tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62232264270255277362024-02-07T00:26:57.324-08:00BUT I LOVE ME MOREMS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-71670077477748624352011-04-04T22:55:00.000-07:002011-04-04T23:20:04.422-07:00MAN OR THE MONEY?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJsh4ByJR2EM0onSWV56danlLZQSneHLU4ABY6kzw9D5FoyuzMoA8UiDIRbG3FISP8WFBuBd_QuJNHxyLsvWAhipD1HHnvCA4LBKl8wSxr4mHgZ_tPil1L0rGHbkKpX6_8RXBtIiMIqM/s1600/woman-symbol_money.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJsh4ByJR2EM0onSWV56danlLZQSneHLU4ABY6kzw9D5FoyuzMoA8UiDIRbG3FISP8WFBuBd_QuJNHxyLsvWAhipD1HHnvCA4LBKl8wSxr4mHgZ_tPil1L0rGHbkKpX6_8RXBtIiMIqM/s400/woman-symbol_money.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591978682042754306" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">i relocated from vancouver to chicago 18 months ago to live with my boyfriend after two years in a long distance relationship. he is the only person i know here and i'm having a hell of a hard time adjusting. work or lack of it has been the hardest thing. i'm home alone all day, can't meet people and depend on my man for money constantly.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">last week a friend gave me the heads up on a job in my hometown, i applied and they want to interview me! the pay would be almost six figures and i could start right away. when i told my man, he shrugged off the opportunity and said 'do what you want.'</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">do i stay in chicago and try to make it work with my man? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">or follow up on what could be an awesome opportunity?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold; ">Have a similar situation? Comments? Let us know below. <a href="http://www.darlingnicky.ca">Darling Nicky</a> will give you the straight talk! </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-56985925979669702011-04-04T22:51:00.001-07:002011-04-04T23:18:10.320-07:00WILL I ALWAYS FEEL GUILTY?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLZ5bia2c8ele4TuCriOlQF5zM5BNjOqMIYhx1AXP4RoIxhwJMsSsXL-SPNySOEipIIyMOWbMVbCVhMDrlNlw9Nva_0n2J1cGp68t9bh270Ahv66epUggWCblKPij4D4RRJ5yTPKBf04/s1600/needless-guilt.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLZ5bia2c8ele4TuCriOlQF5zM5BNjOqMIYhx1AXP4RoIxhwJMsSsXL-SPNySOEipIIyMOWbMVbCVhMDrlNlw9Nva_0n2J1cGp68t9bh270Ahv66epUggWCblKPij4D4RRJ5yTPKBf04/s400/needless-guilt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591978777357421266" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">seven months ago, my girlfriend of three years got pregnant. i was totally freaked out and unprepared and pressured her to abort the child. she had the abortion and looking back, i was a total prick about the whole thing. we fought constantly afterwards and it was impossible to look at her. forget having sex. i blamed her for everything and after i cussed her out in a drunken rage, she moved out. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">since then, i've been in a state of grief - about her, the unborn child and my assholeish behavior. i have no idea how to deal. i'm only writing you because i can't talk to my boys about this and i honestly think i'm starting to develop a drinking problem (four times a week i get pissy drunk). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">therapy isn't my thing, but i need to do something. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">will i always feel guilty? do i try to get her back?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Have a similar situation? Comments? Let us know below. <a href="http://www.darlingnicky.ca">Darling Nicky</a> will give you the straight talk! </span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-15793400575113978992011-04-04T22:46:00.000-07:002011-04-04T23:24:04.582-07:00PLAYER FOR LIFE?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrgS0QPp5xGvTYUBTka8L0Bw_31XSHK1HTQr-wDOpq2WpXxkhWt8cvrCiPv5LTDxwq9WZBBozq4zPmFU9cgtSTbJ1xXT_bhSVU-oCijU-c7tMKoBG0_O8m6hNPzWaAMXvM4-o9_cfF5E/s1600/burt_20reynolds1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrgS0QPp5xGvTYUBTka8L0Bw_31XSHK1HTQr-wDOpq2WpXxkhWt8cvrCiPv5LTDxwq9WZBBozq4zPmFU9cgtSTbJ1xXT_bhSVU-oCijU-c7tMKoBG0_O8m6hNPzWaAMXvM4-o9_cfF5E/s400/burt_20reynolds1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591981375724084418" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">i dumped my ex and now i feel she might be the one. she had goals, drive and a stable career while i'm still in 'mister cool guy' mode. it was a control issue (on my part) and i just couldn't make her what i wanted to be. now i feel that if i settled down and 'got it together' then she would come back. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">friends say i'll resent her and to keep my playboy lifestyle alive.</span></span></span></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">i miss her, but is that enough reason to settle down? how long can i keep up this player attitude for?</span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold; font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Have a similar situation? Comments? Let us know below. </span><a href="http://www.darlingnicky.ca/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Darling Nicky</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> will give you the straight talk! </span></span></div></div></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-39138948361223898892011-03-29T09:28:00.001-07:002011-03-29T10:50:28.938-07:00MATERIAL DETOX<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11PAhplob2Gtw_NbT3WtpqbQffmSnsDbZ-AzXSVtt9F7ZYBtcvdxHUlyMeyGqVOK-yEewnpuajRWj02AbIztBtBM6l0XKq2TCjTDUHBP5AUGJyC-WjpVo0sJhw1s7E50tCLgFy7oXRpM/s1600/meterial+detox.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11PAhplob2Gtw_NbT3WtpqbQffmSnsDbZ-AzXSVtt9F7ZYBtcvdxHUlyMeyGqVOK-yEewnpuajRWj02AbIztBtBM6l0XKq2TCjTDUHBP5AUGJyC-WjpVo0sJhw1s7E50tCLgFy7oXRpM/s400/meterial+detox.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589540346180479730" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Spring has sprung and that means, you got it, spring cleaning. pack rats, clutter bugs and borderline hoarders, take note. Ever heard the saying 'messy house, messy mind?' No judgement, but it's true as your environment is a reflection OF you. Your home is where you day starts and begins, where you set off into the world and where you retire. Two important reasons to keep it together. When the closet looks like a closet (versus a used clothing bin) y</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">ou save time in the morning, dress confidently and the day starts off right. When the house looks people friendly, you're inclined to entertain, creating deeper relationships. The home can truly be a sanctuary, your little piece of heaven, should you do the work a few times a year to de-clutter. Get started!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">splurge on an organizer to help you. consultations are normally free, $50/hour on average.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">head to Ikea or The Organizer Store to get inspired.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">refurbish shoddy furniture or frames - paint, new hardware, upholstery; they go a long way!</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">never used items? post it on craigslist and make some cash (for that organizer!)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">find your never worn or gently used clothes and hold a <a href="http://www.clothingswap.com/">clothing swap</a></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">donate your old prom or grad dress, even old work clothes to a woman's shelter</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">group your collections together - books, candles, trinkets, display your precious things</span></li></ul></div></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Don't you feel better already? Wrangle a few friends (who are good at this sort of thing) and set aside a weekend to get started. This is more then just having a clean home you can be proud of, it's about appreciating that you have one (let me remind you about our friends in Japan.). Its YOUR floor to clean, its YOUR bed to make. A billion people on our planet would just looove the idea of having a hot shower every morning. It's about staying present. Not hanging on to the dress you'll wear 'one day' or the sofa that reminds you of an old love. All we have right now, is RIGHT NOW. So lets do our little bitty part to make it enjoyable. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-14171699280705249562011-03-25T16:46:00.000-07:002011-03-29T09:26:47.190-07:00FOOD DETOX<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO14crbodiSMOQ1R1qSVgSnSsfnZ21Pe9YbrB1Z0M6Umg6HUMOsLaeSx1EzxB_COWVyNVGXyUVoadCD9PH77JsTP6FhON04fQOFgZTPW4EOC2NEC4tJM4lMqFUflRfIa37W_oRI2f0T8/s1600/detox.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO14crbodiSMOQ1R1qSVgSnSsfnZ21Pe9YbrB1Z0M6Umg6HUMOsLaeSx1EzxB_COWVyNVGXyUVoadCD9PH77JsTP6FhON04fQOFgZTPW4EOC2NEC4tJM4lMqFUflRfIa37W_oRI2f0T8/s400/detox.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589534746316353010" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Can you hear that? Its the internal screams of women who see signs of spring and know that bathing suit season is upon us. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Reader, I will </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">never</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> tell you do go on a diet, but I will encourage you to detox and flush out the useless traces of egg nog, Valentines chocolate and St. Patty's brew thats added a little stuffin' to your muffin. Bye bye bloat, retained water, and (if you double up with moderate exercise) a couple pounds. A detox is about feeling better, and taking control of what you take IN to your body. As we shift seasons and get inspired by the blooming colors of nature and new wardrobes, I'll share my tips for a food detox.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The toughest part is flushing out "yummy foods" and all the junk that comes with it. B</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">e it a lifestyle change, or a deep cleanse one week a month, I promise you will notice a difference after a few of these changes. I'm not going to get into 'stool' details (leave it to Dr. Oz for that) but you will see a difference in the ol' porcelain throne as well.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">warning: when i first started to cleanse, i would have little breakouts - a sign that the toxins are releasing, so detoxing the week before a big event. not a good idea.</span></i></span></div></span></span><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">limit your caffeine/stimulant intake (ween yourself off slowly. otherwise you could be a hazard to society)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">nix processed foods (if the first three ingredients are words you can't pronounce, dont ingest!)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">nix processed sugars (all of the glucose, fructose, detxtrose - it means sugar. so does corn syrup)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">bye-bye fast food (a meal of true quality costs more then $2.)