tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43907874258711867582024-02-08T11:15:14.865-05:00Small Talk - Ideas of WorthIdeas on small talk conversation. Various informative articles.Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-64150300548559741752013-07-03T21:56:00.002-04:002018-12-23T19:22:49.148-05:00Clearwater Beach, Florida<script type="text/javascript">
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Clearwater Beach in Florida was awarded the designation of Florida’s Best Beach Town by a reader poll from USA Today readers </h3>
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While Hernando County, Florida boasts it’s own beautiful parks, marinas, and local beaches, one of it’s best features is the convenient location which makes travel to larger tourist attractions a breeze. Clearwater Beach is one of those fabulous must-visit places that’s just a short drive away.<br />
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Located only 42 miles south of Spring Hill, Clearwater Beach is located in Pinellas County on the west central coast of Florida. The beach stretches for 2.5 miles along the Gulf of Mexico and sits on a barrier island. Recognized as one of the top ten beaches in the United States, the pristine waters lure people from all over the world to this beautiful vacation spot and many different languages can be heard among the tourists who flock there for some leisure time.<br />
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The temperature averages a comfortable 82 to 88 degrees during peak season and the waves on the Gulf Coast are gentle and very relaxing. Children, non-swimmers, and older people can enjoy the surf without fear of being knocked over by gushing waves. The cool white sand, often referred to as “sugar sand”, is powder soft and free of debris, making it easy on bare feet and pleasurable for strolling. It’s so enjoyable that you can spend hours swimming and sunning.<br />
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In recent years, Clearwater Beach was upgraded with a beautification project called <em>The Beach Walk </em>and in January 2013, Clearwater Beach was awarded the designation of Florida’s Best Beach Town by a reader poll from USA Today readers. Some of the newer additions to the beach include drinking fountains, showers to rinse the sand off, and bicycle racks, as well as a paved bicycle trail lined by mangrove trees nearby that parallels the Clearwater Memorial Causeway.<br />
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This beach is known for its laidback atmosphere for couples in need of some downtime but also offers family-friendly accommodations and many exciting activities to enjoy. Sun umbrellas and beach cabanas are abundant and can be rented on the beach at a nominal cost. <br />
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Parasailing, jet-skiing, paddle boarding, and kayaking are a few of the water sports you can opt for on Clearwater Beach. It’s a golfer’s dream with picturesque courses and a fisherman’s paradise with both pier and deep sea fishing available. Dolphins and manatees can be seen almost every day on the Dolphin and Sightseeing Cruises and occasionally while just hanging out at the beach too. Visitors can meet Winter the Dolphin, who was the star in the movie <i>Dolphin Tale </i>and swims with a prosthetic tale,<i> at </i>The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, shop at the local shops, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. <br />
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It features a playground for children and The Jolley Trolley bus provides transportation up and down the beach. The sunsets are spectacular and a perfect way to end a day of activities and/or begin the evening festivities. The pier has a nightly display of goods such as jewelry, candles, clothing, and many other gift items sold by local artisans. Many of the restaurants and nightclubs showcase nightly entertainment or music, dancing and karaoke. <br />
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The options for fun on Clearwater Beach are endless so be sure to take advantage of this luxurious beach so close to home! You can get there by either US-19 or the Sun Coast Parkway.<br />
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<a href="http://www.clearwaterbeach.com/index.php" target="_blank"><strong>Click here to visit www.ClearwaterBeach.com for information on events, accommodations, and more!</strong></a><br /> Clearwater Memorial Causeway<br /> Clearwater, FL 33767</div>
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Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-39551546052066449832013-04-15T20:37:00.001-04:002015-02-14T22:15:06.999-05:00SUNSETS - THE MAKING OF A SUNSET<script type="text/javascript">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Sunset at Pine Island Beach - Spring Hill, Florida</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>by Marie C. Dimino</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Watching a Sunset is a Perfect Way to End an Evening. It Cleanses the Soul and is Soothing to the Mind and Heart</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial;">Pine Island Beach (also known as Alfred McKethan Park) is a three-acre area on the Gulf of Mexico located at 10800 Pine Island Drive (off County Road 495 west of Weeki Wachee), Spring Hill, Florida, Hernando County. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Known for its peaceful, laid-back atmosphere, it has a quaint, remote, country-like setting. Locals and tourists alike flock here to escape the loud and boisterous crowds of the larger beaches in Florida. The beach is clean, the sand is white, and the water is gentle and crystal clear. The waves are not huge and shallow depths make swimming and wading ideal for all ages. There are several sheltered, open pavilions with tables and benches, picnic areas with grills, volleyball courts, a playground, and restrooms. A wooden platform with an observation point to view the ocean and sunset extends across the sand. There is also a concession stand which offers a variety of foods, drinks and snacks. Parking is $5.00 per car. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">The last five miles of the drive to Pine Island Beach is lined with palm trees, wetlands, and stilt homes. There is water on both sides. Countless wading birds, shorebirds and waterfowl can be seen, along with resident songbirds, woodpeckers and raptors, in a tropical setting of exotic wildlife and mango groves. These waters boast unparalleled fishing. On this beautiful, sunny drive, wildlife is often spotted. Deer, alligators, turtles and other animals will sometimes cross the road. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Also known for its sensational sunsets, people gather here in the early evenings to experience the sun setting in the evening skies. Many take photographs and others come just to relax and enjoy the evening. In early spring local prom goers flock here for the scenic views. The young couples can be seen everywhere with their families taking photos of them. It is also a popular wedding destination beach where beautiful brides, their wedding party and guests, enjoy the natural backdrop of the Gulf Coast views.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Hundreds of seagulls gather together in the evening hours. They can be seen flying across the open skies and settling down on the ocean’s shore. Their cries to each other are like a song of praise, the music of dusk that celebrates their joy and freedom. The calls can be heard from several miles away.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">The Making of a Sunset</span></b><br />
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</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;">As the sun sets, light travels through the atmosphere and molecules scatter blue and violet lights by refracting off the surface of the water. Since these lights go further than the eye can see, pink, orange and red hues appear. When the air has more dust or water, small particles reflect light in all directions which results in more reds and yellows and fewer pinks. Beautiful warm tones are cast across the horizon.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">When the air is clean and dry, the horizon stays blue and the sun will be bright orange. Often during this type of sunset, a flash of green will appear for a brief second if the sun suddenly changes color.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">On a cloudy evening, openings in the clouds allow light to come through and refract off the moisture, resulting in spectacular images. Sometimes the best light is seen five to twenty minutes after the sun sets when the light catches the edge of the horizon.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Civil Twilight</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">When the sun is no more than six degrees below the horizon, it is known as a <i>civil twilight</i>. This is the brightest phase of twilight. Under good weather conditions, terrestrial objects can be clearly distinguished. In the absence of moonlight, some of the brightest stars and the planet Venus can be visible. During this twilight, the colors will change quickly. Sunset colors are frequently replaced with an entire new set of colors across the sky. As the temperature cools down, the colors cool down.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nautical Twilight</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">The period of time when the sun is between six and twelve degrees below the horizon is known as a <i>nautical twilight</i>. You can still discern the shape of objects, but not their details. This is when the last light disappears from the sky.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Astronomical Twilight</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">The <i>astronomical twilight </i>is darker and happens when the center of the sun is eighteen degrees below the horizon. Astronomers are most interested in this time of the evening. There is no color in the sky. After eighteen degrees, it is considered night.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">The Artist’s Way</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Artists, photographers and poets have been drawn to sunsets since the beginning of time. The open sky is a canvas filled with varying shades of splendid blue and puffs of billowy, fluffy, soft, white clouds. The evening at dusk can be poetically described as hues of tangerine orange, glistening golds and crimson reds with a hint of smokey silver, peach and lavender. This natural palette spreads itself across the twilight skies crowning the heavens in all its glory. It is what music and art has been created from throughout the centuries. Many artists have captured its magnificence, and no two paintings are ever alike. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the ever-changing sky leaves an artist alone in the playground of their own imagination.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Meditate on a Sunset</span></b><br />
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</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Watching and meditating on a sunset can bring your mind into an alpha state. It is like when you are captivated into a good book and lose track of what is happening around you. It is easy to slip into a theta state, which is a deep relaxation of the mind and soul. Theta is where ideas, visualizations and suggestion are more likely to enter the subconscious mind and consciously we become less aware of what is going on around us. It is in this state that we can connect with our higher selves. The sound of gentle waves swishing across the coastline is a natural sedative and very soothing. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Sometimes a sunset can make you feel sad, as it represents the end of a wonderful day. It can also make you feel happy, with the promise and hopes of a new tomorrow bringing a brighter future. It can enhance the romance between a couple in love, and create wonder in the heart of a small child. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">There are many reasons and many ways to experience a sunset. The only wrong way is to not experience it for yourself!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Nature is free and available to all who take the time to enjoy it. Give yourself a gift tonight and watch the sun set over the beautiful horizon. You will experience firsthand knowledge of the many states, emotions and sensations a sunset brings and will be able to say, "I know the feeling!" and want to share it with others.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Pine Island Beach</span><br />
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</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">10800 Pine Island Drive</span><br />
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</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">Spring Hill, Florida 34607</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">(article first seen and written for </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>SpringHillNow<b> - </b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Author: </span> <a href="http://springhillnow.com/shn-contributors" target="_blank"> http://springhillnow.com/shn-contributors</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><u><a href="http://springhillnow.com/articles-by-marie-c-dimino" target="_blank">All articles under this author: http://springhillnow.com/articles-by-marie-c-dimino</a></u></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">For sunrise and sunset times for the Gulf Coast, please see:</span>
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<a href="http://www.thesunrisetimes.com/Gulf_Coast_and_Florida_West/Pineland,_Pine_Island,_Florida.aspx"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>http://www.thesunrisetimes.com/Gulf_Coast_and_Florida_West/Pineland,_Pine_Island,_Florida.aspx</strong></span></span></span></u></a>
Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-56139434381525559922012-12-15T15:53:00.002-05:002012-12-15T16:03:30.423-05:00THE ROTARY CENTENNIAL PARK DOG PARK<script type="text/javascript">
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</a><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Located in the heart of Spring Hill, the Rotary Centennial Park Dog Park has three acres dedicated exclusively to your barking buddy.</span> </span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See more . . .</span></h3>
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<a href="http://springhillnow.com/rotary-centennial-dog-park-in-spring-hill-fl/2012/12/15"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://springhillnow.com/rotary-centennial-dog-park-in-spring-hill-fl/2012/12/15</span></strong></a></div>
Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-68931806642456297262012-10-03T16:26:00.000-04:002016-10-03T11:29:30.603-04:00Catskills Foliage - Sightseeing & Recreation in Upstate New York<h2>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSBW1gi0q9w/V_JkTfcC5rI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/UqYAvk1BRTAMvRmQeaZJOlXMuZYMowxPQCK4B/s1600/hunter.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSBW1gi0q9w/V_JkTfcC5rI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/UqYAvk1BRTAMvRmQeaZJOlXMuZYMowxPQCK4B/s320/hunter.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #073763; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #0b5394; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">View from Ski Lift at Hunter Mountain, NY<br />by Marie C. Dimino </b></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #073763; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The beautiful Catskills Mountains in Upstate New York offer many diversified activities. It's a perfect getaway for families, friends, couples or singles.</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The foliage colors of a typical autumn day in Upstate New York in the
beautiful Catskills Mountains can be poetically described as hues of tangerine
orange, glistening golds, crimson reds, chartreuse greens and rustic shades of
burgundy browns. The canvas is an open sky with varying shades of splendid blue
and puffs of billowy, fluffy, soft, white clouds. A hint of smokey silver, peach
and lavender sometimes spreads across the mountaintops crowning the heavens in
all its glory. The lakes and many tumbling waterfalls sparkle and reflect tiny
flashes of light that glitter and dance with the glow of the sun at the first
moment of morning’s dawn.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Autumn skies of this beautiful country with its crisp, cool air is what music
and art has been created from throughout the centuries. This natural fine art is
the palette that draws tourists here from all walks of life to experience and
photograph the pristine wonders of nature in the North-Eastern ever-changing
fall season.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Natural Wonders</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many birds instinctively migrate to warmer climates where food will be
readily available. During this time, geese can be seen flying in formation and
heard calling out to each other, tracking one another’s distance between them.
