tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50353605093382480792024-03-05T07:23:42.186-05:00Lyrical Lavender LifeKristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-54076906406909123662009-08-11T01:54:00.001-04:002009-08-11T01:54:01.474-04:00Loss of himFrom the depths of my soul<br />Come hunger for more love<br />And thirst for more healing. <br />For so long I have ached <br />From a loneliness wound<br />Though loving friends<br />And abundant family surround. <br /><br />In the light of day<br />In the black of night<br />I work on dealing. <br />For so long this wound<br />Held prisoner my focus<br />Though the ache not acute<br />Nothing else could be found. <br /><br />Feared alone in my pain<br />Life seemed to be my sentence <br />For crimes I'd forgotten or never done. <br />This drink of depression <br />Though not my own vice <br />Was the weapon <br />Rage used to bring innocense down. <br /><br />As I've grown quite aware,<br />A tension leaves the air<br />When I realize I'm not alone anymore.<br />For the wrath was brought down<br />Making no waves for himself <br />Because help made no sound. <br />So I gather my memories up for now. <br /><br />As loss takes it's toll<br />Away all the years go<br />When I vow to keep only the good. <br />These memories somehow<br />Seem to hold more value now<br />Than they did when they were new<br />This great pretender leaves without a bow. <br /><br />I may have his blood<br />And he may have my love<br />But his memory still haunts me today. <br />I will always be grateful <br />For the good thoughts of him <br />That shine through the bad<br />To make peace they are all I can allow. <br /><br />- I love u, Dad. Thank you for helping make me who I am today. For the good, bad and the ugly all have played a part in my journey. Gone but not forgotten. After 13 years I still feel sorrow and anger that you are gone, but I love you - faults and all- and you have impacted my direction in life more than anyone else in my world. You are still missed. Thought of you all day today. Something tells me that you are out there, which means that my faith is being renewed in forgiveness, healing and grace. I am listening. <br /> <br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-37654407647384902222009-08-10T03:00:00.001-04:002009-08-10T03:00:19.366-04:00Time of DifferentPassing through space <br />All voices are silent<br />No see-ers can see tomorrow <br /><br />Echoes of moments past<br />Lurk looking for meaning <br />Only time will tell happy from sorrow<br /><br />As the new day approaches<br />The dawn of change shows<br />From the passion of revolution<br />No one can borrow<br /><br />With a high flying conscience<br />And a low spilling pride<br />The birth of different <br />Could happen tomorrow.<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-28738401619669891282009-08-10T01:41:00.001-04:002009-08-10T01:41:13.266-04:00Time with youAs I lay here alone in the dark<br />I'm reminded of how we've come so far<br />Talking, expressing, <br />Refraining from repressing. <br />I wonder how far <br />Does love stretch or expand, <br />I'd gladly cross oceans<br />Just to hold your hand. <br />As time is a theme<br />I cannot grasp and hold,<br />I know that as it passes<br />Our story unfolds. <br />Though without knowing <br />Minutes or hours or days,<br />I fight the swift current <br />To follow your way. <br />And if I am swept away<br />In the search for my quest,<br />I hope you remember that<br />By knowing you I have been blessed. <br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-88632432482904675902009-08-08T01:21:00.001-04:002009-08-08T01:21:43.376-04:00Yay! Video! <p>This is so great! I figured out an easy way to do video so I should be able to post one this weekend. Yay! Check back soon.<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-38428211520329689812009-08-03T09:52:00.004-04:002009-08-03T10:10:21.638-04:00Learning to Climb- Step 1Thinking about life as it's lived day by day and not about the entire journey is very difficult for me. I'm a planner, as much as I try to fight it, and I do some preparations for day to day. But I am generally a "big picture" kind of person, but I'm trying to focus on taking "One Step at a Time" (thank you, Jordin Sparks) and remember that's "It's all about the climb". (Ok, so even a 32 year old can find inspiration in the songs of Hannah Montana / Miley Cyrus and Jordin Sparks).<br /><br />I wrote this to help me remember to appreciate each step.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Looking up at the mountain before me</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I take a deep breath, drawing my foot up.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Looking for a hold to grasp tightly,</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">My sole searches for a place to stand.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">My soul searches for a place to rest.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Seeking desperately that next stronghold place</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I find it and propel myself off, up to and grab.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">While it seemed diliberate,</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I felt the rush of a risk taken</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And achievement earned.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">With little to gain at one time,</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And much to lose in an instant-</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I search for my next burst.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">When it comes-</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I feel the rush of risk taken.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I am surprised to find I have survived again,</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">But wonder-</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">How can I stop now?