tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564260577778253032024-02-19T10:57:11.067-05:00With A Flower!Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-46468805276464553712015-01-02T19:59:00.004-05:002015-01-02T20:00:49.681-05:00Change is in the airI haven't blogged in ages. 2014 was crazy and it's over...praise Jesus (and I don't mean or take that lightly)!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Change 1:</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a website! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://madmadelyne.com/">MadMadelyne.com</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Change 2:</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I may be blogging over there more often. However, for now I'll keep the old stuff alive and well here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://madmadelyne.com/madelynes-musings/" target="_blank">Blog, beautiful blog!</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Change 3:</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/MadMadelyne/667421330039725?ref=hl" target="_blank">MadMadelyne has a Facebook Page</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Change 4:</b></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/W9SrUcYwkC8?list=UUmHzNq6LgC1S7MI8oigfp1g" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Then there's this (insert wink)</span></a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Change 5:</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/sets/72157639296277243/" target="_blank">Project 365 is over...See how it went!</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><br /><br />Farewell for now!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Be in love with your life. Every minute of it.</i><br />
~Jack Kerouac</div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-83851734543040269042014-11-19T12:46:00.000-05:002014-11-19T13:00:36.023-05:00When you tell me my Baby is uglyAs a bookshop owner you can imagine the daily ‘agitation’ of questions and comments I am made party to. I can’t say I like all of them, nor can I say I necessarily want to hit people with the hate stick. You adapt a certain level of what I like to call “Tour Guide Barbie Smile” when working with the public. I knew it with my previous job and I most assuredly am well versed in it with my current position as owner of a bookshop.<br />
<br />
I don’t often allow such honesty about the inner workings of the business to see the light of day as my friends are customers and customers have become my friends. You see the trickiness involved? It may be you I’m complaining about (insert wink). However, while listening to my favorite podcast in the shower this morning (What? I have to make good use of my time!) I was enlightened, or what have you, about an experience that could form a blog post before my very eyes! I haven’t written in ages, but I’m always hungry for the words to see the light of day on here. Here follows my line of thought, which I owe in part to the <a href="http://bookriot.com/category/podcast/" target="_blank">Book Riot Podcast</a> . . . so thank you.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4RItN-IBynL2YU4U98k0I66CsY1FC9EznLQPQ824TtUD5stWnI1hkKmMjm2oPglJei5PPwdn9E1l0gQsNNWICVvnkhwsRB3FsNIP9vk1stUOe0IuJkyJNVUnItvkA7hloY0EMdzHCQA/s1600/ancient+booer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4RItN-IBynL2YU4U98k0I66CsY1FC9EznLQPQ824TtUD5stWnI1hkKmMjm2oPglJei5PPwdn9E1l0gQsNNWICVvnkhwsRB3FsNIP9vk1stUOe0IuJkyJNVUnItvkA7hloY0EMdzHCQA/s1600/ancient+booer.png" height="174" width="320" /></a>I found myself in the aisles of a chain bookstore this past weekend and felt two things tugging at my heart strings. People swarmed the bookstore in a dizzying fashion and I wanted to be the crabby bibliophile in the corner shouting, “Oi! Clear out, I need some peace and quiet while I commune with these tomes of greatness.” I’m picturing the, according to IMDB.com, ‘Ancient Booer’ from The Princess Bride. Not a pretty picture, eh? A sense of great triumphant accompanied that thought as well. BOOKS! REAL BOOKS ARE NOT DEAD!?! Bookstores, low and behold, still hold an importance in a person’s life, not that I didn't know this already. Reality hit again, though, when the sight before me made me wish our shop was half as busy.<br />
<br />
It could be customers, friends, family, you name it; I have heard the sad prophecy/proclamation many a time that the creature that is the bookstore is a dying breed. “Aren't you worried that bookstores are on the out?” “Soooo, you are doing well, I mean bookstores aren't you know…erm…well the place to get your books anymore; what with eBooks and Amazon.” It will never cease to amaze me people’s ability to open mouth and insert foot. Now this isn't to say the people who are heart felt about their concern are to be silenced. No. I’m talking about the gossipy, proud to where their negativity badge, pointing out the “obvious” people. Do they imagine this is a thought a bookshop owner wants to hear?<br />
<br />
On the same coin, there is this beast known as Amazon. I am a card carrying member (not really, but wouldn't be cool if we had cards?) of Amazon Prime. The reasons are numerous and I find it important to be open about this fact so as not to seem a hypocrite. Amazon is not my go to for everything I need or buy. Yesterday I bought yarn from them that I had to have in order to finish a project. It was not my first choice, but as my luck would have it, my only choice as the yarn is no longer made. I didn't even get the Prime shipping because it was a seller rather than an Amazon distributed product. Where am I going with this?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69tAvtQ344iwnqd3BPxcFT8G2tUvGkJDO475BQA_5yekgJqhyphenhyphencfD9J45fLHCd-gRHqekpmc-V_7r8Vx4RfLRp0idReqrGSyojg_dtrg3F23onWOC4zuLE0SavCndzSqzJXY32bZ47P-s/s1600/Shop+Local.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69tAvtQ344iwnqd3BPxcFT8G2tUvGkJDO475BQA_5yekgJqhyphenhyphencfD9J45fLHCd-gRHqekpmc-V_7r8Vx4RfLRp0idReqrGSyojg_dtrg3F23onWOC4zuLE0SavCndzSqzJXY32bZ47P-s/s1600/Shop+Local.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>How can customers possibly be persuaded to believe I want to hear the ominous, curse like words, “I’ll just buy it on Amazon”? And yet we continue to hear this response from the book browsers. If my baby was ugly, do you think I would desire you tell me in so many words? NO! Amazon has its place and purpose, even in my life, but by no means do I want to know by your own admittance you will be shopping there instead. You know what Amazon doesn't have that Pete & Freddy’s has in spades? Passion. Drunk, palpable, yet immeasurable passion for the written word. The books, for the time being, are our children. When we sell them to customers, we are trusting they will be loved just as much, if not more, in your hands as they have been while in their spot of honor on our shelves. If you make the decision to tell us and then to move forward with that decision to shop vocally not LOCALLY, you are hurting an economy that is finding an increasingly difficult existence in today’s world, your local small businesses.<br />
<br />
I am by no means trying to shame you into being an anti-Amazon shopper or to even turn you off from my shop. Monopolies are bad for a reason, too many to go into here and now. When you support your local businesses you are supporting someone’s dream or hope for the future. A passion you may not find anywhere else or may only find in similar realms, a world of hard and ever loving work. So when you tell us you are going to shop at Amazon instead of our shop, great go have fun with that, but please keep it to yourself. My baby is a beautiful bit of genius that I know others love and cherish as much as I do. They don’t like it any more than I do when you tell us it is “ugly”.<br />
Give the best gift you can possibly give a shop owner this Thanksgiving and Christmas season . . . <br />
<br />
SHOP LOCALLY.<br />
<br />
OR<br />
<br />
Keep things simple and sweet . . . don’t air your “dirty” laundry to us. (insert wink and side hug)Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-84714045491747457622014-09-14T18:43:00.001-04:002014-09-14T18:43:43.979-04:00Remembering to THINK<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors."</em> <br />
-Andrew Boyd<br />
</div>
I know beyond any shadow of a doubt I am guilty of not practicing the 'Think' adage. I know you've seen it and I know you quite possibly have been on the receiving end of a parent, adult, or someone 'kindly' reminding you:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dfBhi0aEAQJGf0xfL8TLCwVCTaDI0ghqmZnB2nm6yNG7lkIERJ4t0bGkvZEMXblsUw3910QziOlwx6HZCsa1BbVUyxPevn1EeUnNN5EB5ePHEEjyT5l49DhVwt81WlyajYs2NUOky5E/s1600/think+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dfBhi0aEAQJGf0xfL8TLCwVCTaDI0ghqmZnB2nm6yNG7lkIERJ4t0bGkvZEMXblsUw3910QziOlwx6HZCsa1BbVUyxPevn1EeUnNN5EB5ePHEEjyT5l49DhVwt81WlyajYs2NUOky5E/s1600/think+image.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is a very simple concept and perhaps this is why we refuse to apply it in our day to day lives. Humans are ever want to make things complicated. (insert smile) However, that’s where I cut you slack, the end of the line so to speak. I am trying to calmly remind myself people are ignorant and refuse to hold compassion for the world around them. I try my hardest to not sit in judgment of people’s actions. In any given situation I have no idea how I would react or what lengths I would go to relieve myself of the shackles of my burdens. I won’t know until I am there and Lord willing I may never have to know. This means I shouldn’t, we shouldn’t, cast our eyes upon them and call them foul or whatever form of rebuke you find handy. You are not the expert on anyone’s life. Until your life is perfect, bluntly, shut the hell up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The past two months it would seem death is on parade in my world. It would seem that with this week being National Suicide Prevention Week, suicide is even more prevalent or at the forefront of many conversations. Locally a young man ended his life earlier this week. The book I finished yesterday battled with the concept of assisted suicide. Then today I am party to the ignorant comments of would be ‘wealth of knowledge’ experts on why people resign themselves to ending their lives, why people are depressed, or why self-injury exists. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
“She cuts her arms because she is depressed——” meanwhile the adults remain oblivious to the ‘cheerful’ chatter going on. “Well I think suicide is definitely the better answer if you are depressed.”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
“Depression, cutting, suicide, you name it…people are self-seeking attention grabbers.”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
“Parents need to teach their kids to not take everything so seriously.” (in regards to the young man’s suicide)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
First off, if you are the person(s) who said these things and you are reading this, perhaps you are getting mad. Well as someone reminded me with a pin on Pinterest yesterday: “You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should’ve behaved better.” Exactly! We should all be immensely happy I’m not writing what my actual response to these comments was, as they were quite colorful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I am struggling to remain calm and collected while writing this post. My friend Joy calls me Momma Maddie and let me tell you, right now Momma Maddie is ready to seek vengeance!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I do not wish my struggles on my worst enemy. I have to remind myself of that statement again and again when I am hurt or frustrated by the lack of compassion or understanding people have for each other’s predicaments and journeys. If you have to suffer through it to understand it, then I will deal with you not understanding. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
You will never know the immense despair someone must live with day in and day out that drives them to seek an end to their suffering. There is not a simple this or that answer to stopping it. Each and every situation is unique. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Our role in this world is to remind the burdened that A. They are needed. B. Your story is not over. You will impact people. C. You are not alone. It may seem like it, I know, but there are other people of every age, shape, location, walk of life out in this big world struggling alongside you from a distance. They understand your story that is being written. They want to hear you. They want to see you live. Just as they need the reminder of the very same things!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
You are extraordinary. No one will ever fill the shoes you walk in. There will never be another person in this world with the same makings that make YOU a precious human being, no one to fill in the ‘gap’. I know it is easier said than done, but <a href="http://youtu.be/0qDtHdloK44" target="_blank">shake the dust</a> of this world that tries every day and every minute, it would seem, to bring you down. There will always be ignorant people. I wish I could fight them for you because that would mean I have learned how to fight my own ‘demons’.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://vimeo.com/105792700" target="_blank">Oh dear hearts hold on.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
.........................................................</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have incurable ignorance of the mouth, then please learn to keep your thoughts to yourself. Do you even comprehend the impact your words can have on an innocent bystander hearing you or even the very person you are waylaying with your trifling rubbish?!?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
THINK!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for anyone else."</em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Charles Dickens</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I dedicate this blog post to Mum. A woman who continues to be a lightener of burdens in my life and so many others. Sunday's <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/sets/72157639296277243/" target="_blank">Project 365</a> is for her too. (insert wink)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="240" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/15054214350/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="160"></iframe><br /></div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-52780612047894230482014-04-29T18:37:00.000-04:002014-04-29T18:37:52.032-04:00Tattoo Tuesdays: Open to Interpretation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Perhaps you have heard the scripture, "<em>Always be prepared to give an answer<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30440A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30440B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect</em>,"*. We live in an increasingly curious, some would say nosey, world. We live in an age of TMI to the extreme, but still there are some things we should always be willing and ready to share. Faith is a huge can of worms, but it is as essential as air in my opinion. The older I get the more I realize how important it is to have an answer for just about any curious/nosey question that comes my way. (insert schoolmarm voice) "Decorum Madelyne!"<br />
<br />
I am not saying that your life and your choices have to be an open book, but<em> <strong>I am</strong></em> saying don't be caught unaware. The times I have been caught off guard by a line of questioning usually set my hackles off and I go into defensive mode. "Why do you want to know? Are you judging me? You are just a gossiping busybody." That is not always true, though. Einstein said, "<em>The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.</em>" Some folks are masters of curiosity and have an eager desire to constantly be learning about the people living their lives day to day around them.<br />
<br />
Honesty can be refreshing.<br />
<br />
Recently my older sister's boyfriend "put me through the ringer" of questioning about the bookstore and other "life line 'me' things". Among one of his questions, "So why the wolves?" At first I thought he was referring to some of the cheap cards we are desperately trying to sell at the shop (bye bye old less desirable inventory). Then I figured out he was referring to my <a href="http://www.mudlove.com/MudLOVE-Bands/animal-and-dino-bands/wolf" target="_blank">Mudlove band featuring a howling wolf</a>. I suppose it never occurred to me (hence this post) to have an explanation for my love of wolves. Needless to say I was little fluster because my love of wolves is not just "my love wolves". Wolves are Rilke. Wolves are Werewolves. Wolves are Maggie Stiefvater. Wolves are mighty, like I wish to be. Wolves are loners...like me. (insert wink) So explaining all that and not feeling like someone peeled back the flesh covering your heart to see your secrets, someone you just met, is the sort of moment you start word fumbling. Be ready with an answer, remember? When you set yourself up in life, whether it be Faith, your style choices, your bracelets, your gauges, your tattoos...be ready for the curious seekers to come knocking.<br />
<br />
So wolves... I could spend hours researching the symbolism behind wolves in various cultures, etc., but that would not be why <strong><em>I like</em></strong> wolves. In 2010 (thank you Goodreads for keeping track for quick reference) I read a book by an upcoming author, Maggie Stiefvater, called <em>Shiver</em>. <em>Shiver</em> (spoiler) is about werewolves (queue the "Ohhhh so not wolves, werewolves" reaction). It is one of the most refreshing takes on werewolves I have ever read. The myth is made poetically scientific...believable. Maggie is an enormous source of inspiration to me. In <em>Shiver</em> she name drops often and among the pages of <em>Shiver</em> I met my long since dead lover...Rilke. Are you keeping up here? Wolves -- Maggie Stiefvater -- Rilke -- Inspired. I feel strongly that God blessed Rilke with words and earthly wisdom to write about this "affliction" we call life. I believe God can speak to you through the words of others (hello the Bible). I need to wrap this up because it is far longer than I intended, my apologies. <br />
<br />
Rilke's words, with my own interpretation/take, will be among the first to grace this canvas known as my flesh. "So why the wolves?" (insert smile) <a href="http://instagram.com/p/iwmV6HBRt4/" target="_blank">Here's another reason for the wolves.</a><br />
<br />
Sometimes you let people make their own way in the mystery of why you do what you do too.<br />
<br />
<strong>Today's Features:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVU0TwaTHVjvf2QoaFtvDtXL3ihyphenhyphenp9v7TzFqjfpNRCJiK_X9UC98l0fgJNWjcFlfOH0I67aWY9zHDuU8CQTAPwTaz1gAldssCD4JoFnWzS9BUtDEVIQWq9gQA2t2tFFtPSTxWw9vgiplQ/s1600/Oil+of+the+heart+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVU0TwaTHVjvf2QoaFtvDtXL3ihyphenhyphenp9v7TzFqjfpNRCJiK_X9UC98l0fgJNWjcFlfOH0I67aWY9zHDuU8CQTAPwTaz1gAldssCD4JoFnWzS9BUtDEVIQWq9gQA2t2tFFtPSTxWw9vgiplQ/s1600/Oil+of+the+heart+tattoo.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065930151713/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
While I love the placement of this tattoo (and the guy of course is not half bad looking), what I love is the meaning behind it. I don't know what <em><strong>his</strong></em> intended meaning of this piece of art ink was, but my mind has already named it 'Oil of my heart'.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpR8xZSdb99-hkyj2dAsO_ypYxVb7luQnefPx6MNd3mXgTYxGu-owhyphenhyphen_K5ZBw6Gvn1yFLPXuJJShQ2i3B-ViQpzVnuvqOUIUDbxYSbw5RmyNCpTpSlpaM_7O2ye_4_oPn1Q2HJPMJ9nA/s1600/hands+remember+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpR8xZSdb99-hkyj2dAsO_ypYxVb7luQnefPx6MNd3mXgTYxGu-owhyphenhyphen_K5ZBw6Gvn1yFLPXuJJShQ2i3B-ViQpzVnuvqOUIUDbxYSbw5RmyNCpTpSlpaM_7O2ye_4_oPn1Q2HJPMJ9nA/s1600/hands+remember+tattoo.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065930150667/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
