tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33646218330861465252024-02-07T16:52:22.203-08:00Intangible HeartsThe true harvest of my life is intangible-a little star dust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched."-Henry David Thoreau Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.comBlogger313125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-22762875398345431712023-01-18T10:15:00.000-08:002023-01-18T10:15:40.191-08:00Happy New Year-Winners!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Happy New Year!<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XhjWTUzSzw_3DwUqEG8v6un-N8q6JAUC6LuyeRYtOtISWVMXjqQkH0wdTcDkTaXh22u5D4o_h_TLikPFuKqiapCktocq1CmnlyMK2B_53c754vQXwe0tlOe6FJCaoqK4g_F397XZLJ3euSPNm0_DZSFzGNhB52z4EunDbjypUoCUDe5qi7RlWgDL/s500/Winners%20Anthology.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XhjWTUzSzw_3DwUqEG8v6un-N8q6JAUC6LuyeRYtOtISWVMXjqQkH0wdTcDkTaXh22u5D4o_h_TLikPFuKqiapCktocq1CmnlyMK2B_53c754vQXwe0tlOe6FJCaoqK4g_F397XZLJ3euSPNm0_DZSFzGNhB52z4EunDbjypUoCUDe5qi7RlWgDL/s320/Winners%20Anthology.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">The Kindle edition of the Winner’s Anthology is now
available, and we are seeking reviews to help catapult this wonderful selection
of stories into the best Amazon rankings available!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you preordered a print copy, then you should be receiving
this winning collection by the end of the month, and for those who haven’t
ordered yet, the Kindle version is available right now! From what I can see,
there’s only one review on Amazon, and we need more! Please? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My story is about hope. Hospice nurse, Diane Bell is on duty
and she’s ready to “entertain” patient Colleen Poole. While Diane engages Colleen,
she begins to learn and question her own future. After all, she doesn’t
crochet, knit or even sew. And, while Colleen will be busy as a bee, the more
Diane talks, the more she realizes, she needs to prepare her own way too. Read
my story, <b>Crocheting in Heaven</b> and please leave a short review on
Amazon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Winners-Compilation-Award-Winning-Short-Stories/dp/1954102119/ref=">Click Here for Your Copy</a><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you in advance!!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stay warm! <o:p></o:p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-15859125757293970012023-01-06T12:31:00.001-08:002023-01-06T17:58:13.222-08:00Revised Post for The New Year!<p> Just a reworded reminder for the New Year-- taken from my previous blog--The Desert Rocks. <b>Happy New Year to all my friends and family members</b>! </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "ArialMT",serif; font-size: 21.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
The Eleventh Commandment</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrinfvVrirAHWyBECbxSINrNUvh6IrrW59G0w1Zc2SlHC0_M9MiRhTQVNkb1SYqX3Nke_rC8i80ik64bNrHg-Qxj_tN0qWjmoIUGQe4e8W8N20Iha1wZNg75byJJed_431q8YH1HqXw4wEeJC-3RZYx_1vYYlQkO_OeB6xP7gwCuHjQ7TGH_k6xjXP/s320/10%20Commandments.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="214" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrinfvVrirAHWyBECbxSINrNUvh6IrrW59G0w1Zc2SlHC0_M9MiRhTQVNkb1SYqX3Nke_rC8i80ik64bNrHg-Qxj_tN0qWjmoIUGQe4e8W8N20Iha1wZNg75byJJed_431q8YH1HqXw4wEeJC-3RZYx_1vYYlQkO_OeB6xP7gwCuHjQ7TGH_k6xjXP/w186-h278/10%20Commandments.jpg" width="186" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><b><br /></b></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "ArialMT",serif; font-size: 15.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>On the
Back of the Tablet</b></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "ArialMT",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are
many different ideas about love, and most of</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "ArialMT",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">them
require following the golden rule of give and take. If I</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "ArialMT",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">give on
this particular thing; I'll be able to get some of what</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "ArialMT",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I need.
In other words, most relationships are not based </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "ArialMT",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">on unconditional love, but on a series of </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "ArialMT",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">conditions. Then,
after years of problems, couples wonder why </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "ArialMT",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">they are having issues. They didn't meet any of the</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "ArialMT",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">conditions,
or maybe they did for a while, but</span></span><span style="font-family: ArialMT, serif; font-size: x-small;"> things sort of fizzled out.</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT, serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">Most
often the only suggestions are forgiveness and moving on. A modern couple might
say they are ready to forgive and forget----maybe </span><span style="font-family: ArialMT, serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">with
someone new. </span><i style="font-family: ArialMT, serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">Whoops</i><span style="font-family: ArialMT, serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">. That defeats the whole purpose of this
article.</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "ArialMT",serif; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now, I
propose a different approach.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span face=""Arial-BoldMT",serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Eleventh </span><span face=""Arial-BoldMT",serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Commandment</span><span face=""Arial-BoldMT",serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "ArialMT",serif; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">is an
entirely new way of thinking about all our </span><span style="font-family: ArialMT, serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">relationships.
To achieve ultimate benefits, it should begin on the very first day, at the initial meeting. The Eleventh Commandment was scrawled on the reverse side of the
stone that Moses brought down from the mountain. (a-hem—stay with me here.) At
first it sounds easy, but implementing it into the daily routine of our lives
makes for a hard commandment to follow. Following this commandment
will help you in all your daily endeavors. It will help you make more money; it
will help you with your friends and family, and, conditions or no conditions,
it will help you hold onto the one you love.</span></span></b></p>
<h1><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: "ArialMT",serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is it? You want
to know, don't you?</span></b><span style="font-family: "ArialMT",serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #800180;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: "ArialMT",serif; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
secret to this commandment has aided multimillionaires like Bob Hope and George
Burns live over a hundred years in solid, loving relationships. It has brought
fame and fortune to countless individuals who use this as a tool, rather than a
way of life. You don't have to be a performer. Anyone can use this and be very
successful. There are countless books available to make the transition easier,
but a daily internet search can assist you in the beginning.</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT, serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Practice
makes perfect. This is the one commandment that only you, and your personality
can individualize to suit your personal needs. You can
study various techniques, act things out in front of a mirror, or in front of friends, and receive
immediate feedback regarding your improvement. Once you start, you can’t turn
back. Used correctly, you can improve daily, even change the world for the
better. Remember the butterfly effect? </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: "ArialMT",serif; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your use
of this commandment will create smiles in people's hearts, warming your friends
and loved ones like a winter fire. It may even induce tears of joy!</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT, serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Without
this special commandment, life is a sterile hospital room filled with cold
metal and florescent lighting. Without this particular commandment, we are
bitter, lonely adults, racing around with rage-filled impatience, on packed
freeways, in uncomfortable cars. If you have decided that you don’t like humans
or people in general, you might want to take another look at how this
commandment can help your attitude. It’s amazing how a smile can change your
day. If you want to make a difference; if you want to give and receive the gift of
smiles, you can easily implement this into your life today! Yes, you can make
others laugh, just by taking on this message of hope, polishing your talent, embellishing
your patter, all while administering tidbits of joy.</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT, serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Turn over
a new leaf. Start using one more commandment. And, while every commandment is
important, this one is sure to change your life! Turn the Tablet over, and read
it out loud in a voice that thunders from the sky....</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span face=""Arial-BoldItalicMT",serif" style="color: #351c75; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thou
shalt be funny, and have a sense of humor.</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-53867361856046755122022-11-28T11:49:00.006-08:002022-11-28T11:49:47.361-08:00Happy Holidays!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeltXIi1_a3dO5gCYtCb5_CYJ_FI6Z9AgTyZLuZ06LsYMzyqdFcmaE_C7LlYXdD1_X1oTgC9uJw6nGOb4un4pxWCuK9R2HeNu1jOCTetyyHEGwTxOdbu75PJlThop4JxP0dan2tVRWYOiW4pq7FfA1Q5nq3PcxYNsZ_dp-ZCCOV2iEgsWopglJ8m6/s400/Poinsettia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeltXIi1_a3dO5gCYtCb5_CYJ_FI6Z9AgTyZLuZ06LsYMzyqdFcmaE_C7LlYXdD1_X1oTgC9uJw6nGOb4un4pxWCuK9R2HeNu1jOCTetyyHEGwTxOdbu75PJlThop4JxP0dan2tVRWYOiW4pq7FfA1Q5nq3PcxYNsZ_dp-ZCCOV2iEgsWopglJ8m6/w169-h169/Poinsettia.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’ve never been one for excuses, but the holidays have
kept me away from blogging. Hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving and are planning
a festive December. With everything going on, it’s a miracle I’m still saving a
few minutes here and there to write. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Did you see the Fall issue of In2uition Magazine? Subscribe
to the magazine, or read my column called Apple Blossoms for free here:<a href="https://www.in2itionmagazine.com/fall2022">In2ition Magazine</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How about the online article I wrote that touches on the Me too
movement? Read it for free here:<a href="https://www.in2itionmagazine.com/post/casting-couch-blues">The Casting Couch Blues</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Did you order your copy of the new anthology called Winners?
Preordered books will be distributed sometime before the end of the year! Plus,
the publisher is adding two extra eBooks from their catalog as gifts with each
purchase. Your support means the world to me. Order here:<a href="https://soopllc.com/product/Crocheting-in-Heaven/">Winners Anthology</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, sorry for packing this with so much promotional
hoopla, but I’m thawing something that needs to be roasted, our little dog just
barked at the delivery guy, my email has too many sales notifications, there
are coupons flying out of every drawer, the radio is playing Jingle Bells— (it’s
still November), my poinsettia is still not blooming, but general holiday mania is taking over. Truthfully, all is
good, and I’m blessed. Especially for having readers who read some of my stuff.