</span></em><div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-18297142835960954502009-08-01T02:03:00.002-04:002009-08-03T10:11:19.745-04:00Quote of the dayReal life has no casting calls, but there is no shortage of characters. - klh<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-68244908117531829102009-07-29T20:32:00.001-04:002009-07-29T20:32:51.911-04:00Coming to you live from my iPhone. Gosh I love that phone. I'll be working on my blog and expect to make my first post in a long time by Saturday. This is a test. This is soooo cool. Thanks for reading. Come back soon!<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-6710648040378701512009-02-20T10:28:00.002-05:002009-02-20T12:00:38.119-05:00Learning to Bend, without breaking!With the economy causing so much stress for everyone right now, it's hard to relax and achieve that easy-going, go-with-the-flow attitude and optimistic mood that is the nature of a lot of people when things are going well. It's common for people to have bend a little bit to deal with stress, but it's not fair for so many people to come so close to the edge of breaking before their stress can be relieved.<br />Sometimes when bad things happen to good people, we wonder why, we think it's not fair and we question the system. Sometimes it seems that the system works for no one but the system itself.<br />Sometimes feeling like we have given and given and given so much without taking back our fair share puts a huge strain on our ability to trust that the give and take of life that creates balance is still there and it leaves us questioning whether it is still a concept that applies to all. <br /><br />Now, please let me make note: I can't complain... I have a job, a place to sleep, a car to drive, and some money in my pocket. I am very thankful for what I have and where I am, but I too am hoping for better in the future.<br /><br />Having said all that: I am finding myself in the perpetual state of planning for better- when it doesn't seem to be up to me as to when that "better" might begin. I don't know what timeline my "better" is following, and as of yet, I don't even really know how to locate where my "better" might be found. I'm wondering if anyone else is feeling this way right now?<br /><br />I realize this may not make sense to everyone, but that's ok. I just felt the need to put it out there and if you have felt or are feeling something similar to these, please leave me a comment.<br />Perhaps group counseling is in my near future.... any thoughts?<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-52608072360381474742009-01-17T22:55:00.003-05:002009-01-17T23:01:03.383-05:00New BeginningsThe last six months have seen many changes in my life. Now, I want a new look, a new feel, and a new presence on the blog-front. I will be making changes to this blog this week and by Tuesday hope to make a new post that will begin the commitment of weekly posts to this blog (because daily seems too daunting a challenge for me presently).<br /><br />If you have been checking in for a while and have been disappointed at the lack of posts, I hope you will be excited for the upcoming changes and will return to read here weekly.<br /><br />Thanks for hanging in there with me. <br /> <br />Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! <br /><br />Until Tuesday...... <br />Hope. Peace. Change. <br /><br />Don't forget to watch history in the making on Inauguration Day- Jan. 20, 2009.<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-5265987678926146022008-11-14T11:19:00.002-05:002008-11-14T12:06:23.236-05:00Wow... Ok, so it's been a month of Sundays, at least, since I last blogged. Sorry. <br /><br />Life has taken me by the tail lately and it's been a struggle to accomplish the "must do" list, much less the "want to" list. So, here I am again. I'm not making any promises that this will be consistent, by any means. But when things strike me as appropriate to write about in a public blog, I will. <br /><br />Ok. To catch you all up: <br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">School:</span></strong> Clinical Psych Grad Program... itense, challenging, hopefully as rewarding as I imagined, overwhelming at times, but I'm feeling like it might actually be possibly. If the end of the semester would just hurry up and get here!....aaahhhhh! <br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Work:</span></strong> Looking for something more up my alley, but hanging in there with the international education department. Hoping for a position within the psych/counseling field next year. No practicum this summer, so have to find a back-up idea. <br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Family/Friends:</strong></span> Things shifting, but in a positive direction for all, it seems. Finding new ways to connect to my own family members, new circle of friends, developing friendships with other students and even an undergrad or two, old relationship transformed to a friendship and a new relationship developing.<br /><br />Life has an interesting, fast-moving and sometimes stressful ebb and flow; but if you keep your seat-belt on, hold on tight and enjoy the ride.... it will be alright in the end. <br /><br />I'll keep you updated and I'll try to post again soon. Good day to you all!<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-33054949805024761122008-09-09T16:42:00.002-04:002008-09-09T16:57:15.403-04:00Feeling Freudian{So... I'm back. Perhaps not in as full force as I would like to be, but as much as time and sanity will allow. Speaking of sanity... I must explain where I've been. (Well I don't have to... but I'm gonna.) :) This fall I've started back to school studying for my M.S. in Clinical Psychology. I took a couple weeks off before school started and that's when I dropped off of the LLL-Radar. So, now that things are in full-swing at school and life is ultimately crazy and thrilling.... I figured by now I must have something to share with the world.} <br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Sigmund Freud.... famous psychologist...... psychoanalysis..... structural model of personality.... oedipus complex ..... interpretation of dreams ......... and free association.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br />Free association is something I like doing for fun, and it's a great way to get to know people. Just thought I'd share a little bit and ease back into blogging again daily (I hope). While I don't subscribe to the full letter of Freud's beliefs about the "self"; and I'm not sure about all of the complexes and problems that he suggested come about as a result of being stuck in one of the psychosexual stages, but I do know that he was onto something.