There are so many reasons to like this tattoo. Reminiscent of Howard Pyle's pen and ink art style. I am a big believer of the "weight" our hands hold in the decisions we make. Also speaking as someone who has a difficulty forgetting the things that need to be forgotten...this! This tattoo speaks to that dilemma for me.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNfOR2O8F_08ChaEg8oEn9Z_jzdPrIa_3XAyoVGLcsfiHL2O8E0cZf1suv-k90KbKHYG4NhdzyLPqrv797scahTU7P0hJl-xJFGNztQCqzl16qKI-YsdHgYjFV5jCr2olvuZx9uJYfpA/s1600/Octo+color+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNfOR2O8F_08ChaEg8oEn9Z_jzdPrIa_3XAyoVGLcsfiHL2O8E0cZf1suv-k90KbKHYG4NhdzyLPqrv797scahTU7P0hJl-xJFGNztQCqzl16qKI-YsdHgYjFV5jCr2olvuZx9uJYfpA/s1600/Octo+color+tattoo.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065930151723/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Any tattoo that tempts me with notions of grandeur in the realm of "Get a tattoo with color...lots and lots of glorious bright colors!" is an awesome tattoo in my book. Plus squids, octopuses, cthulhu, and anything of the <strong>Cephalopoda</strong> class (and yes I had to look that up) is a safe bet for an eye catching inking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I won't end with a quote because I have name dropped enough in this post and it is closing time and this has been quite the wordy post. Are you ready?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Follow me on Pinterest</div>
<span id="goog_29201347"></span><span id="goog_29201348"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/"><img alt="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeOjbli0p97bbDiCXJfeb4b42c1DBZ7wL1fQOWyZJmCJI7rTrYeI7v37bAI6-kr30oT7FjUb9hp7hK2jQ9DpiQHlCy8t4zyivByhezfbNRhQIdUQl1Zu3HO1tRJ8yMujPxXaKIL4Tq7g/s1600/Sink+Me+in+Ink.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Foot-tastic Notes (TOM's One Day Without Shoes Day...Holla!):</span></strong></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*1 Peter 3:15</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tuned into <em>Mumford & Sons'</em> Pandora today</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was reading a portion of my post out loud, as I often do to check grammar, etc., and didn't realize a customer had come in. Insert token embarrassing moment for the day. (insert smile)</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-47668986705330886822014-04-01T21:26:00.000-04:002014-04-01T21:26:50.230-04:00Prompt #1: Location, Location, LocationHere's the challenge details from <em>Qwiklit</em>: <a href="http://qwiklit.com/3193-2/" target="_blank">click these words for awesomeness</a> Thanks to the good folks at BookRiot I have accepted this challenging starting today! Up, up, and away we go. If you are interested in joining head over to Qwiklit's site and get the words flowing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://qwiklit.com/3193-2/prompt-1-location-location-location/" target="_blank">Location, Location, Location</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SP7xdq4E_ocLupjJyLgyoyKQmYmhNqh2hfOtgR0j-pRBzeYGbnLX1Go5pYLJ-_LeZJZwQfwyjb57HDTKSojHTDvRNt0kTrofb2r-Pwmqfn1Czx348RlsOL10_QcLTh1jQWB_KHKzSt8/s1600/Day+1+prompt+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SP7xdq4E_ocLupjJyLgyoyKQmYmhNqh2hfOtgR0j-pRBzeYGbnLX1Go5pYLJ-_LeZJZwQfwyjb57HDTKSojHTDvRNt0kTrofb2r-Pwmqfn1Czx348RlsOL10_QcLTh1jQWB_KHKzSt8/s1600/Day+1+prompt+image.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Where are you? Your room? A hotel lobby? the top of a burning building? In the finest detail possible, describe everything you possibly can, from the sound to the smell to the temperature. Be extremely specific.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Length: 500 Words</strong></div>
<br />
I watch the door for interruptions, welcome and unwelcome; they are interruptions all the same. There is a surrounding silence as I stare at the walls filled with maps and stories of other lands, other times, and other creations. On occasion, while sitting in the rather discomforting “Blue Room”, you hear the laugh tracks from a sitcom playing on the television next door or chance it to be the News droning on about the latest political upset or why health insurance will save my life, while taking me back to the Middle Ages of “Hello I am Maud and I am an indentured slave? Servant?” I have good ears for the conversations I hear too. If I step into the “Orange and Yellow Back Room” (which you would think “’Orange and Yellow Room’, that’s sure to be bright,” but alas it is rather dark for a room holding portals to every childhood adventure you could imagine) I can hear the old men bent on the business of yarn telling, colorful and amusing language abounding. Charlie’s new tractor, Marv’s thoughts on the President, the mixed up bag of a Midwest farming community are sure to be interesting and enlightening in a conservative radical way. I walk back to the “Blue Room” and find my seat waiting for me with the days packed amusements. The blue and white checkered sofa is nice, in a 1990’s Full House sort of way, but I could have sold it 20 times over in the last four years of peddling the inheritances of generations. Deep breaths as I continue to stare ahead listening to what the masters and novices are telling me. At times the smell is dusty and ancient, but then the next day could be the harsh exciting smell of something new. I gather the words together and let them tell their stories. They have spines that tell me much or nothing at all. Spines that are thick and strong — stronger than what I believe I myself am capable of in this world of words and talking on paper — spines with better names than guts. I eye them and think, “Guts and glory, guts and glory it takes so much effort or so little depending on who you are or where you are in life.” I check the door, 2 rooms from me, another “Yellow Room” and then a “Green Room”, and I will for it to open. I will for it to open so the silence that is these thousands upon thousands of other’s stories might become their stories or their friends. That they might leave a loyal “Thank you come again sort”, hands heavy with their discoveries and pockets lighter for their work or is it my work? It’s difficult to be certain. Perhaps they will grieve me in some way with their words of the world outside of “Progress! Progress!” and I will wonder why they bothered to break the silent meditation I had with the walls and shelves surrounding me in fortress greatness. <br />
<br />
No one disrupts the bells by opening my door though, but I can see the steady traffic passing by. Small-town madness, you are always wishing to be discovered, but simultaneously content with the simple solitude it is want to bring your way.<br />
<br />
I push myself deeper into the checkered sofa and let the florescent lighting wash me in its flashy, nearly mesmerizing hues of a truly ugly nature. I am tempted to turn off the lights and look at my friends in the shadows, in the eerie reverent way the darkness can sometimes allow. I think better of it. As I want so many in this world to see me for who I am truly, I want to see these pages and pages for their true selves. They are not all great or worthy of the ink that they were impregnated with by a starving artist in the hours of a midnight epiphany or a college student drunk on the narcissistic idea of “I am brilliant so hear me roar.” No. They are great because they are letters and words printed on pages and pages and bound and shelved until a chance interrupter opens my door and finds what they are looking for. Perhaps the shelves will be lined with the spines of their discoveries and experiences tomorrow because they opened my door. My door, with maps and stories of other lands, other times, and other creations lining the walls like so many books on so many shelves.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/13297449754/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Leave a comment with a link to your writing "entry" for the prompt today. I would love to read it! </strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Follow me on Pinterest</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/writers-gonna-write/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/writers-gonna-write/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUlbF3wC5vNHSTY4mf3PRDkQOZQn6SZKXW0pUuNDYTmyoDdURZiVJDYahWnzUZT53jiXobop0X6tIf7NqntSwPg2EVfBh9s82_50e_cw6PAXqhr415_pilv_6hGWCm4Zq8H2ll9mtXBo/s1600/writers+gonna+write+border.jpg" height="200" width="168" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-33479868089502936162014-04-01T20:28:00.002-04:002014-04-01T20:28:27.330-04:00Tattoo Tuesdays: Crazy Slow and Calmly Fast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello and welcome to April! I can't believe, and honestly would rather not put it this way, that we are already 4 months into 2014. Here's to hoping the old adage of "March, in like a lion and out like a lamb" is in full swing this year. As much as I adore winter, my mental state and my body physically could do with high doses of sunshine and morning jogs/walks that my snowy friend, Winter, doesn't play nice with. April means taxes and taxes means crying, sleepless nights, elation, worry, and shopping lists created. Then at the last minute deciding, "I guess I should be more wise and grownup with this list and add pay off this and that...blah, blah, blah." It really is a double-edged, scratch that, Medusa mad situation.<br />
<br />
My "shopping list" may or may not have tattoo money listed (insert wink).<br />
<br />
I started <a href="http://qwiklit.com/3193-2/">Qwiklit's 100 Day Writing Challenge</a> today and thus this post will be rather "word dry". A girl can only go to the writer's well so much in one day. I may be posting the Day One challenge on here later, so stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Today's Features:</u></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin142bFXmbimckl315QvFWs-q2vf1jfCQ200QISUrDlVS51RxKJhFC_UbxASycYT8uBMmOKtoIz74clyNduEuaWjxKDUwiwwS0diAbk2rWBtBbCLQsOmT4LApnPZoC4XWvZf_X0-sBiw/s1600/fstop+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin142bFXmbimckl315QvFWs-q2vf1jfCQ200QISUrDlVS51RxKJhFC_UbxASycYT8uBMmOKtoIz74clyNduEuaWjxKDUwiwwS0diAbk2rWBtBbCLQsOmT4LApnPZoC4XWvZf_X0-sBiw/s1600/fstop+tattoo.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929935471/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photography tattoos are always winners! Great placement too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXifgDJvwZE5QYAoaoyoqJPqxkXVQKLUurDAklVLJK2GvDL-CKcoI13SbPjDIKfIlUJd-mjLuxKUq_8HsMhSGZEzlK0BVrU-FRWycsfoOqtTsY0iLueVqYDU26Cjce_8q8yzyjFef_yO0/s1600/crazy+child+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXifgDJvwZE5QYAoaoyoqJPqxkXVQKLUurDAklVLJK2GvDL-CKcoI13SbPjDIKfIlUJd-mjLuxKUq_8HsMhSGZEzlK0BVrU-FRWycsfoOqtTsY0iLueVqYDU26Cjce_8q8yzyjFef_yO0/s1600/crazy+child+tattoo.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929935474/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Typography and music.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPm5C9j1oW8svewc0ufr0SjRgzzPEWoSRbzt5Rc5CE5EQvI3kT6ovQ7G7fY5-TbUG1y70XBDsJQK79rdrNEC4nOKV_mDtSEBm9WiPUaaKzhckFjsYdeQJbeKbF3xydiV5irPmhxqKUsw/s1600/sleeve+goodness+tattoos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPm5C9j1oW8svewc0ufr0SjRgzzPEWoSRbzt5Rc5CE5EQvI3kT6ovQ7G7fY5-TbUG1y70XBDsJQK79rdrNEC4nOKV_mDtSEBm9WiPUaaKzhckFjsYdeQJbeKbF3xydiV5irPmhxqKUsw/s1600/sleeve+goodness+tattoos.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wishingforrevolution.tumblr.com/post/79278501444/tatted-up-on-we-heart-it" target="_blank">Tumblr Find</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is a lot going on here, but I contend...it is all good. (insert wink) Sleeves!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.</em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Robin Williams</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Follow me on Pinterest</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_29201347"></span><span id="goog_29201348"></span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/"><img alt="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeOjbli0p97bbDiCXJfeb4b42c1DBZ7wL1fQOWyZJmCJI7rTrYeI7v37bAI6-kr30oT7FjUb9hp7hK2jQ9DpiQHlCy8t4zyivByhezfbNRhQIdUQl1Zu3HO1tRJ8yMujPxXaKIL4Tq7g/s1600/Sink+Me+in+Ink.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-25857592581508475172014-03-11T18:47:00.001-04:002014-03-11T18:47:42.780-04:00Tattoo Tuesdays: Give me some vulnerability...I am your neighbor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Gone are the days of my youth, the days of chubby cheeked innocence and a naïve soul you could gamble on. I don't miss the chubby cheeked days, in fact I often shutter at the thought of looking at the old me. Mostly because I have a low toleration for pictures of myself and the days of curly-headed ignorance...short hair and me don't go well together. However, many are the times I miss the naïve Maddie. She was not weighed down by the bitterness and grudge ridden years of the girl before you now. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"...</em><span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"><em>you have a courage and feroicty inside of you that I admire."</em> </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Best Friend*</div>
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">Old and new me have always been stubborn and determined. I'm not sure my determinedness has necessarily been a positive always, but it is there nonetheless. The very thing I "demand" of others I struggle with conjuring in my own day to day life. I'm not for certain I demand, per say, that people in my life be vulnerable, but I frequently write a code of ethics in my mind's eye of which honesty, of character namely, ranks extremely high. I admit to having standards that are borderline unattainable, to a ridiculous level in fact.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">Perhaps I see my own downfall in the area of being vulnerable and thus so adamantly require it of my friends and family. I test you, I weigh you, I find you wanting, and I don't even tell you. How do you like that for trial by fire? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">Putting it lightly and rather ineloquently...being vulnerable sucks. Yet I find myself in this mode of repeat time and again of having opened my heart to someone(s) and being burned again. I let my mind wonder at the many thoughts and schemes of a self-reliant, wall building, "you ain't gonna hurt me" attitude. My efforts go so far as to include the people that love me at my worst, the God who created me, and the people who don't even know how they hurt me. I find it to be further manifested, in those ignorant of my hurt, that I have projected a good deal of my hurt onto their "little" infractions as to render them damned in my eyes. A bleeding heart is want to believe the worst in everyone and every situation that comes across their path.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">I hate to toot my horn--or do I?--but this post is of an extreme vulnerable nature. I'm coming clean. That I fall short so often of the character attributes I so fiercely clutch to my bosom, I blind myself and in the end I hurt me and by default I cut the ropes that bind me to an ever forgiving Lord, an eternal lover of this sinner you see before you.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">I know I have talked about it before, "a few good <strike>men</strike> friends" and so therein lies my encouragement for you and for me. From one of my greatest friends and encouragers found in this world...my Mum's advice to me today:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">1. Let your vulnerability be sprinkled with love...and mostly this comes from others. The people who mend your broken resolves, after what you feel is one too many times of being open and honest.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">2. Turn your hurt over to the Master. This is so hard, I know, but shall we try to do so more...together?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">3. Realize you are not exempt. I am not exempt from this unending game of hurting each other, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Once we remember this, maybe we will be more willing to forget our bitter promises to never be real with those around us.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">4. Remain loving no matter what. If God (aka the Master of the universe) is big enough to forgive our everyday sins and still love us...I should be able, or try Lord help me, to remain steadfast in my loving nature. More bees with honey and all, right?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"><em>“Speak your mind even if your voice shakes.”</em> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">~Maggie Kuhn</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">There are times the notion of letting another person in, another person see the me I might not show everyone else...makes me sick with fear. The wall builder begins to take residence in the background of my mind, ready and waiting. Send the wall builder flying and surprise the hell out of it by <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A6&version=NIV">remembering you are never alone.</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">In light of this "heavy" post, today's featured tattoos are of the wordy variety. By no means do I wish to come across as "preachy" or "condemning". I speak from my heart, and often my own words flowing out as a means of comforting others, oddly enough, are the very thing I should be enacting in my own life. Hello kettle?</span></span></div>
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"></span></span><br />
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"></span></span><br />
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"><u><strong>Get wordy with it</strong></u></span></span><br />
