tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73385364245717499612024-02-20T10:47:05.796-08:00Jen TuckerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-18935443533675725952013-11-30T15:00:00.001-08:002013-11-30T15:00:24.671-08:00Win 29 Autographed Chick Lit Books! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 20px;">29 Talented Chick Lit Authors have banded together to offer you a spectacular Christmas Giveaway! One lucky reader will win all 29 of these AUTOGRAPHED CHICK LIT TITLES*!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Can you stand it?</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-0cpVVySqir4vTgIU1VOsTuPHT5L_HETThDivProuzt-TRO2x2JUoe6QUZrU1EIG-F8ibBMZNdcp_onLXKuCTFPsnjHYL-nucMhCxOhcgfumr3b3U2N2ISZazV0f9F3Z0XBkhdfofIAT/s1600/Chick+Lit+Black+Friday+2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-0cpVVySqir4vTgIU1VOsTuPHT5L_HETThDivProuzt-TRO2x2JUoe6QUZrU1EIG-F8ibBMZNdcp_onLXKuCTFPsnjHYL-nucMhCxOhcgfumr3b3U2N2ISZazV0f9F3Z0XBkhdfofIAT/s400/Chick+Lit+Black+Friday+2013.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Darn the luck, there's a few rules:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">*Open to US residents only</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">*One lucky winner of 29 books will be selected</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">*VOID WHERE PROHIBITED! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">*Make sure you enter via the link here:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NDJkZGRiYmUxMmI3ZGVhZjc2ZGYyYTFjNWZlM2IyOjk=/" target="_blank">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NDJkZGRiYmUxMmI3ZGVhZjc2ZGYyYTFjNWZlM2IyOjk=/</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">*The more you like the author pages, the greater your chances to win! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">GOOD LUCK! And may the books be ever in your favor!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">XOXO</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Jen </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-29291287438145235292013-11-11T05:41:00.001-08:002013-11-11T06:06:20.492-08:00Hard Hats and Doormats Cover Reveal <br />
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I love a good tease...</div>
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Pop open the champs, put on your party hats, and let's whoop it up with Laura Chapman! May I present to you, the cover of her debut novel... <i><b>*imagine Jen playing an awesome drumroll*</b></i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMQm3AsMXTGsiyXeR7qi9HJzJ-H0dPvxNBvw-ZtBqKApJ-ZW_0E93ayoGQi6S9OrKIHfe9xs4kiz_JB1MazlmjhjYz8BFHbW3Fdr_TkMzzfnziTXWPblBCbe4BxYVyQbj2cKBLtMatQR7/s1600/L+Chapman+Hard+Hats+and+Doormats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMQm3AsMXTGsiyXeR7qi9HJzJ-H0dPvxNBvw-ZtBqKApJ-ZW_0E93ayoGQi6S9OrKIHfe9xs4kiz_JB1MazlmjhjYz8BFHbW3Fdr_TkMzzfnziTXWPblBCbe4BxYVyQbj2cKBLtMatQR7/s320/L+Chapman+Hard+Hats+and+Doormats.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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LOVE!</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Synopsis<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lexi
Burke has always been a stickler for following rules and procedures. As a human
resources manager for a leading Gulf Coast chemical company, it’s her job to
make sure everyone else falls in line, too. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">But after losing out
on a big promotion––because her boss sees her as too much of a yes-woman––Lexi
adopts a new policy of following her heart instead of the fine print.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> And her heart knows what it wants: Jason Beaumont, a workplace
crush who is off limits based on her previous protocol.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">While
navigating a new romance and interoffice politics, Lexi must find the
confidence to stand on her own or face a lifetime of following someone else’s
orders.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who
says nice girls have to finish last?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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To celebrate the cover reveal for
her debut novel, author Laura Chapman is sharing behind-the-scenes tidbits
about the making of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hard Hats and
Doormats</i> here and on other blogs with her “Hard Hat Confessions.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s # 18:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OOzX8xDRUO0kDBTR1vTrxpFMrElqF8GOn7DrULPw_FY9-dN4nSFKP-MH_iAprCqY32WRDpUpjOrjAZc5YfNauWyxTRrJjbDuRd2ob045j00UAJlRoC6e232idVJbBEdIgwJAC_mTRq7T/s1600/L+Chapman+Confessions-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OOzX8xDRUO0kDBTR1vTrxpFMrElqF8GOn7DrULPw_FY9-dN4nSFKP-MH_iAprCqY32WRDpUpjOrjAZc5YfNauWyxTRrJjbDuRd2ob045j00UAJlRoC6e232idVJbBEdIgwJAC_mTRq7T/s320/L+Chapman+Confessions-18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Visit </b><a href="http://change-the-word.blogspot.com/2013/11/hardhatsanddoormatscover.html"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">http://change-the-word.blogspot.com/2013/11/hardhatsanddoormatscover.html</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> for more “Hard Hat Confessions.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Congratulations, Laura! I'm so excited for you! </span></b></o:p></div>
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<o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">XOXO</span></b></o:p></div>
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<o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jen </span></b></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">About the Author</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Laura Chapman found a way to mix
her love of romance and humor as a women’s fiction author and blogger. A 2008
graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Laura studied journalism,
English and history. She traveled across the United States as a
writer/photographer before settling into a career in communications. She also maintains
<a href="http://change-the-word.blogspot.com/">Change the Word</a>, a blog
devoted to promoting women’s fiction and documenting her experiences as a
writer. Born and raised in Nebraska – in a city, not on a farm – she is a
devoted fan of football, British period drama, writing in bars and her cats,
Jane and Bingley. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hard Hats and Doormats</i>
is her debut novel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Connect with Laura<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.laurachapmanbooks.com/">Website</a> (http://www.laurachapmanbooks.com/)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://change-the-word.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> (http://change-the-word.blogspot.com/)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/changetheword.blogspot">Facebook</a> (https://www.facebook.com/laurachapmanbooks)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/lmchap">Twitter</a> (https://twitter.com/lmchap)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-21469728414698195372013-09-04T05:51:00.000-07:002013-09-04T05:51:10.084-07:00Cover Reveal for Cat Lavoie! <br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Get excited, people! It's Cat Lavoie's cover for her new novel!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">When coffee shop owner Zoey Everwood
takes her obsession with ex-boyfriend Braden too far, everyone—except Zoey—is
convinced a bit of fun in the sun at the Moment of Zen Wellness Resort will
help her get over him once and for all.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">But Zoey's relaxing vacation turns out to
be anything but peaceful when she meets Shane Lawson, a resort guest who bears
a striking resemblance to Braden. And things get even more complicated when the
resort's owner starts spilling secrets about Zoey’s aunt Nessa, the woman who
raised her. Add a snarky Wellness Coordinator and Nate Holmes—Shane's grumpy
friend—to the mix, and you've got the recipe for a perfect tropical storm.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">When Zoey comes back home with a new
husband instead of tacky souvenirs, she must convince everyone she hasn't
completely lost her mind. As Zoey and Shane struggle to keep the magic alive
outside the resort, Zoey discovers that she isn't the only one having trouble
letting go of the past. And when Nate drops a bombshell that changes
everything, Zoey must decide if the old saying is true—what happens at the
Moment of Zen stays at the Moment of Zen.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">ABOUT THE AUTHOR</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">: </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Cat Lavoie lives in Montreal, Canada with
her tempestuous cat, Abbie. Her debut novel, Breaking the Rules,
was published in August 2012 by Marching Ink. If Cat isn't reading or
writing, she's most likely watching too much TV or daydreaming about her next
trip to London.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYC0GJLXW3DRFJU67qbdbk5EVI7WINcSDcRHKJ1yJU9xxQABgXnPvUOui_zVrBMvgQFn1nWcFQ6hEaT50Mm5uj6dh6lycMrMQx3vzt4xxEpgSdUitRaIApKixHFqmdZZnirUXZf4KqoeZA/s1600/Cat+Lavoie+HS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYC0GJLXW3DRFJU67qbdbk5EVI7WINcSDcRHKJ1yJU9xxQABgXnPvUOui_zVrBMvgQFn1nWcFQ6hEaT50Mm5uj6dh6lycMrMQx3vzt4xxEpgSdUitRaIApKixHFqmdZZnirUXZf4KqoeZA/s320/Cat+Lavoie+HS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">CONNECT WITH CAT</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Website: <a href="http://www.catlavoie.com/">http://www.CatLavoie.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CatLavoieAuthor">http://www.facebook.com/CatLavoieAuthor</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Catenabi">http://www.twitter.com/Catenabi</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Congratulations, Cat! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">XOXO</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jen </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-72739337323924882012013-08-12T06:32:00.002-07:002013-08-12T06:32:38.313-07:00Blogger Girl Cover Reveal!<br />
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I'm over the crescent moon excited to present to you the cover reveal for my sassy NYC sister's new novel, Blogger Girl. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Meredith Schorr's latest book and I'm swooning over the characters and story. I cannot wait for you to get your hands on a copy. Coming soon, I give you (drum roll please) <i>Blogger Girl</i>! </div>
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<i>What
happens when your high school nemesis becomes the shining star in a universe
you pretty much saved? Book blogger Kimberly Long is about to find out. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>A chick
lit enthusiast since<b> </b>the<b> </b>first<b> </b>time<b> </b>she<b> </b>read<b>
</b>Bridget<b> </b>Jones’s<b> </b>Diary, Kim, with her blog,
"Pastel is the New Black," has worked tirelessly by night to keep the
genre alive, and help squash the claim that "chick lit is dead" once
and for all. Not bad for a woman who by day ekes out a meager living as a
pretty, and pretty-much-nameless, legal secretary in a Manhattan law firm. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>While
Kim's day job holds no passion for her, the handsome (and shaving challenged)
associate down the hall is another story. Yet another story is that Hannah
Marshak, one of her most hated high school classmates, has now popped onto the
chick lit scene with a hot new book that's turning heads--and pages--across the
land. It's also popped into Kim's inbox--for review. With their ten-year
high school reunion drawing near, Kim's coming close to combustion
over the hype about Hannah’s book. And as everyone around her seems
to be moving on and up, she begins to question whether being a “blogger girl”
makes the grade in her off-line life.</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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A born and bred New Yorker, Meredith Schorr <span class="ds1201"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">discovered her passion</span></span><span class="ds1181"><b><i> </i></b></span>for writing when she began to enjoy drafting
work-related emails way more than she was probably supposed to, and was famous
among her friends for writing witty birthday cards. After trying her hand writing
children’s stories and blogging her personal experiences, Meredith found her
calling writing “real” chick lit for real women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Meredith is not hard at work on her
current work in progress, she spends her days as a trademark paralegal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meredith is a loyal New York Yankees fan and
an avid runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blogger Girl</i> is her third novel. You can find Meredith on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/meredith.schorr1?fref=ts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></a> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="https://twitter.com/MeredithSchorr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></a>.</span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">XOXO</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jen</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-63374628243936220082013-08-02T07:43:00.003-07:002013-08-02T07:43:56.167-07:00Elizabeth Marx's cover reveal! <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">It's like Christmas for me every time I lay my eyes on a new cover for one of my books. I'm always equally excited when I see covers for friends' works as well. So here today at Princess with a Pen, I proudly present to you the cover of my gal <a href="http://elizabethmarxbooks.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Elizabeth Marx</span></a> new novel, <i>Stained</i>...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><b>Ta-dah!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Isn't it beautiful? Keep your eyes pealed for the August 20th release day! Congratulations, Elizabeth! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">XOXO</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Jen</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHTLPR1ja2t8RsACFsKYVpXzBw-2NF-QvIysGThaBupWwojsLkcUWvk0SiVoCKqDnE1QBFgc1SGL1TeYIekz3KW_5E9ua9MmAH9hdALCycrKBIBXFy561mdeizvG3jn-rDIXOPMd4uQdG/s1600/Elizabeth+Marx+HS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHTLPR1ja2t8RsACFsKYVpXzBw-2NF-QvIysGThaBupWwojsLkcUWvk0SiVoCKqDnE1QBFgc1SGL1TeYIekz3KW_5E9ua9MmAH9hdALCycrKBIBXFy561mdeizvG3jn-rDIXOPMd4uQdG/s1600/Elizabeth+Marx+HS.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">Windy City writer, Elizabeth Marx, brings cosmopolitan life alive in her fiction—a blend of romance, fast-paced Chicago living, and a sprinkle of magical realism. Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who’ve spelled everyone into believing they’re really dogs. She grew up in the city, has traveled extensively, and still says there’s no town like Chi-Town.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">You can find Elizabeth on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElizabethMarx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/emarxbooks"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></a>. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-10789984658866154832013-07-31T11:09:00.006-07:002013-07-31T11:09:58.760-07:00Finding Value in the Valuable<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Yes, I've been under a rock! I'm so sorry I've been away from my blog for so long. Honestly, this isn't the piece I thought I'd write as my return, yet when you read it, I think you'll understand why I couldn't go on another minute without telling you what's on my heart and mind. </span></i></div>
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It takes a lot to get my dander up. I’d like to think I’m pretty reasonable and
even tempered. Unless you degrade or
hurt a friend or my family, then we have a problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My sister-in-law, Kimmie, is the sweetest thing on two
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Huggable, kind, and funny she’s
overcome great obstacles in her years on the planet to carve out a niche as a
woman living with Asperger’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her life
with high functioning autism has been difficult, yet she wouldn’t want you to
know that about her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d want you to
know she adores her cat, is excited about being a first time aunt to twins, and
is a hard, dependable worker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry, my
mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> a hard, dependable worker until she was fired on Monday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The owner of a chain of stores Kimmie worked for hired a new
manager at her location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason
we cannot seem to dissect, this manager, who had not been on the job very long,
decided Kimmie was not a valuable employee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You see, that’s difficult to grapple with because she was always on
time, completed tasks required and extras requested, ran the cash register, and
did I mention she had worked at this location for ten years?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A decade full of managers saw her worth and not
a girl with autism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They found her to be
a treasured employee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Funny how the only
thing that changed in ten years was the man wearing the manager nametag, not
Kimmie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Although I’d LOVE to spill the beans and tell you the name
of the chain of independently owned stores you shouldn’t patronize, its street
address, and so many other details of Kimmie being treated poorly that leave me
livid, I won’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promised my
mother-in-law I’d keep my trap shut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gosh, that was a hard thing to swear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Quiet is not in my DNA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is
in my bones is my inability to tolerate a person with special needs being
discarded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A woman who excelled at her
job, yet—gosh, I don’t know—was special and that was the problem? Can you tell
I’m still trying to wrap my brain around it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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As my family rallies around my sister, I ask you take a
moment to notice employees in the businesses you frequent. You will find many with challenges obvious to
the eye, and perhaps not so evident.
Thank them for their hard work.
Compliment them to managers if you experience wonderful service. Kimmie would want you to do that. Not for her sake, but to honor the many
people that rise above their challenges each and every day to make something positive
happen for themselves and others. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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XOXO</div>
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Jen<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-6958758318085150912013-04-04T06:03:00.003-07:002013-04-04T06:03:57.670-07:00Come dine with Sophie and Dan: Today’s treat is… Extra Hot Rocking Pizza! Sophie’s Run Blogtour 2013 with Nicky Wells<br />
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with Sophie and Dan: Today’s treat is… Extra Hot Rocking Pizza!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I love Nicky Wells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, seriously—adore her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a wonderful mum, fiercely loyal friend,
makes me laugh when I need it most, and she’s convinced Sophie, from her smashing
Rock Star Romance series, to make you my all-time favorite dish today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter the language you speak, the word “pizza”
is globally understood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Grab</span> your
hot pepper flakes, and join us for the party! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Cambria, serif;"></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sophie’s Run</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<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/AVvXsEhr16zeeIb_8F409iQMw9f20DnQN1zg6MnSZloNmcjygbCxDV1XwNglNINe2PaX63aKqTq-VmNaMhDJZANATavZTVj5CNyGS0De0PBepiODkvaqrnqNmRvmS-4h4rcVNQ3VD9KuII917G_7/s1600/Nicky+Wells+Sophies_Run_Hi-Res.jpg" 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/AVvXsEhr16zeeIb_8F409iQMw9f20DnQN1zg6MnSZloNmcjygbCxDV1XwNglNINe2PaX63aKqTq-VmNaMhDJZANATavZTVj5CNyGS0De0PBepiODkvaqrnqNmRvmS-4h4rcVNQ3VD9KuII917G_7/s320/Nicky+Wells+Sophies_Run_Hi-Res.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can purchase Sophie's Run <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sophies-Rock-Romance-Series-ebook/dp/B00BBK38UM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1365079839&sr=1-1&keywords=sophie%27s+run"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Her famous star remains her rock while life takes her on a little detour…</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Who says that the road towards true love is straight and even?<span> </span>Sophie is certainly discovering that it is anything but.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">So she has finally found the man of her dreams! Well… she knows who he is, even though she hasn’t actually quite met him yet.<span> </span>But she misses her opportunity, and then her life goes crazy.<span> </span>Rock star and ex-fiancé, Dan, keeps getting in the way of her new romance—even if he is just trying to be helpful.<span> </span>A fire, an impromptu mini-trip with Dan, and a dreaded wedding later, Sophie is still struggling to meet the love of her life. Then, just as she is getting it together with her perfect man, best friend Rachel commits an act of unspeakable betrayal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Sophie has had enough. Confused and distraught, she decides that it is time for radical change. Surprising herself and shocking her friends, she embarks on a secret journey and eventually gets her life back on track.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Hey, you! Yes,
you, Jen Tucker! And friends! *waves*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It’s me,
Sophie! Remember me? *blushes* You do? Aw, thank you! Yeah, well, I’m back
again. My romance with Dan is continuing, in a roundabout way, and he very
definitely remains my rock even while life takes me a on a little detour. It’s
all in the second book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sophie’s Run</i>,
and that’s why Jen’s invited me here today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">*blushes
some more* Well, actually, I kinda invited myself. After <a href="http://authorjlht.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/exclusive-rock-legend-dan-hunters.html">Dan
had such a great time on Princess with a Pen</a>, I wanted to come by too. Plus
I know Jen and I have a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lot </i>in
common, not least a love of rock stars (albeit different ones, TG!) and of hot
pepperoni pizza.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">See, this
latest book tour of my author, the lovely Nicky Wells, is all about taking YOU
on tour with us to share some of the lovely food that we enjoy throughout the
books. Pizza is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very </i>high on both
mine and Nicky’s lists… Did you know there are twenty-two mentions of pizza in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sophie’s Run</i> alone? I think it’s fair to
say it’s my staple food, LOL. And I celebrate with pizza, too. Always. Even
really big things!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We were greeted by the amazing smell of
pizza, loud voices, and cheerful music. Balloons and banners had been strung
criss-crossing the room, and there was a great centerpiece made up of pink and
white heart-shaped balloons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Überraschung</i>,”
Greetje shouted when she spotted us and hastened across the room to say hello.
“Surprise! We thought for a moment you weren’t coming.” She hugged me briefly
and whispered in my ear, “I am so pleased for you, congratulations.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">She turned to Dan and Rachel. “Hi, good to
see you again. Did you forget about all this?” She gestured loosely at the
balloons and the party. Rachel had the grace to blush.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(Excerpt from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sophie’s Run</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Now this
post wouldn’t be terribly interesting if I simply said, ‘go and buy a pizza
from your local takeaway.’ (Although I’ll never say no to a Domino’s, Papa
John’s or Pizza Hut delivery!). Instead, I have gone to the trouble of making
pizza from scratch, just for you. It’s actually surprisingly easy, and I can
pull this off, so can you. The biggest challenge is simply getting organized
because both the dough and the sauce need some time to cook/stand/rise/simmer. Here
goes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">To make your own extra-hot rocking pepperoni
pizza, you need…</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For the base:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~300 grams
of good strong flour (this is really important; ordinary flour won’t do, it has
to be flour for breadmaking!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~½ teaspoon
of dried yeast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~1
tablespoon of olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~1 teaspoon
of salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~170 ml of
water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For the sauce</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~two tins or
cartons of chopped tomatoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~two
tablespoonfuls of tomato puree/concentrate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~one or two
cloves of garlic, crushed or chopped<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~herbs and
seasoning to taste: parsley, thyme, chives, oregano, basil, a bay leaf, salt,
pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~a dash of
olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Toppings</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Anything you
fancy really! I’m using today:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~pepperoni
slices<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~pickled chili<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~sliced raw
mushrooms<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">~heaps of
mozzarella cheese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">And here’s what you do…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">First of
all, get your tomato sauce going. Place all the ingredients in a medium size pot.
For the herbs, use a good sprinkling of each, there are no hard and fast rules
and you can always add more later if you think it needs more oomph. Bring to
the boil, then turn the heat down, cover the pot with a lid but take care to
let some steam escape, otherwise the sauce won’t boil down; and leave to simmer
for one to two hours. When it tastes good, turn off the heat and leave to cool.
You can even make this the day before, and any leftovers you can freeze for
next time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXsUYMOgrSzC3Km3mDpM5YJ2_7QyKBOm1KIycjsScLomiuLKf3WGJNnO-sfq0fquHYzNlZRQtnEYOUqFer0axJxjTW_MqqTQB-0tTooH9helIVB3gC1QWTpQBULEj1vCKHGA6Gtmd3ZCE/s1600/Nicky+Wells+sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXsUYMOgrSzC3Km3mDpM5YJ2_7QyKBOm1KIycjsScLomiuLKf3WGJNnO-sfq0fquHYzNlZRQtnEYOUqFer0axJxjTW_MqqTQB-0tTooH9helIVB3gC1QWTpQBULEj1vCKHGA6Gtmd3ZCE/s320/Nicky+Wells+sauce.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mouth is watering...</td></tr>
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</o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Next, you need
to make the base. If you have a breadmaker, throw the ingredients in and follow
your manufacturer’s instructions for making pizza dough. If you don’t have a
breakmaker, pour the flour in a heap onto a smooth and cool work surface. Make
a dent in the middle and add the yeast, olive oil and water. Combine by
kneading inwards until you have a soft, smooth, springy dough. Place in a bowl,
cover and leave to rise for at least an hour; the dough should double in size.
