tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745439621719895492024-02-06T21:12:58.366-08:00Ironic Iconic<img src="http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g323/superbeliever/iconicBANNER.png">Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-66013792081190789462016-05-25T21:00:00.000-07:002016-05-26T17:31:04.008-07:00Two Stones, a parable of burdens<div style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
“Carry those stones,” I hear the Spirit say.</div>
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In my path are two large stones. Each far too large to put in any pocket and much too heavy to put inside my bag. I take one in each hand and start the mile home, with a fistful of weight.</div>
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The stones are comfortable at first, not requiring much effort to carry. Why do we carry unnecessary things in life? Because they were in our path, and it somehow feels right that we should pick them up and take them with us. </div>
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Block after block I meditate on the stones in my hand, fumbling with what feels to be an increasing weight of regret. “Why do I carry this?” I say sensibly. But the Spirit does not answer my gripe, because it is a bitter question without answer. </div>
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Onward I walk, trying to make sense of this God-given task. Is it to mock me? I compare myself to the woman nearly-stoned for her sins (John 8:5), but no condemnation did I find. </div>
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My arms tremble and my shoulders ache, but I do not let go of the stones. Instead of focusing on the heaviness of the stones I turn my breath to worship, listing without cease the praiseworthy things in the past, present, and future comings.</div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Thank you for Your</span><span style="color: purple;"> strength</span><span style="color: #454545;"> in place of my </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">weakness</span><span style="color: #454545;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Thank you for Your </span><span style="color: purple;">love</span><span style="color: #454545;"> in place of my </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">heartbreak</span><span style="color: #454545;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Thank you for Your </span><span style="color: purple;">clarity</span><span style="color: #454545;"> in place of my </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">confusion</span><span style="color: #454545;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Thank you for Your </span><span style="color: purple;">beauty</span><span style="color: #454545;"> in place of my </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">ugliness</span><span style="color: #454545;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Thank you for Your </span><span style="color: purple;">hope</span><span style="color: #454545;"> in place of my </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">doubt</span><span style="color: #454545;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Thank you for Your </span><span style="color: purple;">victory</span><span style="color: #454545;"> in place of my </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">failure</span><span style="color: #454545;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Thank you for Your </span><span style="color: purple;">joy</span><span style="color: #454545;"> in place of my </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">sorrow</span><span style="color: #454545;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Thank you for Your </span><span style="color: purple;">light</span><span style="color: #454545;"> in place of my </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">darkness</span><span style="color: #454545;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Thank you for </span><span style="color: purple;">Christ</span><span style="color: #454545;"> in place of </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">myself</span><span style="color: #454545;">.</span></div>
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The worship does not take away the weight of the stones, but it takes away the yoke of the journey. Upon completion I find myself as far east as Manhattan will go, to the overpass and a river. </div>
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<br /></div>
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“Why do I carry this?” I ask again.</div>
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“So that you can know the freedom that comes from letting go.” the Spirit says.</div>
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With a mighty shove I throw the first stone from my lofty place and then the second. I sigh and watch the two stones fall into the waters never to be carried again. The ripples of release make a perfect 8 in the black night. </div>
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8 the number of New Beginnings. </div>
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There is a lightness now. With a strength unlike before, I am no longer the weight of what I carried. </div>
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In times when life is a heavy burden to bare,</div>
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May we remember always that it is a gift from You</div>
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Lord, You will equip us to walk through hard things.</div>
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We bind every unnecessary load and throw it into your hands</div>
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We pray for those that hurt us, and those we have hurt.</div>
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We evoke new beginnings in place of old shame.</div>
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In Jesus name,</div>
<br />
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Amen</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #999999;">“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one <b>stone </b>will be left on another;</span><span style="color: #999999;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-25833A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25833A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999;"> every one of them will be </span><b style="color: #999999;">thrown down</b><span style="color: #999999;">.” </span><span style="color: #444444;">Luke 21:6</span></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #999999;">"...a time to scatter </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999;">stones</b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999;"> and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing," </span><span style="color: #444444;">Ecclesiastes 3:5</span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #999999;">"Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! <b>Remove the </b></span><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999;">stones</b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999;">..." </span><span style="color: #444444;">Isaiah 62:10</span></span></i></span></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-60103581907671624772016-02-11T14:53:00.001-08:002016-02-16T07:37:26.573-08:00Evoking Ascension<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
It all started when the snow fell.</div>
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That's when She realized the season had changed. It was summer a month ago, or so it seemed. She remembered herself blossoming and glowing in its warmth after the previous spring. But her fall had left her dazed and in many ways too weak. She died in the snow. Spring, like an angel, came and melted away the naïveté of her past. Now all that remained of her was someone sort of like the color blue: not too bold but just sure enough. </div>
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"I think you are a cloud," She says.</div>
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He lifts a brow but doesn't say anything. She knows He thinks she's crazy, because She knows deep down that she is. We're all crazy for trying to change the world that's already constantly changing. But He doesn't say anything, and She loves him for that. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
He's a bigger boy than what She's used to. He was like staring into the parting sky; like a single beam of bright light into dilated eyes, He gently touched the soul and burned it at the same time. He often joined her there in that comfortable pasture, and She'd ask him questions about his last adventure and where he was off to next. </div>
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It was a kind of Eden for them to stay for hours with backs to grass and palms to heaven. They didn't have to look at each other to know the other was there, they didn't have to speak unless they cared to, and they didn't have to answer to anybody but themselves. And so it went like this from summer to fall, and fall to winter. Until the day came when He disappeared...</div>
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He had mentioned that he would be leaving again. He loves the freedom of the sky but also comfort of the ground upon which they would lay. It is his time, they know, to journey ahead and out of reach. </div>
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"I think I am a cloud too," says She. "A big blue cloud."</div>
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She stands to her feet for the first time in years and saw that He had not yet gone at all. He had been by her side, watching her from above, and waiting for her to rise. A cloud is what He knows he is, and that she too is the same. A fog is just a cloud that has forgotten its call to ascension. She swears to never return to the earth again unless to reminisce; for they were created for horizons, and only occasional mists. All because they chose to rise above, they can now simply float away.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-54936721211492737802015-12-28T17:34:00.002-08:002015-12-28T17:42:21.734-08:00This Little Light<div class="MsoNormal">
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“Don’t forget your lights!”<br />
<br />This is something my father would routinely say
whenever we would leave the house in the evening. It was his way of keeping the electric
bill low and the bulb’s life, saved.<br />
<br />I remember the first time I was old enough to change a light
bulb. It was a tableside lamp, the kind that had many times kept us company during hours of late night study. The bulb seemed to me so fragile that I feared to take it out of its socket.<br />
<br />“What if I get electrocuted?” I’d question.<br />“But how else will you be able to see in the dark if you don’t
change it?”<br />
<br />In 2016, may we all fearlessly change our bulbs and burn more brightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> May we clearly embrace the shining new year and all its goodness. With each and every day you embark upon: don't forget your light. </span>Father I pray that you help us
to take a deep look at the shadows of our lives and exchange it for your
eternal light. Never burn out. Never camp in darkness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never lose hope.<br />
<br />Change your bulb.<br />
</div>
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-4102435128479017262015-10-03T11:38:00.000-07:002015-10-03T12:05:25.306-07:00Introversion & Privacy<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m introverted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I fear we have been mislead by societal notions
that a person who chooses not to engage fully in group settings is ill.
This is not to be confused by someone who is actually suffering in silence.
Introverts, like myself, simply need reserved amounts of “Alone Time” in order
to better function in an extroverted world. Without it, one may find themselves
burnt-out and unable to find pleasure in public settings.</span><br />
<br />
There is no safer solace than the quiet of solitude for the loud of mind.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> I
often find my thinking overpowered by crowded work environments, cellular
interruptions, or jovial dinner tables. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the
relationships that I have built with the people around me, but rather that I
appreciate my quiet time a little bit more. Recently I had neglected to steal
away such precious moments in a schedule which left me restless, subdued, and
overwhelmed.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBQ9lnWsPO5ijwBprozK6sPD1YNkJUIupJtyYzFJlCCipw3GxJGx6-E4YPXuAVxKWOfHA4MkL5em3w0M9fhNuCD9OXubSH3W05YlKiEd_uvIDk3x4IWw7kMbdyLhqIItNAmsmd5KNqHk/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBQ9lnWsPO5ijwBprozK6sPD1YNkJUIupJtyYzFJlCCipw3GxJGx6-E4YPXuAVxKWOfHA4MkL5em3w0M9fhNuCD9OXubSH3W05YlKiEd_uvIDk3x4IWw7kMbdyLhqIItNAmsmd5KNqHk/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
“Are you okay?” my friends would ask.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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“You look tired,” another would add.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
"Do you miss your Love?"<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
“Is it because you're lonely or
depressed?</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Yet, the fatigued countenance they perceived was entirely my
fault. I was exhausted of people. I wanted to be alone.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">By allowing for privacy, I
am gifting myself with the ability to recharge to the full capacity of my being
which is: vibrant, happy, and inspired. Although I believe all persons should
take sufficient time away from others, not everyone is considered an introvert.