<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"><strong><u></u></strong></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq_9Brv1pbWNkV7IZ7RXwSggj5Bonf4MZbNPwM8JNJz80vS6xTRUqbpDfipZXwyEc3UQUqzByfI3mBWLJlKWfZwF6vWBIjUscfJtYvBourcKp15OWCuYvpJPAaEHeKJTAVwL1IZI0ooc/s1600/one+day+at+a+time+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq_9Brv1pbWNkV7IZ7RXwSggj5Bonf4MZbNPwM8JNJz80vS6xTRUqbpDfipZXwyEc3UQUqzByfI3mBWLJlKWfZwF6vWBIjUscfJtYvBourcKp15OWCuYvpJPAaEHeKJTAVwL1IZI0ooc/s1600/one+day+at+a+time+tattoo.jpg" height="320" width="314" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929911663/">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0TX_UGTQC-P8vze3mdIpacflDndu4lPe-KbgWTREvJh8wuqvfGazRb5cnopGr5QjkxIbBSCYy59Udme5xHbER2hIlehW5NhSYsbfEHIGScE9YkzHwNB6qQakW1-91h8XmEwaiHRGklk/s1600/pray+hand+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0TX_UGTQC-P8vze3mdIpacflDndu4lPe-KbgWTREvJh8wuqvfGazRb5cnopGr5QjkxIbBSCYy59Udme5xHbER2hIlehW5NhSYsbfEHIGScE9YkzHwNB6qQakW1-91h8XmEwaiHRGklk/s1600/pray+hand+tattoo.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929911587/">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LCqEX5bCt6f3lCl4R1zrIy2E6euoiGxq6j-kC5JM6seA3N9SLzXmRRksXSJlcJw04-PB1TA2_N5Sh9Tan0Ol8GdV3lJJcLZcXfGZohToKkF6Evel-d_cKnyYry9wYfHhmQSgy6k32Js/s1600/Let+it+go+tatto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LCqEX5bCt6f3lCl4R1zrIy2E6euoiGxq6j-kC5JM6seA3N9SLzXmRRksXSJlcJw04-PB1TA2_N5Sh9Tan0Ol8GdV3lJJcLZcXfGZohToKkF6Evel-d_cKnyYry9wYfHhmQSgy6k32Js/s1600/Let+it+go+tatto.jpg" height="400" width="261" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929911552/">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3jhFUDuX_KwJKf508NhyLMiMud-J1scl-yW9QoDURUb3649QBhjnvCRipYgs6RiUp1giGzOx3a0-oOvaOzDykLuQBz6EioyRkyberD8T0jp9Lar2umy3cFkIh43LCiX_PhLYCheVslA/s1600/Have+hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3jhFUDuX_KwJKf508NhyLMiMud-J1scl-yW9QoDURUb3649QBhjnvCRipYgs6RiUp1giGzOx3a0-oOvaOzDykLuQBz6EioyRkyberD8T0jp9Lar2umy3cFkIh43LCiX_PhLYCheVslA/s1600/Have+hope.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cooltattooedpeople.tumblr.com/post/79268358563">Tumblr Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KUmfTej8BwMpY2UnaEgyTgws_NeGlyGSG9CpSXeQYHzK16WQtgOqtt72tDuRzZ9QfJj4K8uwRJ8_bS-2WpjFk_gSZhgpic3H-142xZNVtyMWVaWdoDRy1enJMzN8mpXE-3MNAVSCVYk/s1600/without+struggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KUmfTej8BwMpY2UnaEgyTgws_NeGlyGSG9CpSXeQYHzK16WQtgOqtt72tDuRzZ9QfJj4K8uwRJ8_bS-2WpjFk_gSZhgpic3H-142xZNVtyMWVaWdoDRy1enJMzN8mpXE-3MNAVSCVYk/s1600/without+struggle.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929911658/">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Follow me on Pinterest</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_29201347"></span><span id="goog_29201348"></span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/"><img alt="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeOjbli0p97bbDiCXJfeb4b42c1DBZ7wL1fQOWyZJmCJI7rTrYeI7v37bAI6-kr30oT7FjUb9hp7hK2jQ9DpiQHlCy8t4zyivByhezfbNRhQIdUQl1Zu3HO1tRJ8yMujPxXaKIL4Tq7g/s1600/Sink+Me+in+Ink.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u></u> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">There will be a pop-quiz (Footnotes):</span></u></strong></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Anna's encouragement from Korea. I'm missing her like crazy.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tuneage today, everything Grouplove!</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">There is so much "practice what you preach" in this post. Do you think I'll be struck by lightning?</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-51825193432004795182014-03-04T19:25:00.002-05:002014-03-04T19:25:51.859-05:00Tattoo Tuesdays: Pass the Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Welcome to a Tuesday that feels too much like a Monday. I had a bad start to my morning, all because I couldn't find my black zipper hoodie. I have this way about me that I let the smallest detail send me on a highway to negativity land. Finishing up my hair in the bathroom this morning (the color still 'frightens' me a little) I whispered to myself "Bad morning, does mean a bad rest of the day. Get with it Maddie!" Yes I talk to myself, don't you?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Today's Features:</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QLAjIzGzRb_PmGd9E-dljO6bgDoFnEZ_06aROhvHbjE1TPan6pgSWdq7ilVduFq2aqtyVpmic_ioikfAtDIntqjg8zhgpHwDeDTWY9VK2cZZxjEDiXUSDM6fhwJN6BkSyRvwvXtd5Ww/s1600/needle+and+thread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QLAjIzGzRb_PmGd9E-dljO6bgDoFnEZ_06aROhvHbjE1TPan6pgSWdq7ilVduFq2aqtyVpmic_ioikfAtDIntqjg8zhgpHwDeDTWY9VK2cZZxjEDiXUSDM6fhwJN6BkSyRvwvXtd5Ww/s1600/needle+and+thread.jpg" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929866778/">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Needle and thread by Dr. Woo, Shamrock Tattoo, California.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm all about 'wearing' your passions. Simple, sweet, and great placement.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9D1VrkI-n7euH899Z5upyLLLuLRKv5-Wboavr9Nb45aF457jKgpNXOAb3A7H1aa7NMDqwoE0JxTX_Kuj2NhtpAO03G6s7YC6liSJHEgQMeoXs88_Y3zJSze9WWeL_VIVB5RpApHt79E/s1600/heart+megaphone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9D1VrkI-n7euH899Z5upyLLLuLRKv5-Wboavr9Nb45aF457jKgpNXOAb3A7H1aa7NMDqwoE0JxTX_Kuj2NhtpAO03G6s7YC6liSJHEgQMeoXs88_Y3zJSze9WWeL_VIVB5RpApHt79E/s1600/heart+megaphone.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://instagram.com/p/lIQ4FKHFZk/">Instagram Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hearts and me...you know we go together. The vintage appeal of this tattoo, not only because it features a gramophone, but with the inking style (sketchy pen and ink) really sets this tattoo off for me. I am not always a fan of back tattoos, but I like the creativity behind this one; manipulating the heart and gramophone to make one unique piece of skin art.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fWOsx0XM-9eXw1LM3BiVHHLPTtWBf76zUedh6bKPZwnRctSpf1_iHnhPtTp1_B_P46tXTNNnxrhx0Apkfg7k3EapYosyLuEB4TQwC6ssITOytCdDUwwIh00JP2yx1hN1rsKtNLsfblo/s1600/shoulder+wisk+tattoo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fWOsx0XM-9eXw1LM3BiVHHLPTtWBf76zUedh6bKPZwnRctSpf1_iHnhPtTp1_B_P46tXTNNnxrhx0Apkfg7k3EapYosyLuEB4TQwC6ssITOytCdDUwwIh00JP2yx1hN1rsKtNLsfblo/s1600/shoulder+wisk+tattoo.png" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tattrx.tumblr.com/post/78556711808/seb-inkme-perpignan-france">Tumblr Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
'Wearing' your passions for the win in this post! A chef, foodie, minimalistic tattoo...on the shoulder...on a guy. He can cook for me (insert wink)!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPQatS7x-GN7CuG1zsTm8PjkijQDQBVrr3qNaf5Xw-rzl4KVV23GNvWvB-y51JPr_hRVLqX6sXWTE71PxpWHUeS3poXefG2LHS4ZlYUddkq5aIXWkS7YjvVX4vHCVF7t9gBe1g5kkt6k/s1600/it+is+what+it+is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPQatS7x-GN7CuG1zsTm8PjkijQDQBVrr3qNaf5Xw-rzl4KVV23GNvWvB-y51JPr_hRVLqX6sXWTE71PxpWHUeS3poXefG2LHS4ZlYUddkq5aIXWkS7YjvVX4vHCVF7t9gBe1g5kkt6k/s1600/it+is+what+it+is.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929866765/">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Honestly? At first I didn't like this tattoo, but for some odd reason the more look at the more I like it. The wispy typography taking over the arm is a definite eye catcher for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>“Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn't stop for anybody.”</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
~Stephen Chbosky</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Find me on Pinterest</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeOjbli0p97bbDiCXJfeb4b42c1DBZ7wL1fQOWyZJmCJI7rTrYeI7v37bAI6-kr30oT7FjUb9hp7hK2jQ9DpiQHlCy8t4zyivByhezfbNRhQIdUQl1Zu3HO1tRJ8yMujPxXaKIL4Tq7g/s1600/Sink+Me+in+Ink.jpg" title="" width="186" /></div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-38139987460978668852014-02-27T22:02:00.001-05:002014-02-27T22:02:09.380-05:00Thrive Thursdays: Finding Your Sixty Seconds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRieoK-57WVoyFl8rN3ty3jUZ08XlkBMPWNIv38v3Uj0AUmaN5Mrl6XiRPDRVMmRbpfCX0KJr82VpuoiwfvP6wDSjA-gA-oG9CvTIj3VHHp0mjXf4tumEuM46-fcnZMO-ljdfNbZWxQUY/s1600/Thrive+Thursdays.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRieoK-57WVoyFl8rN3ty3jUZ08XlkBMPWNIv38v3Uj0AUmaN5Mrl6XiRPDRVMmRbpfCX0KJr82VpuoiwfvP6wDSjA-gA-oG9CvTIj3VHHp0mjXf4tumEuM46-fcnZMO-ljdfNbZWxQUY/s1600/Thrive+Thursdays.png" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I will be honest with you about two things. One, I didn't think I would be writing a post today for a number of reasons, but one being I wasn't feeling very thrive worthy. Two, I am an extremely negative person; more often than not I find the glass half empty. However, we shall thank Pinterest for a quote and numerous other people for their curiosity. It was the motivation I needed for a short (hahaha who are we kidding, I nearly never write short blogs) blog post.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”</em><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929832377/">~Ralph Waldo Emerson</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I waste so much time and energy when it comes to anger; not only anger with other people, but a vast amount of anger with myself. I realize and fully stand behind the notion that as a believer, life is not necessarily written to be happy go lucky for me. There will be trials and many tribulations, but somewhere here I believe there is happiness. I want to be happy, but I let the dregs of the day or hour continue to drag me down. How many more seconds of happiness could I have each and everyday if I decided to forget my anger? I don't have a special remedy for you forgetting your anger. I'm not even sure how I will go about this, hopefully, new attitude, but I encourage you give up the anger. Happiness fuels so many things, creativity especially! Look up<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations+3:22-23"> <em>Lamentations 3:22-23</em></a> and feel free to "throw it in my face" every now and then. I can use reminders too.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Many times, over the course my 6 year blogging career*, I have mentioned the 365 project. Yet I still have people in the everyday world asking, "What is a 365 project? What is it all about?" There is truly nothing complicated about a 365 Project...well except for motivation and inspiration. I have days when I'd rather throw my camera at a wall for kicks and giggles than think up something new, fresh, and exciting. Most definitely work is involved, but it can be fun to see what will come of the days inspirations.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7FjZwxrU8vh_BbvO88TrtF2TBuzkfybbtBM3TxTo_s6f3IOHRGEWN8ewxq0huSaQq-Hx0l5V44Yzg9nXH-UJIG7MJcY5vAbpkUZXl9FNd8VqViM1gG1ELHNLt3QwPKvEqF0SeHIX-Ng/s1600/flickr.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7FjZwxrU8vh_BbvO88TrtF2TBuzkfybbtBM3TxTo_s6f3IOHRGEWN8ewxq0huSaQq-Hx0l5V44Yzg9nXH-UJIG7MJcY5vAbpkUZXl9FNd8VqViM1gG1ELHNLt3QwPKvEqF0SeHIX-Ng/s1600/flickr.png" height="200" width="200" /></a>A 365 Project is a photo-a-day challenge. Many photographers upload self-portraits each day, in some form or another. I have done such a 365 before; when I was an extreme novice photographer (though I still categorize myself as such) and with a much cheaper camera. At one time I even attempted a 365 Project of different hands everyday. I didn't have many enthusiastic takers for that project and it was soon abandoned. Another 365, which had nothing to do with photography, I attempted to write a letter to someone different each day. Wow was that too much to take on!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/sets/72157639296277243/">current 365 Project</a> is "simply" a photograph each day with my thoughts. I love writing and this gives me an opportunity each day to "pour a little of my heart out" with a photograph as my inspiration. Some days are pictures of me and other days are photographs of random still-life or at times other people I come into contact with that day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I realize there is a huge stigmatism with "selfies", but I've discussed this before on <a href="https://plus.google.com/109975565339953983352/posts/hzLfYgVNdkg">other sites</a>. There is a fine line between the narcissistic everyday "selfie" and the learning to realize you are beautiful self-portrait project. My first 365 project helped me learn to like pictures of myself. I still have my days, but for the most part I've learned to take what I got and make it great. I credit much of this to the 365 Project. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The 365 Project is not for everyone, but I would challenge you to try it and see it where it takes you. You may discover things about yourself and about your creative skills you didn't know before.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFFQK76iDNWXpH6_I66h9WlHKljYg2LRTVCWAGnxBu6u-M9K0fCXnvqpten2JdbBduK7JGQcEOH56l1NrplQrpurp-KoS9B-ZwW-nBa_Zvx-dkzXINqn7_9JCz6NrbPhaVAxOQ5UDiww/s1600/respond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFFQK76iDNWXpH6_I66h9WlHKljYg2LRTVCWAGnxBu6u-M9K0fCXnvqpten2JdbBduK7JGQcEOH56l1NrplQrpurp-KoS9B-ZwW-nBa_Zvx-dkzXINqn7_9JCz6NrbPhaVAxOQ5UDiww/s1600/respond.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Thriving Moments:</u></strong> Flickr (again) and learning to kill my anger with happiness!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/LitDrivenGirl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Tweet with me.</span></a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/litdrivengirl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Snap some shots.</span></a> | <a href="https://play.spotify.com/user/123728668" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Listen to the music.</span></a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/boards/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Get to pinning</span></a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/109975565339953983352/posts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Up, Up, and Plus</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">Did anyone take notes? (Footnotes):</span></u></strong></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Oh my Atlanta! I can't believe it has been 6 years since I started With a Flower! ?!?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The computer shutdown twice and I took a break for a painting party in the midst of writing this...busy frustrated lady.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you are on Flickr leave me a line and I will follow you!</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-7390273879513940092014-02-25T18:05:00.000-05:002014-02-25T18:05:00.809-05:00Tattoo Tuesdays: If you give a girl a brick...can she make it bleed?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Life so often is about the courage to keep going no matter your circumstances. It is the strength to endure the hardships day in and day out with the knowledge that around the corner things could be better or things could be worse, but knowing that ultimately God is in control. This. Is. Beyond. Difficult.<br />
<br />
In the span of a day I may whisper a thousand times, "Remember my frame," and I have to muster the hope that my whispers are heard. Let's collect courage and hope in jars to battle these "days of woe". There is no sense hiding away. You can't, I can't, we can't waste what we have been given. In these moments of courage seeking for another step, another day, I always desire to live my life out loud. Harder than you think with trust issues and a jumper judging world. <br />
<br />
Love me or leave me... I'm a tattoo loving gal. I can't help acting like a kid in a candy shop when it comes to ink gazing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Today's Features:</strong></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEe-bMeVsbWlwt4wqfgXOe8SWoRqfKpryeQwC9o-oi-VmnSKeeRvGP4FXg-exIKYBMAaWpzkKPlvHwz0w2Tps8uLmYJBMabajOtpxbgUYGdYxlgr7PUx3MJaGCnL1v0IXfKrXl9DzZCw/s1600/sleeves+and+eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEe-bMeVsbWlwt4wqfgXOe8SWoRqfKpryeQwC9o-oi-VmnSKeeRvGP4FXg-exIKYBMAaWpzkKPlvHwz0w2Tps8uLmYJBMabajOtpxbgUYGdYxlgr7PUx3MJaGCnL1v0IXfKrXl9DzZCw/s1600/sleeves+and+eyes.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tattoo via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929790362/">Pinterest</a> and a <a href="http://bestsoylatte.blogspot.com/">new blog</a> (Click. Wow! I'm now a follower.)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sleeves! I wish we had a better view of this gorgeous man's ink. Sleeves are best, in my opinion, when the concept ebbs and flows to make a grand impression. Random is good too, but I "like me some cohesiveness". (insert wink) <strong>Honest moment</strong>: His tattoos are great, but I really like this shoot from a photography standpoint...hello eyes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcMXX0FzgwC898uwVHzVG78W55n2UAaesyp4fu9_C5f4Ke1XMFzkODY4UluR_L9sjSryo5tF4K3WSOBk7j5Bomi2NYVW_Mp2mmSF60zCdefC7F1JIeDBaPiVUggmABT3rGGRdvFShTOc/s1600/neck+and+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcMXX0FzgwC898uwVHzVG78W55n2UAaesyp4fu9_C5f4Ke1XMFzkODY4UluR_L9sjSryo5tF4K3WSOBk7j5Bomi2NYVW_Mp2mmSF60zCdefC7F1JIeDBaPiVUggmABT3rGGRdvFShTOc/s1600/neck+and+hair.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929201219/">Pinterest</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Face and Neck tattoos equal brave to me. There's a definite risk the tattoo could turn out looking so "hello I just got of prison" and truly only a select few can pull it off. I'm not a flower tattoo kind of gal, but I like this placement, glad that the tattoo isn't "eating her face" either. I hadn't noticed her gauge before, first being drawn to the ink and then her hair (jealous!), but I'm even liking it too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSOBV8ymUd33SglJDNjuxLxLmdkOUV6hooQsKD0wjglpFp95-wduv4tRFzz-vWjJ9NvDsCpxTbnpVBFNoepXDt8DW3g8H9rVwsl8IXQjHz2Kiuit_Qd-L9Ct-P5UhjdUZhHnIaqrR5qg/s1600/flower+sleeve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSOBV8ymUd33SglJDNjuxLxLmdkOUV6hooQsKD0wjglpFp95-wduv4tRFzz-vWjJ9NvDsCpxTbnpVBFNoepXDt8DW3g8H9rVwsl8IXQjHz2Kiuit_Qd-L9Ct-P5UhjdUZhHnIaqrR5qg/s1600/flower+sleeve.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929541197/">Pinterest</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sleeves are almost always a winner for me. Either this girl is wanting to do some filling in later or for her someday children to have coloring time on her arm...I'm good either way; even left to its outline glory, this flower has my vote!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><u>My life and all it has to offer (i.e. in other news):</u></strong><ul>
<li><strong><u></u></strong>Via Facebook - Anna arrived safely today in Korea at 5:30 AM Indiana time! </li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Via Snail Mail - Anna made me cry ... all in love and goodness.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Since it's upload (17, Feb, 2014) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/12605644504/">'Resilience'</a> has become my third most viewed photograph on Flickr. So. Blessed.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Keep an eye out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RapaciousCurl">RC's Facebook</a> page because I may be having a giveaway soon.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Find me on Pinterest</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/"><img alt="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeOjbli0p97bbDiCXJfeb4b42c1DBZ7wL1fQOWyZJmCJI7rTrYeI7v37bAI6-kr30oT7FjUb9hp7hK2jQ9DpiQHlCy8t4zyivByhezfbNRhQIdUQl1Zu3HO1tRJ8yMujPxXaKIL4Tq7g/s1600/Sink+Me+in+Ink.jpg" height="200" width="186" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">What went on (i.e. Footnotes)</span></u></strong></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tunes for today, <em>Mumford & Sons'</em> Pandora</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pondering the need to Skype with Anna when I get my tattoo...excited and scared for that day.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Scripture on my mind (something I want in my life): <em>Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!</em> - <strong>Psalm 116:2</strong></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-33352964849425114322014-02-20T20:38:00.001-05:002014-02-20T21:13:39.056-05:00Thrive Thursdays: We've got you surrounded <div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="http://with-a-flower.blogspot.com/search/label/Thrive%20Thursdays" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRieoK-57WVoyFl8rN3ty3jUZ08XlkBMPWNIv38v3Uj0AUmaN5Mrl6XiRPDRVMmRbpfCX0KJr82VpuoiwfvP6wDSjA-gA-oG9CvTIj3VHHp0mjXf4tumEuM46-fcnZMO-ljdfNbZWxQUY/s1600/Thrive+Thursdays.png" height="320" width="266" /></div>
<br />
Hello! Long time without words...too long. I'm writing to tell you life has settled down.<br />
<br />
<br />
WRONG.<br />
<br />
<br />
Life has fallen into a steady and pleasant buzz of busyness. Some days are overwhelming and some days are a fountain of frenzy youth giving greatness. My main agenda is to keep busy, and honestly there are days where I want anything but the covers pulled back and to have to greet the day. All I can say is by God's grace, I am taking each day one at a time. <br />
<br />
I always miss writing. I can't quite understand the mechanics of my own mind, that for durations of time I give it up and miss it desperately simultaneously. My mind has found a way to punish me without much work is all I can come with as an excuse. The words still churn and find other ways of escaping, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/madmadelyne/" target="_blank">namely my photography</a>.<br />
