tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21774013275251215392024-03-05T23:52:41.573-05:00Dylanis CultureAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-42279697538561773302013-01-27T21:27:00.001-05:002013-01-27T21:27:07.573-05:00Inspiration: Congested SunrisesI am a fan of Sunday mornings; they give me time to transition from my swirly, sleepy dreams into reality. I can be slow and deliberate, appreciating every minute. However, most of my mornings are spent stuck in traffic on the Veterans Expressway. It sounds kind of miserable, but thanks to the beautiful Florida weather and clear skies, I've found a way to turn my commute into my transition time.<br />
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I roll down the windows in my car, turn on and turn up some great music, and just wait for that moment when I round the corner from a sea of taillights into the perfect <i>Stay Golden, Ponyboy</i> sunrise. They always surprise me because they are ever changing. Everything, like the clouds, the time, and the moon, seems to have an impact and change the colors and patterns. They make me want to paint. They make me hopeful for the day ahead.<br />
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Here are a few that I was able to capture:<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-27339864190334516062013-01-02T17:56:00.002-05:002013-01-27T21:29:43.371-05:00A Break & A Return<b id="internal-source-marker_0.16092422930523753" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I needed a break from the blog.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In August, I signed up for an online writing class. I hoped to get a few things out of the experience: to make some blogging friends, to find a better focus for my blog, and to be inspired to write more. None of this happened. Everyone was so self-focused and so desperate for attention that it was impossible to learn and get much from the experience. I felt more frustrated and isolated than when I started. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I knew that I needed to take a break. I was trying too hard, and knowing that I was only a few days from a vacation, I planned to take a month off to regroup. That month turned into four months. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking back, it feels like a lifetime has passed in those four months. I discovered Gelly Rolls (and did lots of artwork), had a health scare, learned to care for sea life (sea lions kinda rock it), took some chances, reconnected with friends, got manhandled by a beloved 90’s rock star, fell in love (not the rock star, thank you!), made a crime scene for my Halloween costume, flaked out on another photography class, went to some great concerts (Fiona Apple, The Chevin, Lemonheads, Psychedelic Furs, Weezer, & Glen Hansard), discovered how much I hate ukuleles, empty fan club promises, and mean girls, played a lot of guitar, had my heart broken (still recovering), and found myself brimming with love for my family for their love and support.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But now with the new year, I realize that I miss my blog. I miss writing. Even if I’m only writing this as a record for myself, it helps me to process everything going on, so I’m back. I may need a Schmidt re-launch (If you’re not watching New Girl, go watch now!)... I think my theme will be Crazy Happy Optimistic. Hey, sometimes you just have to fake it until you make it.</span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some photographs and art from the last four months.</span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-46638163576521475882012-08-20T20:46:00.004-04:002012-08-20T20:46:39.155-04:00Obsessions, Zentangles (sort of), and MandalasAs part of my <a href="http://rowdykittens.com/digitalwriting/">online writing class</a>, I have an assignment to think about my obsessions and whether they help or hinder my creative processes. I can think of lots of my obsessions: amazing music, sunny afternoon cat naps on the couch, the beautiful succession of notes on Here Comes the Sun, emotional, character driven movies and TV shows, great books, my new vegan lifestyle... and now I am worrying about how many obsessions, I was able to come up with in a few minutes.<br /><br /><div>
One of the constants throughout my life has been art. I have the fondest memories of digging through boxes of Crayolas, delighting in the color names and making up my own, and of the excitement in smelling all the scents of a brand new box of Mr Sketch markers. For Christmas, my favorite gifts have always been the art sets, paints, special pens, and beautiful sketch pads. I can still get lost for hours in the aisles of an art supply store, picking out supplies and imagining what I can do with them.<br /><br />When I apply paint to a page, I can imagine what it might turn into and then am always overwhelmed when it turns into something better that I never could have planned. This process gives me peace and distance from of the messier things in life. It gives me room to breathe and process. I believe it is why I've never lost my need and want to draw, paint, and imagine. <br /><br />Last March, I tried a few <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/04/arty-zen.html">Zentangles</a>. I didn't take a class or read a book; I just tried it. I love the concept that there are no mistakes, only creative bursts that lead you in unexpected directions. It is meditative, calming, and a bit addicting. I don't do it <i>right</i>, and I wasn't <i>trained</i>, but it doesn't take away any of the enjoyment or benefit.<div>
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This process reminds me of drawing and coloring <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala">mandalas</a> (beautiful, sacred art in Buddhist and Hindu religions). They are meditative and freeing. Apparently, Carl Jung (very famous psychoanalyst) was a fan of mandalas and likened them to a "representation of the unconscious self". He used them to work and better himself, and I feel like I've been doing the same thing. </div>
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I spent my Sunday playing, and this is what I created:</div>
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<b>The Sun:</b></div>
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<b>The Moon:</b></div>
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<b>A Tree:</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-29280752190256764062012-08-16T20:50:00.001-04:002012-08-16T21:54:59.628-04:00A Random Photograph (+10)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I’m taking an</span><a href="http://rowdykittens.com/digitalwriting/" style="text-align: left;"> online writing class</a><span style="text-align: left;">, hoping to find a blogging groove that I’ve been missing. As an assignment, I needed to pick a photograph and write about it.</span></div>
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This is my Dad at the Columbus airport waiting to board the plane back to Tampa.<br />
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In 2010, I took my first trip back to Columbus, my hometown, since I was a teenager. I met my Dad and we spent a long weekend visiting with family and hanging out. It was fun to see how my brother had remodeled the old house, catch up with my sister-in-law, walk the creek with my niece Elise, and play in snow. I don’t typically spend a lot of one-on-one time with my Dad, so it proved to be a fun, bonding weekend. <br />
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On our way home, we were early to the airport, so we ate breakfast and walked through an airport history museum. He’s a pilot, so while the changing of runway patterns is fascinating to him, I was exhausted and dreaming of finding a seat in the terminal and relaxing.<br />
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I told him I wanted to sit down, but he wanted to walk around. He gave me a hard time, asking me why I wanted to spend three hours (<i>err… like an hour</i>) sitting at the gate when I was going to spend three hours sitting on a plane.<br />
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I suggested, probably in one of my bitchier voices, that I could go and he could find me later and then headed off towards the gate. He must have felt some parental protectiveness or responsibility because he followed me. I tried to explain that I was an adult and didn’t need a chaperone, but he sulked along behind me anyways.<br />
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Once we were through security, he made a comment about finding a bathroom and disappeared. I called my mom. I understood that it was silly aggravation rooted in both of our needs to be home and to have some personal space, so I found it humorous. My phone call interrupted him on the other line. My mom didn’t say, but I’m sure that he was explaining how stubborn I was being. No denying, it is bred in my Scottish roots.<br />
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When he reappeared, he had coffee and a newspaper and sat down beside me. He made small talk and I knew that he wasn’t mad.<br />
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Ten minutes later, he was up at the window, watching the planes and people. Too <i>something</i> to be able to sit still. The lighting was all messed up, but I snapped the photograph because it was so him, fidgeting in the light. The shape of him is so distinct that could be no one else. I probably shouldn’t like that we argued over silliness, but I love that the situation lead me to take one of my favorite photographs of him.<br />
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These are some more fun photos from the trip:<br />
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Now, when I go to visit, my first favorite thing to do is walk along the creek with my niece Elise. It was always my sanctuary, so I am so happy that she loves being down there as much I did. She is such a firecracker, so animated, emotional, and sweet. I love these moments when we get to walk around because she talks me, tells me about everything, and reminds of a lot of good things.<br />
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On this particular trip, I was excited because there were a few traces of snow around on the ground. By the next morning, a snow storm had completed covered the whole town. It was beautiful and magical. I even donned 18 layers of clothes and went sledding with Elise and Christopher (my nephew) on Jones's hill. Just like old times.<br />
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I can't begin to tell you the number of times on the trip that my Dad asked <i>What the hell are you taking pictures of now? Don't you have enough already? </i>The answer is always <i>no. </i>Actually, I really wish I hadn't been so shy around everyone and had taken more.<br />
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As a side note, I'm still mad at people for telling me that beret looked good, but these are great memories... driving around in a snow storm, meeting lifesized corn statues, and eating dinner at <a href="http://www.chefonette.com/">Chef-O-Nette</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-44652059554133126222012-08-14T20:43:00.001-04:002012-08-14T20:43:16.196-04:00A Broken MirrorA few months ago on my morning walk, I noticed that a large mirror had been shattered across the road. All superstitions aside, I was intrigued. The sky was especially blue that morning and the reflection in the mirror was incredibly beautiful. I snapped a photo.<br />
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A few days later, someone had brushed a big, intact piece of the mirror into the grass. I enjoyed the way that the blue sky contrasted with the deep greens of the surrounding grass, so I used it to take a self portrait.<br />
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A few days ago, I noticed that the broken pieces still remained. It was harder to see because the grass and plants had started to grow up around and break the pieces apart. I liked that it has lived in that spot for so long, untouched by humans, but was starting to be pulled back into the ground by the plants. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-70644716549093370882012-08-12T19:22:00.001-04:002012-08-12T19:22:55.796-04:00Musical Memories<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005K5FVFY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005K5FVFY&linkCode=as2&tag=dylanis-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005K5FVFY&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005K5FVFY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Earlier this year, I read and really enjoyed Rob Sheffield's song-driven autobiography <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005K5FVFY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B005K5FVFY&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Talking to Girls About Duran Duran</a>. Reading it made me realize that over the last few years, I've used my blog to write my own autobiography. It is not surprising that my story is best told in the form of a mix tape. I associate people, moments, and feelings with music. Upon hearing a song, I am immediately full-bodied back into a moment or feeling. It is my special, sneaky way to time travel through my best memories.<br />
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Some of my favorite musical memory posts include <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/03/jonas.html">connecting with a college friend</a>, <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-grew-up-on-steady-diet-of-violent.html">the reason I am so crazy about music in cars</a>, <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/06/my-shangri-la-beneath-summer-moon-led.html">sunny days in the grass</a>, and <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2010/03/im-going-to-see-wilco-next-week.html">breaking hearts</a>.<br />
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With all of my life changes lately, I've been especially emotional; every song seems to flood me with memories, feelings, and nostalgia. These are some of the weirdest, worst songs, but the memories attached to them will make me love them forever.<br />
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<b>Brownsville Station - Smokin’ in the Boys Room</b> <br />
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Growing up, I lived next door to my grandparents and spent a lot of time with them. With my grandmother, we played games, watched Lassie, and listened to music. She was a huge fan of country music, so I was exposed to an embarrassing amount of Grand Ole Opry at a very early age. <br />
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After school, I usually spent the afternoon with my Grandmother. She had a 45 of Brownsville Station’s Smokin’ in the Boys Room tucked away. On special occasions when it was just the two of us together, I'd ask her to play the song. She would always turn the music up loud, and then together we would sing along and dance. I can attribute my unabashed car dancing and singing to those afternoons.<br />
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<b>Vanilla Ice - Havin’ a Roni </b><br />
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In fifth grade, I spent tons of time hanging out with my friend Misty. She lived with her grandparents not too far away from my house, so we would walk and meet at the park between our houses or at our elementary school. Her grandparents were strict and didn’t allow music or television in their house, so I'd always bring my boombox.We watched the boys playing little league games or just hung out on the tire swing and listened to music like Salt-n-Pepa, MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice.<br />