True introverts receive their vital life-energy by being left alone. We
introverts do not solve our problems by elaborating on them in conversation; we
do so by stepping away from anything unrelated to the issue and address the problem
slowly and intently. We refuse to shout to be heard in long meetings or over
meals because we know that a well-timed statement said with simplicity is just
as effective (and won’t get us into trouble later). We often find our truth in
the singular sense before acting in the forthright.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Introverts
are the loved ones to whom you can trust your secrets. They’re
the friends that you invite into your home, but may not always show up to
a party or big social gathering. They’re the prankster whose one-liners will
have you laughing for weeks. For there is something quite powerful about the introvert who knows his or her place in the out-loud world. In the words of my favorite
writer Lorraine Hansberry, one should “never be afraid to sit a while and
think.” There is nothing wrong with the introvert. Perhaps we are the braver of
mankind, who dare to be with only oneself and truly enjoy our own company.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Wait for hope to appear. [Lamentations 3:27-28]</blockquote>
</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-54515933501795974502015-06-08T11:38:00.000-07:002015-06-08T12:56:32.682-07:00Sit Like an Effing Lady<br />
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<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWN06obRgUUAm6PAzLzMs0e9K2pTb9oqVuLkMilMxGh4S1jZbLrEPLimF6ewWPXoAX5aznFYfpofVw_w381kdMvLLD2__p7M4lhAfw2tvIMqEQd-bYVotRU0_D-rxEsPlk6frVJgzFGI/s1600/IMG_2480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWN06obRgUUAm6PAzLzMs0e9K2pTb9oqVuLkMilMxGh4S1jZbLrEPLimF6ewWPXoAX5aznFYfpofVw_w381kdMvLLD2__p7M4lhAfw2tvIMqEQd-bYVotRU0_D-rxEsPlk6frVJgzFGI/s400/IMG_2480.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I wouldn’t exactly call myself a tomboy. Granted, I could
probably tell you the starting line up for last night’s NBA playoff game or
quote every line of the movie Talladega Nights: the Ballad of Ricky Bobby. At the
same hand, I’d still feel just as myself dancing ballet or crying
through every song from The Way We Were. On an average day, I would say I am
confident in my own curious expression of femininity. I love everything that
comes with being female right down to the uniquely designed ways in which I was
made to love, to be, and to feel. But in my progressiveness, I have <u>never</u>
felt the slightest compulsion to wear a dress like <i>this</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">As a kid I was studious, compassionate, and mischievous. Yet
anytime my mother would force me into a frilly pink frock, all of my endearing
qualities were washed away in utter disgust.
What I, and many of my gender associates, endured was the early molding
of society. “This is who you are. This is who you’ll be.” Flawed as it may
seem, how you dress does shape the impression you first make upon the seeing
world. For me, a frilly pink dress never translated into the kind of impression
I wanted to make. Until today, I’ve dressed with chicness, toughness, and a
stylish sense of that complex little girl I fight diligently to honor. Until today,
I made sure my first impression was nothing like this dress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">To be clear, I love dresses. I own many dresses and from time
to time enjoy the freedom of a good skirt. But this particular experiment was a
jolt outside of my comfort zone and a leap in the trenches of overt femininity.
When I showed my best friend a photo of the dress she laughed—hard. I was
preparing myself for the viscous complements about how “cute” or “pretty” I
looked. Call me beautiful, gorgeous, sexy, a hot stack of pancakes… anything
but those words. In my mind, the only successful time pretty was used
conjunctively with the word woman was in 1990 when Julia Roberts played a
prostitute. The implied cuteness robs me of every scraped knee and thousands of
read books. Wearing this dress, I feared, would take away all of my
competencies and intellectual gains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I made sure most of my friends or acquaintances knew that they
would be seeing me in a new light come Monday. That my transformation would be
strictly temporary and that they were in know way to get used to this “sweet”
little teacup. But the night before my girlish debut, I couldn’t sleep. Usually
confident in anything, I doubted my ability to pull it off. What if people
think I’m a joke? Where do I put my keys? What if it flies up in the subway
platform? What if I throw like a girl? What if I’m stuck in a sand trap at the
bottom of the 9<sup>th</sup> with no timeouts on the 10-yard line? What if I
like it? Does that make me a liar?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Then morning comes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I put on the dress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I take a deep breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I face the mirror.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Well, I’m not dead. It feels more like a costume at first. The
more I look myself up and down the more acclimated I start to sink to its
pinkness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">“I exude confidence and courage in all aspects of my life…” I
say several times to myself as mantra to keep from profuse swearing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">If I have learned anything from partaking in my friend Amy’s
<a href="http://www.amyleemcnabb.com/confidence-club" target="_blank">Confidence Club</a>, it is that brave is who we are in the face of adversity.
Courage, however, is intentionally stepping out of our comfort zone. Today I
was intentionally ridding myself of everything I had built up against wearing
something like this. Upon arriving to work<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Proverbs there is an entire chapter devoted to a Woman of
Good Character. It outlines a competent and skilled woman who is attractive
not by mention of looks but by mention of her very being. As I sat reading in
my frilly pink frock, I found a peaceful chuckle in this verse that I would
carry with me for the rest of the day:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: white;">Strength
and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” Proverbs
31:25</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></h4>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">No matter what I was to be addressed in, I have already been clothed in a character that exudes strength and dignity. These are the sorts of robes I hope to never take off.<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Upon arriving to work I noticed I had become invisible to women. Men, however, were
eager to help me with every door, bottle cap, and elevator. People did laugh
because of the silly nature of my experiment, but not because they no longer
took me seriously. In some twisted pastel way I felt like a volcano of my
actual self. Somewhere underneath the pink mountain was a vibrant and fiery pit
of intellect and competency. In my twenty-something years I had convinced
myself that allowing myself to be pretty was the antithesis of
authenticity. Was I slightly nauseous
all day? Yes. Did I forget to cross my legs? No. Did it matter what people
thought of me? Yes. But being stuck outside of my comfort zone for a whole
24hrs has given me the reassurance that my dignity is still perfectly in tact
no matter what I’m wearing as long as I sit like an effing lady.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQyZBMnepfRbBAHU7wW3r0xNDWYqd-0USIb8UGK2TCSx7RKo8xmGBxJhgTaiSrNzKRoxCCcAHz1PZpDyl5fFVYB2I1dpNmtGHcc90-xY6haJk5xoL5x6sqVvCK3ibD1VoUwKCiEcJ-7s/s1600/fox.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQyZBMnepfRbBAHU7wW3r0xNDWYqd-0USIb8UGK2TCSx7RKo8xmGBxJhgTaiSrNzKRoxCCcAHz1PZpDyl5fFVYB2I1dpNmtGHcc90-xY6haJk5xoL5x6sqVvCK3ibD1VoUwKCiEcJ-7s/s640/fox.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<!--EndFragment--></span></div>
</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-90445332325776966582015-04-30T12:12:00.001-07:002016-05-26T17:32:57.646-07:00Unrest: A Poem for the Divide<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">UNREST</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">by</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nicole Lockhart </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">We are looking for our trigger</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">It's just a matter of time before the</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">*Snap*</span></div>
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<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
For our skin is wearing so thin,</div>
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you can see the spirit chained within.</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Thinner than its pigment and whipped scars.</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Thinner than the bloodshed and prison bars.</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
And to the republic for which it no longer stands,</div>
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darkened like the back of my hand?</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
An uncivil America shows its residual flaws</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
etched deep in unwritten laws;</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
is a freedom for some </div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
and not freedom for all.</div>
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<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Are there no ethics for the ethnic</div>
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in a world divisible by melanin?</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
If an unarmed black boy walks to the store to by some candy,</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
should his parents make sure he has a weapon handy?</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
See, It's set up like a joke</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
But the punchline is sad</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
that the imaginary threat you think I am...</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
is <u>Tired</u> and <u>Mad</u>.</div>
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<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Are all officers endowed with a Reasonable Doubt?</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Always getting the benefit of the doubt,</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Protected without reason to shout.</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Help me, my God, I can't figure it out!</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"One dead two dead three dead four</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Kill me a n**** kill me some mo!</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Five dead six dead seven dead too</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Black boy run, they're a gunnin' for you!</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Hands up blackie I think they gonna shoot!</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Say a prayer for yo mama and yo country too."</div>
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<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
The righteous rightly riot</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
The war they wage is true</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
But what happens to the community?</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
What happens to the loot?</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Action meets traction in a furious collide</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Let love erode the ivory walls of Washington</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Where a black president resides.</div>
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<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
I love my police, but can't stop my soul from crying</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
My brothers, fathers, sons are dying</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
This silence feels like lying</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
so I speak up for lack of trying, I must</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
because I must,</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
because I must...</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Our father which art in heaven,</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Forgive U.S our trespasses </div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
as we forgive those</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Who trespass against U.S.</div>
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<br /></div>
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</span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-49829123332698166262014-12-28T22:17:00.001-08:002014-12-29T13:29:05.277-08:00Clemency for Artists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKKx95Q8I06dhyphenhyphen3iob9SYXyvXljxfV75pVOZIVfcKYvJSW8va0eAH3_PxXWQ-tlNFYedIm-9HBpEqAXN_jmSPunvOk6KtIa9I2X7_SnDnFiE7RYU-p5gtwXYKehxfygumWgQ53BBwzpQ/s1600/229719_10151511365881406_1276615774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKKx95Q8I06dhyphenhyphen3iob9SYXyvXljxfV75pVOZIVfcKYvJSW8va0eAH3_PxXWQ-tlNFYedIm-9HBpEqAXN_jmSPunvOk6KtIa9I2X7_SnDnFiE7RYU-p5gtwXYKehxfygumWgQ53BBwzpQ/s1600/229719_10151511365881406_1276615774_n.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
<div>
Woe is the world unkind to The Artist! </div>
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<br /></div>