<br />
In quick succession...UPDATES<br />
<br />
-While I opted out of a New Year's Resolution List this year it doesn't mean I don't have goals of a sort. I am trying my hand again at the fantastic (and sometimes stressful) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/sets/72157639296277243/" target="_blank">Project 365</a>. There have been days of discouragement, but there have been utterly awesome days. I can't help thinking over and over again how blessed I am to live an era of the Camera and Flickr. I love you Flickr...<br />
<!-- Start of Flickr Badge --><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" id="flickr_badge_uber_wrapper"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/" id="flickr_www">www.<strong style="color: #3993ff;">flick<span style="color: #ff1c92;">r</span></strong>.com</a><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" id="flickr_badge_wrapper">
<tbody>
<tr>
<script src="http://www.flickr.com/badge_code_v2.gne?show_name=1&count=3&display=random&size=t&layout=h&source=user_set&user=37795388%40N05&set=72157639296277243&context=in%2Fset-72157639296277243%2F" type="text/javascript"></script>
<td align="center" id="flickr_badge_source" valign="center"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td id="flickr_icon_td" width="10"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/sets/72157639296277243/"><img align="left" alt="MadMadelyne's A Hundred Pockets - 365 (2014) photoset" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/buddyicons/37795388@N05.jpg?1388883079#37795388@N05" height="48" id="flickr_badge_icon" width="48" /></a></td>
<td id="flickr_badge_source_txt">MadMadelyne's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/sets/72157639296277243/">A Hundred Pockets - 365 (2014)</a> photoset</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<!-- End of Flickr Badge --><br />
-I am selling on Etsy! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RapaciousCurls" target="_blank">RapaciousCurls</a> is up and running. I also have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RapaciousCurl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page.<br />
<br />
-Hopefully I will be able to blog more regularly because I have been waiting all day to have the time to write today's post. No more waiting...<br />
<br />
<br />
On to the my Thriving moments (and advice)...<br />
<br />
I believe I have talked before about the necessities for a creative environment. (I couldn't find the post, I know it is here somewhere.) Foremost on my list lately has been the importance of creative "bedfellows". The people you talk to everyday or run to for advice. The dear people you are blessed beyond measure to call your friends, your family, your sisters (or brothers) from another mister.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Cuwe Minnehaha* (Jen)</u></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrrSQhv02j435TKJ_t6zjo74okxoaUu4Nx0b0qr-dAPrkGbH25kyf_TIjE2Zhfwv2SJFWf_5bfCAYMB0dQV9QWdQBlSglziGNKy-Z2-1if-eFB8O4M9GpqgQ2t-FxYFlBuoPiKd9m0js/s1600/Cowl+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrrSQhv02j435TKJ_t6zjo74okxoaUu4Nx0b0qr-dAPrkGbH25kyf_TIjE2Zhfwv2SJFWf_5bfCAYMB0dQV9QWdQBlSglziGNKy-Z2-1if-eFB8O4M9GpqgQ2t-FxYFlBuoPiKd9m0js/s1600/Cowl+Collage.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope Jen doesn't mind me bragging on her. (insert wink) I have known Jen off and on for 10 years. All those years we were what I like to refer to as "surface friends/acquaintances", meaning we waved, we said hello, but didn't <strong>know</strong> each other. In August last year I was extremely stumped on a knitting project. Mum encouraged me, "Call Jen, the lady who spins her yarn and is a knitting expert." Every knitter needs a 'Knitting Guru' and Jen is mine. Once we started talking, I knew God sent me this woman for more than just knitting advice. We laugh, we cry, and we love through the ugliness this world brings out at times.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday she surprised me with a gift and beautiful proof of her 'Knitting Guru' ways. The beautiful cowl above is a Herringbone Cowl and it is all MINE.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Deven...Pyrography Master</u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dgU7hV5Rhs_kUHK4KgN21uCvGqfiLD7dghIBs3u3UWlzqfWTAs1W6-een5uUFw758wZ1P8CwpinfyX4aPc7IysX39kk4vXX4AnzfaA95r5lk1kJ0Yebd64M7cyk5NhnmIHcRv_EM8CY/s1600/Mabon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dgU7hV5Rhs_kUHK4KgN21uCvGqfiLD7dghIBs3u3UWlzqfWTAs1W6-een5uUFw758wZ1P8CwpinfyX4aPc7IysX39kk4vXX4AnzfaA95r5lk1kJ0Yebd64M7cyk5NhnmIHcRv_EM8CY/s1600/Mabon.jpg" height="267" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was trying to determine when Deven and I "met". I know where! I owe Google+ a big hug and a kiss for this magical friendship. Initially I admired Deven's artwork and purchased a piece from her through Google+. We continued to "plus" and comment on each other's posts. She eventually asked to be my friend on Facebook (late 2012) and from there it is history. No! It isn't history...it is a grand continuous adventure. Deven's talented nature extends further than her awesome pyrography (wood burning) skills and creating artist maniac. She is a listener, advice giver, bookstore business advice enthusiast, and so, so, so much more! Deven continues to be one of my foremost supporters for continuing down this path of being independently employed and the creative creature that beckons to me. I nag her for advice frequently and sometimes she knows me better than I know myself...scary I know. I don't think "thank you" comes close enough to what I wish to say to her.<br />
<br />
Above is my most recently acquired piece from her, <em>Mabon</em>. Isn't she beautiful? You should be jealous...so jealous you go look at more of her work! <a href="https://plus.google.com/109975565339953983352/posts/Y22Rv6r2riD" target="_blank">Here</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1xvyK54vuc" target="_blank">And Here.</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pyromancers.Forge" target="_blank">Oh yes and here</a>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>She who gave you life</u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0R_S29Uz0lFV-ki7j7BFwvNNFIIwsmGrW4ov2X_cSJecu5S5T64bxvGagwh_47twY-Pf9vxMzwvYGI2RNqvLXY2Y2yFgG2FAjeIDR3L7e_sqXzys9C9amtZSjXtSTm_up9RKJQcPFbSw/s1600/Mum+artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0R_S29Uz0lFV-ki7j7BFwvNNFIIwsmGrW4ov2X_cSJecu5S5T64bxvGagwh_47twY-Pf9vxMzwvYGI2RNqvLXY2Y2yFgG2FAjeIDR3L7e_sqXzys9C9amtZSjXtSTm_up9RKJQcPFbSw/s1600/Mum+artwork.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="big">25 years, 9 months, and 9 days</span> ago a woman brought me into this world. My mum is a woman of immeasurable strength and grace of character. She is my number one fan, president of my fanclub, and oftentimes coconspirator with Deven. I swear they have a secret club, but I've yet to figure out when or where they meet. (I will pay for information 'wink'.) She is a light in my dark times and I frequently wonder out loud "how can you love me," but she does. I <strike>think</strike> know she gets more excited about my projects than I do at times. She is a fountain of ideas. I know I have tried her patience over the years with my flighty, stubborn, and unconventional nature. Never let her fool you that she doesn't like change, because my Mum has endured SO MUCH CHANGE. If I've ever met a <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=pro&c=31" target="_blank">Proverbs 31 woman</a>...it is her!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The artwork above is by Mum. I admire this on a daily basis and I have tried to convince her to finish it. She is extremely artistic. Where else did her brilliant (insert wink) children get it from!?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thriving is having the thrive givers...the enablers. The weekly, daily, and even hourly people who remind you why you are doing what you're doing and to toughen that upper lip...keep going! It is important to me to recognize the blessing I am surrounded by. I have many more and I <strong>WILL </strong>be bragging most definitely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Remember these people are important and don't take them for granted! Surrounding yourself with encouragers and fellow creators is such a blessing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just as I am encouraged, I want to encourage others in this world. A few weeks ago I was blessed and surprised by the kindness of a young blogger/photography. Kennedi recently started <a href="http://the-introverted-earthling.weebly.com/" target="_blank">her own blog</a> and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank her for listing my blog as one of her featured blogs. Thank you Kennedi and don't give up on your writing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Thriving Moments:</u></strong> Flickr, Etsy, and the treasures that are my friends and family.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/LitDrivenGirl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Tweet with me.</span></a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/litdrivengirl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Snap some shots.</span></a> | <a href="https://play.spotify.com/user/123728668" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Listen to the music.</span></a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/boards/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Get to pinning</span></a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/109975565339953983352/posts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Up, Up and Plus</span></a><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong></strong> </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Footnotes:</span></strong></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">* Laughing Sister - actual Lakota translation Laughing Water Sister - </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/11864474584/in/set-72157639296277243" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jen was featured on one of my days for Project 365</span></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-88911271620956468542014-01-14T18:15:00.001-05:002014-01-14T18:15:37.875-05:00Tattoo Tuesdays: Talk Shop To Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s320/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It is 2014 and you know what that means?!? Honestly I don't know what that means, it just sounded like an appropriate beginning to a post...the first post of 2014. <br />
<br />
The latter part of November and the entire month of December were CRAZY for me. One of those occasions where you are stuck between wishing the time away and wishing for things to slllllllllloooowwww down. Yeah that kind of crazy.<br />
<br />
In other news, Tattoos have been on the brain. Ideas are floating closer to the surface and they are all pleading "Me! Me! Me!" I got a quote...oh didn't I tell you? (insert wink) I'm not quite at the necessary funds level to go for it, but I'm close. I've been chatting it up with my fellow ink crazies, all the "inky" details. My honest to goodness hope is before mid-February. My best friend is leaving for Korea and I have wanted her to be my tagalong since darn near the beginning of the ink madness. We shall see. My Tattoo budget is being heavily "preyed upon" by the impending need for more piercings as well. We all realize, as a writer, I have voices floating around my head, right? Well they also plead for the ink and the holes as well. Confusing, right? (insert smile)<br />
<br />
I have many thoughts right now, some good and some none too pretty. That being said this post is an update and a sharing time, rather than a wisdom/from the mouth of babes (me being the babe) time. <br />
<br />
<u><strong>The Tattoos:</strong></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj9zU8qZOue3VahL9DehmsGnLaTtSmTCkV3j29o6R3SlLA498Z2ly96PYtA3XMyhCKuwQUDQvIJr3qoPkXZLcMnPKmhcNQxsuE805qioGI0i4oZa0ZQd4NXEGDglAgAV66NpdKZTh1GE/s1600/Octopus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj9zU8qZOue3VahL9DehmsGnLaTtSmTCkV3j29o6R3SlLA498Z2ly96PYtA3XMyhCKuwQUDQvIJr3qoPkXZLcMnPKmhcNQxsuE805qioGI0i4oZa0ZQd4NXEGDglAgAV66NpdKZTh1GE/s400/Octopus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929510721/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
Wow, talk about crazy for color! I'm still up in the air about color, but I absolutely love the strikingness* of this tattoo. The purple/pinkish/magenta? color is bam in your face. I am not a huge fan of placement, mostly because I personally don't like my back and therefore do not own backless clothing. How would I show off such gorgeous ink? Octopuses are always a winner in my world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9usCbQ7Zd2mL3JxcCX_QGsG7w0ERhbhhsJvfpEysjDdgT06-afDw-FXgH4nC9Ka13rNoOf3amL9_kCeHHdeALs2v3_3MfVlw7iIJGvFqwkmOkNC0apckQ4RyMzW7THdiXHFDu9A-g-g/s1600/sissors+and+comb+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9usCbQ7Zd2mL3JxcCX_QGsG7w0ERhbhhsJvfpEysjDdgT06-afDw-FXgH4nC9Ka13rNoOf3amL9_kCeHHdeALs2v3_3MfVlw7iIJGvFqwkmOkNC0apckQ4RyMzW7THdiXHFDu9A-g-g/s400/sissors+and+comb+tattoo.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929465568/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am all about showing off your craft, your creative outlet...and yes being a beautician is a creative outlet. Placement is spot on for me. The red works, it helps with the over all "popping" vibe. The scissors are by far my favorite part of this ink. I like the old-fashion appeal. According to Pinterest this tattoo is by Xoil Tattoo.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicTqp2LqsHElJsI-dApNnXx5Orz_7gFO3Jx9r6xax8fjxKwxkMuVhyokEAXoI8FeuCJ-RG0ei4M1SsBQFDhuoqRODo3oZ7xEWoyTyOUtwDF1hdOaCllxIC6ddf3y69mWU7LRWpSBGiE4/s1600/Octopus+Forearm+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicTqp2LqsHElJsI-dApNnXx5Orz_7gFO3Jx9r6xax8fjxKwxkMuVhyokEAXoI8FeuCJ-RG0ei4M1SsBQFDhuoqRODo3oZ7xEWoyTyOUtwDF1hdOaCllxIC6ddf3y69mWU7LRWpSBGiE4/s400/Octopus+Forearm+tattoo.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929415609/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Why are you looking at me? Oh...wait...because I picked another Octopus tattoo? I can't help myself, this tattoo made me sigh. (insert wink) I am a sucker for forearms, what can I say? The shading and detail is awesome. Can I touch it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u><strong>Updates and in other News:</strong></u></div>
<br />
I'm giving the 'ole 365 photography project another go. If you would like to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/sets/72157639296277243/" target="_blank">follow</a> and/or encourage the process please do so! You never know when you might be a part of it. (insert wink)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/sets/72157639296277243/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/sets/72157639296277243/" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJH69HKR4fT_mQRMfPs3h0FQWXJreEZ9NtpB6xVu6lnKoCirmZ_lPEdr3FDaN1_r-B3ioflx1-5xsEo0k9bLObrWuIrUg8JI9JPKddxV9bFLwsi11snDbBCWThodNNWP9ZvvP8-Mlkwhk/s400/365+screenshot.jpeg" width="235" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I reopened my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RapaciousCurls?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> today! I'm putting my knitting and other creating techniques to the task of some Etsy fun. Take a look and tell me what you think. I have more things listed than I have before and I'm anxious for feedback and of course to sell something.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV_zzagCNaZGj1dM495wsIoraUeJShMJ6nMQad90WIn7YqgzJuyRg62cpNVsyhhW70RcI_dRPim8laSuueGNCq7vw0_XC6_cToyk8v9hFjmfFUo2xumEnJ19bukf65t_kHAcRD-Ri92I/s1600/Etsy+screenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV_zzagCNaZGj1dM495wsIoraUeJShMJ6nMQad90WIn7YqgzJuyRg62cpNVsyhhW70RcI_dRPim8laSuueGNCq7vw0_XC6_cToyk8v9hFjmfFUo2xumEnJ19bukf65t_kHAcRD-Ri92I/s320/Etsy+screenshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div>
From the shop of yours truly, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RapaciousCurls?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">RapaciousCurls!</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you guessed that I'm hyped up on caffeine while writing then...Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>"Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it, sauté it, whatever. MAKE."</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
~Joss Whedon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Find me on Pinterest</em></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeOjbli0p97bbDiCXJfeb4b42c1DBZ7wL1fQOWyZJmCJI7rTrYeI7v37bAI6-kr30oT7FjUb9hp7hK2jQ9DpiQHlCy8t4zyivByhezfbNRhQIdUQl1Zu3HO1tRJ8yMujPxXaKIL4Tq7g/s200/Sink+Me+in+Ink.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">Footnotes:</span></u></strong></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Is strikingness a word? (eyebrow raise anyone?)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I wrote this post in silence, can you believe that? No music today (insert sad face).</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-48390071771903208162013-12-01T18:25:00.001-05:002013-12-01T18:25:27.423-05:00I Need You to Need Me(insert British accent . . . cockney)<br />
<br />
<em>Do you want me to teach ya' to walk and talk like a regula' lady?</em><br />
<br />
Damn confession . . .<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmweoq3qeqmoEkDVb-P1bCQOHvQmFIUUXtKGSJFWxWXLUTNVnBtxUm5ehvxrZQb0dzXEDTqOcYNpbkxobjkfQ08h5dN68TTdGCFLcWNsUJxMS4_2qW05lP3iWtK0UDjdBxe176ibLcPdo/s1600/barbara1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmweoq3qeqmoEkDVb-P1bCQOHvQmFIUUXtKGSJFWxWXLUTNVnBtxUm5ehvxrZQb0dzXEDTqOcYNpbkxobjkfQ08h5dN68TTdGCFLcWNsUJxMS4_2qW05lP3iWtK0UDjdBxe176ibLcPdo/s200/barbara1.jpg" width="200" /></a>There is nothing cathartic about it. There is stubborn, stupid, and then there is determined. Perhaps you are so determined as to convince everyone around you, you need no one. When Barbara or some musical fanatic started waylaying you with the glorified lyrics of an infatuated pleaser, "<em>People who need people are the luckiest people in the world</em>," it was all you could do not to smack them silly with their piano keys. "People? I don't need no stinking people." The absurdity of such an idea. People leave a metallic taste on the tongue; iron deficient you seek as any other 'normal' people hater person to vanquish a deficiency. It is a weakness after all. If you can't fulfill a craving . . . you fantasize. I wonder what a vampire would do in this situation. Maybe oxygen deprivation will silence the fodder sanity feeders?<br />
<br />
Your morning pep talk didn't work. You didn't review <em>A Hermit's Guide to Everyday Anti-Social Behavior</em> enough times to earn your doctorate or that life time achievement award you have been aiming for. No, in a word, your determination was lacking. Your closing argument could use a good polish . . . or two.<br />
<br />
I need people. I may grit my teeth and hold my breath until I pass out . . . 10 times at least, but I need people. You need people.<br />
<br />
I need the boy who broke my heart. By golly there was a reason or a lesson to be learned in there somewhere.<br />
<br />
I need the person who finds the time to comment, even two little words, "Thank you," which causes a gleeful squeal. Recognition. A hug directly to my heart.<br />
<br />
I need the people whose talking aggravates me to the point of speechless exhaustion. Hey, we all need our "counting sheep" enablers. Your aggravations will be tomorrow's muse. My words will be many.<br />
<br />
I need the people who "man handle" me verbally and mentally for the sake of scruples. You help me identify better than anyone, my own identity. You prepare me to define, perfect, and achieve that with which you are convinced is a fool's errand. You teach me the sound of ignorance and that it has no age or limitations.<br />