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You won't catch me listening to Ice these days, but I remember us trying to discuss and figure out what a roni was. It still makes me laugh.<br />
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<b>Paula Abdul - Rush Rush/ Chicago - Hard To Say I’m Sorry</b><br />
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During one of my middle school summers, I was inseparable with my friend Angie. We had this easy, fun friendship where we never fought and had lots of fun hanging out. The summer was filled with sleepovers and lots of music.<br />
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When we stayed at her house, we used her sister's CD player to listen to Paula Abdul’s Spellbound. We kept MTV muted in the background in case the Rush Rush video played. We totally lusted lusted after Keanu Reeves. <br />
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She also came with my family to Lake Erie on the weekends. We hung out in the park, constantly scanning for boys and trying to memorize all of the lyrics to Bel Biv Devoe’s Do Me remix. At the trailer, she brought lots of tapes and introduced me to country music (Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, and Randy Travis) and started a shared obsession with Chicago.<br />
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One Saturday, we sat on the front porch of the trailer while she taught me how to shuffle cards. The boy I adored saw us and spent the entire day hanging out. They tried to teach me to play Rummy, we listened to Chicago, and drank pop (that’s soda for all you non-Ohionans). It was a perfect day.<br />
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<b>Beck - Loser</b><br />
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While visiting my sister Anissa in Pittsburgh in 1993, we visited a music store where she bought me Beck’s Loser cassingle (that’s a cassette single). We drove around those big, crazy mountainous roads listening to the song over and over again. She had a stick shift, car and I was amazed at how quickly she could shift gears on those hills (I’m still amazed actually). I don’t know if she loved the song as much as me, but we listened to it loud, screamed along the lyrics, and laughed. I think it might have been the same trip that she bought me some Zima. Just the presence of Zima alone proves it was 1993. <br />
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<b>The Cure - Boys Don’t Cry/Faith No More - Anne's Song</b><br />
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I only spent a short amount of time in my high school in Columbus, but it was a great time period. My friend John was always really special to me. We hung out in the mornings and between classes, but still each day after school, we talked on the phone for hours. He was always sweet and patient, listening to my 14 year old girl dramas. I appreciated his snarky sense of humor and his ability to be honest without crushing me (I'm still such an emo).<br />
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He always teased me about my love of The Cure/Robert Smith, and thanks to him, I can’t listen to Boys Don’t Cry without singing <i>I’m a fat and whiny guy</i>. It still makes me laugh 16 years later. Ugh... I’m old. <br />
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One morning in the commons, John and another friend Brett (Chickenboo) approached me and started singing and acting out the lyrics to Faith No More's Anne's Song. I had no idea what it was at the time, but it made me laugh. The whole thing was maybe 30 seconds, but still, whenever I hear that song, I am back in the lunchroom with my heavy maroon book bag on my back, blushing and giggling like an idiot at those sweet boys.<br />
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<b>The Outfield - Your Love</b><br />
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One of the cool things about moving to Florida was getting to hang out with my sister Amanda. She lived about 30 mintues away, so I spent countless weekends hanging out at her house. One of our favorite things to do was to go to thrift store shopping. There was a Veteran’s Administration thrift store close to her house where we always found the coolest vintage stuff; mostly, I remember buying chairs and toddler tees to show our midrifs.<br />
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One afternoon while driving home, we were listening to Outfield’s Play Deep. I had to go to the bathroom so bad, but she was torturing me by hitting the brakes hard every few feet, which then made me laugh, making it worse.<br />
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<b>Cutting Crew - (I Just) Died In Your Arms</b><br />
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In high school, I bonding with Martha over our shared love of The Cure. She’ll tell you it was when I refused to share my pencils with her during the PSATs, but just ignore her.<br />
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One summer during college, I worked at the Gap and had the biggest crush on one of my coworkers. Leaving work one day, he hugged me. I was so excited and when I got into my car, I had been listening to an 80’s mix tape and Cutting Crew’s (I Just) Died In Your Arms was blaring. In my immature, crush silly brain, it felt so perfect, so I told Martha about it. To this day (aka last weekend), she still laughs at me for it . <br />
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In honor of the joke, we recorded a video of the two of us singing the song. It lived on my website for years, but somewhere in the process, I lost it. The song still reminds me of the joke.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-12262092767720870802012-08-07T21:22:00.002-04:002012-08-07T21:24:58.110-04:00Photo BoothsSome of my favorite photos ever were taken in photo booths. There is something about four quick shots that keeps people from over thinking and leaves them less self conscious. The photos are usually funny and animated. It captures golden moments of people's personalities.<br />
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I'm currently taking an online writing class, which I'm using to focus on improving my blog. In some ways, I want to find my way back to those emotional, rambling, silly posts that I used to write when I started this thing. There is something irrational and lovely about writing about Pacey Witter and Fall while quoting Yates. </div>
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Anyway, one of my first tasks was to update my <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/p/about-me_7.html">About Me</a> page. The text was easy, but I struggled over a photograph to use. I put together a collage of different photos through out my life, but it just didn't feel right right on the page.</div>
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At my friend Martha's 80's party last week, we were playing around with <a href="http://incredibooth.com/">Incredibooth</a> (a photo app that mimics a photobooth), which was a complete blast. I played with the app tonight, dug through some older shots I had taken, and then photochopped the following together. It was fun, and I kinda dig it on the page. What do you think?</div>
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As a side note, and the first photo is my cat Xander photobombing me. He kept putting his paw on my face, which was cracking me up. The moment was too funny, so I had to include it.</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-9431505137523002472012-08-01T21:18:00.002-04:002012-08-01T21:28:48.561-04:00Eat To Live and a Life OverhaulI have been MIA for the last few weeks, but I can explain.<br />
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The last few years have been the most stressful period of my life. In the span of a few months, I found out that I had high blood pressure, lost friends for various reasons, and had to take on a tremendous amount of responsibility at work. I didn't have time to think about much, so I worked hard, tried not to think about what was happening, and I ignored my instincts. Soon after, I started having panic attacks.</div>
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When the panic attacks started, I realized that things were out of control, so I worked on it. For a multitude of reasons, I became a vegetarian, but the most important was a desire to get healthier (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/03/why-i-became-vegetarian.html">Why I Became a Vegetarian</a>). I had high blood pressure, borderline cholesterol, and was uncomfortably overweight. Becoming vegetarian helped me learn to eat more healthy and make things in my life more manageable; I was able to cut back on my blood pressure medication, my panic attacks eased, and I felt a lot better.</div>
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Unfortunately, a horrible, emotionally abusive person entered my life and knew exactly how to prey on my insecurities. Even though I understood that this was more of a reflection of this person, I took it very personally and I reverted to bad habits. I ate crazy amounts of sugar and processed foods, which left me constantly exhausted and grumpy. I gained a bunch of weight and had given up on myself. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031612091X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=031612091X&linkCode=as2&tag=dylanis-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=031612091X&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=031612091X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
While on vacation at Universal Orlando (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/05/universal-studios-orlando.html">Universal Studios Orlando</a>), I met a lady who told me about a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031612091X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=031612091X&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Eat to Live</a> . We discussed being vegetarian/vegan, and she suggested that I check out the book. I wrote it down and completely forgot about it for a few months.</div>
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At the beginning of July, while searching through my notes for a book recommendation, I happened across the book title. I checked it out on Amazon, and since the reviews were so intriguing, I bought it immediately. When I read the book, things clicked for me. For months, I had been toying with going vegan, but there was such a stigma with that word, it scared me a bit. However, the main premise of the book, which is that to be healthy, we have to eat nutrient packed foods (vegetables, fruits, and beans) and they will heal our bodies, made perfect sense to me. I pledged to start the six week program on July 3, the start of a nice long vacation. <br />
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I have sugar detoxed before, so I was prepared to feel pretty grouchy and the tired for the first few days. I timed it well and was able to sleep a lot and have some fun learning to cook in this healthy way (without oils!).<br />
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I was amazed at how quickly my body responded to the healthier food. Within the first few days, I was sleeping soundly, my breathing/allergies got remarkably better, and I wasn't hungry all of the time. I have always been self conscious about my skin, so when it not only cleared up, but it now seems to glow like when I get a perfect suntan. </div>
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It has been four weeks, but I have hit a snag... </div>
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I can pinpoint the time period when my weight and health issues began. I went through a horrible break up, was having a lot of trouble at work, and was extremely emotional all of the time. A couple of well-meaning friends counseled me, suggesting that I needed to toughen up a big and be less emotional. They explained that as I got older, I would grow out of those emotions. It made me mad at the time, but I listened and tried my best to keep from being emotional about everything. Unfortunately, instead of dealing with my emotions, I avoided and tried to ignore things... and I ate. So, while this detox and healthy eating have freed me in so many ways, it is also forcing me to face the emotional part of me. I'm having to deal with a lot of things that I tried hard to hide and reminding myself that feeling my emotions is a good thing. </div>
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So aside from being a little extra emo about everything, things are going well. I feel a lot happier and am surprised to find this way of eating is even easier than just eating vegetarian. I've lost 9.5 pounds, I'm quickly weaning off of my blood pressure medication, and I haven't had a panic attack since I started. Plus, it all just feels right to me. Overall, pretty amazing results.</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-17470373860538120442012-07-16T20:49:00.001-04:002012-07-16T20:49:22.776-04:00Bibliophilia 2012: Books 33 - 41<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014095144X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=014095144X&linkCode=as2&tag=dylanis-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=014095144X&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20" /></a><b>33: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014095144X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=014095144X&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Tao of Pooh</a> and 39: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014095144X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=014095144X&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Te of Piglet</a></b> <br />
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I try to read The Tao of Pooh once a year. <i>Why?</i> Well, it makes me laugh and think about the important things in life - a perfect combination. Benjamin Hoff is able to describe the Taoist principles in clear and entertaining examples, and the beliefs and ideas make sense to me. Plus, I love all of the Pooh characters. I read The Te of Piglet less often; it is equally interesting, but it doesn’t jump off the page quite as much as The Tao of Pooh. The books always inspire me… this time reading the books, they inspired <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/06/walking-meditation.html">A Walking Meditation</a>.<br />
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<b>34: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401307450/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1401307450&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Scar Tissue</a></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002LQR/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000002LQR&linkCode=as2&tag=dylanis-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000002LQR&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000002LQR" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />I have always enjoyed the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but in my younger days, I absolutely loved them. I’m pretty sure that aside from my Beatles obsession, I didn’t listen to much else than <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002LQR/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000002LQR&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Blood Sugar Sex Magik</a> in the 8th grade. It was pre-Eddie Vedder/Pearl Jam, and I remember watching the Under the Bridge video over and over again (I had taped it – VHS style). It was different from everything I had ever heard; the music was amazing. I was completely mesmerized by Anthony Kiedis; I loved his tattoos, long hair, and the way his face looked when he was running shirtless and all funked out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401307450/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1401307450&linkCode=as2&tag=dylanis-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1401307450&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20" /></a><br />