People with such misconstrued convictions have a specific place in the world; a place dictated by rules, traditions, and results. Among them are The Scientist, The Law Keeper, and The Rationalist. We Artists have a specific place in the world too; and without disparaging your status in life, we beg for the opening of eyes to reveal the eminent necessity for people like us. It is not validation we seek for our proclaimed path--for we are that we are at no evidence of anatomy--but rather we plead clemency for the invalidation endured by our fellow man. As all lives hold equal value, so all dreams and talents have sanctity.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Artists are those who determine value not by dollars, but by heart. We are they that dare to live in the treacheries of the unknown so that we might achieve universal understanding through our interpretations. It is us for whom possibilities are truly infinite and life on earth made eternal. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yet it is because of those not like us that education and legalistic ambition have become recognized as the only means by which to achieve satisfaction, success, and wealth. Those who think solely thusly strangle and thus kill The Artist, his cousin The Dreamer, his friend The Philosopher, and lastly himself The Child. For it is my belief that all beings are fashioned with and by a creative stirring. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Discouragement kills us all, yes, but it is especially cruel to The Artist. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
May we never seek to destroy another man's dreams simply because they are not our own. A dream is given to he alone who is able to interpret and to fulfill it's destiny. Although <i>yours</i> and <i>mine</i> are different, each have a unique equality in the world. This mecca is <i>ours</i> as humans to share, to uplift, and to provide for. It is then the responsibility of the collective to create a world a little less massacred by petty words of ignorance or self-serving principalities if we hope to preserve some bit of Eden for future generations.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We must be gentle with our ambitions so that they do not crush the fragile wings of others. For who can know? Their wings may very well be the means by which humanity finally learns to fly. Let us end the war between science and religion, of art and medicine, and of you and I. Together then, by the gifts and passions so preciously nestled in our aspirations, we shall create thereby a sort of betterment of mankind. </div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-21183223477787205002014-08-30T08:04:00.000-07:002014-08-30T08:29:06.114-07:007 Out of 10<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I only
recited 7. That was it. It was tragic.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgKX7RW4mU9SGikUk5738pyxLrnJdcZz9nKgNwDEhv5rVCr7PbVqxuSkYGTNwG_qxlQClFw_jFs-uZfy2x6bNTGo5mFsvbYtkRVLAvtxgh_ttkpVMh137uxwh7ZEHWhu61kmvzRYTgwI/s1600/Charleston+Heston_Ten+Commandments_Moses.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgKX7RW4mU9SGikUk5738pyxLrnJdcZz9nKgNwDEhv5rVCr7PbVqxuSkYGTNwG_qxlQClFw_jFs-uZfy2x6bNTGo5mFsvbYtkRVLAvtxgh_ttkpVMh137uxwh7ZEHWhu61kmvzRYTgwI/s1600/Charleston+Heston_Ten+Commandments_Moses.jpeg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I’m one of those from-the-womb Christians (meaning I was born into a family with an active expression of the religion). Still being in the practice of my faith over twenty years later, I quizzed myself on the Ten Commandments just to see if I still knew what they were. There’s only ten of them, right? It shouldn’t be that hard. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I racked my
blanked brain—without cheating—for the
final three commandments. Thankfully, God’s grace covered my mental lapse with
verses like:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now it is
evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous
shall live by faith.” <i>(Galatians 3:11)</i></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But I also knew
that Jesus himself said:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whoever has my
commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me… (<i>John 14:21)</i></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Written in the
Old Testament but quoted in the New Testament, the utterance is still a
contemporary edict. While our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i>
is what will be counted to us as righteousness (<i><span style="color: #535353;">Romans
1:17) </span></i>and <i>love i</i>s the
greatest of laws (<span style="color: #535353;"><i>Matthew 22:36 - 22:38),
</i>there is yet a blueprint on which, at the inception of Israel’s proclamation as
the chosen people, we are called to live by. Following the string of biblically thematic movies, perhaps it is time for a remake of the 1956 film?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">John said it best:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">By
this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His
commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and
His commandments are not burdensome. <i>(John 5:2-3)</i></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 313.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 313.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There’s
that silly song I once adored “<i>and they’ll know we are Christians by our love,
by our love.</i>” But John also says they’ll know we are Christians because we
“observe His commandments,” and to love God means keeping his rules with out
contempt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ouch!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 313.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 313.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
all this, I still couldn’t remember the three remaining commandments. When I finally
read the words regarding Moses and the mount, I was not only convicted, but
also challenged. The three commandments I had forgotten were exactly the three
that I had forgotten to live by. Ouch again! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 313.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 313.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is now a personal challenge to
return to my youthful obedience and keep the commandments. All of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 313.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Notice I didn’t
list what they were? After you’ve quizzed yourself on the Big 10, take a look
at the cheat sheet of righteousness in Exodus 20:1-17. I challenge you to
reassess your lawful meter and look at the blueprint in a whole new way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-84230628865012130382014-07-29T10:22:00.000-07:002014-07-29T11:22:15.919-07:00Crossing Your Jordan<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After being liberated from Pharaoh's slavery in Egypt in a miraculous display of God's power, Moses leads the Israelites in pursuit of the Promised Land. But this journey was neither swift nor direct and the Israelites, like most of us, began to grumble against the Lord their God saying to Moses "Now we are ready to go into the land we were promised!" (Num 14:39). God's response to this loss of faith was:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="text Num-14-21" id="en-NIV-4130" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><sup class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">21 </sup>Nevertheless, as surely as I live<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-4130AT" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-4130AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup> and as surely as the glory of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-4130AU" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-4130AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup> fills the whole earth,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-4130AV" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-4130AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Num-14-22" id="en-NIV-4131" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><sup class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup>not one of those who saw my glory and the signs<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-4131AW" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-4131AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></sup> I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-4131AX" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-4131AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup>—</span> <span class="text Num-14-23" id="en-NIV-4132" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><sup class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup>not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-4132AY" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-4132AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup> to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-4132AZ" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-4132AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)"></sup> will ever see it. (Num 14:21-23)</span></span></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No, you didn't misread the ordering of this verse. God already knew that the Israelites would fail their testing in the wilderness. Moses warned them they did not have God's favor (Num 14:41-42), but sometimes we want to rush into our Promise Land thinking that God has abandoned us in the wilderness. The Israelites were destroyed--excepting Joshua--who by his faith did not complain (Num 14:38; Josh 5:6-7). He is the one who leads their youth to the door of the Promise Land </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">on the bank of the Jordan River</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, forty years later as men and women of a new Israel (Josh 3:7-8). </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9D1VU1X_9PE39A_KcIBRC31gJ6olOeJ0qML1xvG1tLzjiWSBJLYhEWerK517WDGI_vT_QIGMxPsidGIZ_KlGt2ZZoguIykw6IaqRTvKyuQt8Y3odxzFG_cl5g-A0vt8Jvurg98G_IrI0/s1600/b06dabef69ffd82ed637017f3ac9e9d6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9D1VU1X_9PE39A_KcIBRC31gJ6olOeJ0qML1xvG1tLzjiWSBJLYhEWerK517WDGI_vT_QIGMxPsidGIZ_KlGt2ZZoguIykw6IaqRTvKyuQt8Y3odxzFG_cl5g-A0vt8Jvurg98G_IrI0/s1600/b06dabef69ffd82ed637017f3ac9e9d6.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But the Jordan River was overflowing with high tide and vegetation (Josh 3:15). In a journey too dangerous for even their strongest men, Joshua instructs the priest holding the ark (or God's <u>literal written promise</u> to the people as given to Moses) to step into the water first. In doing so the waters immediately parted so that a highway of dry ground was made. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now we've been told that God keeps his promises. But what do we do when we get to the door of our Promise Land only to find it locked, flooded, and impossible to cross? When God bought the Israelites through the Red Sea and away from Pharoah's chasing army he parted 1,400 mi width and 8,200 mi at its deepest. Jordan, by comparison, is only 15 mi across about 150 ft at its deepest. If my God is faithful to part an entire Sea, why do I doubt him when I get to the River? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What I love about this image is that is reveals to us the necessity of holding on to God's promises. In verse 17, the priest holding the ark doesn't continue leading ahead but instead he;</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5911AO" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5911AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"> while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground." (Josh 3:17)</span></span></blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This was so that every single Israelite witnessed that it was not by Moses, or Joshua, the priest, or their own strength, but only by the will of the Lord that a way had been made.</span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As we stand right on the edge of all we have been hoping for, yet unable to cross, we must trust that our crossing depends solely on our God who is able to fulfill his promises and bring us into our glory. May we be encouraged by our strengthening in the wilderness and steadfast to the promises from the Lord!</span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-57151921250065475702014-06-08T11:33:00.000-07:002014-06-08T11:34:36.859-07:00Skinny Junk<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLKkDkUOGaMKYNFquce775MSaCfG5yfHIzHSUTDEypC2Tq744936Wh-Hzse2uWF1yusiZP1LQOnM08pz1qeLiiuwSKa6i0BzmaYQNv7FA5CAsXzEXtYda1iYHVclQqDqkYTgd9Iw_iUw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLKkDkUOGaMKYNFquce775MSaCfG5yfHIzHSUTDEypC2Tq744936Wh-Hzse2uWF1yusiZP1LQOnM08pz1qeLiiuwSKa6i0BzmaYQNv7FA5CAsXzEXtYda1iYHVclQqDqkYTgd9Iw_iUw/s1600/photo.JPG" height="300" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not an eater.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some people are great at eating. I, alas, am not gifted in
the art of mass consumption. Food and I have a healthy and respectable give-and-take matrimony. There is nothing I love more than a good plate of swoon-worthy
vegetables, succulent kisses of fruit, balanced with occasional rounds of
lactose and gluten. But I also take good care of my body—meaning it also takes
good care of me. No more and no less. Excepting the few times when the mirror
disagrees, I manage to make it out of the house from day to day without any
major qualms about my physical existence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But you’re a model,” you might say. “Models always have
perfect bodies.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Models, truly, have a physic that photographs well and by
media manipulation are presented in a perfect image. My legs don’t go on for
days, I’m sub-average in height, my cheeks are full, and sometimes I take
really bad pictures. Yet what glamour and an airbrush can’t fix lies much
deeper. I won’t own a scale because quite frankly the scale doesn’t own me. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If I feel good then I look good</i>...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BUT, Today I ate a lot of junk.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A healthy lifestyle, after all, affords occasional saturated meals.