Thank you. I am grateful, and hope your holidays are spectacular!<o:p></o:p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-14058326665581493522022-09-21T14:07:00.001-07:002022-09-21T14:19:50.744-07:00Author Interview with SOOP<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The kind folks at Something or Other Publishing are not only
preparing an anthology with my award winning, faith-based story titled,
<b>Crocheting in Heaven,</b> but they also interviewed me for their blog. Thought I’d
share it here, and if this upcoming book peaks your interest, please order it
today!<o:p></o:p></p><p></p><div class="post-info" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><span class="date published time" style="font-weight: bold;" title="2022-08-24T14:20:51-05:00">August 24, 2022</span> By <span class="author vcard" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="fn"><a href="https://soopllc.com/blog/author/jesusb/" rel="author" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;">jesusb</a></span></span> </div><h1 class="entry-title" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 42px; line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;">Author Profile: Eve Gaal</h1><div class="entry-content" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div class="at-above-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://soopllc.com/blog/2022/08/24/author-profile-eve-gaal/"></div><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-36516 aligncenter jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled" data-attachment-id="36516" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-caption="" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"verocoello26","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Banner 1 (1)" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Banner-1-1-scaled.jpeg?fit=680%2C257&ssl=1" data-lazy-loaded="1" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Banner-1-1-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C114&ssl=1" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Banner-1-1-scaled.jpeg?fit=2560%2C969&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,969" data-permalink="https://soopllc.com/blog/2022/08/24/author-profile-eve-gaal/banner-1-1/" data-recalc-dims="1" height="257" loading="eager" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" src="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Banner-1-1-960x363.jpeg?resize=680%2C257&ssl=1" style="clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto 20px; max-width: 100%;" width="680" /></p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;">Something Or Other Publishing is proud to introduce Eve Gaal, an established writer and winner of the 1st Prize in the Religion & Spirituality Category of our <a href="https://soopllc.com/blog/2021/11/01/soop-announces-the-first-set-of-winners-in-its-annual-short-story-contest/" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;">1st Annual Short Story Contest.</a></p><div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_36512" style="background-color: whitesmoke; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 20px 20px 0px; padding: 20px; text-align: center; width: 310px;"><img alt="" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36512" class="wp-image-36512 size-medium jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled" data-attachment-id="36512" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-caption="<p>Eve Gaal, writer and former publicist (EveGaal.com)</p>
" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Eves-Picture" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Eves-Picture.jpg?fit=680%2C510&ssl=1" data-lazy-loaded="1" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Eves-Picture.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Eves-Picture.jpg?fit=680%2C510&ssl=1" data-orig-size="680,510" data-permalink="https://soopllc.com/blog/2022/08/24/author-profile-eve-gaal/eves-picture/" data-recalc-dims="1" height="187" loading="eager" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Eves-Picture-300x225.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Eves-Picture.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Eves-Picture.jpg?resize=150%2C113&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Eves-Picture.jpg?w=680&ssl=1 680w" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="249" /><p class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-36512" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0px; padding: 0px;">Eve Gaal</p></div><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Over 25 years in advertising led Eve Gaal to write stories, poems, and novels. Her work has appeared in anthologies, magazines, and online. Born in Boston but a longtime Californian, Gaal currently lives in the Inland Empire with her husband and her dog named Baba, where she enjoys her time with hobbies including swimming, cooking, crocheting, and reading.</span></p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Her writing journey began as a freelance writer after several decades in the newspaper industry, frequenting The Los Angeles Times and The Daily Pilot, where she had an ongoing column. Today, you can appreciate her trademark humor and poetry among various journals such as “<a href="https://evegaal.blogspot.com/" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;">Writing for Peace</a>” and books like her first romantic novel, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BD7X2FE/?geniuslink=true" rel="noopener" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Penniless Hearts</a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">.</span></p><div class="wp-caption alignright" id="attachment_36513" style="background-color: whitesmoke; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 20px 20px; padding: 20px; text-align: center; width: 160px;"><img alt="" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36513" class="wp-image-36513 size-thumbnail jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled" data-attachment-id="36513" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-caption="<p>1st Place in the Religion Category of SOOP’s 1st Annual Short Story Contest. (SOOP)</p>
" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"verocoello26","camera":"","caption":"{\"source\":\"other\",\"uid\":\"AF5F7DFE-95CB-4D94-92BC-11058578C73C_1635957999852\",\"origin\":\"picsart\",\"is_remix\":true,\"used_premium_tools\":false,\"used_sources\":\"{\"version\":1,\"sources\":[{\"id\":\"298713763154201\",\"type\":\"ugc\"},{\"type\":\"premium\",\"id\":\"243173517012900\"},{\"id\":\"243173637001900\",\"type\":\"premium\"},{\"id\":\"271551224003211\",\"type\":\"ugc\"}]}\",\"premium_sources\":[\"243173637001900\",\"243173517012900\"],\"fte_sources\":[\"271551224003211\",\"298713763154201\"]}","created_timestamp":"1635967862","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Religion spirituality 1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Religion-spirituality-1.jpeg?fit=680%2C680&ssl=1" data-lazy-loaded="1" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Religion-spirituality-1.jpeg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Religion-spirituality-1.jpeg?fit=1330%2C1330&ssl=1" data-orig-size="1330,1330" data-permalink="https://soopllc.com/blog/2022/08/24/author-profile-eve-gaal/religion-spirituality-1/" data-recalc-dims="1" height="150" loading="eager" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" src="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Religion-spirituality-1-150x150.jpeg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Religion-spirituality-1.jpeg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Religion-spirituality-1.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Religion-spirituality-1.jpeg?resize=960%2C960&ssl=1 960w, https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Religion-spirituality-1.jpeg?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Religion-spirituality-1.jpeg?resize=90%2C90&ssl=1 90w, https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Religion-spirituality-1.jpeg?resize=100%2C100&ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/soopllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Religion-spirituality-1.jpeg?w=1330&ssl=1 1330w" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="150" /><p class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-36513" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0px; padding: 0px;">1st Place in the Religion Category of SOOP’s 1st Annual Short Story Contest. (SOOP)</p></div><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;">Her winning story, <a href="https://soopllc.com/product/crocheting-in-heaven/" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;">Crocheting in Heaven</a>, <span data-preserver-spaces="true">is part of an upcoming anthology from SOOP currently titled </span><em><strong>SOOP’s Finest</strong>: a collection of award-winning short stories, </em>and it follows the tale of Colleen Poole, an elderly hospital patient, and Diane, a hospice nurse. Diane wants to give the frail, dying woman hope by sharing her understanding of heaven. However, time is of the essence here, and she must convince Mrs. Poole there’s a beautiful place waiting on the other side before it’s too late. But how will she be able to make the older woman believe?</p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;">Jesus E. Bracho, <a href="https://soopllc.com/soop-team/" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;">SOOP’s Director of Marketing</a>, sat down with Eve to engage in a fun Q&A session to learn more about her:</p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><strong>JB: What inspired you to write “Crocheting in Heaven”?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;">EG: While visiting friends or relatives in hospice, I was inspired by kind nurses.</p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><strong>JB: What was the most challenging part of writing the story?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;">EG: While I love writing faith-based fiction, I never want to sound “preachy”. </p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><strong>JB: What genres do you personally like to read?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><strong>EG:</strong> Fables, fiction, humorous who-done-its, and romance, in that order. </p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><strong>JB: Do you have any other writing projects in the works?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><strong>EG:</strong> I have a column at In2uition Magazine titled <a href="https://www.in2itionmagazine.com/" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;"><i>Apple Blossoms</i></a> and I’m working on my fourth novel.</p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><strong>JB: Who is your target audience?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><strong>EG:</strong> I write fairy tales for grown-ups and faith-based fantasy with a twist of adventure. When truth becomes stranger than fiction, it’s time to indulge in a romantic comedy taking place on an island, Vegas or Panama. In this case, I’m taking readers to Heaven. </p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><strong>JB: What do you hope readers take away from your story?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><strong>EG:</strong> If I can give one person hope, my story has made a difference. </p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><strong>JB: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><strong>EG:</strong> Yes! Read all the books you can get your hands on. Then, after you’ve read all the books your teachers and instructors gave you, read the ones you’ve heard about and always wanted to read. Read everything and don’t stop. Read the cereal box, the junk mail, and the newspaper. Read poems and read something wild on the internet. Go back and catch up on stuff you missed as a child. Read the classics, but if they bore you, that’s all right; read bestsellers. Rather than having an excuse, pick any book that looks good to you, and then do it again! Write reviews of every book, and post them on Goodreads. Share your reading journey. It’s your life, and your writing will benefit. No writer’s conference or book on writing can replace reading.