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">limit salt (especially around your monthly. though you might crave it *raises hands* you'll retain water.)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">cut out red meat (all meat is best, otherwise eat lean chicken, turkey and fish. one meatless day a week)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">see-ya fried foods </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">curb the late night eating (a.k.a breakfast after the club. you're dehydrated. try tea, fresh juice or soup)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">soda/sugary juices/creamy drinks (youre drinking your calories! might as well have a cheeseburger.)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">stop skipping meals (starving bodies store everything as fat. stash fruit in your purse, granola bars in the car)</span></span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Its all common sense right? And don't piss and moan to me young ones about cutting out KFC. You either want to feel better, or you don't. It's your body. But before you mow down on that drumstick, think 'is this what i want to be doing?". If not, keep reading. That was a long list of DON'Ts, now here are the DO's.</span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">drink waterwaterwater (get a cute aluminum bottle and keep fillin' er up!)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">look at the colors on your plate (the brighter the color, the more vitamins and antioxidants!)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">shop the perimeter of the grocery store (seafood, deli, bakery, produce, dairy)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">explore the farmer markets (get to know the people who grow your food and try new ones!)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">take your vitamins (i take a multi, B12, fish oil, and folic acid - important if you want to have kids.)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">steam, sauna, soak (condition your hair and sit in the steam room, loosen those tight muscles in the sauna) </span></span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Loving yourself is about taking CARE of yourself. A detox requires some discipline but the biggest factor is a feeling of deserving. You my dear deserve to feel your best. Don't you dare feel guilty about making time to relax, not after the hard work you put into looking after others. No one is going to check if you're taking your vitamins or say, "hey, you look beat. time to go to the spa." Its up to <b>you</b> to be in tune with your physical, emotional and mental health and well being.</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">The patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his own life. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Don't take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"> ~Quentin Regestein</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-64910576794060885852011-03-24T10:49:00.000-07:002011-03-25T16:16:19.611-07:00'EMOTIONAL DETOX'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdJbswi2cDnBMM8c8L05NZQWbnJ7VF41Z4ABOX8AaM5C0By-nu-fc4KEOEkBWB30XR5gaYB-F2ZRLPqrSSZUzzf07g-jQsTr9gTBVKmuOkmKVDx-s8GJwDt07e3H3dFFDhaWR4gVyC0I/s1600/emotion.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdJbswi2cDnBMM8c8L05NZQWbnJ7VF41Z4ABOX8AaM5C0By-nu-fc4KEOEkBWB30XR5gaYB-F2ZRLPqrSSZUzzf07g-jQsTr9gTBVKmuOkmKVDx-s8GJwDt07e3H3dFFDhaWR4gVyC0I/s400/emotion.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588157604636493074" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;mso-pagination:none; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><i>"letting go of what is dead lets me step into what is more alive."</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;mso-pagination:none; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">an external makeover feels great. an internal cleanse, refreshing. what about an </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">emotional detox</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">i recently wrote about </span></span><a href="http://butilovememore.blogspot.com/2011/03/our-gifts-lie-next-to-our-wounds.html"><span style="color: rgb(0, 17, 242); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">our gifts liying next to our wounds</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and the process of facing those wounds in order to access our gifts. i'm talkin' about pushing through the heavy stuff - the heartbreak, dissapointment, shame and grief that you share with 6.5 billion people. there may have been times where these feelings were so palpable you wanted to die, or tried to. but you are still here. a PART of you needed to die, that painful part that was eveloping your life. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">i want to show you how to move it out of the way so the rest of you can live. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">this is a symbolic excersise to 'end' a painful chapter in your life. a funeral or an 'emotional detox'.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "> <!--StartFragment--> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-pagination: none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:11.0pt .5in;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family: Symbol; ">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; ">select a site.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; "> (away from your home, a quiet place of reflection)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-pagination: none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:11.0pt .5in;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family: Symbol; ">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; ">set aside 'grave' markers. </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; ">(stones or flowers work well)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-pagination: none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:11.0pt .5in;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family: Symbol; ">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; ">choose a symbol to bury.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; "> (a piece of clothing, photograph, letter, or trinket that represents your painful chapter. ie: miscariage/abortion = childs toy or shoes)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-pagination: none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:11.0pt .5in;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family: Symbol; ">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; ">write.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; "> (a song, poem or letter to be shared. a letter to your 'wounded self' from a 'healed self' is powerful)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-pagination: none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:11.0pt .5in;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family: Symbol; ">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; ">form your procession.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; "> (gather a close group of people who have and will support you)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-pagination: none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:11.0pt .5in;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family: Symbol; ">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; ">commence with the funeral</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; ">. (procession to the site, bury symbol, share words. take your time) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-pagination: none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:11.0pt .5in;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family: Symbol; ">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; color: rgb(97, 14, 207); ">celebrate.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; "> (have a party, share a meal, embrace the love and support and savor a new beginning)</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in;mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in;mso-pagination:none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><b><br /></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">each one us carries weight from the past, some more then others. you dont need to have a funeral for just one thing, and if there are a few people who have shared a similar loss, and you feel comfortable sharing, help their healing and invite them. signifying the challenges we've faced in life acts as a poiniant reminder that we survived. life will keep putting weight on your shoulders, but i do hope this excersise has given you a tool for lightening the load.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">~nova</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">p.s </span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">a few months back, i wrote an experience about <a href="http://butilovememore.blogspot.com/2010/09/live-to-tell-healing-hurt.html">'healing the hurt'</a> in a different way. click the link to read more.</span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-68598216293460280652011-03-21T15:05:00.000-07:002011-03-22T11:58:04.891-07:00OUR GIFTS LIE NEXT TO OUR WOUNDS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMtFGwO8Kxw3UZd49vmOLsgjAEPMcK3fNS8MgzBibwbn2tabYfuvGjyb0yPhOuvCe1uFr5y1zecQ6E-qXm99Myy8MQuLnpvReif9FS2ZtZiIi8mnR5ToeKvKNkw9hjBXyE58I36USOkw/s1600/HealingWounds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMtFGwO8Kxw3UZd49vmOLsgjAEPMcK3fNS8MgzBibwbn2tabYfuvGjyb0yPhOuvCe1uFr5y1zecQ6E-qXm99Myy8MQuLnpvReif9FS2ZtZiIi8mnR5ToeKvKNkw9hjBXyE58I36USOkw/s400/HealingWounds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586980404280292754" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">butilovememore.com contains motivational non-fiction pieces, meaning, 'the stuff you can't make up" and "celebrating the courage it takes to talk it." with that said, can we get really REAL for a minute? ladies this is for you. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i need to talk to you about the secrets that get pushed to the back of the sock drawer. the abuse and misuse of our sex, body and gifts. the manipulation of our kindness and loyalty. the perversion of our unwavering, unshakable love. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">sound familiar? you are not alone. however, i'm not sure if that makes your feel comfortable or disturbed or both. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">as a mentor i have been taught that "our gifts lie next to our wounds". here is the tradeoff. to access the talents and purpose that only </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">we</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> can exude, we have to get honest and clear about what our wounds are. to take an internal inventory is the hardest thing in the world, and thats why so many folks don't do it. where we find resistance, we find reward. the things you have a strong aversion to, a 'hell no, i'm not doing that/saying that/sharing that', are the same things, once handled and conquered (via fear or necessity) provide the greatest sense of satisfaction. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">what are your wounds?