But today I ate simply because it was junk. It was a fanciful smorgasbord of
sensual chaos. There was homemade jam, and biscuits with melted cheddar, pizza,
cookies, soda, ice cream etc. There was no fruit and there was no vegetable excepting the
tomato sauce hiding in my three slices of pizza.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Suddenly I didn’t feel like myself. I didn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feel good</i>. Who was this girl and why was
she so hungry? I thought of myself as reckless, careless, and (as most humans do
in times of binged glutton)… I felt guilty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey Mami, ” a guy called lustfully to me as I was walking
home/burning calories/planning to start a detox cleanse tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You don’t want her,” his androgynous friend said. “She
ain’t got no meat on her bones!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There I am again. I am the chicken-legged vegetarian who is
fit, happy, and healthy. I was not a weak person for eating junk food; because
at the end of the day, I knew my body would always take care of me so long as I loved it in the process. A diet is not perfect if it does not consist of love. Feeling good is a choice that happens at any
size or over any meal, but it is first and foremost a choice. A healthy life starts with loving yourself, feeling good about your choices, and looking good while doing it. So, eat some love today.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-39166857316493479732014-04-23T19:31:00.002-07:002014-04-23T19:40:39.011-07:00Nothing is a FeelingTo say I feel nothing, would be accurate if t'were possible. I was told to take time and reflect on what has been the last ~4 years of my life on an indescribable journey in publishing a novel (<a href="http://www.unadequate.com/">Unadequate</a>). Perhaps they that have asked how I feel now that the book has been released expected too much of myself--who by my humble nature already <i>feels</i> so much. Given proper consideration, I suppose I will always see this otherwise prolific milestone as just another grain of sand in the hourglass, a notch in the belt, a clover in the field, an attraction in the road trip, etc...<br />
<br />
Nothing, in theory, is tricky at best. And so I made a list in hopes that feeling would somehow follow intellect. This is what I've learned in this process:<br />
<ol>
<li>Do the work.</li>
<li>In all things give praise and practice gratitude.</li>
<li>Be wholly independent. You are not your inspiration/idea.</li>
<li>Don't let your dream become your idol.</li>
<li>Keep it close, and closer still. </li>
<li>Be ready to share with strangers, for strangers soon become your friends.</li>
<li>Pushing? Stop.</li>
<li>Not every problem requires a solution or fixing.</li>
<li>Money can buy you time. </li>
<li>Invest your time in what brings you money.</li>
<li>People will surprise you.</li>
<li>Every setback is actually a setup for greater/better.</li>
<li>Get your hopes up and build foundations to keep them there.</li>
<li>Don't fight to quit - Fight to keep going.</li>
<li>Details are everything and nothing.</li>
<li>There are only "Good Days" </li>
<li>Give yourself milestones not plans or a calander.</li>
<li>Trust the process.</li>
<li>Never lose hope in the promise.</li>
<li>Watch for miracles.</li>
<li>Doubting yourself is fine, but never doubt He who works in you.</li>
<li>Don't skip ahead, the forecast changes and you won't be dressed for the weather.</li>
<li>Forgive yourself when necessary.</li>
<li>You will <u>never</u> know the next step before you take it.</li>
<li>"How Are You?" will reveal your true friends/family. If they don't ask that question in genuine concern, don't be surprised if they disappear.</li>
<li>Your physical, mental, and emotional state are connected. Neglect one and the others perish.</li>
<li>Disappointment will happen if you're doing it 'right'.</li>
<li>Do things that make you unconditionally happy.</li>
<li>You will always know what you want. Ask yourself.</li>
<li>Your definition of <b>possible </b>was meant to be rewritten.</li>
</ol>
<div>
I suppose that's the best of all the nothing I could offer any of you who are attempting to tackle the biggest of your dreams. For if you expect any fulfillment you must first be emptied; and when you have been emptied in pursuit of your calling... maybe nothing is the greatest feeling one can achieve. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYUkYZIiKWvNdbGdvqw-37ZtfMd9vIBb3ol9AxjIqmrTMANGD6ZtgkBRGyWcvnwZ_dplxrWkZSJ8kqFt8op-6G3EKNG1ZvhzhN1w7jby817WvUnXRDUle3hj7Kf_XhHARu0QeuDyUFBM/s1600/Blg_3b-IcAA8UVE.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nicole Lockhart" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYUkYZIiKWvNdbGdvqw-37ZtfMd9vIBb3ol9AxjIqmrTMANGD6ZtgkBRGyWcvnwZ_dplxrWkZSJ8kqFt8op-6G3EKNG1ZvhzhN1w7jby817WvUnXRDUle3hj7Kf_XhHARu0QeuDyUFBM/s1600/Blg_3b-IcAA8UVE.jpg-large.jpeg" height="265" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For those of you who've already read the book, thank you for your kind words and for sharing it with other readers. If you haven't yet read this little fiction gem of mine: <a href="http://www.mcnallyjackson.com/bookmachine/unadequate-nicole-lockhart" target="_blank">Buy Paperback</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unadequate-Nicole-Lockhart-ebook/dp/B00JM6FYW2" target="_blank">Download Kindle.</a> </div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-27632872121882955192014-02-23T14:53:00.003-08:002014-02-23T17:47:55.480-08:00Sit On Your Hands (A Lesson in Faith)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/unadequate-a-novel" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkatzYkYNUfd576RCVS5MaNA3P_Ost96g79bq1ajt5hAHw40p2vAAejHpuvrB8VWV43IHhIX7FO1RfYfPuv2worBPgfO_w8ykgJY7ewrcmls8p6NCcS5kA2wCKvevVLFnns1uorlqUaQ/s1600/Kindle+Cover.jpg" height="200" width="125" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the past three years of my life, I have poured many
hours into a novel (<a href="http://www.unadequate.com/">Unadequate</a>). As of today I have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">mere days</b> to raise the remaining funds of my <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/unadequate-a-novel"><b>pre-order campaign</b></a>.
While there are many names I could call, emails I could send, and things still
to be done; in the early morning hours of my blackend apartment I hear that
familiar voice demand of me:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>SIT ON YOUR HANDS</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(The following is the dialogue which then transpired between
myself and the universe at 4:44am. It should also be known that I am <u>not</u> a morning person and enjoy always the deepest of sleep.)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">ME: </span></span>You’ve got to be f***ing kidding me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">GOD:</span> No.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">ME: </span>Now?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">GOD: </span>That’s right. After 3 years of working and doing, I want you to sit on your
hands for 3 days.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">ME</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">:</span> I think I’m going to be sick…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">GOD: </span>How can the works of your hands produce a greater faith
in me? I tell you they cannot. Far be it from the hands of humans to perform
the miracles they so wish to interfere with their circumstance. It is not
hands, but faith and faith alone that produces the power of God. Are not my
ways better? Are not my resources infinite? Are not my hands stronger? I am the
great I am in whom and through whom all things are possible. Not by your hands
but my will be done.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will by definition is the power by which all things succeed.
For what is impossible with man will be possible with God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
How can you credit to faith what you have done by your own works? No!
I say unto thee:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SIT ON YOUR HANDS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sit and so manifest the powers of heaven by faith.
Faith—which is the evidence of all your hopes yet unattained. How can you trust
what you still daily see? How can I move when you work continuously? No! I say
unto thee:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SIT ON YOUR HANDS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You look for these signs with your eyes, but I say look no
more—for I am in the unseen. What is faith if it is not called to walk out upon
the waters? If it is not led through the darkness where all is unseen and yet
still is? Faith exists not in the sight of man, but in his heart an in his
soul. So I say unto you:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SIT ON YOUR HANDS</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I work in instants and you labor in years. But the lifetime
of man is not measured by how many or how frequent the harvest; but by the
beauty of his field as tended by the famer of his faith. See, the seeds planted
do not grow by the earth but from it. The miracles of the universe come not by
man but by the universe itself when man learns he must…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SIT ON YOUR HANDS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The future of this book, as with all things, lies not with
your hands and I ask you to sit on them so that I may bring forth every
promise, grow every seed, and manifest every unseen vision by your faith—not
your hands. It is not only for your sake that I do this but so that others may <u>see
by your faith</u> (not your hands) the work of a God in which they no longer
have belief, trust, or faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SIT ON YOUR HANDS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lift not a finger to tweet, to update a status, or promote.
