but instead of just standing there watching, he watched and listened to what was said, and REACTED to them. Even though he had no lines, you could see him preparing to respond at times, physically responding to the words being addressed to him. I will not soon forget the acting lesson he gave me that day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2m2c-iQus6pbWeFQVV1BsLlkVZHrfolaGEvNaKk-ca36CV_4vFu4tSqh_SXbL7KbL3kHjI8xoiw_qU4QVgoLwlNLnZybHUXBIpad6r2fY6FlhhNjcGmyBl9oWQMsIjxE1tfRw3XIMnjc/s1600/my+summer+-20160905+-IMG_4055.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2m2c-iQus6pbWeFQVV1BsLlkVZHrfolaGEvNaKk-ca36CV_4vFu4tSqh_SXbL7KbL3kHjI8xoiw_qU4QVgoLwlNLnZybHUXBIpad6r2fY6FlhhNjcGmyBl9oWQMsIjxE1tfRw3XIMnjc/s400/my+summer+-20160905+-IMG_4055.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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I enjoyed this scene with Aly and Drew a number of times, the rapier wit and comments that they would exchange.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIWTr8omaHIjWqYKiT_7TvfdX4tlMukh0HjSneOrTDMTlrh9TRtV2qcj9C3knZyUIPMZj9Oh7sx-4HE77vr7BBwAnxXtGCyVT2aOAd-kng0lBpfLfvcGJLDwKBqX1HX6nVDDUAEyJta0l/s1600/my+summer+-20160710+-IMG_3710.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIWTr8omaHIjWqYKiT_7TvfdX4tlMukh0HjSneOrTDMTlrh9TRtV2qcj9C3knZyUIPMZj9Oh7sx-4HE77vr7BBwAnxXtGCyVT2aOAd-kng0lBpfLfvcGJLDwKBqX1HX6nVDDUAEyJta0l/s400/my+summer+-20160710+-IMG_3710.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I am not sure how it happened, but had the very good fortune to become a friend of this beautiful singer and person. Generally later in a faire afternoon, I would find Denise and myself enjoying a one song concert just for the two of us from Taylor. I would just stand there with this huge grin on my face listening to the most beautiful singing voice that i know. Thank you Taylor for each of those songs. I am eagerly awaiting the chance to buy your first CD.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70W1h6IPzb2o-FHrv2wmqf-5Rxh_8PHev4iJYZkAU475eh3IlQ7kBIFLg0oMYtZbnpRGJTgrU1_vW-U18j93YPPnpnbczFIw2a1pMNIvB9Vte3s3eI_0v5WjRVGK36SiLSSpZTWYSvhij/s1600/my+summer+-20160828+-IMG_2808.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70W1h6IPzb2o-FHrv2wmqf-5Rxh_8PHev4iJYZkAU475eh3IlQ7kBIFLg0oMYtZbnpRGJTgrU1_vW-U18j93YPPnpnbczFIw2a1pMNIvB9Vte3s3eI_0v5WjRVGK36SiLSSpZTWYSvhij/s320/my+summer+-20160828+-IMG_2808.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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This was another singer that we would search out each day, for two reasons. Arne's songs are so witty and fun to listen to, and would always leave us laughing. (assassins prayer was my favorite). The other reason was that we like taking photos of the people we know at the faire, good pictures whenever possible. Arne made it his personal mission to give us as goofy of a look or a smile whenever we tried to photograph him. This is the best photo I have ever taken of Arne, and it was only because he did not know that I was there until after i had clicked the shutter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEica8cDIMIdqjV75ezwEy5MiE2gI3T3a43HWcVS8PXitRXpLVi_fY2VXAQiHLv4BPS5zMZoHSRcCQ9G4dnsXOtWCdJFYPQWTc6dAbjX556XmuNTIcrKdCuoHE6xoOmqfcfDsKGULhvmG2fi/s1600/my+summer+-20160814+-IMG_0374.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEica8cDIMIdqjV75ezwEy5MiE2gI3T3a43HWcVS8PXitRXpLVi_fY2VXAQiHLv4BPS5zMZoHSRcCQ9G4dnsXOtWCdJFYPQWTc6dAbjX556XmuNTIcrKdCuoHE6xoOmqfcfDsKGULhvmG2fi/s400/my+summer+-20160814+-IMG_0374.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77o9NUKX-ZOdGUq8b8DqXa1ovIB3Uag_dFdrx6q6GwpFcGaVq9BOTy7agHs1tdTRliKfhpek483t4bcAhv1cyChqeQVV3onPY1A_F-bbwAdQY1w0fuiL7yqr2O6yTolnt2HSYQUxBeRKR/s1600/my+summer+-20160827+-IMG_2301.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77o9NUKX-ZOdGUq8b8DqXa1ovIB3Uag_dFdrx6q6GwpFcGaVq9BOTy7agHs1tdTRliKfhpek483t4bcAhv1cyChqeQVV3onPY1A_F-bbwAdQY1w0fuiL7yqr2O6yTolnt2HSYQUxBeRKR/s400/my+summer+-20160827+-IMG_2301.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Talking about talented people, Brian and Stephy created the costumes and looks that we would see them in each weekend. I am fortunate if I can dress myself in things that somewhat go together, and these two would create these amazing looks from scratch. Denise and I would look forward to the different looks that they would show up with each weekend. They would also patiently wait and pose as I would get photos of these amazing costumes and looks. Well done to you both.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdubw_wScBFv7rSxv9yTN88gH9Aa0SpBQPARy7bHhu9xwab3yNV3yq7C9jnle7ir3oS6KzMYFxjv-MImvgOP1Jw6RXRPgx91KrgPB8lrYQiY0aRFO91q3fv3LwXnTqbmlmILuDokzNlNk/s1600/my+summer+-20160716+-IMG_4013.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdubw_wScBFv7rSxv9yTN88gH9Aa0SpBQPARy7bHhu9xwab3yNV3yq7C9jnle7ir3oS6KzMYFxjv-MImvgOP1Jw6RXRPgx91KrgPB8lrYQiY0aRFO91q3fv3LwXnTqbmlmILuDokzNlNk/s400/my+summer+-20160716+-IMG_4013.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Moonie has been a part of the faire for as long as I can remember. His shows make me laugh over and over. That handsome gentleman in the photo with Moonie is Bridger, Denise's son, here on a visit from Utah (and yes, he does look like Draco Malfoy). Moonie selected Bridger to be part of his show that afternoon and Bridger did great. As Moonie told him afterwards, "You were the best one".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6bw1Go4iOwAvD6QB5KGS1jlG6byPaqVrChG6p4D8uvZtSDpyOYOKcBgaGfu2lD3eAnJIwXi3x5N6Pc0dZ83nNKi8fDT-32qd9rXzARnd3xXt-342MVX4MkycNxHCt4uNCI3KLesemKpu/s1600/my+summer+-20160827+-IMG_2436.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6bw1Go4iOwAvD6QB5KGS1jlG6byPaqVrChG6p4D8uvZtSDpyOYOKcBgaGfu2lD3eAnJIwXi3x5N6Pc0dZ83nNKi8fDT-32qd9rXzARnd3xXt-342MVX4MkycNxHCt4uNCI3KLesemKpu/s320/my+summer+-20160827+-IMG_2436.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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A few weeks later, Denise's daughter Sierra joined us for a day at the faire. While she was not on stage during the moonie show, she and Denise did manage to find the ice cream vendor at the faire.<br />
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My thanks to all of you, by the way, for your wonderful welcome of these two kids of ours. Greeting them by name with smiles and conversation helped them to have the great times they both had.<br />
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After taking pictures of these two gentlemen, part of the royal court, for years, we had the opportunity to meet and talk with Dennis and Andy. I learned that Dennis is not only an actor there, but a director as well, and that Andy is also a teacher at the Queen's college. Two of the nicest guys you will meet there and both very encouraging to me about my photos.<br />
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We had the pleasure of getting to know Paula this year and to see the beautiful sewing and such that she is able to create. I met William via comments on FB, but never was able to tell him hello in person, which is definitely on my list for next year. Such kindness he sent my way via his thoughts on my photos. <br />
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I also had the honor of meeting these three this summer. Besides being an actor at the faire, Cameron is a talented music composer and musician. I have enjoyed listening to the music he has composed and had fun conversations with him about them. Please check him out on soundcloud. Giuseppe is an actor at the faire, a firefighter in his other life, and takes wonderful care of Taylor all of the time. It was nice to be able to say hello to him this summer. (He also does a good Errol Flynn impersonation for my camera). JP is not only an actor at the faire, but around the far west suburbs where he both acts and directs. We are looking forward to seeing his work there sometime soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeyKjE70L-H6OhnfO8a6JNJzvDAwApwLWL_yQB2ZMrgUiMYS3SX_EUMbiap7xvCHB4WubJ-Jju1YJkoGq9Z2LA5Q4nmdo7U31Q5oeNjGO3-S7KPOUHfVlcBDxrbzp6Z1322wlTeYH7CXw/s1600/my+summer+-20160904+-IMG_4019.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUn2B6ldu9M2ax_a721xPow16MNXMzyUAx-8N-k7lIDVU9NMS93eJN2RcfGnbWfslg0PkZjPcmOz-QsZDSLlXQvKZVyXMrTzdjSA4onGzpHbjP12sxb-YkyPy91dYHG5qFnJXUmmU5B5JZ/s1600/my+summer+-20160903+-IMG_3150.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHG3j_hx7hbW9hXCRq7QbLWbZQJoqjt_o6e5tkfvGWaq-sMkKREny5pYOMZPeZyPji03QfO8_c4hgwBxcwcs_lgDOfTs49rzFITbRny0qugUI38YosRfMsp5vxJQ6qV6LCn3tWQ7eh2QD/s1600/my+summer+-20160806+-IMG_8424.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHG3j_hx7hbW9hXCRq7QbLWbZQJoqjt_o6e5tkfvGWaq-sMkKREny5pYOMZPeZyPji03QfO8_c4hgwBxcwcs_lgDOfTs49rzFITbRny0qugUI38YosRfMsp5vxJQ6qV6LCn3tWQ7eh2QD/s320/my+summer+-20160806+-IMG_8424.jpg" width="256" /></a><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUn2B6ldu9M2ax_a721xPow16MNXMzyUAx-8N-k7lIDVU9NMS93eJN2RcfGnbWfslg0PkZjPcmOz-QsZDSLlXQvKZVyXMrTzdjSA4onGzpHbjP12sxb-YkyPy91dYHG5qFnJXUmmU5B5JZ/s320/my+summer+-20160903+-IMG_3150.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeyKjE70L-H6OhnfO8a6JNJzvDAwApwLWL_yQB2ZMrgUiMYS3SX_EUMbiap7xvCHB4WubJ-Jju1YJkoGq9Z2LA5Q4nmdo7U31Q5oeNjGO3-S7KPOUHfVlcBDxrbzp6Z1322wlTeYH7CXw/s320/my+summer+-20160904+-IMG_4019.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Thanks to Denise, I was able to meet and come to appreciate the funniest witches that I have ever seen. These ladies are better than Samantha and all of Harry Potter's friends combined. The silliness and acting that they put into each weekend are wonderful. (Favorite line of the faire: "Mildred, who gave you a sign?" "God", cracking us and herself up)<br />