</p><p style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;">Readers can pre-order “Crocheting in Heaven” through her customized pre-order page right <strong><a href="https://soopllc.com/product/crocheting-in-heaven/" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;">here</a>. </strong>Learn more about Eve Gaal through the links below:</p><div>Website: <a href="https://evegaal.com/" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;">evegaal.com</a></div><div>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/EveGaal" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;">@EveGaal</a></div><div>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PennilessHearts" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;">Penniless Hearts</a></div><div>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eve-gaal-1092274a/" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;">Eve Gaal</a></div><div>Blog: <a href="https://evegaal.blogspot.com/" style="color: #8b7b35; text-decoration-line: none;">Eve Gaal Blog </a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> I think if you have an eye for art, or appreciate crafts like painting, crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting, woodworking, basketmaking, mosaic tiles, stained glass, sculpting or drawing, you'll enjoy my story. I look forward to seeing your comments! </div></div> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-69729360055319780812022-09-03T12:36:00.003-07:002022-09-03T12:36:50.104-07:00Summer Issue<p> I'm a bit late in posting the latest issue of In2uition Magazine, but here it is, in case you missed it. (The lady on the cover reminds me of a fancier version of Penny, one of my characters.)</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.in2itionmagazine.com/summer2022"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuXY2lTT_-eegUOrCr4w1LHbOmxvW1uDbO32VT8k83CGKEp2Xz-ClEFczeym1Qiwa_vlZfnulLHnjn8nHrLjxTiqFKmSb81SgM-mFulXuaBJYG43wNTm4lJeeG6fkD9bdkqfUT5HdCWmheyPsAge873nRLPzb9VsuB1WeqytFKVT70n8_caaD34Cl/s320/Summer%20issue%20of%20In2ition%20Magazine.jpg" width="247" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.in2itionmagazine.com/summer2022">Read my column--Apple Blossoms by Eve</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.in2itionmagazine.com/summer2022">In2ition Magazine</a><br /></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-70355606972889514172022-08-02T09:51:00.000-07:002022-08-02T09:51:11.936-07:00Twenty Second Affirmation<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">This morning,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">as the
grogginess unfolds from your mind,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Before your
feet touch the ground;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Prepare the
prologue. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Give it twenty
seconds.</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZ_dQxHkBoVOhwkTufR6WzYqrG3SgiR9dMLb4WrxcBIQFRYUsjcasgr-3WISrCPeXxAWzTs_6aflX-_yzMVhOwej27VMLhQ8aL5tv9fcfBoWHW2GriX7djvG0h8G-Op5dQpVx_rUaQpYcbj0aHRNSKrQFuGuGDZuNIf9LDchrOu_pw5Ww1svcVhoD/s800/closeup-photography-white-popcorns-109919176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZ_dQxHkBoVOhwkTufR6WzYqrG3SgiR9dMLb4WrxcBIQFRYUsjcasgr-3WISrCPeXxAWzTs_6aflX-_yzMVhOwej27VMLhQ8aL5tv9fcfBoWHW2GriX7djvG0h8G-Op5dQpVx_rUaQpYcbj0aHRNSKrQFuGuGDZuNIf9LDchrOu_pw5Ww1svcVhoD/s320/closeup-photography-white-popcorns-109919176.jpg" width="320" /></span></b></a></div><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Patiently. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Like those last
few kernels of popcorn--<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Think about the
coming day, and all the letters, words and sentences you will use in a positive
manner. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Plan your day
like a story with a happy ending. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Remember there’s
a beginning, a middle and an end to this unique day, and you are the main
character.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Don’t even look
toward the window, in case the weather influences your outlook.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Be it cloudy,
rainy or windy, let your mind float into a place where your voice is heard, your
smile appreciated, and your touch treasured, as if it were a blessing. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">This is your
day. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">A short
delightful chapter in the eloquent, exciting book of your life.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-12312668021739924362022-07-24T11:41:00.000-07:002022-07-24T11:41:15.578-07:00Focus on the Fun!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">There’s not much to say when you’re having fun, and enjoying
summer. Some folks sit around complaining about the heat, while others decide
to jump in and forget all about complaining. This month we’ve dashed into
air-conditioned buildings as if it were hailing golf balls. As if our flip-flops
would melt and take a piece of our souls down into some fired up inferno. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicej64joRVosSOH8IqCnpcYlVj4VsM3isOMgzQ97yq44o80b2cV-w8DTCFH4xZQRJSTLpccXcxrXr8hj2ae3Ohw7vcd2f9tm8KLG6bVUT-fv9705iQu_NCef3bT_sjHN5JoMnprMdg5MJK-WTfiYliYOwc7IRZZft-uGa8nNMGdWv1HbihgbeYYa7S/s4032/20220717_123947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicej64joRVosSOH8IqCnpcYlVj4VsM3isOMgzQ97yq44o80b2cV-w8DTCFH4xZQRJSTLpccXcxrXr8hj2ae3Ohw7vcd2f9tm8KLG6bVUT-fv9705iQu_NCef3bT_sjHN5JoMnprMdg5MJK-WTfiYliYOwc7IRZZft-uGa8nNMGdWv1HbihgbeYYa7S/w150-h200/20220717_123947.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>And, still we laughed, splashed and forgot about those slick
news anchors and their horrid predictions. We took each hour at a time, and
dressed accordingly. We brought hats and sunscreen on our daily adventures. We
sang and watched the sunset while enjoying cool drinks. We listened to a band,
danced, and ate magnificent food. We froze at the movie theater while watching
the Elvis movie. We ordered ice cream and everyone looked happy. No complaints. (Even our dog Baba, likes the heat.)<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of course, there’s more hot weather ahead.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b> So, I guess my point
is, we need to focus on the good times.</b> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’ll remember the laughter caused by
messed up lyrics, twisted jokes, and crazy selfies. There was that ice-cube
that slipped from my hand and traveled across the floor, soft breezes that
tousled my hair, and colorful flowers that seemed to enjoy blasting sunshine mixed with giant dollops of humidity. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKSH0D_3mURV8DUr86Si0BM1UnwHkhcIfI2l3uowQsJLy3_HGCcQOpskk_Nrx0trnwjhiW2usMytVYbZYsykOqa3UVbfMwsx80rwHjoinWv9RDAt1rTtmBQQGs_J-2cidMeQlK39HpENo2Nw146Q3kbgi7FzBPCGCTF0m6fgN8mMemdlfpUIT8Cdh/s4032/20220702_144400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKSH0D_3mURV8DUr86Si0BM1UnwHkhcIfI2l3uowQsJLy3_HGCcQOpskk_Nrx0trnwjhiW2usMytVYbZYsykOqa3UVbfMwsx80rwHjoinWv9RDAt1rTtmBQQGs_J-2cidMeQlK39HpENo2Nw146Q3kbgi7FzBPCGCTF0m6fgN8mMemdlfpUIT8Cdh/s320/20220702_144400.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcMhwU7jdqoht3I42c3CWi_utiPerIpIECBVsJ65kRSgBfEAA4iP_vl_tHE4LKLxE_Lw4KHuI3eL1DwwSdCb5dw5-tv5jjKKqjV8wMS_BjlStsYy4dIaMFo6DNzZyJ9SM_-t8HfEj7E9KUPeCYZCogx01IN29KW0EGjust8T6PI0CFXlQx4QGpbiv/s4032/20220718_120058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcMhwU7jdqoht3I42c3CWi_utiPerIpIECBVsJ65kRSgBfEAA4iP_vl_tHE4LKLxE_Lw4KHuI3eL1DwwSdCb5dw5-tv5jjKKqjV8wMS_BjlStsYy4dIaMFo6DNzZyJ9SM_-t8HfEj7E9KUPeCYZCogx01IN29KW0EGjust8T6PI0CFXlQx4QGpbiv/s320/20220718_120058.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4L8WUvzI3KVFLCCK4jkylAikNJYF-SRcME8FbSpzihtYgcKVNKZE8RmBN_j2k1BUoLqAr6irZzLA8hCuw_d51kgLLQoTUGU-u0hFgRY3TBvsdSvq8AUfiKQbE0x2xyq23FeoMNnKRHJngprQmHppnZ9C8q-56Szajwj_zPk1I8ycnubZ0eqgmXi3/s4032/20220607_112636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4L8WUvzI3KVFLCCK4jkylAikNJYF-SRcME8FbSpzihtYgcKVNKZE8RmBN_j2k1BUoLqAr6irZzLA8hCuw_d51kgLLQoTUGU-u0hFgRY3TBvsdSvq8AUfiKQbE0x2xyq23FeoMNnKRHJngprQmHppnZ9C8q-56Szajwj_zPk1I8ycnubZ0eqgmXi3/s320/20220607_112636.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Here’s hoping incredible memories and awesome escapades
outweigh any future discomfort.</b><o:p></o:p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-77674218575209513942022-07-01T11:49:00.000-07:002022-07-01T11:49:54.742-07:00Happy Fourth of July!<p> </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Happy</span></b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNVjbQ7w6S68Cdns9JnXuFBRj71_qyjTZGwkOqxIbCOOBe4bMlDGHwLkgLibb6wkzHSg0kLn_5esjzwVhmvyhVKK-UbXFu3lqsmfhuRRTjnbkQN4c6WqOMp87OsQcImT2FavWW1D9stzhQfrtiKl09fc1Jdy4EYNU9bOMio9Epo_TJmV5ihYa-mNi/s400/Fourth%20of%20July%20clipart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="254" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNVjbQ7w6S68Cdns9JnXuFBRj71_qyjTZGwkOqxIbCOOBe4bMlDGHwLkgLibb6wkzHSg0kLn_5esjzwVhmvyhVKK-UbXFu3lqsmfhuRRTjnbkQN4c6WqOMp87OsQcImT2FavWW1D9stzhQfrtiKl09fc1Jdy4EYNU9bOMio9Epo_TJmV5ihYa-mNi/s320/Fourth%20of%20July%20clipart.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>Please remember that fireworks are not allowed in Riverside County, California, but there are several spectacular shows planned around the area. Since we have a rescue puppy, we will probably hold her and try to keep her calm all evening. Unfortunately, many people forget there are also people suffering from PTSD who would rather not hear the loud explosions caused by fire-crackers. Even sparklers can be dangerous to small children, and the smoke can bother those with inhalation and respiratory issues. I've also noticed that birds, bees and butterflies are affected by the toxic fumes. Fortunately, there are many ways to remember our freedoms: music for example, dancing, singing, swimming, and of course eating are a few basic ideas. Lawn games like badminton, croquet, football and tag might be fun. Plus there are board games, puzzles, table tennis, and good old fetch with the pooch, or pooches. Either way, have fun, and celebrate responsibly. <p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-38603013175415423302022-06-07T12:51:00.000-07:002022-06-07T12:51:51.555-07:00Summer Climates Among the Vines<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Summer
Heat</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5h9EspzhS7ISts-LG-MH96tkMRwPd5vcP_YGuYvaGrMWU2cldEjxoQ3MsPVYhWBa9zcj_zlQmIzUUYcTspdvu8827I_nr0vxChWuCfZAt-_zZ9e8oWq1GV5O86g1N-rwEQpMM5CCLiDGOy-exUyC0vX0Ene8MaYy9CFun6gI_KfFBSQgPz_IjXH-K/s4032/20220607_112636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5h9EspzhS7ISts-LG-MH96tkMRwPd5vcP_YGuYvaGrMWU2cldEjxoQ3MsPVYhWBa9zcj_zlQmIzUUYcTspdvu8827I_nr0vxChWuCfZAt-_zZ9e8oWq1GV5O86g1N-rwEQpMM5CCLiDGOy-exUyC0vX0Ene8MaYy9CFun6gI_KfFBSQgPz_IjXH-K/s320/20220607_112636.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="color: #7f6000;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>The wisteria might
not bloom.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Months after sprouting
curling branches,<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>temperamental
vines know the weather is changing.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Perhaps she
heard screeches from the<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>brazen
bougainvillea that latched onto our window screens.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Thorns lacerating
left and right—creating holes--<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>a magenta blur
on windy days.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>“Let me in!