Then watch as I show you what I have already begun, am always doing, and will
finish. Think not that you are testing me, but rather I am testing you while
you…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SIT ON YOUR HANDS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If three days can raise a dead man and restore him to life,
then in three days can I produce the miracle you so desire. Look no more to
your hands, and see the evidence of your faith in me. Doubt not the power of
your God with the works of your hand or the generosity of your fellow man, and
believe I will give all things unto you when you... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SIT ON YOUR HANDS</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sit in darkness as you blackout the sight, tie up the hands
in prayer, and contain the eagerness to perform works of your flesh. Then I
will show myself more powerful, more abundant, and more omnipresent. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">ME: </span>In the silent dark before sunrise, and for every day to
come, I will be found sitting on my hands. Watching not for the dollar signs, not for
the copies sold, but for the power of He who does all things. Bearing witness
to the awesomeness of God as only man can when he sits on his hands.<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">GOD</span>: Anything else?<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">ME</span>: Yes.<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">GOD</span>: What?<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">ME</span>: I love you.<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">GOD</span>: I love you too.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-72826970035210291132013-11-12T09:28:00.002-08:002013-11-12T16:35:58.287-08:00Who Am I if I'm Not _____ (an Open Letter to Tina)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">An open letter from one single woman to another.</span></span><br />
<br />
Dear Tina,<br />
<br />
No, I've never been married but I understand that you've been with someone longer than you've lived in singularity and have built a united force that is a marriage or partnership. I also empathize that the spirit of compromise can become a routine submission of who we are as individuals. Relationships of all kinds in time develop their own personality, a single routine, and singular ideology on the coordinates of life. Meanwhile, day after day year after year we willingly lose a little bit of that individual fire that was our life prior to the relationship living only in this new identity as upheld by two people. Indeed, I pen the words <i>willingly lose</i>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU7vw_Ud_zLYv76q5Qx5Pcm6HGvEJGFL7km1WqWNVb73k5J4Sd5rhJtXYLXq7v2QQqeqI8YO3i2l0Q2VxPHS6x8WHZ7tbpN7aK-cTPsEHoOQDVEGFjBn4de0jtV7_doKXU-Bid6LzD_U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-12+at+7.35.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU7vw_Ud_zLYv76q5Qx5Pcm6HGvEJGFL7km1WqWNVb73k5J4Sd5rhJtXYLXq7v2QQqeqI8YO3i2l0Q2VxPHS6x8WHZ7tbpN7aK-cTPsEHoOQDVEGFjBn4de0jtV7_doKXU-Bid6LzD_U/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-11-12+at+7.35.15+PM.png" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
Your identity is all you have in this world and although you conceded to lose it for the sake of love, it was never fully given away. Understanding that so much of who we are is defined by our family, friends, careers, and even who we choose to marry or be in an intimate relationship with, know that your identity is only shaped by those things. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, your identity is defined by YOU.<br />
<br />
The absence of something is nothing. Therefore when a breakup happens it is the absence of that person but YOU still remain, leaving a clear and evident <i>something. </i>Your identity is not found in who you are <u>not</u>; your true identity is found in who you <u>are</u>.<br />
<i><br /></i>
Tina, you're not nothing. In fact, I believe that you are far more than what your husband saw. You deserve to know the hidden woman that you've always been and fall madly in love with her. She may be shy and may be wounded by the recent events, but she deserves to live and breathe a life so full of happiness and freedom that she'll never get lost in the compromise of a relationship again.<br />
<br />
In the words of my grandmother, "Stop wanting something that doesn't want you." That is the key to happiness and the freedom of your heart. If they want to leave they aren't, and dare I say, weren't worthy of you in the first place. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life</i> (proverbs 13:21). Let go of the threads of lost hope, desire only what desires you, and you will then become desirable and free.</span><br />
<br />
As you sit on Steve Harvey's plush talk-show couch; bravely baring your broken heart and crushed soul to millions, I want you to wake up tomorrow and know that just because your lover chose not to love you anymore, that:<br />
<br />
<b>You are an infinitely powerful human being. </b><br />
<b>You have dreams/ideas that only you can put into action.</b><br />
<b>Your destiny is bigger than just being someone's partner.</b><br />
<b>You are beautiful.</b><br />
<b>You are strong.</b><br />
<b>You are a mother.</b><br />
<b>You are a sister.</b><br />
<b>You are a daughter.</b><br />
<b>You are a woman.</b><br />
<b>You are loved. </b><br />
<br />
"You think you lost your identity, but in actuality you gained an opportunity to find the man who's worthy and to find yourself," said Harvey. Welcome to the best years of your life, Tina. Where you find your inner most self, allow her to blossom, and not give a single f*** about anything that doesn't want you. Seek goodness and love as you alone can define it, and then you will find exactly who you are.<br />
<br />
I Love You Tina,<br />
NicoleNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-79819941145578746102013-09-27T18:01:00.001-07:002013-12-19T11:40:45.895-08:00How I Found my Soul in Soul Food<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Some say dreams are made here
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enough they may eventually break through the concrete jungle of Manhattan (barring that they don’t sprout under a thirty story apartment building).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a languid September, and although I
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8elOqht5FhNSgElQXc92n-lmwKjspirorTSd-oZwU4Ex7ihsGY4QzdPUIvxQvA4GFqLCvga6R9WBFnMPMIJDC3Iy6pYyoAGznxwb9iTNjHgsEV6mn35rADvO5kNZLAwrYZLyqOjO854/s1600/image+copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8elOqht5FhNSgElQXc92n-lmwKjspirorTSd-oZwU4Ex7ihsGY4QzdPUIvxQvA4GFqLCvga6R9WBFnMPMIJDC3Iy6pYyoAGznxwb9iTNjHgsEV6mn35rADvO5kNZLAwrYZLyqOjO854/s400/image+copy.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">That week I was to spend
every day back where it all began more than two years ago. In an old
Bedford-Stuyvesant brownstone lived an even older great great aunt. Apart from
our 75 year age difference and her love for the color pink, there is virtually
nothing different about us. Moreover we shared the greatest common denominator
of all: a love of food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">I’d become a brilliant chef
and my dinner parties have never ended with complaints or leftovers. But should
you ask me to bake I would certainly fail everytime. My cookies taste like
crackers, my cakes are always over baking powdered, and I have the most
irrational fear of yeast. Never in my life have I made a successful baked dessert
that wasn’t pre-packaged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">“But what are you going to
eat?” my aunt said to me for the fourth time that hour. “You can’t just not
eat!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAtJLO2NS534-RqZ7DViXg_qHxqctjVVbPcTjFThp8tJwSikWnC0sVhsIdzXNY3L-OlcQ30bWHgdjHE2c3AfuqsDTZMD71Ka3Dw1bVAjym7qOWwzdGabp2R3hH1bg1R3nyXqbwxTCJgA/s1600/image+copy+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAtJLO2NS534-RqZ7DViXg_qHxqctjVVbPcTjFThp8tJwSikWnC0sVhsIdzXNY3L-OlcQ30bWHgdjHE2c3AfuqsDTZMD71Ka3Dw1bVAjym7qOWwzdGabp2R3hH1bg1R3nyXqbwxTCJgA/s320/image+copy+3.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazVJvoBcE_PLRHRJleFrZGP82Eby-O7BiBOxZjDZW_21vEXiwj0ynN4z-Bp4L4QtYlmFzruhDk3RMrlLD99x4TTxPk_DQhMcgRw6YfmN97LbX8WyypJGuSv4JjMyDt9TNT-KsXyoGDPg/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazVJvoBcE_PLRHRJleFrZGP82Eby-O7BiBOxZjDZW_21vEXiwj0ynN4z-Bp4L4QtYlmFzruhDk3RMrlLD99x4TTxPk_DQhMcgRw6YfmN97LbX8WyypJGuSv4JjMyDt9TNT-KsXyoGDPg/s200/image.jpeg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Hardship has a way of taking
away things we love the most. Perhaps I could tell her that I was unhappy and
that my appetite was among the wreckage of everything else I had recently lost.