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">have you come to terms with your molestation? miscarriage, neglect, abandonment, abortion? rape, abuse, eating disorder, cutting, drug use, disease, shame, addiction? is it still taking up space in a corner of your mind, or it blocking the entrance to your heart? the day you can say THIS HAPPENED TO ME is the day you begin the long process of pushing through to get to the good stuff. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the best way to describe it is like having that hollow, nauseous feeling in the pit of your stomach and knowing to feel better you need to get it out, as messy and uncomfortable as it will be. i realize its scary to say you were a victim, or re-live a trauma you worked so hard to forget. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i'm not suggesting you go on Twitter and tell all your biz, but if telling a therapist, your sister, best friend, husband or diary will help you to cope, then yes yes HELL yes, tell it all. its your story woman. the ugly and unthinkable have made you beautiful. you can't re-write the past, but you can write a new ending. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">so start to write. putting your past on paper does help. create 'a shit list', the who's and whats of your hurt. how old were you, who was he, what happened. its difficult to write it down and more so to read it but i'm telling you, there is some relief that comes when you reach the bottom of that page and realize that you're still standing. your head hasn't exploded and after all of that, remnants of love remain in your heart. this list helps because when we look at what's negative in our lives, the positive becomes THAT much clearer. is this making sense? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">something that has so much negative power will have, on the flip side, that same amount of power for good. follow me?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">you've heard me say, when you don't know what you DO want know what you DONT want. and part of knowing what that DONT want is, is looking what lies behind you on this road. look back to see how far you've come, what you have survived, what you endured. look ahead knowing you have a clean slate, starting at this very moment. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a courageous friend and talented artist released this powerful track on this very subject.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> i've played it about 7 times and i'm more and more encouraged by her vulnerability. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div> <iframe title="YouTube video player" width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IkiDJwse4kU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><br /></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-27808575666385428562011-03-17T13:04:00.000-07:002011-03-17T13:50:13.731-07:00IF I JUST HAD....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdmjNGZpRlCMzyfUkQ_S8aYaMCFU3zNeO_goK8gM1u41rL15nvf3TrLYw6Y2hm4_0R-4SuEg0gdh9NuEz5uKkszjKiOU9czgYiF4sTqQF2dj3Uq_pEaxcq0UYLt6nqakz9q5DeA9jXqE/s1600/missing+in+life.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdmjNGZpRlCMzyfUkQ_S8aYaMCFU3zNeO_goK8gM1u41rL15nvf3TrLYw6Y2hm4_0R-4SuEg0gdh9NuEz5uKkszjKiOU9czgYiF4sTqQF2dj3Uq_pEaxcq0UYLt6nqakz9q5DeA9jXqE/s400/missing+in+life.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585147045444456994" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">*via email*</span><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Something is missing in my life. My life runs at 70% and I think that if i just had better clothes, more money a better job or lost a bit of weight, i'd feel good about where i am for my age. then i could meet someone and then i can get everything else going. people always tell me my life is great and that i'm so lucky to live where i do, but i'm not buying it. i'm not depressed, but i want more then what i have right now and i don't think i'll be happy until i get it.</span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is missing in my life? How do I get 'it'?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Have a similar story? Comments? Let us know below.</span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Check back to read the response from </span></b><a href="http://www.darlingnicky.ca"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Darling Nicky</span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">. She gives it to you straight! </span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-11302132396730887442011-03-16T17:15:00.000-07:002011-03-17T13:04:16.558-07:00DOES SEXTING CROSS THE LINE?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmyAvgBawnUA4havkX5JOKxzgKMCdY1liTQDgahDxMWFVOu6Z5a0YLcJ4jyWsRxBo-KKAbW89z2WjHvA8CBeJhjfd0G_eZDu5Tslc1jSgCYiXrK6aVx8VEcFRri-MsMQiGsvlIAluhfY/s1600/woman_cheating.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmyAvgBawnUA4havkX5JOKxzgKMCdY1liTQDgahDxMWFVOu6Z5a0YLcJ4jyWsRxBo-KKAbW89z2WjHvA8CBeJhjfd0G_eZDu5Tslc1jSgCYiXrK6aVx8VEcFRri-MsMQiGsvlIAluhfY/s400/woman_cheating.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585137635306673458" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">*via email*</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm 34, and in a serious relationship with a wonderful man whom I love and who adores me. We've been living together for just over a year and all is well, but I can admit that the bedroom activity has been dull.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Five months ago, I ran into an old flame while at the gym, and I was instantly flush with the sexual, sensual, aggressive, sexysexy goddess energy that I hadn't felt in a long time. He is still super cute, and also involved, so I didn't think it was a big deal to exchange phone numbers. Since then, we have been flirting by email and "sexting". I've seriously considered arranging a 'fling' with my new friend - nothing emotional, just sex. Is that possible?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I woul</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">d die if my man did this to me and if he found out, he'd leave me without question. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If i'm not married, can I get away with it? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">Does sexting count as cheating?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Have a similar story? Comments? Let us know below. </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Check back, Darling Nicky will respond and give it to you straight! </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-35855897257147977622011-03-16T17:12:00.000-07:002011-03-17T11:58:56.693-07:00HE'S GREAT BUT...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA3Mt1STKMktgT8RiVXMKukmbmqpew8EjMm-5QQ6DntFDqJ1LsgquJO1O3ObdMsXCrvYQbtwZH4QmbwN6nnIMcVDYR1Qi1asY3f8fYx1H7fRjV96BJ67DaUyzPDLUZKnv2Vng6SWqQhE/s1600/young+drunk+guy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA3Mt1STKMktgT8RiVXMKukmbmqpew8EjMm-5QQ6DntFDqJ1LsgquJO1O3ObdMsXCrvYQbtwZH4QmbwN6nnIMcVDYR1Qi1asY3f8fYx1H7fRjV96BJ67DaUyzPDLUZKnv2Vng6SWqQhE/s400/young+drunk+guy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584835815293109330" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*via Twitter*</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">i was told that <b>the first man we love is our dad and we either go for guys who are just like him or the opposite.</b> is that true? i ask because i'm dating this guy (4 months now) and he's wonderful, he's there for me and all that god stuff, BUT,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">he likes his beer and when he drinks, he DRINKS. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">Sometimes I'll get a drunk dial which is cute, but other times he will call and be all 'where are you? i heard you were talking to so and so, i'm coming over." Screaming and not making a lot of sense. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">I like him, but it makes me kinda nervous because my brothers drink, my dad drinks, and my uncles and grandfathers drink too. i've seen them fight with my aunties and their girlfriends and its so much drama. i like him, but i don't want all that, i'm only 17.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">How can I tell him his drinking makes me nervous? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">Will I always go for guys like this? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#6600CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Have a similar story? Comments? Let us know below. </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Check back, Darling Nicky will respond to your questions and give it to you straight.</span></b></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-55664183696751798822011-03-16T17:05:00.000-07:002011-03-21T16:33:35.078-07:00HOPE FOR JAPAN<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSSn7TLLjNfeNKvwRhqWfem7o43di4NfC93VL_Hzzps4nwON80gl30IS76QAAZiSvCywAIwnKarUYinfH1XK_5VNYm0GJdq2ONVk-sZZOnkJobq-Hv0dRQEQECWW6AhQvbOL-l-5AAPk/s1600/hope+japan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSSn7TLLjNfeNKvwRhqWfem7o43di4NfC93VL_Hzzps4nwON80gl30IS76QAAZiSvCywAIwnKarUYinfH1XK_5VNYm0GJdq2ONVk-sZZOnkJobq-Hv0dRQEQECWW6AhQvbOL-l-5AAPk/s400/hope+japan.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584834119515465714" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">"it was all good just a week ago..."</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">My brain has still not fully processed the events of the past few days. S</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">eeing our fellow human beings go through unspeakable, unnatural suffering is too much to digest. I've had trouble putting the words down to even write about last week's nightmare, which is strange considering there is so much to say.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">It's said that when you live to be a certain age, you start to fully experience life's joys and sorrows. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Personally, I can recall the real-time unfolding of recent history's BIG moments; bright green missles flying over Kuwait in the Gulf War, the slow motion tumble of two towers on a sunny morning in September, an agonizing five day wait for rescue after Hurricane Katrina, the unspeakable shock of seeing a family washed away in the "Boxing Day Tsunami", uprisings in Iran and Egypt, a flattened Haiti, a resilient Chile, and now the land of the rising sun has been called on to show their strength and grace once more.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">Where is there great loss, there is great good. In these seemingly dark days we need to make a concerted effort to realize GOOD does happen every day. If we see that, we risk become apathetic. Even in a mind numbing disaster like we have in Japan, there are tales of heroism, community, togetherness and loved ones reuniting. <b>Events of this scale command a new respect for our Mother Nature and stress the importance of that common thread that weaves through each of our 6.5 billion relatives.</b> How many more times does our world literally need to be rocked before we grab that thread and hang on like our lives depend on it? As we trudge on and upwards into the 21st century, take stock of the big events that moved you and extract the message from that mess as best you can. Good things happen everyday. Remind yourself, remind another, then grab that thread and hang on.