It’s coming,” she seems to scream.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Two hot days
and the tender clematis surrenders. <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Arrogant weeds are
in their glory.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Meanwhile the
frolicking jasmine,<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>holds a perfume
competition with the roses.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Though most
lemons are gone—<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>squeezed into
winter recipes--<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>barely enough
for a pitcher of lemonade--<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>their new blossoms
add a joyful citrus scent,<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>luring us out—<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>into the shade,<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>where pale
green matures into a bold,<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fragrant palette.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Until late
summer—<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>when the desperate
vines cling—<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>droop and
wither with abandon. <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>When the
parched grass fades to yellow,<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>and we now smell our neighbor’s barbecue,<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>tropical
scented sunblock,<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>a floral fabric
softener that reminds us of wisteria.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>The time comes--</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>when even the dastardly weeds wither and die.</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Eve Gaal<o:p></o:p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-754162869591245592022-05-29T10:40:00.000-07:002022-05-29T10:40:58.059-07:00Timber<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOK-g31DPOx3Rm6eaoH7kI_O7e7MrlxiILqTL6GUdyfOkPhaWTuVhVZBgQYX4cIADRO3zMr3NkqKZv272OGmZhgird0ecCxEmB4J8Wr0sCyFXa9azi8Wl5KF_qBHZOkTemju7zDKOl664OlhdaX14f0fYZKmAOoGxB91v57uc8E6cHKk3eS--JJCW/s4032/20220504_100644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOK-g31DPOx3Rm6eaoH7kI_O7e7MrlxiILqTL6GUdyfOkPhaWTuVhVZBgQYX4cIADRO3zMr3NkqKZv272OGmZhgird0ecCxEmB4J8Wr0sCyFXa9azi8Wl5KF_qBHZOkTemju7zDKOl664OlhdaX14f0fYZKmAOoGxB91v57uc8E6cHKk3eS--JJCW/s320/20220504_100644.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>I love trees. I think trees know that I love them. Still,
one had to be trimmed, and the tree fought back. Two chirping birds landed in
the leaves above my head. It’s like the tree had lobbyists or flying spokes-feathers. Maybe they were sent to warn me. Or a nest?</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>I’m on a hill with a hand
saw, the branch gives way, grazing my face, nicking my hand and bruising my
chest. Of course, I saw stars for about an hour. My only excuse, “I thought it
would fall the other direction.” The worse parts were tongue lashings from family
and friends. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>“NO”, they said. “You could have killed yourself. Never
again”, they said. “What if you were knocked onto the cement at the bottom of
the hill?” All right, I capitulate. A friend brought over hydrogen peroxide and
Band-Aids. I’ve been through worse, and I’m sure I’ll live. I love trees. Let
them grow. Sorry little birds. </b></span><o:p></o:p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-79583877741829512612022-05-18T11:16:00.001-07:002022-05-18T13:23:46.223-07:00 At Dusk-The Puppy Transformation<div class="separator"><p class="MsoNormal" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKYYiUwiwpX57ys9typ0tK4XlScO1tBwKKFUBAt0LjhWfGhjZ5B2jHyCdJalBq6IekXwTYd1qm9ngUAMKmJBfFkC7EpwPhK3EUNGrD1uLNqN-Gkg9uuaHoo09GRY6HmMnkPLXfuTHLxx_UTI47w_F4deUmMy7FHeVEuSc4107BEYaojWnUTD6NMbh/s320/20220405_112956.jpg" width="240" /></p></div><p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been calling our live-in rescue, Petunia Butt-Cakes,
because she doesn’t like home remodeling. There are contractors setting tile
upstairs, which inspires unprovoked barking tantrums. She refuses to learn the
outside from the inside, hangs off of puppy pads to do her business, or goes
for the larger pads-aka-rugs. She also forages for sticks in the yard, chews on
them, which in turn gives her constipation, and that annoying itch under the
tail.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of course, she’s teething, chewing and destroying everything
she can, even digging up plants, and turning over lamps. Her numerous toys don’t
excite her as much as any form of trouble. You should see what she did with my
yarn. And, she shouldn’t have separation anxiety, because we are here,
babysitting, and trying to train this 13lbs of terror, with treats, all day
long. I turn my back and she’s standing on the dinner table. Still, she doesn’t
believe she’s not the Alpha dog. Somehow, she has determined that she can do as
she pleases, and it’s none of our business. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKYYiUwiwpX57ys9typ0tK4XlScO1tBwKKFUBAt0LjhWfGhjZ5B2jHyCdJalBq6IekXwTYd1qm9ngUAMKmJBfFkC7EpwPhK3EUNGrD1uLNqN-Gkg9uuaHoo09GRY6HmMnkPLXfuTHLxx_UTI47w_F4deUmMy7FHeVEuSc4107BEYaojWnUTD6NMbh/s4032/20220405_112956.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Her dad has threatened to send her back to the rescue; even
offered to sell her in front of Walmart. I think he was joking, but the scars
on his hands just healed. We bought books on training puppies but those people/writers/doctors
or whatever they call themselves, are crazy. One book, that ended up in the thrift-store box, suggests a choke-hold leash. Another famous dog guru said to use electrical shock collars.
How are famous veterinarian’s able to offer such horrid advice? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I’m astounded, but I don’t want to dwell
on it.<o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’m hoping when the floor is finished, things will settle
down a bit. Until then, I’m investing in odor eliminators and rolling up the
rugs. Someday, I want to write about her sweetness. It happens after dusk. After
the workers are gone. After running us ragged, after we threw the ball a
hundred times, after the zoomies in the yard, after she’s too pooped to bark
anymore, she finally, runs out of energy and wants to snuggle-up while we watch
television. Adorable.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPip8JjiE-JSPR98_9vsoKqQmcrAtXoptuYGvfRpn-9TEU_JTgZw7C8neSWhLM7mGKcObodITsxvxFUPQ9tpz5WKGyu-BfZ0dmMViiborb8-heA6bRhItYybXfg94ROGuaun8k0tz0cv9ZeLGdbgV65oMlitsX0zQiUiVeG35e_G4dK9500iGH_-P/s4032/20220502_213043.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPip8JjiE-JSPR98_9vsoKqQmcrAtXoptuYGvfRpn-9TEU_JTgZw7C8neSWhLM7mGKcObodITsxvxFUPQ9tpz5WKGyu-BfZ0dmMViiborb8-heA6bRhItYybXfg94ROGuaun8k0tz0cv9ZeLGdbgV65oMlitsX0zQiUiVeG35e_G4dK9500iGH_-P/s320/20220502_213043.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"> A sleeping monster
waiting for the sun to rise on a new day. Our Baba-Chanel, the cutest Jekyll-Hyde
character you’ll ever see. Petunia Butt-Cakes.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-90288134487707795422022-05-09T11:21:00.000-07:002022-05-09T11:21:11.993-07:00Three Wonderful Reasons to Be Busy<p> </p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The last few weeks have been busy weeks for several reasons.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>1.</b> I’m participating in a couple of online writing groups
that offer prizes, and print the best stories in their anthologies. One of
these groups is a critique group that meets with zoom. While it’s fun to read
other stories, we’re supposed to critique them. This is where I’m having some
trouble. You see, I don’t think of myself as an editor. In my opinion, writers
are creative, and who am I to tell someone they shouldn’t use clichés, or they
should think of a different word for ‘very’? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I say, let it flow, and if the story doesn’t jive with
readers, then maybe they’ll write another one. ( I do). Eventually, they can pay an
editor to fix mistakes and overused expressions, but honestly, I don’t think I’m
cut out for critique groups. I’ve tried three different critique groups and
felt uncomfortable in all of them. One was in Rancho Mirage, one was in La
Quinta, and another in Temecula. All the writers were amazing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some wrote science fiction, memoir, steam-punk
or mystery. One guy wrote poems. Seriously, I enjoyed hearing every story, but
I write in different genres, mostly, romantic adventures, and faith-based
fables, nevertheless, everyone has always given me wonderful, constructive
advice. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On top of all that, if I missed one meeting, I’d lose the flow. Characters
were introduced, and there were new twists in the plot. It was horrifying, for
me anyway, trying to tell these artists, anything about their creation, since I had skipped
a large chunk of valuable information. And yet, it was obvious the attendees
would thirst for any input, or glimmer of feedback we could offer.😟<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I’m sticking to the online groups for a while, especially
since a couple of my stories won a prize! Awesome group of writers, fabulous stories and I'm proud to be part of this incredible process called Bardsy. My story can be found in an anthology titled; <b>Love is
Blind,</b> and you can order a copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XZBNMK5</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XZBNMK5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQm-sggas-9p-n5CdlD7HMXRy5eNTvLvVCpQxR8ESRiu4iIWGaz2zUUmBIWWv1u0ZwS4UFZUB9-7jMpseQXOGIVRfyBIuKf6GEtY0WlAkAp5uiZXE1KPPKNMJQgjHTNFybiHX5eNFcSs7FDeQf1vOlqw8bjsEG8hKI7SXW3wmEXOh7SuotPbxL87F/s320/Bardsy%20Love%20Story%20Anthology.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b>2</b>. I also have a new column at <b>In2ition Magazine</b>!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Watch out world, because this gorgeous magazine is not your mother's coffee-table periodical. It's about empowering women, so I shared a short bold scene from a day in my life. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.in2itionmagazine.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JDEa-_IQ2id0eL97ibhuZuWimFVZ1T1diK5U4fl1mosnJfryp2Wyn3V1HOGOseupwHS4sOk7dkB7doHtmChn6HpdaEo3OFf6itAb1QrYF9WgOdVVC_970xRuJp9mnaoGjVTAWjo2iZ_ZgJgKS5sFqs04l4eH6mku8DZuCSgHVuEUcTMQyaB84109/s320/In2tion%20Magazine-Spring%2022.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"> It’s called <b><i><span style="color: #ff3399;">Apple Blossoms</span></i></b><span style="color: red;"> </span>and
you can read it here: <a href="https://www.in2itionmagazine.com/issues">https://www.in2itionmagazine.com/issues</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>3. </b>We are remodeling our bathroom. This idea of a safer,
less slippery floor has grown into an immense project that has kicked us out of
our bedroom. It’s like a colossal trilogy that never seems to end, may have a happy ending, but I'm ready to flush. 😊<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you for sticking with me on this long post. Have you
ever joined a critique group? Did you enjoy it? Have you remodeled your
bathroom? Is this really May? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-31630011533017042872022-04-18T15:53:00.000-07:002022-04-18T15:53:42.607-07:00 Collective Messages of Love<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">There’s a lady sheep farmer, or shepherd, on Facebook who writes
lyrical posts about her sheep. Sometimes she mentions a llama, or the dog. In
spring, she writes lovely prose about the newborn lambs. Every animal has a name and she describes their unique personalities. Later in the year, she
hires shearers so the wool can be made into yarn.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The photos alone are
worth the visit. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlessEweSheepCo">https://www.facebook.com/BlessEweSheepCo</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also follow a chihuahua
rescue, and listen to the owner wax poetic about ninety little pups, their
ailments, and how they get along. He shares long videos and personal techniques
for giving these animals comfortable lives. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bigguylittlesworld">https://www.facebook.com/bigguylittlesworld</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit, the
two sites alone can pull me in for almost an hour, but there’s also a miniature
horse rescue, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SoCalMiniHorse">https://www.facebook.com/SoCalMiniHorse</a> a local duck sanctuary, and yes, I need to get a life. But it all leads me to
this post. A necessary, Easter post about love.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I can’t help visiting, liking and commenting, because in each photo and post, I hear,
and see, the voice of God. When the shepherd writes about