Monarch butterflies appear with their autumn colored wings as if to announce the
end of summer. Mushrooms go into full bloom to spread their seed for the
following year. Mycological societies especially enjoy their fungi hunting
during this season.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>So Much To Do, So Much To See</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are many Catskills events and outdoor activities to explore. Pumpkin
patches, apple orchards, festivals, hay rides, fishing tournaments, and
motorcycle rallies, as well as, scenic tours and cruises on the Hudson River and
old-fashioned historical railroad rides that take you through the Catskills
Mountains giving you the feeling of yesteryear.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Farm stands are everywhere and overflow with fresh, ripe, sweet produce. You
can even visit an orchard and pick your own. Cider mills offer fresh squeezed
cider from a variety of apples. Maple syrup farms explain how syrup is collected
from the trees and offer maple syrup products and samples to try. Dairy farms
offer distinct and quality cheeses and soaps made from cow, goat and sheep milk.
Bee farms offer unique honey products such as basswood, blueberry, buckwheat,
and wildflower.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Garlic is planted in October, winters over, and harvested in July. Fresh
garlic is abundant in the Fall. Several varieties and species are offered at
garlic festivals where you can spend the day enjoying local garlic recipes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Art Groups and galleries exhibit works of art that are also for sale by local
artists. Paintings, wood carvings, sketches, sculptures, and other interesting,
unique forms of art line the stores and streets. Treasure seekers will find the
abundance of antique stores irresistible. These shops can be found all over the
Catskills and range from private store owners to garage sales and flea
markets.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the Fall season, some ski resorts open their ski lifts for Sky Rides so
you can enjoy the dazzling sights of the high peaks of the Northern Catskills.
On a clear, sunny day you can see amazing views of the Catskills Mountains, the
Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, and the Green Mountains of Vermont.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For thrill seekers, Zipline Adventure Tours will have you flying through the
air, 600 feet above the ground, at 50 miles an hour. There are also tamer,
family-friendly Zips for all ages and ability levels.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mountain bike trails and bicycling routes are all around the Catskills
Mountains. Here you can enjoy scenic, wilderness, historical or romantic cycling
adventures.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hundreds of trails are available for riders of ATVs, SUVs, dirt bikes, quad
runners, and go-karts. There are orchards with rocky trails, wooded trails,
grassy trails, sandy trails and muddy trails that are opened for touring,
practicing or racing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the sportsman minded, there are archery, gun and game clubs that offer
target shooting, pheasantry and sporting clays.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many museums and landmark historical farm houses are open to the public and
tour guides are informational, cordial and friendly. Rooms are filled with
antique furnishings hand-carved by fine furniture makers of the 19th century,
and interesting items from the late 1800s and early 1900s.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Explore the underground caves and caverns that were formed millions of years
ago. Experience lantern tours that simulate natural cave exploration. Exhibits
display the cave's geology, formation, rock and mineral specimens, and the
history of the cave's discovery. Learn about the vegetation and wildlife that
live in these caves.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Discover the fossils that date back 380 million years ago during the Devonian
period in the geologic time scale. In 1850, a naturalist found a sandstone cast
of a portion of a Devonian-age tree trunk in the Schoharie Creek near Gilboa
after a huge flood. The samples were sent to Canada where the specimens were
described and illustrated by McGill University paleontolgist John W. Dawson.
This was the first documented discovery of fossil tree stumps in North
America.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nightlife, entertainment, wineries, concerts, music and dancing can also be
found throughout the region. The choices of hundreds of fine cuisine restaurants
with various ethnic food and country quaint eateries will leave you
perplexed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be sure to visit a corn maze and a haunted house attraction during the month
of October. The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House in Ulster Park is
one of the most popular haunted attractions in the United States. There are many
Halloween activities for people of all ages to enjoy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Classes, Crafts, Courses and Workshops</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you enjoy learning new things in Creative Art, the options are limitless.
There are a variety of classes to experience. Ceramic and pottery Classes will
teach you the technique and art of wheel throwing, hand building, trimming,
glazing and finishing pottery. Level of skill range from beginners to advanced
and are offered to people of all ages.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Watercolor and oil painting classes take you to paint-on-site locations with
magical scenery and beautiful waterfalls.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Writing Groups offer workshops in creative writing, journaling and poetry.
Fiction and non-fiction classes offer tips and ideas where you can read your
work-in-progress to the group. Some screen and play writing courses allow you to
actually audition characters and present your work on stage to a live
audience.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Learn the art and history of weaving arts. There are a variety of loom types.
Once prehistoric, they have now moved into more complex modern-day machine
looming. Archeologists believe that basket making and weaving were probably the
first crafts developed by humans. Primitive people learned to create woven
structures. Some of the items were nettings, coverings for huts, containers for
goods, carriers for the young, rugs, blankets, hammocks, pouches and body
coverings.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Felting arts is the process of laminating wool to selected areas of a base
cloth. Projects may include creating dolls, animals, ornaments, lightweight wool
drapery and silk scarfs.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Drum circles and yoga transdance classes are a great way to meet people and
broaden your social circle. There are also spiritual resorts and retreats which
are very relaxed and draw spiritually minded people together in a peaceful,
natural setting. Some offer vegetarian and vegan cuisine, tai chi, yoga and
meditation classes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Hiking and Mountain Walks In The Fall - Fun and Educational</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Catskills region has much to offer to those who enjoy vacationing during
this season. Aside from the natural beauty of its spectacular foliage, both
hikers and bikers can now comfortably enjoy exploring the trails and the changes
in the wildlife while taking in the scenery.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In cooler weather there are fewer insects to contend with. Mosquitos
disappear and bees begin to hibernate inside their hives. Wasps die off except
for the queen wasp, who hibernates and starts her new colony in the spring. Some
insects remain in pupa form throughout the winter. </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Under the fallen leaves
covering the ground is a habitat known as the leaf litter environment. Slugs,
snails, millipedes, woodlice and spiders maintain their daily routines while
living in the hidden world under the leaves.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The forest is bustling with activity by squirrels and other woodland animals
who scurry about and hoard their food preparing for the upcoming winter months.
Some animals undergo a series of transformations such as changing colors and
growing longer, thicker fur to endure colder months ahead. Mammals prepare for
the winter by eating enough to put on body fat. Some hibernate, slowing their
heart rate to survive the colder months, and are able to go without food for
long periods of time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Deer, wild turkey and bats seek mates during the autumn months. Bucks are
very territorial and if you are fortunate enough to spot one, it is best to stay
a good distance. Some species of bats will sing to the females inside the caves.
These love songs can be heard using a bat detector.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a very busy time of the year in the forest. Both interesting and
educational, hiking or walking in the Catskills is a great activity and a
wonderful way to spend the day if you enjoy nature and animals.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Fishing</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every year, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
stocks fingerling and yearling trout throughout the Catskills streams, which
offer some of the finest trout fishing in America. There are also perch,
pickerel, bass, sunfish and catfish. These streams are famous for its fly
fishing. There are many fly-shops, resorts, motels and bed and breakfasts that
cater to fishermen who come from around the world to fish these waters.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Golfing</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are many golf courses to choose from if you enjoy golfing. They are all
professionally designed and set against breathtaking mountain backdrops. The
layouts carved into the natural terrain includes extensive bunkering, doglegs,
and a variety of water hazards. Golfers are drawn to the region by the
mountainous challenge that its golf courses have to offer. New York state ranks
fifth in the nation for its number of golf courses.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Horseback Riding</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The mountainous Catskill region provides you with the opportunity to
experience some of the best horseback riding. There are miles of trails to
explore. Private stables offer guided rides. Lessons are available with
professional instructors to learn the proper riding techniques. If feeling very
adventurous, enjoy the western feel of the many family resorts and dude ranches
that offer horseback riding, cattle drives, and much more.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Rock Climbing</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rock climbing has become a popular sport for men and women of all ages. If
you are exploring this for the first time, be sure your guides are state
licensed, skilled in wilderness medicine, and trained and certified by The
American Mountain Guides Association. Climbing and mountaineering instructions
are available to climbers of all levels.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Hunting</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The DEC now requires that all new hunters, bow hunters and trappers must pass
the appropriate course before getting their first license. New York offers many
exciting opportunities to hunt a large variety of wildlife, including big game,
small game, game birds and furbearers. Hunting season is open between September
and January.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Visit the Catskills!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Catskills region in Upstate New York offers something for everyone.