A couple of months ago, I was reading the Wikipedia page about Anthony Kiedis and was floored at his life story. I noticed that he had written an autobiography, so I bought it. For the first 25% of the book, I was pretty mad at myself for buying it; he had a severely messed up childhood, and I found his nonchalant attitude towards the crappy things he did to people really revolting. However, as the book progresses, you can tell that he went through some serious hell and he seemed to progress and grow in the book.<span style="background-color: white;"> It gave me a new respect for him and a new interest in the awesomeness of Flea.</span><br />
<br />
I am a little weirded out that my favorite RHCP song, I Could Have Lied, was written about Sinead O’Connor. It is still not as weird as the Alanis Morissette/Dave Coulier bomb.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EMHNXA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001EMHNXA&linkCode=as2&tag=dylanis-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B001EMHNXA&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001EMHNXA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>35: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EMHNXA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B001EMHNXA&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">We Bought a Zoo</a></b><br />
<br />
I’ve written about this book a bit (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/06/finding-some-inspiration.html">Finding some inspiration…</a>) because I loved both the book and the movie. I like to read stories <span style="background-color: white;">about people learning and growing, but I also learned that I really love to read stories about people’s interactions with animals. This book is sad in places, yet funny and beautiful. Although the movie’s storyline is different, I felt like Cameron Crowe did a wonderful job of transferring the story, with all of the feelings and important bits, to film. Only problem is now I really want to go to England and visit the real zoo.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031612091X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=031612091X&linkCode=as2&tag=dylanis-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=031612091X&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=031612091X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>36: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031612091X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=031612091X&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Eat to Live</a></b><br />
<br />
While on vacation at Universal Orlando (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/05/universal-studios-orlando.html">Universal Studios Orlando</a>), I met a lady who told me about Eat To Live. We w<span style="background-color: white;">ere discussing being vegetarian/vegan, and she suggested that I might want to check out the book. I wrote it down and completely forgot about it. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Well, I have been eating horribly lately (eating crazy amounts of sugar and processed foods), which has made me feel awful and gain a bunch of weight. A few weeks ago, I got frustrated and happened across where I had written down the book title. As I read the book, things clicked in my head and it all started making sense; the main premise is that to be healthy we have to eat nutrient pack foods (vegetables, fruits, and beans) and it will heal our bodies. I started eating according to the plan, and only two weeks in, I’ve lost six pounds and am feeling tremendously better. I have more energy, I’m not hungry all the time, and my body is seems really happy.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600940498/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1600940498&linkCode=as2&tag=dylanis-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1600940498&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1600940498" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>37: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600940498/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1600940498&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes</a></b><br />
<br />
I bought this cookbook awhile back because I was interested in how a lot of vegan recipes sweeten food using fruit. Turns out that most of the food in the cookbook is perfect for my Eat to Live eating plan, so I’ve been using it for inspiration and trying all kinds of recipes. Apparently, my interest in veganism (although I kept denying it) was because I knew where I was headed.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JGQRPC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000JGQRPC&linkCode=as2&tag=dylanis-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000JGQRPC&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000JGQRPC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>38: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JGQRPC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000JGQRPC&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Bridget Jones's Diary</a></b><br />
<br />
I have read this book many times. It<span style="background-color: white;"> makes me laugh in that obnoxious, uncontrollable, out loud way that makes people look cross at me like I'm making fun of them. I love that Bridget is bumbling, impractical, hypersensitive, imperfect, and completely inappropriate. She is real and that’s what makes me cheer her on.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1AOI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000FC1AOI&linkCode=as2&tag=dylanis-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000FC1AOI&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000FC1AOI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>40: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1AOI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000FC1AOI&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">PS, I Love You</a></b><br />
<br />
As with the movie version, I<span style="background-color: white;"> enjoy the concept of this book. It’s a love story, but from the opposite end of the spectrum. Usually, the story is about how people meet and finally bumble together, but this story is about saying goodbye and learning how to move on. Life is a constant up and down, so it was refreshing to read about a character who is doing her best to successfully pulling herself back together.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014241011X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=014241011X&linkCode=as2&tag=dylanis-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=014241011X&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=014241011X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>41: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014241011X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=014241011X&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">The Witches</a></b><br />
<br />
As a child, I always loved Roald Dahl books. He was blessed because he was able to hold on his childlike imagination and relate to it. It allowed him to remember what it was like to be small and to create bizarre, oblong worlds. I remember a teacher reading us this book in class and feeling like it was so hysterical and inappropriate. It made reading fun and interesting. It is the same for all of Dahl’s books.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-41340036915288721082012-07-09T20:43:00.001-04:002012-07-09T20:43:04.118-04:00"Ripple in still water..." (Grateful Dead - American Beauty)<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058ZZHXC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0058ZZHXC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B0058ZZHXC&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0058ZZHXC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />I bought American Beauty a few weeks ago. Because I had heard it was so amazing, I wanted to wait for a special time where I could listen to it without interruptions. Then, during my vacation, I watched <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058ZZHXC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0058ZZHXC">Magic Trip</a>, which only made me more curious about the Dead. (Also, I learned about Acid Tests, Ken Kesey, the insanity of Neal Cassidy's ups, and that my longing for a time machine back to the 60's is still alive and strong.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018AT7DW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0018AT7DW" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B0018AT7DW&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0018AT7DW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Saturday night, I finally made the time and mental space for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018AT7DW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0018AT7DW">American Beauty</a>. I was up late, working on my family tree; my house was dark and quiet, so I turned it out and turned it up. It was emotionally beautiful and serenely melodic. I was instantly in love.<br />
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<br /></div>
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Specifically, I am in love with Ripple. There is something about this song that gets into my head, mellows me out, and reminds me to be Pooh (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/06/walking-meditation.html">A Walking Meditation</a>). I want to sway to the music, close my eyes, and smile. I wish that I could bottle the warm and peaceful feeling that it puts in my heart and share it with others. <span style="background-color: white;">Suddenly, I feel like I'm really starting to understand the Dead Heads. </span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CFsbAuX9P4w?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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I don't normally include full lyrics, but this one is far too beautiful to not share.<br />
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<b>Ripple</b><br />
<br />
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine <br />
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung, <br />
Would you hear my voice come thru the music, <br />
Would you hold it near as it were your own? <br />
<br />
It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken, <br />
Perhaps they're better left unsung. <br />
I don't know, don't really care <br />
Let there be songs to fill the air. <br />
<br />
Ripple in still water, <br />
When there is no pebble tossed, <br />
Nor wind to blow. <br />
<br />
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty, <br />
If your cup is full may it be again, <br />
Let it be known there is a fountain, <br />
That was not made by the hands of men. <br />
<br />
There is a road, no simple highway, <br />
Between the dawn and the dark of night, <br />
And if you go no one may follow, <br />
That path is for your steps alone. <br />
<br />
Ripple in still water, <br />
When there is no pebble tossed, <br />
Nor wind to blow. <br />
<br />
You who choose to lead must follow <br />
But if you fall you fall alone, <br />
If you should stand then whos to guide you? <br />
If I knew the way I would take you home.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-14441010243001206212012-07-08T11:18:00.000-04:002012-07-08T11:18:49.070-04:00Ringo StarrPart of my love of the Beatles is rooted in the countless hours that I spent watched A Hard Day’s Night and Help!. There was one week where I watched Help! around 20 times in a row (yikes... my poor parents!). In both movies, the main story line is focused on Ringo, which has always endeared him to me. He is always sort of bubbling, adorable, and sweet. <br />
<br />
Last Sunday, I saw him perform with his 13th All-Starr band at Ruth Eckerd Hall. It was my fourth time seeing him, and as always the concert was consistently entertaining and kind of amazing (See my previous post: <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2010/07/last-week-i-saw-ringo-starr-and-his-all.html">With a Little Help From His Friends</a>). Ringo is a great ringleader and does an amazing job of performing and amply sharing the spotlight with a great collection of musicians. This year’s musicians included: Steve Lukather (Toto), Gregg Rolie (Journey, Santana), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), Todd Rundgren, Mark Rivera, and Gregg Bissonette. <br />
<br />
As always, it was a fantastic night and I had my moment when I realized that there before me was Ringo Starr, very similar to those movies that I always loved. So, because it always makes me laugh, here are a a couple of fun Ringo moments from The Beatles movies.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kjd2M_UER8Y?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6gBCb9jbig4?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-27082888462306317262012-06-29T17:40:00.001-04:002012-06-29T17:40:44.402-04:00“My Shangri-La beneath the summer moon...”: Led Zeppelin’s GreatestLast month when I saw <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/05/chris-cornell.html">Chris Cornell</a>, he performed a cover of Led Zeppelin’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011Z1EC6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0011Z1EC6&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Tangerine</a>. It was so beautiful, and I immediately asked my guitar teacher to show me how to play it. Despite a few itchy memories from a past relationship, I still love the song for its absolute heartbreaking beauty. <i>Measuring the summer's day, only finds it slips away to grey. The hours, they bring me pain...</i><br />
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I have sporadically listened to Led Zeppelin. I had IV on vinyl and a cassette of Physical Graffiti. In high school, I remember hanging out with a friend in my backyard. We laid out in the sun on a blanket and played that Physical Graffiti tape on my little mini boombox. Whenever we’d get to Kashmir, we would continually <i>Stop. Rewind. Play.</i> Still, when I hear it, I can feel the warm sun on my face and remember that feeling of total relaxation. <i>Oh let the sun beat down upon my face...</i><br />
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Lately, it feels like every time I turn on <a href="http://www.siriusxm.com/classicvinyl">Classic Vinyl</a>, they are playing Zeppelin, and considering that my album (part of my regretful vinyl purge - <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2011/09/lost-art-of-vinyl.html">The Lost Art of Vinyl</a>) and cassette are long gone, I’ve been looking for a good album to get me listening to Led Zeppelin again. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011Z5IXC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0011Z5IXC&linkCode=as2&tag=dylanis-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0011Z5IXC&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0011Z5IXC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Every Monday as part of my Amazon MP3 addiction, I was perusing the $2.99 bin. This week, they had <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011Z5IXC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0011Z5IXC&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Mothership</a> and a bunch of other great albums. My other picks this week were <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018AT7DW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0018AT7DW&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Greatful Dead's A</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018AT7DW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0018AT7DW&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">merican Beauty</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BAWIWU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B002BAWIWU&link_code=as3&tag=dylanis-20">Let It Roll - Songs Of George Harrison</a>.<br />