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These 5 became wonderful friends over the summer. We had known them a bit from last year, but this year became closer friends of ours. Lori is one of the sweetest people you could ever hope to meet, always up beat and smiling. Melissa always had a hug and a smile for us, and let us know she was glad we were there. Susy (sans Foxen) was another that Denise really bonded with, a very talented writer whom we look forward to reading more from. Risa always gave us laughs with her Beckett stories. And, through Susy, we are getting to know Chris as well. <br />
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These are two of the younger performers at the faire. Marion is one of the hardest workers there, always on the go and interacting with people. She does a great job. I have seen the other, (going by a stage name this year) growing up at the faire. I have often enjoyed seeing how she would encourage and include in the young kids at the dances, welcoming them to the dance circle. <br />
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While we often would be dressed in matching colors, we decided to change things up by getting Denise a Faire garb of her own. Besides the very pretty and fun outfit for Denise, this also led to a wonderful friendship with Susan. The quick bond that grew between Susan, Denise and even our daughter is very special. We are honored to have teamed with Susan this summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C0rAMsu8PSxSCjHsb_sJzj49mXcR1ekaYPBOFKE5SnghBoMGRpt7bdtSQYpesmPPo6jeaaeaxkrEieWsONkNgO2sUc2GybBmcYpzrAVymF-sNQHPt7H_1Smgl0uBfP4YqtS8tu0xQ8b1/s1600/my+summer+-20160828+-IMG_2898.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w9Qqtiq35m2vm8Enfi-eYK06yziRjyRych-IlzKQorGlu7KsSx0VOzunjaaxxHB5MCwjpz8BoUNrL2cbIY6-R8iR446y5hdoWdsAtCS-2SkDtfS9vH-HpJgvdFtLN7O167karYnRw-b8/s1600/my+summer+-20160904+-IMG_3913.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w9Qqtiq35m2vm8Enfi-eYK06yziRjyRych-IlzKQorGlu7KsSx0VOzunjaaxxHB5MCwjpz8BoUNrL2cbIY6-R8iR446y5hdoWdsAtCS-2SkDtfS9vH-HpJgvdFtLN7O167karYnRw-b8/s320/my+summer+-20160904+-IMG_3913.jpg" width="256" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C0rAMsu8PSxSCjHsb_sJzj49mXcR1ekaYPBOFKE5SnghBoMGRpt7bdtSQYpesmPPo6jeaaeaxkrEieWsONkNgO2sUc2GybBmcYpzrAVymF-sNQHPt7H_1Smgl0uBfP4YqtS8tu0xQ8b1/s320/my+summer+-20160828+-IMG_2898.jpg" width="208" /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdnRoohwJsNUR_YyfMxVSFoWGdedptB9yDe0BOBOtZ1d7yVhQ6bW_wymba8cHY1Py_1BEl8Q_goHkN7g3Cke-bz22uElz7BJI0pDPT_wp8mmYY4D2xlIvGeqA0ZYMYOozt_H6OBg7EKIP/s1600/my+summer+-20160814+-IMG_0240.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdnRoohwJsNUR_YyfMxVSFoWGdedptB9yDe0BOBOtZ1d7yVhQ6bW_wymba8cHY1Py_1BEl8Q_goHkN7g3Cke-bz22uElz7BJI0pDPT_wp8mmYY4D2xlIvGeqA0ZYMYOozt_H6OBg7EKIP/s320/my+summer+-20160814+-IMG_0240.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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These three talented women decided to honor us with their friendship and encouragement this summer. Kind words of appreciation for our photos, plus heartwarming greetings each time we saw them were much appreciated. And talented, each one as well. In addition to being a dancer, Erikka is a talented fashion designer and posts some of the most thoughtful and astute commentaries on life today, Kate is into some wonderful face painting, drawing, painting and acting, and Leah is a dancer, designer of art and painter. We are so fortunate that they decided to include us in their circle of friends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVBgrIVA13DRNH31T0nqrwBpdPdrJxemrElchM9vfzQdwHEHZm1vdkDDyFIcuSqA_xL3aFSYtzcPTzK4qOBXX-_SShT-ZeMRu3n2Fm2rwRsdwgh8ZfMzfhNFf4seV8X-meDXdzNI27MyN/s1600/my+summer+-20160806+-IMG_8190.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVBgrIVA13DRNH31T0nqrwBpdPdrJxemrElchM9vfzQdwHEHZm1vdkDDyFIcuSqA_xL3aFSYtzcPTzK4qOBXX-_SShT-ZeMRu3n2Fm2rwRsdwgh8ZfMzfhNFf4seV8X-meDXdzNI27MyN/s320/my+summer+-20160806+-IMG_8190.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Gloria surprised us this summer, picking us out from the crowd and introducing herself to us. Thank you so much Gloria for your kind words to us this summer and for taking the time to look at our photos. <br />
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So, what kept you the busiest at the faire? I am glad you asked.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJyLGQrcjkRrTVpJfDNuRygu1CwCf8YfIfEOFizJ_f6NrT6UBFB7KKNwSXU5jRRC6lJOIRUivmQT2YsdclccQNNZVSH5bdmmWFuW6ySjCziC6UALf8rsz2lU_ynnZwv0fkbES3HhbxDG2/s1600/my+summer+-20160806+-IMG_8476.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJyLGQrcjkRrTVpJfDNuRygu1CwCf8YfIfEOFizJ_f6NrT6UBFB7KKNwSXU5jRRC6lJOIRUivmQT2YsdclccQNNZVSH5bdmmWFuW6ySjCziC6UALf8rsz2lU_ynnZwv0fkbES3HhbxDG2/s320/my+summer+-20160806+-IMG_8476.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
Being taught the very basics of sword-fighting by Jeff. Thank you for the lesson and for not rapping my knuckles when I got it wrong. And watching Jeff teaching others how to do this, always with patience and a smile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-XZo7pYVhiHUhxMOktV6-McDbg2PRSkLIPsGNsFe9GsbeFvi4D9Sr3aA6-kNRTysE6V0Butqm0B466RElt51AS6C9K4ByF2eCwxoj0kSEqevKum2H9mAx59OkV4I-PmZDXPc2CBrCU-r/s1600/my+summer+-20160806+-IMG_8571.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-XZo7pYVhiHUhxMOktV6-McDbg2PRSkLIPsGNsFe9GsbeFvi4D9Sr3aA6-kNRTysE6V0Butqm0B466RElt51AS6C9K4ByF2eCwxoj0kSEqevKum2H9mAx59OkV4I-PmZDXPc2CBrCU-r/s320/my+summer+-20160806+-IMG_8571.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpz13YALoCNARfheH__Ie50vVeewxtolyv_qa_1piknfKUjAwVh7H85p3Kn7lwrIqIZjUmVTySkXBqhe0r3LxQJ5NTnr5EyTKMHnOGyZuV11sT44eg9FrPh2gNgSRU1YtjoAbEQ2rfVsT/s1600/my+summer+-20160903+-IMG_3467.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpz13YALoCNARfheH__Ie50vVeewxtolyv_qa_1piknfKUjAwVh7H85p3Kn7lwrIqIZjUmVTySkXBqhe0r3LxQJ5NTnr5EyTKMHnOGyZuV11sT44eg9FrPh2gNgSRU1YtjoAbEQ2rfVsT/s320/my+summer+-20160903+-IMG_3467.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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Watching these two run the camp, making sure that people were where they needed to be and presenting their shows about how not to die and how weapons work. You could easily see how much all of their team respected the leadership of these two.<br />
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I laughed every time they did some of the routines in their classes, particularly when Lt Chris would send Captain Chris to the corner for beating up on an example subject.<br />
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In addition, Lt Chris showed me some of his photography, some amazing work that I had never imagined. Thank you for sharing and well done.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0V7lB8AKVJeNOrXV3hPoXabG11wANnNghyeS8SVo4Nw5ikFqMb5A6LuZ11a1efUYdEXckoISlW3ZYXTULiqMmVSWxmj_4s8BsxVnhCs2Nn5cO6yeUgyfJXqe9sdRezLzlDe0YvhBxwTl/s1600/my+summer+-20160905+-IMG_4521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0V7lB8AKVJeNOrXV3hPoXabG11wANnNghyeS8SVo4Nw5ikFqMb5A6LuZ11a1efUYdEXckoISlW3ZYXTULiqMmVSWxmj_4s8BsxVnhCs2Nn5cO6yeUgyfJXqe9sdRezLzlDe0YvhBxwTl/s320/my+summer+-20160905+-IMG_4521.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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David became a friend over the summer as well, often making time to talk with us and teach us about Bristol history. Speaking of other talents, David is a very talented organist. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigavyVdL7FE-CbCmYAhkD0YGOPNtue4eCPvY5yc23ExKH9IMQZNDmvFCZPLU_0qvM9nY27kOYWk3CqxmsOM1_NrXpxuvOAl2YHnMDGeDn9VzvEJn2NHjv9hFpTofyjZ2JN2mBUjNF3ql97/s1600/my+summer+-20160827+-IMG_2479.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigavyVdL7FE-CbCmYAhkD0YGOPNtue4eCPvY5yc23ExKH9IMQZNDmvFCZPLU_0qvM9nY27kOYWk3CqxmsOM1_NrXpxuvOAl2YHnMDGeDn9VzvEJn2NHjv9hFpTofyjZ2JN2mBUjNF3ql97/s320/my+summer+-20160827+-IMG_2479.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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We had the pleasure of getting to know Fred a bit last year, and enjoyed getting to know him better over the summer. I think he would get a little tired of our cameras often pointing at him, but he took it in good humor. His parts in the classes when he was the surgeon were terrific. (wrap him in a blanket, call the clergy, for ....)<br />