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div></span></i></span></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-45757074518031012612011-03-08T16:52:00.000-08:002011-03-08T17:25:32.741-08:00INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dmv6s9LBHbkrN5qcPjTnSrJH_YAaModU0pn9HwwnL3Kaj3KzZv2Ya2JpxhNTvQbTjdnAvpo0uzHahQIhfhpEzv1wCz7XjAFLBULS87gBSXdjG62nO3w6C9ye9dQ_l0gT8-ghBdqn1Zo/s1600/woman1T.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dmv6s9LBHbkrN5qcPjTnSrJH_YAaModU0pn9HwwnL3Kaj3KzZv2Ya2JpxhNTvQbTjdnAvpo0uzHahQIhfhpEzv1wCz7XjAFLBULS87gBSXdjG62nO3w6C9ye9dQ_l0gT8-ghBdqn1Zo/s400/woman1T.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581884891175391810" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;color:#330099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is a woman.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>A woman who honors her experience and tells her stories.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Who refuses to carry the sins of others within her body and life.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i><br /></i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i></i></span></p></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Imagine a woman who trusts and respects herself.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>A woman who listens to her needs and desires.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Who meets them with tenderness and grace.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i><br /></i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i></i></span></p></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Imagine a woman who acknowledges the past's influence on the present.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>A woman who has walked through her past.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Who has healed into the present.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i><br /></i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i></i></span></p></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Imagine a woman who authors her own life.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>A woman who exerts, initiates, and moves on her own behalf.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Who refuses to surrender except to her truest self and wisest voice.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i><br /></i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i></i></span></p></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Imagine a woman who names her own gods.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>A woman who imagines the divine in her image and likeness.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Who designs a personal spirituality to inform her daily life.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i><br /></i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i></i></span></p></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Imagine a woman in love with her own body.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>A woman who believes her body is enough, just as it is.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Who celebrates its rhythms and cycles as an exquisite resource.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i><br /></i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i></i></span></p></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Imagine a woman who honors the body of the Goddess in her changing body.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>A woman who celebrates the accumulation of her years and her wisdom.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Who refuses to use her life-energy disguising the changes in her body and life.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i><br /></i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i></i></span></p></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Imagine a woman who values the women in her life.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div></span></i></span></div></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>A woman who sits in circles of women.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i>Who is reminded of the truth about herself when she forgets.</i></span></p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="text-align: center; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i></i></span></p></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="text-align: center; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i><b>Imagine yourself as this woman.</b></i></span></p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="text-align: center; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="text-align: center; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i><b>~Patricia Reilly</b></i></span></p></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="text-align: center; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></p></span></i></span></div></i></span></span></i></span></span>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-85472381826356146072011-03-07T23:14:00.000-08:002011-03-08T15:34:01.025-08:00Submissions for ...but i love me more: The Book.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueJ_h0lyYYnRbAjKf1Qy_OEtV-qbRclgytvZMZ6sy8wykCtKrKdoWp7duigKjI5RDNZSm-g6u2dBhLXLLwosDKsajnRJpOUoCky6d-JcemHYsxE4UaCG33zY1cs5p0IgJEve0zlemKDE/s1600/writer_woman_beach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueJ_h0lyYYnRbAjKf1Qy_OEtV-qbRclgytvZMZ6sy8wykCtKrKdoWp7duigKjI5RDNZSm-g6u2dBhLXLLwosDKsajnRJpOUoCky6d-JcemHYsxE4UaCG33zY1cs5p0IgJEve0zlemKDE/s400/writer_woman_beach.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581855892270203522" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To celebrate the 100</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> International Women’s Day, it seemed right to put out the call to my wonderful friends, readers and mentors, whose stories have always encouraged me.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“…but i love me more” (the book) will be </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a collection of non-fiction personal essays </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">which detail intimate experiences of overcoming life’s obstacles and living to tell the tale. If your ‘past pain has propelled your future progress’ then we want to share your story. This is a wonderful opportunity to show your strength in order to encourage others who may be in a similar situation right now.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you are interested in contributing (or know someone who should share her story) please send it by </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">APRIL 15th</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> to: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><a href="mailto:butilovememore@gmail.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">butilovememore@gmail.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Include your essay </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in the body of the email and as an attachment with the subject line of But I Love Me More - Book.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Submissions should be over 500 words. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you care to use an alias(s) we respect and will comply with that.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">All ages are welcome (those over 50, we really want to hear your wisdom!)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Use your humor, sincerity and natural story-telling style to share your experience. Some ideas to consider.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">explain the biggest challenge/life changing moment in your life to date.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">describe your headspace when you were in the midst of it.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">who supported you? </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">who/what inspired you? (people, books, music, places, food)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">when did you decide “I’ve had enough” and how did you move forward?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">describe in detail the action you took and what results you saw.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">how did it make you better? what was the lesson?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">what advice can you share with the woman who is in that same situation right now?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Continue to check this site and the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/but-i-love-me-more/353315940589">Facebook Fan Page</a> for updates. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thank you SO much for all of your support and I look forward to reading your incredible stories.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">~Nova</span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-47114188788980977232011-03-07T10:15:00.000-08:002011-03-07T10:18:15.888-08:00DECIDE TO COMMIT<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAxll7oeFfepyoOtc6CmIcUoUxh7hFVnWm8R3zYODEOFAuH1yfHu5Lv44Crjxw4HtO2CrG9oSsZ9pS5XDJUHPAQkgSVVI_BOqiDdyYBqwUcte6EgadnVOFN7Wj5x4GgRnr2aYe2T6TwA/s1600/Female_Handshake_sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAxll7oeFfepyoOtc6CmIcUoUxh7hFVnWm8R3zYODEOFAuH1yfHu5Lv44Crjxw4HtO2CrG9oSsZ9pS5XDJUHPAQkgSVVI_BOqiDdyYBqwUcte6EgadnVOFN7Wj5x4GgRnr2aYe2T6TwA/s400/Female_Handshake_sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581403703877087970" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The final step to 'loving yourself more' is action and sewn inside that magic word is 'commitment'. Saying yes is the easy part. Sticking to 'it' when its not fun anymore, a wee bit tougher. We are told to commit no MATTER what, that its mind over MATTER, hey, what's the MATTER? The matter is the sludge that distracts us, the voice of the evil twin on our shoulder, the tap tap tap of distraction doubt and drama. </span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When you do decide, seeing the completed result in your mind and pushpushpush until the moment of completion, you truly realize what your grey MATTER can achieve regardless of anything else. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The final congratulations, the freedom that comes through focus, the relief of beating the 'block' and the win over the initial fears all begins with the decision to commit.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> When those tap tap taps get tap tap tapping (like they always do) take a breath, remember the outcome you want, shake off the imaginary fear and decide to commit once more. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Take in this gorgeous poem of inspiration to assist in welcoming the spring season of commitment. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;mso-pagination:none; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><b><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></i></b><b><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">--</span></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back;</span></span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">always, ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative (and creation).