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Listening, I recognized one of the strange powers of Led Zeppelin: they can transport you away. The music is interesting, distinct, and amazing; it allows me to completely zone out and get lost in the music. I admit there were a few moments that I wished that I had my guitar handy... you know, just to pretend that I could shred that hard, but mostly, it was nice to have music that is so apt and interesting that it allows me to get out of my head for a little while and just enjoy the sounds.<br />
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<b>Tangerine</b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/W5c5870ztSg" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<b>Kashmir</b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sfR_HWMzgyc" width="420"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-54546105039871924102012-06-25T19:44:00.002-04:002012-06-25T19:44:50.391-04:00Finding Some Inspiration...I am feeling quite inspired lately. I’ve had some amazing experiences (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/05/day-in-pools-discovery-cove.html">Discovery Cove</a> and <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/06/busch-gardens-animal-day.html">Busch Gardens</a>), watched a fantastic movie (Cameron Crowe’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007R0XM88/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B007R0XM88">We Bought A Zoo</a>), read a great book (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EMHNXA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B001EMHNXA">We Bought a Zoo</a> - Benjamin Mee), and listened to one of my favorite songs on constant repeat (Simon & Garfunkel’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136JOQQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00136JOQQ">At The Zoo</a> - also see <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2011/04/im-new-york-bound-again-in-few-weeks.html">Songs for Planning My Escape</a> and <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2010/05/im-in-midst-of-planning-another-trip-to.html">From a Sad Cafe</a>). Are you sensing a pattern yet?<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007R0XM88/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007R0XM88" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B007R0XM88&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EMHNXA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001EMHNXA" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B001EMHNXA&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001EMHNXA" style="background-color: white; border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; text-align: left;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136JOQQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00136JOQQ"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B00136JOQQ&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00136JOQQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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I have always loved animals, so going to the zoo gives me a magical, childlike feeling. It is one of my favorite places to be. I just bought a season pass to the <a href="http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/">Lowry Park Zoo</a>, but the crazy tropical storm has kept me away.<br />
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With my new camera and the places I’ve been in the last few months, I’ve captured some amazing photographs of the animals. When I take photos, I love to paint my favorites. In a photo, I can capture a moment and a feeling, but when I paint, I like to mess with the colors and the perspective. I started with an elephant, and then a flamingo, and I’ve just kept going from there. I’m obsessed with the birds, but I have crazy, fun ideas for the big cats.<br />
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I recognize that there is something special about my own story in all of this. It is a piece of my childhood that I still love so much. It has ignited a story in my head. <br />
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So, with my inspiration, I’m working on two of my bucket list items to write and illustrate a children’s book. It's not to sell, or morph into someone else's idea of what it should be, it is a project that has come together in a fantastic way that makes me feel excited in the most amazing way.<br />
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I am still in the initial stages, but I thought that I would share two of my first paintings:<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-43869141390839461242012-06-17T08:12:00.002-04:002012-06-24T14:58:57.977-04:00A Walking MeditationI have always used my daily work breaks to take walks. At first, it was because I wanted extra exercise; however, I’ve found that it also relieves stress, clears my head, wakes up my brain, and gives me 15 minutes to myself each morning. In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1585421472/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1585421472">The Artist's Way</a>, Julia Cameron suggests that these types of daily walks as a meditation. It feels true; when I walk, I find a special kind of inspiration and clarity. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014095144X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=014095144X" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=014095144X&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=014095144X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Last week, I reread <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014095144X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=014095144X">The Tao of Pooh</a> (for about the 100th time). I have been feeling stressed and a little lost, and reading the book always grounds me in goodness. In an effort to be more Pooh-worthy, I’ve been inspired to slow down and appreciate things more. <br />
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So, while walking earlier this week, I tried to slow down my thoughts and look around. I started during my morning walks, and first thing, I really saw was all of the beautiful, old oaks trees surrounding work. Their trunks are interesting knots of branches that are topped by oblong, airy groupings of leaves. It helped me to stop and respect the moment, so I painted a few of my favorites to remember. I might have improvised on the color a bit.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-60015574217774171172012-06-10T11:18:00.000-04:002012-06-10T12:50:45.383-04:00Bibliophilia: Books 27 - 32<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0065S8R38/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0065S8R38" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B0065S8R38&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0065S8R38" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
27: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0065S8R38/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0065S8R38">Let's Pretend This Never Happened: (A Mostly True Memoir)</a><br />
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If you’re not reading Jenny Lawson’s blog (<a href="http://thebloggess.com/">The Bloggess</a>), I’m sorry. It is definitely the funniest thing that I’ve found on the internet. There are lots of things that cause me to laugh out loud, but her writing makes me uncontrollably laugh and usually when I’m alone at Starbucks at lunch, which causes me to get a lot of weird looks. <br />
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I read this in a day. There were moments where the amount of laughter coming from me was embarrassing. Interesting, considering that I am one of the inappropriate laughers ever. It was definitely bizarre, but it was in the most wonderful, perfect, honest way. I appreciate her honesty and her ability to laugh at herself. It is both entertaining and refreshing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GHNIR0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004GHNIR0" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B004GHNIR0&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004GHNIR0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
28: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GHNIR0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B004GHNIR0">Jane Eyre</a><br />
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When I started reading The Eyre Affair, I realized that I would never understand the humor until I read Jane Eyre. I’ve never been a fan of literature from this time period because I find the reading stilted and dense. To my surprise, I was immediately drawn into this book. I loved Jane, but more I adored the gruff, lovelorn Mr. Rochester (the movie version with Michael Fassbender... sigh). I spent an entire rainy day on the couch, engrossed in the book. And then, even though my eyeballs felt like they would fall out of my head at any moment from reading for so long, I wanted to spend the next day rereading it. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SPW07O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004SPW07O" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B004SPW07O&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004SPW07O" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> 29: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SPW07O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B004SPW07O">The Day After and Other Stories</a><br />
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I’m a big Stand By Me fan and a closet Next Generation fan, so when I see anything by Wil Wheaton, I tend to snap it up. He is definitely one of the most interesting “celebrity” tweeters and I totally dig his last.fm music collection. Anyway, this was a book of short stories. I really enjoyed the title story but wasn’t excited about the other ones. However, it did make me interested enough to want to read more of his work.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0671709569/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0671709569" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0671709569&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0671709569" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> 30: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0671709569/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0671709569">Vampire</a><br />
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Sometimes, I read dumb books. I can live with that. I love silly, girlie vampire fiction. So, last Halloween when iTunes had specials on “scary” books, I might have (totally did) bought up a bunch of these types of books. I'm always nostaligic about the Fear Street novels, because I couldn't get enough of them in middle school. I remember one about a photographer and his model/girlfriend tied him to a bed and forced cocaine up his nose until he died. Seriously, what the frick was I reading in those formative years. Anyway, this book was far from the best book I’ve ever read, but it did entertain me at lunch for a few days. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0321733916/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0321733916" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0321733916&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0321733916" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
31: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0321733916/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0321733916">Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D: From Snapshots to Great Shots</a><br />
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I gifted myself a new DSLR camera. I absolutely love it despite the fact that I have no idea what I’m doing with it yet. This book was great for getting me started. Now, I just need to read it about 15 more times until I retain all of the camera jargony information and process it into information that my brain will actually retain.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142001805/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0142001805" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0142001805&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0142001805" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
32: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142001805/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0142001805">The Eyre Affair: A Thursday Next Novel</a><br />
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I think that the marketing on the front of this book killed it for me. When you compare your book to Buffy The Vampire Slayer, you put yourself on quite a pedestal in my mind. I’ll forever respect it for making me want to read Jane Eyre, but overall I just sorta liked the book. Dear publishers, unless your book opens up and actually plays episodes of Buffy for me, do yourself a favor and don’t ruin a book by comparing it to it.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-36103879246852531832012-06-07T17:40:00.000-04:002012-06-10T11:19:55.956-04:00A Soundtrack for Rain and Writing (Justin Townes Earle)It has been a weird week. There have been non-stop thunderstorms; every half an hour or so, the rain falls in fitful bursts so heavy that it sounds like mini floods. The regular rain portions have been relaxing, which is good because I've had a ton of designing and writing to do for work. It is a situation that makes me want to hook up to my iPod and zone out from the world. Zoning out to music while I work is one of the things I’ve always loved about being a writer. I'm really enjoying it this week because it is a luxury that I have't had too often lately.<br />
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Normally, when I get a music day, I just shuffle and enjoy a random music mix. It is fun when bizarre combinations are mixed together and sound amazing. However, I recently realized how many new albums I’ve bought and haven’t listened all the way through to yet. I believe that albums should be designed and listened to as a whole, so I promised myself to only listen to albums this week.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007I07TPY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007I07TPY" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B007I07TPY&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007I07TPY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
I started with Justin Townes Earle’s newest
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007I07TPY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B007I07TPY" id="static_txt_preview" style="background-color: white; color: #996633; display: inline-block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Nothing's Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now</a>. I love the entire album because it is a unique combination of sexy yet sad honesty and vulnerability.<br />
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Specifically, I’ve gotten trapped in a crazy repeat cycle with