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />I was able to watch the friendships blossom between these next four woman and Denise. Smiles, laughter and hugs between them were part of our time down with the GSM. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gpYiir9mDtn-B7k5hEwa_3GX6rDigKhHCy1kwrAz_QxCaYF9aSRYCXa8bblgis9Ns-147ZQYDS_aVkbQfPbGX7gEq_dpuXqrwb9IuOvDTIVMR7Nq8ojtZq9nRpbYp67_YdtRgnvsvGOE/s1600/my+summer+-20160820+-IMG_0916.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gpYiir9mDtn-B7k5hEwa_3GX6rDigKhHCy1kwrAz_QxCaYF9aSRYCXa8bblgis9Ns-147ZQYDS_aVkbQfPbGX7gEq_dpuXqrwb9IuOvDTIVMR7Nq8ojtZq9nRpbYp67_YdtRgnvsvGOE/s320/my+summer+-20160820+-IMG_0916.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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In addition to her acting here, Kate is involved in teaching actors, with some of her cast mates even being her students. And she makes a pretty good witch when she wants to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8lBwL_06jqMhcpGQT3hEExvXT2Q8tzopx87e_ga950x-QPadYWF11YlxS2hAw0YJHUmh1Lz9wC0d7v8OS5KWg2lTion6RLLxLT62dpYzhXomgaASjjVtoMTtr3Kv9xRIKn52hH4dtuqw/s1600/my+summer+-20160905+-IMG_4331.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8lBwL_06jqMhcpGQT3hEExvXT2Q8tzopx87e_ga950x-QPadYWF11YlxS2hAw0YJHUmh1Lz9wC0d7v8OS5KWg2lTion6RLLxLT62dpYzhXomgaASjjVtoMTtr3Kv9xRIKn52hH4dtuqw/s320/my+summer+-20160905+-IMG_4331.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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If you are ever looking for Shelly, figure out what needs to be done around GSM and she will often be involved in its getting done. A true giving servant's heart and caring to all around. If someone needs help, she is often the one they come to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEkQQipUZ3h1aKhFbREfnh9JkziGF8HJch0dkmOECSl9GpUu_s1th0lcVnhwY5oXEu_8mHZ7lKN0mVV3UgXDGO3uiRBcCaqwK99cKPMWVmqye3G2h1huBcC-qpNue61sIPKloIFXAeE4F/s1600/my+summer+-20160905+-IMG_4335.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEkQQipUZ3h1aKhFbREfnh9JkziGF8HJch0dkmOECSl9GpUu_s1th0lcVnhwY5oXEu_8mHZ7lKN0mVV3UgXDGO3uiRBcCaqwK99cKPMWVmqye3G2h1huBcC-qpNue61sIPKloIFXAeE4F/s320/my+summer+-20160905+-IMG_4335.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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We enjoyed getting to know Jenni better this summer. In the past, her roles limited us from being able to talk much, but this summer was different. A very talented actress and a great sense of humor and laugh. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMQnA3nYJaBzHmnY_1tJftnOpi8VHcpCBotHHKO_2Jyc4HOy1YxTf05i4RBGE9TWhZY4eHrN8wPNWgQNmhlMxIAaIHPUb93gH_j3JgTJQBeIf651D4Yb00ByecFQ58oH88L_8HqG-YuWH/s1600/my+summer+-20160903+-IMG_3417.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMQnA3nYJaBzHmnY_1tJftnOpi8VHcpCBotHHKO_2Jyc4HOy1YxTf05i4RBGE9TWhZY4eHrN8wPNWgQNmhlMxIAaIHPUb93gH_j3JgTJQBeIf651D4Yb00ByecFQ58oH88L_8HqG-YuWH/s320/my+summer+-20160903+-IMG_3417.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNDuZ-hLFvMiF0WfCMZnzrchjrOiQ1UPMcs7SGn-oD_jJtddp06AtwAqcu7_aQibgufMMzPGgxSg7EWdEz8uKM9RLJVWOimroEQxCAssiBpaJX-rHsHtesA12X4L_0wgtoGQYKmLly4oX/s1600/my+summer+-20160903+-IMG_3561.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNDuZ-hLFvMiF0WfCMZnzrchjrOiQ1UPMcs7SGn-oD_jJtddp06AtwAqcu7_aQibgufMMzPGgxSg7EWdEz8uKM9RLJVWOimroEQxCAssiBpaJX-rHsHtesA12X4L_0wgtoGQYKmLly4oX/s320/my+summer+-20160903+-IMG_3561.jpg" width="262" /></a><br />
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Heather was often around the GSM, so we had the honor of getting to know her a bit as well, and even more so this fall. One of the things I often had trouble determining what was "real life" and what was "Faire life". Heather was Andrew's twin sister, in some way. It took me half the summer to determine that was "Faire life", not "Real life". This photo was taken when Denise was trying to determine how we had missed taking a photo of Tuttle all summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7uMevrHEurAYINgTeQD7b9Q7M_FNjRwwmEzC1L8XX2gv4c0stGRCWmJ-PnxJRBCo7wzz0GFay1Djul23CvMV9525m26MLnF2Geq_OKhDr36qtbuygz49I-AG-N5rsVJVNW6vxLPAjPxr/s1600/my+summer+-20160903+-IMG_3228.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs83zuDg1HdimWhTI2KYOE-WuNXrI2EqYwafFa1mz0rjv4CFyqV2lk8Odn1HYA7OJw2lq13KL1lXpCZ_UtdmmTpTcdwB4CKHVq8knSMB5ZogClLfLWT7_qkx2vKRxVQpnRkv9j0f75aij/s1600/my+summer+-20160820+-IMG_0910.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs83zuDg1HdimWhTI2KYOE-WuNXrI2EqYwafFa1mz0rjv4CFyqV2lk8Odn1HYA7OJw2lq13KL1lXpCZ_UtdmmTpTcdwB4CKHVq8knSMB5ZogClLfLWT7_qkx2vKRxVQpnRkv9j0f75aij/s320/my+summer+-20160820+-IMG_0910.jpg" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7uMevrHEurAYINgTeQD7b9Q7M_FNjRwwmEzC1L8XX2gv4c0stGRCWmJ-PnxJRBCo7wzz0GFay1Djul23CvMV9525m26MLnF2Geq_OKhDr36qtbuygz49I-AG-N5rsVJVNW6vxLPAjPxr/s320/my+summer+-20160903+-IMG_3228.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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The GSM is really a special group and a pretty close knit family within the faire. You would often see the two young ones (nipperkins??) hanging around with the different GSM members. The whole group would watch out for and interact with these two. These two have more "aunts and uncles" than they know what to do with, and they are all the better for it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIj88YhJjkpLEweNbKzuvzg9YDQGaIRq9wo7zPykomAJ7D0VTtA5xpR5TWNl6KMm9fNkWRVpjVnceMyrr9kzpUeYyXV4NV89Sz0RAr0TisLiw7cfVs7c0lzB0ophyt_oRr6Hb3IqvRQ2l/s1600/my+summer+-20160814+-IMG_0291.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsfHobKwrv_68h583YREx1Lb7BvgZ7z7BvmIbS1qjtOgsgzerVpPNZTp9MYOQLShUM5yvqSSm5Ankteltj6oeSo7ySmNCJQrSpmMpX2zgYVGt2rphm0YYtb_ci2cfs6Dz5sLVvzB93Ngh/s1600/my+summer+-20160807+-IMG_8864.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsfHobKwrv_68h583YREx1Lb7BvgZ7z7BvmIbS1qjtOgsgzerVpPNZTp9MYOQLShUM5yvqSSm5Ankteltj6oeSo7ySmNCJQrSpmMpX2zgYVGt2rphm0YYtb_ci2cfs6Dz5sLVvzB93Ngh/s320/my+summer+-20160807+-IMG_8864.jpg" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIj88YhJjkpLEweNbKzuvzg9YDQGaIRq9wo7zPykomAJ7D0VTtA5xpR5TWNl6KMm9fNkWRVpjVnceMyrr9kzpUeYyXV4NV89Sz0RAr0TisLiw7cfVs7c0lzB0ophyt_oRr6Hb3IqvRQ2l/s320/my+summer+-20160814+-IMG_0291.jpg" width="256" /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhholo3Vpds12Gqii5JAe6zJ8eD2ZvbI3OMHWpLKxd2qZzzDW0akcM-FdhtmiSN1rSaCn4bp2huDr385vC7PG9RSltC4e3C_7L_cfsUriPp5DIqIPigdezchyphenhyphensQKqU8P11WkxDKVz4Cj4_5/s1600/my+summer+-20160827+-IMG_2323.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhholo3Vpds12Gqii5JAe6zJ8eD2ZvbI3OMHWpLKxd2qZzzDW0akcM-FdhtmiSN1rSaCn4bp2huDr385vC7PG9RSltC4e3C_7L_cfsUriPp5DIqIPigdezchyphenhyphensQKqU8P11WkxDKVz4Cj4_5/s320/my+summer+-20160827+-IMG_2323.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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These three welcomed us into their GSM world. We had wonderful conversations with them, finding out more about who they are and what GSM is like. Each had a smile, a handshake and a conversation with us. Fun young actors who will go far in this world.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsN0gWx1HTEsgx18MTvZuh3Fmm8Sg9uFuJUa1H2iPU_Kn2b0xeN7Q7-QOpFnNRclbfAjnD1SlfRMUYkKlxV4lJjn_f5mS1jkbza6hix6BUtgtyUw0hTbHZ2hIWHpm1R4U_G-RWhMbMSGp/s1600/my+summer+-20160716+-IMG_3992.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsN0gWx1HTEsgx18MTvZuh3Fmm8Sg9uFuJUa1H2iPU_Kn2b0xeN7Q7-QOpFnNRclbfAjnD1SlfRMUYkKlxV4lJjn_f5mS1jkbza6hix6BUtgtyUw0hTbHZ2hIWHpm1R4U_G-RWhMbMSGp/s320/my+summer+-20160716+-IMG_3992.jpg" width="301" /></a><br />
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At times, I wondered if we were bothering them with our being around so much. I wondered if this gentleman was trying to scare me off with this shot, but i was wrong. We were so extremely honored as they welcomed us into their group whenever we were around, and adopted these two wandering photographers. <br />
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My favorite time of the day was late afternoon hanging around the GSM, talking with our friends and capturing photos as the light got better and better.<br />