<br /><br />Though he was a bit out there on some things, in my opinion, I believe we owe him a debt of gratitude or blame (however you see it.... I say gratitude) for being willing to sound like a quack and form all these theories about things that others had not been openly discussing about the way personality is formed, development progresses, or how the mind works. <br /><br />Freud was a fascinating guy. So, in reference to him and the way he has helped to form a society of helping professionals who seek to test, understand, analyze, and treat the mind .... I say thanks! And when I'm really in an analytical mood, I like to say I'm feeling Freudian.... slips and all. <br /><br />Want to know more about Freud? <a href="http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/freud.html">http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/freud.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-33278079872022844722008-07-31T16:16:00.002-04:002008-07-31T16:35:56.628-04:00Keeping my wordI said "I'll do it"<br />And I did<br /><br />I said "I'll finish"<br />So I'm trying<br /><br />I said "I'll never"<br />So I won't<br /><br />I said "I'd go"<br />And so I went<br /><br />I said "I'll stay"<br />And here I am<br /><br />I said "I love you"<br />And I still do.<br /><br />I'm keeping my word<br />I'm doing my best<br />When it all goes bad<br />I'll clean up the mess<br />I'm keeping my word<br />No matter the test.<br /><br />Some 'word's are worth keeping<br />While others are not<br />Sometimes it is better<br />to get off the pot*<br />I'm keeping my word.. this time<br />next time...maybe not.<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-13665246722928850552008-07-30T15:14:00.003-04:002008-07-30T16:10:55.872-04:00Navigating life<span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;"><strong><~-~-~-~-~- PLEASE TAKE THIS POLL.</strong></span><br />I am posting a poll to get your opinions on navigating the game of life... specifically the academic track. Please only take it once since you can select more than one answer. I'll get back to you on this issue of "Navigating Life" ..... Thanks for your input.<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-62223901300272702512008-07-29T14:38:00.003-04:002008-07-29T15:28:21.403-04:00Keira Knightly, You Go Girl!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62l9x7KFx8DOrfzhCKPGbwMr1Zz1mMiy_utE1N7WcXVDNKy4-bZ92TwlSRqNSrjtUdTmTFEDqsmaGpS5C86EF9g7umJBNhtNng0T2xbvJmDFHcTDSepGa5rcr-NUXzjIs3_qjaTIG0TxC/s1600-h/dutchess+poster.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228518862499639250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62l9x7KFx8DOrfzhCKPGbwMr1Zz1mMiy_utE1N7WcXVDNKy4-bZ92TwlSRqNSrjtUdTmTFEDqsmaGpS5C86EF9g7umJBNhtNng0T2xbvJmDFHcTDSepGa5rcr-NUXzjIs3_qjaTIG0TxC/s200/dutchess+poster.bmp" border="0" /></a>In light of my post about the Knoxville shooting, I have been a little down but today I see a ray of hope in the world thanks to the stance taken by one Miss <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Keira Knightly</span></strong>. <br /><p>This beautiful woman who has portrayed so many amazing characters, turns out to be a pretty amazing character herself (in real life). She bravely stood up to the 'movie gods' who wanted to increase her bust-line to help increase their bottom-line. (Watch the video- <a href="http://video.yahoo.com/watch/3191713/9030438">http://video.yahoo.com/watch/3191713/9030438</a>). </p><p>She is perfect just as she is, plus she is an incredible actress and in my opinion has a captivating presence on film... would two cup sizes really change any of that? <strong>Newsflash: NO!</strong> Keira Knightly is perfect just the way she is. (If they think she is 'imperfect', I wonder how much plastic surgery or digital editing they would think <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">I</span></strong> need...?)</p><p>This is a great wake up call to women and young girls everywhere. Society is so focused on superficiality, that a woman's looks are of the utmost importance almost every time. In this instance, Kiera refused to allow the digital alterations be done in her new movie "Dutchess", declaring that her body is fine just as it is. How could ANYONE argue with that? The fact that she has not had implants to have a 'box office bust' is more than refreshing... it's necessary for one woman of power to stand up and say ENOUGH. Enough focus on a woman as only a sum of her body parts. Hopefully people will see into this powerful refusal as a sign that women <span style="color:#cc0000;">CAN</span> be happy with themselves.... just as they are. We should all be glad that someone in Hollywood finally realized that... maybe Keira will spread the word and others who agree will take the stand with her. You go girl--> I'm behind you 100%! </p><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>WOMEN</strong>:</span> Take a good long look at yourself. There are probably things that you don't like about your body, sure... we all have them. But looking at your body parts does not tell anyone <strong>who you are</strong> or <strong>what you are worth</strong>... your character, your personality, your abilities, your passions, and your soul are all a part of you. {U>x=(p+p)100} </div><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">YOU are worth more than the sum of your parts.</span></strong><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-53788485353575216202008-07-28T11:40:00.006-04:002008-07-28T12:39:03.709-04:00Sunday Morning Church ShootingI apologize for posting so late, I don't live under a rock as it probably seems, I have just been busy with the opera production... I noticed a video on Yahoo's News page a few minutes ago about a shooting that took place in a church in Knoxville, TN just yesterday (Sunday) morning.<br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080728/ap_on_re_us/church_shooting">http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080728/ap_on_re_us/church_shooting</a><br /><br />I watched the videos associated with the story and learned that police had found a letter in the shooter's home, written by the shooter, that explained his frustration with not being able to find a job and his apparently passionate opinion regarding the 'liberal movement'. He confessed that he had intended to continue shooting people until the police arrived and he expected to be taken out by them to stop him.