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007I07UBC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B007I07UBC" id="static_txt_preview" style="background-color: white; color: #996633; display: inline-block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Look the Other Way</a>. While I enjoy the music because it makes me want to dance, there is something more, something beautiful, emotionally raw, and desperate about it. His voice haunts and unsettles me. It attaches and rubs at some feeling inside of me that makes me hate to let it go. So, basically, it has been on repeat for the last two days. I’m kind of in love with this song.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WF6xMpHlgEk" width="560"></iframe></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-56331802594629316802012-06-03T10:13:00.000-04:002012-06-03T10:13:47.727-04:00Busch Gardens - An Animal DayAs part of my trip to <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/05/day-in-pools-discovery-cove.html">Discovery Cove</a>, I received a 14-day pass to Busch Gardens. The day that I was able to go was incredibly hot and the park was packed. The lines for the rides were pretty long, and considering that I had just spent three days at <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/05/universal-studios-orlando.html">Universal</a>, I wasn't entirely in the mood for the rides anyways, so I spent the day enjoying the animals. Sometimes, I spend so much time trying to make it to all of the rides that I forget all of the amazing Busch Gardens animal exhibits.<br />
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A few weeks ago, I bought a Canon T2i DSLR camera, so I brought it along with me and snapped some photos of the animals. Don't judge too harshly because I'm still learning how to use the thing.<br />
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My favorite parts of the day included...<br />
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Seeing the elephants playing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3ZzaiZpEVEbTxS-WpM0zs8uBMO3Akq1TY3yvz0D1tNefJ1zm1kuKFU4GNuGiO7vpP_fvJkhjgBAtFDNqdavyz2aglDluuVMRmKU_YEB3tffsniCx_7iT1_58bPOVzbcsDbRcBh2sMxJY/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3ZzaiZpEVEbTxS-WpM0zs8uBMO3Akq1TY3yvz0D1tNefJ1zm1kuKFU4GNuGiO7vpP_fvJkhjgBAtFDNqdavyz2aglDluuVMRmKU_YEB3tffsniCx_7iT1_58bPOVzbcsDbRcBh2sMxJY/s400/IMG_1354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Feeding the kangaroos.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8FPgF35U0k/T8bBQ2iig4I/AAAAAAAAFRg/UAn4yNZ7yk8/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8FPgF35U0k/T8bBQ2iig4I/AAAAAAAAFRg/UAn4yNZ7yk8/s400/IMG_1704.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Watching the meerkats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPy-z_KHs5xvu49W3mSgOZzit1cGSsRXn0XjxtiuWlQEcjQB-3-FdPXgOFTI4EjVl-YIfYfPpdMXZPFBqapEnMhO7MxPfFNAQWJt2eWXqQXESCkispkF-AG_tlljOPJEaUaQEHNV1yahAu/s1600/IMG_1224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPy-z_KHs5xvu49W3mSgOZzit1cGSsRXn0XjxtiuWlQEcjQB-3-FdPXgOFTI4EjVl-YIfYfPpdMXZPFBqapEnMhO7MxPfFNAQWJt2eWXqQXESCkispkF-AG_tlljOPJEaUaQEHNV1yahAu/s400/IMG_1224.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Catching the cheetahs playing. (I wish I had my telephoto lens for this one.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacKUZw_NVAapsks-6ZSgA63L-38W2moYl8dpPY4c0AO_Zli0D21DC9criROih1eAq0pwSx64x9Z75_76XvBC-gdNV7DoQGzN6yBOxCXHbVzjV7j5QiLdCi0dnkjqX5Gxx8n8LK6BZRl26/s1600/IMG_2094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacKUZw_NVAapsks-6ZSgA63L-38W2moYl8dpPY4c0AO_Zli0D21DC9criROih1eAq0pwSx64x9Z75_76XvBC-gdNV7DoQGzN6yBOxCXHbVzjV7j5QiLdCi0dnkjqX5Gxx8n8LK6BZRl26/s400/IMG_2094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The following slideshow is a photo album with more of the photos from the day:<br />
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<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F112623905540213867324%2Falbumid%2F5748492971452678353%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="400" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600"></embed>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-22215550657932365002012-05-30T20:23:00.003-04:002012-05-30T20:24:57.386-04:00Universal Studios Orlando<span style="text-align: left;">As a treat to myself, I took a mini-break a few weeks ago, which included a trip to </span><a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/05/day-in-pools-discovery-cove.html" style="text-align: left;">Discovery Cove</a><span style="text-align: left;">, a night seeing saw </span><a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/05/chris-cornell.html" style="text-align: left;">Chris Cornell</a><span style="text-align: left;"> at the Hard Rock Live, and a few days stay at the Universal Orlando Resort. It was a sensationally great time. </span><br />
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I choose to stay at the Universal Orlando Resort because I have always had great experiences there, and I love the Universal amusement parks. While it felt a bit expensive when I initially booked the trip, I never regretted the choice once I was there. The benefits, such as early entry into the parks, free express passes, and the ease of getting back to your hotel, were both a welcome convenience and a great value. </div>
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<b>Loews Royal Pacific Hotel</b><br />
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While I’ve stayed onsite before, this was the first time that I’ve stayed at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Happily, it was the least expensive and has also become my favorite. The hotel has a South Pacific theme, and it was the perfect combination of beautiful and relaxing that I needed. Specifically, I enjoyed walking the grounds to check out all of the interesting statues around. Likewise, my room was spacious, well-decorated, and extremely comfortable. I spent my time hitting the parks pretty hard, so it was nice to have reliable boat service, which I never waited more than a few minutes for, and a super comfortable room to relax in.<br />
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<b>Veggie Fare (Aka the Food Situation)</b></div>
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The combination of travel and food for me are always difficult because I am a vegetarian, which greatly limits just about any restaurant menu. I was pleasantly surprised to find options everywhere in the resort. Also, the food prices in the parks and at the hotel were also fairly reasonable. <br />
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The following were my favorites: <br />
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<li><b>Three Broomstick</b>s: I am addicted to Butterbeer. Even writing this, I long for it. It was the highlight of Wizarding World of Harry Potter for me, so every day, I’d go to Three Broomsticks, buy a butterbeer, and find a shady place to relax and people watch. </li>
<li><b>Emeril's Tchoup Chop</b>: I wanted to try the Cilantro-Cashew Pesto Marinated Tofu, but my stomach was a wreck after a bad lunch at the Hard Rock (gross and so expensive!). My waiter helped me put together a combo of a Tchoup Chop Salad and an order of veggie rice. It was perfect, but I plan on getting back to try the tofu. </li>
<li><b>Boulangrie</b>: In Universal Studios, I was in desperate need for some nutrient packed food. I ordered a Health Sandwich, which they made special for me with a croissant, lettuce, avocado, tomato, sprouts, and cheese. It came with fruit and I got a lovely sweet cake. It was definitely one of my favorite meals. </li>
<li><b>Bob Marley’s</b>: My last day, I hit the parks hard. Around 6, it started to rain, so I went over to Bob Marley’s. I ordered the veggie patties (ahem, devoured). In the process, I learned that Marley was also a vegetarian, which makes sense why they had excellent veggie eats. </li>
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<b>Wizarding World of Harry Potter</b></div>
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My first order of business was to get to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It was definitely a powerful, feeling walking into Hogsmeade. I'm a big fan of the books, so it is magical to have something so special in a book made real. The place was completely packed, but everyone was so excited that it actually played into the great energy in the place.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ePU5jUsiOsE/T7ZoAOAK2DI/AAAAAAAAE_k/SgxIkosH3Tw/s1600/12+11%253A17%253A13+AM" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ePU5jUsiOsE/T7ZoAOAK2DI/AAAAAAAAE_k/SgxIkosH3Tw/s200/12+11%253A17%253A13+AM" width="200" /></a>I rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey first. I went in the single rider line, which meant that I missed most of the castle, but only had to wait a few minutes. My eyes hadn't completely adjusted to the dark and I had missed all of the set up for the ride story, so I was a little confused about what was happening on the ride. The following morning, <span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -24px;">I took advantage of my early entrance to the park and was able to take a leisurely stroll through Hogwarts castle. The amount of attention given to the details was beautiful to me, and I was almost sorry that I didn't ride the first time with the whole experience. Specifically, I loved Dumbledore’s office and Hermoine's snow. The more I rode, the better I liked the ride. However,</span><span style="text-indent: -24px;"> as a single rider, I always got the last seat where the terrifying dementor attacks you.</span></div>
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Overall, I love Butterbeer, the Hippogriff was fun, the Dragon Challenge queue is the longest line in the world, Ollivanders was sweet and fun, Chocolate frogs are overrated, and I wish that I had tried the Pumpkin Juice.<br />
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<b>Island of Adventure</b></div>
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I have always enjoyed Islands of Adventure, and this time I wanted to experience all of the rides.</div>
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<b>Spiderman</b>, as always, was one of my favorites, and the updated HD version was really nice. The ride and the story line go well together. During the ride, you never wonder what is going on and are able to get lost in the fun of it all. Plus, I just really enjoy Spiderman. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VScaPomsHI/T7lZW9Km2xI/AAAAAAAAFCc/CmCSP2d73XU/s1600/12+4%253A51%253A27+PM" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VScaPomsHI/T7lZW9Km2xI/AAAAAAAAFCc/CmCSP2d73XU/s200/12+4%253A51%253A27+PM" width="149" /></a>This trip, <b>Dr Doom’s Fearfall</b> was my favorite ride. I love the shocking, giggle-inducing feeling of being shot upwards and then that groovy weightless feeling. I finally tried <b>Storm Force</b> and was amused at how fast some of the younger kids could get themselves spinning. I passed, fearing that my anti-up-chuck control might not be up to par with 8-year-olds.</div>
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<b>The Hulk</b> coaster always gives me a headache, so I avoided it this trip. Truthfully, while it does give me a headache, but I had this terrible bout of freaking out about heart attacks on roller coasters while I was there and I kept imagining The Hulk. The last day, I decided to go anyway, but the minute I walked on to the platform, the coaster had some sort of problem and had to be shut down for a few minutes. I took it as a sign.</div>
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<b>The Water Rides</b><br />
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Desipite having visited the park multiple times, I hadn't ever ridden any of the water rides. It is so miserable to be soaking wet at a park, so one morning, I wore old clothes and set out for the water rides.</div>
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I rode <b>River Adventure</b> (Jurrasic Park) first. I’m sure that with a ride full of people it is fairly silly and fun. I was on the ride completely alone and it was mildly terrifying. Less because of the ride and more because I felt very far away and alone and animatronic dinosaurs were popping out in the dark at me. Also, at the final hill, a group of foreign tourists was watching when I got my final soakingl, which was a bit embarrassing. The ride was really fun though. </div>
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<b>Bluto’s Barges</b> was also a blast. However, some schmuck and his girlfriend were on the boat and he kept taunting her every time a drop of water touched her. I didn’t want him to get drenched, I wanted a random fist to come out of the waterfalls and pound him. </div>
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Finally, <b>Dudley Do Right’s Ripsaw Falls</b> was amazing and my favorite. It has a funny story and the ride has an amazing amount of drops for a water ride. </div>
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By the time I was done, I had pools of water dripping off of me as I trudged my way back to the hotel, but it was still a super fun morning. <br />
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<b>Universal Studios</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHhEmE-o0gSTa0s-MCvCbdHCQm-GELdyIef4WVIR9eLO36VPRrRXWRsEV-YRgsHUwPI-Bc7PDv_3y7pQ99xi7StjCVWlZYwu8uEi3RWJ1BEqLYbFW66JkpLk5ShaTY_7OzoF33dNyegUr/s1600/12+4%253A47%253A26+PM" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHhEmE-o0gSTa0s-MCvCbdHCQm-GELdyIef4WVIR9eLO36VPRrRXWRsEV-YRgsHUwPI-Bc7PDv_3y7pQ99xi7StjCVWlZYwu8uEi3RWJ1BEqLYbFW66JkpLk5ShaTY_7OzoF33dNyegUr/s200/12+4%253A47%253A26+PM" width="200" /></a>As a whole, Universal Studios is my preferred park. Walking
around the park is an experience in itself. Universal has put an amazing level
of detail into every building and turn in the park. It
feels magical, like walking through a old time, working movie studio, which is what I’ve
always appreciated. </div>
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As for the rides, here’s my rundown:</div>
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The<b> Revenge of the Mummy</b> ride is definitely my favorite at the park. I love classic roller coasters (aka without the crazy hills and million loops), and the combination of the coaster with the the story of the ride is interesting, funny, and well designed. It is definitely thrilling and fun.</div>
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I tried the <b>Rip Ride Rocket</b> for the first time this trip. Going up the
first hill was the most terrifying part for me. I hadn’t paid much attention to
the angle, but it was scary. I liked listening to Beastie Boy’s Sabotage, but
the ride was too jarring for me, and it beat my head to smithereens.</div>
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<b>Shrek 4-D</b> is
always fun. The audience is always extremely engaged, which makes it more
entertaining. Plus, who doesn’t love Shrek and Donkey’s banter?</div>
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I spent my final day at Universal studios, so when I rode <b>E.T. Adventure</b>, my foot and leg had
pretty much hobbled me and I was exhausted, so I might
have teared up a bit. So what. E.T. rules. <i>Pfft</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWTHuZVDo7MUgxgcEO7QehDZRXxvcycc2dRSX0Uf_xUQcupmP2Z_AJ9cn6Xg2nAXqsiLYCUlkzn-N_XDypqVyOCHOvNM8M149p24jPG-wyG92yFckTrDXEd-xFNzi5G5iEeMnWacd_bI7/s1600/12+4%253A48%253A43+PM" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWTHuZVDo7MUgxgcEO7QehDZRXxvcycc2dRSX0Uf_xUQcupmP2Z_AJ9cn6Xg2nAXqsiLYCUlkzn-N_XDypqVyOCHOvNM8M149p24jPG-wyG92yFckTrDXEd-xFNzi5G5iEeMnWacd_bI7/s200/12+4%253A48%253A43+PM" width="200" /></a><b>The Simpsons Ride</b> was the last ride
that I rode on the first day. I was completely dehydrated and exhausted. The
ride was funny, and I love how they decorated the outside of the building.