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In addition to all of this, we took photos. We photographed people in love.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjo1bwkNbeYjkzok3FsnUWrTS5tQ7HP6SR3z5HpyVRJCyFBRXvQifldfP2PvSmlHfH-2J2f5NJ-a5UAgGyc3JA7h3H0HurHmVYshTA3zL1bpSHHyBDqV9kP3_CQfXiWaVYcckWFpVr1rlH/s1600/my+summer+-20160806+-IMG_8074.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjo1bwkNbeYjkzok3FsnUWrTS5tQ7HP6SR3z5HpyVRJCyFBRXvQifldfP2PvSmlHfH-2J2f5NJ-a5UAgGyc3JA7h3H0HurHmVYshTA3zL1bpSHHyBDqV9kP3_CQfXiWaVYcckWFpVr1rlH/s320/my+summer+-20160806+-IMG_8074.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-6Trrkz6GCmuSKOby0NNcynjFF2M1PAYUVjQa3wZn725vkJn-JEOpMckttz5LLZsWykdHq60XSpAr-aUaDbMU101KjZC6kz1lDkEoKPKcqkUjqxtyF7a7qpRsQNTHp7QX5ZmeUsNdetN/s1600/my+summer+-20160828+-IMG_2724.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-6Trrkz6GCmuSKOby0NNcynjFF2M1PAYUVjQa3wZn725vkJn-JEOpMckttz5LLZsWykdHq60XSpAr-aUaDbMU101KjZC6kz1lDkEoKPKcqkUjqxtyF7a7qpRsQNTHp7QX5ZmeUsNdetN/s320/my+summer+-20160828+-IMG_2724.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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People being loved. (Happy birthday to Amanda from the BBF)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXthu5cvTamF4ar5xLT8yXPFJM23OpegpT22wboeD0DV2KhRbH7wPVOn-hcX53eaAPLQYkZtSzmg7g8-A9NOzpkeqgecQRoUYtWOnWkhT_8uMU37iDlscXuw3Wpwv4LflU1rWSPzPgFHW/s1600/my+summer+-20160807+-IMG_8921.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXthu5cvTamF4ar5xLT8yXPFJM23OpegpT22wboeD0DV2KhRbH7wPVOn-hcX53eaAPLQYkZtSzmg7g8-A9NOzpkeqgecQRoUYtWOnWkhT_8uMU37iDlscXuw3Wpwv4LflU1rWSPzPgFHW/s320/my+summer+-20160807+-IMG_8921.jpg" width="253" /></a><br />
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Warm and kind friends.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuW9cJ-kQoI5uKPY6LuGh67VR1UF6nxWBdNLtAFSkAerDYBmnvaciwQ4ab8aDc_U3YYbZKOsRHzbI-a5SVLEMuZtV_41zZJdYV5MRx3Yriym3s9OX2f961GYM5pKsDWn87FNO4Njs-RRV/s1600/my+summer+-20160813+-IMG_9531.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmk5zDlqSTTahAo5y85JQSE8v8CkoQyboWAuUEjQDNUM9hdysy1w_24wRe2XtTVAFiJwue9mHlpfpO1HX8fcvQo6WS0oOakiduBsfKvkOIeh2FlbjTl-ZXeqo2ps5wrurhJx8p59wXpYy/s1600/my+summer+-20160820+-IMG_0767.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmk5zDlqSTTahAo5y85JQSE8v8CkoQyboWAuUEjQDNUM9hdysy1w_24wRe2XtTVAFiJwue9mHlpfpO1HX8fcvQo6WS0oOakiduBsfKvkOIeh2FlbjTl-ZXeqo2ps5wrurhJx8p59wXpYy/s320/my+summer+-20160820+-IMG_0767.jpg" width="252" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuW9cJ-kQoI5uKPY6LuGh67VR1UF6nxWBdNLtAFSkAerDYBmnvaciwQ4ab8aDc_U3YYbZKOsRHzbI-a5SVLEMuZtV_41zZJdYV5MRx3Yriym3s9OX2f961GYM5pKsDWn87FNO4Njs-RRV/s320/my+summer+-20160813+-IMG_9531.jpg" width="256" /><br />
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Smiles that would light up our day.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArzw9JKtfGXRjB1eWhr2b5J1wnZb_qu5HUm4ItgUQL1ZgF9QWMzK2Q7FzTAbt1bS5sZN24wQhe5t6apskYQDB-uKGF8UgWKr9K9FyJCfBj8OcTdOHxN59VDkqN_Eey11KZWKFsflfYTPW/s1600/my+summer+-20160716+-IMG_4454.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArzw9JKtfGXRjB1eWhr2b5J1wnZb_qu5HUm4ItgUQL1ZgF9QWMzK2Q7FzTAbt1bS5sZN24wQhe5t6apskYQDB-uKGF8UgWKr9K9FyJCfBj8OcTdOHxN59VDkqN_Eey11KZWKFsflfYTPW/s320/my+summer+-20160716+-IMG_4454.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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And the people of the Faire, which is what a Chuck do.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t5E9FDvbMILGeTeFLpk_7VSpPKBQKmzf7rs1bYvKF-jzE40yhaqqbnWyfMfO-dmg_oiktrRnw6lIIrVJJOYSDCKAsHVu9qPEp8ynFIs4Px2f1dttn6OZCwvMW-CuP4ipQneZxk3-L0jt/s1600/my+summer+-20160827+-IMG_2330.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t5E9FDvbMILGeTeFLpk_7VSpPKBQKmzf7rs1bYvKF-jzE40yhaqqbnWyfMfO-dmg_oiktrRnw6lIIrVJJOYSDCKAsHVu9qPEp8ynFIs4Px2f1dttn6OZCwvMW-CuP4ipQneZxk3-L0jt/s320/my+summer+-20160827+-IMG_2330.jpg" width="314" /></a><br />
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And best of all, I was able to do it nearly every weekend with my beautiful bride at my side. Thank you Denise for sharing this with me all summer. And for helping me to meet so many of these amazing, kind, fun and talented people.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiV11FH83XhaIxIXq_JlhGGQfrF3LQVHosw0oZ93pPTCoO_cU-DhXmXHV-Fu7Ua294zwFBigI0oOvLZSP0avbecFntcNaqcVUsNWr5dCrL5iA8fhHSGMGxfZ6gl3mAxRJ7mhdItXXUC7BC/s1600/my+summer+-20160806+-IMG_8577.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiV11FH83XhaIxIXq_JlhGGQfrF3LQVHosw0oZ93pPTCoO_cU-DhXmXHV-Fu7Ua294zwFBigI0oOvLZSP0avbecFntcNaqcVUsNWr5dCrL5iA8fhHSGMGxfZ6gl3mAxRJ7mhdItXXUC7BC/s320/my+summer+-20160806+-IMG_8577.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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We are already looking forward to next summer and seeing you all again. Thanks so much for your kindness, kind words, friendships, acceptance and encouragements.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258350561415023025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455624938954255303.post-8484656642017344802015-07-05T13:52:00.001-07:002015-07-05T14:13:02.717-07:00Persecuted Christians?It is about a week after the Supreme Court decided that all states need to allow Gay marriages. This is a landmark decision, one of the first ones that I remember catching my attention. Sure, Roe V Wade was big, but at that time, I was not. I had not even become interested in girls at that point. This one though has really been on my mind, pulling my interest and leaving me feeling unsettled. <br />
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I am reading people's thoughts about it, their writings and emotions. Some are very well reasoned, and some are a bit more incendiary. (I think that is a good word for man who declared that he would set himself on fire if this was allowed). I am wanting to understand the thoughts of my respected Christian friends and to understand my thoughts as a Christian man. <br />
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The thing that has me most unsettled though are the comments that we are no longer a Christian nation and instead Christians are now being persecuted for our beliefs. The US was not called to be a Christian nation, but a nation that allowed the freedom of religion. Being an American does not equal being a Christian. They are two entirely different things. One can be an American Christian, but one could rather be an American Hindu, Muslim, Jew, agnostic or atheist. Being an American means you have the freedom to choose and to worship or not worship your God. Being an American does not mean that all of the laws and decisions will be made according to our Christian desires. <br />
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I was very surprised to find out I am now being persecuted for my beliefs. Wow, somehow I missed that. As I drove off to Church this morning, meeting to worship God together, I felt incredibly persecuted. Spies watching us to see if we are Christians, reporting us to the officials? Ummm, no. I drove past any number of Churches that had any number of cars in them, all with people freely going into worship together. Bibles available on bookstore shelves, the purchase of which does not even raise an eyebrow. Am I being forced to change my faith, my sexual preference, my marriage because of the decision last week? Not really. Not at all. I am just as free as I was last year to be the Christian man I was before, just as free to propose to and marry Denise, and to live out our lives as husband and wife, worshiping our Savior. I would have a tough time telling my Christian brothers in many other parts of the world that I am being persecuted, while they are being arrested for their faith, and even killed at times. Telling those that have to have hidden Church services because it is against the law in their country to be a Christian. <br />
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So, how am I to respond to all of this? I have the same call as I did last week, last month, last year. I am to love the Lord my God with all my heart and strength and to love my neighbor as myself. All my neighbors. Every single one of them. I checked my bible to see if there was an exclusion next to neighbor, but no, nothing. No asterisk or footnote number that tells me to love this person and not that one, to include this group but to exclude that one. <br />
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Many in the states have created these wonderful litmus tests that allow us to formulate opinions about others quickly while ensuring that we are always seen on the good side of any line. It allows me to cover my sins and poor behavior by creating a test that does not uncover the skeletons in my closet. "He is gay, the problem with America. Let's not talk about my cheating on my wife, my taxes, the lies I tell to get what I want" I create a position that allows me to be "good and right" and to judge others. "He is a democrat, they are ruining the country", neglecting to talk about the problems the republicans have caused. "He is this race, this faith, this ethnic group" All the while people "just like us" are covering up the lies, deceit, cheating, crime, and sinful lifestyles they are living.<br />