(If you have a boiler cupboard or somewhere where it’s nice and warm, put the
dough-in-bowl there). After an hour, knead again and then leave to prove again
for another half hour or so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Turn the
oven on NOW! Turn it up as hot as it will go. Domestic ovens are nowhere near
as hot as a pizza oven (my friend the pizza baker told me that your average
pizza oven bakes at 260 centigrade/500 Fahrenheit plus, whereas your domestic
oven stops at 220 centigrade/430 Fahrenheit), so crank it up and make it’s
properly preheated when you put your pizza in!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">To make the
pizza base, divide your lump of dough into four equal balls. Roll out onto a
tray using the heels of your hand. The dough will be quite bouncy and
obstinate, but you’re in charge so keep going until you have a nice pizza
shaped base. Be sure to make it quite thin ~ it will rise in the oven. But then
again, don’t make it too thin. If you can see the tray through it, you’ve
probably stretched it a bit too far!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Leave your
pizza base to rest for about 20 mins. (I know, it takes time! But it’s worth it.
You can prep your toppings while the bases rest).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Ladle on the
sauce, add your toppings, cover with cheese and shove your pizza in the oven.
It’ll probably take about five minutes, depending on the heat in your
appliance, so keep an eye on it — you don’t want it to burn!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">….<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and
‘after’ it comes out! YUM!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZv4O0TWUXSGW4jdM77X6ErNcqg5tE25fhJ5eQ5vBlXL6izftSEh3STLCi7RLEUlTuVRnjkX5WMlkqcPgCmXytNeGIOoZYA_gxkiyXtWf79I1m9F8bQuCMzhHaxqeTUZUIYStGrh4i26hV/s1600/Nicky+Wells+pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZv4O0TWUXSGW4jdM77X6ErNcqg5tE25fhJ5eQ5vBlXL6izftSEh3STLCi7RLEUlTuVRnjkX5WMlkqcPgCmXytNeGIOoZYA_gxkiyXtWf79I1m9F8bQuCMzhHaxqeTUZUIYStGrh4i26hV/s320/Nicky+Wells+pizza.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Happy
eating! I hope my post today inspired you to try making your own pizza sometime
and while you eat… well, why not perhaps join me, Dan and twenty-two mentions
of pizza in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sophie’s Run</i>? Rock on!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Thanks again
to Jen for hosting me and… hang on, wait, there’s more!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Nicky Wells is giving
away one delicious chocolate gift to a lucky winner in the UK or North America!</span></span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiL1O-2lcB1KYkrH0eIVLS_t9dPDRhusDszhqIV9d4gWeRRnPvp17IIbSBdcUhs0qEx05zP_ye4Rl7Fr2TwQR5AhaymZNjA8vs12e3iHN5kdgn_ECpX87DNyZKjkWSFDdRE5-fIco8mFU/s1600/Nicky+Wells+Chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiL1O-2lcB1KYkrH0eIVLS_t9dPDRhusDszhqIV9d4gWeRRnPvp17IIbSBdcUhs0qEx05zP_ye4Rl7Fr2TwQR5AhaymZNjA8vs12e3iHN5kdgn_ECpX87DNyZKjkWSFDdRE5-fIco8mFU/s1600/Nicky+Wells+Chocolate.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The small print: This Gift prize is a product of Unique Chocolate. The Gift prize is
subject to availability in your country. If the Gift prize is not available in
your country, Nicky Wells reserves the right to offer a substitute gift prize
of a similar nature at her discretion. Nicky Wells will require the winner’s
postal address for shipping purposes.</span></b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Click <a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OTI2ZmY2ZjlkMzQ0YzMxZGFhOTJkMzFjZjBhY2Q2OjI=/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERE</span></a> for the Rafflecopter Link</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="background-color: magenta;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Bonus Giveaway</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nicky Wells offers a giveaway of one Amazon gift voucher worth $20/£15 for one lucky winner. To
enter, simply share your thoughts on Sophie’s
Run with Nicky. Email your comment to <a href="mailto:nickywells@sapphirestarpublishing.com">nickywells@sapphirestarpublishing.com</a>
and your name will be entered into the draw. Competition closes 1 May 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t Nicky the best?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good luck to you all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you win the chocolate, I think that’s up
there with winning the lottery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you
know what happens when a sudden windfall comes your way, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people come out of the woodwork to share
in your good fortune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be one of
them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Thank you, as always, for stopping by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nicky and I appreciate you very much!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">XOXO<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Jen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzF-7AGjORDLR99t4GsUEFFaQGbnXQXP6zVNcID10T9J02RYNCv_I1WwgKTb-7qSKPRHhhubvcAQM60Pbt0SSF9AjUkX5VrnBF2VMAdG2OW_uchsFflK7v7rfNfou6P1xDPQLUNbfUrP0/s1600/Nicky+Wells+2013+HS.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/AVvXsEhTzF-7AGjORDLR99t4GsUEFFaQGbnXQXP6zVNcID10T9J02RYNCv_I1WwgKTb-7qSKPRHhhubvcAQM60Pbt0SSF9AjUkX5VrnBF2VMAdG2OW_uchsFflK7v7rfNfou6P1xDPQLUNbfUrP0/s320/Nicky+Wells+2013+HS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">About Nicky Wells: Romance that Rocks Your
World!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Rock
On! </span></i><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Nicky Wells
writes fun and glamorous contemporary romance featuring a rock star and the
girl next door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A signed author with
U.S. publisher, <a href="http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/">Sapphire Star
Publishing</a>, Nicky is in the throes of publishing her Rock Star Romance
Trilogy. Nicky loves rock music, dancing, and eating lobsters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she’s not writing, Nicky is a wife,
mother, and occasional teaching assistant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Originally born in Germany, Nicky
moved to the United Kingdom in 1993, and currently lives in Lincoln with her
husband and their two boys. In a previous professional life, Nicky worked as a
researcher and project manager for an international Human Resources research
firm based in London and Washington, D.C. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Visit Nicky on her <a href="http://nickywellsklippert.wordpress.com/">blog</a> where you can find
articles, interviews, radio interviews and, of course, an ongoing update on her
work in progress. You can also follow Nicky on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/WellsNicky">Twitter</a> and find her on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Nicky-Wells/240322162658246">Facebook</a>.
Nicky is a featured author on the innovative reader/author project, <a href="http://loveahappyending.com/">loveahappyending.com</a> and has joined the
<a href="http://www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org/index.php/about/author/nicky_wells">Romantic
Novelists’ Association</a>. Nicky also has author pages at <a href="http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/nickywells/">Sapphire Star
Publishing</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nicky-Wells/e/B005CGMAY6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1">Amazon</a>
and, of course, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/wwwgoodreadscomnicky_wells">Goodreads</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-91939726764076567052013-04-02T11:41:00.001-07:002013-04-02T11:42:16.882-07:00Sibel Hodge talks drama free Soup Opera. Yes, I said Soup Opera! <!--[if !mso]>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7-YB5yGAbZQwe4n0X2pEytwo0I5_Hk6H3mSATzfs4qHiOb_FiTXFIDL55B2Njx1jafcftbcc3bBpzq4jvkg-iDRCFz1DPsX4Uh4mp5-ExfPYAzt9JMnodktx6WdVnuItHdSFMZORIMxf/s1600/Sibel+Hodge+Head+Shot.jpg" 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/AVvXsEiK7-YB5yGAbZQwe4n0X2pEytwo0I5_Hk6H3mSATzfs4qHiOb_FiTXFIDL55B2Njx1jafcftbcc3bBpzq4jvkg-iDRCFz1DPsX4Uh4mp5-ExfPYAzt9JMnodktx6WdVnuItHdSFMZORIMxf/s200/Sibel+Hodge+Head+Shot.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sibel Hodge is back with second
gluten free cookbook, and I give it two enthusiastic, GLUTEN FREE, thumbs up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all get stuck in ruts with dinner ideas,
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve found that especially true
since my Celiac Disease diagnosis in 2004.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sibel doesn’t want you to reinvent the wheel, nor does she want you to
track down rare ingredients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gives
you a fresh way to use what you might already have in your pantry, and will never be
farther than your local grocer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope
you’ll discover some new takes on old favorites, and take a chance and make
some delicious new-to-you ones as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bon Appétit! </span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3yNADQ8qsZbZgqi5ScK0q68x5CQsTP8ELCVjH3eqoqa6F-nN_nGxvwzAhMUrNhdoYYhcqVzUBa-2CS-BXlx5ms2RX80EZ_VtM9nmuxBwxliNFPIpR6s3SM8DtfBxZ1y02bYmEo09eeCb/s1600/S+Hodge+Soup+Opera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3yNADQ8qsZbZgqi5ScK0q68x5CQsTP8ELCVjH3eqoqa6F-nN_nGxvwzAhMUrNhdoYYhcqVzUBa-2CS-BXlx5ms2RX80EZ_VtM9nmuxBwxliNFPIpR6s3SM8DtfBxZ1y02bYmEo09eeCb/s320/S+Hodge+Soup+Opera.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About A Gluten Free Soup Opera: </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether you’re looking for a
tasty starter, a light lunch, or a hearty dinner, there’s nothing quite like a
nutritious bowl of soup. In the second book from Sibel Hodge’s gluten free
cookbook series, A Gluten Free Soup Opera takes you on an international
culinary journey, bringing you a delicious bowl of goodness for any occasion.
All of the 30 recipes included are gluten and wheat free, and most also have
dairy free and vegetarian/vegan options included. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Looking for a Christmas Day starter? Try Festive Chestnut Soup. If
you’re running low on time, Butter Bean and Pancetta Soup or Greek Pork and
Lemon Soup will take 20 minutes to cook. For a filling dinner, Rustic Leek and
Potato or Hearty Lamb and Green Bean Soup fits the bill. African Peanut Soup,
Moroccan Sweet and Sour Soup, or Chili Bean Soup are the ultimate in winter
warmers. Pistachio Soup and Seafood Soup will impress your guests at a dinner
party. And for a light lunch, choose Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup or Broccoli
and Parmesan Soup.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A Gluten free diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste. Today it
can be eclectic, vibrant, and adventurous. After cooking for her coeliac
husband for over a decade, author Sibel Hodge gives you the ultimate in
mouth-watering and healthy recipes, which can easily be prepared using
ingredients from your store cupboard or local supermarket. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Who says gluten free cooking has to be boring?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Experiment. Eat. Enjoy! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sibel's message for you:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Hello! A big Soup Opera welcome to
you…</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For those who don’t know me, let me
tell you a little bit about how this book was born. Well, for starters, I’ve
been cooking since I was about ten years old. Under the watchful eye of my nan,
who was a fabulous chef, I developed a love of food that has lasted…let’s
see…ahem, at least eleven years (yes, I can still be twenty-one in my head),
and she taught me how to make mouth-watering meals from scratch. Now I want to
pass that knowledge on to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I’m the
author of thirteen other fiction and non-fiction books for adults and children,
and in my spare time, I’m Wonder Woman. When I’m not writing or saving the
world from dastardly demons, you can find me in the kitchen, cooking up a
storm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Being
half Turkish Cypriot and half British, I was introduced to exciting culinary
delights from an early age. When the rest of my mates were eating plain
meat-and-two-veg dinners, I was tucking into Mediterranean delights of mousaka,
meze, and pilavs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Turkish
people love to eat, therefore they love to cook! In the first cookbook in my
gluten free/wheat free series, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Gluten
Free Taste of Turkey,</i> I combine my knowledge of tasty, easy-to-cook recipes
with nutritious and scrummy Turkish food. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My love
of Mediterranean food and the healthy Mediterranean Diet went on to spark my
interest into a vast wealth of international dishes. Increasing your recipe
bank means you can travel all over the world, and sample all kinds of cuisine,
without ever needing your passport!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I’m also
a qualified health and fitness professional, with a special interest in
nutrition. We all live busy lives these days, don’t we? But that doesn’t mean
we have to swap healthy, easy-to-cook, delicious meals for junky fast food. We
are what we eat, and if we put rubbish in, it won’t be long before we’re
feeling rubbish, too. I firmly believe that our ever-increasing health
problems, diseases, and allergies are due to the chemicals, pesticides, and
hormones that are pumped into our food and environment. I want to show you that
healthy meals can taste great <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> be
easily prepared. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I’ve
been cooking gluten/wheat free since I met my hubby over a decade ago. When he
first told me he was coeliac, I had a panic attack. I’d never heard the word
before, and my first thought was that it meant he had some peculiar sexual
quirk that I wasn’t going to like very much. When I finally discovered it meant
he couldn’t eat gluten, which is found in barley, oats, wheat, and rye, I had
an even bigger panic attack. Trying to find something in the supermarkets back
then that didn’t include those ingredients was a nightmare. As well as being
blatantly advertised, it’s often cunningly disguised as “thickener”,
“stabilizing agent”, “shortening”, and “Ricin”. OK, I made the last one up, but
gluten can have severe side effects for people who are coeliac or
intolerant/allergic to it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Maybe
now would be a good time to let you into my little secret (stands up and
coughs)… I have a serious soup fetish! There, I confessed! Whether it’s summer,
winter, or spring, you’ll find me eating the stuff (sometimes in secret). I’m a
regular soup-a-holic, and I know that I’m not alone in this little culinary
foible. I mean, how can you not love a little bowl of goodness that’s so
versatile? Whether you’re looking for a simple starter, a light lunch, or a
hearty dinner, soup is the perfect dish every time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So will
you need any specialist ingredients or equipment for this recipe book? No!
There’s nothing worse than buying a cookbook, reading through the recipes, and
then banging your head against the kitchen worktop because you’ve discovered
you need a particular blend of this, or an obscure jar of that, and you just
can’t get hold of it. You’ll probably find most of the ingredients used in this
cookbook already lurking in your store cupboard or, failing that, your local
supermarket. Unlike when I first started cooking gluten free all those years
ago, you can now find so much choice in gluten/wheat free products in the shops
that you shouldn’t have any trouble getting hold of everything you need to create
my tasty, international delights. The only thing you may need to pick up (if
you don’t already have one) is a hand blender, and these are both easily
available and cheap. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If
you’re not coeliac, or sensitive to gluten/wheat, should you eat a gluten free
diet? Well, many people are turning to a gluten free/wheat free diet because it
can have many health benefits, including an increase in energy, better
digestion and elimination, improving cholesterol levels and auto-immune
disorders, controlling weight and bloating, and making you super attractive to
the opposite sex (yes, I made the last one up again – just checking you were
still awake). Whereas twenty years ago, a gluten free diet would be bland and
boring, today it can be eclectic, vibrant, and delicious, and these are the
dishes that I wanted to share with you in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Gluten Free Soup Opera</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
recipes included in this book should be used as a guideline because you know
your taste buds better than anyone else does. If you want to substitute one
ingredient for another that you like more, then go for it. This is how great
recipes are born, and it’s all about making the food work for you. Wherever you
can, please try to use organic ingredients. It’s kinder to the environment and
animals, and it’s healthier for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The most
important thing in cooking is to have fun with it, so experiment, eat, and
enjoy!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sibel XX</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Recipe from A Gluten Free Soup Opera</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Moroccan Sweet and Sour Soup</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This recipe does exactly what is says
on the tin – it’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s sour, and it’s fun! Moroccan food is
all about flavour and colour, and this dish is an explosion of both. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNzJ49UqmuzMJ6EU2u7uJsHKnRzHnjVArRuuNgU0afPf_9gNa5nOwkCCr0YDsyxJsl7hxqCV0zosrhkgBDF6OdIkMFi7amas_NhTcZshGyDcWoMJZugnTwTx0OIF0EJWquNCJlF-gUJY8/s1600/S+Hodge+moroccan+sweet+and+sour+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNzJ49UqmuzMJ6EU2u7uJsHKnRzHnjVArRuuNgU0afPf_9gNa5nOwkCCr0YDsyxJsl7hxqCV0zosrhkgBDF6OdIkMFi7amas_NhTcZshGyDcWoMJZugnTwTx0OIF0EJWquNCJlF-gUJY8/s320/S+Hodge+moroccan+sweet+and+sour+small.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I’m using dried apricots here, and
whenever possible try and get apricots that are naturally air dried, rather
than those dried using sulphur or sulphur dioxide, which can cause allergies in
some people. They will probably be darker in colour than the usual apricots,
but the taste is the same and they’re healthier for you.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Did you know that as well has being a
great source of dietary fibre and protein, chickpeas are also rich in folate,
calcium, and manganese, plus they’re also low in fat, which is always a bonus!
But if you don’t like chickpeas, substitute them for a can of beans like
cannellini, borlotti, kidney, or black-eyed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Ingredients:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1 onion – chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1
carrot – diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1
red pepper – diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1
green pepper – diced </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>8
– 10 dried apricots – chopped </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>4
cloves of garlic – crushed and chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2
inch piece of fresh root ginger – peeled and chopped finely</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>400
gr can of chopped tomatoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>400
gr can of chickpeas – drained and rinsed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Juice
of half a lemon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2
– 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1
pint (approx. 2 ½ cups) of chicken stock/vegetable stock/water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>¼
teaspoon of dried cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1
tablespoon of ground coriander</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1
teaspoon of ground cumin</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>¼
teaspoon of nutmeg</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1
tablespoon of tumeric</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1
tablespoon of paprika</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>¼
– ½ teaspoon dried chilli flakes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>¼
teaspoon of black pepper</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Salt
to taste</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">·<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Olive
oil for frying</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Method:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fry the onions and peppers until soft.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Add
the other ingredients, except for the fresh coriander, and bring to the boil.
Simmer for 35 – 45 minutes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Stir
in the fresh coriander and serve. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Serves 4 – 6</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">* Vegetarian/Vegan Options – Use vegetable stock</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">* Dairy Free</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Thank you for sharing, Sibel!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love to love you!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Thank you, oh fab readers, for stopping by, and I just love you all to bits. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">XOXO</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Jen</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Link to Amazon.com: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362211266&sr=8-1&keywords=a+gluten+free+soup+opera"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HYPERLINK
"http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362211266&sr=8-1&keywords=a+gluten+free+soup+opera"</span>&<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HYPERLINK
"http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362211266&sr=8-1&keywords=a+gluten+free+soup+opera"</span>qid=1362211266<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HYPERLINK
"http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362211266&sr=8-1&keywords=a+gluten+free+soup+opera"</span>&<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HYPERLINK "http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362211266&sr=8-1&keywords=a+gluten+free+soup+opera"</span>sr=8-1<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HYPERLINK
"http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362211266&sr=8-1&keywords=a+gluten+free+soup+opera"</span>&<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HYPERLINK
"http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362211266&sr=8-1&keywords=a+gluten+free+soup+opera"</span>keywords=a+gluten+free+soup+opera</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Link to Amazon.co.uk: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362211317&sr=1-1"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HYPERLINK "http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362211317&sr=1-1"</span>&<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HYPERLINK
"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362211317&sr=1-1"</span>ie=UTF8<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HYPERLINK
"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362211317&sr=1-1"</span>&<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HYPERLINK
"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362211317&sr=1-1"</span>qid=1362211317<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HYPERLINK
"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362211317&sr=1-1"</span>&<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HYPERLINK
"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gluten-Opera-Wheat-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00BMR6356/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362211317&sr=1-1"</span>sr=1-1</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Link to B&N: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1114740525?ean=2940016234281"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1114740525?ean=2940016234281</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Link to Apple: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Link to Smashwords: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/291558"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/291558</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Link to Kobo: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=a+gluten+free+soup+opera"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=a+gluten+free+soup+opera</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Link to elsewhere: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Author Facebook: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sibel-Hodge-Author-of-romantic-comedy-and-comedy-mystery-books/246194485016"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sibel-Hodge-Author-of-romantic-comedy-and-comedy-mystery-books/246194485016</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Author Twitter: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.sibelhodge.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">http://www.sibelhodge.com/</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Author Website/blog: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.sibelhodge.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">http://www.sibelhodge.com/</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Goodreads author/book page: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3517050.Sibel_Hodge"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3517050.Sibel_Hodge</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-58917283150988818432013-03-06T13:05:00.004-08:002013-03-06T13:05:26.558-08:00Taming of the Guilt with Pj Schott<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/AVvXsEjsFwmdO6nBK3sxuaC1lveIS828UWPNDuM7mLXOR8Xg2Z8NjzTaKNGqCYV0Hv_HI4v05ofnHqsDIfIHdx1NZud-KWozygFv8ghRCIlxkdMdOvIzxA4LBKRzGpsXt5WDZNHGmH6QOtlcR3YV/s1600/Pj+headshot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFwmdO6nBK3sxuaC1lveIS828UWPNDuM7mLXOR8Xg2Z8NjzTaKNGqCYV0Hv_HI4v05ofnHqsDIfIHdx1NZud-KWozygFv8ghRCIlxkdMdOvIzxA4LBKRzGpsXt5WDZNHGmH6QOtlcR3YV/s1600/Pj+headshot.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pj Schott</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hellooooo from snowy Indiana!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve
been digging out this morning, and well as enjoying a school-free pajama day
after almost six inches of snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
also the first Wednesday in March, which means the über fab Pj is here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pj Schott has lived in several U.S. port
cities, Europe, Greece, and the Middle East. A marketing professional, mystery
writer, and futurist, Pj is known to those with whom she works as a
problem-solver, an innovative thinker, a top-notch communicator, a visionary,
and the soul of a group. She is the owner of the Boston, Massachusetts based
company GENIUS and is the woman behind the new Facebook page and blog,</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><a href="http://www.survivalforblondes.com/"><span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Survival for Blondes</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">, where</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Pj
is entirely surrounded by imagined disasters and learns to rise above.</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On Poetry & Hums and Pooh's Hundred
Acre Wood</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"But it isn't easy," said Pooh, "Because
Poetry and Hums aren't things which you get, they're things which get you. And
all you can do is to go where they can find you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4Vpsh_HU8pW0X8hoMLAMSHP7nWZbwoxuM_sDsa2zjXH-IdAnL-wkZeSceO5K-5LqmuIitT6_qX6g5kPtCoRF8B6uj67usFSWAiCq0t7LrsAr0l01CeRXrcPPkO50c9IsCR-jJcvexB-4/s1600/Pj+3-2013+Map.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4Vpsh_HU8pW0X8hoMLAMSHP7nWZbwoxuM_sDsa2zjXH-IdAnL-wkZeSceO5K-5LqmuIitT6_qX6g5kPtCoRF8B6uj67usFSWAiCq0t7LrsAr0l01CeRXrcPPkO50c9IsCR-jJcvexB-4/s1600/Pj+3-2013+Map.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's time to pack my bag and take a
business trip. I must go out and search for my Poetry & Hums. However, this
doting mother of two fabulous felines is filled with dread. As soon as I make
the travel arrangements I start missing my girls. I mean, really. Look at them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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type="#_x0000_t75" alt="The Girls" style='width:320.25pt;height:131.25pt;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLk1eA90KzSuaw58NCWbBqvGasf6g52BUXdsZEGT7lAcVQUGbwoXbe-ZC19lZcTfN7HXk6Pbdfl7h_vuRsiXizYAkSxmGFTqL5v7nMvYqLQCIb3CcO9Sfvoq4X1g-5oqTo2InBVGkmB9N/s1600/Pj's+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLk1eA90KzSuaw58NCWbBqvGasf6g52BUXdsZEGT7lAcVQUGbwoXbe-ZC19lZcTfN7HXk6Pbdfl7h_vuRsiXizYAkSxmGFTqL5v7nMvYqLQCIb3CcO9Sfvoq4X1g-5oqTo2InBVGkmB9N/s320/Pj's+girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are they just not the cutest cats who were ever cats?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can you stand it? Prudence, the Ragdoll
(on the left) doesn't mind a bit. Poor thing is beautiful, but dumber than
dirt. Except when it comes to her food supply. Then, all of a sudden, she's a rocket
scientist with the uncanny ability to make me do her bidding. That girl knows
how to suck up, let me tell you. And if that doesn't work she turns into the
feline equivalent of Attila the Hun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the right is Basile, a Russian blue.