<br /><br />He entered the church with a guitar case that concealed his gun and when he pulled out the rifle, he killed one man who tried to stop him from shooting others. Eight others were injured and in serious condition, with the report that one of the eight had just passed on from the injuries sustained.<br /><br />This sick man's actions, according to his statements to police and his letter regarding the 'liberal' movement, were apparently directed at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church because they are welcoming of gays and lesbians.<br /><br />Clearly this man knew what he was doing and targeted this specific church because it chooses to take a stance for gay and lesbian rights. Strangely enough, the question is raised- "is this a hate crime?" Pardon my lack of an eloquent response, but DUH! Murder is usually a crime committed out of a serious hate for someone- but this in particular fits the bill for which the hate crime legislation was created! It's not strange that "hate crime" should come up with this case- it is only strange that there is even a question about it.<br /><br />My point was not to go off on a tangent regarding hate crime legislation and the police's hesitancy to use the phrase at all unless they are completely sure it will be accepted well by the general public as fitting of the situation, but I did think it was interesting how it was not as obvious to them and the reporting media as it was to me.<br /><br />On another note, this incident brings further into light the problems that gay and lesbian Christians face. Please, please, please.... talk to someone about standing up for themselves as a gay person and as a Christian. As a Christian and a lesbian, I find myself searching for something to back me up. This passage of scripture has recently been the one that gives me the most joy. I know who I am. I know my love is real and I know that God loves me and has a plan for my life. I hope that every gay Christian out there understands that they have every right to serve their God and be themselves.<br /><br />Please, please, please.... stand up for yourself and explain to others in a peaceful manner your views and make known your commitment to God and your willingness to be true to yourself no matter who stands against you. This is a very difficult thing to do, but the more people who are able to do this, the more presence we will have and the sooner we will earn acceptance. For those who read this and disagree, that is your right and I respect our differences. Please remember that I do not expect you or anyone to understand and I do not wish to merely be tolerated, but I hope that you can accept me as I am and realize that I am not and gay and lesbian Christians are not a threat and are not against you. We all have to learn to coexist as members of the same society. We all wish for peace and love to overcome all adversities.<br /><br />I will pray for the congregation of the TN Valley Unitarian Universalist Church and all of those who were affected by this tragedy. I will also continue to pray for those who have similar believes as the shooter- may your eyes be opened and you learn what love truly is. I will leave you with this passage that is special to me:<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"><strong>1 JOHN 4: 7</strong> Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.<strong> 8</strong> He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. <strong>11</strong> Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. <strong>12</strong> No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. <strong>13</strong> Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.<br /></span></em><br />If you want to know more about peace, love, and spirituality as it relates to GLBT issues, please see <a href="http://www.soulforce.org/">http://www.soulforce.org/</a>. To understand more about the theological issues surrounding homosexuality, please see <a href="http://www.forthebibletellsmeso.org/">http://www.forthebibletellsmeso.org/</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-31656250731067752822008-07-28T09:52:00.005-04:002008-07-28T10:32:03.253-04:00Quizzes- for fun<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" style="color:#eeeeee;"><span style="font-size:14;"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;color:#cc0000;">The Road Trip of Your Life</span></strong> </span></td></tr><p><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">OK... so usually I don't put much stock in these little quizzes that you find online.... they're just for fun, right? </span><tr><td style="COLOR: #ffffff"><br /><center><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/theroadtriptest/roadtrip.jpg" width="100" /></center><p><br /><span style="color:#000000;">You see romantic love as what's most important in life. A deep connection with someone else is the primary thing you crave.<br /><br />You live a life of leisure. You take your time in every aspect of life and enjoy it to the fullest.<br /><br />You are all about risk and randomness in your life. You travel off the beaten path... in fact, you're often the one carving the way!<br /><br />You are able to find a fairly healthy balance between work and play. You work when you need to, but you never let yourself burn out.<br /><br />In another life, you could have been a great artist. You trust your creative instincts enough to let them lead you. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">This one hit the nail on the head! I'm still thinking about my road trip / vacation and already wishing for another! Anyone interested?</span><span style="color:#6600cc;"> </span><br />**************************************************</span></p></td></tr></p></tbody></table><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td style="COLOR: #eeeeee" align="middle"><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;">What Advanced Degree Should You Get?