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The Bible did not promise us a "Christian" nation during this life of ours. Neither did the constitution. But, the Bible does tell us how to live, no matter what country and what political climate there might be. So, please, instead of all of the empty rhetoric, please, my Christian brothers and sisters, join me in doing what we are called to do, and what we have been called to do for centuries. Let us love our God, love our neighbors, pray for those around us, serve those around us. All of those around us.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258350561415023025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455624938954255303.post-39265072637326784272015-03-08T15:50:00.001-07:002015-03-08T16:05:40.017-07:00JustIt is once again time for my semi-annual blog post. My lovely wife is a word lady. Denise is an excellent writer. If you have absolutely nothing better to do than to read some poorly crafted words and drivel, then read on. If you want to read some excellent writing, thoughtful, encouraging and moving, take a look at Denise's blog. She plays with words in our four concurrent "words with friends" games. At first she was nice, letting me win so that I would feel good, but now she is beating in many of those games. I tried to institute some rules in those games, like saying that she could only use words that I had heard of, but she continues to use words from the farming communities that she has lived in, like heifer and shoat. (some kind of cow and something to do with pigs)<br />
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Denise also decorates parts of our home with words. Sayings, encouragements, signs, mugs, words in many shapes and sizes. I am finding these to be most interesting. Some I agree with, some are thought inspiring, some seem a little off putting, and some are just downright confusing. (Now the decorating that was here before Denise and I married was wonderful, and had been perfected over time by my sons and myself. We had decided to go with an early dorm room style, which has worked at colleges across America for generations. Decorations, the few there were, were designed to not match, to have no scheme and to not generate any thought. Color and shape was never thought of in adding to our collection of art.)<br />
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Denise has changed that, bringing in color, light, thoughts and fun. It is a whole new world here. Each day now I compare my life against the sayings in our home. Am I being happy enough, am I living my life to the fullest, do I like people??? It is probably best to give you some examples.<br />
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This one is simple enough. Think happy, be happy. Makes sense, enjoy my life. Think about happy things and be happy. It does not quite fit with the curmudgeon lifestyle I was working on, but then things are different now.<br />
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Embrace the moment. Carpe the Diem. Grab onto this moment and live life. (I think fishermen have one that says "Carpe the carp", something about grabbing onto the carp, but i am not really quite sure) Again, simpler, make sure that you live your life by living the moments. I turn this one around when I feel like taking a nap, it makes me feel guilty.<br />
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This one made me wonder. "I don't like morning people, or morning, or people" Denise really enjoys the calendars that Mary Engelbreit puts together. The pictures are cute, the colors bright. But the words on here just plain make me uncomfortable. Denise is one of the most caring people I know and likes people, and morning, very much. This one would have worked better in my old curmudgeon days.</div>
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Love the life you live the life you love. This is the "Row, Row, Row your Boat" of the saying industry. It can go round and round and round. Love life live life love life live life love...... No beginning and no end. I once spent two hours stuck in the endless loop of reading this saying. </div>
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Ok, this is not a saying at all, just a gratuitous triptych that Denise made from a photo that I took in the smoky mountains. I just like it.</div>
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This is one of my favorite additions, because all of the words on here relate to us. Denise is a fan of word clouds. She made this one for us, and then has done some for each of the kids as well. Photography, smiles, Chuck (me), Denise, words, Illinois, Love. All words that help describe our life together. (There is a special reward for the first person to find "instrumental" in the word cloud. It is my favorite style of music)</div>
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This is the sign that is up in the kitchen. It give me something to think about when I see it. There are some items on here that I really agree with, such as Living with Intention. Don't just float, but have purpose. Show Gratitude. I appreciate so many things and do try to express my gratitude for them. I thought about living fearlessly, but I am afraid to, so I left that one alone. I asked Denise if we could just cross our the bottom one, "Trying New Things", but she said no. Those of you that know me know that trying new things is definitely NOT what Chuck does best. I tried one new food item this year, well, this decade. Sure, it is ok, but that is about my quota. I am 55 and content in life, I don't feel the need to try new things. I have certain favorite restaurants that I go to, and there, I order the same things that I have been ordering for years. When Denise is not around, I just cover that suggestion with a post-it note.</div>
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Now, here is the tough one. "Just be". Just be? I am willing to consider what these sayings say, but what is this telling me? Just be what? Just be happy? Just be where? Just be in St Charles? In Utah? Just be on time? Just be late? Just be myself? Just be something different? Just be quiet? (I hear that one a lot). I am trying to figure out how to "do" this one. It is making my brain hurt as I search for the meaning behind it. I want to understand just what I am to be. Sometimes I just sit in front of it and just "be", but i don't really get very much done that way, and I often fall asleep when I try that one.<br />
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I have come to the conclusion that this is part of Denise's master plan, that she will start putting words under it to help me. Things like "Just be a fruit eater", "Just be a husband who takes his wife to dinner tonight", or "just be more helpful with the dishes". I will watch carefully for these changes in the sign. <br />
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Anyway, that is it for today, I will be back for my next blog installment when I next "just be writing again"<br />
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Oh, and by the way, instrumental is not in the word cloud. I was "Just being" funny.