tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85810663817411787472024-03-19T00:19:04.492-04:00Thoughts of a Bright Mind in a Dark RoomNancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825828285156262772noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581066381741178747.post-76047196246900019132011-02-14T14:59:00.000-05:002011-02-14T14:59:20.938-05:00A Heart's Journey<div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I was the first to see you, the first to hold you, the first to kiss you.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I saw your first smile. I saw your first steps. I heard your first word.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I read to you. I sang to you. I rocked you to sleep.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I took you to the zoo. I took you to the movies. I took you to church.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I cheered you on playing baseball. I cheered you on playing basketball. I cheered you on playing soccer. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You fell, I picked you up. Then I hugged you.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You got sick, I nursed you back to health. Then I hugged you. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You were sad, discouraged or angry, I listened and encouraged you. Then I hugged you.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You were happy, cheerful, excited, I listened and encouraged you. Then I hugged you.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You went to preschool. I cried. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Then, you made my heart smile.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You went to kindergarten. I cried. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Then, you made my heart smile.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You went to high school. I cried. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Then, you made my heart smile.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You graduated. I cried.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You made my heart smile.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You lost your way. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I lost my heart. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span> N. Elaine ©2010</span></div>Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825828285156262772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581066381741178747.post-73769005420046172582010-09-01T22:14:00.000-04:002010-09-01T22:14:48.541-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx290/DazzlinNan47/BlogStuff/attic-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx290/DazzlinNan47/BlogStuff/attic-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">~ Museum of Memories ~</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An antique lamp, Grandma’s rocking chair, Grandpa’s pipe</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Old record albums, old photographs, scrapbooks</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">matchbox cars, Barbie dolls, baseball cards</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Report cards, yearbooks, diplomas</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Love letters, saved dried flowers, wedding gown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Baby crib, stroller, car seat</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bibs, onesies, “Blankie”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">First shoes, first suit, first bra</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Forgotten toys, favorite bedtime story, that “special” bear</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">First catcher’s mitt, Star Wars figures, Pokemon cards</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Soccer cleats, scout uniform, basketball trophy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Clay bunny, popsicle stick flowers, school valentines</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">U.S. President report, science project remnants, award winning poem</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prom memorabilia, graduation cap, diploma</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plastic Jack-O-Lantern, Christmas ornaments, Easter baskets</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mother’s Day cards, birthday cards, congrats cards</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beach umbrella, sand chairs, seashells</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Air mattress, sleeping bags, suitcases</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Old television, bookshelves, that bench to refinish</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Newer ‘old’ furniture for new beginnings</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lots of old, nothing new, forgot it was borrowed, and yes the giant bunny is blue!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">All stacked and packed in boxes,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tucked away for storage,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Filled with smiles and tears, happiness and sadness.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">~ Museum of Memories ~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THE ATTIC</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">N. Elaine </span>©2010</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825828285156262772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581066381741178747.post-56610434325724425152010-07-22T01:48:00.026-04:002010-07-22T03:08:47.270-04:00Lost Thoughts<div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Seven months ago I created this blog. Its purpose was to revitalize the writing in my soul. Instead, it has</span></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: large;">haunted me like a phantom in the night. Forget writer's block. I drove straight to writer's gridlock after a stop for a cup of stage fright! So now, after an aesthetic blog makeover, I am courageously journeying forth risking uncertain heights of humiliation to share the thoughts and creations of my pen.