</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">You Should Get a MD </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">(Doctor of Medicine)</span></strong> </p></td></tr><tr><td bg style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><center><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatadvanceddegreeshouldyougetquiz/md.jpg" width="100" /></center><p><span style="color:#000000;">You're both compassionate and brilliant - a rare combination. You were born to be a doctor.<br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Funny.... it's a little off, but close... how about a PhD in Psychology? That's what I'm shooting for.</span></p></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><span style="color:#6600cc;"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" bg style="color:#eeeeee;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: blackfont-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;" ><strong>Your Hidden Talent</strong> </span></td></tr><span style="color:#000000;">******************************************************</span> <tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /><center><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatsyourhiddentalentquiz/seascape.jpg" width="100" /></center><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Your natural talent is interpersonal relations and dealing with people.<br /><br />You communicate well and are able to bring disparate groups together.<br /><br />Your calming presence helps everything go more smoothly.<br /><br />People crave your praise and complements. <span style="color:#6600cc;">Interesting...<br /></span>**************************************************</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div align="left">This is pretty on.....</span> </div><div align="center"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" style="color:#eeeeee;"><p><strong>Your Blogging Type is Artistic and Passionate</strong></p></td></tr><p></p></tbody></table></div><div align="center"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" color="#eeeeee"><span style="font-size:0;"><strong><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatsyourbloggingpersonalityquiz/artistic.jpg" width="100" /></strong></span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><span style="color:#000000;">You see your blog as the ultimate personal expression - and work hard to make it great.<br /><br />One moment you may be working on a new dramatic design for your blog...<br /><br />And the next, you're passionately writing about your favorite causes.<br /><br />Your blog is very important to you - and you want to share it.<br /></span></td></tr><p></p></tbody></table></div><div align="center"></div></span></td></tr></tbody><div align="center"></div><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-7851230792718824592008-07-24T11:36:00.008-04:002008-07-24T14:15:04.573-04:00Vacation * ~ :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihupQq03k-xq2KLtiUU7kmK71nDSGgZ5tEYFyV7_vXbY-sbEaTzZPh4UdUaVnsBn4A9KNxTIvOvGe5Hh0QBKwQqNAOVc7PxkrkMut5dVCzZOLYpm7s1BncmPFm-QexXqbpxX8U04a8gCEJ/s1600-h/seats+for+IG+BC+concert.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226620385154250242" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihupQq03k-xq2KLtiUU7kmK71nDSGgZ5tEYFyV7_vXbY-sbEaTzZPh4UdUaVnsBn4A9KNxTIvOvGe5Hh0QBKwQqNAOVc7PxkrkMut5dVCzZOLYpm7s1BncmPFm-QexXqbpxX8U04a8gCEJ/s200/seats+for+IG+BC+concert.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMneCE_r_RTxbSNWdFvLXw-1fPm201ynjamAkjslxAJHwWTvbjjglRie6lNC7P7NvnMzsRm0EujsZr5bHtDkusALygj7rcmUYEeaIG5gnaBdEQD8hvxzuG52ZbxJqs67-W6GidqCHwVoG0/s1600-h/Cavalier+hotel+vbva.jpg"></a><br /><div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Vacation : Sun, waves, music and laughs!</strong></div><div><em>We had an amazing vacation and I wouldn't trade those times for anything. </em><em>I'll give you the basics of how it all played out. We had a plan, but it was fairly fluid and ended up working out much better than originally planned. Pictures coming soon, I promise.</em></div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Thursday</strong>- We drove 8 hours to DC, went to <em>Wolf Trap</em> and saw the <strong><em>Indigo Girls</em></strong> and <em><strong>Brandi Carlile</strong></em> in concert. The Indigo Girls were amazing, as always; but honestly I had not heard Brandi before and was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved her sound. She was a great addition to Amy and Emily's incredibly tight harmony. I definitely have a new favorite song- Brandi Carlile's "The Story" is spectacularly raw and intense. I LOVE it! (Apparently it became well known because it was played on "Grey's Anatomy"... with music like that in the background, it must be a great show! Almost enough to make me want to get cable~ lol. Really though, give it a listen -> incredible lyrics, amazing voice -> doesn't get much better than that.</div><div>We bought the cd and got the t-shirt.... been there, done that... would definitely do it again!</div><div><strong>You have to see/hear her-> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ_3bYXAsmM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ_3bYXAsmM</a></strong></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-qdSx6lB5FRhJvseuC5Br0jfEftScMF0qsTBnPYneQINCwws_nwJ4sMvEAoe0YS1haEFamDNRsBu3zL3WxgV3XzADdpVbXrboUz0dbjLb6Ko11O-4pw07RezaD5T9UWXHoEnHKM0xJYb/s1600-h/Cavalier+hotel+vbva.