But her eyes seemed to melt with concern beneath her disappointing gray wig. If
not for myself, I thought, I must somehow find a to way eat with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Two years ago she wanted nothing more than to feed me. Yet I became a
vegetarian when I was fifteen out of health consciousness and
political teenage angst. For a southern lady like Aunt Noots, I might as well
have told her I was a cantaloupe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAdSxMpfy5xBA_p6CyVIM9vFHALwa4RCgL9MynDhF8VG79l3hxIYg65chaPHf6-aehQS8ifdoySfT32t-YWMcVqLSxg0WZaXDdHzpThd04WxWoqaRChgrOtyGYCrsCWLV_TL0ubPzr7s/s1600/image+copy+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAdSxMpfy5xBA_p6CyVIM9vFHALwa4RCgL9MynDhF8VG79l3hxIYg65chaPHf6-aehQS8ifdoySfT32t-YWMcVqLSxg0WZaXDdHzpThd04WxWoqaRChgrOtyGYCrsCWLV_TL0ubPzr7s/s320/image+copy+6.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My soul: peaches, honey, and rose petals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">I’ll admit what I’ve done is
not fair to any radical animal activist, but I suppose if I would eat a fish
for anyone it’d be for this 98 year old woman. Love is, after all, the noblest
cause. Aunt Noots loved fried fish and she loved most that if she cooked
fish, then I would eat it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">She
slammed her butcher knife between the head and shoulder of the croaker she had
just scaled. We cooked with such soul that the fire alarm went off. I boiled
the grits, buttered peas, and attempted to create something special on the side.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lOEYDlEbOebcKbAatoyf3-ptT59oiIvFYQNFoC3vDC5YaiKWUJUfusdgyiP28rM24uxpKmhz7bADN3SEtxPpckgGAoBYxb8iDz9nIPkxk4mtelavAC47UBm85mJ2l6XmV9QnYnxeKQ8/s1600/image+copy+5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lOEYDlEbOebcKbAatoyf3-ptT59oiIvFYQNFoC3vDC5YaiKWUJUfusdgyiP28rM24uxpKmhz7bADN3SEtxPpckgGAoBYxb8iDz9nIPkxk4mtelavAC47UBm85mJ2l6XmV9QnYnxeKQ8/s320/image+copy+5.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It turned out perfectly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">I rolled up my sleeves,
turned on Mahalia Jackson, and with every ounce of hope I had left baked my
heart into the only dessert that has ever come out of the oven edible: a
perfect peach cobbler. While it wasn't always pretty, for the first time in a very long time something finally worked out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">“Now what?” said Noots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">“We EAT!” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">“Hand me a fork!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">“Thank God for good food,”
she said paddling another forkful of cobbler.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">“Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<![endif]--><!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I </span>cleaned
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-68764325073739182002013-02-13T20:59:00.000-08:002013-02-13T21:58:40.483-08:00Cardstock Love Notes & The Good Candy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Remember when clever pun-ridden valentine's were handed out to the class and you hoped that your secret crush would give you something forth telling about your impending slow dance in the gymnasium? Just incase you're having trouble finding those old feelings; these songs should take you right back down memory lane, back to that happy place called The 1990s and 2000s. (Note: to all you kids who handed out those nasty Necco Hearts... I never liked you either.)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. If You Wanna Be My Lover</b></span><br />
<b>My Baby by Lil Romeo </b>(2001)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bhju5-USwgY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Not going to lie, back then I might have been one of those girls chasing this wodie to tell him there was 'No Limit' to my love. But dude, your 19min of playing time at USC was seriously unimpressive.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. For The Southern Love</b></span><br />
<b>I'll Be by Edwin McCain </b>(1998)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/OWqLtXXzldk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
This song is presently on my iPod and will not be leaving anytime soon.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. For The Breaker-Uppers</b></span><br />
<b>No More by 3LW </b>(2000)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/drvS9w-lTMc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
3 Little Women, as the acronym so stands, was the anthem for your pre-teen womanhood. Playa Please! We'll see if I ever take you back.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. For The One You Missed the Most</b></span><br />
<b>Back Here by BB Mack </b>(1999)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/l95MMbls0GQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Not that we were actually old enough to go anywhere without supervision, this song was for that lonely time in between your night of homework and the next day when that special someone walked into class.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>5. Prove Your Juvenille Love with a Temporary Tattoo </b></span><br />
<b>I'll be Your Everything by Youngstown </b>(1990)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/NprJcyoySFk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
This song is just one hit wonderful. Plain and simple.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>6. For Today's Crush (and maybe Tomorrows)</b></span><br />
<b>Puppy Love by Lil BowWow</b>(2000)<br />
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/o6y-C_vCHoE/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/o6y-C_vCHoE&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/o6y-C_vCHoE&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
Solange is way too old for Bow Weezy. The idea of using actual puppies in the video was pretty genius though.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>7. For The New Kid in Class</b></span><br />
<b>It Happens Everytime by Dreamstreet </b>(2001)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MDSKGhRKnrA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
OH NO! Not the unsolvable math problem turned love song. I'm really hoping puberty was good to these poor boys.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>8. For Unrequited Love</b></span><br />
<b>Drive Myself Crazy by N*SYNC </b>(1996)<br />
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/ikI-4D_1s-c/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ikI-4D_1s-c&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ikI-4D_1s-c&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
Sure you remember the song, but did you ever see the video? Bleach blonde JT cries a river in a silk straight jacket.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>9. For The Hott Math Nerd</b></span><br />
<b>Back at One by Brian McKnight </b>(1991)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rXPfovXw2tw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Like you actually needed 10 reasons to love this song.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>10. For Television or Worse</b></span><br />
<b>Never Had a Dream Come True by S Club 7 </b>(2000)<br />
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/sQcYGx_jzlU/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sQcYGx_jzlU&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sQcYGx_jzlU&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
Right... because Australians and snow make so much sense. Like, duh, totally!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>11. For The Last Song at the Dance</b></span><br />
<b>Crazy by K-Ci and Jojo </b>(2001)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qi-KCd0guJI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
This was the song you waited all night at the dance for just so you can grab that special someone and slow dance (at arms length in most cases).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>12. For You to Sing Along</b></span><br />
<b>I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston </b>(1992)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3JWTaaS7LdU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Because you simply couldn't press (and hold) rewind enough on your karaoke casset. We will always love you Whitney.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>13. For Your First Sorta Real Thing</b></span><br />
<b>Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey </b>(1996)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LfRNRymrv9k?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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This song will always be your favorite. Oh Mariah, when will you return to music?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>14. For that Imaginary Wedding </b></span></div>
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<b>For You I Will by Monica </b>(1997)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qWHCNieTMg8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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This one goes out to the kid in the back with the braces and the dimples.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><b>15. For that Landline on a Chord</b></span></b></div>
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<b>U Got it Bad by Usher </b>(2001)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/o3IWTfcks4k?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
My 8701 CD had a scratch in it on this song. Thank God music went digital.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>16. For Justin Timberlake, Topanga, Josh Heartnet, Kelly Kapowski, LL Cool J, Mario Lopez, JTT, Tyrese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sarah Michelle Gellar... & other Celebrity Heartthrobs</b></span><br />
<b>As Long As You Love Me by The Backstreet Boys </b>(1997)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Gl2QnHNpkA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
After they showed you the Shape of their Heart, the BBoys hit you with this little number. Don't cry, you'll have time for plenty of company when your career ends in a few years.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>17. For That Neighborhood Crush</b></span><br />
<b>Dilemma by Nelly & Kelly Rowland </b>(2002)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9QfWCmZkrhg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
The reason you stayed outside all those long hot summer afternoons. This song also taught you that Dilemma had a silent 'N' (which you still chose to pronounce anyway and probably still can't spell correctly).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>18. For Those Early Babymakers</b></span></div>
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<b>When the Lights Go Out by Five (</b>1998)</div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/mpdcKmaHk_s/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mpdcKmaHk_s&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mpdcKmaHk_s&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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One of two things happen when the lights go out: Either the 49ers make a huge comeback <u>or</u> Bow-chicka-wow-wow with your light up sneakers and windbreakers.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>19. For The Hopless Romantic</b></span></div>
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<b>My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion</b>(2003)</div>
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You cried when Jack dies at the end of Titanic, but you always have hope that he will come back to Rose.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>20. For Your Valentine's Day</b></span></div>
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<b>Happy Valentine's Day by Andre 3000 </b>(2003)</div>
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Because ever since this album, you've most likely listen to this song everyday the 14th.</div>