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258350561415023025noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455624938954255303.post-49723916010023765202015-01-29T16:54:00.001-08:002015-01-29T17:51:09.799-08:00In defense of the selective eater.First off, I want to clarify. I am not a picky eater, I am a selective eater, I am a conservative eater. I know what I like to eat and I select to eat that again and again, and again and again. And then again. <div><br></div><div>It is not like I have just discovered food, or eating, or taste. I have been part of this eating system for more than 55 years now. I know what I like and I stick with it. My approach to eating is " if it isn't broke, don't fix it ". And, so far, I am not broke. I don't have scurvy or any of those other lack of food maladies. So, I figure my eating approach must be working. </div><div><br></div><div>Now, my lovely bride's approach is a little different. She has two maxims in her approach to food that just don't quite agree with. One is "sure, I'll try that" and the other is "you need to eat from all these different food groups to be healthy". </div><div><br></div><div>I could try more foods, but why? I like what I am eating now. I enjoy the meals I have. They are tried, true and safe. Sure bets in the world of meals. Front Street Cantina is one of my favorite restaurants, a tasty little Mexican place. I happen to like their ground beef chimichanga, which I have every time I eat there. I like many types of Mexican food (yes, I know most of it is the same ingredients, just with different names) and I would like many things on the menu, but what am I to gain by trying them? In my mind, I look at it as a wager, a gamble. I am gambling the cost and enjoyment of the meal on whatever new plate I may try. If I don't like it as much, then I have wasted the cost and the enjoyment of that meal by trying something new. So, I would be just as happy with that restaurant if they took everything else off the menu and just had chips and ground beef chimichangas. </div><div><br></div><div>My lovely bride is trying to "improve" my eating habits. I admit it is very nice having home cooked meals and Denise is an excellent cook. I have very much enjoyed each of the meals she has made. The thing is that she has decided that I need to be eating "better" foods. Like eggs, for example. I guess there is something missing in me that eating eggs will magically cure. The thing is, they are "supposed" to be good for me. Well, they were supposed to be good for me about 35 years ago, then for a while they were supposed to be "not good" for me. Then, voila, they are supposed to be good for me again. I am sorry, but I am just not buying it. If all of the scientists cannot make up their mind on whether they are good for me, then why should I be expected to commit my eating habits to them. Because, as previously noted, if I like them, I will eat them again and again, etc. So, I am just going to wait this one out until someone can agree again. And, until then, I will just suffer whatever malady there is that is caused by my not eating eggs. </div><div><br></div><div>I hear that I need to have fruit in my diet. I have done well so far without it. I think it is a good idea, healthy, biodegradable and all of that, and I think it will catch on. I am willing to try this. Right now, I am trying to determine how many blueberry muffins I will need to eat each day in order to get my minimum daily requirement of fruit. </div><div><div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258350561415023025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455624938954255303.post-27573349926552164382015-01-24T17:47:00.003-08:002015-01-24T17:47:59.307-08:00You're my wife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I often tell Denise that "you're my wife". Until I explained it to her, she would just look at me with that expression that said "ummm, yes, I know this". (Just to clarify, I did not have to explain to her that she is my wife, but explained what I meant when I told her that)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You need to understand the back story (I never had a back story before, but I just got one for Christmas). I have been a single man since 1999. Yes, since sometime in the last century. I guess I was a bachelor (no, not the one on tv), but I did not consider myself one. I figured that I would be married again sometime before too long, but after a decade or so passed, I began to think maybe I was wrong. I think I was close once, but I did not have enough stamps to send in the mail order. After a while, I figured that singleness may be what God had called me to. I began to think of myself as a tortured artist, alone, working on my art that no one would appreciate until after I was gone. I felt a kinship with Vincent Van Gogh. But I digress (always wanted to say that)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the beginning of October, quite as a surprise to both of us, I met Denise on facebook. Messaging led to texting, then to phone calls, skyping, then to our fairy tale romance, time together and our engagement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, late on the evening of December 23, Denise's plane landed at O'hare and we were together for good (with some exclusionary blackout periods). We enjoyed our first Christmas together, and finally (after having to wait all 3 months), our wedding. After that, we had our brief honeymoon in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (state motto: great, more people from Illinois coming to visit).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, things have settled into a routine for us, with my going to work each day, and our enjoying our time on the evenings and weekends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is at these times that I will pause, look at Denise, and tell her "You're my wife". This is not a possessive comment, a lording over her comment, or a new realization, but a statement made in awe. This lovely lady is my wife. I realize how very fortunate I am, I see her love for me in so many things she does throughout the day. I am humbled each time as she creates photo books for us, fixes up the house even more for us, decorates the place with photos we have taken, cooks delicious meals for us, prepares left overs for me for my lunches at work. (if you don't think that is love, try eating the same things at lunch for work year after year). If I have a headache, she applies lavender to help soothe it, she massages my shoulders, encourages me in my writing and photos. Just this week, Denise joined me for taking photos at the youth theater and for a writers workshop. I never have to ask for any of these things, she wants to be involved in the things that I am involved with, and wants to care for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Denise retired from teaching and moved (like moving house moving) from Utah to St Charles IL. Denise chose me to be her partner, to build a relationship with. I am in awe of the partner I have found. How is it that I, that bachelor, photographer, century long single man, have found this lovely woman? And this is not simply a dating relationship, no, she has married me. Committed her life and her future to me. This is forever, as long as we both shall live stuff. She is my biggest fan, my best friend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, as I enjoy this new part of my life, day after day, I will look at her and comment "You're my wife". And I will say it with awe in my voice and deep gratitude and appreciation. </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258350561415023025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455624938954255303.post-68019882553235776842014-12-28T11:04:00.001-08:002014-12-28T18:17:24.394-08:00VowsI know that I do not blog very often, but in my defense, it has been a bit of a busy December. But now, I have a few moments of peace and time. Denise, no longer my fiancée but now my wife, is sitting in front of the fireplace in our room at Mill Creek Inn, while I am just behind her on the sofa. She is writing some of her thoughts in our journal, while I am typing away here on my blog. <div><br></div><div>Since you all were last here with me, Denise packed up many of her essentials and moved to Illinois to be with me. Plus we got married. So, in the past few days, we have enjoyed Denise's last day of teaching and first day of retirement, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, wedding eve, wedding day, and now honeymoon day. Not a bad week. </div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday (wedding day for those keeping track) was wonderful. We enjoyed the simple wedding that we both desired. It was held in Bennorth Chapel, that used to be Chuck's Discount Photo Studio, and is now just our living room. It was attended by my three sons and their wife / significant others. I am so thankful for each of you making the time to be there with and for us. The Pastor for our ceremony was Brian, who was one of the fourth graders I taught in Sunday School nearly 30 years ago. One of my closest friends, Jim, was our photographer. His wife Kate, rounded out the group. The wedding was short, simple and beautiful. Our first Christmas tree was the backdrop, and it looked beautiful. </div><div><br></div><div>Neither Denise or I wanted the wedding to be the center of attention, but wanted the wedding as the place where we publicly committed what we had already had been living, before God and our family and friends. We wrote our own vows to each other, so I was able to vow to Denise the ways that I will love, serve and care for her in our marriage. These are the vow that I committed to my lovely bride yesterday afternoon:</div><div><br></div><div><div>
<div>Denise, I choose you as my best friend, partner and lover forever. </div>
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<div>You are my first and last thought every day, and most of the thoughts in between </div>