Families, friends, couples and singles alike can enjoy what it has to offer.
While driving to the Catskills, be sure to set the mood with George Winston’s
new age/jazz solo piano recording of Autumn - Colors/Dance. </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whether you come for
sightseeing, recreation, or relaxation, the memorable experience of leaving it
all behind you will create wonderful memories that last a lifetime and will make
you want to return for many years to come.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<strong><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Informational sites to help you plan your vacation:</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Mycological Society of America - <a href="http://www.msafungi.org/">http://www.msafungi.org</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Places to Hike in the Catskills - <a href="http://www.hikethecatskills.com/">http://www.hikethecatskills.com</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Catskills Fishing - <a href="http://www.classictrout.com/catskill_region.php">http://www.classictrout.com/catskill_region.php</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Catskills Golf Courses and Clubs - <a href="http://www.visitthecatskills.com/golf.html">http://www.visitthecatskills.com/golf.html</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Catskills Horse Rentals - <a href="http://www.horserentals.com/newyork.html">http://www.horserentals.com/newyork.html</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Catskills Rock Climbing and Mountaineering - <a href="http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/North_America/United_States/New_York/Catskills/">http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/North_America/United_States/New_York/Catskills</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">NYS Hunting Schedule - <a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/huntingseasons1112.pdf">http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/huntingseasons1112.pdf</a></span></div>
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</script><br />Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-57649335849969875312012-05-01T12:42:00.002-04:002013-04-16T12:54:35.331-04:00MAY DAY - WHAT IS MAY DAY?<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
May Day - What Is May Day?</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBCaFEqSd3g/T5_6OIixspI/AAAAAAAAARA/JGGnpGVmKPE/s1600/Copy+of+100_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #6699cc; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBCaFEqSd3g/T5_6OIixspI/AAAAAAAAARA/JGGnpGVmKPE/s200/Copy+of+100_0620.JPG" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; position: relative;" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Promise of Spring -<br />
By Marie C. Dimino</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">May Day has its origin dating back over one hundred years ago. It is the celebration of our 8-hour a day work week. It was also a time when child labor existed. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many Americans were shot and killed and their houses were burned to the ground in order to have Saturday as part of our weekend. </span></h3>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most people living in the United States know little about the International Workers' Day of May Day. There is an assumption that it is a holiday celebrated in state communist countries like Cuba or the former Soviet Union. Most Americans don't realize that May Day has its origins here in this country and is as "American" as baseball and apple pie, and stemmed from the pre-Christian holiday of Beltane, a celebration of rebirth and fertility.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At a national convention in Chicago, held in 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions (which later became the American Federation of Labor), proclaimed that "eight hours shall constitute a legal day's labor from and after May 1, 1886." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On May 1, 1886, more than 300,000 workers in 13,000 businesses across the United States walked off their jobs in the first May Day celebration in history.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Chicago, the epicenter for the 8-hour day agitators, 40,000 went out on strike with the anarchists in the forefront of the public's eye. With their fiery speeches and revolutionary ideology of direct action, anarchists and anarchism became respected and embraced by the working people and despised by the capitalists.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More and more workers continued to walk off their jobs until the numbers swelled to nearly 100,000, yet peace prevailed. It was not until two days later, May 3, 1886, that violence broke out at the McCormick Reaper Works between police and strikers.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At least two strikers were killed and an unknown number were wounded.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May Day is an official holiday in 66 countries and unofficially celebrated in many more, but rarely is it recognized in this country where it began.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over one hundred years have passed since that first May Day. In the earlier part of the 20th century, the US government tried to curb the celebration and further wipe it from the public's memory by establishing "Law and Order Day" on May 1. We can draw many parallels between the events of 1886 and today. We still have locked out steelworkers struggling for justice.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we remember that people were shot so we could have the 8-hour day; if we acknowledge that homes with families in them were burned to the ground so we could have Saturday as part of the weekend; when we recall 8-year old victims of industrial accidents who marched in the streets protesting working conditions and child labor only to be beat down by the police and company thugs, we understand that our current condition cannot be taken for granted - people fought for the rights and dignities we enjoy today, and there is still a lot more to fight for. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sacrifices of so many people can not be forgotten or we will end up fighting for those same gains all over again.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is why we celebrate May Day.</span></div>
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</script>Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-37516152855084743952012-04-09T19:25:00.002-04:002015-10-30T21:14:49.471-04:00MEADOW MELODIES<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The songs heard in a meadow come from many different sources. These melodies can have a calming and soothing effect on anyone who listens to them.</span> </h3>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’ve ever vacationed in the country or live close to grasslands and wildflower fields, most likely you’ve awakened to the song of the meadow. These sounds are made by animals during its breeding season to attract a mate and to defend a territory. The impressive displays of music and sound heard from the array of beautiful songbirds and other animals, strike a universal note in the human heart, creating a range of feelings from calming peace to tranquility and joy. These sounds have been recorded for years and brought into the home or office to create a soothing environment. They have also been used to create harmony and relax wild animals held in captivity when medical attention is required or if confined for short periods of time for scientific research.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Meadow Life</u></strong></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meadow birds are attracted to the abundance of nectar in wildflowers and the insects surrounding them. Invertebrates such as butterflies, moths, bees and hoverflies collect nectar and thrive from the flowers in the thistles and wild grasses native to their country of origin. The high plant life is abundant and brings a high diversity of animals. Herbivores feed on plant species and in return supply food for the carnivores. Under the soil is another world seething with life, from earthworms to mice and moles. All of this brings forth a balanced, perfect ecology in relation to each other.</span> </div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">S</span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ong Birds</span></u></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There can be hundreds of different song birds heard and trilling enthusiastically and energetically at dawn and dusk as they forage for food from trees to meadow. Some can create thousands of different songs a day and have large repertoires. These sounds can be loud and repetitive and range from singing, to drumming and winnowing when they try to impress their mates and proclaim territories. Female birds judge the quality of a male’s song when selecting a mate. Males who have access to extra food on their territory and are persistent singers will attract females the soonest. Sometimes males will respond with aggressiveness to another male’s song by attacking. Certain songs mean "stay away." Some birds sing in flight or only when perched. They can listen and respond to each other in complex ways we are yet to understand.</span> </div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">W</span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ild Turkey, Ducks and Geese</span></u></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wild turkey can sometimes be seen in huge flocks grazing through the tall grasses. They are not vegetarians and consume vast quantities of insects, worms and amphibians. Turkeys cluck, gobble and cackle in order to keep the flock together, find a mate or alert other turkeys of danger. The hen assembly call is a series of loud yelps that keeps her young together.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ducks are not very fussy about their food. They will eat almost anything, including animals such as insects, worms, slugs, snails, frogs, grains and berries. When grazing, they will make loud noises like "quark" and "dreek", as well as a softer quacking sounds.</span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Geese graze mainly on grass and vegetation. The make a "honk" sound to keep in touch and stay together.</span> </div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A</span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mphibians</span></u></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frogs and toads also called Amphibians, Anura, and Salientia, make different sounds. Meadow Frogs, (Leopard or Cow Frogs), will make its home in a meadow if there is aquatic vegetation. The male frog makes a short snore-like croaking call during spring and summer. Toward the end of winter the male frogs could be heard making exciting breeding chorus sounds. In the evenings, a heavy population of Bull Frogs and Spring Peepers can make croaking sounds so overwhelming it can drown out all other songs.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Insects</u></strong></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Male crickets, locusts and grasshoppers create many sounds and vibrations like chirping and clicking. These are usually signals to other insects or used when finding a mate. This method of sound production is called "stridulation." Cicadas have a pair of special sound producing organs called "tymbals," located at the base of the abdomen. They rapidly contract and relax the tymbal muscles to create loud, buzzing songs amplified by a hollow area in the abdomen. Both male and female katydids make sounds by rubbing their forewings together to "sing" to each other. Katydids hear each other with ears on their front legs.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Enjoying the Meadow</u></strong></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many ways to appreciate a meadow. Some people enjoy spending the morning walking through the fields and listening to the various sounds trying to decipher them. Others will picnic on the soft grounds, relax and take pleasure in listening to the various songs. No matter how you choose to spend your time, there is nothing quite like the peaceful meadow melodies that can be heard on a beautiful, sunny day.</span> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wild Turkey in Meadow -<br />by Marie C. Dimino</span></td></tr>
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Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-72577149361945788322012-04-03T15:05:00.003-04:002014-07-11T20:04:53.749-04:00Divine Justice - What Is Divine Justice? <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A New Day<br />
by Marie C. Dimino</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">Belief in Divine Justice can open the door to a new reality. It takes courage and blind faith to succeed on a spiritual journey with Truth.</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Divine Justice is the practice and belief that a Higher Power reigns over all, delivering fairness in its due course. When a favorable outcome does not prevail in a situation expected, the universe can seem unfair and unjust. It often leaves a feeling of defeat and distress. By the very force and nature of human emotion, it is almost inconceivable to not want to fight back, and gainfully insure what is thought to be rightfully owed or owned.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is hard to believe that atonement from others will always come forth and be righteous in the end. Since there is no way of predicting the future, trusting in Truth is somewhat difficult unless it is practiced over time with wisdom and faith. Being willing to step back and let go of past beliefs makes it possible to experience the phenomena. Courage is needed to forgive and move forward.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>On Forgiving Others</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">Dr. Emmet Fox was an ordained minister in Divine Science, a branch of New Thought in 1931. His sermons are considered to be one of the first remarkable ministries in America. His Sunday morning lectures drew more than 5,000 people. The meditations and sermons never lasted more than twenty minutes. He was an author, teacher and mystic favored by many faiths and churches including Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, and many others. In his book, Sermon on the Mount, he states: <em>"You must forgive everyone who has ever hurt you if you want to be forgiven yourself; that is the long and short of it."</em> He goes on to say: <em>"If we do not forgive, we will be tied to the very thing we hate."</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emotional immaturity and a false belief in the power of self dictate the belief of revenge and control. Forcefully trying to manipulate the present and the outcome of things is usually doomed to failure. It might seem to work for a while, but the satisfaction that is needed and craved will not be complete. Retaliation feels good at first and may give temporary relief of accomplishment, but later delivers emotions of emptiness and is void of feeling.</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tr</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">usting in the Divine</span></span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trusting in Divine Justice makes it possible to move on, leading to a higher purpose in life and a belief that good things will come in time. As life continues to unfold, there will be a moment of reflection and realization that all things happen for a reason. It takes the future to understand the past, and the past is necessary to create an effective future.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During a dispute, opinions can vary. It is only fair to honor another's point of view. What might seem true to you may appear unconvincing or even implausible to the opposing side. Other times a hint of denial might interfere with the ability to understand a situation. It is not always possible to know or understand the actions or life of another. Different paths and realities that exist makes it impossible to know the nature of all things. Releasing past judgments empowers the journey by unburdening the weight of others' shortcomings. It is better to travel lighthearted and pure of conviction than be victorious in all matters.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Course In Miracles states: <em>"Justice is the divine correction for injustice."</em> By doing what is right and trusting the outcome to rest in the hands of Divine Justice, a new life will come to pass. Co-creating with the Divine results in the opportunity to continue life toward a higher level of existence and a chance to find spiritual happiness in all things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #073763;"><strong>See: </strong> </span><a href="http://smalltalk-ideas-of-worth.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-is-spiritual-happiness.html" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="color: #073763;">What Is Spiritual Happiness?</span></em></strong></a></span></div>