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><b>Honorable Mentions: </b></span><i>God Must Have Spent</i> A Little More Time on Youby <b>N*Sync</b>, <i>Bump n Grind</i> by <b>R. Kelly, </b><i>I Wanna Know </i>by <b>Joe</b>, <i>Only Wanna Be with You</i> by <b>Hootie and the Blowfish</b>, <i>Say You'll be There</i> by <b>The Spice Girl</b>s; <i>End of the Road</i> by <b>Boyz II Men; </b><i>Where You Are by </i><b>Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey; </b><i>Angel of Mine</i> by <b>Monica; </b><i>Emotions </i>by <b>Destiny's Child; </b><i>Whatta Man</i><b> </b>by<b> Salt N Peppa; </b><i>Lonely</i> by <b>Akon</b>; <i>Kiss from a Rose</i> by <b>Seal. </b><i>One in a Million</i> by <b>Aaliyah; </b>Crazy by <b>Britney Spears</b>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-84307665664193631292012-08-30T17:13:00.005-07:002012-08-30T17:25:12.480-07:00My Vegan Lentil-Sweet Potato Empanadas<div>An original recipe from my Kitchen to Yours.</div><div><br /></div><div>So it's very easy to make and can even be made ahead of time if you need to. I adore everything about this recipe and I'm very glad I came up with it. Let me know how yours turn out!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#00cccc;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc33cc;">Refrigerated Pie Crust</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc33cc;">Dry Green Lentils</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc33cc;">Sweet Potato</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc33cc;">Extra Firm Tofu</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc33cc;">And Various Seasonings.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>First take the pie crust out to thaw at room temperature. This usually takes like an hour SO while you wait make the filling. I found that if you make the ingredients separate the flavor becomes so unreal!</div><div><br /></div><div>1. <b>Lentils. </b>These take a while if using dry lentils like did 30-40min. Bring a pot of veggie broth to boil and then add the lentils. For a kick I added a nice helping of cayenne pepper and paprika but that's just because I love spicy. Add some minced garlic and simmer until perfectly tender.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. <b>Sweet Potato.</b> Dice into very small cubes, season with cumin and thyme, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sauté</span> in a pan.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. <b>Tofu.</b> Extract the water by squeezing with a paper towel Crumble into a pan and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sauté</span> with yellow curry powder, soy sauce, and a little taco seasoning if available.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then combine the filling ingredients and let cool completely. I refrigerated over night but It works just as well if you pop in the fridge for 10min.</div><div><br /></div><div>Roll out the pie crust to desired thickness and spoon in the filling. Seal edges with a dab of water and pinch closed with a fork. Bake in the oven at 375 until the edges are browned, I guess about 25-30min. Sorry I don't remember exactly how long. </div><div><br /></div><div>Voila! Serve with Avocado Mash and Pico de Gallo. (or Cheese and Sour Cream if you want to de-veganize the recipe) </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc33cc;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">You know, having typed all this I guess it was a little harder than I thought.</span></b></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-86267702350474204692012-06-13T18:44:00.001-07:002012-06-13T18:44:25.605-07:00404 ERR0R<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:500px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/404_err0r/set?.embedder=2246903&.svc=blogger&id=50903782'><img force='1' border='0' height='377' title='404 ERR0R' src='http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/QpCYOEDmWOyRUBT7WAcxg/cid/50903782/id/dal6lpdEQI_GxbhhUP99qg/size/c500x377.jpg' alt='404 ERR0R' width='500'/></a></div></div><br/><div style='text-align:center'><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/404_err0r/set?.embedder=2246903&.svc=blogger&id=50903782'>404 ERR0R</a> by <a href='http://ironiconic.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2246903&.svc=blogger'>ironiconic</a> on <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/'>polyvore.com</a></small></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-77749897584907925842012-05-02T13:38:00.001-07:002012-05-02T13:38:07.199-07:00A Twenty Second Birthday<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:500px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/twenty_second_birthday/set?.embedder=2246903&.svc=blogger&id=48236149'><img force='1' border='0' height='500' title='A Twenty Second Birthday' src='http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/48236149/id/LEnmLoweR82Y5sWjYaZqXQ/size/x.jpg' alt='A Twenty Second Birthday' width='500'/></a></div></div><br/><div style='text-align:center'><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/twenty_second_birthday/set?.embedder=2246903&amp;.svc=blogger&amp;id=48236149'>A Twenty Second Birthday</a> by <a href='http://ironiconic.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2246903&amp;.svc=blogger'>ironiconic</a> featuring an <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/ivory_jacket/shop?query=ivory+jacket'>ivory jacket</a></small></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-69787233921741807342012-02-07T21:42:00.000-08:002012-02-07T21:53:04.656-08:00Dirty Rotten GraduateWow this month has been crazy. Among the craziness includes a laptop malfunction which means that I have not been able to update this blog like I wanted to. But have no fear, IPad is here with a very wonderful outfit post. Xo<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nicolelockhart.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/f71.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 468px; height: 465px;" src="http://nicolelockhart.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/f71.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <center>words can't express how much I love these jeans! </center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nicolelockhart.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/f73.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 491px; height: 461px;" src="http://nicolelockhart.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/f73.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nicolelockhart.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/f712.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 576px; height: 486px;" src="http://nicolelockhart.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/f712.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> <b>[Jeans]</b> Mango <b>[Shirt]</b> Dollhouse <b>[Hat]</b> My lucky hat, vintage from childhood. <b>[Necklace]</b> Vintage set Pearl Pendants <b>[Shoes]</b> Jimmy Choo <b>[Rings]</b> Vintage, H&M, and Nasty GalNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-45145606735764104582011-12-15T18:56:00.000-08:002011-12-18T21:18:34.756-08:00Apartment Joys<div align="left">It has been forever in the making but I am so proud to say that on <strong>December 27th</strong> I will be finally moving in to my Manhattan Apartment! What a way to end and start a new year, huh? L-u-c-k-y and <em>blessed</em> is my life, nothing short of magical things keep happening. Mostly I'm stoked to <span style="color:#cc33cc;">decorate</span>. I'm so stoked I've been designing this space in my sleep. Inspiration is what I live for.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686564740187156274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hI50pf_nsHWMVJ2IEC6M_JOfmQ3Oh47V52AffOleJm4IblWO0beAYHT_Zx_lxFk1Zkdp2MmyW139KxWwxSrzit-UTK9vmsXIXGYjcyd__NIyjYZu2hY8uuInv-XwJt-WQnpPguUWSbw/s320/gasm.jpg" border="0" /> <br /><p align="center">I just love how warm and spontaneous it is<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686564241312697714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb9w6v_TWvR1bWf1OBUWxtckm7fcxwTpKhQwlA23cK6QU8r65mck86GASRCd5HwdzRscWvt2vN6tXZh4T7NazJS-7B3aXdE-E2xUx-mMbDlnaOQRDO1g85dw0bwi9WiAIsgkihIZxv18/s320/Ivory_room.jpg" border="0" /> Vintage charm in a modern way<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687695046721509458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5urJVDFobF-4IHxNjp4egahQRBk8fx5x93pXhmrJ6ZxEtilZyTAL0xYJT1G6kKggEAVWcRmM93HPT-UVaAO4tF3ESrJe2fGXW_leWFlkBar2-9aVijPXqOhDYfqpeggmD0-RrkH77XPw/s320/Tuckey2.jpg" border="0" /> Pesonal favorite.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687691165975297202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnMelsAPOj7a-LcfpkO_jwE7OKTHW6QYA6B2JuzNjxnDRy7Yk2U16DGVe-8nq5m4pFwIJjz0UD7F4ME9E19dpX7GBoc0FkL1UaUhrGHbqRRft3QzjuyYvoIqby97lJaZx8CYU2BCkVRc/s320/small+office.jpg" border="0" /> Charming<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpyi53Mh941qipk8oo1_500.png" border="0" /> Well, this little roomate won't be added for a while....</p><br /><p align="left">Also this means I get to be reunited with my stuff. Simple I Am, and I love my suitcase but I'm begining to feel like there is no such thing as personal space or style anymore. Only a few more days until I'm reunited with the more complete half of my life. Oh, how I've missed...</p><br /><ul><br /><li>My Guitar (Vance)</li><br /><li>My Entire Wardrobe</li><br /><li>My Shoes</li><br /><li>My Running/Yoga</li><br /><li>Cooking and Cleaning</li><br /><li>My Entire Wardrobe</li><br /><li>Cable</li><br /><li>My Shampoo</li><br /><li>My Entire Wardrobe</li><br /><li>My Artwork</li><br /><li>My Entire Wardrobe</li><br /><li>My Shoes</li></ul><br /><p align="center">I cannot wait to have my first domestic gathering in my new dwellings. You're all invited! <span style="color:#cc66cc;">xo</span></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-43190624797724345842011-10-11T11:21:00.000-07:002011-10-11T15:05:17.853-07:00What The World Needs NowThere is a desperate need in this world for something... Something as small as it is powerful; and as rich as it is free.<br /><br />The classic 1965 song by Hal David and Burt Bacharach suggest it to be 'Love' (Sweet Love). Yet here we are nearly half a century away from this songs release and we still have not tapped into this unlimited resource. It is not that we don't know how, but rather we'd just not be bothered with putting someone else's needs above our own. In a time such as this, on a day like today, in a moment like right now what can you do to to fill this need for love in the world?<br /><br />So today, on the anniversary of the Lennon's release of 'Imagine', I dare you to take this opportunity to consider someone else. It could be a simple minute of good thoughts, holding the door to a storefront, or dropping your change in the subway performers hat. Imagine, if we did this once a day every day. That's 365 people a year, who's life may have been changed if even in the smallest way.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#Ff0066;">ART WITH A PURPOSE</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Untitled</span> by Kim Beck<br />Sky written Message over Manhattan yesterday evening that caused quite a stir. I had a minor panic when saw it too. For more details on the happening you can read the full article at <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/10/09/2011-10-09_creepy_skywritten_messages_over_nyc_not_warning_but_an_art_project.html?r=topnews">NY Daily News </a><center><br /><img src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2011/10/10/alg_last_chance.jpg" /></center><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Cherbourg 1944</span> by TOYIB<br />When life gets radical, Art gets absurd. I love these politically charged pieces.<center><br /><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkvkpoKeFd1qi6k0qo1_500.jpg" 500="" /><br /><img src="http://maxcdn.fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/1068/409/210/004/unknown_location__1945_by_TOYIB.jpg" 500="" /><br /><img src="http://maxcdn.fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/1068/409/210/004/Greenham_Airfield_June_5__1944_by_TOYIB.jpg" /><br /><img src="http://maxcdn.fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/1068/409/210/004/Yalta_Conference_1945_by_TOYIB.jpg" 500="" /></center>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-67990155628492918862011-10-02T15:53:00.000-07:002011-10-02T21:07:59.205-07:00Le Cinema InspiréeHere's a look at some of this weeks most inspiring films from the circuits we love best.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); "><b>THE SILVER SCREEN</b></span></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">50/50</span></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Rating: </span>Complete Genius<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1306980/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 317px;" src="http://tusb.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/50-50-movie-poster1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>50/50 is a movie about a young adult named Adam (played by Joseph Gordon Levitt) who receives the devastating news that his back pains are the source of a very developed and very rare form of cancer. With a 50% chance to live, the movie chronicles his journey through the terrible disease. Among his support system are his girlfriend (played by Bryce Dallas Howard), his mother (Anjelica Huston), a barely competent student-psychiatrist (Anna Kendricks), and his life-long best friend Kyle(Seth Rogen). I got the opportunity to go to private screening earlier this week for the film before it's public release. In addition I also met the wonderful cast and writer of the film. Why was the writer there? Well because the story is loosely based off of his own battle with cancer. Seth Rogen, who just so happens to be the writer's best friend, is essentially playing himself in the film! Not only was the film a great watch, but it was such an emotional relief. Who knew cancer could be funny? CANCER IS FUNNY. The movie ran the entire gambit of emotions, but it was clear that above all else life is best lived with laughter and surrounded by those you love to laugh with. If you know someone with cancer or have been affected by this disease in any way, I guarantee you this film is a much needed voice of relief on such a sensitive subject. Once again proving to audiences that it is possible to create original scripts that are moving, inspired, and completely hilarious.