Totally devoted to me, she becomes a basket case as soon as she sees the
suitcase. Won't eat. Gets in the suitcase and cries. Then hides from the cat
sitter the entire time I'm gone. Oh, the guilt. The guilt ….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So there I am trying to talk myself out
of a funk. As always, when desperate, I seek out the wisdom of our great guru,
Winnie the Pooh. And, in my mind, I go to the Hundred Acre Wood, the fictional
world of Pooh and his friends. And this is what he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Sometimes, if you stand on the
bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slowly slipping away
beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known."<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvZp3FQ-c279-T4TKSfmy14uAe0GXJQd2cREcVVvrCLEtGa8c2QXjbW1rYj6wMGiJ17N6N-i2aY_lDruLRN6oPbDa0vKStfllhhINhF6PChfXcNXSeIB0x8H9t0RkrcF_Zbx3b8lqN-4d/s1600/Pooh+Lucky.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvZp3FQ-c279-T4TKSfmy14uAe0GXJQd2cREcVVvrCLEtGa8c2QXjbW1rYj6wMGiJ17N6N-i2aY_lDruLRN6oPbDa0vKStfllhhINhF6PChfXcNXSeIB0x8H9t0RkrcF_Zbx3b8lqN-4d/s1600/Pooh+Lucky.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love a good peaceful place, don't you?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Long story short, and quite simply, I
realized that life has its share of bittersweet moments. We have to take the
bad with the good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The bad: it's so hard to say goodbye,
even for a short time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The good: I am blessed to have something
I love that much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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type="#_x0000_t75" alt="How lucky I am" style='width:180pt;height:180pt;
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>I’m
so glad to know I’m not the only one who is on the receiving end of pet
guilt!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you, Pj, for talking about
the bittersweet along with the blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you too for
sharing Prudence and Bastile with us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to cuddle with them, yet the results would be me and my Epipen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stinking feline allergies…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">**GIVEAWAY**</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Pj
is giving one lucky reader this…</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiSo__wWc0FXgmqhpey4jOukEO3iR2KKbJfyGhz9PbklzlY4fWdMdubxh8w-DU7yDFR0nj6_zlcBQb2AvfXilAROCSUpF8haoV8pAq7oG89_6HxlSX3DtvFurkK7YLR4uuKrA01VXwPCA/s1600/Pooh-return+100+acres+woods.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiSo__wWc0FXgmqhpey4jOukEO3iR2KKbJfyGhz9PbklzlY4fWdMdubxh8w-DU7yDFR0nj6_zlcBQb2AvfXilAROCSUpF8haoV8pAq7oG89_6HxlSX3DtvFurkK7YLR4uuKrA01VXwPCA/s1600/Pooh-return+100+acres+woods.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Return-Hundred-Winnie---Pooh-Collection/dp/B0078XPBAG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362518295&sr=1-1&keywords=return+to+the+hundred+acre+wood"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a> to check it out </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Here’s
the product description:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"></span></span></div>
<h3 class="productDescriptionSource" style="clear: left; color: #333333; font-size: 1.23em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.375em; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.75em;">
Amazon.com Review</h3>
<div class="productDescriptionWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Product Description</b><br />It was eighty years ago, on the publication of <i>The House at Pooh Corner</i>, when Christopher Robin said good-bye to Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. Now they are all back in new adventures, for the first time approved by the Trustees of the Pooh Properties. This is a companion volume that truly captures the style of A. A. Milne-a worthy sequel to <i>The House at Pooh Corner</i> and <i>Winnie-the-Pooh</i>.<br /><br /><b>About the Author</b><br />David Benedictus produced the audio adaptations of <i>Winnie-the-Pooh</i>, starring Dame Judi Dench. He lives in London, England.Mark Burgess has previously illustrated <i>Winnie-the-Pooh</i> and other classic children’s characters, including Paddington Bear. He lives in London, England. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Yay
you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The winner can choose a print copy,
audible edition, or Kindle + audible (Whispersync) edition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">RULES:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">*Contest
runs from March 6, 2013 through March 13, 2013 at NOON EST.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">*Contest
is open worldwide, because PJ is AWESOME and will have Amazon ship to you
anywhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yee Haw!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">*Comment
below and tell us what you’re thankful to return home to.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>*GOOD
LUCK!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Bless and be blessed,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Pj & Jen</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>XOXO</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-65159241693691481382013-03-04T08:55:00.000-08:002013-03-04T08:55:16.455-08:00Q&A with Misfit Mummy Author, Amanda Egan<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q&A with Amanda Egan</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
love that it has become the norm in my life to meet so many wonderful people
through social media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s made our
little world not so little, don’t you think?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m excited that my Twitter tweetie pie, Amanda Eagan, is here to chat
about her passions, her family, and what’s ahead for her this year in the world
of writing. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<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/AVvXsEigaU7ZK3txsx6COKoVg_7gbtJVI3iCo0go62DycI9O1IYGMgIydyryGZOTxATuhIfUFX68gTcs1HqwZAdhxAzVQFVhuNY-VKohYwPPgnjcpQSTRoPvHLH3f4FKlRaxE1-MlOhzvnyT_P_e/s1600/Amanda+Egan+HS.jpg" 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/AVvXsEigaU7ZK3txsx6COKoVg_7gbtJVI3iCo0go62DycI9O1IYGMgIydyryGZOTxATuhIfUFX68gTcs1HqwZAdhxAzVQFVhuNY-VKohYwPPgnjcpQSTRoPvHLH3f4FKlRaxE1-MlOhzvnyT_P_e/s320/Amanda+Egan+HS.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Love her!</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Born
and bred in London, Amanda trained professionally as an actress at Studio '68
of Theatre Arts and then, after years of procrastination, turned my hand to writing
Chick/Mummy-lit. Her debut novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Diary
of a Mummy Misfit</i>, was a tongue-in-cheek look at the easily recognised
types of self-centred mums you can find at prep school gates the world over -
“the Meemies” - and follows the journey of Libby, an ordinary mum who discovers
the chasm between the Haves and the Have-nots. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Darker Side of Mummy Misfit </i>followed and June 2012, then she ventured
into romance with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Completing the Puzzle</i>
and now <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stilettos & Stubble</i>. In her
spare time, she reads anything from Maeve Binchy, Jill Mansell, and Penny
Vincenzi to Noel Coward, Dostoevsky and Zola. She love crafts and entertaining,
particularly hosting themed dinner parties.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amanda makes me laugh constantly, and I love
chatting with her whenever we have the chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I know
that you were bit by the acting bug. Tell me about the time you realized
acting was a passion for you, and had the thought, “Hey! I could do
that!” when it came to being on stage.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
think I was about seven and in primary school - our whole class had been
rehearsing a dance routine to The Wombles, 'Wombling Free'!!! We'd worked
so hard at it for weeks and when we finally got on stage to perform it for the
rest of the school, the bug hit! I LOVED it. People were enjoying
watching us and it was just such a great feeling - that's when I started to
think it was something I could follow as a career. Sadly, by the age of
22, I realised that unless you're extremely lucky, it doesn't pay the bills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Gosh, that sounds like
me and the epiphany that struck me when thinking about a career before
graduating high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to be a
marine biologist, and I’d need to attend a university, in the states, on one of
the coasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where there are beaches and cute
surfers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you look at that equation,
it equals Jen cutting classes on a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I quickly changed my major.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">You
have some fabulous writing projects coming in 2013. Spill the beans! </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I'm
almost three-quarters through the first draft of my sixth novel. <i>Lottie's Luck</i> is due to be released sometime in June and I'm very excited
about it. It tells the story of a girl who's always been lucky, until her
luck runs out. Or has it? Are all the things that are happening to
her gently pushing her in the right direction? Watch this space ...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
also hope to have a new Christmas novella for October and another full-length
novel for December.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">I NEED that apron!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">One
of the many things I adore about you, is you speak openly about spending time
with your son at school when you knew he needed your support and presence there
physically and emotionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re mums;
it’s what we do, right? My oldest son has a motor plan disorder, Apraxia,
and I’m constantly tuned in to how we can best support Wil’s teachers and his
learning. Tell me a little bit about what that time was like for you in
your life. What did it teach you? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It
was a horrible and confusing time for us as a family. Just as you think
your child is growing up and becoming more independent, you find that they need
you more. Until we knew exactly what we were dealing with, it was a
living nightmare - no amount of talking could get us closer to a
solution. School phobia is a real and crippling condition which takes
time and patience to overcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
guess that was one of the main lessons I learned. <i>Patience</i>.
Sitting in a car for eight hours straight, five days a week in all weathers is
a killer - but look where it got me! All those books I devoured to keep
me company, finally made me see that I could use my creative background to make
a go at writing myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
also learned, in many ways, you can do <i>anything</i> if you put your mind to
it - no matter how tough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thank you for sharing, Amanda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know your willingness to be open about the
experience will help someone else walking down that same path.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Love him...</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Tell
me about your dream dinner party. What are you cooking up for your
guests, and who is sitting at the table? Can I come? Can I sit next
to Gordon Ramsay? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Of
course you can come, Jen! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">*Jen
cartwheels*</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">On
the menu would be my old 'never fail' favourites. A yummy salmon pate to
start, followed by a rich boeuf bourguignon with dauphinoise potatoes and green
beans. We'd finish off with a chocolate mousse and a totally stinky
cheese board. Oh! Feel a bit peckish now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">As
it's you that's coming, I think it only fair that you get to meet some of my
friends. They are a pretty mad bunch but I know you'd have fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">*Jen
cartwheels and backflips*<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">One
of my closest friends is the inspiration behind 'Fenella' in the Mummy Misfit
books - no doubt she would regale us with a few Broadway show tunes and we'd
almost certainly play some daft games and boogie the night away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Are
you up for it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I’m
totally up for it and coming to visit! YAY! What sites and stops
are on your “must do” list for us? Will I need bail money? Tattoo
money?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">No
bail money required! We'd be good girls - well, sort of! And
definitely no tattoo money - I hate them. I'll draw on you with an indelible
pen if you insist, OK? A ladybird or a flower or a butterfly - that's all
I can draw.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We'd
hit London and see all the main sights - take in an art gallery or two, shop
til we drop, tea at the Ritz and dinner at the Ivy. To blow away the
cobwebs we'd take a drive and a walk through Richmond Park and see the deer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Well,
I guess if I don’t need tattoo or bail money, that’s more Euros to spend on
Wills and Kate souvenirs, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
excited!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></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/AVvXsEhDRCLjIixtD5VgEyzQYQ8-vncIpocdCiRFc1B4M51275qmPL8kGT2OXapv9BTV6x16JtCHwcQpM86iG_SDRYJbA9Bk_Ij3caQvfBz5H3KTJzq6dLLPB6gSX6BpiN05VsbqO4Z4PB6DXOoa/s1600/Jojo+Me+Before+You.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRCLjIixtD5VgEyzQYQ8-vncIpocdCiRFc1B4M51275qmPL8kGT2OXapv9BTV6x16JtCHwcQpM86iG_SDRYJbA9Bk_Ij3caQvfBz5H3KTJzq6dLLPB6gSX6BpiN05VsbqO4Z4PB6DXOoa/s1600/Jojo+Me+Before+You.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">This is definitely on my TBR list! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">What
books are currently on your nightstand?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Right
now I'm reading, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Me-Before-You-Novel-ebook/dp/B0089EHWQE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362415780&sr=1-1&keywords=me+before+you"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i>Me Before You</i> by Jojo Moyes</span></a>. I know I'm months behind
everyone else with this but I had a bit of a backlog of books and I'd also been
going through a funny patch where I was finding it difficult to fully immerse
myself in any book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
also have a notebook for those 'middle of the night thoughts' about my plot -
you know, the ones that drive you nuts at three am!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Oh, girl I have one of
those notebooks on my nightstand too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You never know when an idea will strike, and you have to catch it before
it leaves your groggy mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">What
parting words, or advice, would you like to leave with us today? My
husband, Mike, loves to dole out the old, “don’t eat yellow snow” for those in
need of some inspiration. I’m so proud. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Mike
sounds a bit like <i>my</i> husband! Aren't we lucky??!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">*We
absolutely are the luckiest gals ever*<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I'm
not wise enough to give advice but to any aspiring writers, I'd say - 'Stop
talking about it. Do it. Each word leads to THE END and it's a fab
feeling.'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Thanks
so much for having me, Jen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Amanda, I loved having
you stop by, thank you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My blog is your
blog anytime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Click on the links to find
Amanda on <a href="https://twitter.com/Mummy_Misfit"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mummy-Misfit-Amanda-Egan/205957346106477"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></a>, or at <a href="http://mummymisfit.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">her blog</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Don’t forget to pick
up her books <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=ntt_at_ep_srch?_encoding=UTF8&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books&field-author=Amanda%20Egan"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a> in the UK, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_at_ep_srch?_encoding=UTF8&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books&field-author=Amanda%20Egan"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a> in the states. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Bless
and be blessed,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Jen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">XOXO<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-27589995148964553002013-02-18T09:50:00.002-08:002013-02-18T09:50:30.184-08:00Downton Abbey Season 3 Finale <br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Well, lords
and ladies, dukes and duchesses, we have come to the close of another season of
the PBS phenom, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Downton Abbey</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the end cap recapper (a joke for all my
fellow retail sales friends), along with the fab, Jenny Gardiner, I want to
thank you for spending time with all the Downton Gala gals as we’ve hashed,
rehashed, and hash-tagged this third season of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Downton</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’d like to
quickly take a walk down memory lane, you can find the previous blog posts
here: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Episode 1 - </span></b><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://change-the-word.blogspot.com/2013/01/downton-abbey-series-3-premiere-recap.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Laura Chapman</span></a></span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Episode 1 -</span></b><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <a href="http://elizabethmarxbooks.blogspot.com/2013/01/downton-abbey-season-3-premiere-recap.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Elizabeth Marx </span></a></span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Episode 2 - </span></b><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://traceylivesay.com/2013/01/14/downton-abbey-recap-season-3-episode-2/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Tracey Livesay </span></a></span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Episode 3 - </span></b><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://meredithschorr.com/2013/01/21/downton-abbey-recap-of-episode-3/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Meredith Schorr</span></a></span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Episode 4 - </span></b><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://traciebanister.blogspot.com/2013_01_01_archive.html"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Tracie Banister</span></a></span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Episode 5 - </span></b><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.catlavoie.com/blog/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Cat Lavoie</span></a></span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Episode 6 - </span></b><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://jenniferanncoffeen.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Jen Coffeen</span></a> </span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t miss the lovely, </span></b><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://jennygardiner.net/blog/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Jenny Gardiner</span></a>’s </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">recap on the season finale as
well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This was a
meaty season finale, so let’s jump in and get right to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This episode is time stamped one year after
episode 6, so make sure that you’re all caught up before watching! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a lot of goings on, so consider
this the ESPN highlight reel. There were other happenings, such as a drunken Mosley whooping it up at the ball, ladies maids infighting, and Carson being a stick in the mud when it comes to tom-foolery and the staff wanting a day off at the fair, and finally Anna and Bates are happy, lovey-dovey campers. Those are your brief Jen's Notes on those sidebar story lines. Yet, let's get to the goods, shall we?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">**WARNING: SPOILERS IN
MIRROR MAY BE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR**<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">An Heir and No Spare<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBB8lO-8qK1Rg6UOIy_P4DSlOC53hV_KY5XTN8LujJzJ66kpEM-v-i6dRVrOVFyqowIKYaYz1LUiyKmM90PQuPYYmUEy_DRxzrOA7GImPOjy3JabVIznyg8rLWnSq88qoGQTflJvUDTP7/s1600/Downton+Matthew+in+car.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBB8lO-8qK1Rg6UOIy_P4DSlOC53hV_KY5XTN8LujJzJ66kpEM-v-i6dRVrOVFyqowIKYaYz1LUiyKmM90PQuPYYmUEy_DRxzrOA7GImPOjy3JabVIznyg8rLWnSq88qoGQTflJvUDTP7/s320/Downton+Matthew+in+car.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Let’s clear the elephant from the room,
shall we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mathew is dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the words of my beloved husband Mike, “Damn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>American producers would’ve just hired actors
who look <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">exactly</i> like the ones
leaving the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Brits kill them
off!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First Sybil, then Matthew?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Damn…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We were left in the final sequences of the
show with Lady Mary cooing and cuddling her newborn son, while Matthew,
daydreaming of fatherhood and lineage, is victim to a nasty head-on
collision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His blood spills onto the
ground, as Lord Grantham speaks of Matthew as the family’s saving grace to keep
their fortune intact and their future promising.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">*Jen asks for a moment of silence*<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now let’s get on to other matters at hand,
shall we?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Airing of the Grievances</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTRyiMZRXlysQx1n5P8pWwdnNka7ymIfDi1X2iUjmjLmaA2aKImeFL_Ry_MH2C13kjkmhdezCDHJYCVBen_zbh9pXeSpUWwKczOPikfDiktUMZBd3-z-Qs1sa8H1nEl1S5LqOXcTO7sW7/s1600/Downt+Abbey+Scotland+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTRyiMZRXlysQx1n5P8pWwdnNka7ymIfDi1X2iUjmjLmaA2aKImeFL_Ry_MH2C13kjkmhdezCDHJYCVBen_zbh9pXeSpUWwKczOPikfDiktUMZBd3-z-Qs1sa8H1nEl1S5LqOXcTO7sW7/s200/Downt+Abbey+Scotland+1.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Stalking Tweeds-Donegal Castle, Sctoland</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We open the season finale with the Crawley’s
packing to leave on their annual pilgrimage to visit their cousins, Shrimpy and
Susan, and the naughty little Rose at Donegal Castle in Scotland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robert left his puppy companion, Isis behind,
to which Mike said, “It’s all going to Hell now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isis will be killed and eaten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never leave your dog behind!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, my hubs is not an intuitive,
nor a script writer!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we do find is Shrimpy and Susan are
no longer fond of one another, their daughter, Rose, has become a handful they
can no longer deal with, and Shrimpy says in confidence to Robert that their
fortune has run out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All Robert has
heard and seen on this getaway, leads him to confess to Cora that he has
complete faith in Matthew to turn things around for Downton, and that he cherishes
their family and relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cora
Swoons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s magic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Rose will be joining the Crawley family soon
to escape her overbearing parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
girl, Rose, wants to party all the time, and her parents just aren’t having
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sending her off to live with the
relatives will be interesting next season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were given a taste of Rose’s teen angst when she visited London with
Edith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ‘m sure there’s more to come,
my pretties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I forgot to mention that in Scotland, bagpipes are the new alarm clock,
doorbell, and dinner is served indicator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mean, when in Scotland…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Flirting 101</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">While the Aristocats
were away at Donegal Castle, the mice were having a heyday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a whole lot of sheep’s eyes going
on at Downton Abbey!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsosc_u8rfUPQMEuo2GU_ausfLELLRLs-Q_G2t9OmVH-2lovHkpMpTJhTQxyLVb_aRGi7txtrHD-gBP-dr-qxMVJ3VdsO8e26Z2FJXconFwBwCDI0zoWaGlKBhaj6qLDZ7jiUrrlnkV6La/s1600/Downton+Edna-Branson.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsosc_u8rfUPQMEuo2GU_ausfLELLRLs-Q_G2t9OmVH-2lovHkpMpTJhTQxyLVb_aRGi7txtrHD-gBP-dr-qxMVJ3VdsO8e26Z2FJXconFwBwCDI0zoWaGlKBhaj6qLDZ7jiUrrlnkV6La/s1600/Downton+Edna-Branson.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Edna and Branson</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">-Edna, you moved a little fast and were a bit uppity for Mr. Carson and
Mrs. Hughes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You flirted with the
widower openly, stalked him at the local pub, and then bullied him into eating
downstairs with his old homies before breaking and entering his boudoir and planting
a big juicy kiss on his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Über inappropriate
and unbecoming a downstairs dweller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
now you’re canned! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too bad, so sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you’ll get a second shot at romance
with Branson, and airtime, next season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_j8YalpWpp23zmJBzgvJyEPGASOzg1offpS55kQV-KURlrjutg4jAZxHtNDnPTjGemvJAcS2t_WvHWeqAbw2kx8YzCfKezBSmpBbIkt09RJc7cQgmL88zpzNgaq1-5iAr1PyAMc0NH1q/s1600/Mrs.+Patmore+at+the+fair.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_j8YalpWpp23zmJBzgvJyEPGASOzg1offpS55kQV-KURlrjutg4jAZxHtNDnPTjGemvJAcS2t_WvHWeqAbw2kx8YzCfKezBSmpBbIkt09RJc7cQgmL88zpzNgaq1-5iAr1PyAMc0NH1q/s1600/Mrs.+Patmore+at+the+fair.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Sales Dude and Mrs</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Patmore</b>-What a cheeky
bugger!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. Patmore has a suitor in the
new spice salesman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sends her a lovely
blouse, invites her to the fair, and creates his go-to list of lovely things
that she can cook for him, because it’s really romantic to dictate to your date
how you like your eggs prepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs.