However, Back to the Future has always been one of my favorite movies and my
favorite rides, so I really missed it. During the ride, I could remember
exactly what was happening in the old BttF ride and I really wished for Marty,
Biff, and Doc instead. It probably doesn't help that I'm not much of a Simpsons fan either.</div>
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<b>Men in Black</b>: You get to shoot
stuff with a laser and you spin around really fast… what else could you ask for?</div>
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By the time I made it
to <b>Disaster</b>, I was sure that someone was going to have to carry me back to my
hotel. So, when I balked at standing through the different areas before the
ride, the attendant suggested I could just ride the ride, which I did. I got to
hang out alone on the subway system, which again was a bit weird but also sort
of cool.</div>
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I definitely had a fun, yet relaxing vacation at the Universal Orlando resort. Everything was top notch and I look forward to being able to visit again.</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-6557366865010338772012-05-22T19:24:00.001-04:002012-05-23T22:03:57.402-04:00Chris CornellIn high school, I had the sweetest <a href="http://badutbidut.blogspot.com/2011/06/soundgarden-superunknown-glow-in-dark.html">Soundgarden glow-in-the-dark shirt</a>.
I’m still upset with myself for giving it away. It was an iconic piece of my
youth spent listening to Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Temple of the Dog as loud
as possible, watching Singles (loved it for the Eddie scenes “a compliment for
us is a compliment for you!”), Reality Bites, and
Help! on repeat like I would die without them, and guzzling Faygo (hey, it was
the Midwest!).<br />
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Despite all the footage of Eddie and Jeff, when I watched PJ20, I was most taken with Chris Cornell (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2011/11/cameron-crowe-pj20-and-look-back-at-my.html">Cameron Crowe, PJ20, and a look back at my adolescence...</a>). I was drawn in when he talked about his relationship with Andrew Wood and found him to be eloquent, intelligent, and extremely grounded. He seemed like the kind of guy that you
would want to hang out with and talk to for hours. When I read that he took the Citizen Dick track list (Singles) as a dare and ended up writing Spoonman, I was amused and impressed. I started listening to Audioslave and his solo work. I’ve mentioned it a few times
before (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/search?q=like+a+stone">Songs about feelings</a>), but <i>Like a Stone</i> murders me; it is so beautiful that once I start listening, I leave it on repeat for hours because I miss the sweet, beautiful sound.</div>
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Anyway, after a long back story, I planned my recent vacation (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/05/day-in-pools-discovery-cove.html">Discovery Cove</a> and
Universal) around the weekend that Cornell performed at Hard Rock Live in
Orlando. I bought my tickets at the last minute and somehow lucked out with amazing 5<sup>th</sup> row seats near the center. </div>
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As soon as Cornell walked on stage, he was immediately comfortable and had a confident sense of emotional self-awareness without being too absorbed. He bantered with fans, took song suggestions from the audience, and even let one guy come on stage and sing Hunger Strike with him (<a href="http://mynorthwest.com/76/678014/Dream-comes-true-for-Seattle-Soundgarden-fan">more here</a>). I instantly liked him. </div>
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I’m not sure what I expected from the show. I always knew that Cornell has a great voice, but I was completely blown away by how beautiful and rich
his voice is live. On his recordings, he always sounds amazing, and while the music is always extremely interesting and goes
along with his voice, it made me miss the powerful and unique sound of his voice. Hearing him sing with such force with just an acoustic guitar to back him up was amazing. </div>
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As the night progressed, the breadth of his songbook was staggering.
When you start adding together all of his solo work with his Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden, and Audioslave songs, I started to get an idea of what a talented, creative powerhouse he is. My favorites were Can't Change Me, Fell on Black Days, Call Me A Dog <i>(I'll call you beautiful if I call at all...</i>), and When I'm Down (music on vinyl and chills amazing), but honestly, every song on the <a href="http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/chris-cornell/2012/hard-rock-live-orlando-fl-2bdfa042.html">setlist</a> was fantastic.</div>
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I worship a well-executed cover, so I was beyond impressed with Cornell's ability to take a song (amazing, classic, beautiful, perfect songs) and add his own touch to them. Rightfully so, his cover of Michael
Jackson’s Billie Jean is legendary. At the Orlando show, he performed Billie Jean,
Led Zeppelin’s Tangerine, John Lennon’s Imagine, and The Beatles’ A Day in The
Life. </div>
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I am beyond a Beatles snob, but the cover of A Day in The
Life blew me away. Imagine a guy with just
an acoustic guitar trying to successfully cover the back and forth of dark and
light of Lennon and McCartney. Sounds
impossible, but he so successfully pulled it off that for a Beatles fan, it felt
like a little bit of magic in renewing a much loved song in such an interesting
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I’ve seen a lot of amazing performers, but I’m still a little
goofy about the experience. It’s been well over a week,
but I’m still telling people about it, downloading live performances (see
<a href="http://jeffgarden.tumblr.com/">Jeffgarden.com</a> for some awesomness – I highly suggest the Seattle version of A
Day in the Life), and having a hard time listening to other music. A night that inspires all of this is both rare and
awesome. I look forward to my next chance to see him perform.<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2177401327525121539" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
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PS. Whoever does the booking for Chris, you need to get him at Ruth Eckerd Hall. His voice would be mind-blowingly amazing at the hall. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-22113761258985742882012-05-20T18:37:00.000-04:002012-05-22T19:29:14.301-04:00Discovery Cove (A day in the pools with dolphins, rays, fish, and some awesome birds)<br />
I was born longing to swim with dolphins. In elementary school, I told everyone I wanted to be a Marine Biologist. I didn’t know exactly what they did, but I knew they worked with dolphins and that was enough for me. Mostly ironic considering that I refuse to swim in the ocean for fear of what might touch me in the water.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUEE9R-pHFE/T7Znnr3CIKI/AAAAAAAAE_M/0MItxidhY2E/s1600/12+11%253A15%253A35+AM" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUEE9R-pHFE/T7Znnr3CIKI/AAAAAAAAE_M/0MItxidhY2E/s200/12+11%253A15%253A35+AM" width="200" /></a>A few different times, I tried to plan a day at <a href="http://www.discoverycove.com/">Discovery Cove</a>. I worried about going alone, the price, and being too tired to drive home afterwards. They were all excuses because sometimes I need the fun of dreaming about something for a while. However, I finally went, and it was an amazing experience.</div>
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I read a bunch of different reviews about what to expect and various tips and tricks, so I had my water socks ready (so lame, but so glad to have them) and left before 6am to ensure that I was there at 7:30am to get an early dolphin swim time (another excellent suggestion). <br />
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Upon arriving, I was amazed walking around. The grounds were so beautiful that I felt whisked away to some foreign land. The beaches were beautiful, everyone was friendly and happy, and it was so exciting to walk on the beach and see dolphins swimming around in the lagoons.<br />
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<b>Food</b></div>
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Because all food is included, you’re not allowed to bring anything with you. Being a vegetarian, this freaked me out. I’m not used to having a lot of food choices and knew that a day of swimming would leave me famished. At check-in, they send me to speak to the chef. They were incredibly accommodating, making sure that I had tasty, healthy food to eat. I didn’t end up requesting anything special because their normal menu was already healthy and veggie friendly. Breakfast was good, the snacks were tasty, and lunch was divine. It definitely exceeded my expectations. <br />
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Breakfast was especially entertaining. There were a ton of birds hanging out in the dining area, and when people left their trays, they’d swoop down and steal croissants and bread. While I was eating, they landed on the chair across from me and hung out.<br />
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<b>Explorer's Aviary</b></div>
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Because my dolphin swim time wasn’t until 10:30, I took my camera to the Explorer's Aviary to shoot some photos before I got into the pools. I’ve never been a big fan of birds (seen the Alfred Hitchcock movie too many times), so I figured that I would quickly visit and be done with it. <br />
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I was wrong. I loved the aviary. As soon as I walked in, a trainer handed me a cup of food, and the birds flew down immediately to visit. I’m not sure what I expected, but when the birds landed on my hand, they were so gentile and sweet, their feathers were ridiculously soft and warm against my hand, and they were extremely social and playful. As I took photos, it felt like they were posing for the camera. The birds were divided into three areas based on their size. My favorites were the small birds.<br />
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I could have stayed in there for hours. Every time I turned around, I saw a different breed of bird. In one of the areas, there was even a miniature deer. I visited again in the afternoon, but there were a lot more people. <br />
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The following are a few of my favorite photos, but I'll post a link to an album with more photos at the bottom of the post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2C0go-sskug3WQ5GOmKIQokR2FNoZIbTY1DESyxlG79xGXFNXIZfblTOggQPZFlzYpjRv6pkug1R6qXZj7qAtSGqeDgNW32tUL3CTQU7CXnv21AKYbFxieq1eEs9Rghj9mo8qGMPECmm/s1600/IMG_0731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2C0go-sskug3WQ5GOmKIQokR2FNoZIbTY1DESyxlG79xGXFNXIZfblTOggQPZFlzYpjRv6pkug1R6qXZj7qAtSGqeDgNW32tUL3CTQU7CXnv21AKYbFxieq1eEs9Rghj9mo8qGMPECmm/s200/IMG_0731.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTsHVEqfCww/T7WmtrciGqI/AAAAAAAAE4o/hI9QdUdT8_g/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTsHVEqfCww/T7WmtrciGqI/AAAAAAAAE4o/hI9QdUdT8_g/s200/IMG_0777.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mg0-V7J379U/T7WmsqvR6nI/AAAAAAAAE4g/mSzbkgtUnK8/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mg0-V7J379U/T7WmsqvR6nI/AAAAAAAAE4g/mSzbkgtUnK8/s200/IMG_0774.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b>Dolphin Swim Experience</b></div>
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At 10:30am, I met with my dolphin group in a nearby cabana. After a short film and some instructions, we broke apart into groups of 8 with our trainers into the lagoon.<br />
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In the water, we stood as a group while the trainers taught us about dolphins. While they talked, our dolphin Kaylee swam in front of us, allowing us to pet and see her up close. She was incredibly sweet and silly. She got distracted when a helicopter flew over and was always ready for us to throw her fish. In the learning process, we were able to hug and kiss her. Then, we swam out into deeper water and Kaylee towed us back to shore. It was extremely fun and a great learning experience. As long as I had been building it up in my mind, the experience still met all of my expectations.<br />
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Afterwards, we were taken to a hut where we could review our photographs. They were a bit expensive, but I was completely elated to have a professional capture those moments for me. I ended up buying photographs and the video of my experience. It was definitely worth the money.<br />
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As a side note, everything I read said that you definitely needed a wetsuit in the dolphin lagoon. I tried a wetsuit and about passed out from heat exhaustion. I changed into a vest, and while it was chilly getting into the water at first, I adjusted quickly. I ventured into the Great Reef before the dolphin swim to make sure that I would be ok. </div>
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<b>Grand Reef</b></div>
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I've never snorkeled before, and I was more than a little
freaked out about the rays touching me. Once on a date, I had fed rays at the Lowry Park
Zoo. They were so determined to get the food, they flew across the pool the second we put our hands in the water. I dared my date to put a fish close to the biggest one in the tank, and when that ray came at him, it splashed us and made him scream like a little girl. Hysterical at the time, but thinking about getting in a giant pool and swimming with them terrified me. I was sure they
would sense my fear and zero in on me. That didn’t happen. Nothing close to that
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The pool is partly shallow with deeper pools that hold the coral
reefs . Most of the fish are down in the reefs, so it is best to swim out into
the deeper areas. It took me awhile to figure out how to breathe with the
snorkel because my mask kept flooding with water. I spent a lot of time trying to get comfortable and hanging over
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At one point, a large school of fish swam around me. It was amazing and beautiful. At that point, I pushed past my fear and just swam into the deeper water. It was amazing and kind of magical to swim
(salt water helps you float along easier) and have these colorful
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I rested a bit in a shallower part, which I soon realized was a
main swim pathway for the rays. There weren’t a lot of people around, so I floated
for awhile as they swam around me. Some of the rays were bigger than me, and as they swam past, I could see their eyes, watch them breath, and laughed at their process for burying themselves in the sand. I learned that they burrow under the sand to keep from