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, I am not going to be foolhardy and completely dive in head first. So, I have chosen something fun and lighthearted for my first 'official' post. It is something I wrote 32 years ago. I vaguely remember it being a poem assignment for English class in high school. I have tweaked it a bit, since the more mature and literate me of present noticed some errors of the more youthful me who originally penned it. And, in no way am I stating that I am now an authority on the art of writing. Just saying.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #b45f06;">Old Man Brown</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">In between the mountains,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">I found a little town.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">Nobody lives there.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">Except Old Man Brown. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">Complete with saloon and general store,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">It takes you back to the wild, wild west.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">Dancing girls, gunfights, and outlaws galore, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">The town was bustling with life and zest.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">There, he sits, drinking alone on a stool.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">Lonely though, he is not, I know.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">For he has a companion, a buddy, a pal,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">In his little old donkey named General Beau.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">Now both of them are gone.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">There's quiet in the town.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">Only memories to live on,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">Of Old Man Brown.</span></span></span></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Nancy Harrah 78'</span><br />
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</div></div>Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825828285156262772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581066381741178747.post-75568202523213444772010-07-04T21:54:00.003-04:002010-07-22T02:32:38.044-04:00God Made Uncles---<div style="color: #0b5394; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God knew the need for someone </span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">To add humor to our hearts. </span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Someone who would spice </span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Our lives with laughter and mischief. </span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Someone we could run to <br />
For special comfort and friendship; </span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Someone whose life would <br />
Touch ours in a Hundred different ways... </span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So He made Uncles.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Taken from <a href="http://www.freepoemsonline.net/poems-htm/uncle2.htm">http://www.freepoemsonline.net/poems-htm/uncle2.htm</a> </span></div></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bk0YJkaxvTCawMw01wc0ErhmDX5ZWF0d5zgw_iYXUZViYusU6IreTQE3VspwK68fuGiuNeK1Fn1_xA8y_IO_DcLMcMUxtaz8oUBJieQYJ9xh9DurNloutdf9YjT9EC3LLvckGjqJDd0y/s1600/30739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bk0YJkaxvTCawMw01wc0ErhmDX5ZWF0d5zgw_iYXUZViYusU6IreTQE3VspwK68fuGiuNeK1Fn1_xA8y_IO_DcLMcMUxtaz8oUBJieQYJ9xh9DurNloutdf9YjT9EC3LLvckGjqJDd0y/s320/30739.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In Memory of my Uncle Danny Harrah who lost his battle with lung cancer on Friday, July 2, 2010. </span>Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825828285156262772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581066381741178747.post-81932849444214205442010-01-24T03:04:00.005-05:002010-01-24T03:26:32.153-05:00Shedding Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46pTkBsPGL2oCY7suTr1zJO2lpxqW-z5DesE6Wuhj0n41AvCSZnrFGJF5qKTeFVrnZMZeGpB2jeZO4uAUOBgmvG6CBPZVWA98A1l-qhv4zGZmTUrXGVwLqAQeygdWEOiLNPN2Zc7TAymq/s1600-h/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46pTkBsPGL2oCY7suTr1zJO2lpxqW-z5DesE6Wuhj0n41AvCSZnrFGJF5qKTeFVrnZMZeGpB2jeZO4uAUOBgmvG6CBPZVWA98A1l-qhv4zGZmTUrXGVwLqAQeygdWEOiLNPN2Zc7TAymq/s400/DSC_0114.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, looking at this blog, it proves that I haven't written as much as I had planned so far this year. Life responsibilities tend to plague my time. Not that I feel like my family hinders my artistic expression. Let's just say that no one has completely adjusted to me taking personal time, although, they are beginning to comply.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, I haven't been totally devoid of creative time. I have just been more inspired in the physical art form than in the 'word', although many times while working on a card or photos, a spark of semantic creativity emerges only to flee as quickly as it appears. I believe I need to sew/staple/glue or otherwise adhere a notebook and pen to my hip in order to document my thoughts as they come.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Even now I have things swirling around throughout my cranium but there are so many and I am so tired I know it will not make a lick of sense. Wow, what a phrase. See, I told you, when I begin to get tired, sometimes that is when everything begins to flow out of me. Why is that? No wonder I've never been able to go to bed early or stay asleep completely. Now, you are probably wanting to tell me to keep a notebook by my bed and to jot down these thoughts at night when they awake me from slumber. I do. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However, since I am not in bed, yet, I will shed some of these thoughts here so that perhaps tomorrow I will transform them into sensible and discerning thought processes and eloquent prose. One can always hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Love</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hate</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Color</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dolphins</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Haiti</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">earthquake</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">children</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">movies</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">blessings</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">tragedies</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">rich</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">poor</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">healthy</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">purpose</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">deadlines</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">financial aid</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">pride</span>Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825828285156262772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581066381741178747.post-77251029658004983032010-01-11T01:45:00.009-05:002010-01-24T03:05:23.151-05:00From Caterpillar to Butterfly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJzi-wgskEfmK4_l-wtlES4O5PKeXneOnHPf0eR5_ewA4HPoHvJD4aa6ZiCSDLQ0Nck-hlRUvKna5WVCzuWIf3rthKQ-gGMvXJKBYSpAqc0v7APDy3VJLyrVe5P3FCJIKqBPtw5JFeDup/s1600-h/DSC_0096+%283%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjId1bjPc0nMzO6eA8xbo1A6IpSAdcpaVNzcBbPgj6MGyFcM0LsDTs0Zv8eaE88P5qPj-4gHXH_25rSbD8j-igF5hefAwBzVaRqpV8OjJL-wfuNvyWt0ssB9ruXOeeaDMRp1e6xjcdveuu2/s1600-h/butterflysoft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjId1bjPc0nMzO6eA8xbo1A6IpSAdcpaVNzcBbPgj6MGyFcM0LsDTs0Zv8eaE88P5qPj-4gHXH_25rSbD8j-igF5hefAwBzVaRqpV8OjJL-wfuNvyWt0ssB9ruXOeeaDMRp1e6xjcdveuu2/s400/butterflysoft.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to Thoughts of a Bright Mind in a Dark Room....a new year, a new blog. You probably can guess by the title and photo what it will entail. Let me state up front that it will always be my best of intentions to always try and inspire, illuminate and maybe even amuse those who wish to visit here. </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Every year, we all seem to go through it, establishing resolutions or changes we hope will stay for good. We make our 'top ten'. Well, this year, mine has become the 'Top Twenty'. Exercise more. Eat less. Lose weight. I expect now you may be wondering if those first five have just melted away? Seriously, what do you think? The most exercise I have managed to pull off this first week is de-decorating and grocery shopping and maybe a few dozen trips up and down the stairs. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some of my other resolutions, or should I now say, goals include: Save more money. Write everyday. Let me expand on that one. I mean write something WORTHWHILE everyday other than a grocery list or school note. Take more photos and aspire to a more accomplished amateur photographer. That might be two in one. Make at least four cards (my other obsessive hobby) per week. Be more positive. Listen to music more often. Read more novels. Finish all those home projects that have been begging to be completed over the last five years. Discover a new career I will love. I will elaborate here too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the last 18 years I have had a wonderful and fulfilling career being a fulltime mom. My kids, like everyone else's, are wonderful and incredible. Yet, as in every other family, in two years the nest will empty. So, with that comes my next goals --- finish some online classes and obtain that Master's degree that I have longed for recently. I would also like to sell a photo or two and maybe some cards. And, of course, the most noteworthy of resolutions of all ---- love my family more and find more patience in my life. That may not equal 20, yet give me time, I am sure I will add more. If not, my family most assuredly will! </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p>Yet with all these goals to aspire towards, undoubtedly there will be setbacks and failure. I will not worry over what does or doesn't happen. I am focusing my energy on four ‘Ps’ this year: patience, perseverance, positivity, presence. Patience, for change takes time. Perseverance, for with change comes weakness and failures and one must not quit at the first failure. Positivity, for a good, positive attitude helps dissolve the weakness and failure or at least to deal with it more quickly. Presence, for one must be completely committed and involved in the process of change for it to work.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some changes are well underway, as here with this blog. It's purpose is to explore my thoughts, document my changes of success and/or failure, and to share them all with whomever decides to pull up a virtual chair alongside me. It also is a challenge to get me writing more, photographing more and creating more and combining them all. And, just as a caterpillar weaves its cocoon in preparation to change into something better, I look forward to my own transformation as the year passes and to have it here to look back on in retrospect.</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-size: large;">Here's to 2010 being a year of great changes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">N. Elaine</span><br />
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</div>Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825828285156262772noreply@blogger.com0