<br />
I need the people who see the sign above the door in pursuit of another venture and halt traffic to turn around. <u><strong>Books.</strong></u> I see the mental "Touch Down" as you walk in. You are my brother, sister, mother, father, child, friend, or lover from that far off corner we sought refuge together in . . . worlds apart, but common in passion.<br />
<br />
I need the people who can pull me from the dark recesses of my mind. You take me by hand and heart, whispering "You are not alone." You cry for me and with me. You listen calmly and patiently while I try to convince you how much I don't need people. You find the path for me and know I may not follow, but no matter you stay.<br />
<br />
You need people like a whole in the head . . . and just look how many of those you have. (insert wink)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.”</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Donald Miller</div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-82594685311636251922013-11-19T21:27:00.000-05:002013-11-19T21:27:13.180-05:00Tattoo Tuesdays: Pristine, Patient, Presentable...try Pivotal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s320/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If there is one thing in my life that I can fondly refer to as "the bane of my existence", it would be honesty. I ponder honesty. I crave honesty. I feel honesty string the fissures of my chest to tighten to a degree of pain. I wave a blazing flag of honesty, it call also garner the name "well intentions". I run from honesty. I run to honesty. It is a maddening tug of war with myself and those around me. I could, and perhaps at times I do, easily stand on my soapbox bemoaning the lack of honest people. The lack of a people, in turn, willing to receive with open arms an honest to the core human being. <br />
<br />
I have no happy potion for you to mix up in the back yard under the full moon or lay out a sacrificial offering while prancing around a blazing fire. Sacrificing is frowned upon in most societies (insert wink). There is no quick or easy fix, nor a plausibility that you or I can fix the dishonesty or the lack of acceptance found in others. I can rarely fathom how to fix the fear of honesty in my own flesh.<br />
<br />
I am by no means a liar, but upon reflection, and entirely too many pity party episodes, I have come to realize the very thing I long for in others I can none so easily bring to the surface in myself. Honesty in the sense of embracing the person that God has made me to be while on this earth. It can be tiring and discouraging to live in the shadow of others expectations for your life or what is considered the norm. Setting out on the path less travelled by was never quoted to be the bright, hopeful, easy path. No. The path is fruited with trials and tribulations, such things are meant to cause a growth in you that is unmatched to any other growth found on earth. Ugh. Sounds painful, right?<br />
<br />
I recently told a friend, "I want to be like Jesus. I want to love the gamblers and tax collectors. I want to each my lunch with the prostitutes. Christians are (insert growl of frustration)...!" I have not met many people who love and offer a genuine friendship without the charade of assumed honesty. Those I have had the pleasure of befriending of this small group are refreshing and I find myself spouting things I never dreamed in a million years of telling someone. When you can banish the fear of honesty, I believe you will find a quiet small heaven on earth. The trick is getting over the assumed position of defense and that everyone is not to be trusted, not worth your time, and that all consuming fear that chants in your inner soul "Loose lips sink ships and isn't your ship...worth saving." Perhaps you need to sink a few ships along the way to attain that pivotal level of relationship with another person, but might it be...worth it in the end? <br />
<br />
<em><strong>Two Times Honest Tuesday</strong></em><br />
<br />
1. I have allowed numerous fears to keep me from writing on my blog, for my book, and for my own pleasure. It has been crippling to many facets of my life lately.<br />
<br />
2. I am not as strong as I may let on at times. Weakness, in my mind, is unacceptable and not a trait I know how to wear well nor do I want to. Anyone know a good weakness flogger? (insert wink)<br />
<br />
<br />
If you have wondered how this honest post will tie in with a 'good' tattoo post, you need not worry that you are alone! I have pondered that while writing this post as well. It is coming from many experiences as of late and the notion that you should love those comfortable enough to be honest with you. Perhaps that honesty comes out in the form of tattoos? Those to whom have attained the ability to speak the truth no matter what, no matter the adversity they may face. I know you can take my words, and some will most assuredly do so, and twist them as you see fit to mean many things, but I only chance to point out the ability in all of us to love. Love honesty. Love those who need love because others we see fit to tell them they are this or that. Love the ones that "need fixed". Love a person's genuineness as it is rare indeed. Let God "fix" or figure out the rest. You are after all His servant. (insert smile)<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Today's Features:</u></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rgM2gOS2UvyfZdW5k1w4bqfzx3X2d9GbMqsi8qcZjaNTHmPEMJxxBgD8AJjsD934xeR-CVrfYDHlurvFd5sWgtti7UzAo7rwV2kI3qcxKMHj0nEAxyvD56jZ9d0wFTDN_HEq4ma2HFo/s1600/truth+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rgM2gOS2UvyfZdW5k1w4bqfzx3X2d9GbMqsi8qcZjaNTHmPEMJxxBgD8AJjsD934xeR-CVrfYDHlurvFd5sWgtti7UzAo7rwV2kI3qcxKMHj0nEAxyvD56jZ9d0wFTDN_HEq4ma2HFo/s400/truth+tattoo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://cooltattooedpeople.tumblr.com/post/67495148952" target="_blank">Tumblr Find</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The placement is debatable, but I am fond of the font. The true (see what I did there) draw for me is the shading/coloring. Reminds of the sea.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3-hR7coFPExdSzYmEDqge9Ietl8fUu171JwIytm49AkGf1gew0yG7qeT0Iek-kTv6ZZz1OY4Kw-GwEvHOs51R78mzJ8qN6vgIOnmApNgrEjT5VuCdaZfXCSKTpYN8R5h84MGpRTfyEA/s1600/wave+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3-hR7coFPExdSzYmEDqge9Ietl8fUu171JwIytm49AkGf1gew0yG7qeT0Iek-kTv6ZZz1OY4Kw-GwEvHOs51R78mzJ8qN6vgIOnmApNgrEjT5VuCdaZfXCSKTpYN8R5h84MGpRTfyEA/s400/wave+tattoo.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929201707/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life is a wave. (insert wink) Simple. I am always a fan of simple.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5olvdec9BVyjyKphAB28l8Euy31HibuFpe_4WyPq3N_Q-ptwbZMfDLI1vthXYADza7VOUFSSIv7FR72-46MxoZi6DBqZnZjfpijofVpVrWqNUl32Gl4QfyhHAuaZnOSnmJBG-7LMPCFs/s1600/Watercolor-Arm-Ink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5olvdec9BVyjyKphAB28l8Euy31HibuFpe_4WyPq3N_Q-ptwbZMfDLI1vthXYADza7VOUFSSIv7FR72-46MxoZi6DBqZnZjfpijofVpVrWqNUl32Gl4QfyhHAuaZnOSnmJBG-7LMPCFs/s400/Watercolor-Arm-Ink.png" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://tattoo-ideas.us/watercolor-arm-ink/" target="_blank">Random Web Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Placement. (check) Color I don't mind. (check) Watercolor technique that looks like the artist used a paintbrush to do your tattoo...I'm a fan! Let life paint you with its many colors!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZprJUuZ51Gwa6jd0GDucpsom6thvSh8tVUIqJWWc6HWHUKeX0iqaxcl1sZ7Q1I_yrws32xJcND-N2LvAc1cLTZTKBdqlId9ouaW-S42CqzlOSM6cxo0ANLwdV5U-RLSVDB1-hobqx-M/s1600/bow+and+arrow+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZprJUuZ51Gwa6jd0GDucpsom6thvSh8tVUIqJWWc6HWHUKeX0iqaxcl1sZ7Q1I_yrws32xJcND-N2LvAc1cLTZTKBdqlId9ouaW-S42CqzlOSM6cxo0ANLwdV5U-RLSVDB1-hobqx-M/s400/bow+and+arrow+tattoo.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929046018/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't like the placement. I do like arrow tattoos and this may end up on my flesh someday (insert wink). Why I will get an arrow tattoo someday:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming.</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"You have witchcraft in your lips."</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~William Shakespeare, <em>Henry V</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Find me on Pinterest</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeOjbli0p97bbDiCXJfeb4b42c1DBZ7wL1fQOWyZJmCJI7rTrYeI7v37bAI6-kr30oT7FjUb9hp7hK2jQ9DpiQHlCy8t4zyivByhezfbNRhQIdUQl1Zu3HO1tRJ8yMujPxXaKIL4Tq7g/s200/Sink+Me+in+Ink.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-3979103006078656152013-11-05T16:47:00.000-05:002013-11-05T16:47:48.462-05:00Tattoo Tuesdays: How Does Your Garden Grow?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s320/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“Using words to talk of words is like using a pencil to draw a picture of itself, on itself. Impossible. Confusing. Frustrating ... but there are other ways to understanding.”</em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Patrick Rothfuss</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have no words today. Enjoy the inspiration of the tattoos...let them speak on their own.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YtuMNeFcQXMWkuQB_RLiWFhaBAbRHdyI0PXey4CVgYy2FPVkuvqR7Xh_aT2F2gw6txqQsU-cIW46IB8zRI_Q669zyJX1351M_DD6qmH3UVi3dgBc6APD7UeGqMUwakh8lUwyE6EDuek/s1600/daniel+Meyer+tattoos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YtuMNeFcQXMWkuQB_RLiWFhaBAbRHdyI0PXey4CVgYy2FPVkuvqR7Xh_aT2F2gw6txqQsU-cIW46IB8zRI_Q669zyJX1351M_DD6qmH3UVi3dgBc6APD7UeGqMUwakh8lUwyE6EDuek/s640/daniel+Meyer+tattoos.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dasleitbild.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Daniel Meyer</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA66XqlG5qbvhnQaXgfm5YlRx24Yn4JOys0V1aWdjm-LQl3kORomurBIGcKhhH99cQnouFa1svQ_-1RakihUR0eMeL1iMc9yPTpVZT58Hc2pRy03jJMtlTolJaJ_d7IoUF62dpy0lF7D4/s1600/girl+with+horns+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA66XqlG5qbvhnQaXgfm5YlRx24Yn4JOys0V1aWdjm-LQl3kORomurBIGcKhhH99cQnouFa1svQ_-1RakihUR0eMeL1iMc9yPTpVZT58Hc2pRy03jJMtlTolJaJ_d7IoUF62dpy0lF7D4/s640/girl+with+horns+tattoo.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929106186/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a><br />By Joe Deegan at Spilled Ink Tattoo In Dublin, Ireland. Original artwork by AngryBlue!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_id0sBr6a3RFDwV1DAQ4-0lYpU9C_UMLtkDH9V4b4ZLwbFRARaNzfdbsRruVjlknzLeb6Gw_18AZEMmL_RSFUMTJ3e5SyiP0QeFeAooXiqLPjYezMvvItB0hplRKFJijbAPW5d77nTBE/s1600/illustrative+tattoos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_id0sBr6a3RFDwV1DAQ4-0lYpU9C_UMLtkDH9V4b4ZLwbFRARaNzfdbsRruVjlknzLeb6Gw_18AZEMmL_RSFUMTJ3e5SyiP0QeFeAooXiqLPjYezMvvItB0hplRKFJijbAPW5d77nTBE/s640/illustrative+tattoos.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929110352/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Find me on Pinterest</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnlX-MTQRB9vnZgqHMHbfuJXtdPp87-sEaoxOQBwoK3uRALTv7VnOprU6aEV-ZLLppEOnDqtgU-TIJjmY4r8ZJZ68tLSYYjmJ9QxaKIQ1foH6yLYlEVnBTy9Mpz1gS8DXca71hh8K7vw/s200/Sink+Me+in+Ink.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-78584500585073532242013-10-29T17:59:00.000-04:002013-10-29T17:59:36.785-04:00Tattoo Tuesdays: Where Words Fail, Music Speaks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s320/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Music has a way of closing the largest gaps of social differences. It also has a way of doing the very opposite. However, if you let it (and I implore...do it) music can perform magic. <br />
<br />
It seems in every relationship, the good and the bad ones, there is always a song or two or a never ending flow of undiscovered music that happens because one person decided it was time to share something. I can think of at least one song associated with each of the old and gone friends and the newly made friends. Music is universal, it succeeds so often where we mere mortals fail. Scary what power it holds over us...over me.<br />
<br />
Though our hearts (and minds) rarely escape experiences unchanged, music is the gift that keeps on giving. Music is one of those blessings I sit relishing/musing, much as I do with words, "Wow, where would we be, where would I be if God didn't see fit to give us the ability to create symphonies? The ability to write 'foreign little creatures' on lines that direct the sounds of a heart."<br />
<br />
Music tells a story. It tells you 'I love you'. It tells a world 'someone broke my heart'. It tells a generation 'get your shit together'. It stirs a well brewed pot of trouble. It can lay to rest a modicum or a plentitude of fears. <br />
<br />
<br />
Today I'm running <a href="http://with-a-flower.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesdays" target="_blank">Tattoo Tuesdays</a> as a theme post. All tattoos are music inspired. I know, as if you couldn't gather that already. (insert wink)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/luminous-lu/6621487589/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="#2 — mondays are for music by Ana Luísa Pinto [Luminous Photography], on Flickr"><img alt="#2 — mondays are for music" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6621487589_1c3773feec.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo credit (Flickr/Pintrest find):<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/luminous-lu/6621487589/?reg=1&src=fave" target="_blank">Ana Luisa Pinto's '#2 -- mondays are for music'</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember my mentioning of the 'foreign little creatures'? They are speaking a language all their own. According to the photographer, the notes are an actual song. I don't read music, oh to be so lucky, but perhaps you do. Tattoos tell stories and of course this tattoo is brilliant (though it may be the photographers doodling, I can't be sure) because music is telling that story too. Me and finger tattoos...<em>sigh.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8yPZnks4ei-nufuyFArLio9ygd5n5UXpoKbJpbpituhVVlA0iC4a02lZOMIsR76hHL3JlN_iLb5uOq8e6iW_AmezTAMiTW3iNlA1RQ6mZQ85X3Zsnm8-ce7XHxrrN1lxVwUqHuqk0JI/s1600/Ellen+Westholm+music+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8yPZnks4ei-nufuyFArLio9ygd5n5UXpoKbJpbpituhVVlA0iC4a02lZOMIsR76hHL3JlN_iLb5uOq8e6iW_AmezTAMiTW3iNlA1RQ6mZQ85X3Zsnm8-ce7XHxrrN1lxVwUqHuqk0JI/s400/Ellen+Westholm+music+tattoo.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/424816177321666037/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tattoo Artist: Ellen Westholm</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not a rose tattoo kind of gal. Truth be told I don't really like real roses even. However, I like this tattoo very much so, rose and all. My first thought, "Hey that looks like <em>Bokeh</em> effect on a tattoo!" I don't entirely, honestly, understand what <em>Bokeh</em> is, but the background feel of this tattoo looks like the <em>Bokeh</em> effect button I use for editing photos. I like it! It has an old world feel with the shading/coloring. Now...I wish I could read what the words say. Can you read it? Sleeves of course equal always a winner in my book.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dKeczVkIJbenz6wx8bGzF21UJ8eR9nsR5PgY-Ku4ZzxBvppQPoh6-fevv5LnKAsWsrbdiizbhIvU_JidHwQDx3hfD8hwQ6XTdjn8NkeVALe5XTbVxsfMXR7TBewsCrq8JXMQxVlxzKM/s1600/cassette+music+explosion+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dKeczVkIJbenz6wx8bGzF21UJ8eR9nsR5PgY-Ku4ZzxBvppQPoh6-fevv5LnKAsWsrbdiizbhIvU_JidHwQDx3hfD8hwQ6XTdjn8NkeVALe5XTbVxsfMXR7TBewsCrq8JXMQxVlxzKM/s320/cassette+music+explosion+tattoo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929068742/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my favorite music quotes* is Frederick Delius' words: “Music is an outburst of the soul.” </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This tattoo, for me, is reminiscent of those words. I grew up with cassette tapes and sometimes I get a bit nostalgic and miss them. Then I remember numerous occasions of frustrations with cassette players eating away at the intestines of the cassette tape and I think <em>"Erm...no, I'm good."</em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am a little iffy about the red coloring. I know my Mum's first reaction would be, "Is it suppose to represent blood?" (insert smile) Otherwise love the concept.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>“Where words fail, music speaks.”</em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
~Hans Christian Andersen</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Footnotes</strong> (my feet have kickass boots on today, what about you?):</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*This quote is etched on the back of my iPod. I think I have mentioned this before.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music today - Thank you <a href="https://play.spotify.com/track/0sULL7cDSxXnAB4WOZCz1o" target="_blank">Spotify</a> for having <em>The Head And The Heart's</em> new album, <em>Let's Be Still</em>! I can't buy it before Christmas, but I can surely indulge on Spotify.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-80750156205193513802013-10-24T23:00:00.002-04:002013-10-24T23:00:55.701-04:00Thrive Thursdays: Can You Be Convinced? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRieoK-57WVoyFl8rN3ty3jUZ08XlkBMPWNIv38v3Uj0AUmaN5Mrl6XiRPDRVMmRbpfCX0KJr82VpuoiwfvP6wDSjA-gA-oG9CvTIj3VHHp0mjXf4tumEuM46-fcnZMO-ljdfNbZWxQUY/s1600/Thrive+Thursdays.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRieoK-57WVoyFl8rN3ty3jUZ08XlkBMPWNIv38v3Uj0AUmaN5Mrl6XiRPDRVMmRbpfCX0KJr82VpuoiwfvP6wDSjA-gA-oG9CvTIj3VHHp0mjXf4tumEuM46-fcnZMO-ljdfNbZWxQUY/s320/Thrive+Thursdays.png" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Earlier today I presented my <a href="http://instagram.com/litdrivengirl" target="_blank">Instagram</a> followers with two questions via a handy Instagram video. A video that took at least an hour to create...hello multiple interruptions, they were my best friend today.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/f3bOEpBRlI/embed/" style="height: 376px; width: 276px;" width="612"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Why drink out of glass? Why use a </span><a href="http://www.cuppow.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cuppow</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I will let you in on two secrets. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One, I'm a drink snob. This means a few things. I am extremely picky (or have "expensive" taste, it's all how you look at things) when it comes to my water. I buy my water. I refuse to drink the faucet water. It tastes funny and at times downright awful (a few times I have had to succumb to the threat of dehydration* and partake of the sinks "magical goodness"...erm yuck). Being a drink snob means drinking out of plastic is a big fat no, no. It means getting creative. Goodness knows water left in a plastic water bottle all day is enough to induce the hebejebe creepy feeling on your tongue. <em>Run, run away fast!</em> No, drinking out of steel water bottles is not creative. Whether it is true or not, I can't be bothered to research it right now (insert wink)**, I have been told steel water bottles leach steel into your water. While I might not know the facts for sure, I can tell you water left in the steel bottles I have owned have left a metallic taste on the tongue that is in no way pleasant. Remember I let you in on a secret earlier...I'm a drink snob. Are you beginning to agree yet?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Welcome to the world of Glass!</u></strong></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Glass can't absorb whichever liquid (or dry) matter you store in it. Plastic, on the other hand, is porous and will retain the "leftovers". <div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Plastic's "genetic makeup" is chemical. When your container heats up or cools down it is safe to say you will get your daily dose of chemical goodness...whether you asked for it or not.<div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Glass is pretty. As my house can attest to because we save, purchase, and decorate with Glass of all shapes, sizes, and color. Plastic...boring and after a while not so pretty, especially if you use your radiation machine (a.k.a. microwave) to heat things up.***<div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Glass is better for the environment.<div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Liquid or dry, things taste far better in Glass, in my opinion, than they do in Plastic.<div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