getting sun burnt. I could have spent the entire day watching
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<b>Wind-Away River</b></div>
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The Wind-Away River was beautiful as it twisted through caves and waterfalls (into the Explorer's Aviary). Unfortunately, I picked a time when I was completely exhausted and the river was pretty packed with people. Also, the water was a bit too warm for my tastes. Normally I love to relax in the water, but I couldn't seem to relax. The day had been so exciting that I had a very difficult time slowing down (left shortly after and went crazy riding just about every ride at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure - more about that in a later post). Next time, I plan on enjoying this part more.</div>
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Discovery Cove was an amazing experience for me. It was so nice to go to a place, dump everything in a locker, and be able to experience everything without having to reach for my wallet all day long. I also read that they are adding a Freshwater Oasis with otters and marmosets. I am definitely planning on returning to see that. </div>
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The following photo album includes photos from my entire trip, which includes my visit to Discovery Cove.</div>
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<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F112623905540213867324%2Falbumid%2F5743679832772893073%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCMGEw-P_kvq0twE%26hl%3Den_US" height="400" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600"></embed>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-6109336502991532182012-05-11T20:37:00.002-04:002012-05-11T20:41:12.551-04:00Family PhotosI wrote about my fascination with my <a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/04/family-history.html">Family History</a> a few weeks ago. That little bit of reading and research has fueled a total addiction to researching my family tree (also seriously loving ancestry.com). The research and work is a really complicated puzzle. It taxes my brain a bit, but when I happen across a great find like the following family photo, it makes the whole thing so exciting and worthwhile.<br />
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The following photo was not directly connected to any of my immediate relatives, but when I opened it, I recognized my Great Grandfather right away, then my Great Grandmother, and beside her my Great Great Grandfather. After that, I realized that just about all (if not all) of the people in the photo are family members.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l7aJUd9EyWQ/T62upX56JAI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/5krT9WnfBcc/s1600/KigerBerryPhoto3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l7aJUd9EyWQ/T62upX56JAI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/5krT9WnfBcc/s400/KigerBerryPhoto3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The research makes me feel connected to family members that I never got the chance to meet. I love piecing together facts and getting to learn about their lives.The following are a couple of my favorite photos of my Great Grandparents. It is all just amazing to me.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c57Q_IVY6zM/T62uA89y-oI/AAAAAAAAE0E/F3Us7Vlrtk4/s1600/Bill+William+G.+and+Agnes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c57Q_IVY6zM/T62uA89y-oI/AAAAAAAAE0E/F3Us7Vlrtk4/s320/Bill+William+G.+and+Agnes.jpg" width="199" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mS1H1C1pmE/T62uy25sqBI/AAAAAAAAE0g/3lrQ6rIAgoU/s1600/Grace_Bill_Kiger_daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mS1H1C1pmE/T62uy25sqBI/AAAAAAAAE0g/3lrQ6rIAgoU/s320/Grace_Bill_Kiger_daughter.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-80896568291068045962012-04-29T19:53:00.001-04:002012-04-29T19:53:40.884-04:00My Nutrition Overload with Quinoa, Beets, Avocados, Lima Beans, and EdamameI love to cook. Being in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, measuring, etc. is very meditative. I listen to music, forget all of my worries, and completely lose track of time. However, I hate trying to cook after work when I'm exhausted and feel like I need to rush, so I use the weekends to plan and cook my meals for the week. It can be a pain, but I am always thankful that I've done it.<br />
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Lately, I have been eating out far too often. I find it very difficult to eat out and eat healthy foods (especially as a vegetarian, it seems my options are grilled cheese, cheese quesdillas, or an iceberg lettuce salad). I have been worried about my nutrition levels, so this week, I searched for recipes packed with fruits and vegetables that would up the nutrition in my diet.<br />
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I am no chef and wouldn't even begin to know how to come up my own recipes, so I'll just link to the original source.<br />
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<a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/04/breakfast-quinoa/"><b>Coconut Milk Breakfast Quinoa</b></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MgWa7XonOA/T53J7zK2lWI/AAAAAAAAEwY/RwZyjihKEcE/s1600/12+7%253A08%253A21+PM" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MgWa7XonOA/T53J7zK2lWI/AAAAAAAAEwY/RwZyjihKEcE/s200/12+7%253A08%253A21+PM" width="200" /></a>I love quinoa, but I never thought of eating it for breakfast. It works. Plus, I'm already half in love with anything with any form of coconut.<i> </i>I went with the bananas and pecans recipe, but I feel like this could make a great base for some delicious breakfasts. I'm already dreaming of blueberries next week.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.theppk.com/2012/02/quarter-pounder-beet-burger/">Quarter Pounder Beet Burger</a> and <a href="http://www.theppk.com/2011/05/creamy-avocado-potato-salad/">Creamy Avocado Potato Salad</a></b><div>
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A few weeks ago, I tried beets at Sweet Tomatoes. I always assumed they would be bitter or sour due to their rich color, but they are not. They are sweet and earthy, which has made me fall madly in love with them. When I saw this recipe, I had to try it. I wasn't disappointed. Between the beets, brown rice, and lentils, these are both satisfying and delicious. </div>
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I've never been a fan of potato salad because I hate mayonnaise. However, avocados are my favorite food on the planet. The avocado dressing was beyond sublime; I'm surprised I didn't cut my tongue off trying to lick all of the leftovers out of my food processor. And the pairing with the creamy potatoes and the cucumbers (I'm normally not a fan of cucumbers, but I got a great one at the farmer's market and it was amazing in this dish) was delicious. A little added cilantro was amazing. Made this for lunch, so we'll just have to see how well it keeps in the fridge this week. I don't care about eating a black lump of potatoes as long as it still tastes as amazing.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/2012/dry-roasted-edamame-w-cranberries/">Dry Roasted Edamame and Cranberries</a></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-po1Pdo57x6A/T53KQTPpg-I/AAAAAAAAEwg/PlZh7C-SfVM/s1600/12+7%253A09%253A46+PM" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-po1Pdo57x6A/T53KQTPpg-I/AAAAAAAAEwg/PlZh7C-SfVM/s200/12+7%253A09%253A46+PM" width="200" /></a>In the afternoons, I try to eat a snack with some protein to hold me until dinner. Dry roasting edamame is just genius. I tasted these as soon as they came out of the oven, and I could have eaten the entire batch. This might be my new favorite snack.</div>
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<b>Shredded Beet, Goat Cheese, Kale, and Spinach Salad and <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=208&tname=recipe">Pureed Lima Beans</a> </b><div>
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I have a <a href="http://urbanoasisfarm.com/">great farmer's market</a> close to work in Tampa, so I try to eat a healthy salad for dinner each night. This is just a continuation of my current beet obsession. Plus, I really love goat cheese.</div>
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The pureed lima beans are supposed to go with a tomato broth, but I was too lazy to make it (some other time). However, the pureed beans alone were super tasty and garlicy. They have a smooth texture similar to mashed potatoes, and they are extremely filling. </div>
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<br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/awdylanis/vegetarian-yum/">Vegetarian Yum.</a><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-38029041427847861872012-04-16T20:11:00.000-04:002012-04-16T20:12:54.692-04:00Arty Zen MeditationWhile in Columbus last month, I met a fellow artist who was mad about <a href="http://www.zentangle.com/">Zentangle</a>. I don't understand it enough to write much, but what I do understand is that it combines art/drawing and meditation. It makes perfect sense to me. Whenever I have pressing matters on the brain, I put some great vinyl on the record player and paint. It clears my head and calms me in a way that nothing else can.<br />
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I decided to try zentangle. I didn't take a class. Honestly, I just watched a few minutes of an instructional video and then tried to create something. I like to just jump in. It was both fun and relaxing. I'm definitely interested in learning more. These are my first two.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-18263164666743793722012-04-15T21:22:00.002-04:002012-04-16T20:14:03.444-04:002012 Reading Goal - Books 1-26Last year, my goal was to read 26 books. Two books a week sounded like a lot, but once I got started, it was a lot of fun. I also ended up reading 36 great books.<br />
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In my typical overachiever mentality, I wanted to do better this year, so I bumped my goal up to 52 books . Whenever I mention it, people look at me like I am crazy (except for my family members who are equally crazy). It is only April, and I'm 26 books in. I'll be golden. Here's a rundown of what I've read so far this year.<br />
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1: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0894864025/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0894864025">Codependent No More</a> and 2: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0767902386/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0767902386">If Life Is a Game, These Are the Rules</a> <br />
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Sometimes, I wish that I had studied psychology in college. It's not that I wouldn't want to be a writer, but I find human emotions and motivations fascinating. Reading books like this gives me a glimpse into one of my alternative realities.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005K5FVFY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005K5FVFY" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B005K5FVFY&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005K5FVFY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
3: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005K5FVFY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B005K5FVFY">Talking to Girls About Duran Duran</a><br />
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Rob Sheffield is funny and has great taste in music. This is a memoir set in the 80's to a most bodacious soundtrack (each chapter is a memory based on a song). I enjoyed the format and would love to read one for the 90's too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1B4C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000FC1B4C" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B000FC1B4C&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000FC1B4C" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
4: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1B4C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000FC1B4C">The Book of Joe</a><br />
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Apparently, despite the similarity, this book wasn't the inspiration for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YCKJSS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B004YCKJSS">Beautiful Girls</a> or October Road. I seriously love that movie (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2007/10/happy-piano-players-work-circus.html">Happy piano players work the circus...</a>) and the show. Anyway, the stories are remarkably similar and enjoyable. I loved this book. It was both hysterical and heartbreaking, which is exactly the kind of bipolar novel that I love.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0321580125/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0321580125" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0321580125&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0321580125" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
5: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0321580125/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0321580125">Before & After: How to Design Cool Stuff</a><br />
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I subscribe to <a href="http://www.bamagazine.com/">Before & After magazine</a>. It is a a level of design awesomeness that I aspire to, and I always find the articles inspiring. I have McWade's other books, so a lot of this book was a repeat of the articles and books that I already have. The book was still packed with useful information. However, I bought the Kindle version and was surprised to find that it wasn't formatted very well... I wish they would fix that.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060754281/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0060754281" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0060754281&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0060754281" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
6: Little House on the Prairie, 7: Farmer Boy, 8: On the Banks of Plum Creek, 9: By the Shores of Silver Lake, 13: The Long Winter, 14: Little Town on the Prairie, 15: These Happy Golden Years, and 16: The First Four Years<br />
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Confession time. I love Little House on the Prairie. I loved the show and have always had a crush on Michael Landon as Charles Ingalls (what a man!). It still amazes me that these are the stories of real people and are probably typical of many of the first American settlers. I love the adventure of the time period and was totally consumed with the whole series. My favorite book was These Happy Golden Years because it focuses on Laura and Almanzo falling in love. Ahhh sigh.<br />
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10: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006GOXIWG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B006GOXIWG">Socs and Greasers</a><br />