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Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-32674383368212328272012-04-03T14:33:00.001-04:002017-04-03T08:20:29.492-04:00Nurturing Your Child<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spending quiet quality time -<br />by Marie C. Dimino</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Helping to understand feelings and explaining private time keeps peace in the family. Playrooms can inspire imagination. Avoiding a bully builds confidence.</span> </h3>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Children are born with their own needs, feelings and emotions. Allowance for the development of their natural individuality is important. Parents often force their own feelings on their children unintentionally. What you are feeling in the moment should not be inflicted on them.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This means that when nurturing children, anger and personal situations should be put aside. If this is not done, the child will only see that mommy and daddy are angry or too busy for them. Discipline has a greater effect and produces better results when moods and desires are removed from the lesson being applied.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><u>Helping Your Child to Understand Feelings</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Children are very sensitive to fear and anger. If they sense these feelings from their parents, the lesson taught will not be absorbed. They will easily grasp and comprehend a learning experience when relaxed and not afraid. The reward of teaching this way will produce a happy, well-rounded and healthy child.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Children are amazing beings. When fear is removed, young minds have the ability to comprehend and absorb information at enormous speeds. Parenting is a responsibility. Children are not possessions. They are gifts and must be treated with the same respect that adults expect from others. Remember to honor every child for the individual and perfect soul he or she was meant to be.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A child needs to express thoughts and feelings. This allowance will help a child understand right from wrong. In order for a child to understand feelings, the lesson being learned must be taught with loving intentions. Personal anger should not be inflicted upon children. This will cause confusion in their emotional growth.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take a few moments to relax before discipline is enforced. Keeping the lines of communication open is important in a family. The natural flow of energy will greatly improve when all involved are given the opportunity to express feelings.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><u>Explaining your Private Time to Children and Its Importance</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Private time is necessary for our well-being. This is a basic human need. People of all ages need their special time to wind down and meditate. This will help refocus emotional thinking.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Private time is playtime for adults. Taking a few moments throughout the day to detach from daily life will refresh the mind. Meditation will incorporate new ideas when the mind is relaxed.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Children must be taught this. It can be explained as the time mommy or daddy needs to play. The results will be noticed. A child will begin to understand and come to respect this private time. They will grasp the idea and learn to use it in their own lives.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><u>What Your Child Needs in the Playroom</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Creating a playroom for your child does not require a lot of money. Children can learn and become cultivators with limited funds.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By cutting milk containers in half and punching a few holes on the bottom, you can make several planting pots. With a large bag of soil and common foods from the kitchen, a child can be taught how to grow plants. Seeds can be taken from fruits such as watermelon and cantaloupe. Children can water their plants and sprouts usually appear within three to four days. Potatoes and onions yield interesting results. It doesn’t matter what is used. The idea is to experiment and have fun.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inexpensive soap can be used to create sculptures. Simple boats and cars can be whittled with a dull butter knife. Plaster of Paris mixed with water can be used to frame a favorite photo or picture. Different sized plates can be used as a mold. The kitchen cabinet is filled with many things that can be improvised with imagination.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Food coloring can be mixed with water and used as paint. It is non-toxic and fun. Learn to relax with your child. Go on a "things to do hunt" around the house. You will be surprised with what you might discover.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Expensive toys will always be around but the true learning experience is when a child’s imagination is activated under close supervision.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><u>Walking Away From the Bully</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bullies are here to stay. Teaching your child to walk away before steamy pressure erupts will build courage. A bully stands alone when the object of torture turns his back on him. Gentle training should be practiced and feelings of fear should be discussed before your child enters school.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A child must learn the tactics needed to stand up against a bully. Occasional fights should be expected. If your child comes home feeling defeated by a bully, it is not necessary for your own emotions to mix in with the incident. Do not scold or criticize behavior. Have the child explain very calmly the event and results. Understanding both sides of the story will help teach a child how it might have been handled differently.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Always reassure children of their own self-esteem and worth. When lessons are applied with wisdom and confidence, the child will gradually learn how to avoid a bully.</span></div>
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Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-23695195418609885392012-04-03T14:01:00.008-04:002014-11-15T21:55:32.923-05:00Didgeridoo - What Do You Do with a Didgeridoo?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Didgeridoo is a wind instrument with its origin dating back over 20,000 years. It can be used in drum circles, trance dance and meditation sessions.</span> </h3>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The didgeridoo is a long, wooden wind instrument used traditionally by the Aboriginal people of Northern Australia. You can also find them made of PVC pipe. The mouthpiece is made of beeswax.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>History of the Didgeridoo</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The history of the didgeridoo dates back at least 20,000 years and is the world’s oldest and very first wind instrument. It has the form of a long tube which can be made into various lengths anywhere from three to ten feet. They are usually painted with Aborginal designs tracing Australia back to its roots.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sounds and pitches may vary depending on the length, width and material it is made of. They can be constructed of either hard of soft wood, with hard wood being the best sounding and most expensive. Some didgeridoos are even made from a PVC pipe, which can be store bought or homemade using a long plastic tube. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Authentic didgeridoos from Australia are made by termites hollowing out the center or by using hot coals. The native artist must first harvest an appropriate piece of wood, either the trunk of a tree or a branch, then carefully blow out the termites. This is a tedious and sometimes dangerous task. It then must be cleaned up and shaped into an instrument. Designs are painted on or hand-carved by the artist.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many years ago women were prohibited from playing didgeridoos in public and in ceremonies. It is considered sacred and traditional in Aborginal spiritual beliefs. Though this has changed over the century, there are still some societies that hold true to this restriction.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A didgeridoo player must first learn the basic drone. Once understanding the technique and sound produced, the player can go on to learn the skill of circular breathing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Circular breathing involves squeezing the air out of the cheeks and using the tongue and throat while taking very short breaths through the nose. The need to gasp for air is what makes the didgeridoo a challenge. It takes a while and a lot of practice to make the correct sound.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Didgeridoo in Culture</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The didgeridoo is starting to catch on and can be seen at Drum Circles which is fast becoming a popular way to meet people in a social gathering. Drum Circles are usually held in neighborhood parks, local schools, music stores and art galleries. Djembes and other types of African drums are played in unison or sounds are improvised by those in the group. The larger the Drum Circle, the deeper and more interesting vibration is produced.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some Circles include Trance Dance, where people will dance to the beat and become enchanted by using yogic techniques. This hypnotic beat is also used as a form of meditation. Adding didgeridoos to a Drum Circle increases the potential of magnetic sound and rhythm to the music.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial;">Doctors are now recommending playing the didgridoo for people who suffer from sleep apnea.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is helpful to take a didgeridoo class, if you can. There are also instructional didgeridoo DVDs and CDs available to help you learn the proper, essential technique. Do your homework and explore the many types of didgeridoos on the market before deciding which one will work best for you. Have fun and don’t be discouraged with your new instrument. Practice makes perfect and whatever you do, just keep playing your didgeridoo.</span></div>
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Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-74351913159957917912012-04-02T13:28:00.010-04:002017-04-02T10:22:37.727-04:00The Lansing Manor, a Historical Site in Upstate New York<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guest bedroom with furnishings -<br />by Marie C. Dimino</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Lansing Manor is a history buff's dream come true. This tourist attraction, located in Blenheim, NY, is free and open to the public.</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Try to imagine: It is 1819. You and your family have traveled for several days by horse and buggy. You are tired and weary and just want to finally relax. At last you have reached your destination. When the carriage pulls over and halts, your eyes are immediately drawn to the magnificent country estate in front of you. The next thing you know, you are surrounded by a butler and servants. They rush over and eagerly greet you while unloading your heavy trunks from the wagon. You are welcomed with the highest respect and regard.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You have just arrived at the Lansing Manor in Blenheim-Gilboa, New York. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is now operated and located by the New York State Power Authority in cooperation with the Schoharie County Historical Society.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">John Lansing served on the New York State Supreme Court from 1790 to 1801. In 1787, he represented New York as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. In 1788, he was a delegate at the New York State Ratification Convention. In 1801, he was appointed Chancellor of New York State until 1814, when he reached the retirement age of sixty. In 1817, he was appointed a regent of the University of the State of New York.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial";">In 1819, The Lansing Manor was built as a wedding gift for his daughter and son-in-law, Jacob Livingston Sutherland. Since that time, it has had several other occupants.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The house is filled with antique furnishings hand-carved by fine furniture makers of the 19th century. Every room is filled with interesting items from the late 1800s and early 1900s, and set up as though someone is still living there. The china and silverware are laid out, giving the feeling that you were just invited to dinner. The informative and very cordial tour guides walk you through every room describing in detail the history of every object and what it was used for. There are fireplaces in every room.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Lansing Manor has four stories: the cellar, main floor, upstairs bedrooms and attic.