how she wants to cuddle with her lambs, I find it remarkable, that even as exhausted as she must be, after a long day on a farm,
with so much to do, she loves each animal, and wants to embrace her flock.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When the dog rescuer calls each of the dogs by name, and
treats the blind, or disfigured dogs the same as the healthier dogs, again, I
feel, and see the hand of Jesus. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The guy at the duck sanctuary had to move his entire
operation, and is now digging a pond in a brand-new location, just for rescued
fowl. Remember He can move mountains, so why not a lake? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theelsinoreduckpond">https://www.facebook.com/theelsinoreduckpond</a> <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwlhpqMb2hZ8T7QwgqZFLqYbYUNd9bh3gOoEzLkFI3njy7HdrR2rXpeIa8Cdw9V1Sc6GANVm88bOgCm2H5JHgfav6ghnNIYpMrcN5b9pNfU7KWtOMUJ12KYptjuejAYGUI2FMzuKrtgzTaICqr8vUlVKxvArwVKh49TThUdS4F9fH_td3L2vdAU4C/s400/good%20shepherd%20art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="288" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwlhpqMb2hZ8T7QwgqZFLqYbYUNd9bh3gOoEzLkFI3njy7HdrR2rXpeIa8Cdw9V1Sc6GANVm88bOgCm2H5JHgfav6ghnNIYpMrcN5b9pNfU7KWtOMUJ12KYptjuejAYGUI2FMzuKrtgzTaICqr8vUlVKxvArwVKh49TThUdS4F9fH_td3L2vdAU4C/s320/good%20shepherd%20art.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">That’s how He loves us. YOU. It doesn’t matter whether you’re
blind, disfigured, or even cranky. He wants to snuggle with you every day. God
loves you just the way you are. Always. We are not pets. We are humans made in
His image. He thinks you are magnificent. Adorable. Perfect. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-22418124531303654932022-04-12T14:56:00.000-07:002022-04-12T14:56:40.497-07:00Easter Appreciation<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Thank you for being a visitor to my blog. Some of you comment,
while others have supported me by purchasing my novels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have encouraged my creativity and reviewed
complex stories, and for those important points I am grateful beyond words. You
are all valuable. Immeasurably. Intangibly. </b></span><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P9oNX6MT9zNf-6b2SFuGK_mxyaSkxGaM7XM0AvfPliKjy7qfiU9UzZb7iZDGngAY3BHsfc6P3b6xxv6XgsNspULAN8RBR_QpT5vd2Nfi4V5dWbPW6--0rsuTo7bBm1IbngTyNLrerzed-D5nuOy39l-iNCYbC91-KwhQs03_mTr5iqdF1_9UTCKM/s400/easter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="251" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P9oNX6MT9zNf-6b2SFuGK_mxyaSkxGaM7XM0AvfPliKjy7qfiU9UzZb7iZDGngAY3BHsfc6P3b6xxv6XgsNspULAN8RBR_QpT5vd2Nfi4V5dWbPW6--0rsuTo7bBm1IbngTyNLrerzed-D5nuOy39l-iNCYbC91-KwhQs03_mTr5iqdF1_9UTCKM/s320/easter1.jpg" width="201" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You lift me up!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-11087929674000207952022-03-10T14:47:00.000-08:002022-03-10T14:47:35.362-08:00Community<p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>What does community mean to you? Is community your
neighborhood? </b></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Your city? Your valley? Your country?</b></p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMayEqFCCVHGUprkNfDVdCfd8roU-K0Vtn49NtgBWGtk5OIM5yC7NIWuJL2S8FhU8FL5m_GHljjHx9ZnlNVb6BrQ_SeG418v0ZOskyiv7-il8c1PF-hqB8OaZzdduJGS4ZWW51IHLXQBlpx-OHLpTRZlhiojW9OHfcuX1bPwv_p0Zp_bEOYLHOlpdH=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="color: red;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMayEqFCCVHGUprkNfDVdCfd8roU-K0Vtn49NtgBWGtk5OIM5yC7NIWuJL2S8FhU8FL5m_GHljjHx9ZnlNVb6BrQ_SeG418v0ZOskyiv7-il8c1PF-hqB8OaZzdduJGS4ZWW51IHLXQBlpx-OHLpTRZlhiojW9OHfcuX1bPwv_p0Zp_bEOYLHOlpdH=s320" width="240" /></span></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">This was strange to see in 2022,<br /> but understandable during Covid</span><br /><i>(At a doctor's lab)</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"> A community is a
group of people with common interests living in a particular area. A community can be small,
such as a nursing home, a nudist colony or a monastery. People who enjoy sunshine, might
consider Florida their community, while people of faith, might gather in a community church. New York and other giant cities have ethnic communities, such as Little Italy. Los Angeles
has Little Tokyo, and San Francisco has Chinatown.... These places
still exist, but the diverse population has expanded so much, that residents had to move to
the suburbs where they created new, inclusive communities welcoming everyone.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Still, the world struggles, but is striving to become one giant community.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Which is why we identify with Ukrainians during a war. This
is why we pray for world peace. It is why the local homeless population fills us with concern, and
also the reason we know that all lives matter.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Our intangible hearts find community with other hearts. All hearts are the same blood-red color. We are
bound together as humans who empathize with other humans. In church they call
that The Body of Christ. It’s when the members of a community beat together with
one compassionate heartbeat. A community of love.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Recently, a publisher in Canada decided to put together an
anthology titled, Community, which is filled with poetry examining all the
angles and perspectives of the word, and what community means to each writer. My
little poem about a community center is included, but it’s also packed with much
more!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Every mayor of every town, every teacher, every religious leader, every governor,
every Prime Minister, and every President, should read this book to understand
what community means to the creative souls who have shared their
deepest thoughts about the heart of community. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnUVSF2S7hVfmqzGG9J8Z7sYq0NjOkFIsQe_36h2qa6yJX_1sQg7kiAzc99HfCuE_OAvNi2wRfXddUYglYSL2-83uMW7UgVV0D-ORKalKsc5yTEehTckcCVrme4kHvkhDVgqholqQfd6wxX8IVpnAd7zzYzSbuMgvHhieRcTYuPnfRJVFIK1VC6lid=s1620" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnUVSF2S7hVfmqzGG9J8Z7sYq0NjOkFIsQe_36h2qa6yJX_1sQg7kiAzc99HfCuE_OAvNi2wRfXddUYglYSL2-83uMW7UgVV0D-ORKalKsc5yTEehTckcCVrme4kHvkhDVgqholqQfd6wxX8IVpnAd7zzYzSbuMgvHhieRcTYuPnfRJVFIK1VC6lid=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-64031739083347946362022-02-20T11:34:00.002-08:002022-02-20T11:40:56.147-08:00Not Writing? Remember Two Things<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Hope everyone had a wonderful <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Valentine’s Day!</b></span> Things have
been kind of busy around here with the new puppy, but I’m getting back
to work. Still, when the North wind blows into California, I start shivering
and coming up with excuses for not writing. </p><p class="MsoNormal">One of my favorite hobbies is
crocheting. I’ve crocheted sweaters, scarves and hats that magically, bring on
a heatwave. Then it drops thirty degrees and I’ll have tea and get comfortable
in fuzzy slippers, when all of a sudden there’s a barking festival inside, and
outside, the house. Seems the neighborhood dogs want to welcome our pup. By the
time the chorus is over, it’s time for lunch. It’s a never-ending cycle, and we
have to be ready. All creative writers have to be ready. Are you? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Which leads me to the two pieces of advice I have for times
like this: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> <span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Stay the course.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">You don't have time. Seriously. After all, there
are a million distractions, but don’t forget, your mind still works. You can
plot things out without writing them down. The more you repeat dialogue in your
head, the better it will be. If you’re prone to forgetting things, make small
notes along the way. Notes aside, you can create a better story by thinking
about your scene--and your characters and imagining everything clearly—all while
making dinner or driving your car. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">When shopping, and about to select a
vegetable or package off the shelf, think about your characters. What would
they eat, what would they drink? Do they eat cereal for breakfast? Are they
just like you? Maybe not, right?</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Don’t worry, you’ll have time to write it
all down someday. Maybe not this week, or next, but when it’s right. In other
words, don’t give up. Ever.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2<span style="color: #0b5394;">.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Stay Positive!</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">There are many reasons for excuses. One bad
rejection letter and I can fall behind for two months. Broadcasts about war send
my poetry muse packing. If my book isn’t selling, I wonder why I should write
another. Then, when I least expect it, I receive a wonderful review about how
the reader can’t wait to read more. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p>Excuses run the gamut: my computer is giving me a problem, I’m cold,
I’m hungry, worrying about someone else, the kids, the mortgage, health related
stuff, the water bill, the news reports, etc. I imagine you know what I’m
talking about. Anyway, with electronic rejections, I suggest deleting them
immediately. There are hundreds of other publications that are in need of
creative work, and we need to focus on the ones that appreciate our writing. With
so many negative things to worry about, seeing that email once, is enough. Of
course, if the publication offers a few suggestions, and gives constructive
criticism to improve the piece you wrote, you will want to take those things
into consideration. Otherwise, don’t re-read it. Don’t dwell on it, and don’t
print it. Delete button and gone. What rejection?</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5rxktc3m0bCdzcvagRmDmcZhMoxo0i5rV5ac6BdGMT6PEAs82CrKoQLf0nbjhW2RwzjVOTnAHUTiriS3go7gzZy1VMYp_tfd5Y0dozskQLGt88rt-KiO2n9cFUlAlDQ885Nd2WPJSPDkUVajBROvElYo4TDNJHzhl9YTNxA_bsVCoupCBtUOXBPhQ=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5rxktc3m0bCdzcvagRmDmcZhMoxo0i5rV5ac6BdGMT6PEAs82CrKoQLf0nbjhW2RwzjVOTnAHUTiriS3go7gzZy1VMYp_tfd5Y0dozskQLGt88rt-KiO2n9cFUlAlDQ885Nd2WPJSPDkUVajBROvElYo4TDNJHzhl9YTNxA_bsVCoupCBtUOXBPhQ=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My acceptance file. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">When you receive an acceptance letter—print
it--and put it next to your computer. Additionally, I suggest not watching the
depressing, not-so-local news. Instead, stay in tune with your local
neighborhood, by joining social media groups and watching city hall meetings in
your town. Want edge of your seat reporting? The comments about the lost cat
from around the corner are riveting. Also, a distraction, but more interesting
than anything that happens on cable. Plus more poetic.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p>In summary, there will be a time, and you'll be ready.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Two things-that’s it.</span></b> You can do this. <o:p></o:p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-49538763431283929032022-01-25T11:33:00.002-08:002022-01-25T11:45:44.725-08:00Worth a Resolution Detour<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjspbjD1NhIgvXm7f2MUAHLbO1IN5mZHk_mnBy9LvBwz8aLX2c2pS9J-bPDXsisEf7hC0XINcTeYifTJQ3S9JU3MsdFBeNjHoxXNnqY_fuckzLtBdyo5VPvNwg59wJNw1rAmyfJt4LwIwx3BN3h0u_xk4WXngC3PTeuJDlDJ7ngtWq_vehWBFdWgj7w=s299" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="126" data-original-width="299" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjspbjD1NhIgvXm7f2MUAHLbO1IN5mZHk_mnBy9LvBwz8aLX2c2pS9J-bPDXsisEf7hC0XINcTeYifTJQ3S9JU3MsdFBeNjHoxXNnqY_fuckzLtBdyo5VPvNwg59wJNw1rAmyfJt4LwIwx3BN3h0u_xk4WXngC3PTeuJDlDJ7ngtWq_vehWBFdWgj7w" width="299" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I had serious goals and the best of intentions, until I
received a special birthday gift, at which time, my <b>New Year’s Resolutions</b> sort
of sprang, flew or dashed to the wayside. Yes, I had multiple ideas, most focused
on writing. I have three unfinished books in my laptop, a couple more bouncing
around in my brain, not to mention the blog, the website updating, poetry,
volunteer work, not to mention the normal duties of everyday life. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Diets and exercise? Puhleeze—there’s a pandemic going around,
and even if I spruced up, and almost looked perfect, there's nowhere to go. So, I’m settling for a
bit of pudge, minor house cleaning and daily walks. And don’t ask about reading! The pile is growing like a snowcapped Kilimanjaro.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, no matter how I look at this
situation, the gift, is worth the detour. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here she is—drumroll please------<b><span style="color: #800180;">--Baba</span></b>. (Means baby doll).