</span></span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:</span></span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">that the moment one definitely commits oneself,then Providence moves too.</span></span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.</span></span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A whole stream of events issues from the decision,</span></span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance</span></span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">which no one could have dreamed would have come their way.</span></span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.</span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.</span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Begin it now.</span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;mso-pagination:none; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">~Goethe</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style=" color: rgb(46, 11, 155); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <!--EndFragment-->MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-73485689905267188502011-03-03T23:56:00.000-08:002011-03-04T00:19:09.514-08:00FEMALE BULLY FOREVER?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufyzeWS6WztjtyFcTgnUEFF-oNpoWdIMdixqJFcnUh5jS2nC0GyOgEr7xslrcK7fUzvD8obps-b9g3DTNVNrlRgwgWWH6W8T8Naxqc8tZD3omGdncYkxAfwVugptwBzphJrMtdfiwPko/s1600/bullies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufyzeWS6WztjtyFcTgnUEFF-oNpoWdIMdixqJFcnUh5jS2nC0GyOgEr7xslrcK7fUzvD8obps-b9g3DTNVNrlRgwgWWH6W8T8Naxqc8tZD3omGdncYkxAfwVugptwBzphJrMtdfiwPko/s400/bullies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580135112210269458" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Since I can remember, my reputation has been of a tough chick. In school, I was a total tomboy, excelled at sports, and was picked to be on the guys soccer team when other girls my age were cheerleading and crushing my teammates. To hold my own, I was a bit of a scrapper, never backing down to a fight, no matter who or how many girls were dogging me out. There are a million bars I've been tossed out of, I have put girl in and been to the hospital myself because of my fighting, and when I get really crazy angry and no one is around, I've made it habit of destroying property (cars, computers, pouring bleach on clothes)</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">A month ago, my best friend got caught up in one of my battles (I wasn't there) and she got beat really, really bad. The other girl literally broke her face (orbital bone) and my friend almost went blind. I think it was a wake up call, but I almost can't help but fight. I give dirty looks when I'm out to eat, and when there is alcohol involved, its a matter of time until i'm fighting.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I'm scared I could get really hurt and that I wont' get into a good school with a bad reputation. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">How do I soften up this tough girl?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Have a similar situation? Comments? Let us know and </span></b><a href="http://www.darlingnicky.ca"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Darling Nicky </span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">will give it to you straight!</span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-39093377742142226042011-03-03T23:49:00.000-08:002011-03-04T00:06:56.402-08:00CHEATING KARMA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3hlT9rNEHaEwlr9CvCrcp9znpfueoy-MForJTayvOsGVubR2ItZkPZr_E5gbxlWYBJrgXKeYre7D8FGSBvk4EA-OlD9zUB8f8yeW4UtU8_ij2nTgVNb8unmz-EJqmEjbAIFWgboJqY4/s1600/female_liar_m.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3hlT9rNEHaEwlr9CvCrcp9znpfueoy-MForJTayvOsGVubR2ItZkPZr_E5gbxlWYBJrgXKeYre7D8FGSBvk4EA-OlD9zUB8f8yeW4UtU8_ij2nTgVNb8unmz-EJqmEjbAIFWgboJqY4/s400/female_liar_m.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580132868639949634" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I'm 17 and have been seeing my boyfriend for 2 months. A week ago an old flame, tried to heat things up and I did a bad thing! We were together all a day on a project and he was flirting, I was flirting and we made out. A lot. Suddenly all these emotions, that I thought were dead for this guy, came rushing forward. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Then, I saw my boyfriend and remembered how much I care for him and cut the old flame off right then. They don't know one another and I can't imagine him telling people as he has a girl too (and she's pregnant). If he leaves me, I can just get another man, but I DO want to work it out.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I cheated but I want to stay with my man and put this behind me. Is that possible? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Will he cheat on me now?</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Have a similar story? Comments? Let us know and <a href="http://www.darlingnicky.ca">Darling Nicky</a> will give it to you straight!</span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-2584228199463015422011-03-03T23:43:00.000-08:002011-03-04T00:00:01.041-08:00SPIRITUALLY SEEKING<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nCCe-850RywOgy-YBl6GCHuzO1s12lEb_K37KlR7El825_H9vjDd93bGWO6l1tAZml7l2PLz90bg9QmNQ7QlA3FEESkyMmnCyHe3jwyMBSKI6M8Pj86LZ2d0UvpknXoqHJMBDzGwcEA/s1600/spirit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nCCe-850RywOgy-YBl6GCHuzO1s12lEb_K37KlR7El825_H9vjDd93bGWO6l1tAZml7l2PLz90bg9QmNQ7QlA3FEESkyMmnCyHe3jwyMBSKI6M8Pj86LZ2d0UvpknXoqHJMBDzGwcEA/s400/spirit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580131197865350850" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">via email*</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After a rough couple years, I feel like I'm finally ready to start some kind of spiritual something. I'm not a religious person per say (haven't been to a church in years and have no connection to it), but I feel like I need to get in touch with my inner self. I'm not sure where to start. I tried meditation, but couldn't shut up the noise in my head. Yoga is ok, but I don't think thats enough. All the other areas of my life (work, family, money, love, health) are in good working order, I just want to give my spirit the same attention.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is the best way to get in touch with my spirituality and how do I know what is right for me?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><b>Have a similar situation? Comments? Let us know below and </b></span></span><a href="http://www.darlingnicky.ca/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><b>Darling Nicky</b></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><b> will give it to you straight!</b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-80620100572918570932011-02-23T23:58:00.001-08:002011-02-24T00:04:26.940-08:00GIRLS WHO GET IT- LAILA ALI<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgOwGqclRY-k-fvxLUSUgjuAh6ULKk5iivp0RVDgPK9Kk0od9ysmfQKVrMrUGgiN4WHj2YpI4Et41iLNN9YT2x4nJvPf2sQP-FMf3wpYP_bDZjt1qJFaEy7lIKqvfzLpE-WrbhOjMFck/s1600/Laila+Ali+%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 183px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgOwGqclRY-k-fvxLUSUgjuAh6ULKk5iivp0RVDgPK9Kk0od9ysmfQKVrMrUGgiN4WHj2YpI4Et41iLNN9YT2x4nJvPf2sQP-FMf3wpYP_bDZjt1qJFaEy7lIKqvfzLpE-WrbhOjMFck/s400/Laila+Ali+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577163135198021730" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">A boxer since the age of 15, Laila Ali followed in the footsteps of her legendary father, Muhammad Ali. Despite her parent’s objections, Laila insisted that boxing was something she wanted to pursue professionally and achieved great success in a career that put the sport on the map for women.</span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Though she focused on earned a Business degree from Santa Monica College, Laila was a natural boxer from the get-go. In 1999, she proved to the world what it meant to wear the name “Ali” on her shorts when she knocked out her first opponent in their first round. Laila later went on to fight Jackie Frazer-Lyde, daughter of boxing great Joe Frazer, in a highly-anticipated match in 2001. Winning after eight rounds, this fight was the first Pay Per View match of its kind between two Black women and was reminiscent of the fight trilogy between the women’s fathers years prior. Before retiring from the boxing world, Laila was awarded </span></span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">several titles, including </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Women's International Boxing Association (WIBA) Super Middleweight Champion, International Women's Boxing Federation (IWBF) Super Middleweight Champion and International Boxing Association (IBA) Super Middleweight Champion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyKWQGcN7LX5bjx4CTR3MIV6P69GD-BSPOH99XXGnSuMcxrk1y1ddJUTT-IZbQVl4XNeSBdY-kiWy_frz35YyupzDhniUlAsMZ6VS3aCaLMkBKW0o5x5ADgD2SWkCzY93hUPC5D6IaTE/s1600/Laila+Ali+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyKWQGcN7LX5bjx4CTR3MIV6P69GD-BSPOH99XXGnSuMcxrk1y1ddJUTT-IZbQVl4XNeSBdY-kiWy_frz35YyupzDhniUlAsMZ6VS3aCaLMkBKW0o5x5ADgD2SWkCzY93hUPC5D6IaTE/s400/Laila+Ali+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577163135731316962" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In addition to inspiring women in the ring, Laila co-authored the 2002 book </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Reach! Finding Strength, Spirit and Personal Power </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">aimed to motivate the next generation. Since retiring from the world of professional boxing, she went on to show off her athleticism on the popular television show </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dancing with the Stars</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, where she placed third in 2010 with zero dance experience. No stranger to television, Laila also hosts the remake of the 1989 hit </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">American Gladiators </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">alongside former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Once divorced, Laila is now happily remarried to former NFL player Curtis Conway. Pregnant with her second child, the couple continues to expand their large family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Powerful, positive and passionate, Laila Ali is a Girl Who Gets It.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To gain more insight into what Laila brings to the table, check out her interview with Nova <a href="http://butilovememore.blogspot.com/2010/11/live-to-tell-laila-ali.html.">here</a>:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Profile by: Daina-Astwood George</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Follow: </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/ilikedags"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">@ILikeDags</span></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-40593497839017686972011-02-23T23:46:00.000-08:002011-02-23T23:56:37.987-08:00GIRLS WHO GET IT-QUEEN LATIFAH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1Cpm_EovkDs20kj8215VOgOUCFkWEht42nKOa6y7OhZ4L7kjWetADc3PnF8XdyPXyvqom6_U1VeqAabicYXh3FjJk93aourQzT0EAAy-1bL1g-BLbmMIxL29b08cxnZR6u9smRchvNg/s1600/Queen+Latifah+%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1Cpm_EovkDs20kj8215VOgOUCFkWEht42nKOa6y7OhZ4L7kjWetADc3PnF8XdyPXyvqom6_U1VeqAabicYXh3FjJk93aourQzT0EAAy-1bL1g-BLbmMIxL29b08cxnZR6u9smRchvNg/s400/Queen+Latifah+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577159638350064466" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dana Owens, known to the world as Queen Latifah used her natural musical talent to launch what would become a rich and diverse career in the entertainment industry. The winner of a Golden Globe Award, two SAG Awards, two Image Awards and one Grammy Award, Latifah (which means “delicate” and “very kind” in Arabic) came from humble beginnings before taking the world by storm.