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226620655319591362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-qdSx6lB5FRhJvseuC5Br0jfEftScMF0qsTBnPYneQINCwws_nwJ4sMvEAoe0YS1haEFamDNRsBu3zL3WxgV3XzADdpVbXrboUz0dbjLb6Ko11O-4pw07RezaD5T9UWXHoEnHKM0xJYb/s200/Cavalier+hotel+vbva.jpg" border="0" /></a></strong></div><div><strong>Friday</strong>- We drove from our hotel in Fredericksburg a little more than 3 hours to <strong>Virginia Beach</strong>. We stayed at the old <strong>Cavalier Hotel</strong> on the strip across the street from the beach. We took a walk down the beach from our hotel and played in the ocean waves. She was scared that a jellyfish might get her and kept swearing that she saw something in the water, so she would only go in the waves with me if I let her hold on to me. It was so funny. There was a really strong undercurrent, though, and it made it more difficult to go out in the water than it was worth to me... so we were content just to splash around and get knocked down by the strong waves. We had a blast. Later that evening we went back to the hotel to get cleaned up for dinner. We left the hotel in search of crablegs and came upon a restaurant that had a patio looking out over the ocean. We enjoyed a seafood buffet of crab legs, boiled shrimp, fish, scallops, oysters, mussells and many other yummy seafood concoctions. I'm pretty sure I ate half my weight in crab legs and the other half in boiled shrimp. I tried to get her to try oysters, mussels and scallops, but she was doing well just eating her crab legs- which she only recently agreed to try and now LOVES! So, we had a great dinner and then went for a walk down the beach boardwalk. We played a couple of carnival games and watched the bustling crowds walk down the main drag. We saw street performers, 'interesting characters from all walks of life' and even a skinny girl on stilts... what next, we wondered? We walked all the way down the main street back to where we had passed a building with a skull on top of it... we decided that we had to get a picture of it for our little man, Brandon, who loves skeletons! We walked along the beach under the stars until we reached the area where we parked the car. Then we headed back to the hotel and enjoyed some ice cream to settle the over abundance of seafood we were attempting to digest. ;)</div><div>All in all... one of the best nights we have had since last summer in Santa Barbara.</div><div></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Saturday</strong>- We checked out of our beautiful, old hotel and headed west to <strong>Charlottesville, VA</strong>. We met up with a friend for lunch at a little downtown sidewalk cafe. Then, we followed him to the mansion that he is housesitting this summer and relaxed a little. We attended an opera at a local festival and returned back to our private quarters in the beautiful mansion. We visited with friends and played a little pool. It was a laid back day and we enjoyed relaxing together.</div><div></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Sunday</strong>- We hung out at the mansion, swam in the pool, had a late breakfast, visited with friends and then all caravaned to lunch. We went to a really interesting restaurant that served South African food and I, of course, wanted to try it all but settled for ordering the sampler which included a little bit of everything that interested me on the menu. I had some really amazing food and it made me miss living in the city. It's impossible to find an eclectic menu much less anything remotely ethnic or authentic. This was a real treat. And, although I got myself into some curry that was so hot I went through three glasses of water, I couldn't stop myself from finishing it off because it was soooo good. I also had a few dishes that went really well with the peanut sauce and some stuffed mushrooms to die for. All around, best meal I've had in a long time. Car packed, mints in hand and a bottle of water on my mind, we headed back for I-64 that would take us home. It was a beautiful drive and we had a great time talking, singing, laughing and goofing off. We drove through a beautiful thunderstorm (that was actually threatening tornadoes and hail) outside of Charleston, WV but the rest of our trip was smooth and we arrived back home in good spirits and well worn around 11:30pm.</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>I am so glad that we were able to get away. It made me realize how much I love traveling and it also made me wish there was a way to live in the present without having to use the present to prepare for the future. I'm working on that. I'll let you know how it goes because lately, it's all I can think about. More on that later.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Amazing vacation~ best time in a long time. I definitely recommend running away from it ALL sometimes... everyone deserves some down time without worry, commitment, and stress. </div><div>I will post pictures of our adventures as soon as possible. Enjoy. Please comment. If you have ideas for great vacation... let me hear them. Next time I get a wild hair to do this again, I may need your input.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-90701612126408374842008-07-22T16:08:00.010-04:002008-07-22T17:34:38.511-04:00This New Love<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cjDGPxReJ2zhzMYfl2V_pWLBSnID5zkEjHecXDcTIol6wIdFDUz5rFplm1dG7uTIb1gZQlWF9XCFleMi3AsuGlhMuP1_QpRCFHWD2RygSWfwkGqw4mtlirvl8YyGQhaWq_D8EQ0N4GMO/s1600-h/pretty+heartsm.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225953977101896370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cjDGPxReJ2zhzMYfl2V_pWLBSnID5zkEjHecXDcTIol6wIdFDUz5rFplm1dG7uTIb1gZQlWF9XCFleMi3AsuGlhMuP1_QpRCFHWD2RygSWfwkGqw4mtlirvl8YyGQhaWq_D8EQ0N4GMO/s200/pretty+heartsm.gif" border="0" /></a>This new love<br />came in the dawn<br />This new love<br />is completely turned on<br />This time when we laughed<br />our souls felt the shake<br />This time when we kissed<br />it took away all heartache </div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">This new love<br />is greater than the old<br />This new love<br />has really taken hold<br />We drove down the highway<br />just to get away<br />Second chances feel good<br />I wish we could've stayed<br /><br />Alone on the road<br />just your hand in mine<br />Your smile, your song<br />your fears left behind<br />This is how it can be<br />from now until end<br />We stumbled into this<br />let our new life begin<br /><br />I want to be with you<br />no miles to separate<br />I want to be there<br />when they realize your fate<br />We each walk our path<br />yes, this I understand<br />But life is so much better<br />holding your hand.<br /><br />This new love<br />is my most precious gift<br />God has blessed me<br />with an attitude shift<br />Before when we loved<br />I loved you so much<br />But this time I feel<br />more than an ache for your touch<br />I cannot imagine the thought<br />of you going away<br />For an month, a week,<br />an hour or a day<br /><br />So much of my soul<br />is devoured by yours<br />I will surely cease to be<br />there will be no cure<br />If you go away<br />I cannot smile again<br />Please say you'll stay with me<br />forever, til the end.