Faster than lightening—she’s an Italian greyhound mix rescued by, and from,
<b><a href="https://www.southernstaranimalrescue.org/">Southern Star Animal Shelter</a>,</b> where she spent a couple months, after the original parents said they couldn’t afford to keep her. 💓 (They probably couldn't catch her.) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAkolnY9Su_vSu9FlWsoMxCgQZGmkcRL4Q4FOq1TeLzEkihWR8LID5hgkApc0SXEFqivMrNpPsu-leqDdei9o6TYKmi1xSriBMpOnMxdXILTtt3dBeSJ6xKXz9XzcA2AznbVUM6f901OEm9XTtd9LOkZ3NPi51wRcAv5C2E32u6tcaUulRy9XN_EYe=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAkolnY9Su_vSu9FlWsoMxCgQZGmkcRL4Q4FOq1TeLzEkihWR8LID5hgkApc0SXEFqivMrNpPsu-leqDdei9o6TYKmi1xSriBMpOnMxdXILTtt3dBeSJ6xKXz9XzcA2AznbVUM6f901OEm9XTtd9LOkZ3NPi51wRcAv5C2E32u6tcaUulRy9XN_EYe=w242-h279" width="242" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Her green eyes and
meerkat expressions crack me up, and while physically, she resembles my previous
pups, she is a unique little being, sometimes timid, mostly sweet and always fast. Besides
being a cutie, I can tell she’s smart too. Right now, she’s kind of a handful,
but that’s expected because she’s only 9 months old.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Who knows maybe after
chasing Baba all day I’ll be lean and fit, ready to conquer 2022?</span></div><p class="MsoNormal"> (Don't laugh!😃)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><b>And-</b></i>---- Hopefully,
when she settles down, I’ll get back to writing. <span face=""Segoe UI Emoji", sans-serif">😊</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">How's your resolution going? </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">Don't you think this interruption is 100% worth it?</span></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-81015461097103606282022-01-10T10:09:00.000-08:002022-01-10T10:09:06.286-08:00Wishing You MORE!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>What are you looking for?</i> Are you searching for a
dream destination? A new home, or career? It’s always exciting to think we have
a new <b>year</b> ahead of us filled with unlimited possibilities. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiT4KX-gHuPRhM5MtybKSUqVCbYQmtfCxVV_yHcB-SBBRYl4Rreg8b1zo42T3AY2hs1BHRgElra5c24Fs2eh5_PYxQqWJTcWxk3DWSPwzwjCQRHhFdTzEAbW2mPPKhtWd6c9dhJZas_tNFgI7qbUbtOtrHe36WXzWxPo3aKHEVGt2pWq28HMuoHHLn=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiT4KX-gHuPRhM5MtybKSUqVCbYQmtfCxVV_yHcB-SBBRYl4Rreg8b1zo42T3AY2hs1BHRgElra5c24Fs2eh5_PYxQqWJTcWxk3DWSPwzwjCQRHhFdTzEAbW2mPPKhtWd6c9dhJZas_tNFgI7qbUbtOtrHe36WXzWxPo3aKHEVGt2pWq28HMuoHHLn=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Every single <b>day</b> can lead to fresh ways of looking at
things.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From one <b>hour</b> to another, we might have a refreshing
and bold new idea; a graphic concept, a color combination that works, a tasty
twist in a recipe, a different pathway for walks, a novel workout routine, a
new dance step, a puzzle piece that fits, a plan for a vacay, a fancy
investment, a career goal <i>and <span style="color: #ff00fe;">more.</span></i> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Every <b>minute</b> might bring a surprise. An unexpected
phone call from someone far away, or a passionate kiss and a sudden embrace; a
letter of acceptance, a long-awaited package at the door--a benign biopsy. Maybe there will be a late-arriving Christmas card, a high school friend request, a song you haven’t
heard in ages, a butterfly that lands in your yard, rosebuds, the hummingbird
that hovers nearby, unpredicted rain <i>and <span style="color: #ff00fe;">more.</span></i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And <b>seconds,</b> we have <b>31,536,000 every year!<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Time for a wink, a touch, a giving hand, smiles, <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">a<i>nd more.</i></span></b>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">May all your New Year Dreams Come True!</span><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-8976324264169044872021-12-29T11:26:00.000-08:002021-12-29T11:26:24.738-08:00Happy New Year!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVwl8Aetkc1kCO7r6Qs6u8wzEwpglu1bEjSErWj_6rsP02jyViCvC1n9J7uDAw4z2UnzIdz3PAENcVxSHTpSli_a5iF7prCK_MWeyILMzkzf8GkVq9mSHLKbDeZgBrSYGYbMEf-CQHA8BgkuT2IdjknrS631RzyZEt_fbWfaGKIqc_bzPHasiqkALj=s1640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1640" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVwl8Aetkc1kCO7r6Qs6u8wzEwpglu1bEjSErWj_6rsP02jyViCvC1n9J7uDAw4z2UnzIdz3PAENcVxSHTpSli_a5iF7prCK_MWeyILMzkzf8GkVq9mSHLKbDeZgBrSYGYbMEf-CQHA8BgkuT2IdjknrS631RzyZEt_fbWfaGKIqc_bzPHasiqkALj=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-71044222863638446872021-12-06T16:17:00.001-08:002021-12-06T16:17:14.897-08:00 Ever See a Rock Snake? <p> </p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br />
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>One of the places we enjoy trekking is the Lake Elsinore
levee, where a kind person came up with the creative idea of a rock snake, that
currently slithers down the trail for over half a mile. </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBlIab0CWU232VZ5gzr7Kt-OEXkSEfsYSYocLj9Bq0X42cFVQjpsLcL04yWnTIKBL-ZQz8-qMc20h8wJoc5m9IMMIniN4kEFJ39zt9GT55_7A3EBLqC5QekRWiZnqA-8Q50NHuANRs73bcVOZ-Uumcsm0CTqgXB_IZ355Ru_yT2ZjvCQelU-JX1u1o=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBlIab0CWU232VZ5gzr7Kt-OEXkSEfsYSYocLj9Bq0X42cFVQjpsLcL04yWnTIKBL-ZQz8-qMc20h8wJoc5m9IMMIniN4kEFJ39zt9GT55_7A3EBLqC5QekRWiZnqA-8Q50NHuANRs73bcVOZ-Uumcsm0CTqgXB_IZ355Ru_yT2ZjvCQelU-JX1u1o=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white birds are pelicans and egrets<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Carefully painted, decorated rocks adjacent to the path,
pull attention from ducks, pelicans, hawks and egrets like a display at a
modern art museum. There are also rabbits bounding across into wild scrub
brush, lizards sunning themselves on warm rocks, and who knows, maybe real
snakes? Yikes. The rock snake is good enough for me. </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEFX8SNbn3gQi8CJ3g0DluFwES32E_bmY57j8BK_Y-kGtU-yRShXkeeQ_nKnByVlhakIfz_TgPzIRN8TFY5towDIeq8PT-ciezMtfT_WgnbSpP90AvNbGeiRGKUFVvxkzjKVo8VNbEvWce0S-WMvnnTFCmzjDi3K-rOwKwKOzSKH72Cx4uuQwrNP1C=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEFX8SNbn3gQi8CJ3g0DluFwES32E_bmY57j8BK_Y-kGtU-yRShXkeeQ_nKnByVlhakIfz_TgPzIRN8TFY5towDIeq8PT-ciezMtfT_WgnbSpP90AvNbGeiRGKUFVvxkzjKVo8VNbEvWce0S-WMvnnTFCmzjDi3K-rOwKwKOzSKH72Cx4uuQwrNP1C=s320" width="156" /></a></div><b>Not only cute and
entertaining, we have even added a rock from my personal Desert Rocks
Collection. (Long story, but I painted rocks of the Coachella Valley and began
freelance writing as The Desert Rocks, after leaving the newspaper business.)</b><o:p></o:p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6XQfVO8BsRVoNzfajl3I7Z-nPY6efEZ6hqchzfJrtqTMVdiS3YJVS--uRbF0W5TB4oZmpWJhEOurFKg-HJEGEgLIBRrFgpn9jrw0xZnInmT6UZV688t0kXsr2etyP79c-bzs-YRxyNu34j-MmQITRhafOIV1ExYnDdLu4-XVWe9ITTF13JtjVZc15=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6XQfVO8BsRVoNzfajl3I7Z-nPY6efEZ6hqchzfJrtqTMVdiS3YJVS--uRbF0W5TB4oZmpWJhEOurFKg-HJEGEgLIBRrFgpn9jrw0xZnInmT6UZV688t0kXsr2etyP79c-bzs-YRxyNu34j-MmQITRhafOIV1ExYnDdLu4-XVWe9ITTF13JtjVZc15=w266-h320" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The levee is a simple, flat walk with rest stops and fresh