</span></div></span><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A child divorced parents, Latifah experienced additional hardships growing up when her older brother was killed in a motorcycle accident. The loss, amplified by the fact that the motorcycle was a recent gift from her, triggered a bout of depression and drug abuse. A resilient woman, Latifah eventually overcame these obstacles and discussed her hardships in her 1999 autobiography, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of the few women in an industry dominated by men, Latifah broke into world of hip hop by showing off her beatboxing skills in 1988. One year later, she dropped her first album </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All Hail the Queen</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, putting female rappers on the map when she was just 19 years old. Though her success as a rapper was climbing steadily, Latifah changed her tune after her fourth album and began dabbling in soul and jazz music.</span></span></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSplDmdW27V5-YvDxdaKv-JJTIWiBHkteNFc4w7CeEkLvmw8G5YNKHyfOV6Bp3yVEeH58KoPOLyOo1ie0rhztWx1aTkyt0jqKr9IVqtjaQQaHdfU9NnImAJmUp6q9EsWnp_HQ2SudHX4/s1600/Queen+Latifah+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSplDmdW27V5-YvDxdaKv-JJTIWiBHkteNFc4w7CeEkLvmw8G5YNKHyfOV6Bp3yVEeH58KoPOLyOo1ie0rhztWx1aTkyt0jqKr9IVqtjaQQaHdfU9NnImAJmUp6q9EsWnp_HQ2SudHX4/s400/Queen+Latifah+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577159636953799938" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Her powerful voice would eventually take her to the big screen, where she would star in the Hollywood hits </span></span><i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKXFeMnCQAI"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Chicago</span></span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress as “Mama” and the film version of the Broadway hit </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hairspray</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, where she won audiences over with her portrayal of “‘</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Motormouth’ Maybelle”. Before her mainstream success, however, Latifah was cast in the 90s sitcom </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Living Single</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, a popular show amongst black audiences for which she wrote and performed the theme song.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now a spokesperson for CoverGirl, Latifah also has her own line of cosmetics within the brand called the “CoverGirl Queen Collection” and has launched a line of perfume called “Queen”. She also represents Pizza Hut, Curvation ladies underwear and Jenny Craig, a program she used to trim her figure. A former high school basketball player, Latifah now kickboxes to stay in shape.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A multi-talented star who has been a role model to women since the 80s, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Queen Latifah is a Girl Who Gets It.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></p></div> <iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f8cHxydDb7o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">you know I had to include this...U.N.I.T.Y. 1993. her acting ability shines here.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Profile by: Daina-Astwood George</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Follow: </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/ILikeDags"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">@ILikeDags</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-53462509071344143162011-02-23T23:42:00.000-08:002011-02-23T23:45:50.958-08:00GIRLS WHO GET IT-TONI MORRISON<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNbgN3vUS9E4iHVWsFizNa7H0ubMYJ8PSVGbB7JweVPB5-mi-WR-2GF45DbsxkZe1-DzwpRN20v9NXgcA80KpbI5SS4tQq7A8tTAegMu6VJ0AnOLgvcglj-AmryckraIxG-DxKYK_pZY/s1600/Toni+Morrison+%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNbgN3vUS9E4iHVWsFizNa7H0ubMYJ8PSVGbB7JweVPB5-mi-WR-2GF45DbsxkZe1-DzwpRN20v9NXgcA80KpbI5SS4tQq7A8tTAegMu6VJ0AnOLgvcglj-AmryckraIxG-DxKYK_pZY/s400/Toni+Morrison+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577158327959977554" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of the Black community’s greatest treasures, Toni Morrison has been instrumental in bringing the African-American story to mainstream readers. Known for her vivid description of the Black experience, Toni’s most popular novels include </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Song of Solomon</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Beloved</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> The Bluest Eye</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, an Oprah’s Book Club pick which she wrote as a professor at Howard University while raising two children.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Born Chloe Anthony Wofford, Toni was an avid reader growing up. An admirer of Jane Austen and Leo Tolstoy, her writing career began at Howard when she joined an informal group of writers and poets who gathered regularly to discuss their work. Since those casual meetings, Toni has grown to become a literary icon, winning a Pulitzer for </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Beloved </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">in 1998, a novel which was adapted for the big screen and named “the best American novel published in the last 25 years” by The New York Times Book Review, as well as a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Reaching out to readers of all ages, she has also co-written children’s books with her son.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A longtime supporter of the arts, Toni created the </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Princeton Atelier </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">while working in the Ivy League University’s Creative Writing Program, an initiative connecting students with world-famous artists for the creation and celebration of new art. During her time at Princeton, Toni fostered creative studies of all kinds, using her experience to support the development of up-and-coming talent and new forms of expression.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Recently celebrating her 80</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> birthday, Toni is still gifting the world with the written </span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">word. </span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Her most recent novel, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A Mercy</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, was an LA Times bestseller described as “a work of poetry and intelligence…exposing the infamies of slavery and the hardships of being African American.”</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For continually demonstrating the true power of storytelling, Toni Morrison is a Girl Who Gets It.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Profile by: Daina-Astwood George</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Follow: </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/ilikedags"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">@ILikeDags</span></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-41587953817903457072011-02-23T23:00:00.000-08:002011-02-24T01:18:03.158-08:00KNOCK IT OFF<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3P2yhrAHuwXhzHSlXGKlrO_xs40yv8of3x-h6BEIYZAZelZ-so3RXg6b0fAVATxdpNnaF1ahOEfvPseIEVZOSGgRGK0655WeKfOTFvxyOFFyYaFju23qlZ1bwB7isY5ZnhfOj3GXsuE/s1600/how-to-use-eft-law-of-attraction-to-attract-a-mate-1.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3P2yhrAHuwXhzHSlXGKlrO_xs40yv8of3x-h6BEIYZAZelZ-so3RXg6b0fAVATxdpNnaF1ahOEfvPseIEVZOSGgRGK0655WeKfOTFvxyOFFyYaFju23qlZ1bwB7isY5ZnhfOj3GXsuE/s400/how-to-use-eft-law-of-attraction-to-attract-a-mate-1.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577176596128264098" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This <a href="http://www.dumblittleman.com">excellent article</a> on squashing the negative talk is one I had to share. In a previous post, I mentioned that a study discovered that 97% of women engage in negative talk about their bodies. Not, oh my arms jiggle, I mean "you're not ever going to meet anyone you disgusting cow" type talk. Ouch. At the end of that piece, I stressed the point that we need to do better, and what do you know, this was the next piece I read. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sharing is caring and this is worth the read. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Open Your Ears</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />How can you improve a situation if you aren’t quite sure what it is? Before you can remove the negative self-talk, you have to sit with it and hang out. Get to know it a bit and let it be heard. This isn’t easy. In fact, it can be downright painful. But, while you can consciously ignore these voices, your subconscious is at their mercy. So it’s time to bring them to the surface.<br /><br />Sit down with a piece of paper and start the conversation. Invite the voices to take over. Make notes and don’t try to argue or reason or counter the horrible things you are hearing. Simply be with them. But here’s the key: Set a timer. No more than 10 minutes should be spent entertaining these voices. Once the timer goes off, stand up and shake it off. Don’t fall into the rabbit hole.<br /><br />Keep the paper with you over the next few days. Listen closely to your mental musings. Write down the common phrases that come up—the ones that dampen your spirits and discourage you. Note that sometimes they might sound like the voices of reason. But always be skeptical. “Sabotage” is often disguised as “logic”.<br /><br /></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Reveal Limiting Beliefs</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Once you truly understand what you’re up against, it’s time to start peeling back the layers. What’s beneath this nonsense? Where did it come from?<br /><br />Sometimes, the source is easy to place. Some people say the voice is their father’s or grandmother’s or the voice of their third-grade teacher. But often it’s not so clear. All of your past experiences and mistakes just get rolled into a great big list of limiting beliefs—preconceived notions that keep you from moving forward in life. The beliefs are so strongly held that you actually treat them as facts. And these are the fodder for those nasty voices!