<br /><br />I love you today,<br />forever, oh so true<br />This new love<br />is special, for me and for you<br />It cannot be explained,<br />measured, or replaced<br />I just hope it is returned,<br />with you is my place.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225953703303741730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 87px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 67px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="43" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBb6ZZJD9RwMv9lZg95GltithWxBKVWTke6uqgcJrV269lY23HjSkMItVU185pMI56m1mgqKPfu2Da4jUkPPV7Zcink1sxQVSATLDGk7D1IKYxxmejtcN_AJeKyKaawRx9W8iC9eMYj_i/s200/pretty+heartsm.gif" width="55" border="0" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-5248620018636409802008-07-16T17:34:00.004-04:002008-07-16T17:49:33.892-04:00On the Road Again ~Remember the other day when I mentioned I needed to RELAX and enjoy my summer more?<br />Well, that's what the next 4 days are going to be.... sort of. Ok, so I let go of the idealist notion that I actually know HOW to relax... lol... but I DO know how to have fun and let my hair down on a road trip! So, that's the plan.<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gRzjRWQP0aA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gRzjRWQP0aA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />Indigo Girls concert Thursday night, visiting with some friends Friday and Saturday, seeing an opera on Saturday night and enjoying my time alone with my someone special the rest of the time! I'm SO excited! So, I won't be back on until Monday, but I promise to report everything once I return. <br />Have a great week and weekend!<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-59017040873011351742008-07-15T12:42:00.004-04:002008-07-15T13:12:40.330-04:00Say It- TODAY!I recently saw the movie <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OltHNarHA9A">"The Bucket List"</a> with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. WOW! What an amazing movie. This one definitely tugs at your heart strings and makes you want to run out and experience the adventures that life and our majestic planet has to offer. If this movie doesn't move you- see a cardiologist quick!<br /><br />The soundtrack includes the song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ0z86LmXBM">"Say" by John Mayer</a>. <br />If you haven't heard this song before, you must be living under a rock. Well, come on out and it will be okay. Listen to the words of this song... and follow your heart.<br /><br />Having experienced a great loss in my life, with the death of my father, I understand what it means to have regrets. There are many things that I regret (with regards to my relationship with my father) including: things that I didn't say, but wanted to; things that I said, that I didn't mean and wished I could take back; times when I should have visited him more when he was sick and all alone; times when I should have stood up to him and told him how I felt; and times when I just should have loved him more and been there more for him as his daughter. <br /><br />I was reminded of this again recently when my cousin, Cody, passed away. Today I logged on to my Myspace account and noticed that my other cousin, Wade, Cody's big brother had posted about how he was still numb and how he missed his little brother. Reading this broke my heart... I realized that so much time had gone by since Cody's death and I had still not been in contact with his siblings. I had been in contact with my mom, my grandmother, my sisters and sent word to my aunt of my sympathies, but I had not contacted my cousins. We were all very close growing up (practically brothers and sisters), but that was many years ago and we have all gone our own separate ways and hardly saw eachother anymore due to distance and timing. However, today when I read Wade's post, all that distance and time disappeared and I felt sad for the loss and ashamed that I had not reached out to them before now. (This is something deeply personal that I hesitated sharing, but I heard that song "Say" again today on the radio and decided that this was important and that I should just SAY it...). <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993399;">I don't want to make that mistake again. I don't want to have anything left unsaid, unexpressed, or undone when I leave this world, or when someone I love leaves this world.</span></strong> <br /><br />This movie is a great reminder of how fragile and fleeting life really is, but it also reminds us of the strength of spirit and the power of friendship, adventure and love.<br /><br />Is there something you need to do? Is there something you need to say to someone?<br />Speaking from experience.... don't let another day pass before you reconnect with someone you love. If you love someone..... Say It- Today!<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-57721551279842463112008-07-14T16:55:00.002-04:002008-07-14T17:15:48.770-04:00Just Another Manic MondayI'm so glad that my life has resumed a semblance of normalcy.<br />Things, on the whole, are back as they should be... well mostly.<br />Ever the cynic I can always find some way that situations could be improved, but at this moment in time I am quite happy with how things are for me.<br />Loved ones back within arms reach always seem to quiet the soul.<br /><br />So, where was I? Manic Mondays... ah, yes.<br />Well, today, like most Mondays was nothing spectacular. The work hours dragged on, with very little actual work to do. I spent most of my dayr reading some backlog of information that I normally keep pretty abreast to, but I'm not sure that cramming it all in within a few hours is the best way to do it. So, in terms of manic.... I guess my mind was functioning in a somewhat manic fashion just trying to take in all the information that I was reading about.<br />Reading some of this information caused me to go into a slight panic when I realized that the Fall semester would be starting back in a little over a month. I had promised myself that I would relax and enjoy the summer before it slipped away, but here we are mid-July and I haven't felt completely relaxed yet (lethargic-yes, thanks to medicines, but not exactly relaxed).