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>The Cellar</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the cellar there are many pantries, a wine storage room, a huge wooden, country kitchen table for preparing the food, an informal breakfast room, servants' dining area, and a sunken alcove for root vegetables. Original household items are on display, including the servants' dishes and cooking utensils. An old butter churn for making butter and cream sits in the corner. Large barrels and washboards for doing laundry are set near the back door. Off to the side, there is an inconspicuous room that contains wine-making artifacts.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many servants lived on the premises where they worked and resided in the cellar. Each had separate jobs to do. Some men had the unpleasant task of shoveling coal into the fire hearth, which was used to cook and bake bread. Others chopped and stacked wood for the fireplaces, which kept the house warm. The women baked and cooked all day, cleaned the house, took care of the laundry, and looked after the children.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>The Main Floor</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you first walk into the house, there is a huge foyer which was converted into a formal dining room when guests were entertained. The servants would set up a large dining table and chairs. Several original portraits of former occupants are hung on the wall. The tour guide describes the history behind each person.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The tour guide also explains every room detail. There are separate parlors for social gatherings. Men and women never sat together in the same room unless they were dining. When there were visitors, the men would sit together and discuss politics or play chess, while the women worked together on needlepoint and chatted in the tea room. The library contains a desk and books from the early part of the 18th century, including an ancient Bible, still on original shelving.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The adults and older children ate together in a small dining room on the main floor. The younger children ate and slept upstairs with their nanny.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>The Second Floor</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Upstairs you will find the master bedroom, children's bedrooms, and a separate room reserved for the seamstress, who came to the house twice a year to sew new clothes for the family. Original clothing is hung and displayed revealing the styles of early 1900s American fashion. Outside of each room are a small, private dressing room and a wash basin, as there were no bathrooms or running water during that time. There is still an outhouse outside.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>The Attic</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The attic was used for storage and the children frequently played there. It is closed to the public.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Where It's Located and Visiting Hours</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #073763;">If you head up to the Catskills in New York for vacation and enjoy historical places, you do not want to miss a trip to The Lansing Manor.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The museum is opened to the public from May through October. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and closed on Tuesdays.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No appointment or reservation is necessary unless you plan to attend with a large group. There is ample parking, public restrooms and picnic tables on the premises.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The Lansing Manor Museum, 1378 State Route 30, North Blenheim, NY 12131, Phone: 800-724-0309.</b></span> </div>
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Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-6005186844638463522012-04-01T20:59:00.004-04:002012-05-01T17:23:13.188-04:00I Think I Thought A Feeling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</script>Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-29610215258117502942012-04-01T16:34:00.004-04:002017-04-01T08:44:42.681-04:00What is an Inflatable Boat? Fun, Affordable, Great for the Family<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Starting up an Inflatable Boat -</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An inflatable boat is a great alternative if you live in the city. It's compact and ready to travel with you and your family at a moment's notice.</span> </span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you’ve ever dreamed about owning a boat but live in the city and think you can’t, an inflatable boat may be just for you. Once considered only for lifeguards and as add-ons to larger boats, these boats have come a long way.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An inflatable boat is not only easy to care for. It can be folded up to fit into a closet. This one feature alone makes owning a boat possible for those with small apartments or limited yard or driveway space. With rising gas prices, an inflatable may be a dream come true and can make boating possible for those who cannot afford larger boats.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are many companies producing inflatables, and you should really do some research before making a decision. Make your purchase according to what your needs are. These boats can be used for fishing, sailing, camping, tubing, water-skiing, scuba diving or just to take to the lake or ocean on a nice sunny day. A family can pack a lunch and enjoy an inexpensive day together.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><u>Types of Inflatable Boats</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A 10-hp motor is all that is needed and can reach up to 30 mph. If speed is your thing, a larger motor can also be used. There is room enough to relax and the boat can easily hold fishing equipment or scuba gear. Some can accommodate a family of up to seven adults. The boats come with oars if you choose to quietly row and enjoy the scenery.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many options are available and accessories can be purchased as your needs arise. There are inflatable kayaks, canoes and sailboats, as well as motor boats. They can easily be towed on a trailer or set right on top of your car's roof rack. Padded seats, canopies and other extras can be added later on depending on how far you want to go and how much you want to spend. A safety bag is often included, which holds the foot pump and emergency patches. The bag should be brought on the water with you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><u>Inflating Inflatables</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The job of inflating a boat can vary depending on the size and what type of boat you choose. The boats come with more than one chamber and should be filled according to the owner’s manual.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A foot pump usually comes with the boat. It takes between five and ten minutes to inflate until firm.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Electric pumps come in several types. High pressure-low volume compressors are used for auto and truck tires. This will not inflate your boat quickly and will, in fact, take hours. Low pressure-high volume compressors that are used for air mattresses and inexpensive inflatables whose operating pressure is 1/2 lb. Psi will fill your boat 25%. High pressure-high volume is what you need and they usually have a built-in gage which shuts off at a pre-selected pressure.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The convenience of an inflatable boat makes it possible to travel with it deflated until you reach your destination. The boat deflates as easily as it inflates. Just open the valves, deflate, pack it up, and go home.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you already have a trailer or a roof rack on your car, an inflatable boat can be filled at home. The only thing you have to do is unload it onto the water and start having fun.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><u>Registration and Licensing</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As with all motor boats, these must be registered and licensed before taken out on the water. Check with your area and make sure you have the proper permits. Some lakes require permits that can take up to two months to process. You will also have to check to make sure that the park, lake or ocean has a boat landing and what rules and regulations are, since this varies.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whether you want to sail the high seas, or just enjoy a nice day out on the water, an inflatable boat may be just for you. Maybe it's time treat yourself to a luxury you thought you could never afford.</span></div>
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Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-80282523578507602652012-04-01T15:49:00.005-04:002017-04-01T08:37:47.571-04:00Living the Rural Life Outside Manhattan in New York State<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Mine Kill State Park, NYS -</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">by Marie C. Dimino</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: justify;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #073763;">Rural life in the Catskills area, Conesville-Gilboa, New York in Schoharie County.</span> </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763;">Have you ever wondered what it would be like to give up urban life and a nine to five job in New York City? </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763;">Less than three hours away from Manhattan is an entirely diverse universe you might want to explore.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">Spending a little time in the Catskills area during each season will give you the perfect feel of rural living which can help you make your decision. Most of the small towns in upstate New York have motels and quaint Bed and Breakfasts to choose from, depending on your personal style and what you would like to experience.</span><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></strong></span><a href="http://www.schohariechamber.com/" jquery1640010255386493260687="19"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><em>The Schoharie, NY Chamber of Commerce</em></strong></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #073763;">lists these for your convenience. No matter which you choose, the roads connect with easy access to many larger resorts, including Windham and Hunter Mountain. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">One particular area, which is not well known, is considered very desirable by real estate companies. Crime is almost unheard of and property value never plummets.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">N</span><span style="color: #073763;">estled in the scenic country of Schoharie County, NY is the beautiful hamlet of <strong>Conesville</strong>, a community settled around 1764 and town formed in 1836 in the <strong>Gilboa</strong> settlement. It is also home of one of New York State's nineteen reservoirs. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">With a spectacular view and mountainous surface, it boasts many miles of untouched wilderness. Its running streams and waterfalls gently tumble and sometimes thunder across the rocks and ledges forming rows of white frothing foam. Here the wildlife is abundant and can be experienced the way nature intended. Even the sky is filled with many birds of prey proudly sailing high above the mountaintops. This natural beauty creates poetic visions that lure some fortunate city folk to abandon their way of life to set up home in these parts.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When seeing this town for the first time, many people are impressed with its school district and the friendliness of the locals who welcome all with a wave of the hand and their knowing smiles. Although you will not find many stores around here, the roads have easy access to neighboring towns where you can find anything you need. There are never traffic jams or long lights to contend with, making travel an unstressed event. Many people who have never driven in the city find they are easily capable of tolerating these roads, whether paved or unpaved, and enjoy their newfound freedom.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Creating a life in these rural areas is not without challenge. There are harsh winters and short summers. Most homes are heated with wood and require several cords a season. Some families spend an entire summer chopping and splitting the wood themselves while others choose to buy it from the local mills or farms. Before using the logs, they must be dried and then stacked in a convenient area outside the home where it can be assessable during the cold winter months.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many types of units are now available to choose from. There are fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, corn-burning stoves, pellet stoves, inserts and outside heating plants. There are even gas-burning units which make for a cleaner environment. Some will argue which is most efficient, but in the long run, they all require some old-fashioned physical labor and a strong desire to experience the country effect of unsurpassed warmth. Most homes are equipped with a backup of electric, gas or oil heating system, which will automatically turn on when the wood supply is low, or the thermostat dips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">I</span><span style="color: #073763;">n <strong>Conesville, New York</strong>, the scenery changes with every season. Winter has its snow peaked mountains bringing skiers from everywhere. Many birds return in the spring bringing the promise of new crops growing and flowers blooming. Summer welcomes tourists with many fish filled lakes and boat rentals. Autumn foliage never ceases to amaze everyone no matter how many times they've seen it. The locals are the lucky ones. They get to experience first hand the beauty of God's Country and all it has to offer every single day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Choosing a lifestyle in a rural community is a commitment from the heart. A strong desire to experience the great outdoors and the opportunity to exist in the beauty of untouched nature is the fundamental reason for all who come here. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some will follow their artistic values with the hopes of creating a living from it. Others will set up a hobby farm or other small business. There are also those who come to retire and others who enjoy the relaxation of a summer home. The one thing you can be sure of is that once you experience all the community of Conesville has to offer, you will wish you never had to leave. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Though rural living may not be everyone's ideal, it will certainly leave an impression on your heart for many years to come.</span></div>
Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-17492357255121557572012-04-01T15:24:00.001-04:002015-03-18T22:23:23.308-04:00HOW TO RAISE A BABY COW<br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raising a newborn calf from bottle feeding to bucket feeding to grazing grass and hay is an enlightening experience. </span></h3>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What happens when a calf is born with a minor defect and its mother rejects it? Usually it is left to die or the farm owner rushes to put it out of its misery. If a newborn calf does not immediately drink from its mother, it will not survive. Colostrum in its mother’s milk has nutrients and natural antibodies that the calf needs in order to develop into a healthy cow.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’ve ever wanted to have the experience of raising a calf without the commitment of owning one, there is a way to do this. If you live in a rural area with dairy farms nearby, visit the farm and speak to its owner. Sometimes a farmer is willing to hand over a calf when there is a problem and he cannot take care of it. If a calf is born backwards, it might have a twisted leg. When the newborn calf cannot stand up, its mother will reject it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before attempting this on your own, it is wise to confer with a large animal livestock veterinarian. A vet will tape the calf’s leg straight and also check to make sure there is no disease. He will also advise of the best way for the calf to get colostrum and what kind of milk the calf should be fed. Usually a special milk powder mixed with water is all it needs.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A baby calf will not need too much space. A small barn will suffice until it is ready to walk around green pasture. The most important thing is to make sure it is bottle-fed at the proper times each day. If the calf will not take milk, you can try using some molasses, corn syrup or honey on the nipple. Anything sweet might work. Just keep trying.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some calves will go to bucket feeding in as little as two weeks. A bucket filled with the milk formula has a nipple on the bottom. You can either hold the bucket for the calf or hang it on a fence.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It truly is a joy to watch a calf grow stronger every day. Once the tape is removed and the leg has straightened, you will have the pleasure of watching your baby calf run to you whenever it sees you. When you hear your calf mooing happily away, it will bring a big smile to your heart. Soon it will be grazing on your lawn and eating hay on its own.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, that will be the time you will have to bring it back to the dairy farm. It is not wise to keep a bottle-fed calf too long. They become very attached and loving when raised by a human and because they are very strong, a young cow is capable of knocking you down when it wants affection. If choosing to keep your young calf as a pet when it becomes a full grown cow, you must use precaution and remember to keep its strength in mind. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raising a baby cow is an unforgettable experience. It puts you in touch with the beauty of one of God’s creatures. You will come away with new respect for this wonderful animal and first hand knowledge of their individual personalities and emotions. And yes, a cow has feelings, too.</span></div>
Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-7157105411696367482012-04-01T12:02:00.001-04:002017-04-01T08:56:23.255-04:00The Mysterious, Magnificent Forest - Take a Walk on the Wild Side<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Discovering hiking as a vacation or sport will inspire you for many years to come. Learn what others have observed and why it's becoming a popular pastime. </span></h3>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you’ve never been to a forest, it might be time for you to explore this amazing universe that thrives in perfect ecology. A forest has many facets and changes itself every day of the year. Vacationing near this chameleon-like perfection is the reason many people are opting for a hike in the woods instead of choosing the usual beachfront locations.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be sure to research the essential things you will need to bring with you before heading out in the woods. Learn about safety and follow valid suggestions to make your hike a pleasant experience. Better to be safe than sorry.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may also want to bring a few small informational books on descriptions of birds, insects, flowers, plants, trees, berries, animal scat and footprints. These can be found at your local bookstore, or on-line, and will help you identify the species of what you might see. Bring a notebook and pen to journal your new discoveries.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you have never been in the woods before, you are in for a big surprise. At first glance, it seems there is absolutely no life sustained anywhere, but behind every tree and branch and beneath every bush and rock there are spying eyes! Your slightest whisper or footstep will silence the forest.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Forest animals and birds alert each other when something they suspect as danger is approaching. Some experienced hikers go so far as spraying themselves with a chemical to conceal their human scent. Animal senses are far more keener than ours and they can smell and detect an approaching human from many miles away.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once you’ve entered the woods, find a comfortable spot, sit down, relax and observe. Try to stay as still as possible, and just wait. You don’t want to miss anything that might poke its head out from its hiding place.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soon you will start to hear the sounds of the forest. If you are patient enough, and the animals think it's safe, they will peek at you and slowly start to appear. Some might even approach your shoes and sniff in curiosity. Do not make any sudden movement as that will make them scurry away and run back to the hiding place. If you want to take photos, keep your movements slow and quiet.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you are ready to explore the many insects and plants, keep your magnifying glass handy. The use of a magnifying glass will help you inspect your subject and will reveal the almost invisible life that your eyes cannot normally detect.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do not eat any berries or plants that might be tempting. Animals can eat them with no problem, but most can make you very sick or even kill you. Unless you are experienced with botanical studies, this is off limits. Stay away from them no matter how innocent or enticing they seem. Bring your own food!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A walk in the woods is a wonderful experience and adventure. This environment is teeming with incredible wildlife. There is so much to see and always new things to discover. It’s educational, peaceful, calming and spiritual. A sense of well-being fills you with wonder and awe when communing with nature. You will find yourself lost in thought and wanting to go back whenever you can to once again explore the ever-changing beauty of the mysterious, magnificent forest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-36421101027137719332012-04-01T10:32:00.005-04:002017-04-01T08:27:19.615-04:00The Garter Snake - Have No Fear! It's Snakes Who Fear!<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Snake eating a frog -<br />Marie C. Dimino</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Garter snakes are the most common snake you will see in your garden. Very fearful for their lives, they hide and camouflage themselves under rocks and brush.</span> </span></h3>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Quick: What kind of reptile can swallow something bigger than its own head in one gulp? If you guessed snakes, then you are right!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The garter snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis) is a nonpoisonous reptile that slithers on the ground. Although they are not deadly, they still produce a mild neurotoxic venom and a bite may result in swelling and an itching sensation. Some people may be highly allergic, but it is rare. Any bite from a reptile requires immediate medical attention.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Colors vary from green, grey, bluish and close to black and usually have side and back stripes. Unusual sightings of different patterns have also been found. There are many subspecies. They are highly adaptable and can survive extreme environmental conditions.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Garters live on land, in water and in trees. The average size is about 30 inches in length. Their diet consists of earthworms, fish, frogs and mice. They are also prey to larger snakes, reptiles, rodents, mammals, large birds and Raptors.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When hunting for food, the garter relies greatly on vision. They are deaf but can sense vibration. They use the tip of their tongue for taste and smell then transfer it to the roof of their mouth to a gland which is called Jacobson’s organ. The tongue can be seen constantly flickering in and out for this reason. It's also what's given the snake its frightening trademark and reputation.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The common garter snake can be found in the United States, Alaska, Canada and Central America. They hibernate in the winter and makes its home in crevices under rocks and brush. Their body temperature is regulated by basking in the sun. In order to find each other to mate, they leave pheromone scented trails. Sometimes they can be seen in the hundreds, all coiled around each other.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The young are born live and the litter can range between 10 and 80. Gestation is between two and three months. They mature within one or two years and grow and shed their skin throughout their lifespan. The baby garter snakes are independent and must find their own food.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The average lifespan is two to three years but most die within their first year. When kept in captivity the lifespan is longer between six and ten years. Most garter snakes live in fear because of their predators. Some people recoil in terror at the sight of a snake, but it is the snake who retreats at the sight of danger. They will only strike and attack when in fear of its life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next time you see a garter snake, try to be kind. Remember: the snake is afraid of you - - so you should not be afraid of it.</span></div>
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Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-79695831445061398602012-03-31T14:09:00.003-04:002017-04-01T09:05:57.538-04:00Choosing Health: A Lifestyle for a Positive Way of Living - Part 4<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;"></span> <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">Begin the journey by understanding the importance of rest and discovering the healthy benefits of meditation and prayer. </span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">Sleeping aids in the reproduction of cells and healing. Proper rest is as important to our bodies as nutrition. Forcing the body to remain awake for prolonged periods of time produces an imbalance in both thinking and motor coordination. Decision-making is drastically affected when this part of our lives is neglected. Smart sleeping habits combined with short resting periods throughout the day will result in calmer emotions and more energy.</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">The Importance of Rest</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">The importance of proper rest is underrated. Many professions demand long hours. When a young adult enters the working environment, he or she may start off feeling on top of the mountain and ready to conquer the world. Energy seems boundless. But this feeling will begin to fade over time.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">The physical body and the mind need rest. Years of stressful living and working long hours will eventually cause a breakdown in the immune system.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">Many things happen to the body during sleep. Cells are replaced and new ones are created. Assimilation, healing and growth can only occur during sleep. The mind enters the delta stage and dreaming will give insight to uncertainties.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">Lack of proper sleep and rest will cause listlessness. The mind and the thought process become interrupted. Metabolism becomes erratic. Mistakes and accidents are frequently the result of poor sleeping habits.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">The benefits of proper sleep and rest will prove itself. Thinking will be clearer, eyes are brighter and digestion improves.</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">What is Meditation?</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">Meditation is receiving answers. It is an exercise that relaxes both body and mind. The purpose is to find a comfortable center. It is during this state that ideas and solutions arise.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">The effects of meditating help maintain balanced emotions. Try taking twenty minutes, twice a day, to meditate. This will prevent mental overload. The emotional state greatly improves when thoughts are allowed to free themselves. Facial expressions will soften and perspiration will decrease. Meditation will also make you look younger! Blood pressure is often regulated when meditation is practiced and made part of daily living.</span></div>
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<u><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;"><strong>What is Prayer?</strong></span></u></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">Simply put, prayer is asking God, or your Higher Power, for what you want. Praying for knowledge of God’s Will and for the highest good for yourself and others is usually best. Praying will result in divine intervention when practiced with fervor.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">Prayer should not be used to get things. Pray with an opened heart and expect your prayers to be answered. Do not set a limit or time. Ask for what your heart desires and then gently put it on the shelf. You will be surprised when the things you asked for start to materialize in ways you never could have imagined. Always end prayer with thanks.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;"><strong><em><u>Go back to Part 1 of this series -</u> <a href="http://smalltalk-ideas-of-worth.blogspot.com/2012/03/choosing-health-lifestyle-for-positive.html" target="_blank">Choosing Health: A Lifestyle for a Positive Way of Living - Part 1</a></em></strong></span></div>
Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-80438432892409133562012-03-31T12:42:00.010-04:002017-04-01T09:05:20.635-04:00Choosing Health: A Lifestyle for a Positive Way of Living - Part 3<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #073763;">Begin the journey with basic knowledge for a healthy kitchen and learn why Teflon and silicon coated utensils are toxic. </span></h3>