<br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Beneath every word of negative self-talk, there’s a limiting belief that blinds you to the reality of the world and tricks you into fear and doubt.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Bring these beliefs into the light and do some analysis. Most won’t stand up to a critical eye.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stop Accepting It</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />The sad truth of the matter is that</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> if we spoke to others the way we speak to ourselves, they’d probably accuse us of emotional abuse.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Those awful, punishing words we throw in our own direction would simply be unacceptable if we hurled them at others. And, more than likely, we wouldn’t tolerate them coming our way from anyone else either. Yet, every day, we let them bounce around in our most sacred space—our mind—taking root and growing into complicated webs of negativity.<br /><br />It’s time to declare a boycott. Take a stand. Start a revolution in your head. This doesn’t have to be a big, overblown act of defiance. Simply recognize that the thought patterns you’ve been living with are no longer welcome. Evict them. “Nice to know you. Goodbye.”<br /><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You may be tempted to skip this step but please don’t. </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Trust that there is unbelievable power in this recognition and in making the decision that something is no longer okay.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Affirm & Repeat</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />The final step in this process is to develop a strategy for resistance. In the past, you’ve been complacent, letting the negative self-talk just happen. No more, my friend. From here on out, you’re going to implement some counter-measures.<br /><br />Since these voices are often so subtle as to go unnoticed, you need to create your own positive patterns of thought. The goal is to make these new statements just as unconscious as the current negative ones. And the best way to do that is through repetition. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Create a list of four or five specific, short and simple affirmations.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Try to keep them present as well, so instead of saying “I will…” say “I am…” For example:<br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />I am capable of meeting this challenge.<br />I handle setbacks with grace and ease.<br />I have the strength to overcome obstacles and reach my goals.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />Repeat your personal affirmations as often as possible throughout the day. They are mantras that should become completely mindless over time. Whenever you notice a negative voice, push it out with your affirmation. While at first this may take conscious effort, eventually, it will become second nature.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />When utilized consistently, these points will help slowly turn those voices in your head into more accepting, loving and encouraging allies. But beware that the negative ones will probably still hide in the corners, quietly waiting for the right moment to strike. So there’s never a point at which you can just tune out and consider your work done. Stay engaged. Keep working. And never let the inmates run the asylum.</span></span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-82234742299352997362011-02-23T21:23:00.000-08:002011-02-23T22:54:56.445-08:00BEATING A BAD BODY IMAGE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECav5r5JLeY-UfiAnoTy6_GuM2yVdWH0Z2PQU4HLlvm9z_LTwllNze8oWfAv3ElrjFx3dSi0DHZqpI_0CYFrtCun4HqQhGdXq1X3aS8IcDFrAJZzqiI_vxh373ycHde4HssfnDQSil5Y/s1600/bad+body+image.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECav5r5JLeY-UfiAnoTy6_GuM2yVdWH0Z2PQU4HLlvm9z_LTwllNze8oWfAv3ElrjFx3dSi0DHZqpI_0CYFrtCun4HqQhGdXq1X3aS8IcDFrAJZzqiI_vxh373ycHde4HssfnDQSil5Y/s400/bad+body+image.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577135825483125106" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Almost every female beyond puberty has issues with her body. There are grown women with children who still refer to their reproductive organs as </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">'down there' - </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">clear case of that discomfort. In the media, "body trends" seem to change every few years, as if our appendages are the latest handbag. A toned pilates body one year, a ba-donk-a-donk the next, bee-stung lips or Snufalupagus eyelashes. I'm personally waiting for the soft tummy trend to break.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pop culture plays it's part, but the woman in the mirror must take some accountability for her own negative self talk. A new poll by Glamour magazine found that </span></span><a href="http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/2011/02/shocking-body-image-news-97-percent-of-women-will-be-cruel-to-their-bodies-today"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">97 PERCENT</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> of women experience "I hate my body" thoughts daily. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*hand slowly raises*</span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The point is, that if our partner talked to us with such disrespect, earrings would be off and slaps would be laid out. Yet we make it OK to take this abuse from ourselves. We can do better then this ladies. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cindi Levie (Glamour magazine's editor in chief) and Ann Kearny-Cooke, Ph.D speak to Meridith Vieria about the troubling stats that show we all have an inner critic. This statement about the continued negative dialogue was all I needed to hear.</span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></i> <div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>"Neurons that fire together, wire together, meaning, you create strong neuro-pathways in your brain which make it easier for you to talk negatively about yourself." </b></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now if that doesn't give you an AH-HA...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Watch the video and next time you pick up the bat to start beating yourself up, follow these points. I hope it helps.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div> <br /> <object width="420" height="245" id="msnbc266d55" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=10,0,0,0"><param name="movie" value="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640"><param name="FlashVars" value="launch=41715498&width=420&height=245"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed name="msnbc266d55" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" width="420" height="245" flashvars="launch=41715498&width=420&height=245" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><p style="font-size:11px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #999; margin-top: 5px; background: transparent; text-align: center; width: 420px;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;font-size: 11px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); margin-top: 5px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; width: 420px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;font-size: 11px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); margin-top: 5px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; width: 420px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b>Is this really about my body?</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">(write down when you have a negative thought, what situation you are in and is that negative distracting you from something else?)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b>Exercise</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">(endorphins released when you get physical, make you feel better!)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b>Stop</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">(think of a STOP sign and re-focus.)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b>Remind yourself that obsessing doesn't yield results</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">(negative talk doesn't help you if you're fat or thin.)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b>Play up your strengths</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">(hair, legs, smile, shoulders - take care of it and show it off! Then, get back to the rest of your life.)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; "><b>Keep a journal</b> </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small; ">(make a point of writing down that negative talk. seeing it externally vs hearing it internally can make an impact)</span></span></p><p style="font-size:11px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #999; margin-top: 5px; background: transparent; text-align: center; width: 420px;"><br /></p><p style="font-size:11px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #999; margin-top: 5px; background: transparent; text-align: center; width: 420px;"><br /></p></div></div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-42145335560733147002011-02-15T14:19:00.000-08:002011-02-15T14:33:06.437-08:00GIRLS WHO GET IT- VANESSA WILLIAMS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm8-VLQLSp3RslPwZTMDZPBNjbigm56jxglD9mtSItlQC7mw2kDFj-RdsKlTBTmVHyxKo7REgLDalO5mDQcAk14q6SwVQahr3zG0Wwo2cSQygJ-cK3L3qrgCyK7dohabjP9h5ySRU6zA/s1600/Vanessa+Williams+%25281%2529.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm8-VLQLSp3RslPwZTMDZPBNjbigm56jxglD9mtSItlQC7mw2kDFj-RdsKlTBTmVHyxKo7REgLDalO5mDQcAk14q6SwVQahr3zG0Wwo2cSQygJ-cK3L3qrgCyK7dohabjP9h5ySRU6zA/s400/Vanessa+Williams+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574045618220033410" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A successful recording artist and actress, Vanessa Williams has a slew of impressive accomplishments under her belt. Her rise, however, has not been without its falls.</span></span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America, Vanessa’s career showed nothing but promise in the early eighties. With the words, “Here she is: Miss America” written on her birth announcement, her parents seemed to have a sixth sense for what the future would hold. Yet, Vanessa’s 1983 reign was unfortunately short lived. Following a series of hate mail and death threats, the first in pageant history, she was forced to relinquish her title 10 months after her win when nude photos of her taken in her earlier years surfaced.