Hughes sees how this gentleman is with the other ladies in town; a cheek kisser
and fanny pincher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She makes the
decision to spill the beans to Mrs. Patmore about her suitor, and is relieved
to find Mrs. Patmore is grateful for the FBI file on Mr. Flirty Pants, for she
was not fond of his culinary demands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3ghiTeMQcwZGanFtDMuU7aBdUnSRpGt5KGs7buRSPWQRr1OeN5ZkyFgKK6MGm6TDTzVfLjkw6sy-lDBm-N9naAyMZ4cRFfrK27qyfPbr8gAV4j8zmouGPdyfq9Cen4cmsBGK7CC4LDNI/s1600/Downtonw+Abbey+Dr+Clarkson+and+Isobel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3ghiTeMQcwZGanFtDMuU7aBdUnSRpGt5KGs7buRSPWQRr1OeN5ZkyFgKK6MGm6TDTzVfLjkw6sy-lDBm-N9naAyMZ4cRFfrK27qyfPbr8gAV4j8zmouGPdyfq9Cen4cmsBGK7CC4LDNI/s1600/Downtonw+Abbey+Dr+Clarkson+and+Isobel.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Doctor Clarkson and Isobel</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">-Well, well, well…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wasn’t that a cute little one-sided relationship?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Clarkson invited Isobel Crawley to the
fair, and spilled his liquored-up guts to her about marrying again, and laid on
the hints pretty thick that he’d love to lover her, baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all went right over Isobel’s head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling squeamish that he’d been so forward,
the next day Dr. Clarkson thanked Isobel for saving him from babbling on and
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, the gal can’t take a
hint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would love to see happiness
bloom between these two next season, especially with the death of Matthew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mW1IkHfycLy4hhaLr3DHf6qlHelJynvd40dO_Dc1Cwq5IEZWKdBKl4l-sFAHU8RN_dZSobu-bHEr0fZk2D2WvOpizcI1caZZMWUomnR1qPPjs-S5rb2rqgTlwFsLn1CFbcdJMV3eVYux/s1600/Downton+Abbey+Thomas+James.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mW1IkHfycLy4hhaLr3DHf6qlHelJynvd40dO_Dc1Cwq5IEZWKdBKl4l-sFAHU8RN_dZSobu-bHEr0fZk2D2WvOpizcI1caZZMWUomnR1qPPjs-S5rb2rqgTlwFsLn1CFbcdJMV3eVYux/s1600/Downton+Abbey+Thomas+James.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Thomas and James</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">-More one-sided lust and love!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thomas and James are working side-by-side, yet the awkwardness between
them is so thick, you could frost it and call it a cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James imbibes a little too much at the fair
after betting on Team Downton to win at tug-of-war, and came away victorious
with a few extra shillings in his pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>James wanders off and is accosted by the sore losers, yet not far behind
is Thomas who jumps between them all and takes a licking for James.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbed, and beaten to a pulp, a recovering
Thomas is visited in his room by James, who wants clarity as to why Thomas was
following him and jumped into the fray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thomas followed public intox, James, worried he could get into a pickle,
and he certainly did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas pleads with
James to put the whole <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sorry I locked
lips with you while you were sleeping</i> episode to rest, and they agree to be
chums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t that lovely?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5405bRPlt3eRHkIS4b7y3uYx3RSOTSdCY4OCdcYukRCiB5z-F4jlBbrI7wjo1osxSjPql6HsJp9p936HGIWtT4CZ6obj1AU5FCWAFXGYkgSKP1HIEG0OS5Qc9hdqrbv_WHN1sE6E2UpvV/s1600/Downton+Edith+and+Editor.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5405bRPlt3eRHkIS4b7y3uYx3RSOTSdCY4OCdcYukRCiB5z-F4jlBbrI7wjo1osxSjPql6HsJp9p936HGIWtT4CZ6obj1AU5FCWAFXGYkgSKP1HIEG0OS5Qc9hdqrbv_WHN1sE6E2UpvV/s1600/Downton+Edith+and+Editor.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Edith and her editor</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">-Although her editor stalked her on the family vacation, he’s married to a woman he claims is mentally ill and institutionalized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Edith realizes she’s cool with being the
other woman because he legally cannot get a divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her family is not thrilled with it, and she
refuses to bend to their will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Edith—what
a sassy little side of you I’m excited to see more of next season!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">A Kinder, Gentler
Dowager Countess</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bLfOJod2PZltwd_zVxUE4_2FnNJZCbuJCKjHkNju-k39R2pnVZWlVDuzJrhyUWn3ZSCnaMdXeOItoxEK6Pjqm1ChxdlJK8wQLi6f1bwbraBv8c9KqDNIBiQCv4lhi-6Cjvts2BN2IZT5/s1600/Downton+Abbey+Dowager+Countess.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bLfOJod2PZltwd_zVxUE4_2FnNJZCbuJCKjHkNju-k39R2pnVZWlVDuzJrhyUWn3ZSCnaMdXeOItoxEK6Pjqm1ChxdlJK8wQLi6f1bwbraBv8c9KqDNIBiQCv4lhi-6Cjvts2BN2IZT5/s1600/Downton+Abbey+Dowager+Countess.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Could it be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did we see a less meddling, snarky side of
Violet Crawley last night?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure she had
a few quips about leaving Branson unsupervised while they jetted off to Scotland;
she’ll always see him as the chauffer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
she stayed out of Shrimpy and Susan’s bickering due to Rose’s choice of dress
for The Ball, due to her own interesting attire choices as a young thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes grew large at the bagpipe blast
before dinner, yet she zipped her lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do not fret, my friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Violet
and all her Violet-isms will return before too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Season four of Downton Abbey is currently in
production! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
stopping by today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you’ve all had
fun with our little group of bloggers along the way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cheers</i>
to a riveting season of the wildly successful, Masterpiece Theater production, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Downton Abbey</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s also raise a virtual glass to success
for the cast members we saw come and go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not sure how you might be feeling this morning, but Mike has claimed
he will no longer watch Downton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
not that his “man card” has been repo-ed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s a tad pissed they killed off Matthew and Lady Sybil this season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poor thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’ll recover quickly after watching a few episodes of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Moonshiners</i>, so don’t fret for him for
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">XOXO<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Jen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-79567616371768268432013-02-14T10:11:00.002-08:002013-02-14T10:11:43.467-08:00Fact or Fairy Tale with Cari Kamm<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b></b></span></div>
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<b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What a special
day it is for my friend, Cari Kamm. Not
only is Valentine’s Day her birthday, it’s also Pub Day for her new novel, <i>For Internal Use Only</i>. Cari and I met over a year ago through our
mutual dear friend, Heather Hummel. I’m glad
Heather liked us both enough to introduce us.
Or maybe Heather doesn’t like us, and was pawning us off on each
other? Regardless, I’m honored to have
Cari here today. She is a gem of a gal,
sweet to the core, and a loving friend.
She’s also newly engaged, and I’m going to take this opportunity to
publicly announce my candidacy as her flower girl. <i>*Jen
has no shame*</i> Here she is; enjoy…</span></span></b></b></div>
<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b></b></span></div>
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<b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></b></div>
<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fact or Fairy Tale?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A dream is a
wish your heart makes – Cinderella<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
have heard people say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">life is not a fairy
tale</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Throughout
generations, from our childhoods and even as adults, we have these invisible
mentors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some examples include Santa
Claus, The Tooth Fairy, Cinderella and the little glass slipper, Pinocchio,
Peter Pan, and even Robin Hood to name a few. Whether it’s family trips to Walt
Disney World, bedtime stories while safely tucked in, or wearing your character
themed pajamas in front of the TV as a kid (okay, I will own it, Minnie &
Mickey Mouse for me . . . I adored the love story even at five), these invisible
mentors have all influenced us at some point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">These
fairy tales have caused some controversy over the years and have their
critics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My belief is that you can find
the good and bad, the positive and negative, in anything in life if you studied
it hard enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overanalyzing, trying to
pick every bit and piece apart, can cause us to lose focus and not truly
experience the journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As adults we
worry so much, we limit ourselves, we allow Mr. Fear to be part of the deciding
process, and we question more than we believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When did having faith ever hurt anyone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why do we allow ourselves to lose faith so much? We should spend more
time believing in ourselves, in life, in love, and in others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should spend more time in living and
noticing the beauty in our friends, our career, our home, our body, our
significant other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overanalyzing allows
so many things to go unnoticed. Remind yourself to pause and to take time to
find the greatness in life, the love, the humor, and all the lessons. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fairy
tales teach us as children when we are innocent and impressionable to focus on
believing and succeeding. We can never lose hope; that would be equivalent to
losing “heart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we live without
our hearts?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not mean literally, as
the organ responsible for pumping blood to sustain life, but putting ourselves
into anything we do, to do it wholeheartedly and beautifully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fairy
tales live within us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They allow our
spirits to remain alive inside us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next
time you are looking in the mirror, take a second and smile back at the little
girl or boy whose reflection used to stare back at you. See if you can catch a
glimpse of that part of you, which still lives deep inside you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fairy
tales have taught me to always be compassionate, to listen to my heart, to
always be open to new experiences and people, that happiness is a requirement
and always lives within me, and that sometimes things are not always what they
seem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly, to never forget
that there is a happily ever after and that everything is possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Whether
it’s fact or fairy tale, my philosophy on love is that it’s for my internal use
only. I believe that we should follow our own rules, listen to our own head,
and follow our own heart. We should create our fairy tale . . . not chase it. Dating
and falling in love is an emotional investment. I don’t think any rules truly
apply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
stopped following rules several years ago. Then, one evening I bumped into a
man. Our first date was on Valentine’s Day and we’ve been together ever since.
That was four years ago. We probably broke every rule in the dating guidebook.
He’s my partner in crime for life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXMCmCnSlwdQJxb-jPZd56LhhIMoLu-BkduAAzPP0KMheDEQMxniha8B1Es0c0H0AHCeLKu5bBmOVMlFX15cQ3zz-NkNZAdJUy8O1EFZA9a-p947_qpZHesaJddsvX9P2Fze2nAgGYZkW/s1600/Cari+Cam+FIUO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXMCmCnSlwdQJxb-jPZd56LhhIMoLu-BkduAAzPP0KMheDEQMxniha8B1Es0c0H0AHCeLKu5bBmOVMlFX15cQ3zz-NkNZAdJUy8O1EFZA9a-p947_qpZHesaJddsvX9P2Fze2nAgGYZkW/s320/Cari+Cam+FIUO.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
You can purchase Cari's novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/For-Internal-Use-Only-ebook/dp/B00B5HVSB2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360865128&sr=1-1&keywords=for+internal+use+only"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERE</span></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/For-Internal-Use-Only-ebook/dp/B00B5HVSB2"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For Internal Use Only</i></a>, is a love
story with an edgy and dramatic twist, and gives each of us a new fairy tale to
look forward to: our own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePQGBhW56D_Q5jMDzRm8nyCcgSYlGwd1e-dHZoGVW2W512aqnwj0MN83fo1nyE3OHn3q4SIgDD8lx81VNaJNMqvO9ImV5AAqjLtaIWpA2Le51qrmRCKfVqw3COSvkojRMPUnVLom3pf-Z/s1600/Cari+Kamm+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePQGBhW56D_Q5jMDzRm8nyCcgSYlGwd1e-dHZoGVW2W512aqnwj0MN83fo1nyE3OHn3q4SIgDD8lx81VNaJNMqvO9ImV5AAqjLtaIWpA2Le51qrmRCKfVqw3COSvkojRMPUnVLom3pf-Z/s320/Cari+Kamm+headshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Cari Kamm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1026"
type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;left:0;text-align:left;
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o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="square" anchorx="margin" anchory="margin"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cari Kamm
has worked in the beauty industry for over a decade, building brands, working
behind the scenes, and even selling her own skin care line. She has a master’s
in clinical nutrition from New York University. Kamm currently works in
corporate social media management with clients in the beauty, fashion, and
restaurant industries. Living in New York City with her mutt Schmutz, Kamm
loves finding inspiration in the most unexpected places, being a novelist, and
convincing her fiancé that ordering takeout and making dinner reservations are
equal to cooking. More information can be found on her website, <a href="http://www.carikamm.com/">CariKamm.com</a>. To check out the book trailer,
click here: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/bdr7bfn.">http://tinyurl.com/bdr7bfn.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank you for stopping by Princess with a Pen, and spending time with Cari and me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">XOXO</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jen </span></div>
</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-49560392056606026142013-02-06T11:01:00.005-08:002013-02-06T11:01:58.138-08:00Come on Get Happy with Pj Schott<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; vertical-align: top;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Come on Get Happy!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; vertical-align: top;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It is the first wonderful Wednesday of the month, and all you
perfect Princess with a Pen peeps know what percolating, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means the wonderful Pj is here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pj Schott has lived in several U.S. port
cities, Europe, Greece, and the Middle East. A marketing professional, mystery
writer, and futurist, Pj is known to those with whom she works as a
problem-solver, an innovative thinker, a top-notch communicator, a visionary,
and the soul of a group. She is the owner of the Boston, Massachusetts based
company GENIUS and is the woman behind the new Facebook page and blog,</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.survivalforblondes.com/"><span style="background: white; color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Survival for Blondes</span></a></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">, where</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Pj is entirely surrounded by
imagined disasters and learns to rise above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; vertical-align: top;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Happiness is a Choice<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“I don’t feel very much like Pooh
today," said Pooh.<br />
<br />
"There there," said Piglet. "I’ll bring you tea and honey until
you do.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">-- A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3UPY0NEV4ywtrbyFUU9vj9fF8mx2cV-iN_UAGmPGgrA-QPxrqQCUFrC6dV3kA3MTQoNzw-LmFk9VjbC7EhSkATXnzhGInTswY4UhaSGyYFIergZ2ZgB4czGf-_X_cDhzj2_RbjNSjeu0/s1600/Happy+Pooh.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3UPY0NEV4ywtrbyFUU9vj9fF8mx2cV-iN_UAGmPGgrA-QPxrqQCUFrC6dV3kA3MTQoNzw-LmFk9VjbC7EhSkATXnzhGInTswY4UhaSGyYFIergZ2ZgB4czGf-_X_cDhzj2_RbjNSjeu0/s1600/Happy+Pooh.bmp" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Universal Law
teaches us that nothing outside of ourselves can determine our happiness, and
that we must take responsibility for everything in our lives. We might wait
forever for our stars to align, for that lucky break, for the perfect person.
So what do we do in the meantime? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">How does one
choose happiness? (And yes, this falls into the category of Simple, Not Easy.) Rather
than wait for circumstances to change, we can decide to look at things
differently. To see the good in every situation, no matter how awful it seems
at the time. The tragedy that brought the right people together. The delay that
proved beneficial. The failure that put us on our true path.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Pooh was a
master of the art of changing one's attitude to one of gratitude. If he had to
make a list, the following would probably be on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Count your blessings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Poetry and Hums aren't things which you get, they're
things which get you. And all you can do is go where they can find you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Here's where the little things
can turn into something huge. Whenever you feel unhappy, take a few moments and
jot down some of the things for which you are thankful. I have food to eat, a
job, somewhere to live. The sun is shining. I am healthy. I have close friends
and family. What we take for granted, most of the world will never have in
their lifetime.</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">See the big picture<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My spelling is Wobbly. It's good spelling but it Wobbles,
and the letters get in the wrong places. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It is easier to obsess over
details than to tackle a big project. And sometimes working on small things can
give us a sense of accomplishment. But when the small stuff starts to run amok,
take two steps back, change direction, and take one small toward your dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Take control of what you can<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The hardest part is what to leave behind, ... It's time to
let go! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It's so easy to get into a rut.
Routines and rituals can be comforting, but when you feel overwhelmed by your
obligations, ask yourself what you could do to change the situation. And get
out of your comfort zone if that's what it takes.</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Change someone's life with a smile<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes
all the difference. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Fake it 'til you make it. No
matter how you feel, greet everyone you meet (within reason, of course) with
the biggest, brightest smile you can muster. Smile as if your life depended on
it. You have no idea what kind of burden other folks are carrying. You could
turn their whole day around with your smile, Mary Tyler Moore. Now notice the
effect it had on yours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Move<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without
exercise. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Good music is the only thing
that motivates me to move, so Dance is my exercise of choice. No matter what
kind of day you've had, an hour of Salsa dancing (or Zumba or Tango or Pole or
anything you do to good music) will make you forget it all (you can't dance and
think at the same time) and the movement will make you feel on top of the
world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Have a Zen day<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just
going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Work is good. Goals are fine.
But once in a while, for the sake of your Mental Health, you just have to
thrown in the proverbial towel and follow the energy. What is your body asking
for? A day in bed? A trip to a museum? Lunch with your besties? Anything you do
just for the sake of doing it is also good for the Soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Can I get an amen?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pj, thank you for spending time with us and also for reminding us to be
thankful, thoughtful, and restful while we wait for answers, the lucky star to
shine, or for our goals to be met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
all know how coolio Pj is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s
continuing to gift readers with a little Pooh Bear for the soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;">One lucky reader will win…</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeNGNSUrUsQ892_jeqf2zEQuOwsTspTpSYrkGdVjYW2mNucmuQayhjFu4xVvULtqyfMZQY2C86KqA8xaxXLwR8APpobAknPMFUN4uzxROvXzIkKproQnBIf3oTfJPreZqefZbzCyZpXeL/s1600/Winnie+The+Pooh+3d+pack.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winnie-Three-Disc-Blu-ray-Combo-Digital/dp/B005ELMC1U/ref=sr_1_3?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1360009980&sr=1-3&keywords=winnie+the+pooh"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a> for details at Amazon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Here’s the product info from Amazon:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Walt Disney Animation Studios proudly presents the
wonderful new adventure,</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Winnie
the Pooh</span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">.
Return to the Hundred Acre Wood for a heartwarming original movie, and reunite
with the beloved bear and his silly but steadfast friends for a magical family
experience. When sad old Eeyore loses his tail, Owl sends the whole gang --
Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Kanga and Roo -- on a wild journey to help Eeyore
and save Christopher Robin from the mysterious Bakson. Inspired by five stories
from A.A. Milne's books and created in Disney's legendary hand-drawn style,
this all-new classic introduces one of the world's most cherished characters to
a whole new generation. Narrated by John Cleese and bursting with brand-new
songs performed by Zooey Deschanel, this wonderfully whimsical film is a
must-own for every family's movie collection.</span>”</i></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;">All you need
to do is tell us your recipe for happiness</span>.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b>
</span>You never know, maybe your words of encouragement may be just the words someone
else needs to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background-color: magenta; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>RULES</b>: *Contest
will run Feb. 6-13 at NOON EST.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: magenta;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;">*You must leave your email to be eligible to
win, so please, please do not forget </span><span style="background-color: magenta;"> </span><span style="background-color: magenta;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;">because I so, so want you all to have a shot
at winning!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;"> *GOOD LUCK!</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Bless and be blessed,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Pj & Jen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">XOXO<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-82724970391076553122013-02-05T05:28:00.000-08:002013-02-05T05:28:26.847-08:00Q&A with Shasta Nelson<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q&A With Shasta Nelson</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is my pleasure to welcome to
Princess with a Pen today, Shasta Nelson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I liked her the moment we met via email.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I adored her when I realized we had the same haircut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love quickly followed, because she’s just
that fabulous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the launch day of her
new book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Friendships Don’t Just Happen</i>,
Shasta is here to chat with you about how herself, and her wonderful company,
Girlfriend Circles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welcome Shasta!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your background is in ministry. Tell me a little bit
about how serving others in that capacity came to be for you, and why you
embraced it rather than being a “Jonah” like my brother-in-law calls himself
(he graduated from divinity school at age 50 after “running” [his words] for so
many years). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 28px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #ff4013; float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjychC1HCtCIjftop0L5LZXPQrLsmOWic1G45rTCTtTj7wjFSBQXDlle1HGMjHOqU6B8S0yWsWHASdG221ZRdsawA6bP-erqFSi2vLOtM4x6s3pNMzW1rEgm3F41Rpmh4fMy1CPVsKXFU/s1600/Shasta+N+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjychC1HCtCIjftop0L5LZXPQrLsmOWic1G45rTCTtTj7wjFSBQXDlle1HGMjHOqU6B8S0yWsWHASdG221ZRdsawA6bP-erqFSi2vLOtM4x6s3pNMzW1rEgm3F41Rpmh4fMy1CPVsKXFU/s320/Shasta+N+headshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Adorbs!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">LOL! Well we all have our own journey to
figure out the best way to contribute and my guess is that whatever your
brother-in-law did before divinity school will serve him well now! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no such thing as wasted experiences!
For me, I was drawn to the community aspect of faith traditions. I
love that </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%;">people</span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> can come every week, connect with each other, serve beside
each other, and share deep conversations with one another. My work in
churches was filled with training small group leaders, teaching, and helping
form relationships within the congregations. But fewer people are finding
churches to be the center of their social worlds now and I think there is </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%;">greater</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff4013;"> need for me to
help create community in other places. </span><a href="http://GirlFriendCircles.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">GirlFriendCircles.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff4013;"> is one way I can
help introduce women to each other in local areas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;">I totally agree with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Women are so busy—swamped really—and their time is precious and fleeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a great way to offer a sense of
community and fellowship in a time we tend to be disconnected.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Girlfriend Circles gives women an opportunity to fill a
space in their lives with companionship and friendship. What was the
catalyst for you to take this idea and make it available for women across the
country? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ignorance was a gift! It was an idea I
woke up with one morning and I just said "I'm gonna try this." I am
not your stereotypical entrepreneur who was looking for a business idea; rather
it just came to me and I felt compelled to give it a go. My willingness to try </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">coupled</span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;"> with the conviction that we need more ways for us to
connect has fueled GirlFriendCircles now to 35 cities in the U.S. and Canada.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;">WOW!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s amazing,
Shasta!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truly it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something that began as an inspiration for
you is inspiring others and growing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What would be your ideal day with your
girlfriend/girlfriends? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It would </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">definitely include a
lot of talking and good food! Living in San Francisco provides me ample
opportunities to eat yummy food. And before, during, or after that food, I
always hope my time with friends is filled with
meaningful sharing. It's a beautiful thing to have people in
our lives where we can talk with less of a filter, trusting the other person to
really care, listen, connect, and reciprocate. I think those moments
where we share our hearts are some of the most beautiful moments of life.