While Glass can break and may initially cost more, it has a lifespan far longer (and healthier) than that of it's ugly step cousin three times removed on it's mother's side.<div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Glass is just...well...it's awesome!</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><em>Secret 2</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have a huge crush on a product I was introduced to the latter part of 2012. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Welcome to the world of </u></strong><a href="http://www.cuppow.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Cuppow</strong></a><strong><u>!</u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Why do I love Cuppow? Oh let me count the ways.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Cuppow is Made in America.</strong> I have nothing against items/products made in other countries. However, as someone proud to be an American**** and as a small business owner myself, I understand and truly appreciate the importance for the American dream. The ability to produce and sell our own products, to be able to say "Made in the USA" leaves goose bumps on my arms. What about you? (insert smile)<div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>BPA, phthalates, and BPS Free!</strong> I can't properly explain what this means, but it is awesome! Here is what Cuppow says: <em>Cuppow products are made from food-grade polypropylene that is free of BPA, phthalates, and BPS. We considered using other classic renewables like metal, glass, or bamboo, but ultimately decided that the potential dangers from sharp edges or splinters was too great for our little ones (we’ve got kids too!). So we undertook an extensive investigation into material sources and manufacturing in order to find the perfect solution, and we did! Cuppow is durable enough that it shouldn't foul nor deform over time due to exposure to strong odors, colorants, or heat, which means that [with some love] the Cuppow you buy your toddler could be the same one they bring to college.</em><div>
<em></em> </div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Remember the Glass "argument"?</strong> Who doesn't have a Ball/Mason Jar lying around the house?!? Go to it, make that jar into something remarkable with some Cuppow magic! Might I also mention...Ball Jars are Made in the USA*#<div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Didn't you ever want to be the coolest kid in school?</strong> Look me in the eye and try to tell me you don't like a little attention every now and then. I love people's reaction to the Cuppow. It makes me feel like I had something to do with its creation in this world. Bring on the show and tell time!<div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Let's be friends!</strong> Every instance of communication/contact, be it email, Instagram, Facebook...whatever...the Cuppow team has been awesome to work with. They are great people. I love what they represent.<div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Are you not convinced yet?</strong> They have another product too. <a href="https://vimeo.com/68870138" target="_blank">You know you want to look at it.</a></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I promise I am not being paid. I am being passionate and kind. Heck, I don't have to share my secrets with you. (insert wink)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another project and surprise for the Autumn season in relation to a love of Glass and Cuppow...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Coffee Mittens! Knitting cables at its finest.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNJULBBAkm6QOP-xo81bneLmwLPxixWoCiH0hL46lOeouT8hWmFOsVO4FmfQ7SVkJpWLtocm0P23q_mNGTKJwsD25ZRjbl1YgIbOJaf-xNWTonTFixjMySEsDmm8jtS0Zp_NMf3Z4Cuk/s1600/TealBrown+Coffee+Mitten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNJULBBAkm6QOP-xo81bneLmwLPxixWoCiH0hL46lOeouT8hWmFOsVO4FmfQ7SVkJpWLtocm0P23q_mNGTKJwsD25ZRjbl1YgIbOJaf-xNWTonTFixjMySEsDmm8jtS0Zp_NMf3Z4Cuk/s320/TealBrown+Coffee+Mitten.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVttm77Mfq5rBcCpfUfRSGiGxiTItdUV22m6zPUU_78Mp78242HMa87VgDfHPmd2eEdbZNbRurMe3m8mm-3wxdC00wUJ4WYdVIgH0qeAXv7n3ckBK3zC5wON21q_pullOcCPZhZto4uE/s1600/MangoMadness+Coffee+Mitten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVttm77Mfq5rBcCpfUfRSGiGxiTItdUV22m6zPUU_78Mp78242HMa87VgDfHPmd2eEdbZNbRurMe3m8mm-3wxdC00wUJ4WYdVIgH0qeAXv7n3ckBK3zC5wON21q_pullOcCPZhZto4uE/s320/MangoMadness+Coffee+Mitten.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u><strong>Thriving Moments:</strong></u> Sharing some of passions with you. Showing off a new knitting project...it may be appearing in the shop!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/LitDrivenGirl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Tweet with me.</span></a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/litdrivengirl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Snap some shots.</span></a> | <a href="https://play.spotify.com/user/123728668" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Listen to the music.</span></a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/boards/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Get to pinning</span></a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/109975565339953983352/posts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Up, Up and Plus</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Footnotes:</span></strong></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I am a huge supporter of clean drinking water for those less fortune than I am. So I realize that some of these comments from me may come across as blaze and not thinking of other's hardships when it comes to clean, safe drinking water...regardless of taste. By now, I would hope you realize I'm a rather sarcastic person.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Hello laziness is my friend today as well.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">***I'm not knocking microwaves, as I do own one. I just don't believe they are the healthiest of inventions.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">****long story, but I haven't always been.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*# Do you keep humming "Born in the USA" each time you read this phrase? Because I do! (insert smile)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">No music today...jealously listening to my family watching World War Z without me.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-20935305272043235652013-10-22T19:23:00.000-04:002013-10-22T19:23:18.967-04:00Tattoo Tuesdays: I Wish Resilence Was A Friend Of Mine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s320/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Perhaps you're familiar with the saying "Wish in one hand, spit in the other"? I cannot count the number of times I have said this to myself over the years. I think it is such a common "go to" phrase, you are more likely to hear it than "good morning". <br />
<br />
I hope to never dissuade people, or even my own children someday, to give up the practice of wishing and dreaming. They are such close companions of hoping. <em>Just wishing and hoping</em><br />
<div>
<em>and thinking and praying and planning and dreaming*. </em>They are most definitely the 3 musketeers of a million and one hearts. As much as I love to preach the "wishing gospel", there is a downside, much like other things in life, two sides to every coin.</div>
<br />
<em>I wish I had this.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I wish I was skinner.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I wish I had that.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I wish I was as pretty as _______.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I wish I could just do it.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I wish I was more like _______.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I wish I was stronger.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Wishing can and does get me (us) into trouble. I get caught up in everything I don't have and the qualities I lack, that everything else, the heart of the matter (me), is shoved aside forgotten...left to rot and fester. Scary how quickly we slide into the lifestyle of the "rich and famous", blessings and talents we may already possess loosing any merit in our minds. <br />
<br />
I don't have a quick fix for you. If I did I would greedily consume as much of it myself as I could and then consider sharing. Selfish, aren't I?<br />
<br />
Maybe the first step is confession. That's not easy either, though, but I've said it before...confession is good for the soul. Damn hard to do, especially for hard hearts with a super dash of stubborn, but good nonetheless. <em>Hello my name is Maddie. I wish I was strong and never had to think of weakness again. I wish I was a resilient monster. Watch out world...yeah not so much.</em><br />
<br />
Funny how the writing process works. I didn't have these tattoos before journeying out to write my words. I let the words guide me first and then started thinking <em>Oh shoot! I need to match the ink to the words, don't I?</em> I will let you be the judge of their cohesive (good word...co-he-sive...say it slow, feels good on my tongue) nature.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZoF_RBM65A4gvOGZeWGseGmX7AFz2N9Am6upkB_OiyhF9fYmv37c5dl20UOkM7hnWGkCrS9byV63SrS_x3kBuUlRshpPAkONTJwgc95q63zbht0sGJzR4vGwIYrW-oHoAQI0kL7hvKE/s1600/I+promise+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZoF_RBM65A4gvOGZeWGseGmX7AFz2N9Am6upkB_OiyhF9fYmv37c5dl20UOkM7hnWGkCrS9byV63SrS_x3kBuUlRshpPAkONTJwgc95q63zbht0sGJzR4vGwIYrW-oHoAQI0kL7hvKE/s400/I+promise+tattoo.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929006528/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
Sometimes our promises are strong enough to keep us going...no wishing needed. (insert wink) This is a tattoo I <u><strong>will</strong></u> get. The cleverness of placement and meaning of a pinky promise, yep this is a winner in my books. I love the reminder and of course hand/finger tattoos and me are like this (crosses fingers). If I'm honest, the photo is what initially drew me to this tattoo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyb07VrnY5xGnd1Z8sYCSVzg4w169Nf59wsk6ml-v0UMp-trGSfJ7hGPsJ3h6VL-isdL10glAYg9CaiF-O9H5gUXIq0WBXvILfLMAbaWAokCV7eB1ZnnHBGZLjGsSs5AH6SqmM8_PUOIQ/s1600/existing+living+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyb07VrnY5xGnd1Z8sYCSVzg4w169Nf59wsk6ml-v0UMp-trGSfJ7hGPsJ3h6VL-isdL10glAYg9CaiF-O9H5gUXIq0WBXvILfLMAbaWAokCV7eB1ZnnHBGZLjGsSs5AH6SqmM8_PUOIQ/s400/existing+living+tattoo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i-can-see-this-unraveling.tumblr.com/post/64638980709" target="_blank">Tumblr Find</a></div>
I like at first glance (for me anyways) how this tattoo looks like it is in a different language. The typography is definitely a factor for me and the encouragement of placement, in that everyday you will be pushed to remember. Stop existing. Start LIVING.<br />
<br />
<br />
Last, but not least!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyviAI-dyt3TvD1sGZuWzyM90O6d943GCb9gLW-43X5C0KPhmdDr7b6PbiCh-ehgUvzDJofga5vJdWS_2B-7-QLt6xMyaO01HwOMMGEv5oOPSO5M-uKbD2G9g6pOOHXxRTPY3yTupfp0/s1600/star+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyviAI-dyt3TvD1sGZuWzyM90O6d943GCb9gLW-43X5C0KPhmdDr7b6PbiCh-ehgUvzDJofga5vJdWS_2B-7-QLt6xMyaO01HwOMMGEv5oOPSO5M-uKbD2G9g6pOOHXxRTPY3yTupfp0/s400/star+tattoo.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065929028009/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a></div>
<em>Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket**</em>--no wait tattoo it as a sleeve. (insert wink) You know me, the more black "fill in" ink the better. I don't know why exactly I am drawn to tattoos like this, but goodness knows I'm not in the realm of being brave enough to undergo that much "prodding". I like the slightly abstract feel of this tattoo.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u>Another wishful moment:</u></strong></div>
<em></em><div id="yui-gen60" style="text-align: center;">
<em>Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.</em></div>
<em>
</em><br />
<div id="yui-gen60" style="text-align: center;">
Romans 12:12</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Footnotes </strong>(I think it is sleeting and guess who has Rope Souls on today!):</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Dusty Springfield of course!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">** Has anyone notice how often I reference songs in passing? Perry Como sing it to me!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Music listening was a treat today. I need to remember to "clean up" my Watch Later playlist on YouTube. Talk about wide range of taste!</span></li>
</ul>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-28115258714270849142013-10-17T22:02:00.002-04:002013-10-17T22:02:20.499-04:00Thrive Thursdays: Last Minute Right On Times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://with-a-flower.blogspot.com/search/label/Thrive%20Thursdays" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRieoK-57WVoyFl8rN3ty3jUZ08XlkBMPWNIv38v3Uj0AUmaN5Mrl6XiRPDRVMmRbpfCX0KJr82VpuoiwfvP6wDSjA-gA-oG9CvTIj3VHHp0mjXf4tumEuM46-fcnZMO-ljdfNbZWxQUY/s320/Thrive+Thursdays.png" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is often "funny frustrating" to me how the creative process chooses to work, how and when it chooses to make you the "creator". As though the creative process takes on a life essence of its self and, not bothering to whisper, shouts loud and clear "You there! You are <strong><u>MY</u></strong> muse. Now it is time to have my way with you." This means rain or shine, 8:30 morning calls or burning the midnight oil...you are essentially the creative process's bitch. My what a whirlwind adventure that <strike>can be</strike> is!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I have had words brewing and mingling with the season's inspirations for a couple of days now. It was unclear whether they would present themselves as a poem or an essay of sorts. After the lazy day I had (thank you Hulu for helping me discover you have <em>America's Next Top Model</em>...a weak spot for me) I was left wondering what the heck is Thrive Thursday going to be about. Let's take honesty a step further...I was in tears. The creative process timing can be discouraging, but there is nothing like the words of your Mum and a humbling prayer "Lord give me words for thriving today," to turn things around.<br />
<br />
As my <a href="https://twitter.com/LitDrivenGirl/status/390993367019974656" target="_blank">tweet</a> from post-Thrive stated <em>"A walk in the woods demands a camera, flip-flops (a girls gotta be 1 w/ nature ;), note taking apparatus (ie phone w/ #Evernote) #prepared." </em>When in doubt...take a walk on a beautiful Autumn day, camera in tow and let the moment take ahold of you. Remember the brewing words? How about a poem?!? <em>A poem? How sweet. What poem would that be?*</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u><strong>Autumn Is</strong></u></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">**</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Autumn is</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A hailing specimen from the halls of</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Eric the Red, they call him blood</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">His might unquestioned</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Festooned with a warrior's reapings</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He is a crisp and bone depth nectar of his ancestors</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Autumn is</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A walking figure among the throngs</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of knowledge hungry Yale and Harvard minors</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He is hidden there, silent and bidding</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donning fishermen sweaters and rimmed wisdom</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Giant and unwavering as a tree</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fire branded roots and bearded fiercely</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Perhaps a pirate, searching for earth's time, that he may bed her </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Capturing, besting that which he would have always</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Autumn is</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A musk pervading the senses with his harvests</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He is basking baked delight</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A glowing presence in the window of a chilling breath</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The shrill echoes of a child's memory</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Weaving savvy, a sweet containment</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Autumn is</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Patient as he salvages</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kissing Summer's envy</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The punching crunch heard on every corner</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You must not forget him</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Autumn is</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thin steel fingers mercifully cold</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bone chilling, larger than mine</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">His grounding is inducing </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Beard trimmings littering the ground</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mementos left for finding</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Piled high for leaps and bounds</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">His fire left to warm the rough comings</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Autumn is</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Soulless</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bit by bit shedding his soul</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sacrificing to an unrelenting earth</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">His heart it be not black, but a frenzied canopy of a red sire's offspring</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The fire and flesh, the dying and the sleeping.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Autumn is my master.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
Is it obvious I'm quite infatuated with Autumn? (insert wink)
<br />
<br />