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<div>You are my confidante and encourager</div>
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<div>You are my safe harbor </div>
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<div>I will love you and serve you, as Christ loved the Church</div>
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<div>I will protect your heart and our relationship </div>
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<div>I will listen always and help when help is wanted</div>
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<div>I will cherish you and show you that in my words and actions</div>
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<div>I love the mother that you are, and I promise to serve and encourage your relationship with your children.</div>
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<div>I will never let you wonder about the depth of my love for you</div>
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<div>I will be there with you, in good times and bad; in sickness and in health. I will never leave you. </div>
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<div>I will suffer with you in times of suffering and soar with you in times of victory</div>
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<div>I will support and encourage you in this next phase of our life, as you enjoy the opportunity to express yourself in your writing, your photography, and your life. I am your biggest fan.</div>
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<div>I will always let you know where I am and what I am doing, you will never have to wonder.</div>
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<div>I will share all that I have with you: my love, talents, time, and belongings. What was once mine is now ours. </div>
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<div>I love you, cherish you, and adore you. I respect, trust, and value you.</div>
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<div>I love who you are now, and trust in who you are becoming.</div>
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<div>I am yours forever. </div>
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<div><br clear="none"></div><div>These are the vows that I want to live out in my marriage with Denise. Each one has meaning to me in very real ways. I want Denise to know how much I love her, day after day, and to communicate that to her in my words, texts, actions and touch. So that Denise will never wonder if the love is still there or if anything has changed. I want her to see, feel, hear and know that always.</div><div><br></div><div>I want Denise to always know where I am. Not that she is asking for that, but that I want her to know that. That she can always text or call me, that I will be always available to her. That there will never be questions or wondering. </div><div><br></div><div>I will do my best to love and protect her tender, gentle and beautiful heart and our relationship. She has entrusted her heart to me, which is a very vulnerable thing to do, and I want never to harm her heart. Will things always be easy? No, but even in hard times, I want my love's heart to be safe and secure, as mine is with her. I want to have the hedges of protection around our relationship, doing the things that keep it safe from harm. Guarding by intentional actions our life together from any harm or intrusions. </div><div><br></div><div>I want to listen, to really listen, and when help is needed, to help, and to have the wisdom to know when each is best. Denise comes first in my life, before friends, movies, Bull's games, the super bowl or editing photos. As a man, it is easy to be task focused, but I want to not give into that temptation, but to always be there for Denise, to always be in the moment with her. </div><div><br></div><div>Denise has three wonderful kids, whom I get to be family with as well. I am getting to know them, and they are fascinating and fun kids, talented in their own ways. Many people, in a relationship after a divorce, say that the kids always come first. Denise and I have not looked at it that way,as a 'them vs us' issue where someone comes first or second, but rather, we are husband and wife, the two having become one. Part of our marriage are all 6 kids plus their spouses and partners. We don't have an issue of someone being first, but rather of figuring out how we love, serve and take care of each of the six plus kids that are part of our family. No one is first, but we are all family. I am not in competition with her kids, but am loving and serving them as I do my own. Denise moved 1400 miles to be with me, and it is my desire and honor to serve her and them in maintaining the closeness of their relationship across the miles. </div><div><br></div><div>There is a section of the Bible that talks about the man's role in a marriage. I think that it is often overlooked in discussions of roles in marriage. It tells me that I am to love Denise as Christ loved the church, that I am to love her as I love myself. When the time came, Jesus gave Himself up for the good of the church. That is the way I want to love and serve Denise, to be willing to give myself up for her needs. Will there be a heroic moment in time that I will need to give my life for hers? Possibly, but not likely, but will there be plenty of moments in time where her needs will be in conflict with my momentary wants. I want to love her in that sacrificial way in those times as well. To put aside my desires, my wants of the moment, to meet her needs. Maybe it is an ear to listen and a foot massage after a hard day, when the Cubs are in the World Series (ok, not in my lifetime, but you know what I mean). Maybe it is a trip back to Utah to see Bridger when I want to go to Lake Geneva. Whatever it is, with God's help, I want to live out God's instruction that I love her as Christ loved the church. </div><div><br></div><div>None of these are vows that Denise has asked for, but are expressions of my love and commitment to her, that I want to do with and for her as wel live out our married life together. And I am so fortunate in many ways, that she chose me, that she said yes when I asked and I do when Brian asked, and that now I am truly married to my best friend. And I look forward to living out these vows with her, my wonderful forever girl. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>
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<div></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih44_grIcMGohxA7G1D40U0ceyowxYiO629jCjlEAok-RInuM2BLAtsQcZ1Ou4Lt8-Dcqm-N_2phG9ZcWnbD3_qACaCQyNt7z2dHQdgL6ofQmgKs9vs5rYMM_0aQyXQBkqBjACkq5h1ng9/s640/blogger-image-1047497692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih44_grIcMGohxA7G1D40U0ceyowxYiO629jCjlEAok-RInuM2BLAtsQcZ1Ou4Lt8-Dcqm-N_2phG9ZcWnbD3_qACaCQyNt7z2dHQdgL6ofQmgKs9vs5rYMM_0aQyXQBkqBjACkq5h1ng9/s640/blogger-image-1047497692.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258350561415023025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455624938954255303.post-82658583378156837452014-12-02T00:02:00.001-08:002014-12-02T00:02:04.573-08:00The question was asked .......<div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">It is late, and my flight home was delayed (a regular feature with Frontier Air, but there is at least no extra charge for it ). I am flying home from a wonderful week with Denise in Joseph, Utah. I have the exit row to myself, as a matter of fact, I have all of the exit rows to myself. I think it is my responsibility to open all 4 exits if there are any problems.</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I had the privilege of meeting all three of Denise's children and plus one's wife and another's boyfriend. This is quite a group of really nice, talented and fun people. I am honored that I will soon be part of their family. The jokes, laughter, conversation and activities were wonderful. We had a couple of photo sessions and a Thanksmas meal to prepare and eat. I am looking forward to any future time with any of them. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Also, on this trip, I was able to meet some of Denise's friends. One, a lady who is very shy and quiet (it was hard to get even a couple of words out of her) surprised me by asking the question "why Denise?".</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">While I did answer the question at the time, I have also been rethinking my answer since then. Why, out of the roughly 2 billion women in the world, why have I chosen Denise to be the one that I will marry, that I will share the rest of my life with, the one to be my forever girl?