ocean breezes that swirl over nearby mountains from Orange County beaches. It’s
the perfect place to stretch your legs and catch up on some local art!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWGS5GvFL2pK3bCokiMhV0fVCShViHfY6Iffd_gK8SPnmmvYzPpsq5_JnaB6XB5MCSu86ETgy2ro0vycIY0eg4-t0Rr3FctVzzg8B_ZNEKoSpL1npZf-9eOp40M9saBruK1uXl5ynhWBc5ZjWWLwm1dsq9Xy2y5e22fVSyHzIj5_cpcQc_Jg1ESL0a=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWGS5GvFL2pK3bCokiMhV0fVCShViHfY6Iffd_gK8SPnmmvYzPpsq5_JnaB6XB5MCSu86ETgy2ro0vycIY0eg4-t0Rr3FctVzzg8B_ZNEKoSpL1npZf-9eOp40M9saBruK1uXl5ynhWBc5ZjWWLwm1dsq9Xy2y5e22fVSyHzIj5_cpcQc_Jg1ESL0a=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe it's a crow?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiykdBhiMnFJouTRSu4UzyseqcS645XLddyEVbmgpPzCQglgyDH4Niujdga8BinGTnu7z1_a7a3c_wrbJe_BSzcqsw5tRa64t7kPPm6ZMRB9fqV46G3Zyqq0k8s3x-R951nGO6MUdE6YBnAcMQSZQyqzj12iGA5s7URQ27zoGjRP22ZhfNtqalxgiDj=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiykdBhiMnFJouTRSu4UzyseqcS645XLddyEVbmgpPzCQglgyDH4Niujdga8BinGTnu7z1_a7a3c_wrbJe_BSzcqsw5tRa64t7kPPm6ZMRB9fqV46G3Zyqq0k8s3x-R951nGO6MUdE6YBnAcMQSZQyqzj12iGA5s7URQ27zoGjRP22ZhfNtqalxgiDj=s320" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A real turkey vulture</td></tr></tbody></table>Watch out, is that a turkey vulture? </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuc3INLqQE-AsEGUgeWH66YxFyjrxaXeDvVrbcL481sFQ629IeCPjXjkp6Is9Wy6Cp12OF_9gTe3ZCJ7koQxfrpljDtexvjXwkiYgeXgKHSlv5mXFReNolRssArWS8RqywBn6XLBbZggvU19vVrG4j1vVUsCKge7DpFlwAyAgXnsHmXqkCOgBlXhJJ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuc3INLqQE-AsEGUgeWH66YxFyjrxaXeDvVrbcL481sFQ629IeCPjXjkp6Is9Wy6Cp12OF_9gTe3ZCJ7koQxfrpljDtexvjXwkiYgeXgKHSlv5mXFReNolRssArWS8RqywBn6XLBbZggvU19vVrG4j1vVUsCKge7DpFlwAyAgXnsHmXqkCOgBlXhJJ=s320" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vulture at rest</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPPjp746I20n1k9RB26h0Hs3U14rKkDIFFj9553kjVmpK02a9t_V1u-mgppbRDh563Hq6k77qWFeGgapa5W2CJCCP_2H3qM0TW87bfFHZFB28SOOMqTAKX-7JLXHBQ84NsAAfMLpblqVVtd5n9Uy-B0BG5-qN7ad3mP5nL9b2bRKys7pfbPUfB3dGU=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPPjp746I20n1k9RB26h0Hs3U14rKkDIFFj9553kjVmpK02a9t_V1u-mgppbRDh563Hq6k77qWFeGgapa5W2CJCCP_2H3qM0TW87bfFHZFB28SOOMqTAKX-7JLXHBQ84NsAAfMLpblqVVtd5n9Uy-B0BG5-qN7ad3mP5nL9b2bRKys7pfbPUfB3dGU=s320" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted rocks....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfdiRiffTYEgVmcAju9pa4PYuH7_SZnbRZPyjWSIxEKD_yh_MuS7bD-EwKXElklGgbmPm-d2UjirYzFPLGJKP7tvyUi81BwLdjTjr1bwQMnlMgwqRLGFFsnkiF6mxjkkWZDd55I5Ok3hMZfc3t-VURcy2_N4cANVeIvIkGURwMz6iqZgpIU1Ty2muY=s3024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfdiRiffTYEgVmcAju9pa4PYuH7_SZnbRZPyjWSIxEKD_yh_MuS7bD-EwKXElklGgbmPm-d2UjirYzFPLGJKP7tvyUi81BwLdjTjr1bwQMnlMgwqRLGFFsnkiF6mxjkkWZDd55I5Ok3hMZfc3t-VURcy2_N4cANVeIvIkGURwMz6iqZgpIU1Ty2muY=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as far as the eye can see.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGZrDELQfBmTHzU00A5wx41Yw3eAFSNAzAn2YJ4hSZ4nwKkLvWs4Ii50m6RyjkjyiSL0wh_f_qXNOqYoZzjOhXhggMq4oi0hA9NFeKBTtGb3P3t4XMBnN8qLbE0igCFFcsA94VTyDOzoqRnWeDaRsC-gg4w4j8RYmYNi8EL-0AijhuM4o5eey1poiL=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGZrDELQfBmTHzU00A5wx41Yw3eAFSNAzAn2YJ4hSZ4nwKkLvWs4Ii50m6RyjkjyiSL0wh_f_qXNOqYoZzjOhXhggMq4oi0hA9NFeKBTtGb3P3t4XMBnN8qLbE0igCFFcsA94VTyDOzoqRnWeDaRsC-gg4w4j8RYmYNi8EL-0AijhuM4o5eey1poiL=s320" width="156" /></a></div><br /> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-46459960089048716782021-10-13T15:05:00.000-07:002021-10-13T15:05:00.791-07:00Autumn's Warning<p><b><span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span></b></o:p><b><span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Crisp autumn seems to<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">gently negotiate with those of us used to warm climes. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Bold winds and light sprinkles advertise coming times.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">New shows on the marquee,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">mannequins with coats,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">candy sales and baked brie.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">January and February will be nippy,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">she whispers among falling leaves.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Is your wine chilled or are you tipsy?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Craving hot appetizers on cool platters, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">we want al fresco dining ‘til our teeth chatter. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Prepare yourself autumn seems to say.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Before everything turns gray.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Fix the furnace before it’s too late.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Shorter days are worth the wait?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Stock up on tea bags and cocoa,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">there might be snow. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTS1sk8CIrZlU81dQnYj-7G8VKVyv8N8CIVJ9tZKVguK1ecCSvOY81byzjY2y0CXM0eibClpmleqHGbqxOz5WsFUZFnCSCvGNqkvg3CNJ-jNHpJHINog46MwhNhuA9L3e5Baaa6UgEys/s4032/20211005_125318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTS1sk8CIrZlU81dQnYj-7G8VKVyv8N8CIVJ9tZKVguK1ecCSvOY81byzjY2y0CXM0eibClpmleqHGbqxOz5WsFUZFnCSCvGNqkvg3CNJ-jNHpJHINog46MwhNhuA9L3e5Baaa6UgEys/w130-h320/20211005_125318.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">You never know.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Time to dig out sweaters and socks,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">hide the shorts--ditch the flipflops.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Trade lemonade for pumpkin lattes--<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">and <i>secretly</i> pray for long summer days. </span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Eve Gaal<o:p></o:p></span></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-5812790256076669272021-09-29T15:20:00.000-07:002021-09-29T15:20:02.824-07:00Another Part of the Circle-A is for Apple<p><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>With a name like Eve, it may not be surprising that we have an apple tree out back. Adorable, pale green apples sway in the autumn breeze,
just waiting to be put into a pie. I seem to remember these are the Fuji
variety.</b> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNwUs_w0Y7uf-o2eOPE8Eu0WCVwV2A6vSPcHYOiesv5TE1-EH93VRtrTUF6gzH_pcHVGxJfNDA9qILmdjp6_p7UVWZIY3vPDwfdFE0avMMv64KV7fspdSTzYs2SmZ2ywdNckXWSwV5j8/s4032/20210815_110456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNwUs_w0Y7uf-o2eOPE8Eu0WCVwV2A6vSPcHYOiesv5TE1-EH93VRtrTUF6gzH_pcHVGxJfNDA9qILmdjp6_p7UVWZIY3vPDwfdFE0avMMv64KV7fspdSTzYs2SmZ2ywdNckXWSwV5j8/s320/20210815_110456.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was tempted.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">What’s your favorite apple? Macintosh? Gala?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;"> Red Delicious?