Photography me got to have some fun too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/madmadelyne/sets/72157636672552346/with/10338020065/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxNRzBuwuxrsWBPZLf3ruUePgXDr3AgAqG6tl31PLV4O4H9TSWNGBplOwF50b-bGiDjvyjFGf32nsWkX3CTIbpaLoREtEjGWg_j_7FEzsTqzSvRWl-6YZ5NJegy1MEfoyGZ-EKOLmOaY/s400/Autumn+Collage.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://instagram.com/p/fla2BeBRl5/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiNtnM8f-mqC72ULIucGcy0YlKW3eaqOCmu8JexLy62zwvCy55dvjg2D3IdUpEQBnMK7EbNpUjiSoHDo8BcBUPIcwd7rNjfXpu7Q-MQMcT2f9ZyimR05X-kapw9Xa_o9Vn7DrBrc2l38/s400/IMG_20131017_180644.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<u><strong>Thriving Moments:</strong></u> Letting the creative process take its good ole' sweet time. A poem and pictures.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/LitDrivenGirl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Tweet with me.</span></a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/litdrivengirl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Snap some shots.</span></a> | <a href="https://play.spotify.com/user/123728668" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Listen to the music.</span></a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/boards/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Get to pinning</span></a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/109975565339953983352/posts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Up, Up and Plus</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><em>“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”</em> </span><div style="text-align: center;">
~L.M. Montgomery, <em>Anne of Green Gables</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><em></em></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Footnotes</strong> (who wants to knit me some socks?):</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>*Matilda</em> of course!</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-size: x-small;">**This is an original poem by ME, Maddie. <em>Victory Dance</em></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Music - Liz Lawrence. You <strong>must</strong> listen to her music!</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-33759005159773046822013-10-15T17:48:00.000-04:002013-10-15T17:48:22.077-04:00Tattoo Tuesdays: To Bed with the Grump<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://with-a-flower.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesdays" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s320/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Nothing quite like a gloomy day to be the enabler of a grump like me. Perhaps I need a deck of Uno cards. I can't decide if I want a 'Reverse', 'Skip' or 'Draw Four'...maybe a Wild to change things up a bit. <br />
<br />
I don't feel well so this post will be short and to the point. The point being ink and what I fancy. I fancy INK (said in the voice of a wild fevered woman)!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PUUvLdlNgwXdV5Nt3f0JKAdlJu4v2sONugdxQavqud_fUB8zXIyJeMyrLKUO5Vp0xv7A41Vyuim8sfhr3f7JeHMhZaeLwOdFx1Y_2LYMjlGS-qvLdCV5NomI1FHhQdYbmAwsmDBKsgk/s1600/ink+splatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PUUvLdlNgwXdV5Nt3f0JKAdlJu4v2sONugdxQavqud_fUB8zXIyJeMyrLKUO5Vp0xv7A41Vyuim8sfhr3f7JeHMhZaeLwOdFx1Y_2LYMjlGS-qvLdCV5NomI1FHhQdYbmAwsmDBKsgk/s400/ink+splatter.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065928963909/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Neck tattoos are awesome. The more black ink the better! I like the messy feel of this tattoo, the splatters.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkwocvp3pc5i8KELQN83PU7W_LQa9-8X7KHz2Y8HuCJI6HEx8AeyGkX1ZAln4fHai07M1dqSo4aFry3Vn95g2_aocaBwLXP61Lj7C0_6fBEW1A4AcBARkF4RJGVt63wL8xIhWuXUityw/s1600/watercolor+leg+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkwocvp3pc5i8KELQN83PU7W_LQa9-8X7KHz2Y8HuCJI6HEx8AeyGkX1ZAln4fHai07M1dqSo4aFry3Vn95g2_aocaBwLXP61Lj7C0_6fBEW1A4AcBARkF4RJGVt63wL8xIhWuXUityw/s640/watercolor+leg+tattoo.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065928986266/" target="_blank">Pinterest Find</a> via my friend Anna</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish I had legs to pull this tattoo off. Placement and artwork are phenomenal--<em>PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWERS...Itty-bitty living space!*</em></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunLv9YNcMBDgOTN7LZAteZVp1YwpI9mNa9trpvnOaGCOJ3xKLUsj5IZTZLLNNL5hK0epW-Y4R1nwgIDiaapeduu5O3w4ZFaDMtfq3Gp1w2mjumzbhS5tV9-U2wGAoIGvbwx2sQwwftMg/s640/bluebird.jpg" width="444" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://fyeahtattoos.com/post/64136689753/tattoo-and-bukowski-el-cuervo-ink-by-tyago-silva" target="_blank">Tumblr Find</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Typography...come on you knew I was going to say that, right?!? I love the coloring in this tattoo.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Credits for tattoo: <em>Tattoo and Bukowski!! </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/elcuervoink/posts/678390745504501" target="_blank"><em>El Cuervo Ink</em></a><em> by </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tyago.compiani" target="_blank"><em>Tyago Silva</em></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Last for today:</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH440JBu-6SBv8_q4WwfEO2iBmLsuWwWH0pYkjzo09FEtHuJaBBV_kuG_wVdMzZ3N-faYbz0h0HjTjtLEFImAT0zGwqn64HR18vHd5LKnJjXXoNCZbColL9tGxhHq4YJcvAyx-u5II5c/s1600/stay+away+sweet+misery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH440JBu-6SBv8_q4WwfEO2iBmLsuWwWH0pYkjzo09FEtHuJaBBV_kuG_wVdMzZ3N-faYbz0h0HjTjtLEFImAT0zGwqn64HR18vHd5LKnJjXXoNCZbColL9tGxhHq4YJcvAyx-u5II5c/s320/stay+away+sweet+misery.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pinterest Find</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/UiyEJ7_YLis" target="_blank">Music</a> and its ability to inspire. (sigh) Hand tattoos, always...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Other Tattoo-ish 'stuff' you should checkout in the absence of my words today </strong>(insert smile):</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://vimeo.com/64008706" target="_blank">Honest to Goodness Tattoo</a> - I would love to get inked here. They are located in Grand Rapids, MI. I featured one of their tattoos a while back...I think**.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MomsGotInk?hc_location=stream" target="_blank">Mom's Got Ink</a> - A great Facebook page to follow. I love their posts and it is not all tattoos, but some awesome ink for sure. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Locals - Checkout your local tattoo shops. Many have Flickr and/or Instagram accounts featuring a mini art gallery of their inking awesomeness. I follow several this way. I think it is a form of espionage. (insert wink)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/sink-me-in-ink/" target="_blank">Keep tabs on me</a> - Don't forget you can follow my tattoo (and piercings) Pinterest board. I love getting suggested pins sent to me. They could appear on my board or even here on the blog!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“I'm sick. I've eaten civilisation and I'm sick.”</em> <br />~Aldous Huxley </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Footnotes</strong> (today they are cold, another reason to go to bed):</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I'm quoting Genie from <em>Aladdin</em> because remember it is Disney challenge month at my house and that was the first thing that came to mind.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**I know I featured this shop before, but I couldn't find the post. Maybe I'm lazy today?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music today Tom Odell's iTunes Live Festival performance on the shop's iPad. I think I like him.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-49229507271260537872013-10-14T14:47:00.000-04:002013-10-14T14:47:53.553-04:00Mundane Mondays: Intelligence is Sexy, But Maybe You Need to Dial it Back a Bit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnw7YZeL1lDQyVryawq8Z1GCjMzbKK1RbBaDOcchKPIkP9tfXKNBOWZXa8IdyNip33MmfayHOXzjsOYjq5X2Hk0KvLuVGU0nRnjTdYPdTs_6RVXv36Lmdo_MEmIu-_GlrtaNgIDiB_9A/s1600/Mondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnw7YZeL1lDQyVryawq8Z1GCjMzbKK1RbBaDOcchKPIkP9tfXKNBOWZXa8IdyNip33MmfayHOXzjsOYjq5X2Hk0KvLuVGU0nRnjTdYPdTs_6RVXv36Lmdo_MEmIu-_GlrtaNgIDiB_9A/s200/Mondays.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I believe it is one of the human conditions, we may never be "cured" of, the desire for answers. As was my dilemma last night when bargaining with the sandman for some much needed sleep. My mind doesn't like the idea of reaching the day's denouement (i.e. the final part, the end), it wants to keep going and going. It is a double-edged sword, though, because I do some of my best writing, thinking and have my revelation aha moments during the wee hours of a sleepless night. I can't decide what I want to trade, exhaustion or lucid moments in a creative's life.<br />
<br />
The need for answers sent me on a mission. My mission was to wake up the next day (today) and start reading a book. By the title alone this book would seem to have answers or at the very least a little pat on the back of mutual understanding. Another human condition, a mutual understanding, a commiseration partner in crime. No pity, no just that simple little nod of the head that tells you "Oi, I know how you feel mate." (Yes my mind talks to me in accents, doesn't yours?)<br />
<br />
Twenty some pages in and I have a pile of mounting thoughts and inspirations. The inspiration for this blog post. I'm not encouraging you with this book, not yet at least. Heck, I'm not even telling you the title of the book...until later.<br />
<br />
<strong>To the Author</strong> (were that you were still alive, making this an even more beneficial post):<br />
<br />
I wish for a moment, and by a moment I mean the entirety of one of your small novels, you would set aside the "lurking" scholars you name as friends. Them that taught you, instilled this notion that intelligence is best used as a weapon of mocking. You are someone I esteem highly and it is not my intention to belittle all of you works. I see more and more, why people, namely the laymen of this world, have distrusted religion for thousands of years. The leaders, the teachers, continue to hold all the cards leaving "us little guys" at a continued disadvantage. Jesus didn't come as a King or Emperor or even a Church elected theologian...he came as a humbled man. We, you and people of a position of moral intelligence would do well to exemplify this in your writing. Talk to me! I don't need fancy words or "ring around the rosy" endless prattle for the benefit of aforementioned scholars. I don't need impressed, I need expression of thought that leaves me reeling for days because I'm having my own aha moments. I don't need nor want the held at arms length "it will come with age" elder that looms a sort of indoctrinated fear in me that I will never understand so why bother. Talk to me! Forget the scholars and collars, the critics and the intelligent hipsters that claim they understand you, but are just as lost as I am. Feed a beggar, stop petting the glutton's soul.<br />
<br />
<strong>For the record</strong> (everyone else):<br />
<br />
I love intelligence. Some days I can't think of anything more invigorating than a conversation that has me walking around in a fog of "wow that was provoking". I abhor notions of dumbing it down or abridgements, condensing or said enthusiastically "updated for a modern age!" I don't want you or authors to change.<br />
<br />
You're talking to the girl that when she discovered Harry Potter might have been "dumbed down" for an American audience was furious. I went on a rampage seeking proof and explanation. I asked numerous people's opinions and wondered allowed "What the hell do they think American's need help understanding better in Harry Potter or any book for that matter?!?" Undermining my intelligence, unless it is me doing it, or someone else's is intelligence is a big no, no.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEZRALi-Y2bKzsobR0mfrsYBvzZm30Kp8aygy8bTbZ4OcdCXWcjsZ_sx_uT1N-m7jpVVlFUez_66uBKk6oJQGzLgRRtpawBKwkqa9xwndznXdsIAao6TolZ2ihC-bE3htcFTL_CH6_6g/s1600/sapiosexual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEZRALi-Y2bKzsobR0mfrsYBvzZm30Kp8aygy8bTbZ4OcdCXWcjsZ_sx_uT1N-m7jpVVlFUez_66uBKk6oJQGzLgRRtpawBKwkqa9xwndznXdsIAao6TolZ2ihC-bE3htcFTL_CH6_6g/s320/sapiosexual.jpg" width="201" /></a>My fixation with intelligence does not leave me blind or neglectful of the masses. I appreciate it, it does not mean that I am this brilliant person without necessity for intelligent growth. I guess what I'm saying is I want recognition that "us little guys" need to be nurtured and because I love words, just as much as intelligence if not more, I want my nurturing to come in the form of words I can comprehend, <strong><u>we</u></strong> can comprehend. Don't revoke our ability to understand the deep "stuff" or belittle us with the "short and sweet" versions. I may be both, short and sweet in nature, but I can bite too. (insert grin)<br />
<br />
<em>Rant over</em><br />
<em></em><br />
The book? <em>The Problem of Pain</em> by C.S. Lewis and mind you I've only read 20 some pages (as stated before). I plan to keep reading and because I so admire this man I'm willing to be less "ready to jump" with accusations. He truly was a brilliant man. However, I'm still want to wonder how much of his writing was postulating to his fellow scholars and the desire to match them "word for word". Food for thought that is...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“I am going to bed. I will have nightmares involving huge monsters in academic robes carrying long bloody butcher knives labeled Excerpt, Selection, Passage, and Abridged.”</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Helene Hanff, <em>84 Charing Cross Road</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Footnotes (mine are still in flip-flops, are yours?)</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music today: P!ATD new album, <em>Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die!</em></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Early morning thoughts in written form can be dangerous or fun, depending on how you look at it, hence this blog post.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-78740457852973011952013-10-10T22:09:00.000-04:002013-10-10T22:09:29.635-04:00Thrive Thursdays: I Brought You Flours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRieoK-57WVoyFl8rN3ty3jUZ08XlkBMPWNIv38v3Uj0AUmaN5Mrl6XiRPDRVMmRbpfCX0KJr82VpuoiwfvP6wDSjA-gA-oG9CvTIj3VHHp0mjXf4tumEuM46-fcnZMO-ljdfNbZWxQUY/s1600/Thrive+Thursdays.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRieoK-57WVoyFl8rN3ty3jUZ08XlkBMPWNIv38v3Uj0AUmaN5Mrl6XiRPDRVMmRbpfCX0KJr82VpuoiwfvP6wDSjA-gA-oG9CvTIj3VHHp0mjXf4tumEuM46-fcnZMO-ljdfNbZWxQUY/s320/Thrive+Thursdays.png" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
If you want full proof methodology for how to win my heart, you need look no further than a few of life's simple pleasures. It is obvious you can do your research in movies, but books work too. Also you can just ask. (insert wink) The first time I watched <em>You've Got Mail</em> and heard Tom Hanks/Joe Fox mention a bouquet of sharpened pencils, I felt "Ah there's a man that needs to teach lessons." Sweet and simple. Then there is the <em>Stranger Than Fiction</em> scene when Will Ferrell/Harold Crick humbles himself and brings Maggie Gyllenhaal/Ana Pascal a box of flours. A baker's delight.<br />
<br />
A few months ago I was introduced (via Google+) to this brilliant "simple" win my heart scheme:<br />
<br />
<em>You know how people buy drinks for girls in bars? Why can't people do that in bookstores? Like if I'm looking at a novel in Barnes and Noble and some person walks up to me and strikes up a conversation and offers to buy the book for me there is a lot better chance of that working out in their favor... I'm going to reblog this until it's a cultural norm.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
What point am I trying to make?<br />
<br />
It is no secret how much I value the simple pleasures of life. I have blogged about this before and I'm offering up some of my favorite simply romantic favorites, not to give you ideas (insert wink), but to let you in on more who I am. Part of thriving for me is enjoying the simple things and learning what makes my heart smile. Bouquets of sharpened pencils. Books. Flours. What I wouldn't have done for a box of flours today?<br />
<br />
I spent my afternoon alternating between the ever mounting laundry pile (don't tell my Mum, but laundry is one of my favorite chores) and baking. Baking is never a dull or Stepford wife, perfection incarnate, domestic time for me. It is a mad explosion of my ingredients everywhere, including the floor much to the great appreciation of my dog. Baking is stopping and starting because dishes have to be washed and Netflix must be managed. Things are never quiet for me, silence is a curse. Baking is the Pinterest board open and squealing when the recipe is manageable or scheming when you lack ingredients. <br />
<br />
What did I bake?<br />
<br />
I travelled several times a year with my previous job. A staple of my trips were airport terminal stops at the Starbucks. This meant a Frappuccino of some flavor or another and a cinnamon scone. I was almost positive my flight would be jinxed if Starbucks kept me from my scone by "running out" before I got there.<br />
<br />
Today I made the <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/01/skinny-chocolate-chip-buttermilk-scones.html" target="_blank">Skinny Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Scones</a>. The recipe found on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33777065928933023/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. <br />
<br />
<strong>Discovery One:</strong> I need to purchase a pastry brush. My fingers or a spoon are just not acceptable replacements.<br />
<br />