<br /><a href="http://youtu.be/BH0jrY4NmT4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">VIEW THE TRAILER</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span><br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">TELEVISION</span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Pan-Am</span></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'courier new';">Rating:</span> What Else is On?<br /><a href="http://WWW.busymom.net/reviews/Pan-Am-ABC-Poster.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 300px;" src="http://thedisneyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pan-am-abc-468x600.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pan-Am</span> is a new TV Series on ABC about the lives of several young Pan-Am Airline stewardesses (played by Christina Ricci, Margot Robbie, Kelli Garner, Karine Vanasse, and a whole host of others). A period drama set in the 60s, I can say that the costuming (much like its brother show Madmen on AMC) is very well done. While one can tell from all the marketing and publicity ads placed for the show that ABC was expecting it to be a big hit, the show is the equivalent to getting sushi at a sushi restaurant. It's totally expected. Hopefully the writers can come up with something good, and I mean really good, for these characters to do. Otherwise the show lacks the real television mojo to live up to its pre-viewed hype. The marketing team gets an A+, but the show itself might be too soon to grade fairly.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oVdLIvcNRE"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">VIEW THE TRAILER</span></span></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">INDEPENDENT</span></b></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Cinematic Triumph of Will Turnip and Russell Sprout</span></b></span></div></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Rating:</span> The No-Budget Wonder</span></div></span><a href="http://youtu.be/5R5P4q68oO8" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 359px; height: 204px;" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312590_734029352313_18207654_37564773_37445878_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> What do you do when you're down on your luck and out of money (because you used it all on your booze and smoking problem)? Make a movie of course! While Director Tyler Diamond and writer Robin Day are far from the characters they created, the film has some great moments of cinematic triumph. It's main characters Russell Sprout (played by Thomas Hunt) and Will Turnip (played by Alex Carmine) are quite a pair comically. You almost feel bad for them the entire time, which believe me works if you like that "Aw, Poor You" kind of comedy reminiscent of Will Ferrell films. The story line was at par, but the writing of the script had us laughing out loud. Both the director and Joe Brown made the most of their film and really created something that is quite beautiful to look at. For a low-budget project this film makes 25 minutes well worth the watch. The key to this film is open humor. If you're prone to wear your pastel cardigans all the way buttoned up, then maybe this film isn't for you. But for those of us who aren't offended so easily, catch these filmmakers now while their films are free. The best part? You can catch the entire triumph on YouTube.</div><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><a href="http://youtu.be/5R5P4q68oO8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WATCH THE FILM NOW</span></a></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">YOUTUBE PICK</span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Girl Gets Annoyed Because She Can't Sing</span></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'courier new';">Rating:</span>WHAT IN THE WORLD?!<br /><a href="http://youtu.be/5nmqBvWeFl4"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 200px;" src="http://idolstatus.com/uploads/thumbs/6bfhdb6wn34e06xs.jpg" /></a> Nothing I love more than a great cover of a great song. After coming across this video, I was completely blown away by how good this girl is....NOT! What makes this hilarious is the earnest attempt to really sing the song. I felt bad for laughing, but how can you not? Especially when she's singing one of the hardest songs of all time: I Will Always Love You by none other than Whitney Houston. All I have to say to you is this make sure your volume isn't up to high and "I will always love" this video. You just have to watch this one to judge for yourself. </div><div><a href="http://youtu.be/5nmqBvWeFl4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WATCH IT NOW</span></span></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-88774335959468884112011-09-28T16:08:00.000-07:002011-09-28T19:28:27.293-07:00#vintageshitmyauntsaysLife can lead you on the most wonderful journey. If you're willing to say "Yes" to life, then you might be surprised the magnificent places you end up. Recently I said Yes to living with my great great aunt (yes that is two greats as in my Grandfather's Mother's Sister) who I had never met. She has a beautiful historic brownstone in Brooklyn, New York. To help you, The house has a two car garage that's how old it is. Nobody has a garage in New York! Well, at 95 years old my Aunt is full of the most fantastic things and I have learned a great deal about living a very long and wonderful life.<br /><br />Plus she has led me to rediscover my love for all things vintage. This woman had such style! Diamond broaches, fur coats, sequins and enough hats to send to the next royal wedding--You name it. Even vintage perfumes on every shelf. Today I found vintage Gucci from Paris. Sure it's all in complete disarray but living here has been a completely unexpected adventure.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Things I've learned:<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br />1. I have the greatest genes.<br />2. I have a new mouse friend, I named her Delores.<br />3. Friends really can last a lifetime<br />4. Travel as much as you can and to everywhere you can imagine.<br />5. Dessert should be eaten every day (we both agree)<br />6. Wash everything before you use it.<br />7. Church, church, church.<br />8. Real style is timeless.<br />9. Wearing expensive perfume makes life more luxurious.<br />10. If you don't want to put on clothes, don't.<br /><br /><center><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Vintage Adventures of G.G. And Nikki</span></center><br />GG: <span style="font-style:italic;">(on the phone)</span> hello?... Yes hello? I need to have the cylinder changed on a door and also to get keys made... Uh huh... $65.00!?! Just for that? You got to be kidding me. Oh c'mon. That's too expensive you guys charge to much! How about I call you back. <span style="font-style:italic;">(hangs up the phone) </span>Pass me that phone book.<br />NIKKI: Sure what for?<br />GG: I'm going to call around until I get a cheaper price. They must think I'm a fool.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(after returning home from a long day filming)</span><br />NIKKI Hey auntie I'm back.<br />GG: Oh, hey! Whassup?<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(Nikki is lying In her bedroom which is across the hall from the bathroom. GG walks down the hall to use the restroom.)</span><br />GG: You might want to pull your door shut. I've got to do some serious business in here.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(moments later GG emerges from the bathroom</span>)<br />NIKKI: Take care of business?<br />GG: Uh huh.<br /><br />GG: Now lets get acquainted. What do you do?<br />NIKKI: I'm an actor and a writer.<br />GG: Oh boy I never knew we had an actress in the family!<br /><br />GG: So you like baseball to huh?<br />NIKKI: Yep. The Braves are my team.<br />GG: I Always listen to the Mets on the radio. I love the Mets, but I can't stand those damn Yankees. Too popular.<br />NIKKI: Oh were going to be best friends.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-25893252803287030982011-08-06T20:55:00.000-07:002011-08-06T22:04:30.783-07:00Girls, Stop it... You're Both Pretty!<a href="http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/elephant-donkey-boxing-thumb.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 312px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px" alt="" src="http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/elephant-donkey-boxing-thumb.jpg" border="0" /></a> If you've been following the news, I'm sure you've heard about the recent economic crisis and school girl bickering going on in American politics. So in this time of financial woe does it really make since to spend money on anything we don't need? I say of course not. But just because you're being financially savvy doesn't mean your style has to suffer too. You should always invest in <em>good quality</em> staple items that are going to transcend decades, fashion trends, and in the end your finances. <span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#999900;"><em>"The key to a good investment is longevity. It has to work yesterday, today, and tomorrow." </em></span></span>Stay tuned for a new financial feature on this blog: Imitation Creation. A 'look for less' segment teaching you how to duplicate great high end looks for way less.<br /><br /><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Things you should always invest in:<br /></span></strong>-Tailoring<br />-Makeup<br />-Glasses/Sunglasses<br />-Properly fitting Intimates and Underwear<br />-A Quality Bag<br />-Basics (Tees and Tanks without graphics)<br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><a href="http://parkavenuesouthshoerepair.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/rubyslippers.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px" alt="" src="http://parkavenuesouthshoerepair.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/rubyslippers.jpg" border="0" /></a>Things it's okay to invest in every couple of years:<br /></span></strong>-Replacement Items (things you've had before and have worn out)<br />-Jeans (or dress pants)<br />-Jackets<br />-Swimwear<br />-Exercise Gear </div><br /><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Before making an investment purchase ask:<br /></span></strong>-Is this a fad item that may leave trend in the near future?<br />-Do I have something like it in my wardrobe already?<br />-Will I ever find anything like it again? Is it one of a kind?<br />-Will it coordinate well with 70-85% of my existing wardrobe?<br />-If it's X amount of dollars would I use it X amount of times? (For example $189 pair of sunglasses should theoretically be worn 189 times at least)<br />-Is quality important, or can I find something similar for less?<br /><br />If most of these questions answer accordingly, you might have a really great investment piece on your hand.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274543962171989549.post-58046841541840237452011-06-21T11:48:00.001-07:002011-06-21T12:05:59.875-07:00Manolos & The City<a href="http://binsidetv.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/sexandthecity.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 355px" alt="" src="http://binsidetv.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/sexandthecity.jpg" border="0" /></a> There's something about New York city that makes you feel like you're living The Life, without actually lving it. That's probably because of shows like Sex and the City completely idolize the lifestyle of the single professional female in the city. The moment you see those high rises it's like you can have all you've ever wanted and more. That beautiful dream is also a big fat LIE.<br /><br />Nobody (including Samantha, Carrie, Charlotte, or Miranda) have it all. But thanks to SITC I have become fixed on having it all, without actually considering what I can actually get. Worse yet, I foget that all I really need I already have. So what do I want? A pair of Manolo Blahniks the quaint essential shoe of the SITC heroine Carrie Bradshaw.<br /><br />These shoes represent life in the city as it can be: Fun, Fabulous, and Expensive. With this new pair of Manolos at my side I'll be walking into the future standing tall and one foot at a time, just like any other person. Only difference is I've already got it all.<br /><br />Yours,<br /><br />Single in the City<br /><br />(PS. Shout out to the cutie in the suit sitting next to me at Starbucks right now.)<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 428px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/Fall_Shoe_Sketch_Preview(2).JPG" border="0" />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713050649319575246noreply@blogger.com0