Honeycrisp? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWRRD3ueSZrHFzXtEWKI6wNeDYFaxjI3qOjg1EPXsIY1XwQVVUiolu4G2o6-W1KQIMWuntVXgmOkhlz0hEHoKBt99s5tS1C6wOLGf1FjxCkQjiTh_QMQZH_OujOJyxB7kuWTWd6NdRtk/s5312/20160212_120100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5312" data-original-width="2988" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWRRD3ueSZrHFzXtEWKI6wNeDYFaxjI3qOjg1EPXsIY1XwQVVUiolu4G2o6-W1KQIMWuntVXgmOkhlz0hEHoKBt99s5tS1C6wOLGf1FjxCkQjiTh_QMQZH_OujOJyxB7kuWTWd6NdRtk/w112-h200/20160212_120100.jpg" width="112" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></b><p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-46068848393168988122021-09-17T10:03:00.000-07:002021-09-17T10:03:05.276-07:00The Circle of Life Heats Up with Pickled Peppers<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Remember <b><i>Peter Piper</i></b> and the famous tongue twister that’s
been around since 1813? </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>I think I like tongue twisters as much as I love peppers!</b><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQHSbxeFkzJmATDDqoBSGUyrrrZGaPJkDRyJQkGhqCIJNhHT3tjv6jjyM5YgpGtwY58pgGcZdgnldEVH1ZUAcDkJyygvxOMQxC-lelvtF5OIPt1PWigD3tKQsRXxEbodvPiVxTBt40hU/s4032/20210914_123322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQHSbxeFkzJmATDDqoBSGUyrrrZGaPJkDRyJQkGhqCIJNhHT3tjv6jjyM5YgpGtwY58pgGcZdgnldEVH1ZUAcDkJyygvxOMQxC-lelvtF5OIPt1PWigD3tKQsRXxEbodvPiVxTBt40hU/s320/20210914_123322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Say <b><span style="color: red;">red peppers</span></b>-<b><span style="color: #bf9000;">yellow peppers,</span></b> five times fast!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As far as peppers go, I prefer jalapenos. They are readily available around
here, and they add flavor to almost everything. I have a friend who makes
jalapeno jam, and it’s delicious. Really.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m not sure if there’s a difference between Hatch and
Anaheim peppers, but they are both as mild as bell peppers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you like a kick, there are poblanos, habaneros, serranoes,
Hungarian peppers, ghost peppers and Scotch bonnets, just to name a few. The
heat of these varieties is measured on something called a Scoville scale and measured
in heat units that go from 2000 to over 2 million. Ever hear of a Carolina
Reaper? (I’d turn back if I were you.)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, here are the tame little peppers from our garden. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCT231T2Br_wMCNCZ-8ZyHP-SL6LIDUrxqqfBmTYWRu-1yZtPa7gv0SvGkdWiY2l17VUq3Xym55cbZPOWjX8ZT9Z2BKdt5ATsmMnigTJtlnDXPFgFPeOlOx9L7BX-SSkLlAV-nvb3icA/s4032/20210815_110432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCT231T2Br_wMCNCZ-8ZyHP-SL6LIDUrxqqfBmTYWRu-1yZtPa7gv0SvGkdWiY2l17VUq3Xym55cbZPOWjX8ZT9Z2BKdt5ATsmMnigTJtlnDXPFgFPeOlOx9L7BX-SSkLlAV-nvb3icA/s320/20210815_110432.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">They have no heat whatsoever. </p><p class="MsoNormal">I think they are banana or shishito, but it doesn’t
matter, because they are delicious in this pickled salad recipe.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2hhOjxl3HFjT4S3No-62Hr-gQ-wjrsd3vK753XSV0f2OAcQKgf_Mk37VZqRgksvfY7g0R_RtQD84OXz_NGW3rawh4ozfQPvzPItVnSwaLJf9xCf2XcY5nrzYOCdUQV72FUY1TXNyvOc/s4032/20210917_090519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2hhOjxl3HFjT4S3No-62Hr-gQ-wjrsd3vK753XSV0f2OAcQKgf_Mk37VZqRgksvfY7g0R_RtQD84OXz_NGW3rawh4ozfQPvzPItVnSwaLJf9xCf2XcY5nrzYOCdUQV72FUY1TXNyvOc/s320/20210917_090519.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Do you have a favorite pepper? <o:p></o:p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-60234079325538786102021-08-30T19:49:00.000-07:002021-08-30T19:49:57.697-07:00The Circle of Life- Believe in the Tomato<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To be honest, I <i>LOVE </i>this series on the circle of life, because none of it would be possible without seeds of faith. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just when we thought the hundred-degree heat,
and drought conditions in California, would dry up our garden, there are tomatoes
on the vine, almost ready to be picked.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7ROQw4klnJe1-q83SDehpmdG2oLIejg0i0E2nNNO_LBCfDOFiTwZLZWymDAkMLsmiL5coykN6zp52XHRRiwuTUE1I9x6qVqFA9McsOFkssPbKjaeVrK8-WABFmdZdfx5kFFS6IVD1MY/s4032/20210815_110412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7ROQw4klnJe1-q83SDehpmdG2oLIejg0i0E2nNNO_LBCfDOFiTwZLZWymDAkMLsmiL5coykN6zp52XHRRiwuTUE1I9x6qVqFA9McsOFkssPbKjaeVrK8-WABFmdZdfx5kFFS6IVD1MY/s320/20210815_110412.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tomatoes, are wonderful in salads, sandwiches, soups and
sauces. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones in our garden, after what seemed like forever, turned bright red, are super juicy, and have the fabulous taste of summer in every
bite. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since most of us like pizza and spaghetti, it’s not
surprising to know that Italy is one of the top tomato producing countries in
the world, after China, India, Turkey, Spain and the U.S. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Italy they are called <b><span style="color: red;">POMODORO</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Germany, Spain, France and Portugal, the word is <b><span style="color: red;">TOMATE</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Hungary they call a tomato a <b><span style="color: red;">PARADICSOM</span></b>—which also
translates to Eden and Paradise. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In Turkey they are <b><span style="color: red;">DOMATES</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Holland and South Africa, they say <b><span style="color: red;">TOMAAT</span></b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Finally, I was able to make a <b>Caprese Salad</b> with avocado. Delicious and worth the wait!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPJRFCtrNk8kSpZYpwX8Neheu0IVLBDdq5FGsDSMSpEd-LnnDiAeLup9BW9-IsblIkLFManlN_wj6IbZI0jRG2XDWmukX7ZLXJwJ1qSLsJtjJ0pksP4W-nK0xbIyRnRbEVAgr49cX88c/s4032/20210817_113706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPJRFCtrNk8kSpZYpwX8Neheu0IVLBDdq5FGsDSMSpEd-LnnDiAeLup9BW9-IsblIkLFManlN_wj6IbZI0jRG2XDWmukX7ZLXJwJ1qSLsJtjJ0pksP4W-nK0xbIyRnRbEVAgr49cX88c/s320/20210817_113706.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Filled with antioxidants, tomatoes are grown all over the globe and are classified as a fruit, but are also called vegetables. The reasons seem mysterious,
but it has to do with the seeds. Those little things that move mountains. The stuff
empires are built upon. Tiny little seeds. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364621833086146525.post-9541515155431580242021-08-13T09:47:00.000-07:002021-08-13T09:47:49.097-07:00Another Circle of Life-My Neighbor's Figs<p> </p><p><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">During a normal, non-pandemic summer, we might go somewhere and miss out on all this glorious fruit! Harvesting, cooking and baking reminds me there's an upside to staying home, in our personal Eden, surrounded by friends, neighbors, and beautiful trees.</span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;"> If you've tasted fresh figs, you know how sweet and delicious they can be. The flavor is hard to describe, but I'd say it's like a bite of apple, plums and strawberries all mixed together into one incredible morsel. Magical! </span></b></i></p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wiVZerMQIF_o09nq92FZT5dGaKCOp6Yi8O4_GW-JgUDwf27-EqLLN6S0YLlkBTxMltp_t1abnUC-CKXU5JaynHRanjeRh4sOtmEbyw1kUjDn6xs0pX29O-zokANxyuUuCO3_DycfJKo/s4032/20210805_090425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wiVZerMQIF_o09nq92FZT5dGaKCOp6Yi8O4_GW-JgUDwf27-EqLLN6S0YLlkBTxMltp_t1abnUC-CKXU5JaynHRanjeRh4sOtmEbyw1kUjDn6xs0pX29O-zokANxyuUuCO3_DycfJKo/s320/20210805_090425.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My neighbor's fig tree</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H3WUDHgKciCmuZcPvHMp6ib919IVnF6w1mNQ06XW3irnHUMkoMVOuFvGgXk1_qslPfHejftT94YOEWHpt41Hx_mvE6GsiEbSp5u6RAy_m5nJ5eenh9SEyxNAUssDHwMatDAUEpbdy7Q/s4032/20210805_091116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H3WUDHgKciCmuZcPvHMp6ib919IVnF6w1mNQ06XW3irnHUMkoMVOuFvGgXk1_qslPfHejftT94YOEWHpt41Hx_mvE6GsiEbSp5u6RAy_m5nJ5eenh9SEyxNAUssDHwMatDAUEpbdy7Q/s320/20210805_091116.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's not Eve, but my neighbor, picking figs from her tree.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgExczWO7c9TADAMAav5dWXD2s3UkXC1a4ZAyhvoG1Eyie74WH1e3TmVB_w5GDPBTdtabWbmAkVNaARX0tvor7wCu5XU2JU-TXbNx1aDcCqgtSkrKGOY0WR-g-hVLhKz6u0HZpItS7Jg/s4032/20210805_105215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgExczWO7c9TADAMAav5dWXD2s3UkXC1a4ZAyhvoG1Eyie74WH1e3TmVB_w5GDPBTdtabWbmAkVNaARX0tvor7wCu5XU2JU-TXbNx1aDcCqgtSkrKGOY0WR-g-hVLhKz6u0HZpItS7Jg/s320/20210805_105215.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Figs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoL_KJyVr-AW_wTpaUBFS4cjCwjBiFVEvmzSJl6Jla8Pm_Jj7vFTAOdsXLex579yFdLUhvjSb8i9Ug5yLYKz_exIrnydFUTUT0ss2xQe5bqThN9vMzhBuZKDATZwuc_09lF98lwZqjR0/s4032/20210812_121250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoL_KJyVr-AW_wTpaUBFS4cjCwjBiFVEvmzSJl6Jla8Pm_Jj7vFTAOdsXLex579yFdLUhvjSb8i9Ug5yLYKz_exIrnydFUTUT0ss2xQe5bqThN9vMzhBuZKDATZwuc_09lF98lwZqjR0/s320/20210812_121250.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Fig Bar</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div> Intangible Heartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.com3