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<span style="color: #073763;">A healthy kitchen is a good kitchen. Anyone can learn the basics. Keeping close to the Food Pyramid will guarantee good eating habits.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Keeping fresh fruits and vegetables on hand is always best. Frozen is second best. Canned and processed foods should be kept to a minimum. If opting for these, try to purchase brands that contain the least amount of sodium and additives.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">It takes a lot of energy for the body to filter out excess salt and artificial ingredients. By eating healthier, you will conserve energy. The bloodstream quickly absorbs nutrients and weight is easier to maintain when the liver and kidneys are not overtaxed.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Unnecessary calories are stored in fat cells. It is beneficial to drink six to eight glasses of water daily. When water is taken on an empty stomach, toxins are released and washed away.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Drinking water, green tea and fresh fruit and vegetable juice will aid in the reduction of weight. Remember it takes the body a lot of energy to digest heavy proteins and fats.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">It is just as easy to prepare fresh vegetables as it is frozen or canned. With the newest utensils available, fresh foods can be prepared in minutes, even sooner than frozen foods. Vegetables do not have to be cooked for long periods of time. Don’t be intimidated by vegetables you’ve never tried before. They are all good for you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Cooking in woks and cast iron pots and pans are easy to clean and a great way to add iron, a necessary mineral, to meals.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Lemon will add lithium to your diet. Fresh lemon juice is alkaline and will neutralize the stomach’s acids. Try drinking a glass of water with a fresh squeezed lemon at least once a day. There are nutrients in lemons that will aid in stabilizing emotions. While discovering new eating habits, don’t forget to experiment and have fun.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Experiment with stir-fries! These are easy to learn and easy to make. Learning to chop and slice is therapeutic. If time is of the essence, supermarkets now carry packaged produce already cleaned and sliced for you. It might cost a bit more, but these are very handy to have around and you will save time.</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #073763;"><strong>Toxic Teflon and Silicon Coated Utensils</strong></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">When Teflon and silicone coated utensils are overheated, poisons escape and will kill pet birds. If you choose to own a bird, please discard any Teflon and silicone coated pots and pans. A bird’s delicate structure cannot handle these invisible, poisonous fumes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><strong><em><u>See Part 4 of this series</u> - <a href="http://smalltalk-ideas-of-worth.blogspot.com/2012_03_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Choosing Health: A Lifestyle for a Positive Way of Living - Part 4</a></em></strong></span></div>
Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-38947721026901361972012-03-31T12:02:00.003-04:002017-04-01T09:04:40.203-04:00Choosing Health: A Lifestyle for a Positive Way of Living - Part 2 <br />
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Begin the journey with a lifelong plan of eating habits, fasting, eating less meat for a leaner body and drinking green tea.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before embarking on a lifelong eating plan, it is wise to consult with your physician and a nutritionist. Gradual changes will ensure permanent weight loss. Try developing a few small changes every day instead of trying to make a major transformation all at once. The benefits will come over time and you will gradually see and feel the difference.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lifelong eating habits are impossible to change overnight. Do not set out to deny yourself of every craving. As your metabolism becomes adjusted and enzymes are balanced, cravings will lessen and the need for healthier foods will develop. Have Patience!</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Purpose of Fasting</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fasting has been around since biblical times. The purpose of fasting is to purify the system and cleanse the mind. During a fast, toxins are released from the blood stream and thinking becomes alert.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are many types of fasts. It is important that beginners consult with a nutritionist for guidance. An unsupervised fast can result in lightheadedness. There are different fasts for different needs. Choose one that will suit your lifestyle.</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eating Less Meat for a Leaner Body</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Meat contains protein and fats that are hard to digest. It is difficult to stay awake after a heavy meal that contains meat. When certain complex-carbohydrates are added, the system must work overtime. Energy is wasted on this process resulting in fatigue. This process of breaking down foods and separating vitamins and minerals from waste is called assimilation.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When choosing to keep meat in a diet, be sure to limit portions to three or four ounce servings, no more than once or twice a day. It is best to combine with salads. Starches such as potatoes, pasta, rice, legumes, corn and bread should be avoided. It is best to eat these foods at least three hours before or after a meal that contains meat.</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Drink Green Tea!</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lately there has been a lot of talk about drinking green tea - - and it’s all true!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Green tea is considered a miracle food for many reasons. Firstly, it is not considered an herb tea. There are many components that make it a super food. Green tea contains flavanols, also known as catechins, which is epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These chemicals, along with several others found in green tea, have the ability to help perfect the immune system, shrink fat cells, carry out cancerous cells and blast open heart arteries. It has also been proven that green tea will improve your overall health in every area. Numerous studies from around the world have confirmed this.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be sure to brew your own. Most bottled green tea contain sugar and corn syrup. Four to five cups of green tea a day is usually recommended and yield the best results.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><strong><em><u>See Part 3 of this series</u> - <a href="http://smalltalk-ideas-of-worth.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-03-31T14:09:00-04:00&max-results=1" target="_blank">Choosing Health: A Lifestyle for a Positive Way of Living - Part 3</a></em></strong></span>Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-54496906718764839372012-03-31T11:02:00.008-04:002017-05-10T11:10:29.802-04:00Choosing Health: A Lifestyle for a Positive Way of Living - Part 1 <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QoZ-UA7s4x8/WN-kmJwtCKI/AAAAAAAAAb8/jc0ApapewyAMvzLW8CeinuOpJZ3Yr44EQCLcB/s1600/oranges%2B2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QoZ-UA7s4x8/WN-kmJwtCKI/AAAAAAAAAb8/jc0ApapewyAMvzLW8CeinuOpJZ3Yr44EQCLcB/s200/oranges%2B2016.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Freshly picked oranges -<br />by Marie C. Dimino</b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><em>Begin the journey by learning the importance of preparing healthy meals, juicing, loving fruits and vegetables and rotating colored vegetables.</em></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Preparing healthy meals is honoring the soul. The physical body is the only thing that surely belongs to you. Your body remains with you for your entire life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The human body is the vehicle used to carry out your life’s work. This vehicle contains the individual personality that we call "I." This "I" is what makes each person feel his or her emotions and feelings. It is also often referred to as ego. Taking the time to love and nourish your body is important. During each second of your life, the body is creating new cells. Every single day thousands of these cells die and reproduce. Everything you come in contact with is part of this tiny molecule revolution.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good habits will develop on their own when you practice taking care of yourself. Allowance in your life for a positive way of eating will create a feeling of well being. Coming home after a long day’s work will become a very relaxing and special experience.</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Concept of Juicing</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Juicing is a wonderful way to start your day.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is well known that fruits and vegetables are the most important foods you can eat. Juicing takes this one step further.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A Juicer separates the vitamins and minerals from pulp and fiber. Fresh juice is brimming with necessary live enzymes. This live food travels quickly through the blood stream replenishing and replacing new cells. Toxic wastes and dead cells are swiftly removed from the system.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When fresh juice is taken on an empty stomach, the body is able to absorb nutrition more quickly. Enormous amounts of vitamins and nutrients race through the bloodstream. The body will automatically utilize what is needed to keep it running smoothly, and will discard the rest, naturally.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">V</span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">itamin supplements can sometimes endanger the system. There are certain vitamins that are not water-soluble. This means that when the body has taken what is needed, the excess remains and becomes toxic. This is stored in the liver. Overdosing can result when the body cannot eliminate these extra toxins. Vitamin enthusiasts need to know this before swallowing a handful of tablets.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fresh juice is a natural form of energy. This energy comes from the sun, which is also our main source of energy. Eating plant foods is the wisest way to be sure your body is getting all it needs to function properly.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Remember that juicing is a supplement, as well as an excellent food. Smart eating requires good judgment in food choices. Juicing should not replace whole fruits and vegetables. Fiber is necessary for the system to function as the remarkable machine it really is.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eating whole fruits and vegetables, and drinking several glasses of juice each day will rebuild the body. Results can be experienced in a very short time. Skin, hair and nails will become healthier and begin to shine.</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Learning to love Fruits and Vegetables as a Main Course</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Years of improper eating habits will often cause stomach upsets and bloating when fruits and vegetables are introduced into the diet as a main course. This will cause even the most devout diet enthusiast to turn away from these energy boosting foods.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">F</span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ruits and vegetables should be gradually introduced into the system when this happens. Work closely with a nutritionist to determine the best plan for you. The uncomfortable feelings will pass in time when the body becomes adjusted to healthier eating habits.</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">R</span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">otating Colored Vegetables in the Diet</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rotating colored vegetables is an easy way to be certain you are getting everything your body needs. When unsure of choosing the right foods, remember to choose at least two colors a day. A cup of fresh salad greens should be a staple. Alternate colored vegetables every day such as orange, red and yellow. By remembering to rotate colors and varying vegetables, you can be sure your body is getting everything it needs.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong><u><em>See Part 2 of this series</em></u> - <a href="http://smalltalk-ideas-of-worth.blogspot.com/2012/03/choosing-health-lifestyle-for-positive_31.html" target="_blank">Choosing Health: A Lifestyle for a Positive Way of Living - Part 2</a></strong></span></div>
Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-75111448178607703652011-11-26T10:05:00.001-05:002011-11-26T10:06:29.826-05:00Christmas Blessings Presentation 2011 - by Marie C. Dimino<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Please be sure to visit my Christmas Presentation video on You Tube. </strong></em></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2fLIl_vNdE" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2fLIl_vNdE</span></strong></a><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-54909855407383360452011-04-18T10:03:00.021-04:002017-04-18T05:51:48.813-04:00AWAKENING<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vp6fxaaAX0Q/WPXgZBvY64I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/HZFVlfF4B38jSzkLS8JcRIxfn0HBdjw9wCEw/h120/3a54c0421c063d2f08f4f90ab3d7bbdc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vp6fxaaAX0Q/WPXgZBvY64I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/HZFVlfF4B38jSzkLS8JcRIxfn0HBdjw9wCEw/h120/3a54c0421c063d2f08f4f90ab3d7bbdc.jpg" width="151" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></strong></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Awakening, sometimes called Awareness, Transformation, Enlightenment, Realization or Born-Again, can transpire <em>suddenly</em> through a crises, or by prayer and meditation - or <em>slowly</em> through a series of smaller, daily insights and revelations in Truth. God-Realization, surrendering to God or a Higher Power results in Spiritual Happiness. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>See also,</strong> <strong><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></strong><strong><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://smalltalk-ideas-of-worth.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-is-spiritual-happiness.html">What Is Spiritual Happiness?</a></span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><strong>AWAKENING</strong></span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>My life has been a journey</strong></em></span></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>and the roads have been unknown</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>in my search for all the answers</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>I have often felt alone</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>so I travelled far away from home</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>to see what I might find</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>with fearless strength and fortitude</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>I left myself behind</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>I walked along a blurry path</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>and tripped along the way</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>the stars above abandoned me</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>the nights became my days</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>but just before abandoned hope</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>had almost taken toll</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>I found a love inside of me</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>and met my weary soul</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>I fastened on to solace</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>and changed my point of view</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>where I used to feel so empty</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>is now filled with gratitude</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>a miracle has happened</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>I never knew it could</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong>the feeling I was searching for</strong></span></em></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;">is finally understood</span></em> <script type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #073763;">See also,</span></strong> </span><strong><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></strong><a href="http://smalltalk-ideas-of-worth.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-is-spiritual-happiness.html"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>What Is Spiritual Happiness?</strong></span></a></div>