</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Ok, so maybe 1+ billion are from the Far East, Africa and such, whom I would never meet. You can take them out of the equation, if you like, but the question still remains, why Denise? </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">There are many reasons, including our shared common interests of photography, writing, being outdoors, not living life in front of a tv. These are wonderful parts of us, but not the main reasons. Other reasons include how beautiful she is, what a wonderful mom she is, and how she laughs at my jokes (even the "dad jokes" or "chuck-isms").</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">The following reasons are much more important. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">A few years ago I was part of a small study group. During one of these meetings, the leader of the group was talking about his relationship with his wife, about how fascinating she was to him, about how there was no other person he would want to spend time with more. I saw that and realized how wonderful that would be in a marriage relationship. To be married to my very best friend, to be fascinated by my spouse, to be with the one that I want to know and be with more than anyone, are all so important. Denise is that woman to me. She is fun, caring, intelligent, witty, talented, and so much more. I so enjoy being with her, and she is the one who fascinates me, whom I want to know more and more, and to share more and more of life with.</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I had a job with a small company a number of years ago, and was fortunate to see one couple interact with each other as part of my day to day job. They were together coming to work, worked in the same office, were together going home, and then together in their home life. This couple each watched out for each other, and both enjoyed their time together throughout the day. I knew that I hoped for that enjoyment of time together with my spouse should I ever marry again, and in Denise, I have found that. We communicate very often throughout the day and evening and always look for an opportunity to connect again, whether for a quick phone call, or a multi-hour Skype conversation, where we may talk intently for a time but then also just share time while we are accomplishing out day to day tasks. The times we have been together have been wonderful and smooth, enjoying each other as we talk, explore, hike, shop or whatever. We feel like we have known each other for years, and when we are together, it is as if we have never been apart. There are no eggshells around, no uncomfortableness, but just the simple enjoyable comfort of time shared together. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I have been in relationships, both personal and professional, where I have felt like there was a scoreboard over my left shoulder, and that each thing that I said or did was evaluated and scored, and the relationship was based on that score. With Denise, I am simply loved like I have never been loved before. She expresses her love, admiration, and respect of me to me in so many ways each day. She tells me in her words via phone calls and Skype. She tells me in the text messages that we send back and forth. She shows me in the Facebook posts she makes each day, sharing her love for me in the messages posted for me and about me with her friends. She shows me in time together in the ways she cares for me, watching for my well being. The way she sits close, holds my hand, smiles at me, and cares for my physical needs (food, head aches, sore muscles) as well as protecting our relationship, show me that I am loved like never before. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Additionally, Denise is the kindest and most caring person I know. I can see it in her relationship with others, through other's interactions with her, and especially in the way she cares for me. The way she watches out for me, cares for me and guards my heart is amazing. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">So, why Denise? Of course because she is beautiful, caring, kind, sweet, talented, a woman that I can really talk with, and a woman that I can enjoy exploring life with. But, even more so because she is my best friend, because I love any time that I have with her, and because I have never been loved as she loves me. As you can begin to see, the "why Denise" is pretty obvious. I am just so fortunate that she has chosen me, and that I will have the privilege and joy of loving and serving Denise as my fiancée now and soon as my wife. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258350561415023025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455624938954255303.post-43812764767285695432014-11-26T11:18:00.001-08:002014-11-26T12:31:43.728-08:00I have a blog, I may as well use it.<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Have you met my best friend, Denise? If you don't know her, she is a terrific blogger and writer. I created a blog simply so I could comment on her blogs. (The owners of the site may want to consider the user friendliness of the site, instead of requiring that anyone wanting to comment on a blog will need to create one of their own) </span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeMsGN6RPLpWcoYNtrIXmgSkbc-Lo6cuFy_VdDE4LyLBbdg3zm3WFJwHxrvjlwkJXkE8yRRtUO1h1Eydlz_bpz_8ZIAfZTX6OlMS25uzEhu49gvnbEI5-F9QZ397ZS4bcr0rZOhey0WWM/s640/blogger-image-111958258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeMsGN6RPLpWcoYNtrIXmgSkbc-Lo6cuFy_VdDE4LyLBbdg3zm3WFJwHxrvjlwkJXkE8yRRtUO1h1Eydlz_bpz_8ZIAfZTX6OlMS25uzEhu49gvnbEI5-F9QZ397ZS4bcr0rZOhey0WWM/s640/blogger-image-111958258.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Anyway, Denise is a terrific writer, creative, witty and encouraging. Her blog has followers from around the world. (At this point, I think mine has one. Much like my Pinterest account). She writes from her heart and from her life, and relates so well to her readers because of that. Denise encourages others to see good, to seek good and to do good. To face their fears and to enjoy their blessings. Her blogs contain funny stories and epic battles and many little slices of life. If you are looking for true depth and honesty in a blog, please check hers out. </span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have read a number of her blogs, stretching back a number of months. But more than just checking out her blog, I checked her out as well. And such a true treasure I have found. She is beautiful, inside and out. Caring, sweet, kind, lovely, fun, intelligent, talented. She is the reason I am in this plane today, jetting from the Chicago to Salt Lake City. Fortunately, the flight is pretty much on time, if you overlook the fact that we took off probably 2 hours late and will arrive closer to 8 than 6.</span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In our fairy tale romance ( fairy tales do come true ), we have driven and flown to the Smoky mountains and then, a few weeks later, to Salt Lake City. We enjoyed wonderful times in both places, talking, laughing, taking photos, writing poems, eating, exploring and more. </span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOwulSR6lxcWjcsVGS4AKAFmuiTiPGUv47Rh3TBopqi32ab4sc8W2Yj-BWFhamuKa95-dfnwpBHoGUxmXOTPb1mvcLyZTQdeeyRCTuOTUO4NziAbKDaryyaKzcz5OeydFZS64xuu7N-oY/s640/blogger-image--1786993204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOwulSR6lxcWjcsVGS4AKAFmuiTiPGUv47Rh3TBopqi32ab4sc8W2Yj-BWFhamuKa95-dfnwpBHoGUxmXOTPb1mvcLyZTQdeeyRCTuOTUO4NziAbKDaryyaKzcz5OeydFZS64xuu7N-oY/s640/blogger-image--1786993204.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today's trip will result in our getting to spend a week together in her home, my meeting her kids, all of us sharing Thanksmas together (you can find an explanation of that in Denise's blog), my seeing more of the rugged beauty of Utah, us just having time together. </span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And in a few short weeks, my best friend will be jetting my way, coming to our home to share Christmas with my sons and I, and, two days after that, to marry me. </span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaT-_vjTJnfhLU2h-s5Mihbf8fyEknanEisC4odNle35YByJmsPs8al9QfVeG4Wxgi4C7s1gbFPftunoixw96_3nF4kW8yTbD4cTDXe1nj0ptdff5GqpptkzM9KDg-SUad6uvbpD5wXLZ/s640/blogger-image-2133412681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaT-_vjTJnfhLU2h-s5Mihbf8fyEknanEisC4odNle35YByJmsPs8al9QfVeG4Wxgi4C7s1gbFPftunoixw96_3nF4kW8yTbD4cTDXe1nj0ptdff5GqpptkzM9KDg-SUad6uvbpD5wXLZ/s640/blogger-image-2133412681.jpg"></font></a></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My blog will continue as our adventures and fairy tale continues. Please feel free to check it out as time goes by. </span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258350561415023025noreply@blogger.com1