Besides eating and talking, anything else we do together is just icing on
the cake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;">Since you mentioned cake, one of my favorite food groups, I
love you even more!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What do you hope that women will take away from your new
book,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Friendships Just Don’t
Happen</i>? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Friendships-Dont-Just-Happen-ebook/dp/B00B032E0A/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360025246&sr=1-1&keywords=friendships+don%27t+just+happen"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERE</span></a> to purchase</div>
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<span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That needing to find new friends is normal.
And that we don't</span> <span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">just</span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;"> need to leave it to fate to introduce us to the right
people as much as we need to</span> </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">know</span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> how to develop the right relationships
with the people we've already met! Certainly if we've </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">just</span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> moved to an area
then we might need to go meet a bunch of new people, but the vast majority of
us know a ton of people but haven't yet learned how to transform those </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">friendly</span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> acquaintances
into meaningful friendships. I'm really excited about my book guiding
women to evaluate their 5 friendship circles and then </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">actually</span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> knowing what
strategy to put into place to help create the friendships they want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;">What would you like to say to the woman who needs tools like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://GirlFriendCircles.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">GirlFriendCircles.com</span></a>
</span>the most, and also the one who feels like she needs it least? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To the one who knows she needs it, I'd say
"Good for you! Admitting it is the hardest part! But research
shows we're replacing half our </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">friends</span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;"> every 7 years so it's
really quite normal to need to foster new friendships. I'm glad you're
among those of us who are willing to do</span> </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">something</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff4013;"> about it!" And to the one who
feels like she needs it the least, I'd say, "Good for you that you have
built up all the friendships that you feel you need. </span><a href="http://GirlFriendCircles.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">GirlFriendCircles.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff4013;"> isn't for
everyone. I think of it like a health club-- it's one helpful way to stay
in shape, but </span></span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">certainly</span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> there are many other ways to be healthy, too! So if
you've got the relational health you crave then blessings on you! Please
help us spread the word to others, and we'd welcome you at any time if you go </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">through</span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a life change
and feel open to a new way to meet </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fabulous</span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> women!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;">We replace friends every seven years?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s so interesting to me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You’re throwing a dinner party. Any guest of your
dreams is available to attend. *<b>Jen raises her hand</b>* Who’s invited, and
who would you like to be seated to your left and right? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HA! Okay, you can be on my </span><span style="color: #ff4013; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">right side!
That would definitely be awesome to meet you. :)
And who else would I invite? Honestly, my dream dinner party right
now is 12 of my closest friends who all live spread across the country!
If I had won the lottery, I'd have paid to fly all my far-flung
girlfriends to San Francisco where I could wine-and-dine them, and thank them
profusely for being in my life. They don't all know each other, but I
think it would be magic to have all the women I've loved over the years all
sitting around my table together! And of course, I'd then give them each
a copy of my new book and say "This is because of you!" :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I told you she’s adorable!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 28px;">Don’t you just want to put her in your pocket and take her with you
everywhere you go?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you, Shasta,
for stopping by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please make sure you
check out Shasta’s new book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Friendships
Don’t Just Happen</i>, on sale today! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shasta is hitting the road and may be coming
to a town near you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out her
website <a href="http://www.girlfriendcircles.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">GirlFriendCircles.com</span></a>
for more details. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bless and be blessed,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">XOXO<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-84690475118790605682013-02-03T18:46:00.000-08:002013-02-03T18:46:13.504-08:00Q&A with Rachael Johns<br />
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I meet so many wonderful
people in this life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of them is
Rachael Johns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has been warm and
loving, a wealth of funny stories and a shoulder to cry on; a cheerleader and
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so thrilled to have her at
Princess with a Pen today to tell you about her newest novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stand-In Star</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRHJnh9d1b7aHPUAdP9bdIX7CqEaAG3DMh1L-Id9qVtgtWkYnfHjX3vJaACRFF0_pfVJOQabDApgIFrLPzNuZoj7vOZrInUd33cLWJ5oLJibTndX1_xDFiUvJ8158fcUDLCqx4NDiTzg_/s1600/RachaelJohns2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRHJnh9d1b7aHPUAdP9bdIX7CqEaAG3DMh1L-Id9qVtgtWkYnfHjX3vJaACRFF0_pfVJOQabDApgIFrLPzNuZoj7vOZrInUd33cLWJ5oLJibTndX1_xDFiUvJ8158fcUDLCqx4NDiTzg_/s320/RachaelJohns2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Okay, so in all transparency, I think we have to tell everyone
that you are my Aussie sister from another mother. Therefore, I will
attempt to refrain from making my questions slant towards inside joke
responses. I will probably fail epically. Some people might not
know that you and I were both teachers in a former life. Talk a little
about making the step to leave the classroom; how challenging was that for
you? What do you miss most?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Well, I’ve
always wanted to write even before I became a teacher, so although I enjoyed
teaching, the dream was always to one day write full time instead. Taking time
out of the classroom to have children, also gave me the chance to focus on my
writing. I think I miss my subject most – I LOVED inspiring kids with my
passion for books, movies, etc.!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">That’s EXACTLY
how I feel about leaving the classroom too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I miss their little faces and hugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Tell us a little
about your latest novel, <i>Stand-In Star.</i> Oh the upheaval that
happens when an unassuming Australian heads to Hollywood to accept her sister’s
posthumous academy award! It has fabulousness written all over it!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Why thank you
Jen. I had a lot of fun writing about it. The idea actually began a long time
ago, when I read an article in the paper about teenage paparazzi photographers.
It was fascinating to read about young boys who’d made squillions of dollars
stealing photos of stars and I decided I wanted to write about a hero who was
once in that position. Of course then I had to find a heroine. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I decided my
hero could live in Hollywood and about the time I was thinking about it, Heath
Ledger was nominated for a posthumous award and my heroine was born. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This is a fish
out of water tale but also one of opposites attract. There’s lots emotion, a
bit of glamour and of course and eventual happy ever after. Hey, I write
romance, no apologies!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OWkmRMjylPKnjdghabIpLYfZLXdCY-pqqNrmMRZSZiiG0l4gZvYFs-ZKuxJWwArBd0swyF0vpfvWnOgMvF1mUbDdqdF0FiasiW6ySfYKfQOLkIbDi9y5hy2JTmWfa0c7Kjb6TtAQrzwE/s1600/StandInStar_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OWkmRMjylPKnjdghabIpLYfZLXdCY-pqqNrmMRZSZiiG0l4gZvYFs-ZKuxJWwArBd0swyF0vpfvWnOgMvF1mUbDdqdF0FiasiW6ySfYKfQOLkIbDi9y5hy2JTmWfa0c7Kjb6TtAQrzwE/s320/StandInStar_final.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">And girl…you
keep writing that romance that you write so well</span></b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who were the earliest influences on you as a reader? What were
your favorite stories as a child, teen, and as the young, carefree Rach who
didn’t have a mortgage to worry about?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Mum ALWAYS
read to me, so I’d say she was a big player. I loved Enid Blyton’s Faraway Tree
series and in my pre-teens I devoured ALL the Babysitter’s Club series. I also
loved Judy Blume. I had a reading drought throughout high school – far more
interested in boys – but Bridget Jones’ Diary brought me back and also got me
writing. PS. I don’t have a mortgage at the moment – lol<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I’m moving in
with you for the summer, </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">*<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jen crosses fingers hoping Rach thinks this is a marvelous idea*</span></span></i><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> so </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">tell me about the places in Australia that I MUST see. Not
just the favorite spots for tourists, but also the sites that are special in
your eyes. </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">*<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jen is packing a large duffle for kangaroo smuggling out of the country</span>*<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Haha, you ALWAYS
crack me up. Trust me, summer where I live is not very nice – we reach
sweltering temperatures. Or do you mean, you’ll come in YOUR summer. Our
winters can be quite nice.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Hmm… now… places
to see. Our beaches obviously! I’d take you up north to Broome because I’ve
never been there either. Fremantle markets. A sweet little lake near us. You’d
have to go on a farm stay (because aside from contemporary romance for Carina
Press, I also write rural romance for Harlequin Australia so I’d want to take
you Outback)! I’m actually coming up blank – I’m one of those people who’s seen
more of other countries than my own. We can travel together </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAULF4rX7oY7Fi3TkSHCdreXVWcwMC1ZnXfgqNRMO-OPbOzXKay7eUk3iUFcEU5vJK7M0pd3rvOd3l3JPUoyN6_t4HbrLeOaBpANXEjLWNeyMAUrzmiPRwYSjBmYgd12xrM35XaQfu4lO/s1600/R+Johns+ManDrought_C2+(1).png" 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/AVvXsEghAULF4rX7oY7Fi3TkSHCdreXVWcwMC1ZnXfgqNRMO-OPbOzXKay7eUk3iUFcEU5vJK7M0pd3rvOd3l3JPUoyN6_t4HbrLeOaBpANXEjLWNeyMAUrzmiPRwYSjBmYgd12xrM35XaQfu4lO/s320/R+Johns+ManDrought_C2+(1).png" width="208" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Give us a little
sneak peek at your book that will be released next. Do you have a date
for publication yet and will distribution reach the US? Am I still the
main character?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I’m sorry m’dear
you’re one of the secondary characters (heroine’s best friend) in Man Drought,
which has just been released too but is only available down under at the moment
</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*Jen says RATS she cannot get the book! And YAY she’s in the book at
the same time!*</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Here’s a short
extract from Stand-In Star when the heroine realizes exactly who the hero is and
tries to leave his hospitality:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Ignoring the jolt of lust that
slammed into him at the sight of her, he blocked the stairs and folded his arms
across his chest. “Where do you think you’re going?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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She spoke in a level tone, firm,
polite but cold. “Please step out of my way. There’s a taxi waiting for me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Not anymore.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her eyes widened. “What do you
mean?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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He shrugged. “The cab came. I told the
driver we didn’t need it. He went away.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We</i> didn’t need it?” She shoved the suitcase down, narrowly missing
his toes and not showing any indication of remorse. Her hands snapped to her
hips as he instinctively jumped back. “There is no <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we,</i> Nate. Last time I checked I was a free agent. I stupidly
accepted your offer of a room of my own free will and now I’m changing my mind.
Of my own free will.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“And where do you plan on going?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“As amusing as you may find it,”
she snapped, “I’ve called the hostel and am heading back there. Not that it’s
any of your business but I’d rather be rooming with ten jovial backpackers than
tip-toeing around in paradise with a two-faced traitor.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Whoa.” Holding up his hands, he
stepped back at her harsh words. “If this is about the pool incident, I apologized.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Hah,” she snorted. “Your sorry was
more of a grunt. But as it happens, your blunt and totally inhospitable
treatment of me since I arrived is only part of the issue. I’ve just seen
myself on the nightly news.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Congratulations.” Surprisingly,
she didn’t look all that pleased about the fact. He was having immense
difficulty following the direction of the conversation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Congratulations? Is that all you
have to say?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What exactly do you want me to
say?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Well, the truth would be a nice
start.” She stepped down and—his reflexes a little bamboozled—managed to yank
her suitcase past him. “But since you’ve been lying since the airport, I’m not
expecting nice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Right, that was it. He’d had enough
of being yelled at by a lunatic female in his own house. Before she could reach
the front door, he turned and clamped his hand around her arm. “I’m not the one
living a lie.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You and I are
going on a walkabout (yes, I am throwing in a little <i>Crocodile Dundee</i>
movie quote). You know that I am all about the snacks that would be
packed away for this excursion. So, tell me what’s in the bag?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ooh now THAT is
easy. Since it’s your first Aussie walkabout, we’ll pack Tim Tams (regular
flavor and caramel ones), Clinkers (Aussie lollies covered in chocolate), Diet
Coke (cos I need it), flour to make damper, Cherry Ripes and Boost chocolate
bars (two more Aussie chocs you don’t wanna be without)!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I think Tim Tams
is my new favorite word combo, yet I have no clue what I’m saying!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, LMT (hubs) makes me mad, so I’ll
say, “You big Tim Tam!” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When you think
about the greatest influences on you, past and present, tell us who made a
difference in your life and why?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Mum, my gran
and my granddad. My dad was never around and these three awesome people
sacrificed a lot to give me the best life possible. I learnt so much from them
and had so many opportunities because of them. I may not have had any dad at
all, but I never missed out!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There’s also been
a few awesome teachers in my life. One of whom I’m now friends on Facebook with
</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Rach… Aww…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love girls who love their grannies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss mine desperately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly do.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-K9vm1gCzbKYpPSnepBt3JDLEUsvUPsq89OyaQ4yrMbXccDBnkbTedB_oX6cOIJaiboDSLOUtoP8B05a1DfUdqWvtXuZU4X4Li8W0vplyIgOvL7No9Cwu5ESoprat9dAt2BuuT46FUIAU/s1600/Vegemite.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-K9vm1gCzbKYpPSnepBt3JDLEUsvUPsq89OyaQ4yrMbXccDBnkbTedB_oX6cOIJaiboDSLOUtoP8B05a1DfUdqWvtXuZU4X4Li8W0vplyIgOvL7No9Cwu5ESoprat9dAt2BuuT46FUIAU/s1600/Vegemite.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Vegemite.
Explain. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A weird taste
maybe the best thing ever on Toast or crackers!! And also really good food when
you’re not feeling very well. Comfort food indeed!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What would
readers be surprised to know about you? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I love mice and
would have them as pets if my hubby would let me!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It’s girl’s
night in! What are you making me for dinner, then what movie are we
watching on your couch that you want to throw in the dumpster?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Making?
Girlfirend, you’d be MUCH safer if we ordered takeaway. I’d go a nice curry or
some Mexican! As for movies, it’d have to be Love Actually or How To Lose a Guy
in Ten Days!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Big HUGE thank you to Rach for stopping by my blog! I haven't even told her that I'm doing this...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;"> I'm giving away one e-copy of her new book to one lucky reader!</span> That's right pumpkins! You can win a copy of her delish new tale, STAND-IN STAR for your Kindle or Nook!</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: magenta;">THE RULES:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: large;"><b>1. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;">Contest is open Feb 3- Feb 11</span> at Noon EST here in the states. That's way past Rach's bed time in Australia!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: large;"><b>2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;">Leave a comment</span> telling Rach and I about your thoughts on Vegemite. Tasty snack or better left in a Men at Work song? </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: large;"><b>3. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;">Please leave your email</span> to be included in the giveaway. Comments without emails will not be counted. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: large;"><b>4. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;">Good luck!</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span>Blog – <a href="http://www.rachaeljohns.wordpress.com/">www.rachaeljohns.wordpress.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Website – <a href="http://www.rachaeljohns.com/">www.rachaeljohns.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/RachaelJohns">https://twitter.com/RachaelJohns</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachael-Johns/260103224001776<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">STAND IN STAR – January 1<sup>st</sup> 2013, Carina Press<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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As an anthropologist, Holly
McCartney is more comfortable in a museum than shopping on Rodeo Drive. She
isn’t prepared for the media frenzy on her arrival in L.A. to accept a
posthumous acting award for her late sister….or for her sister’s gorgeous
friend Nate Devlin to come to her rescue. Though he resents her for some
reason, she can’t fight their irresistible chemistry—especially when the paparazzi
force her to stay at his mansion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Photographer Nate only agrees to
help Holly survive Hollywood for her sister’s sake, but she soon gets under his
skin in a way no other woman has. The more time he spends with her, the more
his attraction grows and he finds himself opening up to her in ways he never
expected. But will ghosts of the past stand in the way of their perfect
Hollywood ending?<o:p></o:p></div>
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To-buy links:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Amazon - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stand-In-Star-ebook/dp/B00A22UVJQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1354516932&sr=1-1&keywords=stand-in+star">http://www.amazon.com/Stand-In-Star-ebook/dp/B00A22UVJQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1354516932&sr=1-1&keywords=stand-in+star</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Barnes and Noble - <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stand-in-star-rachael-johns/1113832187?ean=9781426894909">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stand-in-star-rachael-johns/1113832187?ean=9781426894909</a><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-53526192989771285382013-01-12T07:35:00.001-08:002013-01-12T07:35:14.860-08:00The Forgotten Ones with Laura Howard<br />
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<b><span style="color: #000099; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/dvjcs/~3/yUp-DcgmPZE/the-forgotten-ones-cover-reveal-blitz.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email">The Forgotten Ones Cover Reveal Blitz</a></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm over-the-moon excited for my fellow Nancy Drew loving friend, Laura Howard. This is a big moment for Laura. One that she has been cultivating and dreaming of for a very long time. Laura is giving us a sneak peek at the cover of her soon-to-be released novel. Without further ado, here it is...</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Title: The Forgotten Ones<br />
<br />
Author: Laura Howard<br />
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Genre: NA Paranormal Fantasy Romance<br />
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Expected release date: May 15, 2013<br />
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Age Group: New Adult<br />
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Cover Designer: </span></b><a href="http://mooneydesigns.net/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Stephanie Mooney</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16288155-the-forgotten-ones" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEF9WZXrXh1eAg2XntNosqcZ9BuzFQpddMId4wKtPADaveKtNKijkBM9dsgulf-_RShoQzwxqFgIU4kLm2Y1zeCSHenqJT7UQsGBjEzheaB_Gb4H4ybfS7DWZeFYG6ucBk_sJIXMzeA1_C/s1600/Laura+Howard+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEF9WZXrXh1eAg2XntNosqcZ9BuzFQpddMId4wKtPADaveKtNKijkBM9dsgulf-_RShoQzwxqFgIU4kLm2Y1zeCSHenqJT7UQsGBjEzheaB_Gb4H4ybfS7DWZeFYG6ucBk_sJIXMzeA1_C/s320/Laura+Howard+Cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Book Description:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Allison O'Malley just
graduated from college. Her life's plan is to get a job and take care of her
schizophrenic mother. She doesn't have room for friends or even Ethan, who
clearly wants more. <br />
<br />
When Allison's long-lost father shows up, he claims he can bring her mother
back from the dark place her mind has sent her. He reveals legends of a race of
people long forgotten, the Tuatha de Danaan, along with the truth about why he
abandoned her mother.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QUzaFrisb_Lo-SO3OW9HpNo-piGc2gPmrWXtqenZ0pXrlg2lEH3jHyntmoAO4tTWk7L9zHLvYrW0M8F2-2zuGzeVdVwuI9y2gD04FaqDtaKyI361sewV23kqMUG9tNewIHl2NBbHoGhw/s1600/Laura+Howard+Head+Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QUzaFrisb_Lo-SO3OW9HpNo-piGc2gPmrWXtqenZ0pXrlg2lEH3jHyntmoAO4tTWk7L9zHLvYrW0M8F2-2zuGzeVdVwuI9y2gD04FaqDtaKyI361sewV23kqMUG9tNewIHl2NBbHoGhw/s1600/Laura+Howard+Head+Shot.jpg" /></a></div>
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I just adore her...</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Get excited everyone, because it's coming soon! Congratulations, Laura! My wish for you, is that you enjoy the journey. You have been such an amazing supporter and cheerleader to so many. It's your time to shine, my friend!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bless and be blessed!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">XOXO</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jen</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 140%; text-decoration: none;">PS. You can find the fabulous Laura here:</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> <a href="http://www.laurahoward78.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laura Howard</a></span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> | </span></b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/laurahoward78" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Facebook</span></b></a><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> | </span></b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/laurahoward78" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 140%; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></span></b></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-71259237838784133782013-01-04T03:30:00.000-08:002013-01-04T07:55:28.843-08:00Downton Pre-Premiere Q&A and Giveaway!<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Downton Pre-Premiere
Q&A and Giveaway</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lords and Ladies, the time is upon
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Announcing the premier of Downton
Abbey Season 3 on January 6, on PBS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">*Trumpets
sound*</i></b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A group of authors have
gathered to cheer on this event by means of Twitter during the premier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure that you join us by using the
hashtag #DowntonGala.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will also be
taking turns recapping the episodes for you this season, and cannot WAIT for
you to stop by to dish on all things Downton.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIj0t75cMU86CxrvgkCufPlY2mkZHaXtbidnon0WKLQWMAjg9sTpUrdxSDxArlgY5XyQ7gfjopXw1ttUjngFONh9PN5WUeW8aND9Axxf4qNFzPBSsfYlluNKNz92xoA23eOKTrfJXQ9uKx/s1600/DowntonEvite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIj0t75cMU86CxrvgkCufPlY2mkZHaXtbidnon0WKLQWMAjg9sTpUrdxSDxArlgY5XyQ7gfjopXw1ttUjngFONh9PN5WUeW8aND9Axxf4qNFzPBSsfYlluNKNz92xoA23eOKTrfJXQ9uKx/s320/DowntonEvite.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To ready us for the festive mood, the
lovely Laura Chapman and Tracie Banister crafted questions to get us in the
mood for we lovers of the pen to answer for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without further pomp and circumstance, may I
present The Duchess of West Lafayette, Indiana, Jen Tucker, of the Purdue University Tucker’s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You're planning a dinner party for the Downton crew - who would be
No. 1 on your invite list?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mrs. Patmore, the
cook, would sit to my right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
sharp tongue and honesty are so refreshing to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is very territorial of her kitchen,
devoted to those she loves, and loves to stick her neck out from time to
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who wouldn’t want that kind of
sass at their dinner party?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To see Mrs.