<br /><br />I am on my way out the door to check out the only lesbian romance novel that our little conservative town's library has in stock. Maybe it's time for me to donate some of my own books to help this little town's obvious lesbian population have something else to read besides these 200+ pages of a book that was written in 1983. Perhaps my manic Monday will end with the calming effects of another potential favorite novel. (I'm a book addict and a good love story calms me everytime).<br /><br />If you're looking for something to dive into this summer (a book, not a pool), check out my post of my top 10 favorite novels of all time (well... so far).<br /><br />Enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-11307205627493495742008-07-14T15:36:00.002-04:002008-07-14T15:50:52.574-04:00Top 10 Favorite NovelsFor all of you who have some spare time on your hands this summer and are looking for a great book to get lost in, have a look at these. Keep an open mind and soon you'll find you have a lot more in common with the characters than you thought.<br /><br /><p>Within this list is romance, mystery, suspence, murder, death, sex, passion, sacrifice, true love, coming of age, finding faith in God and in people, learning to accept who you are and what life hands you. You are sure to find something fabulous and memorable in every one of these.</p><p><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;color:#663366;">TOP 10 Favorites:</span></strong></p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">1.</span> <em>Painted Moon</em>- </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Karin Kallmaker</span> </strong><strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#cc66cc;"></span></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#cc66cc;">2.</span> <em>Annie On My Mind-</em> </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Nancy Garden</span></strong><br /></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#993399;">3.</span> <em>Venus Envy</em>- </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Rita Mae Brown</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">4.</span> <em>Flowers for Algernon</em>- <span style="font-size:85%;">Daniel Keyes</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">5.</span> <em>To Kill A Mockingbird</em>- <span style="font-size:85%;">Harper Lee</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#00cccc;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#00cccc;">6.</span> <em>The Awakening</em>- <span style="font-size:85%;">Kate Chopin</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">7.</span> <em>A Room of One's Own</em>- <span style="font-size:85%;">Virginia Woolfe</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ffcc33;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ffcc33;">8.</span> <em>Scarlet Letter</em>- <span style="font-size:85%;">Nathaniel Hawthorne</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">9.</span> <em>Silas Marner</em>- <span style="font-size:85%;">George Eliot</span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stunning-Lesbian-Fiction/lm/1F65E90NZY8E6/ref=cm_lmt_fvlm_f_1_rlrsrs0"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rubyfruit-Jungle-Rita-Mae-Brown/dp/055327886X/ref=cm_lmf_img_8"></a><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">10.</span> <em>The Picture of Dorian Gray</em>- <span style="font-size:85%;">Oscar Wilde</span></strong><br /><br /><p>Which of these is your favorite? I'd love to hear about how one of these books has moved you or touched you in some way. Please comment. More of my favorites coming soon. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-32022516797989992152008-07-11T18:14:00.004-04:002008-07-11T18:39:24.543-04:00Happy Summer!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221888770243241602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-TIrzublNISC2tHwl4TVYckWDnAhMRYAq-1PcJGPNh6uRak2mthjsZeWVy4uT6nZw2LpRHg-rbXDxoiozYZCqVB0BJF_jkWv7SxHGDIncRnRQL0IMo5M85mTi4Ob_ZMErGtSV_0wvNZS/s200/07-09-08_1641.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#993399;"><strong>I hope everyone is enjoying their summer.</strong></span><br /><p>Tomorrow is a happy occassion & I'm ready to celebrate!</p><p>******* ********* *********** ******* ******** **********</p>As you can see I have given my blog a facelift while I've been sick.<br />I'm feeling better now, so I'm going to enjoy my weekend and get back to you all on Monday. Be sure to check out all the new things I've added.<br />Now with 3 columns, there's a lot more to see.<br />Have a look around!<br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend!<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-84813029764067646862008-07-10T12:54:00.004-04:002008-07-10T18:10:35.760-04:00Outta sight, outta mind?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-5hpmOCGYGBVtM3EoMNiZSrtBO5VnoP9jdnBRlo0Yx4o92LB715Wp3VmHJcGA1EB2pGoY0F4-Ax2AzvPz0tppnXILEs3hc3Sj_e_u3YO8eQgl05Adpi4CFaR82xD7sBsuQtrTpsq7GsY/s1600-h/rainbow+flowers+sm.jpg"></a><br /><br />Don't forget about me just because I haven't posted in a couple of days. I'm down with bronchitis right now, but am using my time wisely- working on a custom blog layout. I should be back up to par hopefully by next Monday.<br /><p>This pic is a clue to what the new layout will look like! </p><p>Have a great rest of your week! </p><p>Look out for more video.... coming soon.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035360509338248079.post-77274624882714197982008-07-08T22:08:00.005-04:002008-07-09T18:26:58.171-04:00Message to All<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwzCf-9IzqvNvBYfPkP8nG9SeslLXdfL5j65-Wc9NugzAPUuFmjXNyJ9kLJweVoqpNpiZqeJGmELtqpcXDR' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />This is my first attempt at adding a video to my blog.<br />Right now I am using my camera phone for the video, so it is not great quality but it gets the job done. I'm just trying it out for now, so bare with me.<br /><br />If anyone has any pointers, tips, suggestions, whatever... please feel free to offer them up. I want to learn.<div class="blogger-post-footer">To see more from this author/blogger please go to http://lyrical-lavender-life.blogspot.com.</div>Kristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619575334415109758noreply@blogger.com0