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Rob Lowe and The Outsiders. Two of my favorite subjects in the world.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IK8Q2W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004IK8Q2W" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B004IK8Q2W&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004IK8Q2W" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
11: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IK8Q2W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B004IK8Q2W">Beastly</a><br />
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I enjoyed both the movie and book version of Beastly. It is an interesting, modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast that really worked. It was a fun, light read at lunchtime.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YKOXB6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002YKOXB6" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B002YKOXB6&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002YKOXB6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
12: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YKOXB6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B002YKOXB6">The Help</a><br />
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Everyone I know who read the book first disliked the movie. For once, I watched the movie first and ended up loving both the movie and the book. I would suggest you go that route too. The book is both funny and shocking. It makes you think, which is pretty rare for anything making the book club rounds these days.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1587299208/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1587299208" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1587299208&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1587299208" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
17: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1587299208/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1587299208">The Creative Writer's Survival Guide: Advice from an Unrepentant Novelist</a><br />
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I was lucky enough to have John McNally as a writing professor in college. He always had good advice, was fair in his critiques, and gave great advice. His book reminded me so much of being in his workshop class, reminded me of old friends (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/03/jonas.html">Jonas</a>), and filled my head with good advice. It also made me rethink panning a book (or anything really) too quickly on my blog.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023521/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0439023521" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0439023521&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0439023521" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
18: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023521/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0439023521">The Hunger Games</a><br />
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Ok, yes, I read this book again. My sister was reading it, and I wanted to read it along with her. I was also about to go see the movie (enjoyed it). After a second read, I still love this book. It is accessible to many readers, but it still is able to make a lasting point. I respect that in any writing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0449911543/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0449911543" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0449911543&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0449911543" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
19: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0449911543/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0449911543">The Chosen</a> and 20: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307594009/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0307594009">The Diary of a Young Girl</a><br />
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These books did something magical for me because they made me think about the past and sprouted an interest in my grandparent's lives (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2012/04/family-history.html">Family History</a>). I have always been interested in their lives, but after reading both of these, it made me ask questions and wonder about things in a totally different way. In addition, it pushed me to learn more about the Holocaust, which is a important to never forget about. They taught me about things that I didn't even know that I should be asking about.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440978505/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0440978505" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0440978505&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0440978505" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
21: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440978505/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0440978505">Tex</a> and 25: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440204798/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0440204798">Taming the Star Runner</a><br />
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S.E. Hinton is one of my favorite writers. Her books are straightforward and simple enough for anyone to read, yet she is able to pack them with characters, situations, and emotions that are so vivid and wonderful that you can't help but be sucked into their world. I've written about her before (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2008/04/no-jazz-before-rumble.html">No Jazz Before The Rumble</a>) and feel that both of these novels hold their own. They make me want to run away to Oklahoma to ride horses and hang out with the cowboys.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1579654762/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1579654762" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1579654762&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1579654762" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316769029" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
22: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1579654762/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1579654762">What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?</a><br />
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I love the guys from The Buried Life. They are silly and a bit crazy, but they do some pretty awesome things. I had to have this book. Canadian boys seem so lovely, I think that I need to run away to Canada too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316769029/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316769029" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0316769029&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><br />
23: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316769029/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0316769029">Franny and Zooey</a><br />
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I enjoy Salinger's writer because he knows how to capture a character on a page and make them feel so real in my mind. I've read Catcher in the Rye more times than I care to count (<a href="http://awdylanis.blogspot.com/2010/02/salinger.html">It's history. It's poetry.</a>), and Holden Caulfield is like an old friend (granted a nutty one). I haven't read much of his other work, so that's one of my current goals. I want to get acquainted with the Glass family.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/038533348X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=038533348X" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=038533348X&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=038533348X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
24: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/038533348X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=038533348X">Cat's Cradle: A Novel</a><br />
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This was my first Vonnegut novel. I was always worried that he was too weird. This book was totally weird, but it was also hysterical and poignant. At first, I was lost and confused. I wanted to give up on it, but I am so glad that I didn't. Now that I know that Slaughterer Five isn't about working with dead animal carcasses, it will be my next Vonnegut novel. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014303944X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=014303944X" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=014303944X&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=dylanis-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=dylanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=014303944X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
26: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014303944X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=014303944X">Burning Bright</a><br />
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I appreciate the way that Steinbeck saw the world. He loved his characters and his readers. After reading one of this novels, I feel like I have been transported to their world. I feel like I have lived their life. I read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143039482/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0143039482">The Winter of Our Discontent</a> when I was 15, and I have carried Ethan Allen Hawley with me ever since. This one wasn't quite as powerful, but I still enjoyed it.<br />
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If you want to follow along with my reading, follow me on <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/awdylanis">shelfari (awdylanis)</a>. Also, if you have any book recommendations, add them to the comments below. I'm always looking for interesting books to read.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177401327525121539.post-50276084433136296172012-04-02T21:27:00.000-04:002012-05-11T20:41:12.549-04:00Family HistoryA few weeks ago, I read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0449911543/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0449911543" id="static_txt_preview" style="background-color: white; color: #996633; display: inline-block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;" target="_blank">The Chosen (Chaim Potok)</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307594009/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dylanis-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0307594009" id="static_txt_preview" style="background-color: white; color: #996633; display: inline-block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;" target="_blank">The Diary of a Young Girl (Anne Frank)</a>. I enjoyed both, but they haunted me for days afterwards. I thought about both stories and did a lot of research about the war. I learned about the World War II in school, but I don't remember taking the time to really think about it. I am embarrassed to admit how much I didn't (and still don't) know or understand.<br />
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In particular, I was disturbed by the Holocaust. I considered how I would react if I saw those same things going on around me. I want to believe that I am the kind of person who, when faced with something so horrible, would stand up and do what I needed to do to protect the people around me. I want to be that brave.<br />
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I wondered about the people who were brave enough to stand up and do something. It made me think about my Grandfather.<br />
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He was the most kind and gentle man I've ever know. He was soft-spoken and introverted, but when he laughed, he was super silly and his blue eyes would light-up. We spent summers building rock gardens together. He hung a swing for me from the tree in the back yard. We ate peanut butter and butter sandwiches, and I tagged along after him wherever he went.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON8_6DtLwZ-Sx1MJMKGDKPpdChMT5Q3B1Ok3fOUxWo5XKSUiRgPRu2tvoDoxFfsZdyk5tVNU8J75O0fMZmWinh2NNH5ljzV1L_bh6ybVooD7cr0ti-VEWFV9ZVAl9yQp2yyuHl_63klow/s1600/Frank+and+Pearl+Thompson+-+Wedding+Photo+-+August+2+-++South+Carolina.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON8_6DtLwZ-Sx1MJMKGDKPpdChMT5Q3B1Ok3fOUxWo5XKSUiRgPRu2tvoDoxFfsZdyk5tVNU8J75O0fMZmWinh2NNH5ljzV1L_bh6ybVooD7cr0ti-VEWFV9ZVAl9yQp2yyuHl_63klow/s320/Frank+and+Pearl+Thompson+-+Wedding+Photo+-+August+2+-++South+Carolina.JPG" width="240" /></a>My Grandpa fought in World War II. Three of his brothers fought also. He was born in Canada while his family immigrated from Scotland, so he became a US citizen in Algeria on his way to war. He was a gunner and a paratrooper. His record say he fired a grenade laucher. While in Anzio, he was taken prisoner and spent nearly 15 months in a German prisoner of war camp (Stalag VII B). He rarely spoke of it, and no one ever asked him about it.<br />
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Growing up, I would beg my Grandma to show me old photos. She always showed me photos of him in his uniform. She was so proud of him, so even without fully understanding, I was inherently proud of him too.<br />
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I think of my Grandmother too. She was only 17 when they were married, and then he was gone overseas. She worked in a factory and took care of everything at home. She lived for over a year not knowing his fate.<br />
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I realize that in 1940's America, this was the norm, but I still can't seem to fully wrap my mind around all of it. I don't want people to forget what happened to them (and so many others), and I really hope that we don't ever have to go through anything like that ever again.<br />
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For my family, I am researching and writing down our family history. I'm working on our family tree, scanning photographs, and connecting with long-lost relatives in hopes of collecting stories, photos, and memories. I'm interviewing my family and writing it all down, so it won't all end up forgotten.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BimBciOEO7M/T3pPApFNz3I/AAAAAAAAEhM/kPZjX3z_Brc/s1600/12+9%253A14%253A31+PM" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BimBciOEO7M/T3pPApFNz3I/AAAAAAAAEhM/kPZjX3z_Brc/s200/12+9%253A14%253A31+PM" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitR4hav0ed_U8DGToIRivCmV9gaVQjeY4PW99XwvAz_6RzyUlwdfqmrucgbJYDl-G7QXmnkjPqf45V_H-DTFxu-_fOuh0ko1NdYEG7jyeXDacdeS4cjKPCGj7mJ2EiodXlWcNce4UXDYbT/s1600/12+9%253A14%253A55+PM" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitR4hav0ed_U8DGToIRivCmV9gaVQjeY4PW99XwvAz_6RzyUlwdfqmrucgbJYDl-G7QXmnkjPqf45V_H-DTFxu-_fOuh0ko1NdYEG7jyeXDacdeS4cjKPCGj7mJ2EiodXlWcNce4UXDYbT/s200/12+9%253A14%253A55+PM" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995016062028292051noreply@blogger.com0