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclDWFKisIawaT305-vr2q3sd1pRDMQOn-5EWEkyQa9uEMp4YP5sa8tEfo9qeDmU0JIxedoP2hkbeYLAI6NIs1HcYvH2QF8A1Twa78IMXnbjMlaPTWvscBIusnP54HwpHEd2dQyLIdueU/s1600/Vanessa+Williams+%25283%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclDWFKisIawaT305-vr2q3sd1pRDMQOn-5EWEkyQa9uEMp4YP5sa8tEfo9qeDmU0JIxedoP2hkbeYLAI6NIs1HcYvH2QF8A1Twa78IMXnbjMlaPTWvscBIusnP54HwpHEd2dQyLIdueU/s400/Vanessa+Williams+%25283%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574047168753367026" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In true survivor form, however, Vanessa rebounded by launching her career as an entertainer. A former student of the piano and French horn, she always had an ear for music. Vanessa followed her passion for singing and song writing, releasing eight albums since 1988. Over the years, her talents have not gone unnoticed – she has earned an array of Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award nominations, winning both an Academy Award and a Grammy for the 1996 song “</span></span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXutxJuQrGo&playnext=1&list=PLD50DAB5E0EDBAF79"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Colors of the Wind</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">”, which she had a hand in writing for the animated movie </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pocahontas</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-CA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Since her foray into show business, Vanessa showed the world that she can do more than just sing, parlaying her music success into an acting career. Starring in movies like </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Soul Food</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Shaft</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, Vanessa is best known for her role as</span></span></span><span lang="EN-CA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-CA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">villainess Wilhelmina Slater in the comedy series </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ugly Betty</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. As if one hit show wasn’t enough, she has also joined the cast of </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Desperate Housewives</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> for its seventh season.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Similar to her professional life, Vanessa’s personal life hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. Like her professional life, though, she’s managed to overcome her challenges to find happiness and inner peace. Divorced twice with four children, Vanessa balances motherhood and a career in front of the cameras beautifully, taking the obstacles thrown at her in stride.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For making a mountain of hurdles look like an insignificant molehill, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Vanessa Williams is a Girl Who Gets It.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Profile by: Daina Astwood-George</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Follow: </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/ilikedags"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">@ILikeDags</span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-80510729630819150652011-02-15T14:13:00.000-08:002011-02-15T14:19:01.094-08:00GIRLS WHO GET IT- SUSAN SARANDON<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuQZUUanS_YBX2JDEu8KB7VxvZo38aeRxsR5T64VR_VDtF4C1OIeClXdSEOwwLqLVK_TfGJmXoDj0N4SEcgMXb2eWZVghuWljWbBM8VVaaRk18W_PqlzdqkUlBJcwnxndJWtWHYJ4-yw/s1600/Susan+Sarandon+%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuQZUUanS_YBX2JDEu8KB7VxvZo38aeRxsR5T64VR_VDtF4C1OIeClXdSEOwwLqLVK_TfGJmXoDj0N4SEcgMXb2eWZVghuWljWbBM8VVaaRk18W_PqlzdqkUlBJcwnxndJWtWHYJ4-yw/s400/Susan+Sarandon+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574044086885008706" /></a><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-CA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Passionate and informed, Susan Sarandon has grown from a dedicated film and television actress into a dedicated film and television actress…with a political pastime. Known for her involvement in a variety of causes, Susan has spent years building a remarkable reputation outside of Hollywood’s walls. Before fighting for a better world, however, Susan was making a name for herself by battling her way to stardom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now a veteran in the entertainment industry, Susan has been working in films and television since 1969. The eldest of nine children, she earned a BA in drama the year prior and never looked back, immediately striving to carve out a niche for herself in the business.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A star of “cult favourites”, Susan appeared in the legendary musical </span></span><i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyShR_Owusc&feature=related"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Rocky Horror Picture Show</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">in 1975, as well as in 1983’s </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Hunger</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, a racy story about vampires that involved a controversial lesbian sex scene. Since then, she has received five Academy Award nominations, winning in 1995 for her performance in </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dead Man Walking</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In addition to her acting career, which also includes voice work on </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Simpsons</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, Susan has become recognized for her social and political activism surrounding a variety of liberal causes. Alongside former partner Tim Robbins, with whom she has two sons, Susan has openly thrown her support behind a number of important initiatives. In 2006, she received the Action Against Hunger Humanitarian Award, and has been honoured for her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and an advocate for victims with HIV / AIDS. Susan is also works with the New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) dedicated to screening films for children between the ages of three and 18.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Merging her interests in both movies and politics, Susan has also contributed the narration of approximately two dozen documentaries. In 1995, she was one of many Hollywood actors, directors and writers who were interviewed for </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Celluloid Closet</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, examining the depiction of homosexuality in film. Not one to stand idly by, Susan also took a stance against the 2003 invasion of Iraq.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;line-height: normal; "><span lang="EN-CA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;line-height: normal; "><span lang="EN-CA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For preaching love, not war, both on and off screen, Susan Sarandon is a Girl Who Gets It.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;line-height: normal; "><span lang="EN-CA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Profile by: Daina-Astwood George</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Follow:</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/ILikeDags"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> @ILikeDags</span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223226427025527736.post-46927947858147794662011-02-15T12:27:00.000-08:002011-02-15T14:13:53.341-08:00GIRLS WHO GET IT-NATALIE PORTMAN<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWb-363ryzY9JYv9Q1BN07XUvIMs_-t4R69COPd37XgG4x5_xDJym-czLtsVlL9KQTUBGX7V6lQA4qIZqb3SL7jTCw2Y9-3VGEWRlujagIy510N9_65zMCjxEVlGfy0l5klO7LgkoxwXE/s1600/Natalie+Portman+%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWb-363ryzY9JYv9Q1BN07XUvIMs_-t4R69COPd37XgG4x5_xDJym-czLtsVlL9KQTUBGX7V6lQA4qIZqb3SL7jTCw2Y9-3VGEWRlujagIy510N9_65zMCjxEVlGfy0l5klO7LgkoxwXE/s400/Natalie+Portman+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574042603980815314" /></a><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There’s no argument that Natalie Portman is beautiful, but her talent and intelligence put this Hollywood actress on a totally different playing field.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Born in Jerusalem, Israel, Natalie had her first taste of the limelight at age four as a dancer performing in local troupes. A self-proclaimed “serious kid”, she felt a drive and ambition that set her apart from her peers at an early age, later moving out of dancing and turning down modelling opportunities to focus on acting.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Though she spent her holidays in theatre camps, Natalie put her education before her craft, eventually enrolling at Harvard University in 1999 to study psychology and completing her Bachelor’s degree in 2003. Simultaneously working on the </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Star Wars </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">films, she opted to skip the premiere of </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Episode I </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">so she could study for her exams. Quoted saying, “I don't care if [college] ruins my career…I'd rather be smart than be a movie star,” Natalie’s disciplined attitude resulted in her co-authoring two research papers that went on to be published in scientific journals.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Did I mention that she’s also fluent in Hebrew and has studied French, Japanese, German and Arabic? YEAH.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Natalie has won numerous awards for her acting chops, including two Golden Globes, one SAG Award and one Teen Choice Award. She’s also been nominated for two Academy Awards for her work in the 2005 movie </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Closer</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and this year’s dark thriller, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black Swan</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. The part that generated big buzz, however, was in the 2006 film </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">V for Vendetta</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, where Natalie learned to speak with a British accent and shaved her head for the starring role.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In addition to being dealt one killer hand at birth, Natalie has chosen to be an advocate for animal rights, a devoted anti-poverty activist and a supporter of the Democratic Party, where she campaigned for nominee Senator John Kerry in 2004, Senator Hillary Clinton in 2008 and now president Barack Obama during his general election.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To top it all off, Natalie will also be adding the roles of wife and mother to her resume, as she and fiancé Benjamin Millepied, a ballet dancer, are currently expecting their first child.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;line-height: normal; "><span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"></span></span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gorgeous, gifted and giving back, Natalie Portman is a Girl Who Gets It.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: x-small; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: x-small; ">Profile by: Daina-Astwood George</span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Follow: </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/IlikeDags"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">@ILikeDags</span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->MS.NOVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402879861463485346noreply@blogger.com0