Patmore served, rather than one who serves, would be a treat.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2) Whose closet will you
raid before the party?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lady Mary Crawley has
some divine dresses that I’d love to snatch when her head was turned away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has a number of frocks that remind me so
much of the beauty of “The Roaring 20’s.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would relish any of them, and their intricate beaded beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once your guests have arrived, who are you most likely to flirt
with?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If my husband, Mike
(also coined “LMT”), were to descend the staircase dressed in a tuxedo, I would
hope it would be after the guests arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I saw him all decked out and handsome before then, I might just hang
a sign on the locked, front door simply stating “Party Cancelled,” and have a
little party of our own (hee-hee).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flirting
with LMT, dressed to the nines, would make my evening spectacular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, he’s a sure thing, so I’ve got that
going for me too.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Who will you likely
smack before the dessert course?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My smacking money is
on Lady Edith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just want her to stop
sniveling and get on with life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
whiners allowed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><br />
<strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">5) Let's adjourn to the
drawing room for some not-so-polite conversation: What's your theory on Patrick
Gordon aka The Bandaged Man? Impostor or legitimate Crawley?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh, I love this
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m convinced it is someone
who knew Patrick Crawley well enough to know all the intimate details of his
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps he’s a mate from his
college years who decided to seize an opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What better way to reappear to family than in
an unrecognizable state!<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">6) How about Bates? Did
he do it? Could he do it? If not, who killed Vera?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think that Vera was
killed not by Bates, but perhaps by whomever Mr. Bates caught her tramping around
with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">7) Favorite quip from
the Dowager Countess?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here it comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you ready?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is a weekend?!”<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">8) Favorite Downton
spoof?</span></strong></span></b><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%;">Enjoy this little bit
by Jimmy Fallon, called <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcAWEQmzQC4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Downton Sixby: Episode II</span></a> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></i></b><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9) Now you've done it! You've landed a guest spot on the show.
What's your storyline?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">much</i> younger, effervescent sister of Lady
Grantham arrives unannounced to Downton Abbey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She comes bearing secrets, and Purple Passion wine coolers, that will
disrupt the lives of many residing in the manor if she so choses to spill
either entity she possesses. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Camille
Levinson, played by Grammy Award, Emmy Award, and 12 time Oscar winner Jen
Tucker, has come to show more than sisterly love to Cora; she’s come to change
the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">10) What would you like
to see happen in series three?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I would love to see
at least one of our couples in distress, find their way to love and
happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether Anna and Mr. Bates
have conjugal visits more often, or Matthew and Mary finally exchange “I do’s,”
yet there’s also Lady Edith and her bandaged up imposter cousin, or the other
candidate in her life, the old dude with the bum arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can we just find some happiness for
someone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will O’Brien get smacked upside
the head?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will Daisy continue to
experience paranormal Ouija activities (my least favorite storyline in the
history of storylines)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find out, along
with the rest of the world on January 6, 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Be there, or be
talked about! </span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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<br /></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, no premier
would be with its salt without a giveaway, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up for grabs is this fabulous book!<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUgNL7Nzt8C2xOAqsYCBR19-ytAt_Mf2P0mJ1hCjgtOaZ9HBsFdRwBMdKwvBxLXxuDedH5kLBIeyezdpIKSFn_DW7GjMsDaeQydOnW6ZbpzdJ_lpMl3me6bdCxn_z09z3BG-5EM-1ySiT/s1600/Downton+Giveaway+2013+ToMarryanEnglishLord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUgNL7Nzt8C2xOAqsYCBR19-ytAt_Mf2P0mJ1hCjgtOaZ9HBsFdRwBMdKwvBxLXxuDedH5kLBIeyezdpIKSFn_DW7GjMsDaeQydOnW6ZbpzdJ_lpMl3me6bdCxn_z09z3BG-5EM-1ySiT/s320/Downton+Giveaway+2013+ToMarryanEnglishLord.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To Marry an English Lord by Gail MacColl and Carol McD. Wallace</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></strong></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the Gilded Age
until 1914, more than 100 American heiresses invaded Britannia and swapped
dollars for titles–just like Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham, the first of
the Downton Abbey characters Julian Fellowes was inspired to create after
reading <em><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To Marry An English Lord</span></em>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filled with vivid personalities, gossipy
anecdotes, grand houses, and a wealth of period details–plus photographs,
illustrations, quotes, and the finer points of Victorian and Edwardian
etiquette–<em><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To Marry An English Lord</span></em> is social
history at its liveliest and most accessible.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-
You lucky readers can enter to win the giveaway by posting a comment on any of
the author’s blogs (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Earn up to 9 entries if you leave a comment on all 9 blogs</i></b>.)
The comment will need to be a reply to one of our blog blast questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;">The question for you to answer, here at
Princess With a Pen, is naughty number 9!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span><strong><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background-color: magenta; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Now you've done it!
You've landed a guest spot on the show. What's your storyline?</span></i></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Answer this in the
comment section for your chance to win!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO THE WINNER CAN BE CONTACTED!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Contest is over on January 10</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">at Midnight</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">And lucky me, that’s my birthday!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;">Winner announced on January 11</span>, which is my hubby's birthday!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- Providing me with birthday gifts will make me happy, yet do not help your chances of winning; sorry about that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- Here
are links to the other author’s blogs for more chances to win the book!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tracie Banister:</span></strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://traciebanister.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">http://traciebanister.blogspot.com/</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Laura Chapman:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://change-the-word.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">http://change-the-word.blogspot.com/</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jen Coffeen:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://jenniferanncoffeen.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">http://jenniferanncoffeen.com/</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jenny Gardiner:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://jennygardiner.net/blog/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">http://jennygardiner.net/blog/</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cat Lavoie:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.catlavoie.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.catlavoie.com/blog/</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><a href="http://www.catlavoie.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tracey Livesay:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://traceylivesay.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">http://traceylivesay.com/</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elizabeth Marx:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://elizabethmarxbooks.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">http://elizabethmarxbooks.blogspot.com/</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Meredith Schorr:</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://meredithgschorr.wordpress.com/"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">http://meredithgschorr.wordpress.com/</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thanks so much for stopping by! Good luck to you all!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bless and be blessed,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jen</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">XOXO</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-52493842289901945342013-01-02T09:55:00.002-08:002013-01-02T09:55:31.382-08:00Heart vs. Head with Pj Schott<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sIwTJCe8wGz7D068mazzxfIBdoJGyvCsVugcRd7s8fL47qQHjj6Yan3OF6nup-5PuTUdrFOTHaVqMCMkJM1oXcS_S_0FPHcIhy1rzyLtwV2mSuLcbPCgdvniU1e7w_hICNjzofs3wCsf/s1600/Pj+headshot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sIwTJCe8wGz7D068mazzxfIBdoJGyvCsVugcRd7s8fL47qQHjj6Yan3OF6nup-5PuTUdrFOTHaVqMCMkJM1oXcS_S_0FPHcIhy1rzyLtwV2mSuLcbPCgdvniU1e7w_hICNjzofs3wCsf/s1600/Pj+headshot.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">HAPPY NEW YEAR!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">*Jen
throws confetti*</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you
enjoyed family and friends, and even a little piece of peace during the
holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a new month, a new year,
and I am pleased as punch to welcome Pj Schott back to Princess With a
Pen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pj has lived in several U.S. port
cities, Europe, Greece, and the Middle East. A marketing professional, mystery
writer, and futurist, Pj is known to those with whom she works as a
problem-solver, an innovative thinker, a top-notch communicator, a visionary,
and the soul of a group. She is the owner of the Boston, Massachusetts based
company GENIUS and is the woman behind the new Facebook page and blog,</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.survivalforblondes.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Survival for
Blondes</span></a>, where</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Pj is entirely surrounded by imagined
disasters and learns to rise above.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>HEART VS. HEAD</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In which Pj learns to trust her feelings and not
think so much<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqzdyH1UHE-HATlh4y9gJ_Ks-kjeUd7DcRpnsT261tRyjEDf4JBvZy2uF9iybm6AsQQaKL1SawHLBhC_UgfkSCiU4lJXTW6FT1oedgnrlvizs27IcQkbR5yd2H6umLhOeRNQ_b7fMoOUi/s1600/Pooh+heart+quote.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqzdyH1UHE-HATlh4y9gJ_Ks-kjeUd7DcRpnsT261tRyjEDf4JBvZy2uF9iybm6AsQQaKL1SawHLBhC_UgfkSCiU4lJXTW6FT1oedgnrlvizs27IcQkbR5yd2H6umLhOeRNQ_b7fMoOUi/s1600/Pooh+heart+quote.bmp" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Most folks would describe Pooh as a bit of a
dunce. But the warm, welcoming bear is a master of the art of living in the
moment. Pooh neither dwells on the past nor worries about the future. And he
always follows his heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b>FEEL, DON'T THINK</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Our society places great value on the ability
to analyze and evaluate things. But Universal Law teaches us that the heart and
the head are mutually exclusive. You can't be in both places at once. And,
given the choice, it is better to rely on the heart than the head when making
an important decision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Pooh was never one to overthink a situation. Philosophers
might call him a stoic. He doesn't worry about what other people think. He knows
better than to react emotionally to a situation over which he has no control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">In the spirit of stoicism, or Poohism, we would
therefore focus only on what we have control over, which is our reaction to a
situation. We can't control what others think, feel, or do. But we alone choose
what goes on in our own heads. The wise, and Pooh-like among us, would ask
"Do I respond or do I react?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b>REACTION OR RESPONSE</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">You're running late for an important business
presentation, when someone crashes into you in the coffee shop, covering your
best jacket with foamy liquid. You start to panic. Anger rises. You resist the
urge to smack the offender, who actually looks remorseful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">To berate the poor thing would be to <b>react </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">to the situation</span>. You do a quick
check-in with your heart, which says, given the choice to be right or to be
kind, be kind. Then you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">respond </b>to
the situation at hand, letting your heart rule your head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Now you use the old noggin. You face your
audience, point out the puddle on your chest, and joke about having to let the guy
pay for your coffee in order to make him feel better. Voila, you're an instant
hero.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b>RABBIT HAS BRAIN</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Pooh would always choose heart over head. But if
ever he needed to apply logic, he would simply go to Rabbit, with reservations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9JYD1YyQJeEZQmKpe2WDwjsq0TjUCGNfMv9gJ1dci4NNLEcjEZox3rTS69pU6sMDmY38qTE0HXWbLDAuOWVVN-Q1BzXgOXp0A_9SCnVnvhCsMOA2v7-Cb8-55ULJex56-bo7HCs0v9dK/s1600/Pooh+Piglet+Rabbit.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9JYD1YyQJeEZQmKpe2WDwjsq0TjUCGNfMv9gJ1dci4NNLEcjEZox3rTS69pU6sMDmY38qTE0HXWbLDAuOWVVN-Q1BzXgOXp0A_9SCnVnvhCsMOA2v7-Cb8-55ULJex56-bo7HCs0v9dK/s1600/Pooh+Piglet+Rabbit.bmp" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">“Rabbit's
clever," said Pooh thoughtfully.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"Yes,"
said Piglet, "Rabbit's clever."</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"And he has
Brain."</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"Yes,"
said Piglet, "Rabbit has Brain."</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">There was a long
silence.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"I
suppose," said Pooh, "that that's why he never understands anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">LOVED THIS! Thank you, Pj,
for stopping by!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You lucky readers will love hearing that, </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #181818; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;"><b><i><u>Pj has a gift for you!</u></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white;"> She loved the feeling of blessing others so much, that it is something she wishes to carry out during 2013! Isn't she the best? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Simply let us know what you trust more, your
heart or your head for a chance to win…</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Tales-Winnie---Pooh/dp/0525457232/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356728796&sr=1-1&keywords=winnie+the+pooh"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh!</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5yZcCyE-V1-Chn3xPlOsD1evw_XTv1XWFXFn3GlPjEWvJ8J59cBhnksDHZwvrN3Z_6YRY_obhg8PFPFm5yPgBbmlgc8rHhaUuUuXtdbcIaC4VxHXZ4IC2IoCgst4xHN6OKFvaeqe4Usy/s1600/Complete+Winne+Pooh+Tales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5yZcCyE-V1-Chn3xPlOsD1evw_XTv1XWFXFn3GlPjEWvJ8J59cBhnksDHZwvrN3Z_6YRY_obhg8PFPFm5yPgBbmlgc8rHhaUuUuXtdbcIaC4VxHXZ4IC2IoCgst4xHN6OKFvaeqe4Usy/s1600/Complete+Winne+Pooh+Tales.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Description from Amazon: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">When
Christopher Robin asks Pooh what he likes doing best in the world, Pooh says,
after much thought, "What I like best in the whole world is Me and Piglet
going to see You, and You saying 'What about a little something?' and Me
saying, 'Well, I shouldn't mind a little something, should you, Piglet,' and it
being a hummy sort of day outside, and birds singing."<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Happy readers for over 70 years
couldn't agree more. Pooh's status as a "Bear of Very Little Brain"
belies his profoundly eternal wisdom in the ways of the world. To many,
Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and the others are as familiar and important
as their own family members. A.A. Milne's classics,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Winnie-the-Pooh</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The House at Pooh Corner</span>, are brought
together in this beautiful edition, complete and unabridged, with recolored
illustrations by Milne's creative counterpart, Ernest H. Shepard. Join Pooh and
the gang as they meet a Heffalump, help get Pooh unstuck from Rabbit's doorway,
(re)build a house for Eeyore, and try to unbounce Tigger. A childhood is simply
not complete without full participation in all of Pooh's adventures. (All ages)<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">--Emilie
Coulter</span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: magenta; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #181818; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">THE RULES: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #181818; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Giveaway ends on Tuesday, January 8<sup>th</sup>
at noon EST.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #181818; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Please leave your email address with your
answer so we can let you know that you won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: magenta; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #181818; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Good luck!</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Bless and be blessed,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Jen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">XOXO</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-60914211106320135512012-12-05T06:14:00.000-08:002012-12-05T06:21:11.938-08:00The Season of Giving with Pj Schott<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG07UyQGER8azNr0WSeXPhgAZlqKOTzHEXGo3dsNCwa2Tp33_li8M4XND9fbn2VuZKg0CwyUsEU6mY8i2fH0YBriuHDJA_gMHyYfN9p1FEqNw5mjLmw75-NN8IGrR2zOeJOQcutACoqFNK/s1600/Pj+headshot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG07UyQGER8azNr0WSeXPhgAZlqKOTzHEXGo3dsNCwa2Tp33_li8M4XND9fbn2VuZKg0CwyUsEU6mY8i2fH0YBriuHDJA_gMHyYfN9p1FEqNw5mjLmw75-NN8IGrR2zOeJOQcutACoqFNK/s1600/Pj+headshot.JPG" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t believe
that this is the last post for 2012 written by the über lovely Pj Schott.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My how time flies, doesn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful for her friendship, the opportunities
she has given me professionally, and to have her on my side, in a dark alley,
when I need backup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pj has lived in
several U.S. port cities, Europe, Greece, and the Middle East. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A marketing professional, mystery writer, and
futurist, Pj is known to those with whom she works as a problem-solver, an
innovative thinker, a top-notch communicator, a visionary, and the soul of a
group. She is the owner of the Boston, Massachusetts based company GENIUS and
is the woman behind the new Facebook page and blog,</span><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.survivalforblondes.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Survival for Blondes</span></a>, where</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> Pj is entirely surrounded by
imagined disasters and learns to rise above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">The
Spirit of Giving</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The time I spend with you, is my
favorite time of the month. It's an opportunity to think about what's really
important. And to ask myself if there is anything in my life I would like to
change. And I take any unanswered questions to that great sage, Winne-the-Pooh.
Today I asked him for a special gift, and he gave me the following words.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday
is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why we call it
the present.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>―
Winnie the Pooh<o:p></o:p></div>
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At this time of year, our thoughts
turn to giving. All world cultures, and most religions, include the meaningful
practice of gift-giving. Our Jewish friends hand out Chanukah gelt, Yiddish for
money. In the Muslim world, the end of the holy month focuses on the giving of
charity. In Kwanzaa, gifts are less important than spiritual and social
rejuvenation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Most of my friends and family celebrate
St. Nicolas Day, Christmas and New Years. Christmas – first celebrated in the
Victorian 1860s – is the most well-known holiday in the world. It incorporates
the giving of gifts to children of St. Nicolas Day (December 6th), the pagan traditions
– evergreens, candles, sweet treats, yule logs and mistletoe – of the Winter
Solstice (December 21st), and the birthday of Jesus (December 25th).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCFa7Km7phedzyG_Lmu1UdK2BtIXFwXBTyqYBV9n1fQe1ECim5qtxHkzKWt3lgiL6YjYYoi8e7jtCMIsbh1juQulzSIncpw6_GOZx3EfhknjMLMgtrXhDOXx_yQyllvUHZ3m5d9wXhXUD/s1600/Pooh+Christmas+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCFa7Km7phedzyG_Lmu1UdK2BtIXFwXBTyqYBV9n1fQe1ECim5qtxHkzKWt3lgiL6YjYYoi8e7jtCMIsbh1juQulzSIncpw6_GOZx3EfhknjMLMgtrXhDOXx_yQyllvUHZ3m5d9wXhXUD/s1600/Pooh+Christmas+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<em><span lang="EN" style="font-style: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It's Christmas! The spirit of
giving abounds. Most of us give gifts to loved ones, but do we give anything
else, especially when nothing is expected of us?</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Why do
we give? Some folks give to feel important or to get their name on a plaque.
Others give out of obligation, and do so grudgingly. The lucky ones give simply
for the joy of giving, and incredible joy is their reward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Christmas
is the perfect time to become a 'giver.' And it can cost little or nothing. A
smile can turn someone's day around. A warm hug can help heal someone's pain. A
small bag of food for your local soup kitchen can bring comfort to many. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">So go
get out there and GIVE, GIVE GIVE. The effect on those around you can seem immense,
and giving has the power to change your life forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;">You
lucky ducks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pj has so kindly offered to
give Princess with a Pen readers an opportunity to WIN this fabulous Pooh
prize!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be eligible, leave a comment
here telling us about the best gift you’ve ever received</span>.</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbvCOz6dvpBMNdn3UT0PFjNeSt6xCjNMXnA9MypnQpqPslbGawuCEc4MUZz96J0-KuE2n74D3EcF9jyHa9I13v-OQfReFxL6KXQ3RTCpqri0HeZ93rcxaKOqjNwYI_nSDFcRgIKXAzqVq/s1600/Pj+Pooh+Prize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbvCOz6dvpBMNdn3UT0PFjNeSt6xCjNMXnA9MypnQpqPslbGawuCEc4MUZz96J0-KuE2n74D3EcF9jyHa9I13v-OQfReFxL6KXQ3RTCpqri0HeZ93rcxaKOqjNwYI_nSDFcRgIKXAzqVq/s1600/Pj+Pooh+Prize.jpg" /></a></div>
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Click <a href="http://authorjlht.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-season-of-giving-with-pj-schott.html">HERE</a> to check it out on Amazon</div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is the description from Amazon:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Ring in the season with
this special 10th anniversary edition of WINNIE THE POOH: SEASONS OF GIVING --
the cherished, full-length adventure that celebrates friendship, family and the
true meaning of the holidays. Join Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Rabbit on a brave
quest to find a favorite season they somehow seem to have missed -- Winter!
Next, accompany them on a wild search for the perfect ingredients to create a
festive Thanksgiving feast, and share in the warm glow of a Christmas that
brings a surprise visit from a very special friend. Featuring beloved
characters, five irrestible songs, and two new-to-DVD Pooh adventures, this
fun, heartwarming Disney classic will keep the magic of the holiday season
alive and sparkling the whole year long!<br />
<br />
Bonus Features Include Pooh Adventures - First Time On DVD, The New Adventures
of Winnie the Pooh The Magic Earmuffs, The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The Wishing Bear, Decorate Your Own Christmas Tree, and Coloring Fun With
Piglet.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta;">CONTEST
RULES:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Contest
closes at noon, on December 12, 2012, EST.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">You
must leave contact information with your post to be included.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Posts without contact information will
not be counted.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Good luck! You're all winners in my book.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 32px;">
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 32px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I want to
take this opportunity to wish each and every one a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah,
and Happy Kwanzaa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May you be truly blessed
with a peace that surpasses all understanding as you enjoy family, friends, and
the beauty of the season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">XOXO<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Jen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-1255785063563398002012-12-04T06:15:00.001-08:002012-12-04T06:15:05.678-08:00Sibel Hodge talks Gluten Free Turkey<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b>I am pleased as punch to welcome the
über cool Sibel Hodge to Princess with a Pen today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a talented writer who has just
released her first cookbook, A Gluten Free Taste of Turkey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a chance to preview this delicious
book, and I have to tell you; this celiac has a newfound love for cabbage that’s
sexy and it knows it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please welcome my
sweetie pie, Sibel!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCc_dHgM449IvKnDGxn8YhNTMXYxsTkJmzsZSuRbH2a4_pDRdQYg_SJE0Sn65krsnSTcoPlgY6ct8oe2l7rumy-1JN79rD2DsVBwciEkUmhF7sNU5mNJxeaZrnl2N0ctvWSp0sDMc7u1T/s1600/Sibel+Hodge+Head+Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCc_dHgM449IvKnDGxn8YhNTMXYxsTkJmzsZSuRbH2a4_pDRdQYg_SJE0Sn65krsnSTcoPlgY6ct8oe2l7rumy-1JN79rD2DsVBwciEkUmhF7sNU5mNJxeaZrnl2N0ctvWSp0sDMc7u1T/s1600/Sibel+Hodge+Head+Shot.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Merhaba!
A big Turkish-style hello to you all. I’d like to thank the fantabulous Jen
Tucker for inviting me onto her blog today to talk about my new gluten free
Turkish cookbook <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Gluten Free Taste of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Turkey</st1:place></st1:country-region>…<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I have
dual Turkish Cypriot/British nationality, and although I was brought up in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region>, I now spend a lot of my time in the Turkish <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Republic</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Northern Cyprus</st1:placename></st1:place> (it definitely beats the
British weather!). My dad emigrated to the UK from Cyprus in the late 1950s
when he was a teenager, and he went on to meet my English mum, so I’ve had the
best of both worlds as far as cuisine and culture goes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I’m the
author of quirky romantic comedies, mysteries, and children's books (with the
odd thriller thrown in), and in my spare time, I’m Wonder Woman! When I’m not
writing or saving the world from dastardly demons, you can find me in the
kitchen, cooking up a storm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">From an
early age, I developed an interest in food and would spend hours in the kitchen
with my nan, who was a fabulous chef. From about ten years old I was cooking
the family dinner on a regular basis, and that’s when I learned that in order
to cook well, you had to love and appreciate food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">During
this time, I don’t remember seeing any ready meals or pre-cooked sauces in our
house. <st1:place w:st="on">Nan</st1:place> cooked everything from scratch,
which actually prepared me well for when I met my husband, who just happened to
be coeliac and needed to follow a gluten free diet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">‘I’m
coeliac,’ he admitted sheepishly, just after I’d invited him round for dinner
early on in our relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">‘Coeliac?’