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Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-2430157131321926152011-04-03T15:24:00.004-04:002011-04-18T10:13:29.438-04:00CARING FOR SOUL<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Spirituality is an inside job. In order to love others, you must first honor your soul. Take time for meditation and prayer on a daily basis. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When caring for soul, the first thing to realize is that the soul is not an invisible entity you have no control over. The soul is actually a reflection of whom and what you really are. Although we possess physical bodies and mental attitudes, our deepest connection is to our spiritual source.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The actions you choose affect your face and physical body. When you are kind and honest with people, your face softens. Any lines or wrinkles you see when you look in the mirror, are not what others see. Facial expressions are subconsciously expressed. A sincere smile, and being able to look into someone’s eyes when speaking to them, is noticed when relating to others. Compassionate souls have a youthful appearance and have nothing to hide. Others are drawn to this type of spirit and enjoy being in their comfortable company.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thomas Moore is a psychotherapist and an American writer of spiritual books. His writings are influenced by Carl Jung and James Hillman. When he was young, he joined a Roman Catholic lay order known as Servites, where he studied philosophy and music. In 1992 he wrote the New York Times best seller entitled, Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life. In it he states, "Soul is not a thing but a quality or dimension of experiencing life and ourselves. It has to do with depth, value, relatedness, heart and personal substance." He goes on to say, "With lives devoid of meaning and purpose, people yearn for something to nourish their souls."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In his book he states that all human ailments come from neglecting symptoms of soul which causes the body to manifest its illnesses. He uses examples of Greek mythology and Etymology, which is the history of words, their origins and how their form and meaning have changed over time.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Negative Relationships</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angry, bitter people usually frown and their face reveals harsh and tense facial expressions. When a person is obsessed with self, and is experiencing resentful thoughts, healthy people will find them unapproachable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The angry person is not aware of this and is often left standing alone wondering why others do not seek them out. They usually do not have many friends and will prey upon those weaker than themselves by possessing and controlling them with their influence. The unknowing subject usually has low self esteem and fulfills the angry person’s needs by being incapable of making their own decisions. After a while they start to feel powerless to the angry energy and succumb to a life of misery. Trying to please is futile and becomes an exhausting, never-ending full time job.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the angry person gains power through forcing others to submit, it strengthens the abuser’s hold on them. The unfortunate victim does not realize the angry person always needs someone to lash out on. They constantly seek an audience to sustain their anger and often thrive on the attention. Without the acknowledgment they need, their life will feel small and meaningless.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Abusive relationships are an example of this. The abuser tries to front their angry personalities with deceitful, selfish self-confidence. In order to gain attention, and to fulfill their needs, they will boast of their accomplishments and intelligence, without any consideration to others. So long as they have someone to listen to their rants, the stronger the angry person becomes. They must find someone to exploit in order to build their esteem and false pride. If the attention is withdrawn, the harder and more forceful they must present themselves. In some cases, the only thing they can do is resort to violence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edgar Cayce, 1877-1945, has been called the "sleeping prophet," the "father of holistic medicine," and was the most documented psychic of the 20th century. He was also devoted churchgoer and Sunday school teacher. The majority of Edgar Cayce's readings deal with holistic health and the treatment of illness. Today, people from all walks of life believe and receive physical relief from illnesses or ailments through information given in the readings. The Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) exist worldwide and Edgar Cayce Centers are found in more than 35 countries. There are thousands of Cayce students and more than 300 books written about him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In one of Edgar Cayce’s readings he states, "The impact of our choices will eventually find expression in the physical, affecting ourselves and our relationships with one another. Spirit is the Life, Mind is the Builder, and the Physical is the Result. The mind focuses that energy into creative (positive) or destructive (negative) avenues of expression."</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caring for Your Soul</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is imperative to protect your soul and uphold your positive energy. It is your responsibility to honor yourself and your God-given right to happiness. No one can take this from you. If you find yourself in a situation where you have lost your power and integrity, seek the help you are worthy of. The soul that has been given to you deserves to live with honor and respect. Be kind to yourself and your soul will reward you in turn by feeling at peace and experiencing the love you deserve.</span>Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-48705797574861392912011-04-01T10:49:00.002-04:002018-08-31T00:15:49.069-04:00WHAT IS SPIRITUAL HAPPINESS?<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<strong><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spiritual happiness can only occur through transformation. The process of realization lasts an entire lifetime.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spiritual happiness is achieved when duality of personality comes together as one. Remaining at peace requires daily perseverance of inner work through meditation and contemplation. Only then will it remain constant.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Duality occurs soon after birth when ego is formed. The family you were born into and geographic locations play a huge role in this. The self acquires many aspects of the personality before the age of six in order to survive. This is not the same as mental disorders such as multiple personality, where a person actually divides into many personalities, either at birth or from traumatic experiences, in order to cope. In duality, the ego remains the same, is conscious of its actions, and always has a choice.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>East Meets West Philosophy</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Progression of American philosophy set the stage for the explosion of the East meets West spiritual movement for nearly three decades, from 1836 to 1866. The movement flourished in Concord, Massachusetts and was heard of but it had no formal organization.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Transcendental Club or Circle was started by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Unitarian Minister James Freeman Clark, the teacher and philosopher Amos Bronson Alcott, Margaret Fuller, and some clergymen. Their collective achievement in quality of style and in depth of philosophical insight is unsurpassed in American literature. Sanskrit literature was in great demand. Indian thought began to manifest itself in American writing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ralph Waldo Emerson stated, "I owed a magnificent day to the Bhagavat-Gita. It was the first of books; it was as if an empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the same questions that exercise us."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>On</strong> <strong>Transcending</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"To transcend" means to go beyond or to rise above limits; to triumph over restriction; to be prior to, beyond, and above the universe or material existence.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joseph John Campbell was an American mythologist, writer and lecturer, best known for his work in comparative mythology and comparative religion. Before his death he had completed filming the series of interviews with Bill Moyers, known as The Power of Myth, that was aired in the spring of 1988. In this he stated "Follow your bliss".</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The decisions you make during your lifetime lead you to the present moment. It is always changing and rearranging itself. The one thing that remains true is the "I" and "me" segment of you. Different persona created by "I" or "me" prevail in situations according to what you believe to be true of the reality at that time. Ego is constantly re-creating itself to defend its life believing it is what it must do to survive. The false belief that you must control circumstances and other people, is what keeps duality from recognizing the fact that there even is a split.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Through consistent meditation and contemplation, a moment of reckoning happens. This is where you finally understand what you are doing and become aware of it. You begin to gather and incorporate the several parts of self and become whole. The process known as awakening continues for an entire lifetime.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spiritual happiness occurs during the final realization that we are all connected, and the control you once thought you had, releases its grip on the personality. Truth becomes imperative and insightful knowledge once sought, begins to reveal itself on a daily basis. Only then will the nature of your reality lose its duality. When this happens, the world appears different. What you once thought and believed as true, no longer exists for you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It becomes problematic in the early stages when you see that others are unaware and still sleeping. You want to shout out to the world to wake up. Understand that it is impossible to force your beliefs on them or explain what has transpired for you. Soon another stage emerges and becomes apparent. Transformation of the soul, in sync and integrated with mind and heart, realizes this astonishing fact: there is still much work to be done.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">See also: <b><i><a href="http://smalltalk-ideas-of-worth.blogspot.com/2012/04/divine-justice-what-is-divine-justice.html" target="_blank">What Is Divine Justice?</a></i></b></span></div>
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Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390787425871186758.post-70337022607408716712011-03-11T09:28:00.001-05:002013-04-16T19:17:21.126-04:00WORTHY IDEAS FOR SMALL TALK<h3>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to Make Small Talk in Uncomfortable Situations</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial;">How many times have you found yourself in an uncomfortable situation and were terrified you’d have nothing to say?<br />
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<strong>For example</strong>: It’s the end of the day and you just found out your boss’s car won’t start. They ask you to give them a ride home or to share a ride on mass transit.<br />
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<strong>You don’t have to panic</strong>! There are a number of topics you can use that will keep the conversation going very smooth. If your boss has children, this could lead to a favorable outcome. Ask the boss how old they are and how they’re doing in school. People love to talk about their children and this will keep the focus off of you. Ask questions such as, "What’s it like to have a child like so and so?" With any luck, this should put a smile on the boss’s face and get them talking so you can relax and just enjoy the ride home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #073763;">For some worthy ideas that can be used for small talk, please visit my website. The topics and articles can be viewed at: </span><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong> </strong></span><a href="http://suite101.com/marie-c-dimino"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Marie's Suite101 Articles</strong></span></a><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>.</strong></span></span></div>
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</span>Marie C. Diminohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150572857893670605noreply@blogger.com0