The recipe was easy to follow and I did substitute the flour mentioned for one kind (unbleached store brand white flour), rather than the 1 cup all purpose and 1 cup white whole wheat. My scones still taste great! They were so pretty too. (insert smile)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJtWeKVVdQE1UnZ1A1x-ipnAyjdirnUHR47YxeFB7rZlnFE5ndMVpT4yfYM3WDE65rAUbOOKYbiRlNz6HvcWzSDwOPdqvUWfn3r0SoGx54sw2tgsPaT7B7BTVsq4bgrlMNSSOvPHZLTs/s1600/whole+scone+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJtWeKVVdQE1UnZ1A1x-ipnAyjdirnUHR47YxeFB7rZlnFE5ndMVpT4yfYM3WDE65rAUbOOKYbiRlNz6HvcWzSDwOPdqvUWfn3r0SoGx54sw2tgsPaT7B7BTVsq4bgrlMNSSOvPHZLTs/s400/whole+scone+edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cutting a circle into 12 "equal" parts is tricky.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEegmntTAhxP20Rj62WPXauRerp1c7yW-YMLFmTdsNdzkKQxivn4NeBBzuqM34DnM2PgKfS8WcTbKNRoBr2-m9uxvBC6k-MPmK0qkhpAyKghFM2kAvtr2fjJNCDptynmjHjqIH2EeCtE/s1600/cut+out+scone+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEegmntTAhxP20Rj62WPXauRerp1c7yW-YMLFmTdsNdzkKQxivn4NeBBzuqM34DnM2PgKfS8WcTbKNRoBr2-m9uxvBC6k-MPmK0qkhpAyKghFM2kAvtr2fjJNCDptynmjHjqIH2EeCtE/s400/cut+out+scone+edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Guess who had the first scone?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dinner was the next endeavor. Left with directions to utilize the "dozens of" farm fresh eggs in the fridge and kielbasa sausage, I knew regular ole' breakfast was not on the docket. Let's make things messy and interesting.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Breakfast for dinner <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-calzones-and-freez-151276" target="_blank">Calzone</a> style! The <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/" target="_blank">theKitchn</a> website may very well be my new favorite recipe site. Detailed directions (pictures!), suggestions and tester remarks. The best part of this Calzone recipe, aside from how easy it was? The fact they gave me a recipe for the <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/weekend-cooking-homemade-thinc-45499" target="_blank">pizza dough</a>, whereas every other recipe I came across shoed me away with "1 frozen pizza dough". Heck if I am going all out for this I might as well make my own dough! Thank you very much. (insert smile)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The pizza dough one of the best (and easiest to make) I have had in a long time.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Discovery Two:</strong> The recipe may say bake for 15 minutes and then rotate baking for an additional 15 minutes, but 15 minutes at 450 was more than enough. I burnt my first batch and though my family gladly ate them, it would have been nice to have them all turn out like the second batch.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxZ8skxnEhJ3aXoAyr4_dIxnSjvrsh5r6eSCrnbXQ6WcOhWRuuJkaV1JhFLS7Ql7LIKkCazvS4-tUBj0g7jOs8NElsSYGsGfGEUh2PVrt1gpdWsSm-iyEIPsHmjD4yVQgeBsjC0Oqs5c/s1600/calzone+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxZ8skxnEhJ3aXoAyr4_dIxnSjvrsh5r6eSCrnbXQ6WcOhWRuuJkaV1JhFLS7Ql7LIKkCazvS4-tUBj0g7jOs8NElsSYGsGfGEUh2PVrt1gpdWsSm-iyEIPsHmjD4yVQgeBsjC0Oqs5c/s400/calzone+edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stuffed with cheese, scrambled eggs and kielbasa sausage. The votes are in and this is a do again!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Thriving Moments:</strong> Utilizing ingredients in the house with minimal grocery shopping. Baking 2 new things!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/LitDrivenGirl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Tweet with me.</span></a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/litdrivengirl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Snap some shots.</span></a> | <a href="https://play.spotify.com/user/123728668" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Listen to the music.</span></a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/boards/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Get to pinning</span></a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/109975565339953983352/posts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #249fa3;">Up, Up and Plus</span></a></div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-39224897694173393112013-10-08T17:33:00.005-04:002013-10-08T17:33:56.063-04:00Tattoo Tuesdays: Many Minds, Many Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s1600/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6j960jShaU3lSITCTMOjHIJEXTd5-PVBZjR4QZ1gS5i2GGkp2sK5jj1nZ5Rak28itpxNUQ0WQtlMZkUXbYR5xvOOVjkqoUw756PxkyuhTSY21W5VJEyV4FEQQytsaiCcNsFnUtQulP0/s320/tattoo+tuesdays+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have my days of internalizing. Bloody mess and an extreme annoyance, it would seem, to those around me. I am a <strike>complicated</strike> contemplative lady. I think the Proverb*, "Even a fool is thought wise...," rings a little too loudly. Of course I like to scream (mentally of course, ladies never scream or shout) "Read between the lines!"<br />
<br />
Today I am pleading the internalize moment, think of it as pleading the fifth only less legal ramifications. (insert smile) I know I normally pull out the ole' soapbox, which never has many opportunities to collect dust, and connect the dots of the tattoos with my thoughts for the day. However, today the tattoos will be speaking for themselves. They don't need much of an introduction, as is often the case with art...it speaks for itself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn9Dtzl2-kJSoyP038QliimKqlBIwkHQjpoM0n5x6X2wyAy2auigLHND7KdX5rxBh2-sWiKXQa7rbxchOvszNy86cHWW7lzh541gOPQd6lfFuRqfN0_cUC-sRk8LqM4Zfh4nClRBVwlY/s1600/hair+noveau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn9Dtzl2-kJSoyP038QliimKqlBIwkHQjpoM0n5x6X2wyAy2auigLHND7KdX5rxBh2-sWiKXQa7rbxchOvszNy86cHWW7lzh541gOPQd6lfFuRqfN0_cUC-sRk8LqM4Zfh4nClRBVwlY/s640/hair+noveau.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tumblr find. </div>
<br />
This tattoo is so reminiscent of a design I have been thinking of for my arm, I instantly "liked", "reblogged", "pinned" and I'm now sharing it with you. I am reminded of Howard Pyle and an Art Nouveau print's love child. If I were to show this tattoo to my Mum, I know her immediate response would be "Oh let's embroider that!" Outlining detail is great. I would love to find the original artist responsible for this tattoo.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Art is not a transcript nor a copy. Art is the expression of those beauties and emotions that stir the human soul.</em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Howard Pyle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><strong>Other Features for Today:</strong></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpisHgdfGlXvT7T-e0IcgTodkMmUZ0FpN_58qUqAMa5KeT_V00-_BxS4reGubqRtimtpMpZOKQhpAwP4bYFGtpJIxZzN6RMcePxHbsiRqVADrJIK-5cWoHqREzwmkK0YBLoxNxBEQ1_k/s1600/to+infinity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpisHgdfGlXvT7T-e0IcgTodkMmUZ0FpN_58qUqAMa5KeT_V00-_BxS4reGubqRtimtpMpZOKQhpAwP4bYFGtpJIxZzN6RMcePxHbsiRqVADrJIK-5cWoHqREzwmkK0YBLoxNxBEQ1_k/s400/to+infinity.jpg" width="321" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pinterest find</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Reference, placement and clever...what's not to like? The typography could be a smidge cleaner, but this is coming from a nut. (insert wink)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmLZ2CUXLn1UuHrsgTv2i8WBQVarOlb60uspHCml0lu83E01uxt8rPRJOwyLA_2aE6oIxKXIMmqB0Dda2ciYO1Ua5oOmhLwvoA_q8vS8vDRTpPOwbgfjUqlCYEK-F2BJP5nYDbjtQjEA/s1600/dreamcatcher+steampunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmLZ2CUXLn1UuHrsgTv2i8WBQVarOlb60uspHCml0lu83E01uxt8rPRJOwyLA_2aE6oIxKXIMmqB0Dda2ciYO1Ua5oOmhLwvoA_q8vS8vDRTpPOwbgfjUqlCYEK-F2BJP5nYDbjtQjEA/s400/dreamcatcher+steampunk.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pinterest find</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Three things come to mind, a Dreamcatcher meets Steampunk meets an Aquatic creature. This tattoo wants to tell me a story...or wants me to tell it's story. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final find...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On late night shopping ventures with my sister, we always stop in the book section. Last night we made our way to the magazines and stood there wishing we could subscribe/purchase a particular magazine. Which magazine? <strong><u>Inked</u></strong>. The cover featured one of the best examples of a <strong>good</strong> facial tattoo that I have seen in a long time. I couldn't find a great picture of it online, but I did find the small image below. You could go to your local grocery for a closer look. (insert wink)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHVe5JmwH8o8zQ_N-J_kuFXTpdPCISTaTxQi5u46r8-J7mLGdZZ9NRDWRCqVrDaVZ1TI1ZKvPaLZRwVW96GxhSUdmXu_p-9khvpgZiiGgiLhe_iRNBfcktq_1dCh9D0saox3z9rDqwTo/s1600/Inked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHVe5JmwH8o8zQ_N-J_kuFXTpdPCISTaTxQi5u46r8-J7mLGdZZ9NRDWRCqVrDaVZ1TI1ZKvPaLZRwVW96GxhSUdmXu_p-9khvpgZiiGgiLhe_iRNBfcktq_1dCh9D0saox3z9rDqwTo/s1600/Inked.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We both appreciated the tattoos subtlety. Yes I know a face tattoo isn't exactly subtle, but this tattoo has an elegance and lacks the glaring/screaming "I have a face tattoo" attribute I've seen before.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Talk about life – but in your own way.</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
~Howard Pyle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Footnotes (the ballads are in):</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Proverbs 17:28</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music delights today <em>Little Green Cars</em> and a new to me </span><a href="https://play.spotify.com/user/theperfectmistake/playlist/6FXkcoU3v2K4DPclkU5Wyq" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Autumn Playlist</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> on Spotify</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-32769188649572435162013-10-07T23:10:00.000-04:002013-10-07T23:34:23.753-04:00Mundane Mondays: I Speak Fluent Movie Quotes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnw7YZeL1lDQyVryawq8Z1GCjMzbKK1RbBaDOcchKPIkP9tfXKNBOWZXa8IdyNip33MmfayHOXzjsOYjq5X2Hk0KvLuVGU0nRnjTdYPdTs_6RVXv36Lmdo_MEmIu-_GlrtaNgIDiB_9A/s1600/Mondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnw7YZeL1lDQyVryawq8Z1GCjMzbKK1RbBaDOcchKPIkP9tfXKNBOWZXa8IdyNip33MmfayHOXzjsOYjq5X2Hk0KvLuVGU0nRnjTdYPdTs_6RVXv36Lmdo_MEmIu-_GlrtaNgIDiB_9A/s200/Mondays.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Growing up a Midwest Small-town girl does not mean I don't know my way around a good movie conversation. I can't honestly lay a finger on the person responsible for feeding the movie bug in my family. It seems each of us, to some degree or another, have it. Our tastes are vast and often result in "heated" discussions wherein we (to no avail) attempt to convince the other of our love of such and such or why it is a must see. One thing is for sure . . . fluency is a no brainer.<br />
<br />
I don't delve into movie genres I'm not comfortable with or require me to spend too much time thinking through a convoluted plot. By thinking I mean the reviewers that want to convince me there is a deeper meaning to EVERYTHING. However, if you were to meet my brothers you would discover two specifics when dealing with their movie business. One they are self-proclaimed (ok maybe it is more teasing on <strong>my</strong> part) movie snobs and two, deep meaning and conversations are necessary traits to bring to the table. It would seem, by default they are rubbing off on me and causing me to rethink the whole "surface feel good" films of the past. I'm not saying it is easy or that I don't scratch my head, staring at them wondering how they don't see what I see . . . boring, etc.<br />
<br />
Always learning, always developing new tastes.<br />
<br />
Recently I have opened myself up more and more to trying films I wouldn't, of my own accord, watch. The choices they are always "begging" me to give a chance. The results are in and maybe some self-proclamations are in order.<br />
<br />
What's been playing at the local theater, a.k.a my house?<br />
<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Carrie</strong></em><br />
Welcome to plot/character development nightmares and head spinning dancing scenes!<br />
<br />
During the month of October my brother's typically have a goal to watch as many "Scary" movies as they can during the frightful month. As the remake is due out later this month and none of us had indulged in this special treat of a film, it was a no brainer. Overzealous religious types will always have a special place in my heart; whereas the gym teacher who cares a little too much for comfort will always come off creepy, almost creepier than Carrie herself. It will not be a difficult task for Kimberly Peirce (<em>Carrie</em> 2013 director) to give us a new/updated perspective of this classic.<br />
<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Lord of the Flies</strong></em> (1963)<br />
This adaption is proof that I am, though I wasn't denying it before, entirely too desensitized in the realm of violence.<br />
<br />
I can appreciate the dedication to a <strong>real </strong>child cast and I even found myself liking the feel the Black and White gave to the overall film. However, this adaptation made me question . . . what the heck is so violent about the book that is/was banned? Yes, yes, I know children kill and kill each other, but let's face it <em>The Hunger Games</em> is more violent in the scope of things AND it mostly alluded to the happenings. I reiterate . . . desensitized. The movie was slow and I kept looking at my brother and wondering "When will it end?" Although, silently because talking during movies is strictly frowned upon. (insert grin)<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Stoker</em></strong><br />
I am a cinematography junky. If not for that I believe this film would have fallen a little flat. The colors and old world 1950s feel was great, even though that mainly applied to the Stoker family. I found myself thinking, creepy crawling feeling squelched, "I would like to take a fieldtrip to their house."<br />
<br />
When I can relate to a characters strangeness (psychopath tendencies aside) I often wonder how strange are they really. Perhaps I empathize too much with the "odd 'man' out". I don't know, but I wanted to be India Stoker's friend and just to be safe learn how to run fast and shoot a gun. (insert smile)<br />
<br />
The film was slightly predictable, but maybe it was intended to come off that way. I could be persuaded to watch it again or give the director another go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>In other News...</strong><br />
<br />
Disney Film challenge this month!<br />
<br />
Elyza (my sister) and I are attempting to watch a "classic" Disney film each day. The classic is a loosely used term, as you will see with our list thus far.<br />
<br />
Day One - <em>Beauty and The Beast</em> - Fun commentary time<br />
Day Two - <em>The Black Cauldron</em> - Why bother?<br />
Day Three - <em>Toy Story</em> - Rule breaker according to our brother because at the time <em>Pixar</em> was not affiliated with Disney. Even now it is distributed by Disney not made by them. Details, details...<br />
Day Four - <em>The Emperor's New Groove</em> - Quotable heaven<br />
Day Five - <em>Alice in Wonderland</em> - If you used this film adaption to persuade me I should read the book . . . epic fail.<br />
Day Six - <em>Lilo & Stitch</em> - More reasons why I want to move to Hawaii and become a surfer.<br />
<br />
Most Disney movies have a content level, at times, I question how I would explain to my children (i.e. Lilo's use of Voodoo for her 'friends', "My friends need to be punished."). This only being mentioned/questioned for the highly observant children I know, otherwise not true concern just curiosity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57GY7lJnoNBCeilFvqrZnQGO-fVOVuOgrkfVpzMmLgQYv8xdHA7f7RdUgYi2vCSTg9aG_IKYAziVy6_Tw2GWZ3l2tQY9jv6WV1BpqYwh7BS-FgnRnFZUdI1DmiroSPAZgojgdaX50ZDw/s1600/speak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57GY7lJnoNBCeilFvqrZnQGO-fVOVuOgrkfVpzMmLgQYv8xdHA7f7RdUgYi2vCSTg9aG_IKYAziVy6_Tw2GWZ3l2tQY9jv6WV1BpqYwh7BS-FgnRnFZUdI1DmiroSPAZgojgdaX50ZDw/s320/speak.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156426057777825303.post-16160462758814944522013-10-03T20:21:00.004-04:002013-10-03T20:21:50.785-04:00Thrive Thursdays: Shoveling and Baristas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRieoK-57WVoyFl8rN3ty3jUZ08XlkBMPWNIv38v3Uj0AUmaN5Mrl6XiRPDRVMmRbpfCX0KJr82VpuoiwfvP6wDSjA-gA-oG9CvTIj3VHHp0mjXf4tumEuM46-fcnZMO-ljdfNbZWxQUY/s1600/Thrive+Thursdays.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRieoK-57WVoyFl8rN3ty3jUZ08XlkBMPWNIv38v3Uj0AUmaN5Mrl6XiRPDRVMmRbpfCX0KJr82VpuoiwfvP6wDSjA-gA-oG9CvTIj3VHHp0mjXf4tumEuM46-fcnZMO-ljdfNbZWxQUY/s320/Thrive+Thursdays.png" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
There's something to be said about best laid plans and tricking the universe with spontaneity. I'm starting to believe had I not planned my morning out earlier this week my "best laid plans" might have been in my favor. However, that's assuming my life choices have anything to do with the weather patterns. I shouldn't give myself <strike>too much</strike> that much credit. <br />
<br />
My Thriving Thursday plans? I had planned to hang out with my sister and Calvin (my camera) at the local nature reserve. Earlier this year I visited it for the first time, since living in this area, for a senior photo session. I should not have waited so long to greet the greater outdoors, it is only a 15 minute country drive from where I live. Calvin has been weighing heavy on my conscience. He and I haven't been on speaking terms much lately. I was ready to take my Thursday and make it all about Calvin.<br />
<br />
Rain. I love it, but today it forced an unwanted plot twist. I have been at the shop all day since cancelling. My Mum was begged upon to cover, but then the weather, as it is in the Mid-west, saw fit to change. Temperamental (sheesh).<br />
<br />
Unexpected shop days can often be lazy days. I've read. I've knitted. I've watched some Amazon Prime. I've been thinking. I've been thinking "Damn this post isn't going to be very inspiring or thought provoking." <em>Hold on, wait a minute...put a little love in it.</em> (insert smile)<br />
<br />
Yesterday was spent canning and cooking. How quaint? Exhausting is more like it, but so worth it! This got me thinking. I love a task. The hard work, effort, time and even the late night exhaustion are what make a dull Maddie so many things. Most of all? Happy.<br />
<br />
The thinking reminded me of a story my Mum once told me. She read a book about Henry Ward Beecher and while I'm not a huge fan of his, I can appreciate his work ethic. Henry would often struggle with dark thoughts and moody times. During these 'episodes' it was to the basement with him! He would begin shoveling a pile of sand he had stored there from one end of the basement to the other. Upon finishing he felt his mind freed of his earlier conflicts. <br />
<br />
This is why I love tasks. They keep the demons at bay. They don't leave room for the nonsense of this world to take up your time with would be cripplers. Find your shoveling task and have at it! I know it might sound funny, but laundry. Summer time and a laundry line are an I.V. of happy to my lil' ole heart.<br />
<br />
Even though I felt a tad lazy today I did learn how to make espresso (say it with an accent and it tastes so good on your tongue). At the shop we are considering staying open late one night for shoppers and another night for knitters. I asked the owner of the coffee shop next door, he is also my landlord, if we could keep his shop open for him. This means learning new drinks. I already know how to make chai, but give me more, give me more! He said yes, so now we just have to drum up some interest. Who doesn't love books, caffeine, knitting, late nights or a combination thereof?<br />
<br />
My baristas name? <em>Pete Brew Babe</em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Thriving Moments:</strong> The mechanics of coffee :) and how to greet a blah day. Perhaps thriving can't be planned...it just happens.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/LitDrivenGirl" target="_blank">Tweet with me.</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/litdrivengirl" target="_blank">Snap some shots.</a> | <a href="https://play.spotify.com/user/123728668" target="_blank">Listen to the music.</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/litdrivengirl/boards/" target="_blank">Get to pinning</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/109975565339953983352/posts" target="_blank">Up, Up and Plus</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Psalm 118:24</strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>All words are pegs to hang ideas on.</em><br />
~<strong>Henry Ward Beecher</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Footnotes (<em>Bells on her fingers and rings on her toes. Has anybody seen my...toe rings </em>;)?)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Today my music of choice, while writing, has been my <em>The Glitch Mob</em> Pandora station.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Knitters can also find me on </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/rapaciouscurls" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ravelry</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Guess whose going home to listen to the <em>Lorde</em> album?!? Oh yeah me, me, me...</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Maddie (aka Pete)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05429331605211550021noreply@blogger.com0