I gave him an odd look, thinking he was trying to prepare me for some bizarre
sexual quirk that sounded a bit dodgy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Well, I
breathed a huge sigh of relief, I can tell you, when he explained to me he had
a disease that meant he was unable to eat gluten, not someone who wanted to
dress up in lederhosen and be slapped with stinging nettles. Then I thought, unable
to eat gluten? That must be really horrible, but how difficult can it be to
cater for that? Well, not as easy as I first thought…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WXIM3rksU7luOKZUq6mb7XOfOSftu-C75OJJMOXhzqpl5WiFz3I8_pKyPNlQ926fnbg8hrSMgAtmr3ml9WVhwoaZV0hlasowcG3492JSaQFvBrMCD679HMIqafKJ1_vNFcfkedQBoLE_/s1600/GFT+thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WXIM3rksU7luOKZUq6mb7XOfOSftu-C75OJJMOXhzqpl5WiFz3I8_pKyPNlQ926fnbg8hrSMgAtmr3ml9WVhwoaZV0hlasowcG3492JSaQFvBrMCD679HMIqafKJ1_vNFcfkedQBoLE_/s320/GFT+thumb.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Gluten is
found in barley, wheat, rye, malt, and oats, and is in most processed foods, so
trying to avoid it in those days was a nightmare for a lot of people. A simple
trip to the shops took hours as I scrutinized every packaged item looking at
the ingredients. As well as being blatantly labelled, it’s often disguised as
“thickener”, “stabilizing agent”, “shortening”, and many other things. I nearly
fainted from shock because it seemed to be in everything, even the simplest of
things like cereal and ice cream, and I didn’t want to accidentally bump him
off with a gluten-laden knickerbocker glory (although, I must admit there have
been several occasions over the years that I’ve seriously thought about it!). A
gluten free aisle was unheard of back then, and he could only get gluten free
bread on prescription, which was the consistency and taste of a
thousand-year-old house brick. Great for renovating early nineteenth century
manor houses but not so good for a nice cheese sandwich. Luckily, now there are
hundreds of gluten free foods available in the supermarket and from specialist
stores, which is great news, because wheat and gluten intolerance is on the
rise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Even if
you’re not coeliac or gluten intolerant, many people are turning to a gluten
free diet because it can have many health benefits, including an increase in
energy, better digestion and elimination, improving cholesterol levels and
auto-immune disorders, controlling weight and bloating, and making you super
attractive to the opposite sex (OK, I made the last one up, but I bet it made
you want to read on!). Whereas twenty years ago, a gluten free diet would be
bland and boring, today it can be eclectic, vibrant, and delicious, which is
why I wanted to mix my knowledge of tasty, easy-to-cook, and nutritious Turkish
food with gluten free recipes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Cue A
Gluten Free Taste of Turkey, which is a mixture of traditional Turkish cookery,
along with dishes that have a Turkish Cypriot twist to them, and my own
creations. Our hectic and stressful modern lives mean we want food that not
only tastes great, but is also quick to get on the table, and these are the
kinds of recipes I want to introduce you to in this book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Historically,
<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Turkey</st1:place></st1:country-region>
has been a cosmopolitan melting pot of ethnic groups such as the Ottomans,
Byzantines, and Persians. It’s bordered by Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia,
Iran, Iraq, Syria, and the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, so it’s no wonder
that the food is a colourful fusion of traditions, countries, tastes, and
deliciousness (I don’t care if that’s not a word since it describes Turkish
food perfectly). Turkish cuisine is considered among the world’s best because
of the variety of dishes, the use of natural ingredients, and a huge mixture of
flavours and tastes. It’s also a very healthy diet, with lots of vegetables,
grains, beans, herbs, olive oil, spices, and fruit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">While
it’s fantastic that nowadays we can walk into a supermarket and find any kind
of item from all over the world, whatever time of year, it does have its drawbacks.
In order to cope with our food demands we’re increasing the amount of chemicals
in our environment. Pesticides, bulking agents, hormones, chemicals that make a
fruit or vegetable look a better colour, chemicals that increase the shelf life
of consumables, and the over processing of food. All these things make our
immune systems more sensitive and susceptible to problems, and affect our
overall health, which is why intolerance to gluten and other allergies or
insensitivities are on the increase. In a North Cypriot supermarket or market
you’ll find fruit and veg that have grown in the shape nature intended, unlike
a supermarket in the UK, where a tomato has to pass a tomato circumference test
and be colour matched to a pre-conceived idea of what shade it should be,
because shock horror, no one would possibly want to eat a tomato with a knobbly
bit on it, or a potato that looked like a duck (I’ve found several of those in
North Cyprus, plus quite a few in the shape of a heart, which is very cute!).
Essentially, the Turkish diet goes back to the basics of cooking from scratch,
with an emphasis on using fresh seasonal produce, with a lot of organic
methods, just like our ancestors did for thousands of years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Turkish
and Turkish Cypriot people love to eat, therefore they love to cook!
Hospitality is second nature, and you can’t visit any friends or family (or
even strangers) in <st1:place w:st="on">North Cyprus</st1:place> without being
offered something to eat and drink. The sharing of food is almost as important
as the preparation and the eating of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s all about vibrancy, taste, enjoyment, colour, and yet at the same
time, simplicity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Cooking,
like writing, is a creative expression. You can take an ingredient, add a dash
of colour, a sprinkling of spice, a few drops of imagination, and a splash of
passion, and it can turn into something truly amazing. And the fantastic thing
is that you can make a dish completely your own by changing some of the
ingredients. The recipes included in this book should be used as a guideline
because you know your taste buds better than anyone does. If you want to
substitute, say, parsley for coriander, or cinnamon for cumin, then go for it.
It’s all about making the food work for you. Wherever you can, please try to
use organic ingredients. It’s kinder to the environment and animals, and it’s
healthier for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most important thing in cooking is to have
fun with it, so experiment, eat, and enjoy! And, as we say in Turkish…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Affiyet
olsun! (Enjoy your meal!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sibel xx<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><b>Thank you for stopping by Sibel! You can find Sibel, her new book, and Sibel herself below. Thanks so much for spending time with us today!</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><b>XOXO</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><b>Jen </b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A Gluten Free Taste of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Turkey</st1:place></st1:country-region> is available to buy now
in ebook format for Kindle from:</span></b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Taste-Turkey-ebook/dp/B00A01CR7S">Amazon.com </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A01CR7S">Amazon.co.uk </a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/251564">Smashwords </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/A-Gluten-Free-Taste-Turkey/book-ysOC66RUc0mQJemN5ARiwQ/page1.html?s=ZZMzD5TrXEWT2ZYb92vV6Q&r=10">Kobo </a></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It's also available in paperback from<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Gluten-Free-Taste-Turkey/dp/1480267864/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354097634&sr=8-2"> Amazon.co.uk: </a> </span></b><b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">and <a href="http://Amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a>: </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">You can visit Sibel Hodge at her <a href="http://www.sibelhodge.com/">website</a>! </span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-31917961203096479962012-11-20T07:12:00.001-08:002012-11-20T07:15:07.301-08:00My Next Big Thing<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AhaXyu_DZXZWhnvOGtPVzQrVstIR0vexzNYkDusNVqjAnfEFtoAjaxzMlRQziIrJqA3PaOwhlEQog0g19Du_h7WYIfCb-JMt74RDIjnzxpSJeJL89U6jEJx7aeWCsQrob9TqcR2lQ-3C/s1600/Jen+Tucker+17.jpg" 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/AVvXsEg2AhaXyu_DZXZWhnvOGtPVzQrVstIR0vexzNYkDusNVqjAnfEFtoAjaxzMlRQziIrJqA3PaOwhlEQog0g19Du_h7WYIfCb-JMt74RDIjnzxpSJeJL89U6jEJx7aeWCsQrob9TqcR2lQ-3C/s200/Jen+Tucker+17.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Author
<a href="http://nickywellsklippert.wordpress.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nicky Wells</span></a> sent me an invitation to tell you about my Next Big Thing.<span style="color: black;"> </span>This chain of author blog posts was started
to let readers know about the works in progress.<span style="color: black;"> </span>I’m so thankful she tagged me and asked me to
share a little bit about what I’m working on. She's the best! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is the title of
your book?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ashes to Ashes</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is the working title,
unless lighting strikes and something else permeates my brain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
How did you come by the idea?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
husband, Mike, and I attended one too many funerals this past year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing our friend Aaron’s young life end too
soon really got my gears turning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listening
to his friends share eulogies for a man who lived large in his young thirties, I
started thinking about the relationships that I have had during my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How they have ebbed and flowed; how they
evolve and sometimes are severed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wanted to explore the relationships between three people who come together
after a person they have in common dies, due to her unusual request of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has taken on such interesting dynamics!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
What genre does your book fall under?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Women’s
Fiction, with a dash of Chick Lit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Which actors would you choose to play your characters if it were a movie?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First,
I have to tell you that I want actresses that are fabulous, and not twenty-something
in the roles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I have spoken my
peace, here we go…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Samantha</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (the woman the town has
come together to burry[so they think])- <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rachel
McAdams</i>; <b>Jack</b> (Samantha’s first boyfriend and the former high school
football star living a life he wishes was not his)-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bradley Cooper</i>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jenna </b>(Samantha’s
high school BFF [she’s not as sweet as you might think])-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Diane Lane</i>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tabby</b> (the
high school nemesis of Samantha has her own secrets she wish would stay buried)-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maria Bello</i>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Marnie</b> (Jack’s bride who realizes the man she married will never be
hers)-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Idina Menzel</i>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jeff</b> (Jenna’s husband who adores her
through thick and thin waistlines)-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Damien
Lewis; </i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Emma</b> (Marnie and Jack’s
only child)- </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">G. Hannelius</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> </span></i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">from the Disney television show<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">,
Good Luck Charlie</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">; Molly Anderson</b>
(Tabby’s daughter, a twin, living life with a chip on her shoulder)- <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jennifer Lawrence</i>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ally Anderson</b> (Molly’s twin sister, light-hearted, close with her
mother, Tabby)-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Emma Stone</i>.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">*Did I just
price my movie out of existence with that cast and their salaries?*<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
darkest of secrets unearthed from memories best left forgotten, rise from the
ashes of the one who chose three people to grant her, her final resting place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Will your book be self-published or traditional?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I will
shop it around first to see if it is picked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If not I will be going indie with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m
half way through writing it and will be finished with it by the end of
November.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used the inertia of
NaNoWrimo to get it up and running from the story map it once was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my first time participating in the
event, and I’m so glad that I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
What other authors, or author’s work, would you compare this story to within
your genre?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
is a little bit of a Beth Harbison feel to the story (I adore her work).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the twisting of relationships, and
things not revealed until time comes that she does so well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
like providing that air of suspense for the readers, yet you are not
uncomfortable with the loose ends while reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Who or What inspired you to write this book?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve
been asked by people, other than my mom (God love her), to try my hand at
writing fiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I played with the
idea and stretched the characters, I felt the story breathe itself onto my
keyboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that sounds kooky, yet
totally true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
wrote it while jacked up on M&M’s and Bottle Caps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days I wrote in my pajamas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh wait…you mean about the actual story,
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story takes place in my hometown
of West Lafayette, Indiana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will see
some of my favorite places pop up in the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a salute to my friend, Trish, who died this spring from cancer, her
store Collette is featured in the storyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trish loved the stories about my daughter and her infatuation with Matt
Lauer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She couldn’t wait to hear what my
daughter, Gracie, would say next.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who’s on deck next week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">You lucky
ducks will be treated to hearing about The Next Big Thing from the fabulous
<a href="http://tonyakappes.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Tonya Kappes</span></a> and <a href="http://www.erikatwell.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Erik Atwell</span></a>.<span style="color: black;"> </span>Both
wonderful authors,<span style="color: black;"> </span>cool cats, and lovers
of karaoke, as far as you know.<span style="color: black;"> </span>Make
sure you stop by their blogs and see what they are up to in the world of
writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bless
and be blessed,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">XOXO</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-31452698732370205222012-11-13T07:24:00.001-08:002012-11-13T07:24:15.783-08:00The Final Countdown: Q&A with Nicky Wells<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It is my honor on this lucky
thirteenth day of November to welcome Nicky Wells back to Princess with a Pen on
the official last stop of her blog tour for the rerelease of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sophie’s Turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*Jen breaks into slick dance moves yet is
glad you cannot see her*</i> I adore Nicky!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She’s so fine, she blows my mind!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So without further ado, here she is! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2VliZ8_r8CGBNMXK_xYL1VzPehi3sk34OQB4NvEWGptVgpafrQdhhZARqvQotKHPKpOIgyoG96YTIqpwewRnhMj4N18Sv0COCnDwaf2-o_4psyPQsV6AzWfViQ3pIqMVS5TEz7l-Ch1c/s1600/Nicky+Wells+HS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2VliZ8_r8CGBNMXK_xYL1VzPehi3sk34OQB4NvEWGptVgpafrQdhhZARqvQotKHPKpOIgyoG96YTIqpwewRnhMj4N18Sv0COCnDwaf2-o_4psyPQsV6AzWfViQ3pIqMVS5TEz7l-Ch1c/s1600/Nicky+Wells+HS.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Jen!! *Nicky squeals loudly and gives Jen a big hug* Thank you so
much for having me on your blog AGAIN today. I am so happy to be here with you
on Princess with a Pen and I hope we can spread some joy and sunshine today.
Also, I sincerely hope you have those Margaritas ready because we have to
celebrate: this interview marks the end of the blog tour for Sophie's Turn and
I am delighted that you are the Grand Finale. We will have to have an
after-party in true rock star style! But first... the questions:</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_132">You were
born and raised in Germany? Did I ever tell you that I spent time in
Darmstadt as an exchange student in 1989? We were so close yet so far
from each other!</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_116">Darmstadt,
wow! *Nicky hustles to Google maps quickly to check the location of Darmstadt
relative to Essen, having become woefully ignorant on her native country's
geography over the past 20 years* Yes, we were close then! And what an exciting
time for you to be over there ~ did you get to witness the Wall coming down?
Awesome!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">Jen’s Sidebar (I’m fond of sidebars): I was a freshman in college,
sitting in my dorm room with eyes glued to the TV and watching history as the
wall fell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had tears in my eyes, and
told my rommie, “You have no idea what this means for Germany.” It still gives
me goose bumps!</span></i><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_120">But I
digress. Yes, I was born and raised in Germany, in the town of Essen right
in the industrial heartland of the Ruhr. I grew up in a green and leafy
suburb and have memories of playing in small but wild woodlands, paddling in
brooks, flying kites on fields and generally being a bit of a tom boy. I once
sat high up in a cherry tree aiming cherry stones at hapless passers-by; I had
terrible aim and missed every time, but it was a thrill-and-half! As a
teenager, I appreciated the city delights my home town had to offer: discos and
clubs and ice-cream parlours and dancing studios, cinemas and museums and
shops. There was a little bit of everything on offer and it was a
great place to grow up. Alas, when I turned 20, I needed to leave. I just *had*
to get away. I don't quite know why. I had fearful visions of a tombstone
engraved with my name that read, 'Nicky Klippert, born in Essen 18 December
1972, lived in Essen all her life, died in Essen'. That was just too terrifying
a prospect. So I upstick'ed and came to England instead.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">I know the writing bug bit you at the age of 10. Do you still
have a copy of the little alien story you wrote back then?</span></b><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_140">*scratches
head* Well. I ought to. I know I kept it. However, when my dad passed away in
2001, I had to return home to help my Mum deal with the fall out, including
giving up the flat my parents had lived in for well over 30 years. The
clear-out was manic and rushed, with furniture being sold, books being donated
to the library (my entire collection of over 50 Enid Blyton books!) and boxes
being packed with random belongings. We knew that Mum wouldn't have much
storage space going forward, and I was limited in what I could take back with
me on the plane to England. So ~ I would *like* to say I still have it. I can
see it in front of my inner eye, and it is possible that it is languishing in
one of the boxes in our attic. I haven't checked because it's been too painful
to go into those boxes. BUT! It is well preserved in my head and I could easily
write it again. The synopsis?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_148">When the
alien's year abroad goes horribly wrong, a group of young earthlings
unwittingly but determinedly step in to save the day (and the planet ~ Jupiter,
not Earth!)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_149"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span style="color: #31859c; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">You know what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend
Cory Edwards has a new film coming out in February with The Weinstein Company
called, Escape From Planet Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think he took your notes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">*Jen is totally kidding Cory* </i></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">You know that I have a HUGE crush on Grammy winning rock star,
Seal. Tell me about your celebrity crush and if you had a face-to-face
moment, what have you rehearsed to say?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_155">Oh God Jen,
I couldn't possibly divulge this; since the writing of Sophie's Turn, this is
classified information. Especially as Sophie's Turn is all fiction!!! **clears
throat**</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQrRQhmuy9xwBqNTmUBTDM3287gt8nVAdw84MTa_0pXn1jIq9a4SCNrmdXdAkJMIU8dP40KIL9L93SUpnSQXJVHVDMFrnmDAKPjOAgpWTkya_SERo1ZK8ENt-AGC2qcvl8fExmOLy-lUt/s1600/Rock+band+Europe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQrRQhmuy9xwBqNTmUBTDM3287gt8nVAdw84MTa_0pXn1jIq9a4SCNrmdXdAkJMIU8dP40KIL9L93SUpnSQXJVHVDMFrnmDAKPjOAgpWTkya_SERo1ZK8ENt-AGC2qcvl8fExmOLy-lUt/s1600/Rock+band+Europe.jpeg" /></a></div>
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That is some SERIOUS hair!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_161">Let's see
what I can come up with. My biggest celebrity crush was probably a certain Joey
Tempest of rock band, Europe. Remember The Final Countdown? </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">*Jen sings: It’s the final countdown!!!*</span></i><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My God, I had it bad. I even had the hairstyle to match (see
attached photo). I taught myself some basic Swedish so I could converse with my
future husband in his native language, and I had our wedding all mapped out. (I
was thirteen!!). </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_181">I did get
to meet him for a fleeting moment at a concert in Bielefeld; I had a boyfriend
in tow and all the conversation boiled down to was asking for an autograph. I
remember Joey laughing but that's all. *sigh*</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_184">However.
There is more. Not much more, but a little more. Nothing to do with Europe, but
everything to do with a band I saw supporting Europe at that same concert in
Bielefeld. They were outstanding live and they made a deep impression. They're
not very famous, and I don't have a big crush on any of the band members; their
music, yes, but not the individuals. Absence of full-on crush didn't
stop me from going to see them again when they played near my home town in
Germany. On that occasion, I was also in autograph hunting mood and I missed my
opportunity because I got delayed at the merchandise desk by a very flirty
roady. (LOL, it's all so predictable). When I jokingly complained that I'd
missed the band for autographs, he looked at me, took me by the arm (yes, it
was *right* as though from a movie) and said, totally deadpan: "Well, let
me take you backstage."</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_187">Now I *was*
supposed to be on my way home again. It was a school night (well, university
night) and all that. Then again, I was nineteen and not subject to any kind of
curfew. There was the small matter of the pesky boyfriend in
attendance, of course. Why do these things happen to me? (I should say that our
relationship was on the way out and we were just kinda hanging in there for old
time's sake. Although as I write, certain Sophie-parallels can't escape my
notice, hmmm!).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_190">Anyhoo, I
went along (and boyfriend too) and was introduced to the band. We had beers. I
got my autographs. I was told that I was very pretty (*swoon*)
and invited to sit down and chat (and boyfriend too). We hung out until
the bar chucked us out at 3am!!!! What did we talk about? Anything and
everything. Music. Touring. Equipment (musical and male; yes, conversation went
the obligatory lewd way after a few too many beers had been had by some, but it
was *way* over my head at the time).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_193">It was
AWESOME. I have a huge smile even thinking back to that night now. NOTHING
happened, I hasten to add. Nothing at all. I went home (with boyfriend),
reputation and innocence intact. No regrets. But it was great.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">That is awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
hubby, Mike, ounce went backstage to meet the guys from the 80’s band The
Outfield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you remember them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“Josie’s on a vacation far away…”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot believe how much signing we’ve done
together already, Nick!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ha!</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fRCls244R_OIiU9vX38ri-mldbVrjYmrsO5r1wFQn1ml-17hBaYFPg0gMt3wd0UmLx_-3AIEBRvRdFts7VNns3vR2O77edhBecNevF9UEn8481IXaaAzmFvu-KoC8cOrIrUILPyHwiZG/s1600/Sophies_Turn+FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fRCls244R_OIiU9vX38ri-mldbVrjYmrsO5r1wFQn1ml-17hBaYFPg0gMt3wd0UmLx_-3AIEBRvRdFts7VNns3vR2O77edhBecNevF9UEn8481IXaaAzmFvu-KoC8cOrIrUILPyHwiZG/s320/Sophies_Turn+FINAL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can purchase Nicky's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sophies-Turn-Rock-Romance-ebook/dp/B00961HXC2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352819916&sr=1-1&keywords=sophie%27s+turn"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">I am a huge fan of Sophie from your breakout novel, <i id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_152">Sophie’s Turn</i>. I
love that you are bringing her back for a second and third book too. Can
you give us a little tease of what to expect in the new book and maybe a hint
at what you’re cooking up for the last installment?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span id="yiv1515838790yui_3_7_2_23_1352467940065_199">*blushes*
Thank you so much ~ I am so happy that you enjoyed Sophie's Turn! Book 2,
Sophie's Run, takes Sophie and Dan on a little detour; well, it has to,
otherwise there wouldn't be a book 3, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sophie's Run is out on 7 February 2013 and here's the blurb:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Her famous star remains her rock as life takes her on a little
detour</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Who says that the road toward
true love is straight and even? Sophie is certainly discovering that it is
anything but.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So she has finally found the
man of her dreams. Well…she knows who he is, even though she hasn’t actually
quite met him yet. When she misses her opportunity, her life goes crazy. Rock
star and ex-fiancé, Dan, keeps getting in the way of her new romance—even if he
is just trying to be helpful. A fire, an impromptu mini-trip with Dan, and a
dreaded wedding later, Sophie is still struggling to meet the love of her life.
Just as she is getting it together with her perfect man, best friend Rachel
commits an act of unspeakable betrayal. And to top it all, her new boyfriend
leaves her lying in the mud.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sophie has had enough. Confused
and distraught, she decides that it is time for radical change. Surprising
herself and shocking her friends, she embarks on a secret journey that
eventually gets her life back on track.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Book 3, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sophie's Encore</i>...
well, there's a hint in the title! Sophie's Encore comes in three parts: New
Beginnings, Falling and Grand Finale. It starts with a ... big event
and things progress from there... I can't give away too much as it'll spoil not
only Book 3 but also your enjoyment of Book 2! I'm 30,000 words in and
hope to have a full draft complete by end of March 2013. The book is due for
release in September 2013!!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #31859C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">With the holidays quickly approaching, do you and your family have
any traditions you keep going year after year.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Oooh, we certainly do! First of all, we light candles on an advent
wreath, one on every one of the four Sundays preceding Christmas. Typically on
a Sunday we will also bake cookies and then chat and eat and sing by
candlelight in the evening. Doesn't always happen that way but we do try!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">On 6 December, we celebrate St Nicholas day. Yes, St Nick ~ his
feast day is 6 December! In Germany, the kids put their wellies outside their
front door and hope that St Nick will fill them with sweets, nuts and a little
treat overnight. I remember watching out of the window myself all night long waiting
for the sleigh to appear! My kids put their wellies inside our fire place (as
our local foxes are known to make off with abandoned footwear) and we sing
songs and hope for the best. It usually works!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Christmas is an elaborate affair as we have to reconcile German
and English customs. Here's how that goes. On 24 December, the 'big' day in
Germany, we have lots of lovely special food; we light candles and reveal the
Christmas tree and hang out stockings. In the afternoon, we usually go the children's
service in our local church. Normally we let the children have one present each
that night, brought by the Christ Child (uh-huh, in Germany it's usually the
Christ Child who brings presents, although Father Christmas features too... it
never occurred to me how many customs co-exist until we had kids of our own!),
although we are experimenting with what works best and what honours the spirit
of Christmas most fully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">On 25 December, the kids wake to a magically filled stocking and a
pile of presents under the tree. We have a big breakfast and then we gather
round the tree, opening one present at a time, trying it out straightaway. For
example, if it's a game, we play it; if it's Lego, we build it; if it's a book
we start reading. That way, the present side of things stretches out and we
sometimes have to have lunch in the middle!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nicky, thank you so much for stopping by!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 26px;">You can Find Nicky Wells on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 26px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="https://twitter.com/WellsNicky" style="color: #bb2188; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nicky.wells.54" style="color: #bb2188; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 26px;">, and purchase her book</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 26px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sophies-Turn-Rock-Romance-ebook/dp/B00961HXC2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1347290365&sr=8-2&keywords=Sophie%27s+Turn" style="color: #bb2188; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 26px;">.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thank you too, to all you fabulous readers
who pop by and spend time with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have
a wonderful week!</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bless and be blessed,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jen <o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-32131134579159955882012-11-12T11:51:00.003-08:002012-11-12T11:51:54.326-08:00Find Your Strengthening Medicine with Pj Schott<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfSoAuPzBojnP9inblB2hleHatFa_UI6l1qyR5Pd4vykUJt5rHMWT0WqwGQ40I7h-w-sILmorWyfn2fwjO7fjivYXh7Dr-a5tMho1OQqavmS5q1zPUcm5-suRFDvD1YyilqxUYjnyd-nd/s1600/Pj+headshot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfSoAuPzBojnP9inblB2hleHatFa_UI6l1qyR5Pd4vykUJt5rHMWT0WqwGQ40I7h-w-sILmorWyfn2fwjO7fjivYXh7Dr-a5tMho1OQqavmS5q1zPUcm5-suRFDvD1YyilqxUYjnyd-nd/s1600/Pj+headshot.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
know, sometimes even the biggest of extroverts (yes, that’s me), needs some
down time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week, I wanted to extend
that to my dearest Pj Schott, yet she turned her overwhelming moments into
something for us all to learn from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet
another reason I adore her and her spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Pj Schott has lived in several U.S. port cities, Europe,
Greece, and the Middle East. A marketing professional, mystery writer, and
futurist, Pj is known to those with whom she works as a problem-solver, an
innovative thinker, a top-notch communicator, a visionary, and the soul of a
group. She is the owner of the Boston, Massachusetts based company GENIUS and
is the woman behind the new Facebook page and blog,</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.survivalforblondes.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Survival for
Blondes</span></a>, where</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Pj is entirely surrounded by imagined
disasters and learns to rise above.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Find
Your Strengthening Medicine<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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which Pj is dragged to the depths of despair and is saved by a virtual hug<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcGdY67v-etQvwEnRd_TcaPIQfS0Guu8vofioXptFPewQpjvJ3nbR1kf1EOgHVJnRC3NxSCfXwhzWq0iSh3Mm30kE74Ww_TuyOcaS0U2kzsQ61yHf54Eft0rIx2NVP5AKFkO7xz1_cZEj/s1600/Pooh+in+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcGdY67v-etQvwEnRd_TcaPIQfS0Guu8vofioXptFPewQpjvJ3nbR1kf1EOgHVJnRC3NxSCfXwhzWq0iSh3Mm30kE74Ww_TuyOcaS0U2kzsQ61yHf54Eft0rIx2NVP5AKFkO7xz1_cZEj/s1600/Pooh+in+bed.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Pooh?" he whispered.<br />
"Yes, Piglet?"<br />
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's hand. "I just wanted to be
sure of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Researching dire global situations and imagining how to
prepare for them should they hit home is part of what I do on a daily basis. Most
of us know the world is a mess. Who wouldn't get depressed and overwhelmed by
the daily bombardment of seemingly hopeless images from around the globe.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
All of us have experienced the occasional feeling of powerlessness.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> But we take it in stride. We count our blessings, say a
prayer or two, and carry on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last week, when calamity struck my home town of New York
City, and its surrounding area, I suddenly had nothing but trouble on my mind.
That I was nearly in the direct path of Hurricane Sandy made me thankful
disaster preparedness is a passion of mine. But my heart still ached for those
who were not prepared. And when a Nor'easter suddenly landed on these folks,
compounding their suffering, I found myself searching for a reason to get out
of bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even
people who know me extremely well would find this hard to believe. But the most
capable and intelligent of humans sometimes find it difficult to cope with
anxiety and depression. Count my legs. My reaction was completely normal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
turning point came this morning when our beloved Jen Tucker told me not to
worry about coming to visit you all this month. Her kindness and compassion
humbled me and gave me the gentle prodding I needed. "Now is the time to ask the obvious
question … What Would Pooh Do?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
master of the art of living in the Here-and-Now, Pooh didn't dwell on the past
or worry about the future. Even in the face of disaster, he would have remained
relaxed, balanced, and focused. When faced with thoughts of despair, the
Zen-like bear would no doubt remind himself that "Some people care too much
… it's called love." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Winnie
and his friends were always there for each other. When little Piglet's worst
case scenario – a bath – had him sprawled on the floor sobbing with his head in
his arms, Rabbit said, "There, there, Piglet." And Owl added
"Baths don't last forever." Little Piglet sat up, dried his eyes, and
replied, "But afterward comes … the Strengthening Medicine." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
thing that triggers anxiety and depression is not feeling
"connected." The problems in the world, and all the news that plays
on our fears, makes us feel isolated, and distanced from each other. But by the
miracle of technology, we have been given the gift of what I call our Astral
Family. People we have never actually met, but with whom we feel a tremendous
bond. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
Strengthening Medicine, the kindness of someone, who in the not-too-distant
past would have remained a total stranger my entire life, suddenly bridged a
gap in time and space and made me feel connected again. Now filled with inspiration
rather than hopelessness, before this day is over I resolve to reach out to
another person and urge them to take a small step in the direction of healing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
recall something Charlie Brown (no doubt inspired by Winnie the Pooh) once said:
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Listen, Linus, friendship isn't about
who you've known the longest. It's all about the friend who comes and stands by
your side in bad times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h1 style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And this group hug is dedicated to all my dear friends in Cyberspace. May
the Pooh force be with you all.<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Does Pj know how to make me tear up, or what?! I love you Pj, and am so thankful you are a part of my life. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Bless and be blessed!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>XOXO</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Jen</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-63562459634761729102012-10-15T03:48:00.001-07:002012-10-15T03:48:22.805-07:00Tricks and Treats with Meredith Schorr<br />
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<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Good morning all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meredith Schorr is stopping by Princes with a
Pen today, to chat about Halloween goodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really boils down to the costumes and candy anyway, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meredith is a talented author, lovely gal,
and someone wonderful to always have on your side in a dark alley. Her new novel,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-State-of-Jane-ebook/dp/B009CDVZ64/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350297880&sr=8-2&keywords=A+State+of+Jane"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">A State of Jane</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a;"> is one you'll want to pick up.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a;">Let’s give her a big welcome! </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Thank
you so much for having me on your blog, Jen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m so happy to be here, talking about one of my favorite holidays,
Halloween!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">The Ticks and
Treats of Halloween<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9FNB5O7CuzdLnaNDV4H08Gfmy379v1qhV6Udf5zKEwjjnv3_9NGjZyjSwXZouLSnRwkYfH__Chu79I52XlR1mF7gEl6QOOtxL2SzipDH8Gb2Wnh2ELez1CqwviNzBy3IthPzw_s45FXH/s1600/M+Schorr+Head+Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9FNB5O7CuzdLnaNDV4H08Gfmy379v1qhV6Udf5zKEwjjnv3_9NGjZyjSwXZouLSnRwkYfH__Chu79I52XlR1mF7gEl6QOOtxL2SzipDH8Gb2Wnh2ELez1CqwviNzBy3IthPzw_s45FXH/s320/M+Schorr+Head+Shot.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">I've
always loved Halloween. When I was little, it was all about the candy. I loved
the mini Hershey bars, Kit Kats, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups etc. I hated those
houses that gave out boxes of raisins. Or loose change! My mom did that one
year and I was mortified and didn't want any of my friends or the cooler, more
popular people to ‘trick or treat’ at my house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The worst were those houses that gave out loose, unpackaged candy like a
handful of candy corn because I wasn't allowed to eat it! And I would never eat
an apple because, for one thing, Halloween was supposed to be about candy not
fruit, and then there was the ever frightening threat of a razor blade! Then
one year, there was an incident of arsenic in the chocolate so I had to examine
every piece to see if there was a needle hole. Kind of sucked the fun out of
the day. <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
As I got older the lure of Halloween was less about the candy and more about
the party. While I was somewhat of a goody goody in high school, I loved to
party in college and Halloween lent itself to some of the best parties of the
year, second only to St. Patrick's Day (my absolute fave, but that’s a whole
other blog).</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
As much as I have enjoyed Halloween through the years, choosing a costume has
always been a bit stressful. I am not creative that way. I can conceptualize an
entire novel and see it play out in my mind like a movie but I've never been good
at the "art" stuff and that includes everything from my horrendous
third grade level hand writing, to stick figure drawings, unimpressive dioramas
made out of shoe boxes for book reports, and yes, creative Halloween costumes.
Except when I coupled up with others, my Halloween costumes have been
historically unimpressive: a hippy, a nurse (although I felt sexy in my short
white dress and managed to make out with a guy dressed as a doctor that year),
Punky Brewster (no one had any idea who I was supposed to be and my rainbow
shirt mislead others to think I was representing the gay/lesbian alliance), a
goth girl (again no one knew who I was supposed to be) and other costumes that
were so unmemorable, I can’t even remember them! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAoHDxZgwSphGAIngfZg1jwwHjastcWSQa_VAgnem7PNoTyc0uM_DCl54AVxcxtr95FWNSOgPYblq55XJHnWygw1CPwYwS8B03CYF-QYOQYL1JNhYXZE-9JaN_W1mSzyGCxmAGIT6ht__/s1600/M+Schorr+KISS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAoHDxZgwSphGAIngfZg1jwwHjastcWSQa_VAgnem7PNoTyc0uM_DCl54AVxcxtr95FWNSOgPYblq55XJHnWygw1CPwYwS8B03CYF-QYOQYL1JNhYXZE-9JaN_W1mSzyGCxmAGIT6ht__/s320/M+Schorr+KISS.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">But
I've had some good costumes through the years as well. Sophomore year in
college, two of my suitemates, a guy who lived across the hall and I dressed up
like the band Kiss. I was Ace Frehley. Thanks to my suitemate Gina who was
Peter Criss, our makeup was flawless. I had the best time that year except I
got totally hammered, passed out in full makeup and proceeded to scare the shit
out of myself when I looked in the mirror the next morning and saw Ace looking
back at me. Another fun year was junior year (or senior?) year of college when
I teamed up with two of my housemates to be The Three Amigos. I cut the
mustache off of a Pringles container and cannot for the life of me remember how
I got it to stick to my upper lip. I also got to wear a sombrero but the best
part was carrying a fake gun and aiming it at everyone all night. I mostly used
it to cut the line at the keg. I recall threatening, "A beer or your
life!" That was most definitely a fun year. <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
I must confess that my love of Halloween has dwindled over the past few years. If
the Yankees are still in the baseball playoffs by then, I always choose
watching the game over going to a party. Last year I visited my boyfriend in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Seattle</st1:city></st1:place> that weekend and
while his friends invited us out with them, we skipped it although we stopped by
so I could meet them. Since they were in full makeup (face paint and wigs), I
had no idea who I was actually speaking to. Maybe it's always been like this and
I was just too naive to notice, but I feel like after a certain age, which
keeps getting younger and younger, Halloween is merely an excuse to wear as
little clothing as possible and looking like a slut under the guise of being
“in costume.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;">I have
no idea what I am going to do this year for Halloween.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For one thing, it depends upon the Yankees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if I go to a party, I am toying with the
idea of dressing as a female Santa Claus. There are some really sexy versions
of the costume out there and I might look like a slut but since its Halloween,
no one is allowed to hold it against me </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Thanks for stopping by Meredith!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always felt cheated when I was given those
popcorn balls instead of some candy while trick-or-treating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s up with that anyway?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Bless and be
blessed,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">XOXO<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Jen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a;">Author Bio: Meredith Schorr is the
author of two novels,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Just-Friends-With-Benefits-ebook/dp/B0042JTOZC/ref=pd_sim_kstore_6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Just Friends with Benefit</span>s</a></i> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a;">and </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">A </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-State-of-Jane-ebook/dp/B009CDVZ64/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350297880&sr=8-2&keywords=A+State+of+Jane"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">State of Jane</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a;">.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a;">When she is not busy writing novels, Meredith
spends her days as a trademark paralegal at a law firm in </span><st1:city style="color: #2a2a2a;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York City</st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a;">.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a;">Meredith is a loyal New York Yankees fan and
an avid runner.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a;">She also loves to read
and is always on the lookout for her new favorite author.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogULYR1f-c3aAMFusb2zQwE923lr7VbIBAZhBQ9cv4QEtWG2c72BDy6aPUUAKR7jMIZqCbF7Rvx3cvZeyLra6ymvbHG9Z6T6nUrNaMXmyWx-tBk3xPQGz6Q7UgqQInRQWHBli1yvn0isz/s1600/M+Schorr+Jane+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogULYR1f-c3aAMFusb2zQwE923lr7VbIBAZhBQ9cv4QEtWG2c72BDy6aPUUAKR7jMIZqCbF7Rvx3cvZeyLra6ymvbHG9Z6T6nUrNaMXmyWx-tBk3xPQGz6Q7UgqQInRQWHBli1yvn0isz/s320/M+Schorr+Jane+Cover.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Blurb
of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A State of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jane</st1:place></st1:state></i>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Jane Frank is ready to fall in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's been a year since her long term
relationship ended and far too long since the last time she was kissed. With
the LSAT coming up she needs to find a long term boyfriend (or husband) before
acing law school and becoming a partner at her father's law firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There's just one problem: All the guys in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York City</st1:place></st1:city> are flakes.
They seemingly drop off the face of the earth with no warning and no
explanation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should she join her best
friend Marissa in singlehood, making cupcakes and watching True Blood? Or
should she follow her co-worker Andrew's advice and turn the game back on those
who've scorned her? As Jane attempts to juggle her own responsibilities and put
up with the problems of everyone around her, she starts to realize that the
dating life isn't as easy as she originally thought.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Blog: <a href="http://meredithschorr.com/blog/" target="_blank">http://meredithschorr.com/blog/</a><br />
<br />
Twitter - @meredithschorr<br />
<br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/MeredithSchorrAuthor" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/#!/MeredithSchorrAuthor</a><br />
<br />
Buy links:<br />
<br />
Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-State-of-Jane-ebook/dp/B009CDVZ64/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1348763913&sr=8-2&keywords=a+state+of+jane" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/A-State-of-Jane-ebook/dp/B009CDVZ64/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1348763913&sr=8-2&keywords=a+state+of+jane</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Amazon <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country>:
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-State-of-Jane-ebook/dp/B009CDVZ64/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1349044254&sr=1-1" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-State-of-Jane-ebook/dp/B009CDVZ64/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1349044254&sr=1-1</a><br />
<br />
B&N: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-state-of-jane-meredith-schorr/1112799844?ean=2940015677270&itm=1&USRI=a+state+of+jane&" target="_blank">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-state-of-jane-meredith-schorr/1112799844?ean=2940015677270&itm=1&USRI=a+state+of+jane&</a><br />
<br />
Also available on itunes but there is no link to attach.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938740996546572774noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338536424571749961.post-36404948348372309752012-10-03T07:44:00.000-07:002012-10-03T07:44:00.052-07:00Problem Solving Winnie the Pooh Style with PJ Schott<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_gmO_lHRRktM4BIXB3epjBWrWaxdT2F8m3i4eSxIjW8d0ALgSi7ZloyFVIG7FjF-4UmLEr4JJ9_Z6bcKCw3I4NFwpR4ugO5-VIt5TIB9xgslpEwhkh9fUT3Eua0ZsoCB3jiFQVo7t73K/s1600/Pj+Schott.jpg" 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/AVvXsEjY_gmO_lHRRktM4BIXB3epjBWrWaxdT2F8m3i4eSxIjW8d0ALgSi7ZloyFVIG7FjF-4UmLEr4JJ9_Z6bcKCw3I4NFwpR4ugO5-VIt5TIB9xgslpEwhkh9fUT3Eua0ZsoCB3jiFQVo7t73K/s200/Pj+Schott.jpg" width="133" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Good morning Princess with a Pen, friends! It’s the first
Wednesday in October and that means the lovely, Pj Schott, is here to dispense
her wonderful wisdom with a little help from Winnie the Pooh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Pj Schott has lived in several U.S. port
cities, Europe, Greece, and the Middle East. A marketing professional, mystery
writer, and futurist, Pj is known to those with whom she works as a
problem-solver, an innovative thinker, a top-notch communicator, a visionary,
and the soul of a group. She is the owner of the Boston, Massachusetts based
company GENIUS and is the woman behind the new Facebook page and blog,</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.survivalforblondes.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Survival for Blondes</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">, where</span></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Pj
is entirely surrounded by imagined disasters and learns to rise above.</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
World Ends With Pooh<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In my eternal quest for Disaster Prep goodies
for my Survival for Blondes blog, I keep my radar tuned for tidbits from Winnie
the Pooh, since they help me keep everything – the good, the bad, and the ugly
– in perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please allow me to share with you a
piece I happened upon recently that described an imagined Pooh/Disaster
scenario:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Fallen
tree takes out power pole. Water main burst. Bee hives in fallen tree. Bee
keeper must remove bees before tree can be removed, water main repaired and
power restored. Phone still out. Pooh Bear bummed."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">~www.santacruzblogazine.com<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The World's Best Problem-Solver<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Although the claim may have no basis in
reality, I call myself "The World's Best Problem Solver."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Quite a few respectable folks have told
me that problem-solving is my greatest gift. (Do I have any other talents which
would help create a benchmark? Let's not even go there.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sherlock Holmes (who preceded me as The
World's Best Problem Solver) would probably analyze and evaluate the Pooh dilemma,
then try to apply logic. Most likely he would start at the end of the problem
and work backwards until he arrived at the solution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My solution to Pooh's fictional Worst
Case Scenario would be to look at the situation, not as a potential problem,
but as an opportunity for Pooh to reinvent himself in order to realign with his
true path.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WWPD?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now we pose the critical question: What
would Pooh do to solve a problem or to prepare for a disaster – imagined or
otherwise – in his beloved Hundred Acre Wood?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pooh and his friends – Eeyore, Owl,
Rabbit, Piglet, and Tigger were always hitting rough spots. And Pooh took them
all in stride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Prob…lem…sol…ving?
That sounds like a 'what.' The 'whats' are easy. It's the 'hows' that are
difficult."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The large-hearted, honey-hunting,
bee-braving, problem-solving Pooh (who was as Modest as I am Shamelessly
Self-Promoting) described himself as a "bear of Very Small Brain."
(And Albert Einstein used to say "I have no special talent." Uh huh.)
But don't let Pooh's diffidence fool you. The Bear will now show you his Depth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pooh, unlike Sherlock Holmes, would no
doubt start at the beginning. He would encourage us to look for the solution,
but caution us to first correctly define the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">"Before beginning a
Hunt,<br />
it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for<br />
before you begin looking for it."</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They're Funny Things, Accidents<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If any of the above has left you with an
ice-cream headache, my sincere apology. And to ease your mind, I will leave you
with the words of Eeyore:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I'm
not saying there won't be an Accident now, mind you. They're funny things,
Accidents. You never have them till you're having them."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pooh taught me that Problem SoIving
(since it's a "what" and not a "how") is easy. And those
who work with me – as well as those who know and love me – usually get a very
simple solution to their problems. They also get a reminder that, unlike
problem-solving itself …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SIMPLE
ISN'T EASY!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you, Pj!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">XOXO</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jen</span></div>
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